Dental restorations
During your examination at our clinic, your dentist will check, among other things, whether you have cavities, inadequate fillings or any other damage to your teeth. If so, he or she will need to treat them. A restoration may be loose or broken and the replacement might be suggested.
Restoring a tooth is an intervention which consists of repairing the damage to the tooth caused by cavities. It aims to restore the structure of the affected tooth by using a filling product to replace deteriorated dental tissue. However, if you have a cavity, your dentist may decide to monitor its progress (if the cavity is small) or restore it depending on its involvement in the enamel. You will then have the choice between various materials and methods to restore your teeth.
Restoration materials and their peculiarities
Many materials options are available to restore a tooth. The choice is considered according to the location, the extent of the cavity and the complexity of the treatment. Before restoring a tooth, your dentist will determine if there is a need for local anesthesia so that you do not experience any pain during treatment. Indeed, in some cases, anesthesia is not compulsory to carry out a treatment in complete comfort. For example, some surface cavities, teeth from which the nerve has been extracted, or broken teeth are easily treated without the need for anesthesia. Thereafter, your dentist will proceed to the removal of the decay by using an instrument such as a turbine and a dental drill. Then will come the time to determine what material will fill this void.
Here are 3 types of materials we commonly use at our clinic for restoring teeth.
Composite resins
Also called “white or composite restorations”, composite resins are materials that reproduce the appearance of a natural tooth as faithfully as possible. They are in the form of a paste containing particles of quartz, silica and zirconium. They are very aesthetic and allow almost invisible restorations thanks to a multitude of colors and shades available. Originally used for anterior teeth, the development of more wear-resistant composites made it possible to use them to also restore posterior teeth. Its insertion technique is meticulous and precise steps must be followed throughout its installation.
Advantages
- A multitude of colors and shades are available on the market to match the color of natural enamel.
- Composites can easily be removed or added to a dental surface.
This material has a good aesthetic appearance.
Disadvantages
- The material contracts when inserted which can sometimes leave a slight temporary discomfort after treatment.
- It can change color and get stained over time depending on the food consumed (red wine, tobacco, tea, coffee, etc.)
Dental amalgam
Sometimes called “silver” restoration because of its color, amalgam is a basic material that has been used to restore teeth for more than 100 years. It consists of an alloy of metals. It is mainly used for the posterior teeth. It is a solid and durable material that has proven itself.
Advantages
- It is a less expensive restorative material.
- It is durable (average 7-10 years) and can last much longer.
- It offers ease of installation and has great sealing power and can be placed under humid conditions.
- It is resistant to high pressures therefore is often recommended for the posterior teeth.
Disadvantages
- The amalgam is less aesthetic since it is silver in color.
- It releases minute amounts of mercury during chewing, which is acceptable for most people.
Ceramics
Ceramics are commonly used for the manufacturing of dental crowns, bridges or veneers. Presently, it is the material that most closely resembles the properties of a natural tooth in terms of its rigidity, texture and the way it reacts to temperature variations. It also offers many other qualities such as its biocompatibility and ability to restore strength to a damaged tooth while at the same time providing great comfort when chewing. Its wear is like that of the natural enamel of the tooth which is advantageous both for the tooth itself and for the opposing teeth.
Advantages
- It is the material that most resembles a natural tooth
- Ceramics provide great comfort when chewing
- Offers better adaptation to tooth structures with greater durability
- It is now possible to obtain a ceramic tooth in a single appointment thanks to the CEREC technology available at our clinic
Disadvantages
- A ceramic restoration will cost a little more than other restoration materials.
Thus, we offer you different methods of restoring teeth that fit both your budget and your needs.