Dental Restorations Weston, FL
If you are struggling with teeth that are missing, cracked, chipped, or in need of replacement, a dentist can help by making repairs via a process known as a dental restoration. There are many different forms of dental restoration, so it is important to be aware of all of the options available to you before deciding how you would like to restore the health of your teeth.
For more information about what restorative dental procedures might be best for your particular situation, our team at Artful Dentistry & Wellness in Weston is here to help. Call us at (954) 526-2266 to learn more.
What is Dental Restoration?
A dental restoration is any procedure that can help return a damaged tooth to its most optimal and functional state. Restorative dental treatments can improve the structure and integrity of teeth while preserving their natural state. Dental restorations are often an effective option to repair teeth with compromised structure or function due to decay, trauma, or failed previous restorations. Depending on the type of restoration performed, a previously damaged tooth may be entirely fixed or restored. Although the focus of restorative procedures is not aesthetic, teeth often do appear more aesthetically pleasing following a procedure due to the mere nature of the repair.
Dental restorations come in two varieties: direct and indirect. According to the American Dental Association, it is possible to complete direct restoratives in a single visit. However, indirect restoratives require multiple visits since professionals generally create them in an outside lab.
“Depending on the type of restoration performed, a previously damaged tooth may be able to be entirely fixed or restored.”
Understanding Direct Dental Restoration
A direct dental restoration is a dental repair completed within the confines of the mouth at the point of care. This means no assembly or manufacturing outside of the mouth is necessary. The restorative work is performed by Artful Dentistry & Wellness directly onto the tooth or teeth in question.
A more familiar name for direct dental restoration is a "filling." During the filling procedure, the dentist uses dental material to repair a damaged tooth and then hardens the material with a special type of light to completely seal the area off and prevent further damage or decay. This restores the tooth to its full function, and a filling can often closely mimic the appearance of the original tooth.
Types of dental filling materials include:
- Amalgam: This filling material is a metal alloy, and it is considered to be the “gold standard.” Amalgams are well-suited for teeth that bear a heavy load.
- Resin Composite: This is a filling made of a combination of organic and inorganic substances that provide a tooth-colored alternative to amalgams.
- Glass Ionomer: This is a filling that can be applied quickly and is less susceptible to moisture, making it ideal for pediatric patients.
“A more familiar name for a direct dental restoration is a ‘filling.'”
Understanding Indirect Dental Restoration
In contrast to a direct dental restoration, an indirect restoration must be created outside of the mouth before being applied to teeth. Types of indirect restorations include the following:
- Veneers: A veneer is a thin shell that covers the front of a tooth, restoring the visible appearance of a tooth that has been damaged by stains or chips.
- Inlays: An inlay is a restoration created to fill in part of the tooth cavity that has been prepared. It can span tooth cusps but does not include them.
- Onlays: An onlay is a restoration created to fill in part of the tooth cavity that includes one or more tooth cusps, so it is always larger than an inlay.
- Implants: An implant is a metal rod inserted into the bone socket and covered with a replacement tooth, such as a crown.
- Crowns: A tooth-shaped crown can be placed over a damaged tooth or onto a dental implant rod to restore a tooth’s function and appearance.
- Bridges: A bridge is a set of false teeth that fills in gaps left by missing teeth. A bridge can be permanently anchored into place by flanking crowns.
“A tooth-shaped crown can be placed over a damaged tooth, or onto a dental implant rod, to restore a tooth’s function and appearance.”
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When a Dental Restoration Is Necessary
Dental restoration can help weakened teeth due to severe decay or damage and help prevent further complications. Direct dental restorations or fillings are necessary to stop the decay process while leaving the teeth intact. Fillings can also restore fractured, broken teeth, or worn down teeth resulting from misuse such as nail-biting or tooth grinding.
Indirect dental restorations are necessary when a filling is not enough to restore teeth functionality. Crowns are good restorative options for unstable teeth, while a bridge can replace multiple damaged teeth to restore proper chewing function. Additionally, a dental implant can replace a missing tooth and prevent problems like jawbone erosion and impaired chewing.
“Dental restoration can help weakened teeth due to severe decay or damage and help prevent further complications.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. When is a dental restoration necessary?
Q. What is dental restoration?
Q. What happens during a direct dental restoration?
Q. What are indirect dental restorations?
Q. Who can receive a dental restoration?
People Also Ask
Q. What are the benefits of restoration dentistry?
Q. What methods are available to repair a chipped tooth?
Q. How can a root canal help save my cracked tooth?
Q. What factors should someone consider when looking for a dentist who is the right fit?
Eligibility for Dental Restoration
Patients experiencing damage to one or more teeth due to decay, chipping, or trauma are likely eligible for a dental restoration. Depending on their specific situation, Artful Dentistry & Wellness will work with each patient to determine which restorative option is right for them. Having a conversation about personal preferences is particularly important if the restoration occurs in the front of the mouth, where a tooth is more visible.
Children and adults are both candidates for dental restorations. A child may benefit more from a direct dental restoration, if possible, as it involves fewer steps. Patients that are pregnant should talk to their dentist about alternative options, but the American Dental Association reports that dental procedures involving anesthetics are safe during pregnancy.
“Children and adults are both candidates for dental restorations.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is a dental amalgam safe?
A. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dental organizations worldwide agree that amalgams are safe restorative dental materials. Over the years, there have been reports of various negative health effects associated with amalgam, but many scientific reviews have reaffirmed their safety.
Q. What are all the types of dental restorations?
A. Dental restorations are any treatments done to restore the function and/or appearance of the teeth. Restorations can include fillings, crowns, bridges, dental implants, inlays and onlays, and composite or dental bonding.
Q. How common are crowns?
A. If you are considering getting a crown placed, or your dentist has recommended one, you are not alone. According to the American Academy of Dentistry Journal, about 40 million crowns are placed each year. Dentists of all types are generally familiar with the procedure.
Q. What is the difference between an inlay and onlay?
A. While inlays and onlays are both types of indirect dental restorations, they differ in size. An inlay is created to fill in a tooth cavity that occurs between tooth cusps. An onlay is created to fill in a tooth cavity that includes one or more tooth cusps, so by definition, it is more expansive than an inlay.
Q. What are the steps involved in amalgam dental filling?
A. During an amalgam dental filling, your dentist will numb you first to make sure that you do not feel discomfort during the procedure. Then, your dentist will use an instrument such as a drill or laser to remove any decayed area. Your dentist will test to ensure that all of the decay has been removed and clean out the debris. Lastly, your dentist will apply the filling material and polish the tooth.
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Dental Terminology
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business, license, and website security
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