Dental Restorations in North Vancouver
If your teeth have been damaged or decayed, or you are missing teeth due to injury or disease, there are many options to restore them and make them as good as new. This is a type of dentistry called restorative dentistry, and it focuses on repairing or replacing teeth. The main goal of restorative dentistry is to improve chewing function as well as overall oral health.
There are many types of restorations that your dentist may recommend. Most are primarily functional, although some dental procedures offer both functional and cosmetic improvements. For example, a dental crown restores chewing function and can also make your smile look better.
Your dentist can help restore your smile by fixing damaged or decayed teeth. Restorative dentistry gives you the best chance at improving your ability to eat, speak, and chew. There is usually no extensive recovery period needed after getting a restoration, unless you get major surgery, like multiple dental implants.
Ready to improve your smile’s look and function? Here’s a look at some of the restorations your dentist may recommend to help your teeth look their best.
Fillings
Fillings are the most common type of restoration. Most people have had at least one filling in their life. Fillings are used to fill in cavities, which are holes in the teeth caused by bacteria. A small cavity can be repaired with a filling. The procedure involves removing the decayed portion of your tooth, then filling in the hole with a tooth-colored composite material. This reduces the risk of further damage to the tooth.
Crowns
Crowns are used for larger cavities and teeth that are broken. A crown is like a cap that fits over your tooth. It is used to protect your tooth and prevent further damage. Some of the enamel on your tooth will need to be shaved down. Crowns are often made from ceramic or porcelain to match surrounding teeth. They can also be made from metal or zirconia.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the gold standard in dental restorations. While costly, these implants look and function just like real teeth. A dental implant consists of a post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. This post serves as an artificial root for the missing tooth. The dentist will then add the artificial tooth on top to mimic a real tooth.
Implants are very stable and can last a lifetime with proper care. Dental implants mimic natural tooth roots and provide many benefits, such as preserving jawbone health, improving functionality, and enhancing aesthetics.
Dentures
Many people use dentures to replace multiple missing teeth. They are custom-made and removable prosthetics that look natural and are functional. Dentures are constructed from safe and durable materials. They not only help with chewing but they also restore a person’s facial appearance. There are two categories of dentures:
- Full dentures. Full dentures are used when all natural teeth are missing, or at least all of the teeth on a particular bridge.
- Partial dentures. Partial dentures are used to fill in the gaps left by several missing teeth. They look good and prevent other teeth from shifting.
Getting dentures can be a complicated procedure. Be prepared for multiple appointments, which will include molds and measurements to ensure you get comfortable dentures.
Bridges
If you want to replace one or more teeth, but the cost makes implants out of reach, then consider a bridge. The missing tooth is replaced with an artificial tooth, with crowns on each side to support the bridge. The natural teeth are shaved down and given crowns. The dentist will then bond the bridge to these teeth.
Bridges are not like dentures, as they are fixed inside the mouth. Bridges not only address the problem of missing teeth, but they also protect remaining teeth. They also improve the look of your smile and make it easier to speak and chew.
Contact Us Today
Restorations are a great way to make your teeth look like new. If your teeth have been ruined by decay, Blue Sky Dental can restore their appearance and health.
The team at Blue Sky Dental will always discuss the available options with you and recommend what we believe to be the most comfortable and least invasive treatment. Count on us to provide you with excellent care. We are open Saturdays for your convenience. Schedule an appointment today by calling (604) 330-1605 or filling out the online form.