The Differences Between Basic Dental Restorations

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If you’ve gone to the dentist and it’s been determined you need a dental restoration, you might be wondering about the differences between the available options.

This article will list some of the basic dental restoration techniques, from cheapest to the most expensive, and when they are most commonly used. Your dentist will recommend the best option that will work for your tooth repair situation.

Fillings

Fillings are the most common restoration option, usually done when there are minor cavities or tooth decay. In this process, the decayed part of the tooth is drilled out, and a filling put in the hole to protect the tooth and allow full function. There are two main types of fillers used:

Amalgam fillings are silver-colored composites that contain mercury. While there have been concerns over the safety of mercury in tooth fillings, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reaffirmed that the amalgamation of mercury and other substances used in the filling make it perfectly safe. The main disadvantage of amalgam fillings is that they don’t match the natural tooth color, and that a healthy section of the tooth might also need to get drilled out to hold the amalgam material properly.

Tooth-colored composite fillings are a slightly more expensive option. However, they are more pliable and tend to degrade more over time compared to traditional amalgam fillings. Additionally, larger pieces may chip off the tooth due to wear and damage. However, composite fillings are perfect for small fixes and minor tooth decay, as the material doesn’t need a lot of room to be applied and set correctly.

Inlays and outlays

When the tooth decay is more severe, an inlay or outlay will need to be used. This entails making a solid piece of material to be inserted into the tooth (for an inlay) or covering part of the cusp (outlay). Since the damaged area needs to be measured and cleaned for a properly sized piece to be manufactured, these restorations need at least two dentist visits to complete.

Gold is commonly used for inlays and outlays. Gold is most resistant to chewing forces, doesn’t corrode, and will usually last a lifetime. Most insurance companies won’t fully cover the cost of gold fillings. Also, gold fillings shouldn’t be used next to silver amalgam, as they can react and cause a painful galvanic shock.

Crowns

In severe cases of surface tooth decay, the entire surface area of the tooth above the gum line will be drilled out and a crown put in. A crown is made from acrylic, metal, or a combination of materials, specifically molded to fit over the remainder of the tooth, and cemented in place. Back teeth will usually require fully metallic crowns, due to the need for extra strength and the lack of a need for aesthetic concerns. Since crowns are manufactured to individual specifications, a temporary cap needs to be placed over the drilled tooth to protect it until the second visit.

In the worst cases, implants, bridges, and veeners will need to be used to salvage the remains of a tooth and preserve function and aesthetics.