Crowns, Fillings and Implants
Need a smile makeover? Come to us at Sky Dental of Malden for the best restorative dentistry in the Boston area. Tell our skilled, experienced dentists what you want for your smile, and we’ll make it happen.
The term ‘restorative dentistry’ means fixing what’s wrong with your teeth. Simple as that. From tooth decay treatment, to making broken teeth whole again, even to replacing your teeth, we’ve got you covered. Treatments can include fillings, bonding, veneers, root canals, crowns, dental implants or dentures (full or partial). Keep an eye on Dr. Mihyawi’s dental blog here, in the right sidebar, for explanations of each of those procedures.
Restorative techniques and materials are moving more toward a partnership with cosmetic dentistry these days. We want to make your teeth look and feel natural, so your smile is healthy and bright. Having a smile you love is more than vanity. It’s the first thing people see when you meet them, so it’s important for a great first impression.
Fillings Restore a Tooth
When you get a cavity or your tooth is chipped, most of the time a filling will fix the problem. Common materials used in dental fillings may include an amalgam, composite resin, porcelain or gold.
The term ‘amalgam’ means ‘mixture’. Dental amalgams are made of mercury (a liquid) blended with a powdered alloy of silver, tin and copper. They’ve been in use for about 150 years, so you know they’re durable.
Would you rather not have metal fillings? Composite resins, made of glass and resin, are tooth-colored. A composite filling will be as durable as an amalgam, and blends in with the rest of your teeth. It costs a little more, but the cosmetic benefits (and the absence of mercury) may balance that concern.
For larger fillings or an inlay (applied on the tooth surface), your dentist may recommend a porcelain (or ceramic) filling. Porcelain is tooth colored, to match your teeth, and may last longer than regular fillings. Because they are bigger and more customized, porcelain/ceramic fillings are priced higher than amalgam (the least expensive) and composite.
If money is no object, gold fillings are another option. Gold is one of the most durable materials available to dentistry. It is easily shaped, will not fracture and will wear like the rest of your teeth as time goes on. You may not even care if the gold is visible in your smile. After all, kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing ceramics with gold, and the restored pieces are treasured.
Crowns and Implants Protect or Replace a Tooth
When too much of a tooth is damaged by decay or injury, your dentist may suggest a tooth-shaped cover to fit over it. Crowns may be made of stainless steel, an alloy of precious metals (gold, platinum) or base metals (cobalt-chromium or nickle-chromium). They may also be made of porcelain fused to metal, all-resin, or all-porcelain.
Temporary crowns are of stainless steel or acrylic, used to protect the tooth until a permanent, more durable crown can be made and seated. As you might expect, crowns cost more than fillings.
Dental implants may replace one or more missing (or extracted) teeth. Support for your implant will be best with good bone in your jaw and healthy gum tissues. Your periodontist is the expert here, and will use his training and experience to create teeth that look and feel like your own. Implants usually cost as much as crowns, and sometimes more, depending on complexity of the procedure.
Health Benefits of Restorative Dentistry
Restoration of your teeth is important for your overall health. Think of these different procedures like various things you do to maintain your household. When there’s a jar you can’t identify in the fridge, toss it in the trash. Broken door knob? Replace it (don’t lose your new key!). Ratty old carpet that won’t stay clean? Remove it and install new flooring. All of the maintenance and repair things you do will make for a pleasant, livable home. And that’s the same way we feel about your teeth.
Restorative dentistry has basic benefits to your health and well-being.
- Repairs teeth broken or damaged because of decay or injury
- Treats gum disease
- Relieves suffering from toothache or missing teeth
- Restores full mouth function
We believe that healthy teeth and a beautiful smile are fundamental to your well-being, inside and out. Start loving your smile!
Call today for your appointment at (781) 338-0818 and let’s get started with your best oral health. Most insurances accepted. And if you don’t have insurance, we will work with you on a convenient payment plan tailored to your situation.