Chips, cracks and tooth decay are examples of some of the things that can ruin your smile. Even worse, you can lose a tooth completely after an accident or neglecting your oral health. The good news is many dental restorations are available to help you get your beautiful smile back. The advances that have been made in modern technology also make it easier to restore your smile. Here is a list of recent advances in dental restoration.
Ceramic Restorations Made By Computers
In the past, the process of getting a dental restoration required several dental visits. However, all-ceramic restorations can now be created with computers. CEREC, or chairside economical restoration of esthetic ceramics, is the most common system used to make dental restorations in as little as an hour! Using CAD or CAM technology, patients can now get durable, long-lasting, custom restorations right away.
Ceramic Material Is Stronger Than It Was in the Past
Today’s dentists are using better ceramic material in dental restorations than ever before. Many of them are using polycrystalline zirconia. Not only does this ceramic closely resemble a natural tooth, but it can last a long time. It is known for being a strong and durable material that can withstand the pressure of chewing. Additionally, dentists will not have to drill away as much of your natural tooth.
Thinner Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers have been used for several years as a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure. In order to apply a veneer, the dentist has to drill away a portion of the tooth before placing it on top. However, dentists are now able to preserve more of the tooth.
Modern veneers are made out of thinner porcelain that is just as strong as thicker versions used in the past. There are several advantages that come along with getting thinner veneers. For one, less preparation will be required. And, it’s always best to keep as much of your natural tooth as possible.
Improved Dental Implants
Interestingly, dental implants have been around since 1965, so they aren’t a new type of dental restoration. However, today’s implant materials, technology and application techniques have improved tremendously since the early days.
Similar to a natural tooth and root, dental implants are devices designed to anchor a false tooth by using titanium to attach to the jaw. In the past, dental implants did not last very long, and many people would have to get them replaced after about 10 years or so. However, today’s dental implants are designed to last for decades. In fact, there is a possibility that your dental implants won’t ever have to be replaced!
Resin Infiltration Fillings
Most dental patients have not yet heard of this type of filling because it is new and right on the cutting edge of dental restoration advancements. This method includes using a thin, perforated sheet to slide between the teeth where a dental cavity is present. A special gel is then pushed into the cavity to thoroughly clean it of bacteria. Next, the filling resin is applied to the cavity. The resin dries quickly using a special dental curing light, causing it to set and become solid between the teeth.
With resin infiltration, there is no pain to the patient and no need for anesthetics or drilling! Due to its nature, this treatment is perfect for filling cavities between the teeth but is generally not used for decay in more accessible parts of the tooth.
Stem Cell Dental Regeneration
Research is being conducted to study the use of stem cells in the field of dentistry1. Many medical professionals use stem cells to stimulate cell regrowth and healing. For dentists, stem cells may be able to help a tooth heal itself! Although there is still much research and testing to be done, the future of dentistry could involve the use of stem cell therapy to restore teeth from the inside out.
With this type of stem cell technology, it could reduce the need for root canals, fillings, teeth extractions and other types of restorative dental work because the tooth will be able to regenerate enamel and bone on its own. Although we still have to wait and see what the future of stem cell technology holds for general dentistry, there is a lot of opportunity for advancements.
Cutting-Edge Dentistry in Nevada
Our professional dentists in Nevada use the latest restorative materials and equipment to help our patients achieve the strong, healthy, beautiful smile they’ve always wanted. With locations in Las Vegas and across Northern Nevada, you’ll always find one of our dental offices near you. Contact our team to learn more about our restorative dental services or to schedule an appointment today!
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1 Zheng, C., Chen, J., Liu, S. (28 May 2019).Stem cell-based bone and dental regeneration: a view of microenvironmental modulation. Int J Oral Sci. Retrieved 28 July 2021 from https://doi.org/10.1038/s41368-019-0060-3