Dental Restorations New Rochelle, NY
If you are struggling with teeth that are missing, cracked, chipped, or in need of replacement, a dentist can help by making repairs via a process known as a dental restoration. There are many different forms of dental restoration, so it is important to be aware of all of the options available to you before deciding how you would like to restore the health of your teeth.
For more information about what restorative dental procedures might be best for your particular situation, our team at Zen Dentistry Westchester in New Rochelle is here to help. Call us at (914) 826-8363 to learn more.
What is Dental Restoration?
A dental restoration is any procedure that can help return a damaged tooth to its most optimal and functional state. Restorative dental treatments can improve the structure and integrity of teeth while preserving their natural state. Dental restorations are often an effective option to repair teeth with compromised structure or function due to decay, trauma, or failed previous restorations. Depending on the type of restoration performed, a previously damaged tooth may be entirely fixed or restored. Although the focus of restorative procedures is not aesthetic, teeth often do appear more aesthetically pleasing following a procedure due to the mere nature of the repair.
Dental restorations come in two varieties: direct and indirect. According to the American Dental Association, it is possible to complete direct restoratives in a single visit. However, indirect restoratives require multiple visits since professionals generally create them in an outside lab.
“Depending on the type of restoration performed, a previously damaged tooth may be able to be entirely fixed or restored.”
Understanding Direct Dental Restoration
A direct dental restoration is a dental repair completed within the confines of the mouth at the point of care. This means no assembly or manufacturing outside of the mouth is necessary. The restorative work is performed by Zen Dentistry Westchester directly onto the tooth or teeth in question.
A more familiar name for direct dental restoration is a "filling." During the filling procedure, the dentist uses dental material to repair a damaged tooth and then hardens the material with a special type of light to completely seal the area off and prevent further damage or decay. This restores the tooth to its full function, and a filling can often closely mimic the appearance of the original tooth.
Types of dental filling materials include:
- Amalgam: This filling material is a metal alloy, and it is considered to be the “gold standard.” Amalgams are well-suited for teeth that bear a heavy load.
- Resin Composite: This is a filling made of a combination of organic and inorganic substances that provide a tooth-colored alternative to amalgams.
- Glass Ionomer: This is a filling that can be applied quickly and is less susceptible to moisture, making it ideal for pediatric patients.
“A more familiar name for a direct dental restoration is a ‘filling.'”
Indirect Dental Restoration
Indirect dental restorations are fabricated outside of the mouth before being placed inside the mouth at the treatment site. These customized tooth replacements include:
- Bridges: Bridges restore gaps from one or more missing teeth to mimic the look, shape, and function of natural teeth.
- Crowns: A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that restores a tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance.
- Implants: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots placed to support replacement teeth so they can feel, look, and function naturally.
- Inlays: Inlays mold to the cusps areas and replace minor tooth structure loss due to decay.
- Onlays: Onlays, also called partial crowns, are more extensive than inlays and can cover one or more cusps to repair more extensive tooth decay.
- Veneers: Veneers are thin coverings applied to the front, visible part of the tooth to restore stained, chipped, or worn-down teeth.
“Indirect dental restorations are fabricated outside of the mouth before being placed inside the mouth at the treatment site.”
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When Dental Restorations are Performed
Patients who have teeth that have been compromised or weakened may benefit from dental restoration. A dental restoration can help reinforce teeth that have been damaged by:
- Decay
- Chipping
- Fracturing
- Wear from tooth grinding
Even if a tooth has a cavity that is imperceptible, and the tooth's function is still largely intact, it is important to have a dental restoration performed. This is because repairing the tooth can help stop decay in its tracks or prevent further damage from occurring. Generally, direct restorations are performed on teeth that have less damage. Indirect restorations, such as onlays or crowns, are more appropriate for teeth that need more support.
“Even if a tooth has a cavity that is imperceptible, and the function of the tooth is still largely intact, it is important to have a dental restoration performed.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is an indirect dental restoration?
Q. Who is the right patient for a dental restoration?
Q. What is dental restoration?
Q. What happens during a direct dental restoration?
Q. When would I need a dental restoration?
People Also Ask
Q. What are the benefits of restoration dentistry?
Q. What methods are available to repair a chipped tooth?
Q. What factors should someone consider when looking for a dentist who is the right fit?
Q. What dental issues can a smile makeover improve?
Dental Restoration Candidacy
The right patients for a dental restoration procedure are people with structural tooth damage. Our dentist will consider several factors when determining the right dental restoration treatment for a patient. These factors include the type, extent, and location of the damage.
These procedures are best for patients with cavities or other localized dental problems. Patients who do not have enough supportive tooth structure to restore a tooth properly are good candidates for indirect restorations. Patients with more extensive tooth damage may require indirect dental restorations to provide additional strength.
“These procedures are best for patients with cavities or other localized dental problems.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is a dental amalgam safe?
A. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dental organizations worldwide agree that amalgams are safe restorative dental materials. Over the years, there have been reports of various negative health effects associated with amalgam, but many scientific reviews have reaffirmed their safety.
Q. What are all the types of dental restorations?
A. Dental restorations are any treatments done to restore the function and/or appearance of the teeth. Restorations can include fillings, crowns, bridges, dental implants, inlays and onlays, and composite or dental bonding.
Q. How common are crowns?
A. If you are considering getting a crown placed, or your dentist has recommended one, you are not alone. According to the American Academy of Dentistry Journal, about 40 million crowns are placed each year. Dentists of all types are generally familiar with the procedure.
Q. What is the difference between an inlay and onlay?
A. While inlays and onlays are both types of indirect dental restorations, they differ in size. An inlay is created to fill in a tooth cavity that occurs between tooth cusps. An onlay is created to fill in a tooth cavity that includes one or more tooth cusps, so by definition, it is more expansive than an inlay.
Q. What are the steps involved in amalgam dental filling?
A. During an amalgam dental filling, your dentist will numb you first to make sure that you do not feel discomfort during the procedure. Then, your dentist will use an instrument such as a drill or laser to remove any decayed area. Your dentist will test to ensure that all of the decay has been removed and clean out the debris. Lastly, your dentist will apply the filling material and polish the tooth.
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Dental Terminology
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
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We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the New Rochelle, NY area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, Implant Supported Dentures, Dentures, Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges.
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