Different Types of Dental Restorations
Different types of dental restorations are designed to do specific jobs; here is a breakdown of the most common:
1. Sealants-white filling materials in a "flowable" form. Used to fill the decay-susceptible grooves of the back teeth (usually children 6-18 years) as a preventative procedure.
2. Fillings-composite (white) filling materials. Placed directly into the prepared tooth. Used where the existing fillings or areas of decay are small enough that the remaining tooth structure has not been overly weakened.
3. Inlays-used in similar situations as fillings except a pre-made piece of ceramic material is bonded into the tooth. This results in superior physical properties, possibly providing a lifespan of 2 to 3 times longer than a composite filling. Inlays are a top-quality alternative to the composite filling. Traditionally gold alloy has been used for inlays, but now ceramics are excellent.
4. Onlays-used in situations where the tooth is fractured or has been severely weakened, the onlay is similar to the inlay described above except that the ceramic covers the entire or most of the biting surface. Unlike a crown, it does not cover the entire visible tooth structure, so there is no need to grind away all sides of the tooth unless there is a specific reason (like decay.)
5. Crowns ("Cap")- A crown, the largest tooth restoration, sometimes cannot be avoided. It covers all sides of the tooth as well as the end. It is used when there is limited tooth structure left, when an existing crown must be replaced, or when the tooth is an "anchor" tooth for a fixed bridge. In cases where it is impossible to get proper moisture control) below the gum line or near the back of the mouth), a cemented crown may substitute for a bonded one.
6. Veneers-thin porcelain facings that cover the front side of teeth. Used cosmetically to change the length, color and shape of teeth.
7. Bridges-used to replace missing teeth when sufficient "anchor" teeth are available on each side of the gap. Numerous systems are available, including fiber-reinforced ceramics, Zirconium-based ceramics and porcelain fused to metal bridges.
8. Implants-Titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone. Implants are used to support a dental prosthesis (from single crowns to full denture) once the bone grows around the post (usually three months after placement.)
9. Removable Partial Dentures-used to replace missing teeth when insufficient teeth remain to support fixed bridges or a patient does not test well for bridge materials. Partial dentures can be metal or acrylic-based. Acrylic-based partials are bulkier and do not stay in place as well as metal partials. Metal partials can be made with precision attachments that eliminate the use of unsightly metal clasps.
10. Removable Full Denture-used when no teeth remain. Caution" most, but not all, acrylic bases contain cadmium, a toxic substance, as a color stabilizer.
Taken from Dental Truth, a publication of DAMS, Intl., November 2002 issue. DAMS, Intl. is a 501c(3) tax exempt nonprofit group that educates the public on non-toxic dentistry and how to recover from the effects of toxic dentistry. Contributions are tax deductible. They are always welcome.
Contact DAMS, Intl. to receive your own subscription to Dental Truth. at DAMS, Intl.
1079 Summit Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105 USA
Phone 1-651-644-4572.
Email: dams@usfamily.net
www.amalgam.org
Contact DAMS to receive an information packet and biological dentist referrals for your state.
www.dams.cc
toxicteeth.net
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Disclaimer:
This information is provided for educational purposes only, and does not replace a personal consultation with the health care professional of your choice.
© 2002 by Marie Flowers.