Prosthodontics
Prosthodontics
Teeth that are severely broken or decayed can be restored by removal of the decay, tooth preparation, and coverage with a crown. Some other indications for a crown are:
- A previously filled tooth in which more filling than tooth remains. The existing tooth structure has been weakened and can no longer support the filling.
- Discolorations or compromised esthetics
- Cusp fractures
- Abutments for a bridge
- After a root canal filling because teeth tend to dry out and become brittle and are more apt to fracture.
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment plan, and discussion with the patient, teeth that are missing can be replaced with several options. They include the following:
- Fixed bridge
- Partial denture
- Full denture
- Overdenture
- Dental implant or implants
Restoring Damaged Teeth
Teeth damaged by decay or injury will not heal like most other tissues in the body. They require placement of material to replace and restore the damaged tooth structure.
| Depending on the type of restoration needed, the dentist will discuss your individual needs or options with you. |
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Different materials or methods can restore teeth. Depending on the type of restoration needed, the dentist will discuss your individual needs or options with you. The following is a list of some of the more commonly used materials or methods:
- Amalgam restorations (silver fillings)
- Tooth colored composite fillings
- Gold Inlays or onlays
- Tooth colored porcelain inlays or onlays
- Tooth colored acrylic inlays or onlays
- Metal Crowns (gold or non-precious)
- Porcelain Crowns
- Acrylic Crowns
- Porcelain Veneers
- Direct composite bonding