The Restoration of Decayed and Broken Teeth

Our Associate Dentist, Dr. Luke Greenwood, gives you a brief guide to restoring both the

function and aesthetics of teeth

• The following is a guide to show how we as Dentists restore decayed and broken teeth. Our main aim in placing fillings is to prevent/eliminate pain and restore the function of teeth. However aesthetics are also very important to us and even more important to you as patients.

• To fully restore a tooth we must consider both function and aesthetics. We need to understand both the anatomy of the natural teeth and the techniques used to place a restoration that functions well and looks as though it belongs in your mouth.

(All drawings, carvings and restorations in this portfolio were carried out by Dr Luke Greenwood. All clinical photographs were used at the express permission of the

patient)

Tooth Drawing Exercise: Upper canine to canine

Upper and Lower Molar teeth

Wax carvings of the molar teeth. This technique allows us to practice shaping restorations to mimic

natural teeth.

LEFT: Plastic teeth are used to cut cavities to mirror decay in natural teeth

RIGHT: The cavities are filled with composite (white filling material). Matching colours is not important at this stage- shape and form being key.

LEFT: Once the cavities are cut, a metal band is placed around the tooth, allowing us to recreate the natural shape.

RIGHT: The cavity is restored with composite filling material, trying to recreate the naturally occurring fissures in the teeth where possible

Anterior tooth wear case: Severely worn lower 3-3

This more complex case aims to mimic the way teeth can be worn down due to acid erosion or teeth grinding

With careful technique, an aesthetically pleasing result is achievable

Before

After

Amalgam (silver filling) is still used today for its excellent properties in restoring function, However with good

technique, an aesthetic result is still possible

Restoring an upper molar with amalgam

Clinical cases carried out on patients just like you!

LEFT: This patient’s last molar has a stained centre which is often an indication of underlying decay

RIGHT: Removing the outer layer of enamel reveals decay underneath (note the brown colour)

LEFT: Removal of the decay leaves the healthy dentine in the cavity. Note the cream/yellow colour

On the right is this finished restoration, once filled with composite (white filling). On the left is the decayed cavity for comparison. As can be seen, the decay has been removed and the filling looks like a natural tooth. Careful technique has resulted in both a functional and aesthetically pleasing restoration.

This case shows a broken premolar with a silver filling. Above right shows that once the existing filling is removed and decay has been cleared, form and function has been restored. Right: shows the tooth from a different angle.

A case showing decay in a premolar and a molar tooth involving more than one surface. Below right are the

finished fillings once restored with composite

Another case involving a broken upper premolar tooth where a silver filling had been placed. This is a common occurrence and often the whole tooth can be built up using composite filling with a little skill and patience.

• We hope this guide has given you an insight into and a better understanding of how decayed teeth are restored.

• Advances in modern techniques and materials have allowed us to achieve excellent results both functionally and aesthetically.

If you have any questions regarding the restoration of your teeth or would like the appearance of your existing fillings changed please ask at reception.

Please note however that each case is treated on an individual basis and what may be suitable for one patient may not be suitable for another. All treatment options and any

advantages/disadvantages should be discussed with your dentist.