Restorative dentistry involves the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of conditions, disorders and diseases affecting the teeth, gums and maxillofacial (associated with the jaw and face) region of the body. It incorporates teeth cleaning, teeth sealants, teeth denervation, teeth extraction as well as prosthodontic services, in case of missing or deficient teeth. In Dentistar clinic we believe in preventive dentistry, offering all the above services in order for you to enjoy exceptional dental health.

Prosthodontics

Prosthodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on dental prostheses. Such prostheses are used to restore missing teeth or missing parts of teeth. They involve dental bridges, dental crowns and partial or complete dentures which are appropriate for people who have lost one or more of their teeth. Missing teeth must be replaced instantly as they are not just unsightly gaps. There’s something less apparent going on in the area of a lost tooth that can affect function, health as well as facial aesthetics. When a tooth is lost, several problems can arise, which can affect not only the oral cavity, but also the general teeth arrangement. This is because the space left behind from a missing tooth needs to be filled to avoid teeth drifting. To compensate for a missing tooth, the adjacent teeth will begin to shift and grow in a crooked manner to fill this space. Depending on the problem, the dentist may choose to use dental crowns, implants, dental bridges or partial dentures. Dental porcelain is widely used by dental technicians to create dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, and veneers, as it is biocompatible, esthetic, insoluble and long-lasting.

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped, porcelain “cap” that is placed over a tooth in a way that can imitate the brightness and translucency of natural teeth. Permanent crowns can be made from stainless steel, metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal or zirconia. An all ceramic crown is the ideal way, not only to restore a weakened tooth, but also to make an aesthetic improvement. A dental crown may be needed when a tooth is severely worn out. In that case, any other treatment that would involve fillings or porcelain inlays would be insufficient. Crowns are also used to cover denervated teeth, which are more prone to fractures. All the types of dental crowns match the size, the shape and the colour of your original teeth, in a way that perfectly imitates your natural tooth enamel. They also offer protection against further decay or erosion, as well as an improved looking smile. They all last from 10 – 15 years and they don’t call for special dental care.

Porcelain inlays are custom-made porcelain fillings for rear teeth. Porcelain inlays are used in case of extensive decay, which cannot be repaired with a filling. Porcelain inlays are hard, custom manufactured inserts made in a dental lab, that are usually placed in areas where there is less tooth structure, as a means of protecting the tooth from fracture. They are aesthetically pleasing, very strong and –once bonded- they add significant strength to the decayed tooth. They are often used as an alternative to fix teeth that are broken or cracked, whereas they are also used to replace a metal filling or in case a cavity is especially large. Inlays are the perfect solution for keeping teeth healthy, requiring less of the tooth enamel to be removed.

A bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth permanently to adjacent teeth. The materials used for the bridges include zirconia or porcelain fused to metal. Bridges span the space where the teeth are missing, thus restoring proper mouth functions. Before a bridge can be made, the tooth (or teeth) must be reduced in size so that the bridge will fit over it properly. As with crowns, there is a choice of materials for bridges too, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences. Getting a bridge requires three visits, in which the bridge will be checked and adjusted as necessary, to achieve a proper fit. Then, the bridge is cemented into place.

There are 3 types of dentures:

Today, if the high cost is not a problem, it is preferable to choose the option of dental implants that have more aesthetic and functional advantages over traditional dentures.