Dental Restorations Houston, TX
If you are struggling with teeth that are missing, cracked, chipped, or in need of replacement, a dentist can help by making repairs via a process known as a dental restoration. There are many different forms of dental restoration, so it is important to be aware of all of the options available to you before deciding how you would like to restore the health of your teeth.
For more information about what restorative dental procedures might be best for your particular situation, our team at Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles in Houston is here to help. Call us at (713) 979-4127 to learn more.
Understanding Dental Restoration
Dental restoration aims to restore the functionality of the mouth and teeth. It includes various dental procedures that repair damaged or missing tooth structure resulting from poor oral hygiene, infection, or trauma to the teeth or gums. There are two types of dental restorations, direct and indirect.
Besides restoring the mouth to a functional state, dental restoration also aims to preserve as much of the patient's natural teeth as possible. Patients may experience missing tooth structure due to decay, chips or fractures, or deterioration of a previously placed restoration. Dental restorations can help fix such problems.
“Dental restoration aims to restore the functionality of the mouth and teeth.”
Direct Dental Restoration
A direct dental restoration is one that is created and placed entirely within the mouth. During this process, we will replace small amounts of damaged tooth structure with a filling. Once the filling is in place, our dentist will harden the material with ultraviolet light to create a permanent seal which restores tooth functionality by preventing reinfection or further damage. There are various types of filling options, including:
- Amalgam: Amalgam fillings consist of a mixture of mercury, tin, copper, or silver and are very durable but do not match the color of surrounding teeth.
- Cast gold: Cast gold fillings are strong enough to last for longer than 15 years but are more expensive than other filling materials.
- Ceramic: Ceramic fillings are usually made of porcelain and are more resistant to staining than composite fillings.
- Composite: Composite fillings provide durability and strength for small to mid-size cavities and are tooth-colored to appear more natural.
- Glass ionomer: Glass ionomer fillings consist of silicate glass-powder used in temporary fillings, decay around the gum lines, or baby teeth.
“A direct dental restoration is one that is created and placed entirely within the mouth.”
Understanding Indirect Dental Restoration
In contrast to a direct dental restoration, an indirect restoration must be created outside of the mouth before being applied to teeth. Types of indirect restorations include the following:
- Veneers: A veneer is a thin shell that covers the front of a tooth, restoring the visible appearance of a tooth that has been damaged by stains or chips.
- Inlays: An inlay is a restoration created to fill in part of the tooth cavity that has been prepared. It can span tooth cusps but does not include them.
- Onlays: An onlay is a restoration created to fill in part of the tooth cavity that includes one or more tooth cusps, so it is always larger than an inlay.
- Implants: An implant is a metal rod inserted into the bone socket and covered with a replacement tooth, such as a crown.
- Crowns: A tooth-shaped crown can be placed over a damaged tooth or onto a dental implant rod to restore a tooth’s function and appearance.
- Bridges: A bridge is a set of false teeth that fills in gaps left by missing teeth. A bridge can be permanently anchored into place by flanking crowns.
“A tooth-shaped crown can be placed over a damaged tooth, or onto a dental implant rod, to restore a tooth’s function and appearance.”
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When Dental Restorations are Performed
Patients who have teeth that have been compromised or weakened may benefit from dental restoration. A dental restoration can help reinforce teeth that have been damaged by:
- Decay
- Chipping
- Fracturing
- Wear from tooth grinding
Even if a tooth has a cavity that is imperceptible, and the tooth's function is still largely intact, it is important to have a dental restoration performed. This is because repairing the tooth can help stop decay in its tracks or prevent further damage from occurring. Generally, direct restorations are performed on teeth that have less damage. Indirect restorations, such as onlays or crowns, are more appropriate for teeth that need more support.
“Even if a tooth has a cavity that is imperceptible, and the function of the tooth is still largely intact, it is important to have a dental restoration performed.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is dental restoration?
Q. What is a direct dental restoration?
Q. What are indirect dental restorations?
Q. When would I need a dental restoration?
Q. Who can receive a dental restoration?
People Also Ask
Q. What are the benefits of restoration dentistry?
Q. How can a root canal help save my cracked tooth?
Q. What can a dentist do to fix my chipped tooth?
Eligibility for Dental Restoration
Patients experiencing damage to one or more teeth due to decay, chipping, or trauma are likely eligible for a dental restoration. Depending on their specific situation, Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles will work with each patient to determine which restorative option is right for them. Having a conversation about personal preferences is particularly important if the restoration occurs in the front of the mouth, where a tooth is more visible.
Children and adults are both candidates for dental restorations. A child may benefit more from a direct dental restoration, if possible, as it involves fewer steps. Patients that are pregnant should talk to their dentist about alternative options, but the American Dental Association reports that dental procedures involving anesthetics are safe during pregnancy.
“Children and adults are both candidates for dental restorations.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is a dental amalgam safe?
A. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dental organizations worldwide agree that amalgams are safe restorative dental materials. Over the years, there have been reports of various negative health effects associated with amalgam, but many scientific reviews have reaffirmed their safety.
Q. What are all the types of dental restorations?
A. Dental restorations are any treatments done to restore the function and/or appearance of the teeth. Restorations can include fillings, crowns, bridges, dental implants, inlays and onlays, and composite or dental bonding.
Q. How common are crowns?
A. If you are considering getting a crown placed, or your dentist has recommended one, you are not alone. According to the American Academy of Dentistry Journal, about 40 million crowns are placed each year. Dentists of all types are generally familiar with the procedure.
Q. What is the difference between an inlay and onlay?
A. While inlays and onlays are both types of indirect dental restorations, they differ in size. An inlay is created to fill in a tooth cavity that occurs between tooth cusps. An onlay is created to fill in a tooth cavity that includes one or more tooth cusps, so by definition, it is more expansive than an inlay.
Q. What are the steps involved in amalgam dental filling?
A. During an amalgam dental filling, your dentist will numb you first to make sure that you do not feel discomfort during the procedure. Then, your dentist will use an instrument such as a drill or laser to remove any decayed area. Your dentist will test to ensure that all of the decay has been removed and clean out the debris. Lastly, your dentist will apply the filling material and polish the tooth.
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Dental Terminology
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- Midtown Dental – The Gallery of Smiles was established in 2001.
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- We serve patients from the following cities: Aldine, Missouri City, Pasadena, Fresno and Baytown
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