Dental reconstruction is the totality of treatments by which a dentist can restore a damaged, fractured or missing tooth.
Reconstructive dental procedures are designed to restore both the functionality and aesthetics of teeth, and are recommended when a tooth can no longer be preserved in its original shape.
Patients come to the dentist for tooth reconstruction due to a number of factors, the most common being low self-esteem and poor chewing.
If they are experiencing cavities, discolored teeth or any other form of decay, dentists recommend a customized dental reconstruction procedure.
Tooth reconstruction treatment can be approached through several techniques depending on the particularities of the patient. Here’s what you need to know about tooth reconstruction and what options are available in case you’re facing this problem.
What is dental reconstruction?
Restoring a tooth involves the ways your dentist can:
- Replace the tooth;
- Restore the missing tooth;
- Restores missing parts of the tooth;
- Remove damaged tooth structures.
When is dental reconstruction necessary?
The most common reasons patients go to the dentist for tooth reconstruction are:
- Tooth decay, caused by eating too many sugar-rich products (which attack tooth structure);
- Chronic teeth grinding or bruxism, caused by stress, anxiety, edentulism, malocclusion, malocclusion or abnormal tooth aesthetics;
- Physical trauma, caused by anything that puts pressure on the teeth (e.g. accidents).
What tooth reconstruction techniques exist?
The exact tooth reconstruction treatment will be determined by the type and extent of the patient’s dental lesion. Therefore, the most popular tooth reconstruction treatments are:
Fillings
It involves filling the tooth cavity with a material designed to protect the tooth. Done in the dentist’s office, fillings involve cleaning the tooth of decay and filling it with a composite resin or other material, often tooth-colored.
The most common materials are:
- White composite resin – preferred because it is similar in color to the teeth, does not expand/shrink and does not damage teeth as metal. However, they are just as durable;
- Glass ionomer – it is opaque and has more of a caries prevention function;
- Resin-modified glass ionomer – a similar material to the previous one, but it is enamel-like in color and has a higher level of strength.
At EXCEDENT, the materials used are light-curing, aesthetic and photomimetic zirconia particles.
Light-curing materials react to exposure to UV light, resulting in profound changes in their structures, superior durability and aesthetics, as well as the release of fluoride with marginal carioprophylactic effect.
Zirconia is a more esthetic material, lasts longer and is even more biocompatible than alternatives in tooth reconstruction treatment.
Dental crowns
They are medical devices, placed over a tooth, metal post or dental implant. In the first case, the tooth must be reduced evenly so that the crown restores its size and shape.
The preparation is usually printed (classic or digital) and covered temporarily.
Dental crowns are recommended in the case of excessive decay (when dental fillings cannot cope), teeth prone to fracture or already cracked, vulnerable teeth after root canal treatment, anchoring a dental bridge.
Dental implants
These are ‘artificial tooth roots’, made of titanium or titanium mixtures, anchored in the bone sockets where there are no teeth or where natural teeth can’t be saved at all.
The dental implant treatment consists of 3 elements: the implant body (the screw), the prosthetic abutment (the piece that partially restores the crown of the tooth) and the dental crown made in the dental laboratory.
Dental implants have similar aesthetics and functionality to natural teeth, which is why they will greatly improve your bite and speech. Dental implants are recommended both in cases of partial edentulism and total missing teeth.
Dentures
Made of acrylic resin and sometimes combined with metal attachments, dentures are designed to replace all or just one arch.
Although it is an affordable option to replace teeth, in terms of long-term benefits, dentures prove not to be the right solution for some patients. In this case, the complexity of the case will decide the best tooth reconstruction solution.
Dental veneers
Facets are ceramic elements made in a laboratory to improve the appearance of teeth.
They chemically adhere to the remaining tooth structure, increasing its strength. They are recommended for: cracked/chipped teeth, tooth discoloration, asymmetrical teeth, unsightly tooth shapes or in accidentally fractured teeth.
Do tooth reconstruction procedures restore lost enamel?
These procedures are recommended when tooth structure is restored, but the original enamel lost cannot be regenerated. Damaged enamel can be strengthened by increasing the mineral content(remineralization). The solutions by which this can be done are:
- Constant brushing with a fluoride toothpaste;
- Avoid sweet foods and drinks that damage tooth enamel;
- High water consumption.
Your dentist may also recommend (especially for children) sealing your teeth to prevent enamel loss or damage. The procedure involves applying sealants to each tooth, which are hardened with ultraviolet light.
What do you need to know before having tooth reconstruction?
If you think you may need a tooth reconstruction procedure, it is necessary to schedule a consultation at the dentist’s office. During this appointment, you will discuss your concerns and goals for the treatment with the doctor.
Dental reconstruction – the solution for a damaged tooth
The dentist will learn about the patient’s dental health, medical history, dental treatment anxiety and other relevant lifestyle factors. In addition, he or she will perform a comprehensive examination of the oral cavity to identify the right solution for your case, based on the condition of your teeth and gums, the type of occlusion and the appearance of your teeth.
A healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile is the result of correct dental reconstructive treatments. To prevent complications and tooth loss, it is advisable to seek early specialized dental care.
If you need dental reconstruction or restoration of a damaged tooth, schedule a consultation at Excedent Clinic for dental reconstruction. Our doctors can recommend the most appropriate treatment solution to restore your smile.
The cost for dental reconstruction varies depending on the complexity of the case and the type of treatment required. During the consultation, the doctor will establish the exact plan and costs.
The right choice starts with a consultation: 031 130 14 10.
With us you smile a lot and well!
