Some Restorative Dentistry Procedures by Dr. H. Chehayeb

Restorative dentistry refers to dental techniques and procedures aimed at restoring you teeth to their previous natural state.

When teeth become discolored, chipped, broken, decayed or lost they need to be restored. A wide variety of procedures are used in restorative dentistry to bring back your smile to its original, natural beauty.

Yellowed or brown teeth can be bleached back to their normal color. Your dentist will work with you on deciding the best shade of white for your particular smile and will discuss other options with you, as needed, such as porcelain or ceramic veneers.

An excellent way to restore teeth with a small to moderate amount of decay is with a dental inlay or onlay. While an inlay covers only one to two surfaces of the tooth an onlay covers the chewing surface of the tooth and offers greater protection for a moderately fractured tooth. Inlays and Onlays are often considered a superior alternative to a normal filling. Their incredible strength and hardness protect the tooth from fracturing and actually strengthens the tooth. In addition, inlays and onlays fit almost perfectly into the prepared surface of the tooth. This helps keep decay from developing under the restoration. Your dentist may want to whiten your teeth before this treatment so that the new restoration color matches the now color of your teeth.

For misshapen, chipped, broken, damaged teeth or extensive decay your dentist may also recommend crowns. Crowns, also called caps, are tooth-sized covers that slip neatly over injured teeth making them appear completely natural. Crowns are strong and fairly injury-resistant.

Composite bonding is another valuable restorative dental procedure. With this technique your dentist can close tooth gaps, eliminate spots and discolorations, fill cavities and eliminate chips in your teeth. It's also great for quickly repairing a broken front tooth. Teeth bonding is applied directly to the tooth and cured to its final; hardness right in the dental office. Nothing has to be sent out to the laboratory. With a degree of artistry on the part of your dentist a composite can be used to truly mimic the color and translucency of your tooth.

Other aspects of restorative dentistry include bridges, full and partial dentures and dental implants. A dental bridge literally bridges the gap created by one or more missing teeth. This is also known as a fixed partial denture and is a restorative procedure used to replace a missing tooth or missing teeth. With dentures the soft and hard tissues of the mouth are used for support. Partial dentures can be used for patients missing some of their teeth and full or complete dentures are for patients who are missing all of either their upper teeth, lower teeth, or both.

Although many restorative procedures enhance the look and feel of your teeth restorative dentistry is not just a matter of aesthetics. Having your teeth and gums in good working order enhances the overall health of your mouth and even has an effect on the rest of your body. Teeth that are chipped, cracked or missing obviously do not do as good a job of chewing your food as teeth that are in perfect shape. These teeth are harder to take care of. Also, digestion begins in the mouth. Chewing and mixing food with saliva begins the process of breaking down the nutrients for use by the cells of the body. When the teeth are unable to do this properly your body becomes less able to assimilate the nutrition in food.

If you have chipped, decayed, broken or missing teeth it is important to see your dentist and get them fixed. You will look and feel your best.

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