Any dental work that is done to repair missing or damaged teeth are types of dental restorations, which can include anything from minor fillings to full implants. How long these restorations take depends entirely on what kind of work is necessary. Some procedures can be performed in a single short appointment, while others might be a long process and require multiple appointments.
Because there are so many different types of restorative dental work, it is helpful to know what common procedures are and how long each type of restoration can take. Here is a list of some of the most common dental restorations and what patients can expect from each one.
The most common type of restoration, dentists use fillings to repair dental caries which have not progressed too far. Fillings can be made of tooth-colored composite, silver amalgam or gold. During a checkup, dentists may spot a cavity on an X-ray or a physical examination of the tooth. A follow-up appointment to fill the cavity can then be scheduled for a later date. A dentist may fill multiple cavities during this follow-up appointment. It is generally a fairly quick process that needs only the one appointment to complete.
A step up from fillings, crowns are essentially tooth-shaped covers or caps that are placed over damaged teeth to restore their proper function and appearance. The dentist may need to reduce and shape the original tooth so that the crown fits properly. In many instances the placement of a crown can take several appointments. Molds or impressions of the tooth may need to be sent to a lab that will then fabricate the crown. After preparing the original tooth, the dentist may put on a temporary crown until the fabricated crown comes back from the lab, then during a later appointment the final crown can be cemented in place.
Bridges can be used to fill gaps between teeth where one or more teeth are missing. It is important to fill such gaps so that the remaining teeth do not start to shift. It is also better for the oral health of the remaining teeth. Crowns on either side of the bridge can hold it in place. A bridge procedure often requires two separate appointments, one to shape the anchor teeth and one to install the bridge.
Implants are one of the more time and labor-intensive procedures from beginning to end. A hole must be drilled into the jaw bone and a metal post installed, which will become an anchor for a prosthetic tooth or teeth. While this part of the procedure may not take long, getting the implant ready to attach a prosthetic piece can take months. The dentist must ensure that the bone has grown around and fused to the post. In rare occasions the bone may reject the implant so another material needs to be used.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Restorations in Alexandria, VA.
Dental restorations can take anywhere from an hour or two to months until the process is finished. The type of restoration and the number of issues that need to be resolved all play a role in how long the restorations take.
Request an appointment or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at 703-763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.
Dental restorations can fail. Seeing your dentist right away can help correct the situation if it happens. Your restorations may need replacements already. Routine dental visits allow your dentist to check your restorations and schedule the next appointment for the re-treatment. If you want to know what happens when dental restorations fail, here are the…
As you age, your teeth face challenges from numerous issues. Daily wear from chewing food or stress-related grinding, gum problems from bacteria build-up, and tooth damage from the foods and drinks you consume all play a role in the deterioration of your smile.You and your dentist share a common goal: caring for and preserving your…
A broken tooth is a common dental issue that fills most people with dread, especially when the crack is near the front of the mouth. Front teeth fractures are quite common among children, teenagers, and young adults. Fortunately, a dentist can recommend various repair or replacement options for damaged front teeth to help patients resume…
A beautiful smile can be a powerful asset. It can affect first impressions, social interactions, and even your self-esteem. A cosmetic dentist improves the look of teeth and provides solutions to turn ordinary smiles into extraordinary ones. The treatment options typically depend on your preferences and needs.Patients looking to transform their smiles can book an…
A leading reason people turn to a cosmetic dentist is to get a whiter smile. Teeth whitening happens to be one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. However, it is not the only way a cosmetic dentist can help you get a whiter smile. Here is a closer look at your smile-brightening options.Cosmetic dentists…