Dental Restorations

What are Dental Restorations?

Restorative dentistry is the study, diagnosis, and integrated management of diseases of the teeth and their supporting structures and the rehabilitation of the dentition to the functional and aesthetic requirements of the individual.

Direct Restorations

• Dental amalgam: These are also known as silver fillings. Amalgam fillings have been used for decades. They have been tested for safety and resistance to wear. Dentists have found amalgams to be safe, reliable, and effective.

• Glass ionomers: Glass ionomers are tooth-colored materials made from fine glass powders and acrylic acids. These are used in small fillings that do not have to withstand heavy pressure from chewing.

• Resin ionomers: Resin ionomers are made from glass with acrylic acids and acrylic resin. Both of these kinds of glass ionomers chemically bond to the mineral in the tooth.

Indirect Restorations

These restorations are made with 1 or more of these:

• Ceramic. These are all-porcelain materials. This material looks like natural tooth enamel in color and translucency.

• Porcelain fused to metal. This gives additional strength.

• Base metal alloys. Less expensive metal alloys may be used as alternatives to gold for all-metal crowns and porcelain fused to metal crowns.