Dental professionals aim to preserve the natural tooth structure. Composite fillings, crowns, inlays, and onlays are popular and effective solutions for restoring the function and protection of damaged or decayed teeth while preserving a natural look. Knowing each option's role in preservation can help patients understand the dentist's thought process when curating a treatment plan.
Preserving natural teeth is essential for one's overall oral health, as each tooth plays a critical role in supporting surrounding teeth, maintaining jaw structure, and ensuring proper function. When a tooth becomes damaged, decayed, or infected, it weakens the integrity of the dental arch and can lead to several complications. Left untreated, a damaged or decayed tooth may require extraction, resulting in the shifting of adjacent teeth, disrupting alignment, and causing bite issues. This misalignment can lead to uneven wear on remaining teeth, jaw pain, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Moreover, missing teeth can accelerate jawbone loss, as the bone relies on stimulation from tooth roots to maintain its appropriate density. Further, bone loss affects the facial structure and makes future restorative treatments, such as dental implants, more challenging. Dentists can prevent these complications by preserving natural teeth through timely restorative treatments like composite fillings, inlays, onlays, or dental crowns, maintaining jaw health, and supporting a functional, balanced bite for overall oral health stability.
Composite fillings contain resin material that the dentist will color match to the patient's natural teeth. Unlike traditional metal fillings, composite fillings blend seamlessly with the tooth, making them an attractive choice for patients who want a discreet solution. They are ideal for restoring minor cavities and small cracks that do not extend too far into the tooth's internal structure.
The composite filling material is a thicker liquid before the dentist injects it into the damaged portion of the tooth, normally a hole. The dentist will harden the material once they fill the hole to the desired height using a special curing light. This method directly bonds with the tooth structure to create a durable seal that protects against further decay or damage.
The composite filling procedure can be completed in one appointment. Further, while local anesthesia will be used to remove the fragile, infected, or decayed portions of the tooth, patients are free to return to normal activities the same day. With proper care, these restorations have a lifespan of five to seven years, according to WebMD.
When damage has surpassed the treatment capabilities of a composite filling, the dentist may consider an inlay or onlay, also classified as indirect restorations. Inlays are similar to composite fillings, as the dentist must insert them inside the damaged portion of the tooth. However, these restorations are custom appliances that an offsite lab must fabricate. Onlays, on the other hand, fit over a broken cusp. Like inlays, these restorations require the fabrication services of an offsite lab. Therefore, both options may require multiple appointments, typically two. One appointment is to prepare the damaged natural tooth and get measurements. The second appointment is to bond the restoration in place. With proper care, these restorations can last between five and 20 years.
Dental crowns are another indirect restoration. However, instead of covering a portion of the tooth, they completely engulf the entire external structure. Crowns can comprise porcelain, resin, or metal materials. The dentist often employs them when a large portion of the tooth structure has been removed due to decay or injury, restoring both function and appearance. These restorations prevent further damage by redistributing bite forces evenly and can help avoid the need for tooth extraction.
Like inlays and onlays, dental crowns require multiple appointments and the use of an outside lab for fabrication. The process is also similar for each appointment — the dentist will prepare the tooth and get appropriate measurements in the first, while the second involves bonding the crown over the prepped tooth. With proper care, these restorations can easily last 15 years.
Composite fillings and other restorative options offer valuable solutions for patients looking to save their natural teeth. From minor fillings to full crowns, these treatments restore both function and aesthetics, providing long-term protection and enhancing oral health. Whether you need a simple filling or a more extensive restoration, consulting with our dentist can help you determine the best approach for preserving your natural smile and enjoying the benefits of a healthy, complete set of teeth for years to come. Contact Frankford Dental Care to schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://frankforddentalcare.com or call Frankford Dental Care at (215) 302-1746 for an appointment in our Philadelphia office.
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