Tooth Restorations in Palm Beach Gardens

What are tooth restorations?

At Drs. Lerner & Lemongello’s office, we know that not everyone will be able to take care of their teeth to the same degree. In fact, we have taken note that many people in the Palm Beach area in Florida seem to be having increased incidences of cavities and tooth loss. To be able to manage the condition and carry out oral rehabilitation, our team has made tooth restorations more accessible to people who have been stricken with the effects of tooth decay. We want the patient to be able to regain the functionality and structural integrity of the mouth.

Most common types of tooth restorations

Based on collective data, the most common type of tooth restoration is the use of composite fillings or tooth colored fillings to restore decayed areas of the tooth. They are made up of resin and porcelain materials that very closely match the natural color and texture of the patient’s teeth.

Benefits of tooth colored fillings

Although there are other materials that are being used in dentistry to fill cavities, tooth colored fillings are the preferred choice, not only because they mimic natural teeth, but also because they are safe to use. They are able to adapt very well to the oral environment where they can take on the same type of rigorous pressure and stress that natural teeth do. Also, because of their similar composition, these kinds of fillings are able to create stronger bonds with existing teeth, making them more efficient in providing the tooth with protection from the further development of cavities, preventing breakage, and insulating the tooth from excessive temperature changes. Tooth colored fillings will always give patients a better result compared to other compatible materials.

What are Direct and Indirect Dental Restorations?

Direct restorations are repairs that are performed fully in the mouth. A dental filling is an example of a direct restoration. In this instance, the dentist places a material such as composite resin into a prepared area of a tooth. The material is then hardened to fortify the tooth’s structure. Indirect restorations are made in a dental lab, fashioned to mimic the natural shape of your tooth. Dental crowns, veneers, inlays, and onlays are all examples of indirect restorations. Indirect restorations typically require more preparation and time for fabrication. However, they may also last longer than the average direct restoration.

Your dentist determines the type of restoration that is most appropriate for you based on your personal preferences as well as the type of injury your tooth has sustained. 

What’s the Difference Between Inlays and Onlays?

What differentiates an inlay from an onlay is the size and location of the restoration. Both of these restorations are types of indirect fillings. They are made in a lab using a model of the damaged tooth. Then, they are bonded to the tooth to restore optimal structural integrity and chewing strength. Inlays and onlays are primarily made for molars or premolars when the damage that exists is too extensive for a filling to repair but not significant enough to warrant a dental crown. 

Dental inlays and onlays are often made of ceramic or porcelain. This enables the restoration to blend in with the tooth. An inlay is made to fit into the chewing surface of a tooth. Conversely, an onlay is made to fit over the chewing surface as well as one or more of the cusps or corners of the tooth.

Are There Different Types of Crowns?

Dental crowns may be made of a variety of different materials. Historically, they have been made using a metal alloy. For better aesthetics, metal crowns were fused with a porcelain overlay that closely resembled natural enamel, minus the translucency. Now, all-ceramic and all-porcelain crowns are much more common. Contrary to the standard perception of these materials, dental porcelain and ceramic are quite strong and durable. The absence of metal makes them an appealing choice both for their cosmetic appearance and also for biocompatibility. A metal-free restoration is very unlikely to cause allergic reactions or irritation to surrounding tissues. 

What Are the Risks of Having Tooth Restorations?

Having a restoration is much better than leaving a damaged tooth vulnerable to further injury. When your dentist places your restoration, it will be necessary to take very good care of it. If you bite or chew hard objects using a restoration like a crown or onlay, you risk breaking it or causing it to become loose and unstable. If you do not brush and floss your teeth daily as recommended, you risk the development of cavity-causing plaque around your restoration. When Drs. Lerner & Lemongello place restorations, they discuss how to apply appropriate care that will foster lasting rewards from the treatment. 

Patient Testimonial

“I have been a long time patient of Dr. Lerner and Dr. Lemongello’s practice. Everyone on their staff is so very friendly, courteous, and personable. One thing I really like about them is that they always are on time. There is no long waiting. The appointment time is the time that they see you. I really appreciate that in my busy day.”
– Suzanne S.

Tooth colored fillings vs. Metal fillings

During previous years, most people thought that getting fillings made of hard materials like metal would be able to give the teeth unyielding and rigorous protection from cavities. What they didn’t know was that these materials could be detrimental to the tooth’s structure and only worsen the deterioration by creating more cracks in the enamel. With tooth colored fillings, this problem is efficiently averted. Because they are highly compatible with the tooth’s natural structure, they have been found to be the perfect structural supplement to support teeth from the inside out. Although they are not as hard as metal fillings, their similarity to the organic composition of actual teeth allow them to create stronger bonds that can maintain structural stability for a very long time, sometimes lasting up to 10 years.

Schedule a Consultation in Palm Beach Gardens

If you are interested in getting composite tooth colored fillings and living in the Palm Beach area in Florida, call our office at (561) 627-9000 to schedule a personal consultation today to find out what these tooth restorations can do for you. You can also fill out an online form for our office to review before reaching out to you.

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