Restorative Dentistry

Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing or replacing damaged or missing teeth. These
procedures help improve oral health and function. Common dental restorations include
crowns, bridges and implants.

What is restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing or replacing teeth. The main goal of restorative
dentistry is to improve oral health and chewing function.
General dentists — sometimes called family dentists — perform restorative dentistry.
Examples of restorative dental procedures include crowns, bridges, implants and
dentures.

Who needs restorative dentistry?
You may need restorative dentistry if you have:

1. Cavities/tooth decay.
2. Damaged or broken teeth.
3. Missing teeth.

What’s the difference between restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry?
Restorative dentistry focuses on improving oral health and function. Cosmetic
dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your smile.
Some dental procedures offer both functional and cosmetic improvements (aesthetic
restorative dentistry). For example, a dental crown restores chewing function, but it can
also make your smile look more uniform.

Why is restorative dentistry important?
Restorative dentistry gives you the best chance at long-lasting oral health. Your dentist
can help restore your smile to full function by fixing damaged or decayed teeth. This
improves your ability to eat, speak and chew.

Procedure Details
What are the types of dental restoration?

There are several different types of dental restorations, depending on your unique oral
health needs:

Fillings

When bacteria eats away your tooth enamel and causes a hole, it’s called a cavity.
Smaller cavities are usually repaired with dental fillings.

During this procedure, your dentist removes the decayed portion of your tooth, then fills
in the hole with a tooth-colored composite material. This halts the progression of tooth
decay and reduces the risk of further damage.

Tooth-colored fillings/Composites
Advantages of composites:

1. Aesthetics — the shade/color of the composite fillings can be closely matched to
   the color of existing teeth. Composites are particularly well suited for use in front
   teeth or visible parts of teeth.
2. Bonding to tooth structure — composite fillings micro-mechanically bond to tooth
   structure, providing further support.
3. Versatility — in addition to use as a filling material for decay, composite fillings
   can also be used to repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth.
4. Tooth-sparing preparation — sometimes less tooth structure needs to be removed
   compared with amalgam fillings when removing decay and preparing for the
   filling.

Disadvantages of composites:

1. Lack of durability — composite fillings wear out sooner than amalgam fillings
   (lasting at least five years compared with at least 10 to 15 for amalgams); in
   addition, they may not last as long as amalgam fillings under the pressure of
   chewing and particularly if used for large cavities.
2. Increased chair time — because of the process to apply the composite material,
   these fillings can take up to 20 minutes longer than amalgam fillings to place.
3. Additional visits — if composites are used for inlays or onlays, more than one
   office visit may be required.
4. Chipping — depending on location, composite materials can chip off the tooth.
5. Expense — composite fillings can cost up to twice the cost of amalgam fillings.

In addition to tooth-colored, composite resin fillings, two other tooth-colored fillings
exist — ceramics and glass ionomer.

Other Filling Types

1. Ceramics. These fillings are made most often of porcelain and are more resistant
   to staining than composite resin material. This material generally lasts more than
   15 years and can cost as much as gold.

2. Glass ionomer is made of acrylic and a specific type of glass material. This
   material is most commonly used for fillings below the gum line and for fillings in
   young children (drilling is still required). Glass ionomers release fluoride, which

   can help protect the tooth from further decay. However, this material is weaker
   than composite resin and is more susceptible to wear and prone to fracture. Glass
   ionomer generally lasts five years or less with costs comparable to composite
   resin. The newest ones have an even better lifespan and, when placed in
   appropriate areas. are equal to composites.

Crowns

Dentists use dental crowns to repair large cavities or restore broken teeth. Sometimes
called a cap, a crown fits over your entire tooth.
In order to place a crown, your dentist must remove some of your natural tooth enamel.
So, they’ll alter your tooth (shave part of your tooth down), then place a crown over it.

Inlays and onlays

Sometimes a cavity is too big for a filling, but too small for a crown. In a case like this,
your dentist might recommend an inlay or onlay. These custom restorations fit into your
natural tooth structure like puzzle pieces. Your dentist permanently bonds them into
place.
Inlays and onlays are similar. While an inlay fills the area between the cusps of your
teeth, an onlay also covers at least one cusp.

Root canal therapy

Sometimes a cavity or crack goes deep enough into your tooth that it reaches the pulp. If
bacteria get into the pulp of your tooth, it can cause a painful infection. In these
cases, root canal therapy is necessary.
During this procedure, your dentist removes the diseased pulp, including the tiny nerves
and blood vessels inside of your tooth. Next, they’ll thoroughly clean and disinfect the
inside surfaces of your tooth, then fill the canals with a rubbery dental material called
gutta percha. Then, they’ll place a filling to seal the tooth and prevent bacteria from
entering.
In most cases, people who undergo root canal therapy also need a crown to provide
additional strength and support.

Bridges

A dental bridge can replace a single missing tooth or a row of missing teeth. A bridge
consists of artificial teeth with dental crowns on either side. Your dentist will alter (shave
down) your natural teeth on both sides of the gap. Next, they’ll bond the bridge to your

natural teeth. The crowns fit over your natural teeth and the artificial teeth span the gap in
between them.

Dental implants

A dental implant is a small, threaded post that replaces a missing tooth root. Once your
dentist adds a crown to your implant, it functions just like a natural tooth.
Your dentist can restore dental implants with crowns, bridges and even dentures. Unlike
traditional crowns and bridges, implants don’t require alteration of your natural teeth.
Many dentists consider implants to be the golden standard of teeth replacement.

Dentures

Dentures are another traditional teeth replacement option. Full dentures replace an entire
arch of missing teeth. Partial dentures replace several missing teeth in different areas.
Dentures rest on top of your gums, and the jawbone underneath supports them.
You can also opt for implant-supported dentures. These appliances are similar to
traditional dentures. But instead of resting atop your gums for support, they attach to
dental implants. This offers much more stability compared to conventional dentures.

Risks / Benefits
What are the advantages of restorative dentistry?

Restorative dentistry offers a wide range of benefits for people of all ages. For example,
it can:

1. Restore oral health.
2. Improve chewing function.
3. Eliminate dental pain.
4. Reduce the risk of dental issues in the future.
5. Improve the appearance of your smile.

What are the risks of restorative dentistry?

The most common risk is sensitivity or general discomfort after a restorative dentistry
procedure. Very rarely, you may get an infection or have an allergic reaction to the
metals used.
Dental restorations have very few risks. But crowns, for example, may become chipped
or loosened. If you have deep cavities or delay getting cavities filled, that can lead to root
canal therapy or tooth extraction. Contact a dentist right away if you have a problem with
your teeth.

What’s the recovery time after a restorative dentistry procedure?

It depends on a few factors, including the type of procedure and the number of teeth that
need treatment. For example, someone who has one cavity filled will be able to resume
normal activities immediately. However, someone who has four dental implants placed
may need a couple of days off to recover. Your dentist can tell you what kind of recovery
timeline to expect in your situation

When should I see my dentist?

If you have decayed, damaged or missing teeth, schedule a consultation with a dentist.
They can help restore your smile’s health, function and appearance.
You should also visit your dentist regularly for routine dental check-ups and cleanings. In
addition, be sure to practice good oral hygiene at home in-between visits.
If you have a dental restoration that feels “off” or causes a bad taste, call your dentist
right away for further instructions.