Restoration of Teeth

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 White Resin Bonded fillings are a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin medium. They are sometimes referred to as composites or filled resins. Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture for medium sized fillings that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure. As compared to Amalgam Metal Fillings, less tooth structure is removed when the dentist prepares the tooth for a White (tooth coloured) Filling. Hence this may result in a smaller filling than if an Amalgam Metal Filings was placed.  The bonding property of Resin Fillings also often allow for smaller fillings.

Root Canal Therapy is often recommended to prevent the development or spread of infection. The alternative to Root Canal Therapy is usually Tooth Extraction. Often RCT is treatment planned when decay has irritated and/or infected the nerve of the tooth, or the nerve becomes exposed due to trauma. The procedure involves removing the nerve from the middle of the tooth, and filing the space with Gutta Percha (rubber type material). Then a resin filling is usually done restore the associated access hole or cavitation. Once a Root Canal has been completed, often a Crown (full coverage cap) is recommended to prevent fracture/tooth loss.

Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth's function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root canal. When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed, crowns are often used to restore the tooth. Crowns are also used to attach bridges, cover implants, prevent a cracked tooth from becoming worse, or fracturing an existing large filling. There are different materials used to fabricate crowns including: gold, precious metals, procelian, or zirconia. Each type has pros/cons, and the dentist will review options prior to preparing/shaping/reducing the tooth for a new crown.

Procedures

A tooth is usually reduced in size to accommodate a crown. An impression is taken and a cast is made of the existing teeth. The impression is sent to a dental lab, which manufactures a custom-designed crown. A temporary crown is applied until the permanent crown is ready for insertion. Permanent crowns are cemented in place. With proper care, routine office and home maintenance, a crown could last many years.