Top 5 Common Restorative Dental Procedures: What You Need to Know

When it comes to maintaining a healthy smile, restorative dental procedures are essential for correcting damaged or missing teeth. Whether it's due to decay, injury, or age, restorative dentistry can help restore the functionality and aesthetics of your teeth. If you're looking for a dentist in Duncan or a dental clinic in Duncan, understanding the most common restorative procedures can guide you in making the right decision for your oral health.

Here are the top 5 most common restorative dental procedures and everything you need to know about them.

1. Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are one of the most common and simplest restorative dental procedures. When a cavity forms due to tooth decay, a dentist in Duncan will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the hole with a filling material. There are several types of fillings available, including:

• Amalgam (silver) fillings: Known for their durability, these fillings are commonly used for back teeth.

• Composite fillings: These tooth-colored fillings are popular for their aesthetic appeal and are often used for visible areas of the mouth.

• Ceramic fillings: These provide a natural look and are highly durable, though they can be more expensive than other options.

Dental fillings are crucial in restoring the tooth's strength, preventing further decay, and protecting the tooth from future damage.

2. Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength after significant damage or decay. If your tooth has been weakened by a large filling or a root canal, a crown can help preserve its function. A dental clinic in Duncan will often recommend crowns for teeth that are severely decayed, cracked, or broken.

Crowns are made from various materials, including metal, porcelain, or a combination of both. Porcelain crowns are ideal for front teeth because they mimic the natural appearance of your teeth. The process typically involves two visits: one to prepare the tooth and take an impression, and the second to place the crown.

3. Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge is a prosthetic device that "bridges" the gap created by a missing tooth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth that are anchored to adjacent healthy teeth, known as abutments. This procedure is often recommended when a patient has lost a tooth but has healthy teeth on either side of the gap.

Restorative dentistry in Duncan often includes bridges as an option for restoring both function and appearance. Bridges help restore your ability to chew and speak properly, prevent the shifting of remaining teeth, and improve your smile’s aesthetics. Materials for bridges can range from porcelain to gold, depending on the location of the bridge and personal preferences.

4. Dentures

Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth. If you've lost several teeth or even an entire arch of teeth, dentures can restore your smile and help you regain normal chewing and speaking functions. There are two types of dentures:

• Full dentures: These are used when all teeth in the upper or lower jaw need to be replaced.

• Partial dentures: These are used when only a few teeth are missing and are designed to fill the gaps while keeping the remaining natural teeth intact.

At a dental clinic in Duncan, dentures are custom-made to fit your mouth comfortably. With advancements in technology, dentures are now more natural-looking and functional than ever before, offering a more comfortable and secure fit.

5. Root Canal Therapy

When a tooth becomes infected or the pulp inside the tooth is damaged, a root canal may be necessary. This procedure involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it to prevent further infection. A dentist in Duncan will typically recommend a root canal if you have severe tooth pain, swelling, or an abscess.

While the thought of a root canal might sound intimidating, modern techniques have made this procedure much more comfortable than in the past. Root canal therapy can save your natural tooth, avoiding the need for more invasive procedures like tooth extraction. Afterward, the tooth is often restored with a crown to ensure its strength and appearance.

Conclusion

Restorative dentistry plays a pivotal role in preserving your oral health and enhancing your smile. Whether you're in need of dental fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, or root canal therapy, a dentist in Duncan can provide you with personalized care and treatment options to suit your needs. Don’t hesitate to visit a dental clinic in Duncan for a consultation and take the first step toward restoring your dental health.

By understanding these common restorative procedures, you can make informed decisions about your dental care and ensure your smile stays healthy for years to come.