Damage to teeth is a common and unfortunate part of everyday life and or aging, which can make teeth weaker or more susceptible to decay. While there are many ways to restore damaged teeth, knowing which treatment method to choose can help preserve your oral health and prove to be more cost-effective in the long run.
Finding the right dental restoration depends on the oral health problems you’re currently facing.
Severely Decayed Teeth – If your tooth has suffered an infection from deep decay, it may be necessary to first perform a root canal to remove infection-causing bacteria and then add a restoration, such as a dental crown. A crown covers the top part of your tooth and takes the place of damaged dental enamel above the gum line. Dental crowns can also be used to restore teeth that are not infected, but have withstood considerable decay and have diminished overall oral function. Whenever possible, it’s best to avoid extraction and restore natural teeth using these treatment methods.
Missing Teeth – Missing a tooth opens the door to even more questions about your choice for a restoration. Your new tooth or teeth should be strong enough to support full biting and chewing power, look natural, and feel comfortable. If you have just one missing tooth, choosing a dental bridge will allow you to access a more permanent and comfortable restoration, compared to a partial denture. For patients who are good candidates for oral surgery, replacing teeth with dental implants provides an even longer lasting solution for lost teeth.
Cosmetically Damaged Teeth – Tooth decay and missing teeth are serious oral health issues, but sometimes your dental problems may have more to do with mild to moderate aesthetic issues, such as small gaps between teeth, chipped teeth, staining on enamel, or irregularly shaped teeth. In these instances, a veneer can be used to cover the front of teeth and allow your smile to look more aesthetically pleasing. While crowns can also be used to restore aesthetics, veneers are a more conservative approach that helps perverse tooth structure when possible.
Considering Cost and Longevity
When selecting your restoration, be sure to weigh the overall expected life of your restoration against cost for care. Some restorations that are more affordable up-front may not last as long as you’d like while investing in a life-like and more permanent restoration can provide years and years of function and aesthetic improvements.
Drs. Penner and Low offer a variety of restorations to help you pick the treatment that fits best with your goals and needs. Our treatment options include tooth-colored crowns and bridges, porcelain veneer, and implant prosthetics. If you have a damaged or missing tooth and would like to know more about which restoration will work for you, contact our Lethbridge dentists today to learn more.