Cosmetic Dental Services to Repair Decayed Teeth

Cosmetic Dentist St. George, UT

Cosmetic dental services can help restore the aesthetics of damaged teeth. Tooth decay is the number one reason that people seek the services of a dentist. Decay is caused by acids made by oral bacteria destroying teeth structures.

The decay starts with the most affected part of the tooth being demineralized. Then, small holes called cavities start forming on the tooth. These cavities will continuously expand until they cause the tooth to break apart if left untreated. Cosmetic dental services can help stop the progression of tooth decay while restoring the appearance of the decayed tooth.

Cosmetic dental services to restore decayed teeth

Tooth decay damages teeth structures and can also cause permanent discoloration. The discoloration caused by tooth decay typically cannot be fixed with teeth whitening treatments. Dental cosmetics are often used to cover up teeth that have been discolored or damaged by decay. Popular cosmetic treatments used to restore the appearance of decayed teeth include the following:

1. Composite bonding

Composite bonding is an affordable cosmetic treatment provided by a dentist, and it can transform the way teeth look. The procedure is performed using composite resins that are made from mixtures of plastics and glass. These composites are color-matched with the patient’s teeth, so nothing sticks out after completing the repairs.

Restoring a decayed tooth with composite bonding typically starts with the patient being injected with a local anesthetic so they do not feel pain as the dentist removes decayed material from the affected tooth. The area is cleaned before composite resin is applied to the tooth and shaped as needed. A curing light is used to harden the composite, and the restoration is polished to complete the process.

2. Crowns

Dental crowns are versatile restorations that provide cosmetic and restorative benefits. Also known as a cap, the crown covers a tooth's visible part, instantly restoring its aesthetics. The crown also prevents bacteria and the acids that they make from getting to the tooth, protecting it against tooth decay. A crown can protect a decayed tooth for up to 25 years when properly maintained.

Placing a crown on a tooth normally requires two trips to the dentist unless they have equipment that makes restorations onsite. The first visit includes preparing the tooth for a crown, taking an impression, and covering the tooth with a temporary crown.

The impression is sent to technicians in a dental lab who make customized restorations like crowns. It takes them about two weeks to make a crown from an impression of the patient’s tooth and get it back to the dentist.

The dentist carefully takes off the temporary crown during the second visit and cements the custom crown into place. Any alterations needed are made, so everything looks aesthetically pleasing.

3. Onlays/inlays

Also known as partial crowns, onlays and inlays are recommended when a tooth is too damaged to be restored with a conventional filling but not damaged enough to require a crown.

Placing a crown on a tooth requires altering its enamel by shaving some off, which leaves the tooth vulnerable to decay if it is not protected by a restoration serving as its artificial enamel. Dentists typically avoid using crowns when less invasive ways to restore a decayed tooth are available.

Partial crowns are indirect fillings, meaning they are made in a dental lab and cemented on teeth. The procedure involves taking an impression of the patient’s teeth and sending it to technicians who make restorations in a lab. It takes two weeks to make custom restorations and get them back to the dentist. To complete the treatment, the partial crown is cemented on the patient’s tooth during a second appointment.

4. Root canal therapy

Root canals are recommended for severely decayed teeth with compromised pulps. The pulp is the soft tissue of a tooth, and it is housed in the innermost layer of teeth known as the pulp chamber. This area is sealed off from the rest of the mouth to protect its contents. 

Root canal therapy involves removing the soft tissues in the pulp chamber to prevent or treat an infection. The procedure includes drilling a hole into the pulp chamber and using files to remove the pulp. Medication may be applied before sealing the tooth back up. Teeth that have been restored with a root canal can then be rebuilt with composite bonding or crowns. 

We restore decayed teeth

Are you ready for a smile that you can be proud to display? Give us a call or stop by our St. George clinic to explore treatment options with our dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.aboutdentalcare.com or call About Dental Care at (435) 359-0147 for an appointment in our St. George office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cosmetic Dentist in St. George, UT.

Recent Posts

Questions To Ask Before A Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure

Are you considering a cosmetic dentistry procedure? Read on to learn what questions you should ask during your consultation. Before you begin your cosmetic dentistry treatment plan, there are certain questions to ask the dental team to ensure you are able to prepare properly and know what to expect each step of the way. This…

Ask A Cosmetic Dentist: Are Treatments Painful

Advancements in cosmetic dentistry technology have allowed the cosmetic dentist to offer patients a wide range of treatments to improve and repair smiles. While some might be eager to take advantage of one or more treatments, others might hesitate because of the perceived pain involved. However, prospective patients may gain peace of mind by asking…

Ask A Cosmetic Dentist: Can Veneers Ruin Your Teeth

When it comes to enhancing a patient's smile, a cosmetic dentist may utilize a variety of treatment options to achieve the desired look. One of the most commonly used procedures in cosmetic dentistry is applying veneers to teeth that are permanently discolored, irregularly sized or shaped, or unevenly spaced in the mouth. While this technique…

General Vs. Cosmetic Dentist: Which Is The Better Option

If you need a specific dental procedure done or are looking for a new provider to take care of your smile, it is important to understand whether a general dentist or cosmetic dentist is the right professional for the needed services. While both types of dentists are required to have achieved a doctor of dental…

Recent Posts

When A Dental Crown May Need To Be Replaced

When A Dental Crown May Need To Be Replaced

If you've suffered a broken or damaged tooth, you may want to consider a dental crown to restore your damaged smile. It's important, however, to know when your crown is getting worn and when it is time to get it replaced so that you can keep your smile looking its best. Proper maintenance and care…

How To Know If Dental Veneers Are Right For You?

How To Know If Dental Veneers Are Right For You?

Dental veneers are ideal for fixing your tired smile. These shells can improve the appearance and structure of your teeth. But these restorations are not for everyone. The following factors indicate that dental veneers are ideal for you.Broken, cracked, or chipped teeth will need immediate restoration. Any degree of dental damage will leave the teeth…