James A. Vito D.M.D.
523 East Lancaster Avenue
Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087
Ph: 610-971-2590
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Contact Dr. James Vito for more about the restorative dentistry available to residents of the greater Philadelphia area, Bryn Mawr, Villanova, Radnor, Wayne, Berwyn, devon, Malvern, Paoli, and Valley Forge.
A restoration is a man made material that is designed to replace a missing or decayed part of a natural tooth while also restoring the strength and integrity of that tooth.
The following is a list of commonly used restorations in ascending order of complexity: amalgam (silver) restoration, tooth colored restoration (bonding), inlay/onlay (overlay) restoration and the crown restoration. Choosing the appropriate restoration material depends upon four factors:
Tooth Structure
The tooth serves as a matrix to hold and support the restoration of choice. The less tooth structure present, the more demands that are placed upon the restoration to support not only itself but the remaining tooth structure as well.
Functional Demands
One must consider the biting forces placed on a specific tooth or teeth. Front teeth undergo "shearing forces" while back teeth undergo "compressive forces." Some teeth experience both types of forces. Each restorative option will be examined carefully to achieve the best long-term results and aesthetics.
Oral Hygiene
Perhaps the most important and the most overlooked part of choosing a dental restoration. The only way to achieve good oral health is to practice good oral hygiene. Not only will this reduce your chances of getting periodontal disease, but it will improve the longevity of your restorations. Restorations do not get decay. Teeth do!
Aesthetic Demands
The expectations of the most aesthetically challenging patient are met by collaborating with a superior dental laboratory, working with excellent dental technicians, utilizing the best and most aesthetic materials and understanding the wants and needs of the patient.