The first and most straightforward answer to this question is as soon as your teeth start decaying or the moment you see a deterioration of the tooth (like a fracture or cracks in existing restoration).
In reality, though, many patients contact their Dallas dentist when it’s too late, and the tooth has already suffered significant damage. Either because they are afraid of the procedure or don’t have the right insurance coverage, they postpone seeing the dentist for months on end.
Studies have shown that patients who start seeing a dentist regularly from an early age don’t develop absurd fears as adults and maintain this healthy habit over the years.
Types of Dental Restoration
The range is vast and starts from small-scale procedures like fillings to extensive procedures like dentures.
- The most common dental restoration procedure is a filling. The materials that are used in this procedure have evolved, from metallic amalgams to plastic filling made from composite resin. The time for the filling to set is also a lot shorter nowadays, improving the patient’s comfort.
- A crown is a cap that dresses the tooth and resembles its shape and size. The dentist removes decay and then puts the crown to ensure the strength of the tooth. He can also use a crown to anchor a bridge or cover an implant.
- A bridge is a group of false teeth put in place to cover gaps. They are the same shape and size as the missing teeth.
- An implant is a replacement of the root that fills the gap left by a missing tooth. Although people call the whole procedure “implant,” the term refers to the actual metal post the dentist places in the bone socket of the missing tooth. Afterward, he or she covers the metal post with a crown.
- Removable or fixed dentures replace both missing teeth and surrounding tissues, giving the impression of natural teeth. They may be complete or partial if the person still has some teeth that the dentures can be attached to.
Although dental restoration covers most procedures conducted in a dental practice, very few studies focus on how satisfied patients are with the results. Your dental practice in Dallas can give you a good experience no matter what your restoration needs are. We value our patients and understand that their quality of life depends, to a great extent, on their oral health.
Sources:
https://www.nationaldentalpbrn.org/studies.php
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4610142/
