Restorative Dentistry

What is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on repairing or replacing teeth to improve their appearance and function. It helps prevent further damage to teeth and gums and aims to restore teeth to their natural appearance, size, and shape.

Difference Between Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry

Restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry are related but distinct fields within the broader domain of dental care.

While there is some overlap between restorative and cosmetic dentistry, the key difference is that restorative dentistry focuses on addressing functional issues related to teeth and gums. In contrast, cosmetic dentistry is focused on enhancing the aesthetic appearance of a person's smile. In some cases, a dental procedure may have both restorative and cosmetic benefits, such as a dental implant that replaces a missing tooth and improves the appearance of the person's smile.

Who is Suitable for Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry suits anyone who has damaged, lost, or missing teeth. This includes people who have suffered tooth decay, gum disease, trauma, or tooth loss due to ageing. Restorative dentistry is also suitable for people who have worn down or misshapen teeth or have dental defects affecting their speech or eating.

What are the Benefits of Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry aims to preserve the natural tooth structure as much as possible while repairing or replacing damaged or missing teeth. This helps to maintain the patient's oral health and function, as well as their confidence in their appearance. Restorative dentistry offers a range of benefits, including:

• Improved oral health: Restorative dentistry helps prevent further damage to teeth and gums, improving oral health.
• Restored function: Restorative dentistry can restore the function of teeth, allowing people to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
• Enhanced appearance: Restorative dentistry can improve the appearance of teeth, which can boost a person's self-confidence and self-esteem.
• Long-lasting results: Restorative dentistry procedures are designed to last many years, providing long-lasting results.

Types of Restoration Dental Procedures

Should your teeth ever require a restorative treatment, you can rest assured knowing we will always discuss the options and recommend what we believe to be the most comfortable and least invasive treatment. 

This can involve a variety of procedures, including 

• Dental Implants,
• Crowns,
• Bridges, 
• Dentures,
• Fillings,
• Root Canal Treatment

Dental Implants

Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. They consist of a titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone, which acts as a replacement for the root of the missing tooth. A crown is then attached to the implant, creating a natural-looking tooth.

Dental Crowns

Crowns are used to cover a damaged or weakened tooth. They are typically made from materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal and are designed to blend in with the surrounding teeth.

Bridges

Bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They are typically made from the same materials as crowns and are attached to the adjacent teeth on either side of the gap.

Dentures

Dentures are used to replace multiple missing teeth. They can be either partial or complete and are typically made from various materials, including acrylic resin and porcelain.

Dental Fillings 

These are used to repair damage to the structure of teeth. Damage can be caused by tooth decay, dental injuries or trauma. The tooth is restored with several filling materials. 

These include dental cement, composite and gold. These fillings help to restore the function and integrity of missing teeth.

What are Composite Fillings?

A composite (tooth-coloured) filling is used to repair a tooth affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc.  The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a composite filling.

Many types of filling materials are available, each with advantages and disadvantages.  You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. 

Composite fillings and silver amalgam fillings are the most widely used today.  Because composite fillings are tooth coloured, they can be closely matched to the colour of existing teeth and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or the more visible areas of the teeth.

As with most dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and may have to be replaced someday.  They are durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful, long-lasting smile.

Reasons for composite fillings:

• Chipped teeth
• Closing space between two teeth
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Decayed teeth
• Worn teeth

Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is a dental procedure to treat a damaged or infected tooth. The procedure involves removing the damaged or infected pulp tissue from inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the area, and filling and sealing the tooth to prevent further infection.



The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes damaged or infected due to tooth decay, trauma, or other factors, it can cause pain, sensitivity, and other symptoms. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding teeth and gums, leading to more serious dental problems.

What are the Risks of Restorative Dentistry?

Like any medical or dental procedure, restorative dentistry carries some risks. Here are some potential risks associated with restorative dentistry:

• Infection: Restorative dentistry procedures involving surgery or dental implants can carry a risk of infection. Your dentist will take precautions to minimise this risk, but it's important to follow post-operative instructions carefully to reduce the risk of infection.
• Pain or Discomfort: Some restorative dentistry procedures, particularly those that involve surgery, can be painful or uncomfortable. Your dentist will provide appropriate pain relief and instructions for managing pain or discomfort after the procedure.
• Sensitivity: After certain restorative procedures, such as dental fillings or crowns, you may experience increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages. This sensitivity typically resolves within a few weeks, but your dentist may recommend desensitising toothpaste or other treatments to help manage the discomfort.
• Allergic Reaction: Some restorative materials, such as metals used in dental implants or crowns, can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Your dentist will review your medical history and perform appropriate tests to identify potential allergies before recommending a restorative procedure.
• Failure: In some cases, restorative procedures such as dental implants or bridges may fail, requiring additional procedures or repairs. Your dentist will discuss each procedure's risks and benefits before recommending a treatment plan.

What’s the Recovery Time After a Restorative Dentistry Procedure?

The recovery time after a restorative dentistry procedure can vary depending on the type and complexity of the procedure.

• Fillings: After a dental filling, you may experience sensitivity or discomfort in the treated tooth for a few days. You should avoid eating hard or sticky foods during this time and practise good oral hygiene to prevent further decay or damage to the tooth. Most people can return to their normal activities immediately after a filling.
• Crowns: After a dental crown procedure, you may experience some sensitivity or discomfort in the treated tooth for a few days. You should avoid eating hard or sticky foods during this time and practise good oral hygiene to prevent damage to the crown or the underlying tooth. Depending on the type of crown and the placement method, you may need to return to the dentist for a follow-up appointment to check the fit and function of the crown.
• Bridges: After a dental bridge procedure, you may experience discomfort or soreness in the surrounding teeth or gums for a few days. You should avoid eating hard or sticky foods during this time and practise good oral hygiene to prevent decay or damage to the bridge or the underlying teeth. Depending on the type of bridge and the placement method, you may need to return to the dentist for a follow-up appointment to check the fit and function of the bridge.
• Dental Implants: After a dental implant procedure, you may experience some discomfort or soreness in the treated area for a few days. You should avoid eating hard or sticky foods during this time and practise good oral hygiene to prevent infection or damage to the implant or the surrounding teeth and gums. Depending on the type of implant and the placement method, you may need to return to the dentist for a follow-up appointment to check the healing progress and the integration of the implant with the surrounding bone.

Restorative Procedures Prognosis

Most restorative procedures are highly successful and can provide long-lasting results when properly performed and maintained. It's important to follow your dentist's instructions for post-operative care and oral hygiene to help ensure the best possible outcome for your restorative dentistry procedure.

What if Restorative Dentistry is Delayed?

Delaying dental restoration procedures can lead to further damage or decay in the affected teeth or gums, making the problem more difficult and expensive to treat in the future. In some cases, delaying restorative procedures can also lead to the need for more invasive or extensive treatments, such as tooth extraction or gum surgery. Suppose you are experiencing dental problems or have concerns about the health or appearance of your teeth. In that case, it's important to talk to your dentist as soon as possible to explore your options for restorative dentistry.