Table 5.
|
Type of treatment
|
Description and related problems
|
| Direct restoration (filled in single procedure with material being placed, adapted and shaped by clinician) | |
| Filling | May comprise amalgam, ceramic or precious metals. Susceptible to expansion or shrinkage when setting, which might cause tooth fracture or further decay |
| Indirect restoration (filling created outside of mouth, either from impression or digital scan of tooth) | |
| Inlays/onlays | An inlay is a filling made outside the mouth, then bonded to the teeth. This is less prone to expansion or shrinkage. An onlay refers to an inlay which covers a dental cusp |
| Crown | An onlay which fully covers the tooth which is required in the setting of marked tooth damage |
| Veneer | A thin layer bonded to the tooth surface to enhance appearance of fractured or discoloured teeth |
| Prosthesis | |
| Bridge | Fixed partial denture secured to adjacent teeth |
| Denture | Removable prosthesis which may be attached to remnant teeth via clasps |
| Implant | Permanent prosthesis integrated into alveolar bone via screws and cement. Eventual recession of gingiva may result in implant weakening |