Restorations and Aesthetics

What is Dentistry?

Dentistry is one of the most common specialties in Dental Medicine. This is because it deals with the most common oral disease in our society: dental caries (cavities). Additionally, Dentistry is responsible for resolving trauma cases.
The Procedures in Dentistry focus on dental restoration. These treatments are necessary when there are cavities, fractures, or alterations in shape and size, enamel development defects, or occlusal adjustments. Thus, Dentistry is responsible for restoring the original shape and color of teeth.

Pathologies Treated by Dentistry

• Dental decay: Dental decay is a bacterial disease that can arise due to various factors. Initially, it is asymptomatic, making it more dangerous. Over time, more tooth structure is lost, and the symptoms worsen. Besides the aesthetic compromise, advanced dental caries cause pain, teeth sensitivity, and can lead to infections with pus formation. Dentistry treats teeth with primary or secondary caries.
• Dental Trauma: Traumas are defined by the loss of tooth structure caused by micro or macro trauma. Microtraumas are associated with excessive occlusal forces, common in patients with severe dental crowding. Macrotraumas, or external forces, are a consequence from accidents as car accidents, falls, or sports disasters. Dentistry treats fractured teeth in these cases.
  Besides carious lesions and trauma results, in Dentistry the Dentist also:
• Closes diastemas (small gaps between teeth);
• Restores teeth with endodontic treatment;
• Treats teeth whose shape displeases patients (small shape alterations);
• Increases bite for occlusal stabilization.

Types of Dental Treatments

The restoration and/or improvement of functional and aesthetic dental characteristics involve direct and indirect procedures. The type of restoration depends on the existing dental structure and the tooth’s position in the arch, impacting the occlusal forces it withstands.

• Direct Restorations — in composite resins that mimic tooth color, with high mechanical and aesthetic performance — are exclusively performed in-office by the Dentist. The problem associated with the tooth is resolved in a single session.
• Indirect Restorations — For more extreme cases where teeth are heavily destroyed, medical indication for an indirect restoration, requiring laboratory work, is given. This procedure requires at least 2 appointments.

Steps of Dental Restoration

Learn the steps that transform diseased teeth into healthier and more aesthetic versions.

1. Tooth Preparation: Administration of local or locoregional anesthesia. Preparation of the tooth by isolating it and removing decayed tissue if present, creating the shape of the dental cavity.
2. Restoration of Tooth Structure: Preparation of the dental substrate and application of the adhesive technique to reconstruct the lost structure with definitive composite resins. This procedure restores the functional and aesthetic anatomy of the tooth. Color selection is based on the color of the tooth being treated.
3. Conclusional: Polishing and occlusal adjustment. Note: In some cases, depending on the proximity to the tooth’s pulp structure, a pulp protection and/or repair technique may be performed.

Aftercare

Do not chew food while under anesthesia effect;
Avoid hot beverages while under anesthesia effect;
Avoid foods and drinks with high pigmentation potential immediately after restoration.

Symptoms

After the treatment, it’s natural to have some symptoms. Some are temporary, others may require more attention. Here’s what to expect:

It Will Pass:

• Some sensitivity to cold during the initial period;
• Sensitive and sore gums;
• The color of the restorations takes about 1-2 weeks to stabilize, allowing for complete rehydration of the dental structure.

Contact Your Dentist:

• Feeling pain while chewing is normal for the first 2 days. Depending on the anesthetic technique, the dental ligament may perceive inflammation. However, if this persists beyond this period, it’s imperative to contact your Dentist for occlusal adjustment.
• For restorations on front teeth, if you notice anything unusual in speaking or chewing functions, contact your Dentist. These teeth are crucial functional guides, and proper adaptation and occlusal stability are essential.

Signs of Irreversible Inflammation- Contact Your Dentist Urgently:

• Sensitivity and/or pain to heat;
• Throbbing pain, like a heartbeat;
• Spontaneous sharp pain that lingers;
• Pain when lying down.