Bonding and Restoration

“Bonding and restoration” is a term given to the procedures most people associate with the dentist. Dental restoration is an umbrella term that includes such procedures as inlays and onlays (fillings), crowns, bridges and veneers. Bonding is the process by which dental composite material is permanently affixed to tooth surfaces. Naturally, the two are closely related.

For bonding and restoration, Drs. Hauptman and Rowhani exclusively use ceramic composite materials rather than traditional dental amalgam. Amalgam has seen a decline in use for many reasons.

• Dental amalgam is generally around 50% mercury by weight. Scientists agree that amalgam fillings leach mercury into the mouth, though studies vary widely in the amount. Constant mercury exposure has been linked to a number of adverse health effects.
• The use of amalgam presents environmental concerns. There is a risk of mercury emission during preparation of the material. Furthermore, waste amalgam remains after the cremation of deceased individuals.
• With ceramic composite materials we can adjust the color of a filling or crown to perfectly match that of your teeth. Cosmetic procedures are all but invisible; this is impossible with traditional amalgam.

At Comprehensive Family Dentistry, our doctors and highly skilled staff perform a variety of restoration procedures.

Inlays and Onlays are more commonly known as “fillings.” An inlay is an indirect restoration in which a solid substance such as porcelain is fitted to a cavity in a tooth and cemented into place. An onlay is the same as an inlay, except it extends to replace a cusp (the pointy part of a tooth).

A crown is an onlay that completely covers all surfaces of a tooth. Crowning a tooth involves taking an impression of a prepared tooth, fabricating the crown outside the mouth, and inserting and cementing the crown permanently at a follow-up appointment. Don’t worry – we affix a temporary crown during the interim period so that you can eat and smile as usual.

A bridge, also known as a fixed partial denture, is a dental restoration in which a missing tooth is replaced by a ceramic “bridge” affixed to the teeth on either side of the gap. The process for fabricating a bridge is similar to that of a crown.

A veneer is a thin layer of restorative material bonded to a tooth surface, either to protect a damaged or worn tooth surface or for cosmetic reasons. Veneers can be used to improve the appearance of crooked teeth or to lengthen teeth that have been shortened by wear.

Our arsenal of restorative procedures can have you smiling bright in no time. Call us if you have any questions!

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