Common methods for tooth restoration

When tooth restoration is needed, it is necessary to choose the appropriate repair method according to the degree and type of damage

1. Shallow caries or small defects
Filling (filling treatment)
Applicable situations: caries (cavities) have not damaged the pulp, or there is a slight tooth defect.
Material selection:
Resin material: beautiful (close to tooth color), suitable for front teeth or visible parts.
Glass ionomer: slightly poor wear resistance, but releases fluoride to prevent caries, suitable for children or near the gums.
Amalgam: high strength, but poor appearance, currently less used.
Treatment process: remove the decayed part → clean the cavity → fill the material → polish.

2. Deep caries or pulp infection
Root canal treatment + crown restoration
Applicable situations: caries have damaged the pulp (severe pain, spontaneous pain, night pain), or pulp necrosis.
Steps:
Pulp drainage, remove infected pulp.
Root canal disinfection and filling.
Wear a crown (such as all-ceramic crown, metal porcelain crown) to protect the fragile tooth.
Note: After root canal treatment, the teeth will become brittle due to loss of nutrition, so you need to avoid biting hard objects.

3. Large area defect or fracture
Inlay/high onlay restoration
Applicable situation: The tooth defect is large, but there is still enough healthy tooth.
Advantages: More durable than ordinary fillings, accurately fit the defect.
Full crown restoration
Applicable situation: Insufficient remaining tooth (such as severe splitting, large area of ​​caries).

4. Complete tooth loss
Dental implant: Restoration after implantation of artificial tooth root, close to the function of natural tooth.
Fixed bridge: Grind the adjacent teeth as support, bridge repair (need to wear healthy adjacent teeth).
Removable denture: Removable, suitable for those with multiple missing teeth or financial constraints.

Tooth restoration also selects materials according to the patient’s own situation and contact range