You may dread the idea of dental checkups for fear that you might have cavities. However, if this relatively common dental issue should occur inside your mouth, you can rest assured that your dentist will be able to gently walk you through the solution to make sure that your tooth decay is remedied and won’t cause further harm. But will your dental restorations be cosmetically attractive? Fortunately, in this day and age, you can depend on options which look great and still provide you with a reliable foundation for a healthy mouth.
Dental Restoration Types
INLAYS: Inlays are used when a cavity is present, but a bit more reinforcement is necessary than just a filling. Prefabricated material is bonded (permanently adhered) to the damaged area of a decayed or injured tooth, on the cusp tips of the tooth. Tooth-colored material can be chosen for a flawless look with cosmetics in mind.
ONLAYS: An onlay is similar to an inlay, but provides more reinforcement to the tooth by extending out, or over, one or more of the tooth’s cusps.
FILLINGS: Depending on your history, you may be one of many Americans that already have at least one filling in your mouth. All but 1% of the population is under siege by the bacteria called Streptococcus mutans, which metabolize sugar to create acid, damaging tooth enamel. Then, the bacteria blend with food particles to create plaque, which hardens into tartar. Eventually, this bacterial deluge causes cavities. The usual course of action for a “normal” cavity caught early enough is a filling. The cavity must be cleaned out and then filled with one of a few possible materials that will be strong enough to protect the roots of the tooth from future bacterial infestation.
CROWNS: If your cavity has been let go too long, or a large chunk of tooth breaks off, a crown may be recommended. Crowns are usually fabricated from gold, porcelain-fused-to-metal, pressed porcelain, or zirconium. These days, as with all dental restorations, most people opt for tooth-colored materials as long as they can provide reliable form and function.
ABOUT YOUR LINCOLNSHIRE DENTIST:
Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including; Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 847-259-8030.
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