When teeth decay, it is best to treat them as soon as possible to prevent gum and jaw bone disease. Dental restorative methods are used when the tooth needs to be filled and discolored. Usually the dentist first evaluates the appearance of the tooth, if the caries is deep, he may request a dental x-ray to examine the root of the tooth. In general, there are several methods for tooth restoration, which we will examine in more detail below.

Direct and indirect methods of tooth restoration

There are several methods for repairing damaged teeth, which are divided into direct and indirect categories. The method of using each of them is as follows.

• Direct tooth restoration method : In the direct tooth restoration method, tooth decay is completely removed first. The dentist then fills in the gaps using the appropriate materials. For example, amalgam is used to repair back teeth that are under more pressure.
• Indirect method of tooth restoration : In this method, after tooth extraction, all dental caries are removed. The dentist then prepares a mold from the treated tooth to make a lab. Then, in another session, the prepared mold is glued to the patient’s tooth.

Materials used in tooth restoration

The materials used in tooth restoration are also very important. The materials used are usually selected according to the amount of caries and the type of tooth. The most common materials used in dental restorations are amalgams and composites. The definition of each of them is as follows.

• amalgam : one of the most common and at the same time the oldest materials that Used to fill decayed teeth, is amalgam. Which can be metals such as mercury, silver and tin. The color of this material is silver and it can be easily seen. That is why these materials are not usually used in the restoration of front teeth. Of course, due to the mercury used in this substance, many dentists today try not to use it. However, amalgam is one of the most durable dental fillings, used to fill back teeth that need more strength. The most important advantages of these materials are the following:
• Cost-effective
• High strength and resistance to chewing and pressure of opposite teeth
• fast drying of materials
• Ease of use for dentist
• Despite the mercury in this material, it has been found that amalgam does not cause any harm to humans
• You do not need to keep your teeth dry when using these materials. For this reason, it is easier to repair the back teeth.
• Longer life of amalgam than composite
• Composite : Composites are another common dental filling material. They are used to fill superficial and low caries. The use of composite is very suitable for repairing front teeth. Of course, it costs more than amalgam and can not be used in deep and wide caries. The most important advantages of composites are the following:
• Since the composite material is the same color as natural teeth, it creates more beauty.
• When using these materials, healthy tooth tissue is not shaved and only dark parts are shaved.
• The material hardens immediately with the help of light rays.
• Due to the bond of these materials with the tooth, it can protect the tooth from breaking.
• It can be easily shaped and the natural appearance of the tooth is preserved.
• Allergic reactions to this substance are very rare.