Restorative dentistry refers to any procedure performed in the dental clinic to repair or replace a tooth. Root canals, cavity fillings, and dental implants are restorative treatments. Restorative dentistry can have two objectives: restoring the teeth’s function and restoring their look. Sometimes it’s either one or the other, and other times it’s both. This blog talks about what is restorative dentistry, who needs restorative dentistry, what are restorative procedures, the benefits of restorative dentistry, the difference between restorative and cosmetic dentistry, and the risks involved in restorative dentistry.

What is Restorative Dentistry?

The objective of restorative dentistry is to replace or repair broken or missing teeth. These treatments enhance the function and health of the mouth. Crowns, bridges, and implants are examples of common dental restorations. Restorative dentistry aims to replace or restore teeth. Enhancing dental health and chewing function is the primary objective of restorative dentistry.

The dental specialty known as restorative dentistry aims to restore or replace missing or damaged teeth. This procedure is carried out to enhance the general dental health and regain chewing ability; using restorative dentistry operations, teeth can be preserved and given a more natural appearance, shape, and feel.

• Restoring damaged teeth  
• Using indirect or direct restorations, such as inlays, onlays, crowns, or fillings, to replace missing tooth structure.
• Using artificial restorations, such as bridges, implants, or dentures, to replace missing teeth completely.

Treatments from Endodontics, Prosthodontics, and Periodontics are all included in this area of dentistry. Many patients need comprehensive care, which may necessitate therapy from multiple specialists.

Who needs restorative dentistry?

The majority of Dentists handle other oral diseases in addition to filling and repairing cavities. Additionally, they have access to:

• Cavities/Tooth Decays
• Teeth with injuries or damage
• A lack of teeth

Patients of all ages, including children, teenagers, adults, and elders, are seen by general dentists. The majority of patients seeking restorative care are adults and older patients.

What are Restorative Dental Procedures?

Restorative dentistry is the best option for maintaining good dental health over the long term. Your Dentist can restore your smile to its full potential by repairing broken or cavitated teeth. This enhances your capacity for speaking, chewing, and eating. Restorative dentistry encompasses a wide range of dental procedures, including

1. Cavity Filling: The most frequent restorative dental procedure is this one. Cavities are caused by bacteria penetrating a tooth’s enamel, the hard outer layer, and must be filled to save the delicate pulp inside. Using this filling, the tooth won’t become infected by the bacterial contamination. The Dentist would remove the decayed area of the tooth during a cavity-filling procedure and then replace the hole with composite material that matches the shade of your tooth.
2. Root Canal: When a cavity penetrates a tooth deeply enough to expose the fragile pulp inside, a Root Canal Procedure may be necessary. Following a tooth injury, a root canal may occasionally be required. Usually, a tooth needs a root canal because the pulp within is diseased. The Dentist will remove the soft pulp completely from the tooth’s interior and the root canal during a root canal procedure, rinse out the infection, fill the inside of the tooth with inert material, and then do a filling to rebuild the tooth structure. The life of the tooth is extended and followed by a crown the rehabilitation is complete.
3. Crown: A crown can be used to strengthen a tooth that has been broken or cracked due to severe decay or other damage (otherwise known as a cap). The top of the tooth is removed during a crown insertion process, and the crown is then affixed on top. Your tooth’s natural root is preserved, and the crown functions and looks just like your natural tooth.
4. Dental Implants: A dental implant can replace a missing tooth or a tooth that needs to be pulled because of severe decay of crown structure. An entire prosthetic tooth and the root system are referred to as a dental implant. Titanium, a biocompatible metal that forms a strong link with the jaw bone, is used to make the implant root. A crown is affixed to the top of the root after it has been surgically implanted in the jaw. Since the entire implant has a natural appearance and feels, it is regarded as the finest alternative for replacing a missing tooth. Additionally, dental implants can serve as anchors for bridges and dentures.
5. Bridge: An artificial tooth positioned between two crowns is called a Dental Bridge. A bridge may occasionally be made up of a row of several teeth. Crowns connected to the teeth on each side of the bridge or dental implants hold the bridge in place. The bridge has no roots and rests on top of the gums.

Benefits of Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dental operations have numerous advantages, which is why they are among the most often done procedures by dentists.

1. Restore function: Restoring your teeth‘ functionality is the most significant advantage of restorative procedures. Because your teeth are in good condition, you can eat and speak easily.
2. Eliminate pain: You have probably experienced significant pain due to a deep cavity or an infected tooth that requires a root canal. Restorative therapies alleviate discomfort by resolving the issue or eradicating the infection.
3. Improve Appearance: Restorative operations can improve the appearance of your teeth, allowing you to smile confidently.
4. Prevent future dental problems: Correcting a dental problem as soon as it is discovered helps prevent it from worsening or producing more dental problems. A cavity should be fixed as soon as your dentist finds it to avoid needing a root canal. If a cavity is ignored for too long, it might lead to the extraction and replacement of a tooth that cannot be salvaged.
5. Preserve jaw bone density: Using an implant to replace a missing tooth preserves the bone density in your jaw. When a tooth is lost, the portion of the jaw that once kept it in place begins to deteriorate and finally dissolves. To avoid bone loss, it is important to replace a missing or unviable tooth as soon as possible. A bone transplant treatment will be required to replace it with an implant.

What is the difference between restorative and cosmetic dentistry?

Some materials and technique codes are shared by cosmetic and restorative dentistry. If an illness requires therapy, it is considered restorative. Even if the outcome improves looks, the treatment is still considered restorative.

Cosmetic (aesthetic) dental procedures can also help improve a person’s smile and self-esteem.

Veneers and tooth whitening are two examples of aesthetic treatments. These procedures are considered cosmetic since they are optional and not medically required. Instead, they are just employed to enhance one’s appearance.

What are the Risks of Restorative Dentistry?

There are generally few dangers associated with dental restorations. The most prevalent risk after the surgery is sensitivity and general pain. Infections or allergic reactions to the metals used are rare. However, there are a few exceptions that may cause issues.

Dental crowns and fillings can become loose or chipped. It’s also possible that the operation will fail, leaving gaps in the filling that might collect food debris and plaque. This can result in tooth decay.