Most Common Restorative Dental Procedures
Having healthy, decay-free teeth and gums is not something everyone can boast about. Most people have dealt with at least one cavity or have experienced mild, reversible gum issues. Perhaps you’ve encountered bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, or even lost a tooth. If you’ve visited your Hillsboro dental office, it likely addressed the problem to halt its progression or eliminate it altogether. This treatment, known as restorative dental procedures, is typically partially covered by dental insurance.
While preventive care aims to avoid pain, discomfort, and frequent dental visits, sometimes issues arise beyond your control. You might not feel any dental pain until it’s too late. Accidents and other incidents may also require more serious interventions. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, as these procedures are quite common, and you may have experienced some yourself. The goal of restorative dentistry is to protect and preserve your teeth. Here are the most common restorative dental procedures:
Fillings: A Staple of Restorative Dental Procedures
Fillings are among the most common restorative dental procedures. In this process, the Hillsboro dental office fills a cavity on the tooth’s outer surface caused by plaque and tooth decay. Fillings can be made from gold, amalgam, or composite resin. Resin fillings are the most expensive and least likely to be covered by insurance compared to amalgam fillings. Amalgam is the most common due to its lower cost. However, some patients and dentists prefer composite resin fillings for their appearance and lack of mercury, which is present in traditional amalgam fillings.
Crowns: Essential for Damaged Teeth
Crowns are tooth-shaped coverings cemented over a tooth that is too severely damaged by decay. They are also used on dental implants to replace missing teeth. Crowns are usually made offsite in a dental lab, requiring multiple visits. However, some dental offices now have on-site technology to create crowns in a single visit.
Inlays and Onlays: For Specific Tooth Damage
Inlays and onlays are ideal for patients with chipped teeth or those not sufficiently damaged for a crown. Inlays are made of composite resin bonded to one cusp of the tooth, located on the chewing surface. An onlay covers more than one cusp, often called a partial crown.
Implants: A Comprehensive Solution
Missing teeth can lead to serious dental health issues. Implants fill these gaps, preserving the proper balance of a patient’s remaining teeth. Each implant consists of three parts: the titanium rod (implant), the abutment, and the crown. The titanium implant is surgically inserted into the jaw where the missing tooth was. The abutment is placed on top of the implant, followed by a crown. Implants not only restore a patient’s smile but also maintain jawbone strength and correct alignment of neighboring teeth.
Dentures: Restoring Smiles and Confidence
Some patients, particularly older ones, may have lost most or all of their teeth due to wear and tear. A toothless smile affects not just self-confidence but also eating and speaking capabilities. In these situations, dentures are often the best solution. There are two main types: full and partial. Thanks to modern dental technology, dentures have significantly improved. Some dentists now provide permanent dentures, known as all-on-four dentures, using dental implants to anchor them in place.
While fillings, crowns, implants, inlays, onlays, and dentures are the most common restorative dental procedures, your Hillsboro dental office might recommend other methods to safeguard your teeth and smile. Scheduling regular dental visits and seeking an examination when experiencing any pain or discomfort is crucial.
Restorative dental procedures play an essential role in maintaining dental health and enhancing smiles. These common interventions ensure that dental issues don’t disrupt your daily life, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits. By keeping up with regular dental check-ups, you can ensure that your teeth remain in top condition and your smile stays bright.