Teeth Restorations

What are Teeth and Dental Restorations?

A tooth restoration is a treatment option used to restore a decayed, damaged or worn tooth to its normal function and shape. 

Teeth restorations are best suited for minor tooth decay, fractures, broken teeth or teeth worn down by grinding. More complicated cases will require alternative types of restorative treatment, such as crowns or root canals.  

Several materials can be used for teeth restorations:

• Gold
• Silver amalgam
• Composite (plastic)
• Porcelain 

Tooth Restoration Process

During your dental appointment, a local anesthetic will be administered to the area around the affected tooth. This will cause the tooth and gums to become numb, allowing you to remain comfortable during the procedure.

Next, the affected area will be cleaned. A drill or laser will be used to remove decay and/or damaged components of your tooth as required. An acid gel may also be applied to eliminate remaining bacteria and debris.   

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, your dentist will shape the space in preparation for the filling. Unique shaping procedures are used for different types of fillings, so your dentist will utilize the appropriate shaping technique. 

Filling material will then be placed and hardened in the affected area. This can require the use of a bonding light and other tools. 

Finally, the repaired tooth will be polished and you will receive instructions regarding how to care for your dental restoration. 

Risks & Complications

The major advantages of dental fillings are that they can quickly restore the tooth structure and health of natural teeth, cause minimal pain and can be completed in a single appointment. However, there are potential risks and complications with teeth restorations. 

Some individuals experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods, pressure changes and air exposure. Pain or sensitivity can also occur if the filling is placed too high, causing teeth to misalign.

In some instances, patients experience galvanic shock. This is a sharp shock that can occur when two restored teeth touch one another. For example, the metals in a new silver amalgam filling could react to a gold crown above or below it. 

Sensitivity and shock sensations typically decrease within one to two weeks. If you continue experiencing discomfort, consult your dentist as soon as possible. 

There is a small chance of injuring your mouth or jaw during the tooth restoration process, as your mouth is open for an extended amount of time. If you experience any discomfort during the procedure, inform your dentist immediately. 

Anesthetic complications could arise during restorative procedures. It’s important to disclose any allergies you have and follow the instructions provided in the unlikely event of an allergic reaction. 

After a dental filling is placed, the seal could potentially break between the tooth enamel and filling. This may be caused by expansion or shrinkage of the filling, as well as poor oral hygiene or eating hard foods. Therefore, you could possibly develop additional tooth decay if food particles and bacteria make their way under your filling. 

Rest assured, teeth restorations are a routine dental treatment with proven success. Contact us today for more information about restorative dentistry and to book an appointment.