Restorative dentistry is an important field of dentistry that deals with the repair and reconstruction of damaged, decayed, broken, or missing teeth. These treatments help people have healthy and attractive teeth and improve chewing and speech function. There are a variety of restorative materials and techniques that the dentist can choose the best solution for each patient, depending on the needs and condition of the teeth. These treatments improve the function and aesthetics of the teeth and will solve the problems associated with damaged teeth.
Examination method for repairing decayed teeth
Examination of the teeth
Some areas of the tooth that have changed color may be a sign of decay, but not all color changes mean this. A professional dentist uses a metal instrument to detect possible decay. Healthy tooth enamel is hard and resistant and can withstand the pressure of this metal instrument.
If the tooth is decayed, the enamel is softer and the explorer may stick to it a little. This extra pressure can cause damage to healthy teeth. Also, this tool may cause bacteria to spread and the decay to other teeth.
Who should use restorative treatments?
Today, there have been many changes in the field of dentistry. In the past, solutions such as tooth extraction were usually recommended when a toothache occurred. But this is not the case today. The main goal of dentists is to save your natural teeth. No artificial teeth are as valuable as natural teeth. Therefore, to save your teeth, it is important to know the restorative methods and use them if necessary.
Restorative methods are used for people who have the following conditions:
-People whose teeth have superficial or deep decay.
-Those who have broken or chipped teeth.
-People whose teeth are weak and the material of their teeth is not strong.
-People who want to restore their stained teeth.
-Those whose teeth have been damaged by dental plaque or tartar.
-Children whose baby teeth have been damaged and their teeth are not yet ready to fall out.
Methods for diagnosing tooth decay
One of the methods for diagnosing tooth decay is to use a special dye that is applied to the teeth. The property of this dye is that it only attaches to the decayed parts of the tooth, and in this way, people can detect the decayed areas.
X-ray imaging is also a valid method for diagnosing tooth decay. These images can usually show cavities located in the enamel at the contact points of the teeth as well as in the dentin.
However, X-ray images may not be accurate enough to detect small cavities in the upper areas of the teeth. Also, the presence of dental fillings or restorations made on the teeth may make the tooth decay not clearly visible.
One of the more accurate methods for detecting tooth decay is the use of laser fluorescence. This method analyzes the changes caused by decay in the teeth and is particularly suitable for detecting cavities and gaps on the upper surface of the molars.
It should be noted that decay is not the only reason for dental restoration, but other reasons such as broken and cracked teeth, wear due to grinding, and improper use of the teeth to open objects may require dental restoration.
Methods of Restoring Decayed Teeth
There are two methods of restoring teeth:
-Direct restoration:
In this restoration method, the decay is removed in the first session and the tooth is prepared for restoration. The dentist has several options for filling and restoring teeth. For example, materials such as glass or ionomer resin can be used to fill areas close to the root of the tooth or areas that are under less pressure.
-Indirect restoration:
In the indirect restoration method, the tooth is cut and the decay is removed from the inside of the tooth. Then, a mold is made of the tooth and the restorative material is made in the laboratory. In another session, the restorative material is placed in the patient's mouth and bonded to the inside of the tooth. Restorative materials are sometimes used for dental crowns to fill a part of the tooth that will withstand chewing pressure and requires more resistant materials. These materials are also used for internal cavities of teeth, and materials such as gold, ceramic, or resin can be used for restoration.
What is meant by minor dental injuries?
Minor dental injuries refer to small and limited problems that occur on the surface of the tooth enamel and are usually repairable and improveable in the early stages. If these injuries are detected and repaired in a timely manner, they will prevent them from becoming more serious problems. For this reason, it is recommended to visit the dentist's office periodically and once every 6 months.
Factors that may lead to minor dental injuries include:
-Superficial tooth decay.
-Minor tooth discoloration.
-Discoloration and staining of the teeth.
-Minor tooth cracks.
Initial treatments for minor dental injuries include:
-Fluoride therapy and fissure sealant therapy:
The use of fluoride as a strengthening agent to preserve and strengthen tooth enamel, as well as the use of fissure sealants to cover the surface of the tooth and prevent superficial decay.
-Surface dental restorations:
These include restorations that are used to fill cavities and minor damage to the teeth. These restorations usually use materials such as restorative resins.
By making periodic visits to the dentist and implementing preventive measures, you can prevent the occurrence of oral and dental problems and benefit from timely and less expensive treatments.
Reviewing the concept of progressive and moderate damage
If ignoring decay and signs of minor damage in the teeth causes you to give up, the damage may spread more widely. At this stage, decay may involve the crown of the tooth and damage the underlying layer. Symptoms of dental damage at this stage may include the following:
-Toothache:
Severe pain near the tooth, which may be caused by decay or inflammation.
-Tooth sensitivity:
Sensitivity to cold or heat caused by the destruction of tooth enamel and the effects of decay reaching the underlying layer of the tooth.
-Gum pain:
Pain and inflammation of the gums, which may be caused by tooth infection or decay.
-Tooth abscess and gum abscess:
The presence of abscesses, which are a sign of inflammation and infection in the tooth and gum area.
-Bad breath:
Tooth decay and inflammation may cause unpleasant breath odor.
In cases where these symptoms appear, it is best to visit a dentist for timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent the damage from spreading and prevent
larger problems.
Causes of Moderate Damage
The most important causes of moderate damage to teeth are:
-Deep decay:
Crack that has penetrated the inner layers of the tooth, including the dentin, causing tooth destruction.
-Tooth erosion:
Injury to teeth caused by pressure or cracking as a result of improper use of the teeth.
-Deep cracking (up to the dentin layer):
Deep cracks and fractures in the teeth that have also extended to the dentin layer of the tooth.
-Tooth fractures:
Fractures caused by blows, accidents, or excessive pressure on the teeth.
Restorative dental treatments for moderate damage
Restoring moderately damaged teeth includes the following:
-Tooth filling:
In this method, the dentist uses restorative materials such as restorative resins to fill cavities or surface damage to the tooth.
-Composite Bonding:
In this method, composite restorative materials are bonded to the tooth and restore the shape of the tooth.
-Inlay and Onlay:
The use of inlay (restoring the tooth with various materials such as gold or ceramic) and onlay (drilling the tooth to install a crown or cup on the tooth) methods is used to restore moderately damaged teeth and dental crowns.
By performing restorative treatments appropriate to the type and extent of tooth damage, the dentist can restore the teeth to their ideal state and prevent the progression of damage.
Serious and significant damage that is accompanied by infection includes the following:
-Severe and deep decay with tooth infection:
The occurrence of severe and deep decay in the tooth that has penetrated the pulp and caused infection inside the tooth. This may be accompanied by severe pain and nighttime sleep due to pulp inflammation.
-Severe and deep fracture:
The occurrence of tooth fractures that penetrate deep into the tooth and may cause infection and severe pain.
-Loss of a large portion of the tooth crown:
If a significant portion of the tooth crown is lost and the depth of the decay reaches the point where it penetrates the pulp, infection and pain may result.
Root decay:
Root decay, which penetrates deep into the roots, can lead to infection of the tooth root and severe pain.
In cases where these problems occur and the tooth pulp is damaged, a root canal procedure is usually necessary to remove the infection and prevent further damage.
Restorative treatments after tooth infection
Repair methods for teeth after tooth infection include the following:
-Endodontic therapy (root extraction):
If the tooth becomes infected and the tooth pulp is infected, the best solution is to remove the tooth root. In this procedure, the dentist removes the nerve of the tooth and then fills the tooth to prevent infection.
-Filling the extracted tooth:
After the tooth is extracted, the dentist can fill the tooth. This filling is usually done using materials such as composite or amalgam.
-Buildup and tooth reconstruction:
Buildup is an advanced dental restoration method that is done without the need to cut the tooth. In this procedure, the dentist rebuilds the tooth using materials such as composite and amalgam.
-Dental crown:
A dental crown is a dental prosthesis that is used to replace the crown of a damaged tooth. These prostheses are usually used after extensive and deep dental restorations such as root canal treatment (nerve removal). In this procedure, the dentist may shave off part of the tooth crown and install a dental prosthesis.
The most appropriate method in restorative treatments after infection is determined by the dentist.
Irreversible Damage
In some cases, due to severe decay and pulp infection, tooth restoration and restorative treatments are not possible using conventional methods, and the tooth may need to be extracted. Here are some common methods for tooth restoration and restorative treatments:
Dental Fillings
This method is used to repair cavities and cavities in teeth. The dentist removes the decay and then fills the damaged area with a material such as composite.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is used if the tooth is severely fractured or decayed. In this method, the dentist places an artificial crown on the tooth to protect the tooth.
Dental Bridges
This method is used to replace missing teeth. Several dental crowns are attached to healthy teeth on either side of the gap to cover the gap left behind.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are known as the best way to replace missing teeth. This method involves using an implant post to replace the tooth root and attaching an artificial tooth to it.
Inlay and Onlay
These methods are among the restorative treatments used to restore posterior teeth (molars). Inlay is used when the crown of the tooth is healthy and we need to restore the chewing surfaces of the tooth. Onlay is also used to restore the chewing surfaces along with the edges of the tooth. These restorations are made in a dental laboratory and then installed on the tooth.
Composite Bonding
These methods are among the restorative treatments used to restore front teeth that have been knocked out or broken. Using composite resin, the dentist rebuilds the tooth layer by layer and restores the beauty of the tooth.
All these methods are performed by experienced dentists, and depending on the type and extent of tooth damage, one of these methods is selected.
Types of materials for dental restorative treatments
Dental restorative materials include amalgam, composite resin, and ceramic, and each of these materials has its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Below is a detailed explanation of each of these dental restorative materials:
Amalgam:
Amalgam is one of the oldest dental restorative materials that has been in use for centuries
.
Disadvantages:
Mercury toxicity:
Amalgam contains liquid mercury, which may be harmful to health.
Discoloration:
Amalgam has a silvery appearance and does not match the natural color of the tooth and may change the color of the teeth.
Composite resin:
Advantages:
Impressionability:
Composite resin adheres well to the tooth surface and can be easily molded.
Natural Appearance:
Composite resin restorations have a natural appearance and blend in with the teeth.
Ceramic:
Advantages:
Strong and Durable:
Dental ceramics are very durable and strong.
Beautiful Appearance:
Dental ceramics have a beautiful and natural appearance.
Stainability:
Ceramics can be easily stained to match the color of the teeth.
Overall, each of these dental restorative materials has unique properties and uses, and choosing the most appropriate material depends on the condition of the tooth, treatment needs, and the recommendations of your dentist. Consulting with your dentist and treatment team is very important in choosing the most appropriate dental restorative material.
Zirconia
Advantages:
Durable:
Zirconia is very strong and durable.
Similar to composite resin:
Similar to composite resin in terms of durability and use.
Disadvantages:
The choice between resin and zirconia is more about dental aesthetics.
Therefore, the choice between ceramic and zirconia depends on your dental characteristics and needs and the recommendations of your dentist. The most important thing is that it is crucial to consult with your dentist and treatment team to choose the most appropriate dental restorative material for your restorative treatment.
Baby Teeth Restoration in Children
Preserving and restoring baby teeth is very important and baby teeth should not be ignored. The following are the reasons why it is important to preserve and restore baby teeth:
Child Growth and Nutrition
During the early growth period, children's baby teeth have a great impact on their growth and nutrition. These teeth allow children to chew and digest the necessary food well. Baby teeth are used to eat various foods and substances, and preserving them helps children grow healthy.
Maintaining a natural space
Baby teeth are designed to provide space for the growth of permanent teeth. If baby teeth fall out prematurely due to decay or fracture, it can cause abnormal growth of permanent teeth or lead to the impaction of permanent teeth.
Preventing future dental problems
By preserving baby teeth and avoiding their decay and breakage, more complex dental problems such as impacted permanent teeth and the need for orthodontics can be prevented.
As a result, preserving and restoring baby teeth is very important and their importance should not be overlooked. The best solution to preserve baby teeth and restore them if necessary is to consult with your dentist and treatment team.
Aftercare after cosmetic dental surgery
-After tooth restoration, care and tips are very important.
-After restoration, the tooth may be numb for a while due to the use of anesthetics by the dentist. During this period, be careful not to put your lip, cheek, or tongue close to the restored tooth
-It is completely normal to experience some discomfort after a tooth restoration. You may even have less desire to eat for a while. If necessary, you can take appropriate painkillers with the advice of your dentist.
-To maintain the restoration, special care is required. Follow your dentist's advice and eat a healthy diet.
-After tooth restoration, your tooth may react to heat and cold. Avoid very hot or very cold foods during the healing period to reduce sensitivity.
-If the tissue around the tooth is restored, irritated, and painful, you can rinse your teeth and gums with warm water and salt for a few days. This will help reduce sensitivity.
Final Words
Dental restorative treatments are very important in maintaining oral and dental health. Since healthy and beautiful teeth play an important role in increasing self-confidence and quality of life, it is very vital to pay attention to their care and make the necessary restorations.
With the advancement of dental technology and science, the possibility of restoring teeth with modern materials and advanced techniques has become a reality. Since expert dentists use their knowledge and experience to choose the best methods and materials for each patient, it is very important to get advice from your dentist in this regard. By following regular care and recommendations from your dentist, you can have healthy and beautiful teeth and enjoy them.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What materials are used to restore teeth?
Various materials such as composite resin, amalgam, ceramic and zirconia are used to restore teeth. The choice of restorative material for restorative treatments depends on the needs and condition of the tooth.
2. Does tooth restoration cause pain?
Tooth restoration may cause some discomfort after the restoration, but this discomfort is usually temporary and can be reduced by taking painkillers.
3. Is there a need for special care after tooth restoration?
Yes, you should take special care such as brushing your teeth regularly and avoiding very hot or very cold foods.
4. Are tooth restorations permanent?
Tooth restorations may not be permanent and may need to be repaired and replaced in the future. But with regular care and a commitment to seeing your dentist, you can extend the life of your restoration.
5. Does dental disease affect restorative treatments?
Yes, dental disease can affect restorations. For example, decay around restored teeth can damage them. Taking good care of your mouth and teeth is important to keep your restorations healthy.
