Pros and Cons of Different Dental Restoration Procedures

A dental restoration can repair or replace a part of a tooth or its whole structure. Having this treatment means investing a significant amount of effort, money, and time. Making an informed decision to go through it will need a complete orientation. Here are the pros and cons of various dental restoration treatments that can help you get the one that will benefit you the most.

The pros

There are many available restorations that the dentist can suggest for the patient’s case. After an assessment, the dentist can discuss the advantages of each dental restoration. The choice that the patient makes will depend on many factors. Here are the options and their advantages:

A dental bridge can fill the dental gaps from tooth loss. It attaches by means of crowns to the two nearest teeth on both sides of the space. A dental bridge can blend with natural teeth. It is easy to clean as well. This restoration is a permanent solution. It is also cheaper than dental implants. A dental implant replaces the exposed and unexposed parts of the tooth. It keeps the tooth in place by fusing with the jawbone. Its titanium rod stimulates the jawbone, allowing it to receive nutrients for tissue repair and growth. That is why this dental restoration can prevent jawbone loss. Implants are easy to care for. They are permanent solutions to tooth loss. An implant can replace an entire tooth. This dental restoration can help one eat, smile, and speak better.

• A denture is an affordable means to replace any number of missing teeth. Traditional dentures are removable, but the patient does not need to have oral surgery to get them. Using this type of dental restoration can prevent dental shifting and misalignment. The effect is natural. A denture can also help the individual eat, speak, and smile better.
• A dental filling is a common dental restoration for mild to moderate cavities. It takes one dental visit to complete. The dentist will match its color to the color of the neighboring natural teeth.
• A dental veneer is a thin shell of ceramic or resin material that covers the front side of the affected tooth. The results of this dental restoration are dramatic. A veneer can correct staining, damage, or misalignment.
• A dental crown can cover the entire exposed part of the tooth above the gumline. This dental restoration can restore and protect the tooth.

The cons

Like any dental procedure, getting a dental restoration can have disadvantages as well. The dentist may still suggest a restoration despite them because of the clear benefits. Knowing the disadvantages as well can help patients decide which procedure suits them. Here are some of them:

• A dental bridge cannot correct jawbone loss. It can be more expensive than traditional dentures. Flossing around it can be challenging.
• A dental implant procedure can take months to complete. It is the most stable but expensive dental restoration. Implant surgery is necessary to get it. An individual must have a healthy jawbone so that the procedure can begin right away.
• A denture can become unstable because the jawbone shrinks underneath it. Traditional dentures take time to clean and adhesives to attach.
• A dental filling can dislodge and will require constant replacements.
• A dental veneer can chip off. It cannot be repaired. The dentist will need to replace the entire shell if it is damaged.
• A dental crown can break if the individual bites on something hard. The tooth underneath it will still need proper care. The dentist will need to shave off most of the healthy dental structure so that the crown can fit over the tooth.