A dental restoration is any dental work done with the purpose of restoring the functionality and/or look of a tooth. They are most often used to replace parts of the tooth lost to tooth decay or to an accident. The ideal restoration does both in equal parts. There are two basic types of dental restorations: a direct and an indirect restoration. A direct restoration is created within the mouth. An indirect restorations is created and then placed inside the mouth.
A cavity filling is probably the most common type of dental restoration. These are a type of direct restoration, but even here there are several types of fillings used. Amalgam fillings, sometimes known as silver fillings, used to be very common, but have fallen out of favor with dentists. They have been pretty much replaced by composite fillings. These are white fillings that make it virtually impossible to tell that a filling even exists in the patients' mouth.
Another type of common dental restoration is the dental crown. This replaces any part of the tooth that is above the gum line. They are used only when extensive decay has occurred or as an essential part of root canal therapy. Bridges are used to replace a single missing tooth surrounded by two healthy teeth. Partial dentures and full dentures are used when a larger number of teeth are missing. A porcelain inlay area type of indirect restoration because it is created and then cemented into place.
Many people need a dental restoration because of an unavoidable accident but in many cases proper oral hygiene on the patients part could have prevented the necessity for such work to be done. If you would like more information on restorations please consider visiting the Atlanta Dental Group PC. Atlanta dental team has over 45 years combined experience serving Atlanta's dental needs. Our dentists are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being and you are more than welcome to join our family of patients. If you would like schedule a free dental consultation appointment with our Georgia Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, call 404-874-7428.