CONSERVATIVE DENTISTRY

The direct restoration is performed by the dentist on the patient in just one session (filling). The micromechanical coupling of the restorative material to the dentin is performed through a layer of adhesive; in this way the resin penetrates into the collagen fibres of the enamel and creates a network structure. This procedure allows the composite resin to bind to the dentin surface with a very resistant and long lasting chemical bond.

Among the advantages of composite materials compared to metallic ones (amalgam) there are aesthetics, a minor cavity preparation with the benefit of preserving more tissue and the possibility of strengthening the remaining dental structure. The composite materials of the latest generation, thanks to their chemical and physical properties, make the aesthetic restorations stable and reliable over time even in the posterior areas. In fact they are highly resistant to the masticatory load and radiopaque, with elastic characteristics similar to dentin and a resistance comparable to enamel.

This procedure can also be used to close dental spaces (diastema), fill small cavities, eliminate stains, repair chipped enamel or small fractures of the anterior teeth.

Indirect restorations made of composite material

When the tooth surface that has to be reconstructed is very large or the shape and the colour have to be improved (e.g. incisors), “inlays” or “facets” are used and they are made with INDIRECT TECHNIQUE because they are not made directly by the dentist; in fact they are prepared by the dental technician: the composite restoration is made using a dental record, and then sent to the dentist, who will place it in the patient’s mouth with special cements.

Pre-prosthetic reconstruction of endodontic elements

A tooth may require an endodontic treatment because of a serious carious process, in order to place an endodontic pin that creates a better retention and resistance of the coronal restoration. The endodontic pins used today in dentistry can be constructed with different materials depending on their properties (molten alloy or composite fibres).

Alignment of teeth with adhesive technique

Today it is possible to correct small misalignments of the front teeth, without necessarily undergoing an orthodontic treatment. This is possible by coating the front surface of our teeth with facets or an aesthetic composite filling (bonding).