Aside from routine cleanings, restorative dentistry in Columbia, SC, is probably the dental specialty most patients will encounter as they age or due to tooth damage from various causes.
Restorative dentistry is a broad umbrella term encompassing a wide range of dental procedures, including dental fillings, dental crowns, bridges, and dental implants. Because dental restorations become increasingly more important to us as we age, Columbia, SC dentist Dr. Tom Trinkner would like to discuss some common types of restorations and how they benefit your long-term dental health.
The many advances made in materials, technology, and technique enable Columbia dentists to help patients maintain their natural teeth for as long as possible- or replace lost teeth with more lifelike options that allow for a high quality of life. Because dental restorations become increasingly more important to us as we age, Dr. Tom Trinkner would like to discuss some common types of restorations and their functions.
The most ubiquitous type of restoration, and one that most patients receive at some point in their lives, is a dental filling. This type of restoration is used for teeth with minor tooth decay and involves removing the decayed tooth structure and replacing it with either a metal amalgam or a composite resin that can be matched to the color of your tooth.
Another common type of restoration is the dental crown, which is used for teeth with moderate to severe decay, where the majority of the tooth structure is compromised. In this procedure, your decayed tooth is shaved down, and a porcelain “cap” is created to fit perfectly over the tooth, restoring strength and preventing future damage and decay.
For patients missing multiple consecutive teeth, dental crowns may be used to support a dental bridge. Dental implants are an alternative to bridges for replacing missing teeth and have become the gold standard for the most natural and lasting tooth replacement.
The need for dental restorations, as well as how long pre-existing restorations last, is determined by several factors. These include your overall health, oral hygiene, age, and lifestyle habits such as tooth grinding or heavy chewing that may affect your teeth’s integrity.
Modern restorative materials are designed to be durable and long-lasting, though each has its own unique set of benefits. If you would like to know more about restorative dentistry or if you think you may be in need of a restoration, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Trinkner in your Columbia, SC, dental office!