How Long Will My Dental Restorations Take

How Long Will My Dental Restorations Take from All Smiles Dental Center in San Antonio, TXAny dental work that is done to repair missing or damaged teeth are types of dental restorations, which can include anything from minor fillings to full implants. How long these restorations take depends entirely on what kind of work is necessary. Some procedures can be performed in a single short appointment, while others might be a long process and require multiple appointments.

Lengths of procedures for dental restorations

Because there are so many different types of restorative dental work, it is helpful to know what common procedures are and how long each type of restoration can take. Here is a list of some of the most common dental restorations and what patients can expect from each one.

Fillings

The most common type of restoration, dentists use fillings to repair dental caries which have not progressed too far. Fillings can be made of tooth-colored composite, silver amalgam or gold. During a checkup, dentists may spot a cavity on an X-ray or a physical examination of the tooth. A follow-up appointment to fill the cavity can then be scheduled for a later date. A dentist may fill multiple cavities during this follow-up appointment. It is generally a fairly quick process that needs only the one appointment to complete.

Crowns

A step up from fillings, crowns are essentially tooth-shaped covers or caps that are placed over damaged teeth to restore their proper function and appearance. The dentist may need to reduce and shape the original tooth so that the crown fits properly. In many instances the placement of a crown can take several appointments. Molds or impressions of the tooth may need to be sent to a lab that will then fabricate the crown. After preparing the original tooth, the dentist may put on a temporary crown until the fabricated crown comes back from the lab, then during a later appointment the final crown can be cemented in place.

Bridges

Bridges can be used to fill gaps between teeth where one or more teeth are missing. It is important to fill such gaps so that the remaining teeth do not start to shift. It is also better for the oral health of the remaining teeth. Crowns on either side of the bridge can hold it in place. A bridge procedure often requires two separate appointments, one to shape the anchor teeth and one to install the bridge.

Implants

Implants are one of the more time and labor-intensive procedures from beginning to end. A hole must be drilled into the jaw bone and a metal post installed, which will become an anchor for a prosthetic tooth or teeth. While this part of the procedure may not take long, getting the implant ready to attach a prosthetic piece can take months. The dentist must ensure that the bone has grown around and fused to the post. In rare occasions the bone may reject the implant so another material needs to be used.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Restorations in San Antonio, TX.

Conclusion

Dental restorations can take anywhere from an hour or two to months until the process is finished. The type of restoration and the number of issues that need to be resolved all play a role in how long the restorations take.

Request an appointment or call All Smiles Dental Center at 210-714-7429 for an appointment in our San Antonio office.

Recent Posts

A Dentist Explains 3 Dental Restoration Procedures

If you have cavities or are experiencing fractured or missing teeth, you understand the need for dental restorations. However, it is more than just the appearance of your smile that is at stake if you do not treat these issues. Tooth damage can cause serious problems down the road if it is not remedied in…

How Serious Is A Broken Tooth?

A broken tooth might not seem like a big deal if it is only a minor break, but it still requires treatment. This is because broken teeth cause more damage than simply ruining the appearance of a person’s smile. The damage typically removes portions of the outer surface of teeth, called enamel, which protects the…

How To Care For Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign® aligners offer a discreet and convenient alternative to traditional braces. These aligners allow individuals to straighten their teeth without the hassle of wires and brackets. However, as with traditional braces, it is important to properly care for them to ensure their effectiveness and longevity throughout your treatment. Here are some essential tips to help…

Recent Posts

How To Care For Invisalign Aligners

How To Care For Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign® aligners offer a discreet and convenient alternative to traditional braces. These aligners allow individuals to straighten their teeth without the hassle of wires and brackets. However, as with traditional braces, it is important to properly care for them to ensure their effectiveness and longevity throughout your treatment. Here are some essential tips to help…

When Would A Dentist Recommend Invisalign

When Would A Dentist Recommend Invisalign

Invisalign® can help correct your smile and improve your dental health. Your dentist will check your dental structures first. This determines if you are a good candidate for this dental straightening treatment. Here are the details about when your dentist would recommend Invisalign.Dentists would recommend traditional braces for severe dental crookedness. But for mild cases,…