Choosing a Dental Restoration Option

A dental restoration is a treatment that can help restore your appearance and protect damaged teeth from future harm. There is a range of dental restoration options available, and deciding which is right for you can be a challenge. This guide offers insights into the questions you should ask when choosing the right dental restoration for you.

What is dental restoration?

A dental restoration is a small prosthetic that partially or entirely covers a tooth. They are used to restore the appearance and function of the tooth, in addition to protecting the tooth from additional harm. There are different types of dental restorations, and each type serves a unique purpose.

Dental restorations may be placed over an existing tooth without any prior treatment. In other cases, they are placed over a tooth after a root canal procedure. They are also used commonly in the tooth replacement process, as well; this could be in the form of a fixed dental bridge or an implant-supported restoration.

Questions to ask when choosing a dental restoration option

Your dentist may recommend several dental restoration options that could help you reach your cosmetic and functional oral health goals. The following are five questions that you should ask yourself to determine which dental restoration option is the best fit for your needs and preferences.

What are your available options?

The first thing to do is to determine what dental restoration options are available for your situation. Some restorations may not be an ideal option depending on the type and severity of the concern that is being addressed. The most common types of restorations dentists offer include:

• Dental crowns
• Porcelain veneers
• Composite bonding
• Inlays/onlays
• Dental implants
• Fixed bridges
• Partial dentures

From repairing stained teeth to replacing severely damaged or missing teeth, there are a variety of reasons why a patient may benefit from dental restoration. The best way to determine which options are suitable according to your needs and goals is to discuss them with an experienced dentist.

What are your treatment goals?

Every patient has their own treatment preferences and goals. For example, a patient with a chipped tooth may want the most aesthetically pleasing restoration possible, in which case a veneer, dental bonding, or tooth-colored crown may be preferable to a metal crown. In addition to fixing teeth that are chipped, a dental restoration can also be used to address tooth cracks, worn-down teeth (such as those caused by bruxism), dental cavities, and infected teeth.

How quickly do you want the results?

Some treatment processes take longer, so deciding how patient you are willing to be for your dental restoration is important. For example, a dental implant to replace a missing tooth can take more than six months, whereas a fixed bridge and removable dentures offer a much quicker process.

Are you okay with a more invasive process?

Some procedures are also more invasive than others. To use the same example, a dental implant restoration requires at least one surgical procedure. Therefore, patients that prefer a shorter and easier recovery time may prefer a less invasive option. To give another example, dental veneers are considered to be permanent since a small amount of enamel must be removed, whereas bonding does not typically require altering the tooth during preparation.

How long do I want the restoration to last?

Every restoration has an anticipated lifespan; some last for more than 15 years on average, whereas others may only last for five years. In many cases, longer-lasting restorations cost more on average and/or do not match the natural color of teeth as ideally as alternative options. Therefore, deciding whether longevity, appearance, or affordability is most important to you can be a helpful way to determine which restoration is best.

What is your budget?

Last but not least, your budget may play a role in your desired dental restoration preference. It is important to understand the pricing options for each restoration and which ones are covered by your insurance provider (if applicable). Having the financial details planned out beforehand can make the treatment process much smoother and far less stressful.

Ready to schedule your appointment?

You can call our dental practice today if you have any questions or are ready to schedule a visit. Through dental restoration services, you can restore your smile and improve your oral health, and our general dentistry team is here to help you choose a dental restoration solution and guide you through the treatment process.

Request an appointment here: https://sonorandesertdentistry.com or call Sonoran Desert Dentistry at (480) 439-0117 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.

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