Improve the appearance of your smile with dental restorations
Drs. Mary Swift and Morgan Petty are highly skilled and experienced dentists who can provide composite (tooth-colored) fillings, veneers, crowns, bridges, dental implants, dentures, and other types of dental reconstruction. Composite fillings are created to specifically match the color of your natural teeth and are used to restore decayed or damaged teeth. They are also utilized for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of your smile. Determining which treatment is best for you starts with a consultation visit with our Dallas, Texas, area team.
Am I a good candidate for composite restorations such as fillings?
Our Dallas Laser Dentistry team will first assess your tooth’s condition and determine if a composite filling is the best option for you – usually when decay/infection is limited. If so, the dentist assisting will carefully clean out the decay or damage and place the composite filling material in layers, building it up until it reaches the proper shape and size. Once the composite filling is in place, she will then cure it with a special light.
What are the benefits of composite restorations?
Composite fillings offer several advantages, including:
– They can be matched to the color of your natural teeth, so they are virtually invisible. They are used in place of amalgams for fillings.
– They provide strong and durable support for your teeth.
– They help to restore the function and structure of your teeth.
– They are less invasive than alternative dental restorations.
What other dental restorations are used to address imperfections or damage to the smile?
Other dental restorations available at our practice that can be used to reconstruct the smile are solutions such as veneers, dental implants, and dental crowns. These are common restorations that can cover imperfections of the smile, provide an extra layer of protection for a weakened tooth, or replace a missing tooth. During an evaluation with our dentists, you can have our team evaluate your needs and determine the most appropriate dental reconstruction solutions.
How do I find out more about dental reconstruction and restoration options?
Our team at Dallas Laser Dentistry works closely with patients to help them find solutions that enable them to achieve and maintain their healthy, beautiful smiles! If you are considering restoration of your smile, either for functional or cosmetic reasons, contact our team today by calling (469) 838-5292.
FAQs
1. What Are Dental Restorations?
Dental restorations are procedures designed to repair or replace damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. These treatments aim to restore a patient’s teeth’ function, appearance, and health. Common dental restorations include fillings, crowns, bridges, veneers, and dentures. Each type addresses specific issues, such as cavities, tooth loss, or cosmetic imperfections, and helps maintain the overall dental structure.
2. What Types of Dental Restorations Are Available?
Several types of dental restorations address various dental issues:
- Fillings: Used to repair cavities and restore the tooth’s shape and function. Materials we use include composite resin and glass ionomer.
- Crowns: Caps placed over a damaged tooth to provide strength and restore its shape, size, and appearance. Materials include porcelain, ceramic, metal, and porcelain-fused-to-metal.
- Bridges: prosthetics that fill in the gaps left by lost teeth. They are made up of prosthetic teeth fixed to nearby implants or real teeth.
- Veneers: Teeth can be modified to look better by applying thin, custom-made shells composed of tooth-colored material on their front surfaces.
- Dentures: Removable appliances used to replace missing teeth and restore functionality and aesthetics.
3. How Are Fillings Applied?
The process of applying a dental filling involves several steps. First, the dentist removes the decayed or damaged part of the tooth. The cavity is then cleaned and prepared for the filling. Next, the dentist applies the filling material, composite resin, or another suitable substance. The material is shaped and polished to match the natural contours of the tooth. The filling restores the tooth’s function and prevents further decay.
4. What Is the Process for Getting a Dental Crown?
The process of getting a dental crown generally requires two appointments. In the first visit, the dentist removes decay and shapes the tooth to accommodate the crown. They will then take an impression to create a custom crown. A temporary crown is placed to safeguard the tooth while the permanent crown is being made. During the second visit, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is adjusted for fit before being securely cemented onto the tooth.
5. What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges offer several benefits, including:
- Restoring Function: They fill gaps left by missing teeth, enabling normal chewing and speaking.
- Improving Aesthetics: Bridges enhance the appearance of your smile by replacing missing teeth with lifelike prosthetics.
- Preventing Shifting: By filling the gap, bridges prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of position, affecting bite and alignment.
- Maintaining Facial Structure: Replacing missing teeth helps preserve the face’s natural shape and prevents bone loss in the jaw.
6. How Long Do Dental Restorations Last?
The longevity of dental restorations varies depending on the type of restoration, materials used, and individual oral care. Generally:
- Fillings: Last between 5 to 15 years.
- Crowns: Can last 10 to 15 years or more with proper care.
- Bridges: Typically last 5 to 15 years.
- Veneers: Usually last 7 to 15 years.
- Dentures: May need replacement or adjustments every 5 to 7 years.
7. Are Dental Restorations Covered by Insurance?
Dental insurance coverage for restorations depends on the specific policy and the type of restoration. Many dental plans cover a portion of the cost for fillings and crowns but may have limits or exclusions for other restorations like veneers or bridges. Typically, any restoration done solely for aesthetics is not covered at all. Reviewing your dental insurance policy and consulting with your dentist’s office to understand the coverage details and any out-of-pocket expenses you may incur is essential.
