Whether you’ve suffered dental trauma or severe oral health issues, a full mouth reconstruction can be used to restore the functionality and smile aesthetics that you’ve been missing. Depending on your specific needs, a dentist can develop an in-depth plan to leave you with a useful and attractive set of teeth. As you continue reading, learn about 5 treatment options available to you!
Inlays and Onlays
Damage between the cusps (the raised part of teeth) can sometimes be too deep to be repaired with a filling. In these situations, inlays can be used to restore a tooth. For more severe damage that covers a larger area, onlays may be the best choice.
Typically, porcelain is used to perform either procedure. This ensures a more durable restoration than what a filling can provide, while also allowing for the preservation of the existing tooth structure.
Crowns
If a tooth is too severely damaged to be repaired or is missing, a dental crown can be used to restore or replace it. The crown can be crafted from gold, porcelain fused to metal or all-ceramic materials. The fabrication method depends on the location of the damaged tooth and the specific restoration goals.
In the past, the procedure would usually take two to three visits to complete, but with the emergence of CEREC (chairside economical restoration of esthetic ceramics), patients are now able to have their smile fully restored in a single appointment.
Bridges
Even if you have one tooth missing, your remaining teeth can be subject to shifting. A dental bridge helps to prevent this, while also allowing you to maintain your normal functionality.
It consists of one or a series of dental crowns that are affixed to a single apparatus that fits into the vacated space. The bridge is held in place by being bonded to a dental crown on each side.
Veneers
Although veneers are technically considered to be a form of cosmetic dentistry, they can play an integral role in reconstructing a smile after the necessary restorative work has been done. Made from high-quality ceramics, the thin shells fit directly over the front teeth to match the size, shape and color of the surrounding teeth.
The process starts with a dentist removing a thin layer of enamel and taking bite impressions that are sent to an in-network dental lab. The information is used to fabricate the veneers, which typically takes around two weeks. When the veneers return, the dentist will bond them into position and make any final adjustments needed.
Dental Implants
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are considered to be the “gold standard.” That’s because they are the only form of tooth replacement that attaches beneath the gum line.
The process involves a dentist surgically inserting a titanium post into the jawbone. After a few months of healing and the implant fusing with the bone, an abutment is added that will allow a final restoration to be securely attached.
With implant insertion and proper care in the future, you can look forward to remarkable longevity (20-30 years), a high degree of functionality and a natural looking smile.
Ultimately, you can make a decision about which route to take for reconstructing your smile by visiting a dentist for a consultation. The sooner you take action, the quicker you can get back to leading a more fulfilling life!
About the Author
Dr. Marc Thomas earned his dental degree from the University of the Pacific. For nearly 30 years, he has been providing the absolute best in dental care. So he can continue offering comprehensive and effective treatment options, Dr. Thomas has received several hours of advanced postgraduate training in such areas as dental implantation and CEREC restoration. Additionally, he is a visiting faculty member at Cerecdoctors.com. Dr. Thomas rebuilds smiles at Vista Dental Care, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.