How Long Will My Dental Restorations Take

How Long Will My Dental Restorations Take from Long Grove Dental in Long Grove, ILAny 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 Long Grove, IL.

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 Long Grove Dental at 847-636-5020 for an appointment in our Long Grove office.

Recent Posts

When To Consider A Dental Restoration

Looking for dental restoration information? Dental restorations are used every day in general dentistry. They are designed to repair and restore teeth that are in bad shape, whether it be due to an infection, injury, or genetic imperfection. The most common dental restorations are fillings, crowns, veneers, and composite bonding. Each is used for a…

5 Tips To Prevent Tooth Substance Loss

Preventing tooth substance loss should be a priority if you are serious about keeping tooth decay at bay. Tooth decay is one of the most common health issues right next to a common cold, and it is easy to fall victim to it when a person fails to follow proper oral hygiene.Tooth decay can be…

Can You Save A Knocked Out Tooth?

A knocked-out tooth is not something to take lightly. If you do not preserve this tooth in the proper manner, your dentist will find it is difficult or even impossible to place it back in your mouth. Also, it is possible to save, knocked-out teeth, known as avulsed teeth. However, your actions (or lack thereof)…

Recent Posts

Emergency Dentist: When To Seek Immediate Dental Care

Emergency Dentist: When To Seek Immediate Dental Care

Wondering when you should see an emergency dentist? Read on to learn more. Regular dental care can prevent emergency dental treatment. Unfortunately, dental emergencies do happen unexpectedly, even if you brush and floss regularly. In such cases, it is a great idea to visit an emergency dentist immediately.Many people do not know whether their dental…

Caring For Your Dental Bridge: Tips For Longevity

Caring For Your Dental Bridge: Tips For Longevity

A traditional dental bridge can replace up to three or four consecutive teeth on the same side of a dental arch. It is one of the most common dental replacements you can get. Knowing how to care for it can help maintain your new smile for a long time. Here are some tips for ensuring…