What is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing oral health issues related to damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. It plays a crucial role in maintaining both function and aesthetics, ensuring that patients can chew, speak, and smile with confidence. Common restorative procedures include dental fillings, crowns, and bridges, each designed to address specific dental concerns.
The Importance of Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dental treatments help:
- Prevent further decay and damage
- Restore natural tooth function
- Improve overall oral health
- Enhance the appearance of the smile
- Protect surrounding teeth from additional wear and stress
Dental Fillings: The First Line of Defense Against Cavities
What Are Dental Fillings?
A dental filling is a treatment used to restore a tooth damaged by decay. It helps restore the tooth’s original shape and function while preventing further decay. Fillings are commonly used for small to moderate cavities.
When Are Fillings Necessary?
- When a tooth has a cavity or small decay
- If a tooth has minor fractures or cracks
- To replace worn-out fillings
Types of Dental Fillings
- Composite Resin Fillings – Tooth-colored and ideal for visible teeth.
- Amalgam Fillings – Silver-colored, durable, and often used for molars.
- Gold Fillings – Long-lasting but expensive.
- Ceramic Fillings – Aesthetic and stain-resistant.
- Glass Ionomer Fillings – Suitable for children and cavity-prone teeth.
Dental Crowns: Protecting and Strengthening Teeth
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns fully encase the visible part of the tooth above the gum line.
When Are Crowns Necessary?
- To protect a weak tooth from breaking
- To restore a severely worn-down tooth
- Following a root canal treatment
- To cover large fillings when little tooth structure remains
- To enhance the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth
Types of Dental Crowns
- Porcelain Crowns – Aesthetic and natural-looking.
- Metal Crowns – Highly durable but less aesthetic.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns – A combination of strength and aesthetics.
- Zirconia Crowns – Strong and natural-looking.
- Gold Crowns – Exceptionally durable but costly.
Dental Bridges: Replacing Missing Teeth
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of artificial teeth anchored by adjacent natural teeth or implants.
When Are Bridges Necessary?
- To replace one or more missing teeth
- To prevent adjacent teeth from shifting
- To improve chewing and speaking ability
- To restore facial structure
Types of Dental Bridges
- Traditional Bridges – Supported by adjacent natural teeth.
- Cantilever Bridges – Used when only one adjacent tooth is available.
- Maryland Bridges – Bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth, often for front teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridges – Secured by dental implants for added stability.
