Having healthy teeth is critical for having a lifetime of good dental health. Some of the many benefits include being able to eat better and having confidence when you smile. It's important to have any decay removed quickly to avoid significant damage being done to your teeth. Knowing the ways to help restore damaged teeth effectively can allow you to avoid an unwanted tooth extraction.

Dental Fillings

One of the most common and least invasive ways to restore teeth is with dental fillings. This process is completed in the dental office and typically can be done in one visit.

The dentist will remove the decay and fill the tooth with a type of composite material. Common types that are used include gold, porcelain and amalgam.

Any decay will be placed in a classification of one to six, one indicating the least amount of damage.

The average cost of filling a tooth that is classified one or two is $50-$150. If you have a tooth that is classified as a three and up, the average cost of restoration is $120-$300.

Dental Crowns

Teeth that are severely damaged and past the classification of a six may need a dental crown to be fully restored. This is an effective way to save a tooth that may otherwise need an extraction. Additionally, teeth that become worn down over time or damaged due to an accident may be fixed with a dental crown.

In the process, the dentist removes all of the decay from the tooth and takes an impression of the remaining tooth. The impression will be sent to a dental lab that will create a dental crown. You will need to return to the dentist office to have the crown cemented onto the tooth.

The average price of a crown is $500-$1,500.

Dental Bridges

If you have teeth that have been extracted or missing, you may want to consider a dental bridge. The bridge is created with dental crowns that work to fill in the gap of teeth that have been lost.

The cost of a dental bridge is based on the number of crowns that are necessary to restore the teeth.

Restoring damaged teeth is necessary for good dental health. Be sure to consult with your local dentist to help you learn the most effective way to do so and to have your individual needs fully evaluated for the best results possible. Experts like Christopher L. Schneider, DMD can help.