Dental care is essential for keeping your teeth healthy. If you have a cavity, damaged tooth, or missing teeth, an NHS dentist in Aberdeen can help. Treatments like fillings, crowns, and bridges restore your teeth and improve your smile. This article explains what each treatment is, how it works, and when it is needed. Whether you are a new patient or looking to understand your options, this guide will help you make informed decisions about your dental health.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are used to repair teeth damaged by decay or cavities. When bacteria in your mouth create holes in your teeth, fillings restore their shape and function. To get this treatment, you can find an NHS dentist in Aberdeen who will remove the decayed part and fill the space with a safe material. Common filling materials include composite resin, silver amalgam, and glass ionomer. Fillings are usually quick to place and allow you to chew normally soon after the procedure. Regular check-ups help ensure fillings remain in good condition and prevent further damage.
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How Are Fillings Done?
The process of getting a filling is straightforward. First, the dentist cleans the area to remove decay. Then, the chosen filling material is carefully placed into the cavity. After this, the dentist shapes and polishes the filling so it fits naturally with your tooth. For children or nervous patients, local anaesthetic may be used to reduce discomfort. An NHS dentist in Aberdeen ensures the procedure is safe, hygienic, and efficient. Fillings not only restore function but also prevent further decay, helping you maintain a healthy smile.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Crowns, also called caps, are used to cover teeth that are weakened, cracked, or heavily decayed. They restore the tooth’s strength, shape, and appearance. Crowns are made from materials like porcelain, metal, or a combination of both. They are particularly useful when a large part of the tooth has been lost or after a root canal treatment. An NHS dentist in Aberdeen can provide a crown that blends naturally with your surrounding teeth, improving both function and appearance. Crowns are durable and can last many years with proper care.
How Are Crowns Fitted?
Fitting a crown usually takes two visits. During the first appointment, the dentist prepares the tooth by removing decay and shaping it to fit the crown. An impression is taken, which is then used to create a custom crown. In the second visit, the crown is fitted and cemented into place. Some clinics offer same-day crowns using modern CAD/CAM technology, which allows for quick and precise treatment. Crowns protect damaged teeth, restore chewing ability, and enhance your smile.
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What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of artificial teeth anchored to the natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. Bridges restore the appearance of your smile, improve your bite, and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. An NHS dentist in Aberdeen can design a bridge that looks natural and functions effectively. Bridges are a reliable solution for missing teeth, helping you eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
How Are Bridges Placed?
Placing a dental bridge usually requires two or more visits. First, the supporting teeth are prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to fit the crowns that will hold the bridge. Impressions are taken to create a bridge that fits precisely. At the next appointment, the bridge is carefully placed and cemented onto the supporting teeth. The dentist ensures that it fits comfortably and matches the surrounding teeth. Bridges restore your smile, prevent teeth from shifting, and improve oral function.
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Benefits of Fillings, Crowns, and Bridges
These treatments provide many advantages for dental health:
- Restored function: They allow you to chew and bite normally.
- Improved appearance: Teeth look natural and healthy.
- Prevention: Fillings stop cavities from spreading, while crowns and bridges protect weakened or missing teeth.
- Confidence: You can smile without worrying about damaged or missing teeth.
An NHS dentist in Aberdeen ensures that these treatments are safe, effective, and long-lasting, providing both health and cosmetic benefits.
How to Maintain Restored Teeth
After receiving a filling, crown, or bridge, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day, floss regularly, and visit your dentist for check-ups. Avoid chewing hard foods on treated teeth, and inform your dentist if you experience any discomfort. Regular visits to your NHS dentist in Aberdeen will ensure that your restorations last longer and that your oral health remains strong. Proper care helps you enjoy a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile for years to come.
Conclusion
Fillings, crowns, and bridges are essential treatments offered by an NHS dentist in Aberdeen. They restore teeth, improve appearance, and maintain oral health. Whether you need to repair a cavity, strengthen a damaged tooth, or replace missing teeth, these treatments provide reliable solutions. Regular check-ups, combined with proper home care, ensure long-lasting results. By understanding how fillings, crowns, and bridges work, you can make informed choices and enjoy a confident, healthy smile.
Frequently Asked Question
What is a dental filling and when is it needed?
A dental filling is used to repair a tooth damaged by decay or cavities. The dentist removes the decay and fills the tooth with a safe material. Fillings restore function, prevent further damage, and help maintain a healthy smile.
What is the purpose of a dental crown?
A crown covers a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its strength, shape, and appearance. Crowns protect teeth after decay, cracks, or root canal treatment, helping you chew comfortably and maintain a natural-looking smile.
How does a dental bridge work?
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. Artificial teeth are anchored to adjacent natural teeth or implants, restoring your smile, improving bite, and preventing other teeth from shifting. Bridges help with eating, speaking, and confidence.
How long do fillings, crowns, and bridges last?
With proper care, fillings can last several years, while crowns and bridges may last 10-15 years or longer. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups with your NHS dentist in Aberdeen help ensure long-lasting results
Is treatment for fillings, crowns, and bridges covered by the NHS?
Yes, NHS dental care in Aberdeen covers necessary treatments like fillings, crowns, and bridges. Coverage depends on your treatment plan and eligibility, but NHS services provide affordable and reliable dental care for these procedures.
