Restoration Dentistry involves treating oral health issues and making the mouth look and function as it once did. The American Dental Association has not yet recognized Restoration Dentistry in Salisbury NC as a specialty. However, many general dentists are already doing the work.
What Is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative Dentistry is also called prosthodontic dentistry. The field aims to preserve natural teeth while replacing missing teeth as soon as possible. Experts say replacing gaps in the mouth prevents cavities from spreading to healthy teeth. The healthy teeth are also damaged by having to do most of the chewing. Unfortunately, dental bills are expensive so the dentist develops a plan to restore the patient’s smile. The plan is broken down into phases so the costs are spread over time.
Direct Or Indirect
The two types of Restoration Dentistry in Salisbury NC are direct and indirect. Direct involves the dentist filling a tooth to save it. In fact, dentists use tooth colored fillings for areas that show when the patient smiles. On the other hand, indirect restoration employs the use of crowns. The different types of crowns include regular crowns, onlays and inlays.
Crowns cover the whole tooth surface while inlays cover the cusps of the tooth. Inlays cover one or more cusp tips. Patients may have to visit the office more than once to have crowns fitted and completed. Further, the patient should make sure insurance covers part of the costs.
Porcelain Veneers
It is not uncommon for teeth to yellow or chip through the years. The teeth may be otherwise healthy. Therefore, dentists rely on porcelain veneers to whiten one’s smile. Veneers are made from thin sheets of porcelain and dentists make them to fit teeth perfectly. No one can tell it’s not the real tooth. Veneers last for years as long as patients practice good dental hygiene.
Of course, many patients require prosthetic devices. Patients can choose between bridges or partial and full dentures. Bridges are used when the patient is missing teeth and artificial teeth are cemented in to replace them. Patients should have healthy teeth on either side of the bridge. Insurance covers part of the cost for most prosthetic devices. For more information, visit Robert S. Ogden DDS PA.