Restorative Dental Care in Mississauga at Dr Hassan’ Dental Office
Dental Restoration: What You Need to Know
Damaged or missing teeth are a problem for thousands of Canadians. Thankfully, your dentist has many dental restoration techniques for these problems. Here are some of the most common types of dental restoration and what you need to know about them.
Fillings
Fillings are used when tooth decay causes a small hole, or cavity, in your tooth. Fillings close up the hole, stopping the spread of tooth decay.
Several types of fillings are available, including:
- Amalgam: This silver-coloured filling is the most common type currently used in Canada, according to the Canadian Dental Association. Amalgam fillings are made of several types of metal. They are very strong and inexpensive. One disadvantage of amalgam fillings is that their colour makes them noticeable.
- Composite: Many people favour this type of filling because its white colour blends in with your tooth. The filling is made from a mixture of plastic and glass. They usually last around ten years.
- Gold: Cast-gold fillings are made from gold and other metals. They are very strong and durable. However, gold fillings can be expensive, and their colour stands out against the white of your teeth.
Dental Inlays and Onlays
Some teeth may have too much decay for a simple filling. When this happens, dentists may use an inlay or onlay–methods of covering the surface of a damaged tooth. The difference between an inlay and an onlay is that an inlay covers a smaller area of the tooth, while an onlay covers a larger area. Inlays and onlays are usually made from the same types of materials as fillings.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a hollow cap that sits over the original tooth. It looks and feels like a regular tooth. Crowns are used for several reasons, including repairing broken teeth, covering teeth with large cavities, or after a root canal.
Many people are frightened at the prospect of getting a dental crown, but the procedure is relatively simple. It usually takes two appointments with your dentist. At the first appointment, your dentist will prepare your tooth and take an impression of it. Your permanent crown will be made in a lab and sent back to your dental office. While you are waiting, your dentist may attach a temporary crown. At your second appointment, your dentist will attach your new permanent crown over your natural tooth.
Dental Bridges
Your dentist may recommend a dental bridge, or fixed bridge, to replace one or more missing teeth. Your new replacement tooth is usually fused to crowns on either side of it. A bridge can also be fused to dental implants. Dental bridges usually last about ten years.
Dentures
Dentures are removable replacement teeth. They can replace just one tooth or all of your teeth. Dentures are made by taking custom impressions of your mouth. With proper care, dentures can last from five to ten years.
Dental Implants
Another option for people with missing teeth is dental implants. This solution is permanent and involves attaching a metal post to your jawbone to act as a tooth root. A replacement tooth is later attached to the post, leaving your mouth looking natural and gap-free.
Modern dental patients have many options when it comes to dental restoration. Your dentist can help you choose a dental restoration program that’s right for you.
If you’re looking for dental restoration in Mississauga, look no further than Dr. Hassan El-Awour. Our family-friendly dental office is open 364 days a year!