When you have a tooth that is broken,Ð’?decayed, chipped, or cracked, dental treatment is available to bring your smile back to full function. Unhealthy teeth hinder your ability to speak and eat and may even lower your quality of life. Varying types of dental restorations recommended by yourÐ’?Knoxville, TN dentist, Dr. Jim Erpenbach, are contingent on your specific dental needs. Two terms you may hear in a situation of a damaged grin areÐ’?direct tooth restorationÐ’?andÐ’?indirect tooth restoration.
Direct Restorations
A simple case of tooth decay will generally allow aÐ’?direct tooth restoration. What does this mean exactly? Basically, your cavity will be cleaned of all germs, prepared for the procedure, and filled with a biocompatible material (usually composite resin, which is tooth-colored). Direct means that your entire procedure is completed from start to finish in a single office visit. The best way to ensure that a direct tooth restoration is all you ever need is to regularly visit Dr. Erpenbach. Our dental team uses an approach that is conservative with the goal of keeping your appointments to simple cleanings and exams as much as possible.
Indirect Restorations
Sometimes tooth decay or damage could require more than just a filling. In order to regain strength and function, dental crowns, onlays, and inlays qualify as indirect restorations.�Crowns�cover over an entire chewing surface of a tooth, all the way down to the gumline. Inlays consist of tooth-colored material that is placed within the cusps of an infected tooth. Onlays cover the outer tip of one or more cusps and may also include some of the chewing surfaces. The reason crowns, onlays, and inlays are considered “indirect” is that they usually require multiple appointments in order for the restoration fabrication from an outside ceramist’s lab to be completed.
Dental Restorations from Knoxville, TN Dentist
If you would like to schedule an appointment with ourÐ’?37919 dentist office, you can call 865-584-8630. YourÐ’?biomimetic family dentistÐ’?in Knoxville welcomes patients from Knoxville and the greater metropolitan area.
