Restorative Dentistry

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.

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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.


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.

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.