Restoration Types of Prosthodontics

There are many forms or branches when it comes to the practice of dentistry. There are those that practice the study of dental epidemiology and social health policies. These dentists are involved in the branch known as dental public health. There are also those that practice root canal therapy and focus on the study of diseases of the dental pulp. These dentists specialize in a branch commonly known as endodontics. There are those, however, that practice dental restoration techniques and procedures such as dentures, bridges and the restoration of implants. Theirs is a particular branch called prosthodontics.

Prosthodontics is the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes. According to the dentist burbank, part of its practice is the use of fixed dental restoration and restorative materials as a means to permanently restore a missing tooth or teeth. This part of prosthodontics is called fixed prosthodontics.

Fixed prosthodontics involves several types of restorations. These restoration types are as follows:

Dental Crowns

Considered to be as the earliest form of dental restoration, a crown is used to cover a tooth and may be commonly referred to as a "cap." Traditionally, the teeth to be crowned are prepared by a dentist, and records are given to a dental technician to construct the prosthesis.

Dental Bridges

A bridge, also known as a fixed partial denture, is a dental restoration used to replace a missing tooth by joining permanently to adjacent teeth or dental implants. According to the dentist burbank, there are different types of bridges, depending on how they are fabricated and the way they anchor to the adjacent teeth. Conventionally, bridges are made using the indirect method of restoration however, bridges can be fabricated directly in the mouth using such materials as composite resin.

Inlay and Onlay

In dentistry, an inlay is an indirect restoration (filling) consisting of a solid substance (as gold or porcelain) fitted to a cavity in a tooth and cemented into place. An onlay is the same as an inlay, except that it extends to replace a cusp. Crowns are onlays which completely cover all surfaces of a tooth.

Dental Veneers

A veneer is a thin layer of restorative material placed over a tooth surface, either to improve the esthetics of a tooth, or to restore a damaged tooth surface. Materials used for veneers may include composite and porcelain. In some cases, according to the dentist burbank, removal of tooth structure is needed to provide sufficient space for the veneer, whereas sometimes a restoration may be bonded to a tooth without preparation of the tooth.

Anne Fields, currently working as an assistant professor, has been presently active in the dental organizations over the United States. She has attained credibility and high respect for her vast experience as being one of the top 25 speakers these days. She also writes articles about proper dental hygene in her free time.