Restorative Dentistry in Indianapolis, IN

Restorative dental procedures are designed to rebuild and restore your teeth. They are typically used when tooth decay, cavities, or an infection has damaged a tooth to the point where external prostheses are required to repair them back to their ideal condition. 

Restorative procedures can include:

• Dental crowns
• Dental bridges
• Root canals
• Fillings
• Inlays
• Onlays
• Implants

What Is a Dental Filling?

Dental fillings are used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth is removed and then the tooth is filled with a filling material.

Fillings made from materials like composite resin are tooth-colored, while amalgam fillings are made from metal. Each type of filling has its own advantages.

With advancements in dental filling materials and techniques, patients today have more options when it comes to repairing their smiles. Patients should discuss with their dentist which material is best for them based on their aesthetic goals and budget.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown, sometimes called a cap, is custom-fitted over a tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength and improve its appearance. Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, gold alloy, or other materials, and are manufactured in a dental lab.

To prepare a tooth for a crown, the dentist files the tooth down and removes part of the enamel. 

Dental crowns can last for several years with proper care, and some materials even outlast natural teeth.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a permanent dental restoration that replaces missing teeth. It is sometimes referred to as a fixed partial denture. A dental bridge consists of one or more false teeth that are held in place by dental crowns attached to adjacent teeth. Dental bridges can be used to replace one or more missing teeth.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure performed on a severely infected tooth to save it from extraction. During the procedure, the dentist removes the infected pulp and then cleans, disinfects, and reshapes the tooth and fills it with a rubber-like material. 

Once the tooth is free of bacteria and infection, a crown is typically placed on the tooth. The crown protects the tooth from future damage and restores its appearance.

What Is an Implant?

A dental implant is a titanium “root” that is placed into the jawbone. Once the site heals, the implant forms a strong bond with the bone and tissue. Dental implants act as anchors to support fixed restorations and can be attached to crowns, bridges, or dentures.

What Is an Inlay?

An inlay is similar to a filling but is intended to cover a much larger area of the tooth. It is custom-made in a dental lab from porcelain, composite resin, or gold. A dental impression of the patient’s tooth is made and sent to the lab to be used in fabricating the inlay. The inlay is then cemented in place at the dental office.

What Is an Onlay?

An onlay is an indirect restoration meant to restore one or more tooth cusps. Onlays can be made from gold, porcelain, resin, or composite resin. An onlay may be recommended for a patient with a cracked cusp, fractured tooth, or a tooth that requires a large dental filling.

To find out more about the dental services we offer at Allisonville Dental Centre, call (317) 547-5766 or schedule a consultation online. You can also visit us at 2811 E 46th St, Indianapolis 46205.