What is Restorative Dentistry and When is it Necessary?
Restorative dentistry includes a number of different modalities to repair or replace natural teeth, one of which is to use implant supported prosthetic teeth. Our aim is to identify factors that may have led to disease, destroying natural dentition so we may ensure your treatment plan halts any further progression.
This will enable us to successfully rehabilitate your mouth using materials that are strong and biocompatible while still producing excellent aesthetic results. These materials have to be able to withstand the harsh environment in your mouth and must cope with changing temperatures and pH levels and extremes of functional forces. We prefer to use ceramics or gold wherever possible but sometimes adhesive composite resins and glass ionomer materials can be effective.
When Might I Need Implants?
It is preferable for us to maintain your natural teeth but if this isn’t possible then using surgically implanted titanium posts to support replacement teeth can be extremely successful. This procedure is very versatile and there are a number of treatment options available. Each implant case is individually assessed, particularly to ascertain the quantity and quality of bone available. We will need to take detailed radiographic images and a Cone Beam CT scan provides us with a 3-D dimensional image for more detailed analysis.
Often dental implants are used to replace single teeth and in this case it may be possible for the implant fixture to be placed at the time of tooth removal. A healing period is necessary before the new tooth which is normally a ceramic crown is attached to the implant fixture. More detailed planning is necessary for complex cases replacing multiple missing teeth. In these instances treatment options include fixed bridges or removable prostheses in the form of full or partial dentures.
Our implant team is highly skilled as we work closely with a Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and a Specialist Ceramic Laboratory to provide the very highest quality dentistry for our clients.
