Restorative Dentistry

Restorative Dentistry Services, Skokie IL

Restorative dentistry encompasses all procedures that replace missing teeth or tooth structure. Tooth structure or entire teeth are most often lost due to decay, periodontal (gum) disease or trauma. Trauma is often the result of an accident, such as a blow to the mouth, or a habit such as clenching or nail biting.

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings, also known as white fillings or "bonding," are a mixture of acrylic resin and finely ground glass-like particles that produce a tooth-colored restoration. Composite fillings provide excellent durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid size restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure. Often less tooth structure is removed when the dentist prepares the tooth, and this may result in a smaller filling than that of an amalgam (silver filling). While it takes longer to place a composite filling, these restorations contain no mercury and blend in seamlessly with the natural tooth structure for a very esthetic result.

Inlays/Onlays

Inlays and onlays are used to restore teeth damaged by decay or wear. They are fabricated in a laboratory and provide more strength than a composite or amalgam (silver) filling, but are more conservative then crown, which covers the entire tooth. A porcelain inlay/onlay fits the tooth precisely and is bonded to the tooth, providing maximum esthetics. These restorations can also be made of precious or non -precious metal. An Inlay fits within the cusps of the tooth, while an onlay replaces one or more missing cusps.

Crowns

A crown (also know as a "cap") is a prosthetic tooth that covers a broken-down or root canal- treated tooth and restores it to its normal shape, size and function. Crowns may also be used to treat teeth that are discolored, poorly shaped or out of position. They are most often fabricated from porcelain, metal or porcelain fused to a metal or zirconium (tooth-colored) substructure.

Bridges

Bridges can replace a section of missing teeth. Because they are custom-made, bridges are barely noticeable and can restore the natural contour of teeth as well as the proper bite and function. They are most often fabricated from porcelain, metal or porcelain fused to a metal or zirconium (tooth-colored) substructure. Bridges usually consist of two or more crowns, which cover anchoring teeth (abutments) and are attached to artificial teeth (pontics), in order to fill gaps created by one or more missing teeth.

Dentures

A denture is a removable dental prosthesis that replaces and entire arch of missing teeth and the surrounding tissue. It is made to closely resemble your natural teeth and enhance your smile. There are two types of dentures: complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents the existing teeth from shifting.

A conventional denture is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks. Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process. As the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.

Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear and tear.