Cosmetic Dental Services to Repair Decayed Teeth

Cosmetic dental services can help restore the aesthetics of damaged teeth. Tooth decay is the number one reason that people seek the services of a dentist. Decay is caused by acids made by oral bacteria destroying teeth structures.

The decay starts with the most affected part of the tooth being demineralized. Then, small holes called cavities start forming on the tooth. These cavities will continuously expand until they cause the tooth to break apart if left untreated. Cosmetic dental services can help stop the progression of tooth decay while restoring the appearance of the decayed tooth.

Cosmetic dental services to restore decayed teeth

Tooth decay damages teeth structures and can also cause permanent discoloration. The discoloration caused by tooth decay typically cannot be fixed with teeth whitening treatments. Dental cosmetics are often used to cover up teeth that have been discolored or damaged by decay. Popular cosmetic treatments used to restore the appearance of decayed teeth include the following:

1. Composite bonding

Composite bonding is an affordable cosmetic treatment provided by a dentist, and it can transform the way teeth look. The procedure is performed using composite resins that are made from mixtures of plastics and glass. These composites are color-matched with the patient’s teeth, so nothing sticks out after completing the repairs.

Restoring a decayed tooth with composite bonding typically starts with the patient being injected with a local anesthetic so they do not feel pain as the dentist removes decayed material from the affected tooth. The area is cleaned before composite resin is applied to the tooth and shaped as needed. A curing light is used to harden the composite, and the restoration is polished to complete the process.

2. Crowns

Dental crowns are versatile restorations that provide cosmetic and restorative benefits. Also known as a cap, the crown covers a tooth's visible part, instantly restoring its aesthetics. The crown also prevents bacteria and the acids that they make from getting to the tooth, protecting it against tooth decay. A crown can protect a decayed tooth for up to 25 years when properly maintained.

Placing a crown on a tooth normally requires two trips to the dentist unless they have equipment that makes restorations onsite. The first visit includes preparing the tooth for a crown, taking an impression, and covering the tooth with a temporary crown.

The impression is sent to technicians in a dental lab who make customized restorations like crowns. It takes them about two weeks to make a crown from an impression of the patient’s tooth and get it back to the dentist.

The dentist carefully takes off the temporary crown during the second visit and cements the custom crown into place. Any alterations needed are made, so everything looks aesthetically pleasing.

3. Onlays/inlays

Also known as partial crowns, onlays and inlays are recommended when a tooth is too damaged to be restored with a conventional filling but not damaged enough to require a crown.

Placing a crown on a tooth requires altering its enamel by shaving some off, which leaves the tooth vulnerable to decay if it is not protected by a restoration serving as its artificial enamel. Dentists typically avoid using crowns when less invasive ways to restore a decayed tooth are available.

Partial crowns are indirect fillings, meaning they are made in a dental lab and cemented on teeth. The procedure involves taking an impression of the patient’s teeth and sending it to technicians who make restorations in a lab. It takes two weeks to make custom restorations and get them back to the dentist. To complete the treatment, the partial crown is cemented on the patient’s tooth during a second appointment.

4. Root canal therapy

Root canals are recommended for severely decayed teeth with compromised pulps. The pulp is the soft tissue of a tooth, and it is housed in the innermost layer of teeth known as the pulp chamber. This area is sealed off from the rest of the mouth to protect its contents. 

Root canal therapy involves removing the soft tissues in the pulp chamber to prevent or treat an infection. The procedure includes drilling a hole into the pulp chamber and using files to remove the pulp. Medication may be applied before sealing the tooth back up. Teeth that have been restored with a root canal can then be rebuilt with composite bonding or crowns. 

We restore decayed teeth

Are you ready for a smile that you can be proud to display? Give us a call or stop by our Huntsville clinic to explore treatment options with our dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesbydesignhuntsville.com or call Smiles by Design, PC at (256) 660-3233 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.

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