Dental restorations: When do you need them?

Dental restoration are treatments used to restore the loss of tooth structure caused by caries, tooth decay or to the replacement supported by dental implants. Dental restoration helps to repair teeth that are cracked, chipped, broken or affected by cavities. Different types of dental restoration methods are designed to repair different levels of damage. The need for getting a dental restoration depends on several factors including the patient’s self-confidence, improving their overall dental function and preventing further issues related with the teeth and gums. Tooth decay, Bruxism, and blunt force trauma are the most common reasons that people seek dental restoration procedures. Signs that you need dental restorations are:

• Tooth decay
• Erosion
• Gum disease
• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Lost teeth

The dentist will recommend the best restoration treatment depending on the type and severity of the problem. A consultation is also a great way to learn about the restoration treatments that will match your needs.

Tips for choosing a tooth restoration treatment.

Having a consultation with a dental professional when choosing tooth restoration treatment, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about dental restoration services. These treatments might include: dental crown, bridges, implant supported dentures and implants. Here are some of the tips for choosing a tooth restoration treatment:

1.  Overall oral and general health
   Missing teeth leave spaces along the gums inside the mouth where plaque can accumulate and promote the bacteria build up. Along with the growth of bacteria open spaces along the gums also creates a passage for bacteria to reach and destroy the jawbone. Bacteria that compromise the jawbone can result in the destabilization of remaining teeth as well as potentially entering the bloodstream, where they can cause diseases such as systemic infections, heart disease, strokes, and cancers. Dentists may recommend patients to choose the restorations that will reduce future complications such as if a crown covering a decayed or damaged tooth is weak and unstable then it will not provide an adequate defense against infection. Thus, a dentist may suggest a much more core treatment therapy including an application of pins and composite fillings for underlying support before crown placement.
2.  Location in the mouth
   Even though different dental restorations can effectively treat missing, damaged or broken teeth, a tooth’s location in the mouth must be taken into consideration when determining which restoration treatment a dentist uses. For example, veneers have been a popular choice when restoring teeth at the front of the mouth. While the thin porcelain shells are susceptible to damage, the anterior region of teeth does not undertake the forceful chewing required of back teeth, where a patient will have to opt for more durable metal crowns. Thus, appearance-based decisions can be preferable for restorations when involved in front teeth.
3. Cost
   Some dental restoration treatments yield more aesthetically pleasing results compared to others however teeth restoration cost may vary significantly. Dentists are mainly concerned with overall oral health and dental hygiene and may recommend patients to choose an affordable option that will meet these criteria