Restorative dentistry has come a long way in the past few decades. Thanks to advancements in the field, there are now several options for repairing or replacing damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. Some of the most popular approaches include dental implants, crowns, fillings, and inlays. Here is what you should know about each to help you decide which option to pursue. 

4 Common Dental Restorative Procedures

1. Dental Implants

Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. Comprised of a titanium root and natural-looking crown, every implant is permanent and prevents the deterioration of bone, which would otherwise occur under the missing tooth. Although inserting dental implants is more invasive than other restorative procedures, they can essentially last forever with proper care. 

2. Crowns

If a tooth is cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged but does not necessarily need to to be extracted, placing a crown over it could be the answer. Also called caps, crowns are typically made of porcelain and encase the entire portion of the tooth that sits above the gum line. With good oral hygiene habits, a crown can last for 20 years or longer. 

3. Fillings

Fillings are most often used to repair damage caused by decay. Silver amalgam fillings are fairly popular, but there are a few other materials your dentist might use. Regardless, the procedure to repair a cavity is always the same. First, your dentist will remove and clean the affected portion of the tooth. Then, they will insert the filling, shape it, and set it. Amalgam filings can last for at least 10 to 15 years. 

4. Inlays & Onlays

Inlays and onlays are similar to crowns but cover less of the tooth. A dentist might recommend an inlay or onlay if the tooth is too damaged for a filling but does not require an entire crown. Produced in a dental laboratory and made of porcelain or composite resin, inlays and onlays prevent the need to drill away much of the tooth to make room for a crown. They typically last for around 10 to 15 years. 

The knowledgeable team at JP Larson, DDS, and Stephen J. Larson, DDS, in Cincinnati, OH, is proud to help every patient achieve a luminous smile. Whether you need dental implants or a simple cleaning, you can rely on them for quality care. Their dentists provide general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry procedures. To view some of the stunning smile transformations they have done, visit their website, or call (513) 528-1223 to schedule an appointment.