Tooth restoration: A comprehensive introduction
Tooth restoration plays a crucial role in modern dentistry. It is used to restore chewing function as well as the aesthetics and overall oral health. At the Dr. Kolling Dental Practice, it goes without saying that we can provide detailed advice about different types of dental restorations and what they will cost. Together with you, we want to find a solution that matches your requirements.
Types of tooth restoration
There are several types of tooth restoration that can be used according to your requirements and specific dental situation:
Crowns: These are used if a tooth is no longer able to be stabilised sufficiently with fillings. They wrap around the entire visible part of the tooth to restore its stability and function.
Partial crowns: These only cover part of the tooth and are used when there is still sufficient healthy tooth structure.
Bridges: Bridges are used to fill gaps between teeth by attaching it to neighbouring teeth or implants. They usually consist of crowns that are connected to each other.
Implants: Implants are artificial roots made from titanium or ceramic, which are inserted into the jaw bone. They are used as a stable base for crowns, bridges or dentures.
Partial dentures: Partial dentures replace several missing teeth and are attached to the remaining teeth. They can be removable and are a more cost-effective alternative to bridges or implants.
Full dentures: Full dentures are used when there are no upper and/or lower teeth left. They are removable and are kept in your mouth via suction or special adhesives.
Materials for tooth restoration
The choice of materials depends on several factors, including the position of the tooth restoration in your mouth, the aesthetic requirements and costs.
Metal: Metallic materials such as gold alloys or non-precious metal alloys are extremely stable and long-lasting. They can be used for crowns and bridges for your back teeth.
Ceramic: All-ceramic materials are particularly aesthetic and biocompatible. They emulate the dental structure perfectly and are often used in visible areas.
Plastic: Plastic is primarily used for temporary solutions and when producing dentures. It is cost-effective but not as long-lasting as other materials.
Top quality and aesthetics
At the Dr. Kolling Dental Practice it is our goal to allow you to eat, speak and laugh again without any restrictions. Besides aesthetics, we are concerned with top quality and the best possible function of your tooth restoration and we use modern materials and techniques to make sure that your “new teeth” live up to our high standards. For example, we can take a picture of your teeth digitally using our intraoral scanner, without casting impressions. The image of your teeth and gums that this creates is extremely precise and enables an excellent fit for your tooth restoration.
Benefits of all-ceramic restoration
In function and aesthetics, all-ceramic is very similar to natural teeth. Benefits of this metal-free restoration material are:
Aesthetics: All-ceramic restorations are of the highest aesthetic quality. Thanks to individual colour matching, natural transparency and typical light reflection, they are remarkably similar to genuine teeth.
Biocompatibility Metal-free, completely ceramic tooth restorations are biocompatible: They are well suited to anyone who wants to safely exclude the risk of allergic reaction and there will be no interaction with any existing tooth restoration containing metal.
Hygiene: The extremely smooth surface of the ceramic hampers the adhesion of coatings on the teeth. The risk that diseases such as gum inflammation or inflammation of the dental support structure (periodontium) should occur is lower than for metal restorations.
Compatibility: All-ceramic restorations do not react with other (metallic) tooth restorations and are characterised by their low thermal conductivity.
Impression-free tooth restoration in just one visit
Thanks to modern digital technology, at the Dr. Kolling Dental Practice we can often design, produce and fit your all-ceramic treatments in just one appointment. Using an intraoral scan, your inlay or crown will be designed on a computer screen and then automatically carved out of a small ceramic block using a high-tech milling machine. You can usually go home the same day with your “new tooth”.
Production and fitting of tooth restoration
Producing and fitting your tooth restoration requires precise planning and a range of steps:
Diagnosis and planning: Your dentist will perform a comprehensive examination and create a treatment plan. This may include X-ray images and digital scans.
Production: The tooth restoration will be created in the dental lab. Modern technology such as CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) enable ultra-precise production.
Testing the fit and adjustment: Before the final insertion, the dentist will test the fit and review your tooth restoration for a precision fit and aesthetics, adapting as required.
Fitting: The tooth restoration will finally be fixed in your mouth. Fixed restorations such as crowns and bridges are attached using special cement.
An overview of the types of dental restorations
Crown and partial crown: If it is no longer possible to preserve teeth with fillings because the damage is too great, crowns are used. They recreate the stability, shape and function of teeth. The crowns are placed like a kind of cap on the ground remainder of the tooth. We can recommend metal-free, all-ceramic crowns, which also offer a perfect appearance.
Bridge: A bridge is used if a tooth or several adjacent teeth are missing. If it is not possible to attach the bridge to adjacent teeth, we can usually use implants. If only one tooth is missing, an individual implant instead of a bridge is recommended.
Partial dentures: Partial dentures can be used to fill small or large gaps in your upper or lower teeth. They are used when there are no longer enough teeth in the jaw to anchor them. As a rule, they are fastened with clips or telescopic crowns and must be removed for daily cleaning.
Full dentures: If all your teeth are missing or only a few teeth remain, full dentures can be used.
Tooth restoration care
The right care is crucial for the longevity and functionality of your tooth restoration:
Regular cleaning: Fixed tooth restorations should be thoroughly cleaned twice a day the same as for natural teeth. Special dental floss and brushes can help to clean places that are difficult to reach. Removable dentures must be cleaned on a daily basis using special denture cleaners and a denture brush. We are happy to advise on your specific situation!
Regular check-up appointments: Regular visits to the dentist like the Dr. Kolling Dental Practice, are important to check the condition of the tooth restoration, the surrounding teeth and your gums.
Costs and financing options
The costs of tooth restoration can vary greatly and depend on many factors including the type of restoration, the material used and the extent of treatment. It is important to understand the costs involved before starting treatment and to draw up a treatment plan and cost schedule that lists all the costs incurred in detail. Statutory health insurance usually meets part of the costs, particularly for necessary medical treatment. The exact amount depends on the individual ‘bonus booklet’ and your standard medical care. Private supplementary dental insurance can cover additional costs and is particularly useful for high-quality aesthetic treatment. The Dr. Kolling Dental Practice also offers instalment plans or financing options to reduce the financial burden.
Your path to a radiant smile
Tooth restoration is an essential part of dentistry and not only restores dental function, it also restores a person’s appearance and self-confidence. From crowns and bridges to implants and dentures, there are a variety of options that can be customised to work for you. Diligent care and regular check-ups are vital to ensure the longevity of your tooth restoration. Financial stress can be reduced by being transparent about the costs and through relevant insurance policies and makes it possible for everyone to have access to high-quality restorations.
Dental restoration in Munich provides a certain level of quality as the Dr. Kolling Dental Practice works closely with a specialised dental lab that is attached to our practice. This ensures accurate colour matching and saves you valuable time. Our comprehensive consultation ensures that you receive the best solution for your needs, and state-of-the-art materials and technologies, such as all-ceramic treatment and intraoral scanners, guarantee a precision fit and the best-possible aesthetics.