The Lowdown on 3 Popular Dental Restorations

Dental crowns and fillings are among the most frequently performed treatments in restorative dentistry. But it’s perfectly normal to have questions if you’re preparing for your first crown or are new to the concept of same day crowns. With the volume of information online, it can feel overwhelming to decipher fact from fiction and to understand what treatment is ideal for your unique dental needs. That’s where today’s blog post comes in!

We’ll unravel the basics of restorative dentistry options such as traditional crowns, same day crowns, and dental fillings and answer 5 questions Dr. Lang often hears from patients.

Traditional Crowns: The Process and Benefits

Traditional dental crowns are designed and created in a laboratory using impressions taken from your mouth. They can be made from various materials, including porcelain, metal, or zirconia, with porcelain crowns being one of the most popular due to their natural appearance.

The process of receiving a traditional crown typically involves two appointments. During the first visit, Dr. Lang will prepare your tooth and take an impression to send to the lab. A temporary crown will protect your tooth in the interim. Once the permanent crown is ready, typically in two to three weeks, you’ll return to Dr. Lang for fitting and placement.

Traditional crowns have many benefits. Their durability is a significant advantage, often lasting up to 15 years with proper care. They also offer a high degree of customization, allowing Dr. Lang to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth closely, enhancing your smile’s aesthetic appeal and functionality.

Same Day Crowns: A Modern Restorative Solution

Same day crowns revolutionize the crown process by using advanced technology to design and create your custom crown in a single appointment.

The key to this technique is CEREC (chairside economical restoration of esthetic ceramics) technology. CEREC uses computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to capture a 3D image of your tooth and precisely mill your custom crown while you wait.

The major advantages of same day crowns are speed and efficiency. They conveniently eliminate the need for multiple visits and time off work as well as the potential discomfort associated with temporary crowns. Since Dr. Lang can create and seat the crown in one session, patients can immediately enjoy the aesthetic and functional improvements to their smile.

FAQ #1: Are same day crowns as durable as traditional crowns?

Same day crowns are comparable to traditional crowns in terms of durability. They are made from high-quality ceramic material specifically designed for strength and longevity.

FAQ #2: Can I eat normally after getting a same day crown?

You can resume your regular diet after the anesthesia wears off. Same day crowns are designed to withstand the forces of chewing and biting, just like natural teeth. However, avoid hard or sticky foods for a few hours immediately after treatment to ensure the dental cement sets appropriately.

Dental Fillings: Versatile Solutions for Small Restorations

Dental fillings repair minor tooth damage, such as cavities or small fractures. They restore the tooth’s function and prevent further decay by sealing off any potential spaces where bacteria could enter.

The process begins with Dr. Lang removing the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth. After thoroughly cleaning the area, he fills the cavity with special dental material to restore the tooth’s structure. For composite (tooth-colored) fillings, he uses a curing light to harden the material and then polishes the filling to match the natural appearance of the surrounding tooth.

Fillings have several advantages that make them a popular choice for both dentists and patients. First, they are minimally invasive, preserving most of the natural tooth structure. Second, they are convenient as they only take one visit.

FAQ #3: How long do fillings typically last?

The life span of dental fillings depends on several factors, including the material used, the size and location of the filling, and the patient’s oral hygiene practices. On average, a filling will last anywhere from 5 to 10 years before needing to be replaced. Good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are important for extending the longevity of a filling.

Picking the Perfect Dental Restoration for Your Smile

Dental fillings are typically the best choice for small cavities. They effectively restore the tooth without having to remove an extensive amount of enamel or requiring the patient to attend multiple appointments.

A traditional crown might be advisable for more serious damage, such as a large cavity or a weakened tooth (such as one that has had a root canal). A dental crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, providing strength and preventing further damage. As mentioned earlier, the traditional crown process involves two appointments.

On the other hand, same day crowns offer all the benefits of a traditional crown with the added convenience of a single visit. In a scenario where a busy working professional with little time to spare needs a dental crown, a same day crown is ideal because it eliminates the need for multiple appointments.

FAQ #4: Do I need to follow special care instructions for different restorations?

Fillings and crowns require the same care as natural teeth. Practice thorough brushing and flossing habits. For crowns, be sure to reach the gumline where the crown edge meets the tooth. Remember to continue seeing Dr. Lang for regular cleanings and evaluations to keep your restorations in great shape.

FAQ #5: How do I know which restorative dentistry option is right for my dental needs?

The best dental restoration for your needs depends on various factors, including the extent of tooth decay or damage, your oral hygiene habits, and your lifestyle. A thorough consultation with Dr. Lang to review your dental history and current oral health will help determine the ideal solution.

Let Dr. Steven A. Lang, DDS restore your smile’s health and beauty.

Don’t let decayed or damaged teeth keep you from smiling with confidence. The sooner you take control of your oral health, the sooner you can begin enjoying life with a pain-free, beautiful smile.

Whether you need a filling, traditional crown, or same day crown in Middletown, Ohio, Dr. Lang and his team provide a complete menu of comprehensive restorative dentistry services to help your smile look and feel its best.

Take a moment right now to give your oral health the attention it deserves by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Steven A. Lang, DDS today.