Dental Restorations

Why Are Dental Restorations Important?

Tooth replacement plays a vital role in everyday life. Replacing missing teeth is not only a matter of aesthetics but also of essential functionality. One of the most important aspects is maintaining proper chewing ability, which is crucial for healthy digestion. Without full chewing capacity, food is not broken down adequately, potentially leading to long-term digestive issues.

Missing teeth can also affect speech clarity, making pronunciation more difficult and causing communication challenges. Naturally, the aesthetic impact of missing teeth is significant as well, since gaps can disrupt facial harmony, reduce self-confidence, and even lead to psychological discomfort.

Why Should Missing Teeth Be Replaced Promptly?

Whether the missing tooth is at the front or in the molar region, an irregular or incomplete bite surface places excessive strain on the remaining teeth during chewing. Over time, this can lead to tooth wear or damage.

Additionally, in areas where teeth are missing, the jawbone gradually deteriorates due to lack of stimulation. Healthy neighboring teeth may also drift or tilt into the gap, creating further dental complications.Timely tooth replacement helps prevent these issues and restores the harmonious function of the oral cavity.

Tooth Replacement Options

Modern dentistry offers a variety of solutions for replacing missing teeth or tooth segments. The most commonly used options include:

• Fixed restorations:
  • Inlays and onlays
  • Dental crowns
  • Dental bridges
  • Fixed dentures
• Removable restorations:
  • Partial removable dentures
  • Full removable dentures
• Dental implants

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are used to restore small to medium-sized cavities or defects in a tooth that cannot be effectively repaired with a standard filling. These restorations fit precisely into the cavity of the tooth and can be made from various materials such as gold, porcelain, or composite resin.

• Inlay – restores the inner portion of the tooth.
• Onlay – covers not only the inner surface but also the outer chewing surface of the tooth.

How Inlays and Onlays Are Made

The process of creating an inlay or onlay usually requires several steps and multiple visits:

1. Removal of decayed or damaged tooth structure
2. Taking an impression of the tooth
3. Fabrication of the inlay or onlay in a dental laboratory
4. Final bonding of the restoration to the remaining healthy tooth structure

Modern Alternative: Biomimetic Restorations

Today, in many cases, traditional inlays and onlays are replaced with fiber-reinforced composite fillings, also known as biomimetic restorations.

This modern technique is faster, more cost-effective, and preserves more natural tooth structure, since it does not require unnecessary grinding of the healthy tooth. It also offers high strength and durability while maintaining the natural look of the tooth.

Dental Crowns

As the name suggests, a dental crown is designed to replace or cover the visible part of the tooth above the gumline. A crown is recommended when the tooth can no longer be restored with a filling, inlay, or onlay after decayed tissue has been removed. Crowns are also commonly used to strengthen root canal-treated teeth, to close gaps (diastema), or to correct certain aesthetic concerns.

Crowns can be placed on a heavily damaged natural tooth structure or, in cases of total tooth loss, on a dental implant. When placed on a natural tooth, the crown is cemented onto the prepared tooth stump. In the case of implants, the crown is fixed to the abutment with a screw-retained solution.

Materials for Dental Crowns

• Zirconia crowns – highly durable and natural-looking
• All-ceramic crowns – provide excellent aesthetics and biocompatibility

At our clinic, we exclusively use zirconia and all-ceramic crowns, as we no longer work with metal-ceramic solutions.

How a Dental Crown Is Made

The process is similar to that of inlays and onlays. After preparing the tooth, an impression is taken. Based on this, the dental laboratory fabricates the crown, which is then securely fixed to the tooth or implant.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration consisting of a minimum of three connected crowns, designed to replace one or more missing teeth. The bridge is anchored to the neighboring abutment teeth or dental implants.

During the procedure, the abutment teeth are carefully prepared (shaped) so that the bridge can fit securely over them. This stable fixation restores both natural chewing function and aesthetic appearance.

Types of Dental Bridges

• Traditional dental bridge – supported by natural abutment teeth
• Implant-supported bridge – anchored on dental implants
• Full-arch bridge (circular bridge) – a fixed restoration for the entire dental arch, consisting of multiple connected crowns and pontics

How a Dental Bridge Is Made

The process differs slightly from single crowns. First, the abutment teeth on either side of the gap are prepared. Impressions are then taken, which serve as the basis for the dental laboratory to fabricate the bridge. Finally, the bridge is securely bonded to the abutment teeth, restoring both function and appearance.

Fixed Dentures

For patients suffering from complete tooth loss, a fixed denture provides a reliable and comfortable solution. A fixed denture consists of a base structure with artificial teeth attached, which are securely anchored to the mouth using dental implants.Thanks to implant support, this type of denture offers exceptional stability and comfort, allowing patients to chew, speak, and smile with confidence. It is also an excellent choice for those who feel uncomfortable with the idea of wearing a removable prosthesis.

Partial Removable Dentures

Partial dentures are recommended for patients who are missing one or several teeth but still have some of their own natural teeth remaining. These dentures consist of a base plate covered with artificial gum tissue and replacement teeth, which are secured to the existing teeth with metal clasps.

Partial dentures can be made of acrylic or a metal framework, the latter offering a more durable and stable solution.

Full Removable Dentures

Full dentures are used in cases of complete tooth loss. Like partial dentures, they are made up of a base plate with artificial teeth, but instead of attaching to existing teeth, they rest directly on the palate (upper jaw) or jawbone ridge(lower jaw).Most full dentures are made of lightweight acrylic, which ensures both comfort and a natural appearance.

Dental Implants

Among the most modern and advanced solutions in dentistry are dental implants, recommended for patients seeking a stable, long-lasting, and natural-looking restoration.

When Are Implants Recommended?

• In cases of end gaps, where bridges cannot be placed
• When adjacent healthy teeth should not be ground down for a bridge
• When multiple teeth in a row are missing and a bridge is not feasible
• In cases of significant tooth loss or complete edentulism (full tooth loss)

Structure of a Dental Implant Restoration

A dental implant restoration consists of three parts:

1. The implant (artificial root) placed into the jawbone
2. The abutment, which connects the implant to the crown
3. The crown (prosthetic tooth), which replaces the visible part of the missing tooth

This system provides stability and function similar to that of a natural tooth.

Implant-Supported Prostheses

Dental implants can also be used to stabilize removable dentures, providing greater comfort and retention. In this case, partial or full dentures are attached to implants placed in the jaw.For fixed restorations, implants can replace missing teeth that would normally support crowns or bridges. Single crowns and smaller bridges are usually cemented onto implants, while larger bridges are often screw-retained. The latter allows the entire restoration to be easily removed and reattached if necessary, ensuring flexibility and long-term maintenance.

Book an Appointment

Replacing missing teeth as soon as possible is essential for maintaining the healthy function of the oral cavity and for preventing further dental problems. To determine the most suitable tooth replacement option, we recommend visiting our clinic, where we will find the best solution together based on your individual needs and dental condition.Timely tooth replacement helps restore harmony to your teeth and improves overall quality of life. Don’t wait book your consultation today!