Dental Restorations Quincy, IL
If you are struggling with teeth that are missing, cracked, chipped, or in need of replacement, a dentist can help by making repairs via a process known as a dental restoration. There are many different forms of dental restoration, so it is important to be aware of all of the options available to you before deciding how you would like to restore the health of your teeth.
For more information about what restorative dental procedures might be best for your particular situation, our team at Buffalo Prairie Dental in Quincy is here to help. Call us at (217) 334-4312 to learn more.
Understanding Dental Restoration
Dental restoration aims to restore the functionality of the mouth and teeth. It includes various dental procedures that repair damaged or missing tooth structure resulting from poor oral hygiene, infection, or trauma to the teeth or gums. There are two types of dental restorations, direct and indirect.
Besides restoring the mouth to a functional state, dental restoration also aims to preserve as much of the patient's natural teeth as possible. Patients may experience missing tooth structure due to decay, chips or fractures, or deterioration of a previously placed restoration. Dental restorations can help fix such problems.
“Dental restoration aims to restore the functionality of the mouth and teeth.”
Understanding Direct Dental Restoration
A direct dental restoration is a dental repair completed within the confines of the mouth at the point of care. This means no assembly or manufacturing outside of the mouth is necessary. The restorative work is performed by Buffalo Prairie Dental directly onto the tooth or teeth in question.
A more familiar name for direct dental restoration is a "filling." During the filling procedure, the dentist uses dental material to repair a damaged tooth and then hardens the material with a special type of light to completely seal the area off and prevent further damage or decay. This restores the tooth to its full function, and a filling can often closely mimic the appearance of the original tooth.
Types of dental filling materials include:
- Amalgam: This filling material is a metal alloy, and it is considered to be the “gold standard.” Amalgams are well-suited for teeth that bear a heavy load.
- Resin Composite: This is a filling made of a combination of organic and inorganic substances that provide a tooth-colored alternative to amalgams.
- Glass Ionomer: This is a filling that can be applied quickly and is less susceptible to moisture, making it ideal for pediatric patients.
“A more familiar name for a direct dental restoration is a ‘filling.'”
Understanding Indirect Dental Restoration
In contrast to a direct dental restoration, an indirect restoration must be created outside of the mouth before being applied to teeth. Types of indirect restorations include the following:
- Veneers: A veneer is a thin shell that covers the front of a tooth, restoring the visible appearance of a tooth that has been damaged by stains or chips.
- Inlays: An inlay is a restoration created to fill in part of the tooth cavity that has been prepared. It can span tooth cusps but does not include them.
- Onlays: An onlay is a restoration created to fill in part of the tooth cavity that includes one or more tooth cusps, so it is always larger than an inlay.
- Implants: An implant is a metal rod inserted into the bone socket and covered with a replacement tooth, such as a crown.
- Crowns: A tooth-shaped crown can be placed over a damaged tooth or onto a dental implant rod to restore a tooth’s function and appearance.
- Bridges: A bridge is a set of false teeth that fills in gaps left by missing teeth. A bridge can be permanently anchored into place by flanking crowns.
“A tooth-shaped crown can be placed over a damaged tooth, or onto a dental implant rod, to restore a tooth’s function and appearance.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Restorations in Quincy, IL
When Dental Restorations are Performed
Patients who have teeth that have been compromised or weakened may benefit from dental restoration. A dental restoration can help reinforce teeth that have been damaged by:
- Decay
- Chipping
- Fracturing
- Wear from tooth grinding
Even if a tooth has a cavity that is imperceptible, and the tooth's function is still largely intact, it is important to have a dental restoration performed. This is because repairing the tooth can help stop decay in its tracks or prevent further damage from occurring. Generally, direct restorations are performed on teeth that have less damage. Indirect restorations, such as onlays or crowns, are more appropriate for teeth that need more support.
“Even if a tooth has a cavity that is imperceptible, and the function of the tooth is still largely intact, it is important to have a dental restoration performed.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is dental restoration?
Q. Who is the right patient for a dental restoration?
Q. What happens during a direct dental restoration?
Q. What are indirect dental restorations?
Q. When would I need a dental restoration?
People Also Ask
Q. What are the benefits of restoration dentistry?
Q. What methods are available to repair a chipped tooth?
Q. What substances and habits may cause someone to get a smile makeover?
Q. How can a root canal help save my cracked tooth?
Q. What steps should happen after chipping a tooth?
Q. What factors should someone consider when looking for a dentist who is the right fit?
Dental Restoration Candidacy
The right patients for a dental restoration procedure are people with structural tooth damage. Our dentist will consider several factors when determining the right dental restoration treatment for a patient. These factors include the type, extent, and location of the damage.
These procedures are best for patients with cavities or other localized dental problems. Patients who do not have enough supportive tooth structure to restore a tooth properly are good candidates for indirect restorations. Patients with more extensive tooth damage may require indirect dental restorations to provide additional strength.
“These procedures are best for patients with cavities or other localized dental problems.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is a dental amalgam safe?
A. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dental organizations worldwide agree that amalgams are safe restorative dental materials. Over the years, there have been reports of various negative health effects associated with amalgam, but many scientific reviews have reaffirmed their safety.
Q. What are all the types of dental restorations?
A. Dental restorations are any treatments done to restore the function and/or appearance of the teeth. Restorations can include fillings, crowns, bridges, dental implants, inlays and onlays, and composite or dental bonding.
Q. How common are crowns?
A. If you are considering getting a crown placed, or your dentist has recommended one, you are not alone. According to the American Academy of Dentistry Journal, about 40 million crowns are placed each year. Dentists of all types are generally familiar with the procedure.
Q. What is the difference between an inlay and onlay?
A. While inlays and onlays are both types of indirect dental restorations, they differ in size. An inlay is created to fill in a tooth cavity that occurs between tooth cusps. An onlay is created to fill in a tooth cavity that includes one or more tooth cusps, so by definition, it is more expansive than an inlay.
Q. What are the steps involved in amalgam dental filling?
A. During an amalgam dental filling, your dentist will numb you first to make sure that you do not feel discomfort during the procedure. Then, your dentist will use an instrument such as a drill or laser to remove any decayed area. Your dentist will test to ensure that all of the decay has been removed and clean out the debris. Lastly, your dentist will apply the filling material and polish the tooth.
Scan here to view this page, Dental Restorations, on mobile
Dental Terminology
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Buffalo Prairie Dental was established in 2019.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Adams County, Brown County, Marion County and Lewis County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Quincy, West Quincy, Taylor, Payson, Camp Point, Mendon, Mt Sterling and La Grange
- National Provider Identifier Database (1750440632). View NPI Registry Information
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Buffalo Prairie Dental on mobile
Back to top of Dental Restorations
Related Posts
Implant Supported Dentures: Reasons To Consider All-on-4
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, implant supported dentures are an effective and long-lasting choice. An implant is an artificial tooth root that is often inserted in the jawbone. It is used to hold an artificial tooth in place. All-on-4® dental implants are increasingly being recommended for people who need to replace multiple lost…
What A General Dentist Looks For In Your Dental Exam
It is common for people to be nervous about their upcoming dental exam with a general dentist. Rest easy because there is no reason to be anxious about checkups like these. However, seeing a dentist twice a year is very important to your oral and overall health and safety.Dentists do much more than just look…
What Is A Dental Crown And When Do You Need One?
Curious about dental crowns? Read on to learn more about this type of restoration. If a dentist determines that you need a dental crown, there are several reasons why they may make that suggestion. A crown is a common dental restoration to cover and protect a tooth with compromised structural integrity. Their natural appearance and…
Welcome To Buffalo Prairie Dental
We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the Quincy, IL area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, General Dentist, Family Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, All-on-4 Dental Implants, Implant Supported Dentures, Dentures and Dental Crowns.
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Buffalo Prairie Dental on mobile