Maintaining a healthy smile is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and when a tooth is compromised, restorative dentistry becomes a beacon of hope. Dentists employ various techniques to salvage teeth, preserving both function and aesthetics. Into today’s blog, your Virginia Beach, VA, dentist will explore different ways that a compromised tooth could be rescued.
Fundamental Dental Fillings
When a tooth is affected by decay, the go-to solution is often a dental filling. Typically composed of materials like a toothlike composite resin, fillings are used to restore the structural integrity of a tooth after the removal of decayed portions. This procedure is minimally invasive and can be completed in a single visit. Dental fillings are effective for addressing small to moderate cavities, preventing further decay and restoring the tooth to its natural form.
Root Canals to Rescue the Core
If decay or infection penetrates the innermost part of a tooth, the pulp, a more advanced intervention may be required—root canal therapy. This procedure involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and sealing the space with a biocompatible material. Despite its intimidating reputation, modern root canal treatments are virtually painless and can salvage a severely compromised tooth, providing relief and preventing the need for extraction.
Restoring with a Crown
When a tooth has suffered significant damage, such as a large cavity or a fracture, a dental crown may be the ideal solution. Crowns are custom-made caps that fit over the entire visible portion of a tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and function. Made from materials like porcelain or metal alloys, dental crowns not only provide structural support but also enhance the tooth’s appearance. This restorative option is often employed when a tooth’s natural crown is too compromised for a simple filling.
Bridging the Gap
In cases where a tooth cannot be saved, the focus shifts to replacing it while maintaining the integrity of the surrounding teeth. Dental bridges offer a fixed solution by anchoring an artificial tooth (pontic) between two dental crowns, which are placed on the adjacent healthy teeth. This not only restores the missing tooth but also prevents the remaining teeth from shifting. Dental bridges are a viable option when extraction is unavoidable, ensuring a seamless smile and proper oral function.
Extraction as a Final Option
While the goal of restorative dentistry is to save natural teeth whenever possible, there are instances where extraction becomes the only viable option. This may be the case with severely damaged or infected teeth that cannot be salvaged through other means. Modern dentistry, however, offers various replacement options, such as dental implants, dentures, or bridges, to restore both the appearance and functionality of the lost tooth.
Does Your Smile Need Saving?
Restorative dentistry provides a spectrum of options tailored to the specific needs of your smile, ensuring a personalized approach to tooth preservation. Call Absolute Dental Care in Virginia Beach, VA at (757) 428-7440 to schedule an appointment and evaluate your smile’s needs.
