Tips for Keeping Your Children’s Teeth Healthy

Posted on: 18 November 2020

If you're like many people, you probably think of dentures as being an almost inevitable part of aging, and if you've been having dental issues, you may be wondering whether it's time for you to speak with your dentist about the possibility of dentures. However, thanks to advances in restorative dental technology and increased awareness of how good dental hygiene helps smiles stay beautiful for a longer period of time, more and more dental patients are increasingly holding onto their natural teeth well into old age and often for the remainder of their lives. Following are just five of the many restorative dentistry options that may help keep your smile in the best possible shape for many years to come. 

Crowns

Crowns are otherwise known as "dental caps," and their function is to cover and protect teeth that have become seriously discolored, cracked, and otherwise damaged by decay or trauma to the extent that they can't be repaired. 

Dental Implants

Dental implants are metal posts implanted in the bone tissue of the jaw that replace the roots of missing teeth. Titanium is commonly used for implants because of its superior biocompatibility with human bone tissue. Modern implants can be used to replace a single tooth, a row of teeth, or even an entire mouthful of teeth. Because implants don't have to be removed on a nightly basis and closely mimic the functionality and appearance of natural teeth, most people prefer them over dentures. 

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings perform the same function as traditional fillings, which is to fill the holes in dental tissue left by cavities. Traditional fillings were made from silver, and less commonly, gold, and resulted in an unnatural look. Composite fillings, on the other hand, are made from a composite mixture of glass and plastic that is then customized to match the shade of the patient's natural teeth. 

Fixed Bridges

Fixed bridges are used when the patient's natural teeth on either side are strong enough to support prosthetic teeth placed between them. This option is commonly used to fill in gaps where two or more teeth have been removed.

Root Canals

Root canals are another restorative dentistry procedure designed to promote the health of natural teeth rather than removing them. During a root canal, the infected pulp on the interior of the affected tooth or teeth is suctioned out, and the area is thoroughly cleaned with an antibacterial solution.