Major restorative dental care covers procedures that go beyond root canals and fillings. Most dental procedures that deal with the replacement of missing teeth are usually classified under major restorative procedures.

Understanding the difference between a major and minor dental procedure is important when dealing with insurance. This is because insurance companies generally classify their dental coverage into three classes: Preventative and diagnostic care, Basic restorative care, and Major restorative care.

Meanwhile, listed below are some of the most common major restorative dental procedures available.

Dental Crown

This procedure is ideal for patients in need of replacement of a fractured filling, people with broken teeth or cavities, and protection of a widely decayed tooth. A crown is cap-shaped like a tooth. The crown is placed on the tooth in question and covers it completely.

A crown helps align your dentures and prevents your tooth from shaking or changing positions. It completely covers the tooth thereby enhancing the shape and appearance of a misshapen tooth or an awfully discolored tooth.

In the past, crowns were mostly made with metals like silver and gold because of their high durability and strength. But today, most professional dental clinics like Family Dental Station - Glendale advise their patients to go for porcelain, mainly because it blends in with the natural tooth color.

Bridges

A bridge comprises an artificial tooth which is usually suspended between two crowns, natural teeth or dental implant. The two crowns are placed on each end and serve as an anchor, with an artificial tooth or teeth which connect(s) the crowns, thereby filling the space in between. It is one of the fastest means of filling in a missing tooth or tooth.

A bridge prevents your other teeth from shifting out of place. There are different types of bridges, some of which include:

• Implant-supported bridges: As the name implies, these are bridges that do not have crowns, instead, they stay in the mouth through dental implants.

• Cantilever bridges: These are bridges with just one crown. The one crown single-handedly serves as the anchor on the side of the bridge.

• Maryland bonded bridges: Instead of crowns, these are bonded to the natural teeth using porcelain wings or metals.

Inlay and Onlay

Dental inlay and onlay are usually made of a solid material. Although they are very similar to each other, they still have some slight differences. They are both molded to fill in cavities and are especially used when a cavity is too large for a filling. An inlay is used to fill in cavities but it does not expand over the cusps of the tooth.

An onlay however is molded to fill in larger cavities, and thus extends over the cusps of a tooth. Onlays and inlays can be made of ceramic (porcelain), gold, or composite materials.

However, ceramic is the most commonly used material today. Onlays and inlays can greatly increase the strength of a tooth. They are stain-resistant and are made to fit exactly with a patient's tooth shape, color, and structure. They generally improve the appearance of the teeth.

Dentures

This is mainly for patients with missing teeth and enveloping tissues—Dentures offer a replacement for them. Dentures can be categorized into two; partial denture and complete denture. Partial dentures are done when some natural teeth are remaining. The denture is attached to the natural teeth by metal clasps. Complete dentures are done when no natural teeth remain - It replaces all of the teeth.

Complete Dentures can also be grouped into two:

• Conventional denture: A conventional denture is inserted months after the remaining teeth are removed and the enveloping tissues have healed. It is removable.

• Immediate denture: An immediate denture is inserted immediately after the last of the teeth are removed. It is also removable.

Dental implant

Dental implants are placed in, on, or above the jawbone. They are designed to fuse with the bone and match your natural teeth.

Dental implants feel, look, and function like your own teeth. And because of that, living with it is very easy.

A dental implant allows you to speak, and smile, confidently without fear of your teeth slipping or shifting. It also allows you to eat and chew comfortably, and without pain.

They last for a long time. If maintained well, they can last for a lifetime. To discover how these innovations can benefit your oral health, read more on dental technology services offered by leading clinics. You may also consult with a professional dentist to determine the best major restorative procedure for your dental concerns.

If you are located in Toccoa, GA, and are considering getting dental implants, you should know that there are many options available to you. Thus, when looking for the best dental implants in Toccoa, GA it’s important to do your research and find a qualified dentist who specializes in dental implants. A skilled and experienced dentist will be able to guide you through the entire process, from consultation to surgery and aftercare.

Other types of major restorative dental procedures include; Wisdom tooth extraction, oral implant, complex oral surgery, etc.

In case you are planning to go for any of these dental procedures, always make sure you register with a good and professional dental clinic. Doing otherwise will be putting your dental health at major risk.