Restorative Dentistry in Joondalup

The longevity of your tooth restoration depends on several factors, such as the type of restoration and the location of the managed tooth. How well you care for your teeth and gums also plays a critical role in extending the life of the restoration. However, with proper care and regular maintenance, most tooth restorations can last for many years.

• Fillings
  Dental fillings can last anywhere from five to 10 years or more, depending on the material used and the size of the filling. Composite resin fillings, the most common type used today, are known for their durability and can last for many years with proper care.
• Crowns
  Crowns generally have a longer lifespan than fillings, lasting anywhere from five to 15 years or longer when good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are maintained. The lifespan of a crown depends on factors such as the material used, the location of the tooth, and the amount of wear and tear it is subjected to.
• Dental Bridges
  Dental bridges have a similar lifespan to crowns, usually lasting five to 15 years or more with proper care. The longevity of a bridge depends on the health of the surrounding teeth and gums, as well as the materials used in its construction.
• Dentures
  Both partial and full dentures usually last five to ten years before needing to be replaced. However, the fit of your dentures may change over time as your jawbone and gums naturally evolve. This may require adjustments or relining to maintain a comfortable and secure fit.
• Dental Implants
  Implants are designed to be a long-lasting option for missing teeth and can last many years with proper care and maintenance. Meanwhile, the crown, bridge, or denture attached to the implant may need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years. This is due to normal wear and tear, but the implant itself should remain stable and functional.

To maintain the longevity of your tooth restorations, it is vital to:

• Maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash.
• Schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings to keep your restorations healthy and catch any potential problems early.

Maintaining your dental restoration and oral health will allow you to enjoy a functional, long-lasting, healthier smile for many years to come.

In spite of the fact that dental restorations like crowns are generally safe and effective, there are a few potential downsides to consider:

• Cost:
  The cost of a restoration may vary depending on factors. These include the type of material used, the location and size of the tooth, and the complexity of the dental procedure. Some health fund plans may not cover the full cost of restorations, leaving you with out-of-pocket expenses.
• Time:
  The restoration process usually requires at least two dental visits. One is to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and the other is to place the final restoration. If you need multiple restorations or have complex dental issues, the process may require additional visits. This can be time-consuming and may interrupt your daily schedule.
• Sensitivity:
  After getting a dental restoration, some patients may experience mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages. This sensitivity is usually temporary and should subside within a few days to a few weeks as the tooth adapts to the restoration.
  
  In some cases, persistent sensitivity may indicate an issue with the restoration or the underlying tooth, requiring further evaluation by your friendly dentist.
• Risk of Damage:
  Restorations are not immune to damage. Fillings can crack or fall out, crowns can come loose or break, and bridges might weaken under stress. These risks necessitate careful handling and sometimes additional maintenance or replacements.
• Aesthetic limitations:
  Modern dental materials, like porcelain and zirconia, can closely resemble the appearance of natural teeth. Achieving the right colour, translucency, and texture can be challenging.
  
  When a restoration is not properly colour-matched with your existing teeth, it may be noticeable when you smile or speak. In some cases, the restoration may appear slightly different from your natural teeth in certain lighting conditions or after a period of time.
• Oral hygiene:
  Restored teeth require meticulous oral hygiene to prevent decay and maintain their longevity. Bacteria can grow on the edges of the restorations where they meet the natural tooth, causing decay.
  
  Patients with restorations may need to be extra diligent in brushing and flossing around the restored tooth. They may benefit from using specific oral hygiene tools like interdental brushes or water flossers.
• Potential nerve damage:
  In rare cases, preparing the entire tooth for restoration may damage the nerve inside it. This can happen if the tooth is deeply decayed or if the nerve is accidentally exposed during the preparation process.

If nerve damage occurs, you may experience persistent pain, sensitivity, or discomfort and may require additional treatment, including root canal treatment.

It’s important to note that these disadvantages do not apply to every patient. At Candlewood Dental Centre Joondalup, our friendly team will work closely with you to reduce these risks and achieve optimal results. We will thoroughly discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks of each treatment option, helping you to make a smart choice about your dental care.

Yes, dentists can often restore teeth that are in poor condition, depending on the severity of the damage or decay. Here are some common restorative dentistry services used to restore damaged teeth:

1. Fillings:
   These are used for cavities or minor decay, where the dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and fills it with a suitable material.
2. Root Canal Treatments:
   For teeth with severe decay or infection that has reached the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth), a root canal treatment can remove the infected tissue and preserve the tooth.
3. Crowns:
   When a tooth is cracked, broken, or weakened by decay, a crown (a cap that covers the tooth) can restore its shape, strength, and function.
4. Periodontal Treatment:
   For teeth affected by gum disease, periodontal treatments (such as deep cleaning, scaling, and root planing) can help restore the health of the gums and supporting bone.
5. Veneers:
   These are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance and protect damaged areas.
6. Extraction and Replacement:
   In cases where a tooth is too damaged, extraction might be necessary. However, the tooth can be replaced with options such as implants, bridges, or dentures.

Dentists will evaluate the condition of the tooth and recommend a suitable treatment option based on the extent of damage and the overall health of the patient’s mouth.

Cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry are two branches of dental care that improve your teeth’s appearance and function. Here are the main differences between the two:

• Primary Focus
  Cosmetic dentistry is focused on improving the appearance of teeth and smiles. It targets aesthetic concerns, improving features such as tooth colour, position, shape, size, and alignment. The ultimate goal is to design a visually appealing smile that boosts the patient’s confidence and self-image.
  
  

  On the other hand, restorative dentistry aims to restore the health, function, and structural stability of the teeth. This branch addresses issues caused by dental diseases, decay, or trauma. The treatments maintain the essential functions of teeth, including chewing and speaking. They also prevent future oral health issues by preserving the structural integrity of the teeth and jaw.

• Nature of Procedures
  Cosmetic dentistry procedures are elective and often pursued by patients who want to make their smiles look better for personal or professional reasons. These treatments are not generally considered essential for dental health but are chosen for their significant impact on the aesthetics of the smile. Techniques can be quite advanced, involving materials and methods that specifically aim to resemble natural tooth appearance while offering enhancements.
  
  

  Meanwhile, restorative dentistry services are generally essential for maintaining or improving oral health. These procedures can be reactive, addressing existing problems, or proactive, preventing the worsening of a condition. Restorative dentistry uses a variety of materials and techniques that prioritise durability and functionality. In addition, they are often covered by health funds due to their necessity.

• Treatment Goals
  The goals of cosmetic dentistry are centred around cosmetic enhancements. For instance, someone might seek to remove stains that are not harmful but are cosmetically displeasing or to reshape teeth that are naturally uneven but functionally adequate.

  
  Restorative dentistry’s treatment goals focus on rehabilitation and prevention. For instance, filling a cavity prevents further decay while restoring the tooth’s ability to withstand the forces of chewing. Meanwhile, replacing a missing tooth with a dental bridge prevents adjacent teeth from shifting and causing alignment problems.

• Impact on Dental Health
  While primarily aesthetic, some cosmetic procedures can have a positive impact on oral health. For instance, aligning crooked teeth can make them easier to clean, potentially minimising the risk of decay and gum disease.

  
  On the other hand, the impact of restorative dentistry is directly connected to oral health improvement. Restorative procedures are vital for preventing decay progression, managing infection, or reconstructing damaged areas, directly enhancing oral health and functionality.

Understanding these differences can help you and your gentle dentist make a knowledgeable decision that is aligned with your health needs and aesthetic desires.