From Fillings to Crowns: A Guide to Restorative Dentistry

At All Star Dental, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Over time, teeth can be affected by decay, damage, or wear, compromising their function and appearance. Restorative dentistry offers a range of solutions to repair damaged teeth, restore functionality, and enhance your smile.
 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through common restorative dental treatments—from fillings to crowns—so you can understand the best options for your dental health.
 

Fillings: A Simple Solution for Cavities

Fillings are one of the most common and straightforward restorative treatments used to repair cavities. When tooth decay creates small holes in your teeth, fillings are used to restore their structure and prevent further damage.
 

How It Works:

1. Diagnosis: Your dentist will examine your teeth and use X-rays to assess the extent of decay.
 

2. Preparation: The decayed portion of the tooth is carefully removed, and the area is cleaned to prevent further infection.
 

3. Filling: A filling material—such as composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain—is placed in the cavity, restoring the tooth's function and appearance.
 

Benefits:
 

• Quick and efficient: The procedure is usually completed in a single visit.
   

• Restores function: You’ll be able to chew and eat normally.
   

• Aesthetic options: Tooth-colored fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth for an invisible repair.
   

Dental Bonding: A Versatile Restoration

Dental bonding is a versatile and less invasive treatment used to repair chipped, cracked, or decayed teeth. It’s also an effective option for filling small cavities, closing gaps, or reshaping a tooth. During the bonding procedure, a tooth-colored resin is applied to the tooth and hardened with a special light, which bonds the material to the tooth’s surface.
 

How It Works:
 

1. Preparation: The surface of the tooth is roughened to ensure a strong bond.
 

2. Application: A composite resin is applied to the tooth and shaped to the desired form.
 

3. Curing: A special light is used to harden the resin, bonding it to the tooth.
 

4. Polishing: The bonded tooth is polished to blend with your natural teeth.
 

Benefits:
 

• Quick and minimally invasive: The procedure is typically completed in one visit without the need for anesthesia.
   

• Aesthetic enhancement: Bonding can repair chips and cracks, close small gaps, and improve the appearance of your teeth.
   

• Cost-effective: Bonding is a more affordable option than other restorative treatments like veneers or crowns.
   

Crowns: Reinforcing Damaged Teeth

Crowns, also known as caps, are used to restore severely damaged or weakened teeth. They are often recommended after a large filling, root canal, or when a tooth is cracked or broken. A crown fully encases the tooth, providing strength and protection while restoring its shape and function.
 

How It Works:
 

1. Preparation: The damaged tooth is reshaped to fit the crown.
 

2. Impression: A mold of the tooth is taken to create a custom-made crown that fits precisely.
 

3. Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed while the permanent one is being made.
 

4. Permanent Placement: Once the crown is ready, it is cemented in place, restoring the tooth's strength and function.
 

Benefits:
 

• Durable and long-lasting: Crowns can last for many years with proper care.
   

• Aesthetic: Porcelain crowns are designed to match your natural teeth, creating a seamless appearance.
   

• Protective: Crowns prevent further damage to weakened teeth and restore normal chewing function.
   

Bridges: Filling the Gap of Missing Teeth

When one or more teeth are missing, a dental bridge can help restore your smile. A bridge fills the gap by anchoring replacement teeth (pontics) to crowns placed on the adjacent natural teeth or implants. This not only improves the appearance of your smile but also helps maintain the alignment of surrounding teeth and restores your ability to chew properly.
 

How It Works:
 

1. Preparation: The teeth on either side of the gap are prepared for crowns.
 

2. Custom Bridge: A bridge, usually made from porcelain or metal, is created to fit the space and match your natural teeth.
 

3. Placement: The bridge is cemented in place, restoring both function and aesthetics.
 

Benefits:
 

• Improves oral health: Replacing missing teeth prevents surrounding teeth from shifting out of alignment.
   

• Natural look: Bridges are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
   

• Restores function: You can chew, eat, and speak normally with a properly placed bridge.
   

Dental Implants: A Permanent Solution to Tooth Loss

For a long-lasting solution to missing teeth, dental implants are an excellent choice. An implant consists of a titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. A crown is then attached to the post, creating a natural-looking replacement tooth that feels and functions like a real tooth.
 

How It Works:
 

1. Surgical Placement: A titanium implant is inserted into the jawbone, where it integrates with the bone over time.
 

2. Healing Period: The implant fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration, which can take a few months.

3. Restoration: A custom-made crown is placed on top of the implant, completing the restoration.
 

Benefits:
 

• Permanent: Implants can last a lifetime with proper care.
   

• Natural look and feel: Implants mimic the function and appearance of natural teeth.
   

• Preserves jaw health: Implants prevent the bone loss that often occurs after tooth loss.
   

Ready to Restore Your Smile?

Restorative dentistry offers a range of solutions to repair and enhance your teeth, helping you regain confidence in your smile and restore the function of your bite. At All Star Dental, we’ll work closely with you to evaluate your needs and determine the best treatment plan for your oral health.
 

Contact All Star Dental to schedule a consultation and learn more about how restorative dentistry can give you the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve. Visit our office in Brownsburg, Indiana, or call (463) 307- 0300 to book an appointment today.