What is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is a field of dentistry concerned with the replacement of damaged or missing teeth.

More specifically, these dentists remove and repair cavities as well as treat other oral conditions. They also treat individuals who require dental repairs as a result of trauma or injury.

Treatments from other dental fields, such as endodontics, prosthodontics, and periodontics, are also incorporated into this branch of dentistry. This is due to the fact that many patients require multidimensional care, which may necessitate therapy from more than one specialist.

Restorative dentists work with patients of all ages, including children, teenagers, adults, and elders. Adults and the elderly, on the other hand, are the most likely to seek restorative treatment.

Restorative dentistry‘s purpose is to save teeth while also restoring the natural look, shape, and feel of natural teeth by:

Dental fillings or bonding treatment are used to repair damaged teeth.

Restorative Dental Materials

Using indirect or direct restorations such as inlays, onlays, crowns, or fillings to replace missing tooth structure.
Completely replacing lost teeth with artificial restorations such as implants, bridges, or dentures.

The foundation of tooth structure replacement is restorative dental materials. They specialise in the fabrication of cavity fillings, crowns, implants, dentures, and other restorations.

For example, common materials include:

• Metals
• Amalgam Alloys
• Polymers
• Ceramics
• Composites
• Glass Ionomers
• Denture Base Resins
• Noble and Base Metals

What happens before a dental restoration?

The procedures that precede a dental repair vary depending on the type of restoration. Brushing and flossing your teeth before to any operation will help to keep them as clean as possible. During a normal cleaning, your dentist will detect cavities and arrange an appointment to place fillings. During a preliminary visit for dentures, they will measure your mouth and create models of your jaw.

What are the types of dental restorations?

Examples of restorations include the following:

The most common type of dental restoration is a filling. They use gold, silver amalgam, or tooth-colored plastic and glass materials called composite resin fillings to fix cavities in your teeth.

Crowns are tooth-shaped “caps” that are placed over a tooth to restore its form and size, strength, and look, to secure a “bridge” (fixed partial denture), or to cover a dental implant. Teeth are frequently reduced evenly around the tooth in order for the crown to properly restore the size and contour of the tooth. This is a lengthy procedure that may include taking an imprint and sending it to the lab, with a temporary filling/crown in the meantime. Some offices use technology that sends a digital impression to a milling machine, which fabricates a crown in the office, often in just one visit.

Implants are small metal posts (typically titanium or a titanium combination) that are inserted into the bone socket where teeth are missing. The implant may require an abutment, which functions similarly to a crown preparation. The crown is then placed on top of it.

Bridges (fixed partial dentures) are prosthetic teeth used to “bridge” the gap left by one or more missing teeth. Crowns can be used to anchor bridges on each side and cement them in place permanently. Bridges are composed of porcelain, gold, alloys, or a combination of these materials. A dentist inserts and removes fixed bridges.

Dentures are a detachable substitute for missing teeth and tissues. Your teeth could be missing due to gum disease, tooth decay, or an injury. They are constructed of acrylic resin and sometimes have metal attachments. Complete dentures are used to replace all of the teeth. When some natural teeth remain, partial dentures are considered, and they are held in place by metal clasps attached to the natural teeth. Dentures are classified into three types: conventional, instantaneous, and overdenture. A traditional denture is one that can be removed. After the remaining teeth have been removed and the surrounding tissues have healed, it is implanted after many months. An instantaneous denture can also be removed. It is placed on the same day that your last tooth is extracted. When there are still some teeth remaining, an overdenture is used. This type of denture is worn over the teeth, tooth remnants, or implants.

What should I expect after the procedure?

After a dental restoration, your dentist may advise you to adjust your food and drinking habits over the next 24 hours:

• Consume soft foods.
• Cold foods should be consumed.
• Warm soup is a good option if you can withstand the heat.

After any operation, you must continue to brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis. To avoid dislodging a temporary repair, your dentist may instruct you to only floss in one direction and draw the floss through.

What are the benefits of dental restorations?

Dental restorations not only improve your chewing ability, but they also improve your speech and smile. They aid in the preservation of your teeth.

What are the risks associated with dental restorations?

After a dental restoration operation, the most prevalent risk is sensitivity or general discomfort. In rare cases, you may develop an infection or develop an allergic reaction to the metals used.

Dental restorations have little dangers, however crowns, for example, can get chipped, loosened, or fall off (permanent crowns do not). If you have extensive cavities or put off getting them fixed, you may need root canals or tooth extraction. If you have an issue with your teeth, you should see your dentist straight away.

How long does it take to recover?

After a dental restoration, you may have sensitivity or need to eat only soft foods for up to 24 hours. It may take some time to acclimatise to your dentures, for example, but in general, recuperation is swift.

What should I do to take care of my dental restorations?

Brush and care for your fake teeth in the same way that you would your real teeth. For example, you’ll need to remove your dentures, rinse them, and clean them with a gentle toothbrush.

Take good care of your teeth by brushing them every day and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings. Keep in mind to clean not only your teeth but also your:

• Gums.
• Tongue.
• Cheeks.
• Your tongue’s roof.

When should I make an appointment with my dentist?

If you notice a problem with your dental repair, such as a fracture in your filling or dentures that don’t fit properly, contact your dentist immediately. Routine cleanings should also be scheduled with your dentist.