Treating Cavities, Fractures, and Cracks with Dental Restorations

Dental fillings [restoration] can restore teeth that have been damaged by cavities or injury. Untreated cavities, fractures, and cracks in the teeth can cause serious oral health problems, including infection, periodontal (gum) disease, and loosening of the teeth.
Cracks, fractures, and large cavities are usually obvious and painful. Schedule an appointment with your dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Toothache that lasts for more than a few minutes.
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
• Sensitivity to sweet foods and beverages.
• Visible discoloration or holes on the surface of your teeth.
• Pain when chewing or biting down.
• Food lodgement in between teeth.

However, it’s important to realize that small to medium sized cavities might not cause pain or discomfort right away. Your dentist can use x-rays, dyes, and specialized instruments to identify minor damage and decay. Regular visits will allow your dentist to find and address these small issues before they become serious problems.
In the past, dentists used precious metals to repair cavities and damaged teeth. While patients can still choose gold or silver restorations, there are several new options available. The newerrestorative materials include tooth-coloured resin composites, porcelain, and glass ionomer. Here’s an overview of the different types:

• Silver Amalgam. This type of restoration has been used for more than 150 years,but due to the toxic effects that can be a health hazard it is no longer used in our clinic.
• Gold. This type of restoration is more expensive than silver, but it offers outstanding longevity. A gold restoration is almost as hard as tooth enamel, which makes it less likely to fracture under stress.
• Composite Resin. It’s a popular choice among patients because the colour matches the surrounding tooth. Composite resin restorations are more aesthetically pleasing than silver amalgams.
• Porcelain. This type of restoration is made from ceramic. Like composite resin, porcelain restorations are blended to match the colour of the surrounding tooth. Porcelain restorations offer superior stain resistance and durability compared to composite resin, but they tend to alittle expensive.
• Glass Ionomer. Glass ionomer restorations are unique because they release small amounts of fluoride, which can help prevent future cavities
• The dentist can help you determine which restorative material is best for you. Factors to consider include the location of the repair, your preferences and your budget.

The dentist will determine and decide what type of restoration is best suitable for your purpose. Most restorations are completed in a single visit.The dentist will then decide whether a local anaesthetic injection is required for the purpose or not.The decay of the tooth is removed first and depending on the remaining sound tooth structure the type of restorative material is chosen. Depending on the location and type of repair the dentist may dispense the restorativematerial into the prepared space, or transfer it to the tooth using a specialized instrument. After the material is in place, your dentist will mould, smooth, and polish the restoration, so that it fits comfortably in your mouth. Porcelain restorations typically require two visits. During the first visit, your dentist will remove the decayed area and take an impression of the tooth. It is sent to a dental lab that makes custom porcelain restorations. When you come back for your second visit, your dentist will bond the restoration to your tooth.
The local anaesthetic will wear off in 2-6 hours. It’s generally a good idea to avoid eating any hard or sticky foods during the first 24 hours. The repaired tooth may be sensitive to hot and cold foods for up to 3 weeks. If you experience pain or sensitivity for more than a few weeks, contact your dentist. Be sure to follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your dentist. By maintaining a good oral health regimen that includes proper home care and regular professional cleanings, you can preserve the integrity of the restoration and prevent future oral health problems.