Restorative Dentistry

Crowns

A crown, also known as a cap, is made of porcelain or gold and may be used for the following reasons:

  • To replace old and discoloured fillings to improve the appearance of a particular tooth.
  • To protect a tooth that has been root filled.
  • To hold a denture or bridge in place.
  • To cover a tooth that has been weakened by a large amount of decay or by a very large filling.
  • Any damage where a filling will not be strong enough to support the tooth.

A crown is an artificial restoration which is fitted over an existing structure to make that tooth stronger and give the appearance of a natural tooth.

Onlays

Similar to fillings, onlays are fitted to restore a tooth’s integrity following damage or decay. However, whereas a standard filling will be applied directly into the damaged tooth, an onlay is tailor- made in the laboratory, and then cemented in place. Onlays are pre-molded to the shape of the existing tooth and cover the tooth's biting surface as well as filling in the area where a cavity was removed.

The fitting of an onlay involves removing less of the existing tooth's healthy structure compared to when a crown is fitted.

Onlays are often used where the integrity of an existing tooth is insufficient to allow a regular filling to be used, and the overall result is much stronger.

Bridges

A bridge is used to replace a missing tooth or teeth thereby improving appearance of your smile. The bridge is matched to the colour of existing natural teeth and it is fixed to the surface of the teeth next to the gap.

If left untreated, a gap left by a missing tooth will put a strain on existing natural teeth, and can also affect the way a patient bites and speaks.

Dentures

Dentures can be fitted to replace missing teeth. A partial denture is used to fill gaps caused by a few missing teeth, and is attached to existing teeth. A complete denture replaces all natural teeth. Advantages of dentures are that they improve appearance, but also provide facial support, without which, a patient can suffer with a reduced capability to eat and speak. All dentures are tailor-made to match a patient’s mouth.

The treatment advertised may not be appropriate for every patient and that it is conditional on a satisfactory assessment being carried out.

Forge House Dental will assess the patient, obtain appropriate consent, obtain a medical history and explain all the options before carrying out any work.