What is restorative dentistry?

Restorative dentistry focuses on restoring the function, integrity, and aesthetics of teeth that have been damaged or lost due to decay, trauma, or other issues. Unlike preventative dentistry, which aims to avoid problems, restorative dentistry involves repairing or replacing teeth to restore a patient’s oral health, function, and appearance.

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Key treatments in restorative dentistry include:

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1. Fillings: Used to treat cavities (tooth decay) by removing decayed material and filling the space with materials like amalgam, composite resin, or porcelain.

 

2. Crowns: These are caps placed over damaged or weakened teeth to restore their shape, size, and strength, and to protect them from further damage.

 

3. Bridges: Used to replace one or more missing teeth by attaching an artificial tooth to adjacent natural teeth. Bridges help restore function and prevent surrounding teeth from shifting.

 

4. Dental Implants: A long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. Implants are titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone, acting as a foundation for artificial teeth (crowns).

 

5. Dentures: Removable prosthetic devices used to replace multiple missing teeth. Complete dentures replace all teeth, while partial dentures replace some teeth.

 

6. Root Canals: Performed when the pulp (nerve) of a tooth is infected or damaged. The infected tissue is removed, and the tooth is sealed, helping to save it from extraction.

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7. Veneers: Thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance by correcting issues like staining, chips, or gaps.

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Restorative dentistry not only improves the function and health of the teeth but also enhances a patient’s smile, which can improve their overall confidence and quality of life.