What is restorative dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is used to describe a variety of techniques dentists use to restore the look and functionality of your teeth. We offer a full range of tooth coloured restorations which include:

Types of fillings & sealants

Amalgam Fillings

 Traditional amalgam silver fillings have been successfully used in dental restorations for over 150 years.

There are however, several disadvantages with the placement of an amalgam filling; the most obvious of course is its silver/grey colour, which can detract from your overall smile. It is also possible that the amalgam can cause the tooth to discolour and develop a grey shade.

Amalgam fillings also require a more substantial amount of natural tooth structure to be removed during preparation than a white filling. Unlike white composite fillings, amalgam (due to their metal content) are more prone to expand and contract with temperature changes from consuming hot and cold foods and drinks and lead to cracked tooth syndrome. At Richmond Fine Dentistry we are obsessive about mercury hygiene.

How We Remove Amalgam Fillings

  • We us rubber dam and high volume suction to safely remove all waste products.
  • Continuous water spray to eliminate mercury vapors.
  • Low volume suction to eliminate vapors when amalgams are placed.

If you have any questions or concerns relating to amalgam fillings, please do not hesitate to discuss them with us.

Composite Resin Fillings

These are white or tooth coloured fillings which are made of a plastic material mixed with small glass particles and can be used on all teeth.

Advantages of Composite Resin Fillings

  • They are more aesthetically pleasing
  • Composite filled teeth tend to be stronger as it bonds to the surrounding tooth structure
  • Treatment can be more conservative as the material can fit into very small holes
  • Composite insulates the tooth from major temperature changes that may affect the nerve

Disadvantages of Composite Resin Fillings

  • The placement technique is more advanced therefore the procedure can take slightly longer
  • They are usually more expensive
  • They can wear out quicker than amalgam in larger cavities
  • The tooth filled with composite may be sensitive for a time after the procedure
  • Some food and drinks can stain composite fillings
Amalgam fillings
Composite resin fillings

Bonding

Bonding is useful for improving small irregularities but is less successful than veneers in the treatment of some problems. The tooth is prepared by etching the surface with a gel.

The surface is then painted with a bonding liquid that sets firmly when a special light is shone on it. A putty like resin is molded onto the tooth and shaped. The light is again used to harden it. The set resin is then trimmed and polished.

Advantages of Bonding

  • Bonding is a good alternative for small blemishes
  • Tooth preparation is not normally required
  • Only one visit required
  • Excellent colour match can be made
  • Bonding may be a less expensive option than veneers in selected cases
  • Bonding can be used as a conservative, temporary measure if more extensive treatment is planned for a later stage

Disadvantages of Bonding

  • As bonding material is made of a bonded resin, it is not as strong as veneers and is more prone to chipping or breaking but is easily repaired
  • Bonding may need regular touch-up work in some cases

CEREC

Ceramic technology can be used to create highly aesthetic inlays, onlays, veneers and crowns. Once the prepared tooth has been scanned with a camera, the dentist designs the crown or inlay on the computer. Subsequently, a milling machine cuts the restoration from an industrially prefabricated ceramic block and your dentist will directly insert the crown in your mouth.

Why CEREC?

  • Protects and preserves your own tooth’s structural integrity
  • Ceramics are biocompatible
  • Only one appointment required
  • Perfect looks
  • Perfect comfort
  • Perfect quality
  • Long lasting and durable
  • Unquestionably the most cost effective restoration we have available today

Ceramics meet the highest aesthetic expectations and are biocompatible. Ceramics do not cause any allergic or undesired reactions, such as possible discolorations of the mucus membranes or change in taste. Therefore, they are called biocompatible. Ceramic restorations do not have metal core. Therefore, light can shine through the restorations as it does in natural teeth. In addition, the adjoining gum will show no dark metal edges when this technology is used crowning teeth. Ceramic material is colour-fast and wear resistant. In addition the low heat conduction protects the dental nerve, which is very sensitive to temperature changes.

Find out more about restorative dentistry

Restorative techniques can update previous dental work or correct current problems. Contact us today for an appointment and see how we can help you.