Questions to Ask Your Dentist About Dental Restoration Options
When it comes to dental restoration options, patients have several. While each option has its merits, some are more recommended than others for specific situations. Individuals who are interested in restoring their smiles should thoroughly discuss each method with a qualified cosmetic dentist before moving forward with treatment.
Questions patients should ask during a dental restoration consultation
Before undergoing cosmetic dental work, a patient goes through an initial consultation. As well as preparing the patient for the upcoming treatment, this is the time a dentist can address all of the patient's questions and concerns. When exploring dental restoration options, patients should ask these questions:
1. What treatments are available?
There are several treatment options available for restoring chipped, broken or otherwise damaged teeth. Which a person chooses depends on the dentist’s qualifications as well as professional recommendations. Common dental treatments for restoring smiles include fillings, bridges, crowns, bonding, dental implants and veneers.
2. How long will the process take?
How long it takes to restore a patient’s smile depends on the treatment involved and whether it is direct or indirect. A direct restoration is one that a dentist can complete in just a single office visit. Such treatments are possible if the patient’s tooth has minimal damage. These types of restorations are used to treat cavities and some minor chips.
An indirect restoration is necessary when there is not enough tooth structure remaining to support a restoration. These restorations take two or several office visits to complete, during which the dentist builds up the tooth to support a dental restoration.
3. Are there any risks that come with cosmetic dental procedures?
As with any type of medical or dental treatment, the procedure a dentist recommends is likely to come with some risks. However, it is a dentist’s job to inform patients of the potential drawbacks of each restoration option, and to advise candidates on what they can do to minimize risk.
4. How much will a restoration cost?
There are dental restoration options for every budget. For instance, fillings and bonding are some of the simplest and therefore generally lower-cost restoration options. Veneers and implants are more involved.
5. Are there alternatives to the recommended procedure?
Dental technology has vastly improved over the past several decades, allowing for a wide range of restoration options. If a patient is not satisfied with the recommended procedure, the dental professional can recommend others to achieve the desired effect.
6. How long will the results last?
The longevity of the results depends on a number of factors, beginning with which procedure a patient chooses. For instance, implants can last for a lifetime if a patient properly cares for them. Veneers can last for up to 25 years, while crowns, fillings and bonding can last for up to a decade.
Conclusion
Dental restoration procedures can drastically improve the appearance of a person’s smile. Patients interested in cosmetic dentistry should consult with a dentist regarding all possible restoration options.
Request an appointment here: https://lakenormandentistry.com or call Lake Norman Dentistry at (704) 895-3858 for an appointment in our Huntersville office.
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