Reconstructive Dentistry Overview
What You Should Know About Reconstructive Dentistry
Reconstructive dentistry is something that drives away people, even if the techniques and procedures it encompasses are effective in restoring one’s bright and healthy smile. Why is this so?
For the most part, many patients are afraid of their dentists. Others are wary of the cost of reconstructive operations, while some simply do not want the pain and hassle associated with reconstructive dentistry.
The truth is that reconstructive dentistry has a bad rap it does not deserve. Patients have no need to fear their dentists granted that they are well trained and have pleasing personalities. Reconstructive procedures may be costly at first, but the investment is well worth it considering how they prevent greater dental problems that could cost even more money to fix. Likewise, today’s reconstructive dentistry techniques have come a long way since they were first developed; with the advances in dentistry, most procedures have become safer and less likely to lead to painful complications.
Below are some dental problems wherein solutions in reconstructive surgery can be of tremendous help.
Tooth Gaps
Gaps are caused by lost teeth, which can happen for a variety of reasons. If gaps are left unattended, mastication could occur, a process wherein the remaining teeth shift to towards the gap, causing smaller gaps and creating an unsightly smile. Mastication can also lead to pain due to the shift or tilting of teeth.
Broken and Chipped Teeth
Caused by accidents and tooth decay, broken teeth often have their roots embedded in the gum line. Left untreated, a broken tooth can cause the gum tissue around it to swell and become infected, causing serious pain.
Crooked Teeth
There are plenty of causes for teeth grow in unwanted directions, ruining what would have been a bright and healthy smile. Fortunately, many reconstructive dentistry techniques can straighten out the teeth and restore the quality of the patient’s smile. Regardless of how bad the crooked teeth look, there will always be an applicable technique to restore it to perfection.
Here are some of the many techniques under reconstructive dentistry.
Dental Implants
Metal anchors surgically inserted into the jawbone, dental implants serve as the base of replacement teeth. Dental implants attach abutments to the dental crowns, resulting in a sturdier and more stable tooth replacement.
CEREC Crowns
Short for ceramic reconstruction, CEREC is a new restorative solution that allows patients to have their dental crowns fabricated and inserted in just one visit to the dentist. CEREC eliminates the need for temporary crowns and multiple visits to the dentist.
Porcelain Bridge
Designed to connect the remaining teeth surrounding a gap, porcelain bridges are another type of foundation wherein replacement teeth are attached to. The bridges are cemented onto the teeth around the gap, stabilizing it permanently.
Root Canals
A dental solution that’s more convenient and less damaging than full extractions, root canal therapy goes directly to the source of the problem with surgical precision. The procedure involves going into the tooth’s root canal and pulp chamber to fix what’s causing the problem.
Periodontal Therapy
Geared towards preventing and easing the symptoms of periodontal gum disease, periodontal therapy is a non-surgical form of treatment that eliminates bacterial plaque and calculus, the main causes of gum disease.
