
	SERVICES

	GENERAL DENTISTRY

	AESTHETIC DENTISTRY
	Laser Tooth Whitening
	Porcelain Veneers
	Dental Crowns
	Dental Bridges
	Inlays & Onlays
	Composite Fillings

	DENTAL IMPLANTS

	PROSTHODONTICS

	ORTHODONTICS

	ENDODONTICS

	PERIODONTICS

	ORAL SURGERY

	PEDODONTICS

	PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY

	RESTORATION TYPE COMPARISONS

Services: Aesthetics: Dental Restoration Guide

Pro and Cons of Dental Restorations

Types of dental restorations

Cavities and Old Fillings
Tooth that require Crown
Missing Tooth

Cavities and Old Fillings

When a tooth has cavities, the decay is removed from the tooth and the tooth is prepared to accept filling material. Amalgam fillings, composite resin fillings or inlays/onlays are options that can be chosen in filling the removed cavity area.

Solutions to Cavities	Pros	Cons
Amalgam Fillings	Longest clinical track record Familiar technology Inexpensive with no additional laboratory fees Quick procedure done within one visit Generally does not cause sensitivity	May contain mercury Rare allergic reaction to metal alloys may occur Color does not match teeth Fillings are not cemented in Some healthy tooth structure is removed Material has high rate of expansion and contraction Possibility for decay under and around an amalgam filling as filling is not sealed
Composite Fillings	Tooth-colored material matches teeth and looks natural Good clinical track record Reinforces tooth: can regain up to 95% of original tooth strength Quick procedure done in one visit Sealed to tooth, prevents additional decay	Additional costs relative to amalgam filllings Condition of mouth may determine success of procedure
Inlays and Onlays	Strengthens and supports tooth most exact replication of tooth form as custom-built to match existing tooth structure Natural looking as custom-matched to tooth color and form Good track record Produced in a laboratory for more consistency Less tooth structure is removed compared to crowns	Requires additional appointments Additional laboratory costs and other costs relative to amalgam and composite fillings

Tooth that requires crowns

Crowns can support and protect a tooth that already has substantial fillings or cover a discolored or misshapen tooth such as chipped tooth, irregularities in teeth. The dentist prepares the tooth, makes an impression and sends it to the laboratory. The crown is created and upon delivery, the permanent crown is fitted onto the tooth.

There are different types of crown materials such as a full metal crown, a porcelain fused to standard/base alloy crown, a porcelain fused to semi-precious alloy crown, a porcelain fused to precious alloy crown or an all-ceramic crown.

Solutions to Crowns	Pros	Cons
Full-cast metal crown (Gold)	Longest clinical track record Strong, durable material Good wear performance	Does not match teeth If fit is incorrect, the crown must be re-cast from beginning
Procelain fused to precious alloy crown	Good track record Color matches existing teeth Strong, durable material	Can cause sensitivity in some patients Metal core prevents translucency, so not completely natural-looking Thermoconductivity transfers heat and cold to tooth underneath Rare allergic reaction to metal alloys may occur
All-ceramic crown	Good track record Most exact replication of tooth color as custom-built to match existing tooth structure Natural looking as custom made to tooth color and transluency Strong, durable material	Higher costs with laboratory fee

Missing Tooth

When a tooth is missing, there are several options that can be considered assuming that there is surrounding healthy tooth structure to support the solution.

A bridge is composed of units of crowns attached to surrounding teeth filling up the missing tooth/teeth. An implant is where a metal post is inserted below the gum where it attaches to the bone in the jaw. Replacement tooth is then placed on the post. Removable partial denture acts as one or more replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored base.

Solutions to Missing Tooth	Pros	Cons
Bridge	Longest clinical track record Strong, durable material Good wear performance	Requires removal of adjacent tooth structure to secure bridge in place If fit is incorrect, the crown must be re-cast from beginning
Implant	Permanent and almost like real tooth Reduces chances of bone loss Can be flossed and maintained same as real tooth No removal of adjacent tooth structure required to secure bridge in place	Requires surgery Additional costs Healing time required
Removable Partial Denture	Least expensive option	Not permanent or fixed Looks artificial Weaker than other options May require adjustments Requires special care and cleaning Removable thus vulnerable to loss or damage

Dental Guide, Dental Comparison