FAQs about Your Tooth Restoration Options

Restorative dentistry refers to any approach a dentist uses to replace a missing tooth or restore a natural tooth that is missing part of its structure. As you might imagine, restorative care is a broad category of dentistry that encompasses numerous types of treatment. Your dentist will help you choose the most appropriate restorative option for you, based on your specific oral health needs.

What are direct and indirect dental restorations?

A direct dental restoration is any procedure done to restore the tooth that can be completed in just one office visit. As an example, you can have a dental cavity treated and filled in just one office visit. The filling is a restoration, since it replaces the missing part of the enamel. Indirect dental restorations are more complex, and typically require multiple office visits. Some examples of indirect dental restorations are:

  • Inlays and onlays
  • Crowns
  • Bridges
  • Dentures

What’s the difference between inlays and onlays?

Inlays and onlays are both types of restorations that are suitable for treating tooth decay. They can also be used to treat minor cracking or fracturing as an alternative to crowns. An inlay fits within the tooth’s biting surface. An onlay covers part or all of the chewing surface. Both of them can be made of porcelain, composite resin, or gold.

Are there different types of crowns?

All crowns are made to fit permanently over a damaged natural tooth. The crown itself is like a cap that looks just like a tooth. There are different materials that can be used to create a crown in the laboratory, such as porcelain, acrylic resin, and gold. Another option is a CapTek crown, which is a premium quality of crown. CapTek crowns tend to be more durable and stronger, with less of a risk of tissue sensitivity.

You’ll find a comprehensive range of dentistry services at Glenwood Premier Dental. In our dental office in Hazlet, we offer restorative care, implant dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry to help our patients get the beautiful smiles they deserve. Call (732) 264-4477 to request our next available appointment.