Dental restoration (also known as filling), is a procedure that helps restore a tooth. Teeth damaged by decay and/or crown fractures, and restore its normal shape and function through the use of specific techniques and materials.

Process of a Dental Restoration

Dental restorations close the spaces that are prone to the accommodation of bacteria helping to prevent the appearance of future cavities.

To repair the tooth it is necessary to remove the carious material, clean the affected area and then fill and cover the area (dental cavity) using restorative material.

There are several dental restoration materials. Ranging from gold, amalgam, porcelain, resin, and ceramics, among others. The use of one material or another will depend on several factors that we will talk about next.

How do you know if you need restoration?

It is very important to clarify that it is necessary for a specialist dentist (oral rehabilitator) to assess the situation.  A specialist will make a correct diagnosis of the case and publicize the different alternatives.

It is likely that the diagnosis consists of examining the surface of the decayed or abnormal-looking teeth and taking some x-rays of the entire mouth. A specific area is there to confirm the diagnosis and see which are the best alternatives considering the extent and damage that there is in teeth.

Types of the Dental restoration

1. Amalgam restoration

This type of dental restoration is made based on a mixture of metals such as silver and mercury (which do not match the color of the teeth). It is a very popular type of restoration for molar parts, but it is not used in more exposed areas such as front teeth.

2. Resin or composite restoration

Composite dental restoration refers to a resin restoration made from a liquid mixture of plastic and fine glass. It hardens with the application of light and has the same tooth color. It is usually used in the most visible teeth (frontal incisors) and its use in small restorations is recommended due to its color.

3. Ceramic restorations

Within the ceramic restorations we find three types:

a)Feldspar b) Zirconium c) Lithium Disilicate

Ceramic restorations are based on porcelain and like composite ones. They have the color of the teeth so they look quite natural and are recommended especially for exposed teeth.