The right restoration depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains, whether the tooth is still present, and what will serve your long-term oral health best. Here's how Dr. Aaron Ochoco thinks through the decision:
A Tooth Filling Is Appropriate When:
- Decay is limited, and enough healthy tooth structure remains
- The tooth hasn't cracked or fractured beyond what a filling can reliably address
- An existing filling can be replaced without compromising the tooth further
A Crown Is the Better Option When:
- Sufficient tooth structure does not remain for a filling to hold
- The tooth has cracked, leaving it vulnerable to further fracture
- Replacing an existing large filling would weaken the tooth
- The tooth needs protection and restoration
A Bridge Makes Sense When:
- A tooth is missing, and the adjacent teeth are already crowned or need crowns
- You want a fixed restoration that doesn't require surgery
- Bone levels or overall health make implant placement more complicated
An Implant Is Worth Considering When:
- Adjacent teeth are healthy, and you want to preserve their structure
- You want a long-term, standalone solution
- Your bone levels and overall health support the procedure
In some cases, the right answer isn't immediately obvious. Dr. Ochoco may want to monitor a tooth before recommending a more involved restoration. This conservative approach protects you from treatment you may not need.
Let's Talk About Your Options
To discuss your options, call (310) 453-5300. Schuster and Ochoco Dental serves patients from Brentwood, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and the surrounding Westside communities