What are Inlays and Onlays

Dental restorations such as inlays and onlays are an essential part of modern dentistry. When a tooth is damaged due to decay or trauma, it often requires a restoration to restore its function and aesthetics. Inlays and onlays are two types of indirect restorations that are used to repair a damaged tooth. These restorations are custom-made in a dental laboratory and are designed to fit precisely into the cavity of the tooth. Inlays and onlays are often considered an alternative to traditional dental fillings and are commonly used for restoring molars and premolars that have suffered moderate to severe damage. They offer excellent durability, strength, and aesthetic value, making them an ideal choice for patients who want to preserve their natural teeth.

Are Inlays Better Than Fillings?

Similar to the ongoing debate between onlays and crowns, determining whether inlays or fillings are better involves considering multiple factors. Generally speaking, inlays are superior because they can fill larger cavities and are more durable than fillings. The amalgam in fillings can expand and contract due to temperature changes, which can cause cracking in the filling or even the tooth itself. Inlays are custom-made from an impression, which allows them to fit perfectly into the cavity and strengthen the tooth. In some cases, they can increase the tooth’s ability to handle up to 75% more chewing force than before the decay.

However, fillings have their own benefits for many patients, particularly the speed at which they can be placed. In contrast to inlays, fillings can typically be completed in just one visit, as the materials are readily available in the office. They are also less expensive and more widely covered by insurance. Ultimately, while inlays may perform better than fillings, their higher cost reflects their superior performance.

What is a full mouth restoration?

Full mouth restoration is a comprehensive dental treatment that involves restoring or replacing all of the teeth in the upper and lower jaws. This treatment is designed for individuals who have multiple dental problems, including missing, damaged, or decayed teeth, gum disease, bite problems, and other oral health issues. Full mouth restoration is a customized treatment plan that may involve a combination of dental procedures, such as dental implants, crowns, bridges, veneers, gum treatments, and orthodontics. The goal of full mouth restoration is to restore the health, function, and appearance of the entire mouth, improving the patient’s oral health and quality of life. If you have multiple dental issues that are impacting your smile, Full Mouth Restoration may be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Are you a candidate for a full mouth restoration?

Patients who suffer from multiple dental issues such as chipped or missing teeth, cracked or broken crowns, severe decay, enamel breakdown, and stains may benefit from a full mouth restoration. This comprehensive treatment approach aims to restore the function, health, and aesthetic of the entire mouth.

Dental issues such as missing or damaged teeth can make it difficult to chew, speak, and even smile with confidence. A full mouth restoration can address these issues and restore the ability to perform basic oral functions with ease. It can also enhance the appearance of your teeth and boost your self-esteem.

Moreover, some patients choose to undergo a full mouth restoration to correct crooked or misaligned teeth without undergoing orthodontic treatment. This is especially beneficial for those who may not have the time or patience for traditional braces or aligners.

If you’re experiencing dental pain or discomfort, difficulty eating or speaking, or if you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, schedule a consult with our Central Falls dentist to determine if a full mouth restoration is right for you. We will evaluate your oral health and create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your individual needs and goals.

What are dentures?

Dentures are dental prostheses designed to replace natural teeth that have been lost or removed. These artificial teeth and gums are custom-made by your dentist to fit your mouth and restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Depending on your needs, dentures can be full or partial, replacing either all teeth on the top or bottom gum line or just a few missing ones. Your dentures will be tailored to fit your unique mouth shape and color-matched to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, ensuring a natural-looking and comfortable fit.

What Should I Expect When Being Fitted for Dentures?

In the event that you have damaged or decayed teeth that need to be extracted, our dentist will first perform the necessary extractions before taking a mold of your remaining gum structure and the roof of your mouth. This mold serves as a blueprint for the fabrication of your dentures, ensuring that they fit comfortably and securely.

Once the mold is taken, it will be sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians will create your customized dentures. 

When the completed dentures are ready, you will return to our dental office in Central Falls for a final fitting. During this appointment, our dentist will check the fit and adjust the dentures if necessary to ensure that they are comfortable and secure. We will also provide instructions on how to properly care for your new dentures to ensure their longevity and performance.

It’s important to keep in mind that adjusting to new dentures can take time and patience. You may experience some discomfort or soreness as your mouth adjusts to the dentures, but this is normal and should subside within a few weeks. As you become more accustomed to your dentures, you’ll be able to enjoy the many benefits they offer, including improved chewing ability, clearer speech, and a restored sense of confidence. With proper care and maintenance, your dentures can provide you with a functional and natural-looking set of teeth for many years to come.

What are All-on-4 dental implants?

The All-on-4 dental implant technique, also referred to as full arch implants, comprises four titanium posts strategically implanted along the arch of the jaw and connected to a denture plate. Its primary goal is to replace a complete arch of teeth, restoring the functionality of your bite and the aesthetic of your smile.

This method is an exceptional solution for missing teeth that entails a minor two-hour surgery per arch. The All-on-4 system eliminates the necessity for bone grafts to support the implant as the dentist can position the posts in the most compact part of the jaw. It reduces chair time and recovery time as the whole process, from post insertion to denture fitting, is accomplished in one session, allowing you to leave with a brand new smile on the same day.

Who is a candidate for All-on-4?

If you’re wondering whether full mouth implants are a viable option for your dental concerns, the answer is yes! Here are some common situations where we may recommend this treatment:

• Your missing, failing, or damaged teeth severely affect your daily life, eating habits, and self-confidence when smiling.
• You’ve tried dentures, but they don’t fit properly, cause discomfort, and risk embarrassing accidents.
• Conventional implants aren’t an option for you due to reduced bone density resulting from tooth loss or gum disease.

UNDERSTANDING TOOTH EXTRACTIONS: WHAT TO EXPECT

Periodontal disease is often the leading cause of tooth extraction, and if needed, there are several ways that we can go about the procedure. First and foremost, we will administer a numbing agent to the specific area to minimize any discomfort you may feel. Though you may experience slight pressure during the process, you can otherwise expect a comfortable and relaxed experience. If the tooth has matured and emerged from the gum line, our dentist at Blackstone Dental may use specialized dental instruments to gently wiggle the tooth and remove it from the socket. The area will then be thoroughly cleaned, and gauze will be applied to prevent bleeding during the recovery period. However, if the tooth is impacted or still beneath the gum line, such as with wisdom teeth, oral and maxillofacial surgery may be necessary. During this procedure, we will create an incision in the gums and gently lift the flap to access the impacted tooth. If needed, we may have to remove any bone or tissue that is covering the tooth. In some cases, we may need to break the tooth into smaller pieces for removal. Once the tooth has been successfully removed, we will clean the area thoroughly before placing the flap back down and suturing it in place. Following tooth extraction and bone grafting, a blood clot will form in the socket, and we will use gauze to control any bleeding.

Importance Of Replacing The Missing Tooth

The significance of replacing a missing tooth cannot be overstated. When a tooth is extracted, the resulting gap can cause neighboring teeth to shift out of place, resulting in misalignment, difficulties with chewing, or jaw-joint issues. Additionally, these misaligned teeth are more challenging to clean, increasing the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, or even further tooth loss. It is therefore crucial to fill the gap with a dental appliance such as a dental bridge, removable partial denture, or dental implant to prevent these issues from occurring.