What is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry, also known as endodontics, is the specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the pulp and periapical tissues of the teeth.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), restorative dentistry is the practice of dental medicine that focuses on the preservation and replacement of damaged or lost tooth structure.

Restorations are commonly used to treat the following types of problems:

• Broken fillings
• Cavities
• Discoloration
• Fractures
• Loose fillings
• Misshaping
• Spots
• Tooth decay

Restorative dentistry is a great way to enhance the look and function of your smile.

The goal of restorative dentistry is to preserve and restore teeth to their original condition, function, and esthetics. It is a multidisciplinary field that involves the use of a variety of materials and procedures, including restorative materials, biomaterials, and prostheses.

Who Benefits From Restorative Dentistry?

The most common age groups that undergo restorative dental procedures are those between 31 to 40 years old (37 percent) and 41 to 50 years old (33 percent). Ninety-three percent of restorative dentistry patients are also female.

Types of Restorative Procedures

There are two basic types of restorative dental procedures:

• Restoration of decayed or broken teeth
• Replacement of missing teeth

If you’re interested in having a crown placed on a tooth that is cracked or broken, you’ll want to find a dentist who is qualified to perform this procedure.

If you’re interested in having a tooth replaced, you can choose from a variety of options. For example, if your tooth is missing, a dentist may recommend a dental bridge or a dental implant.

In addition, dentists may replace teeth that have been damaged by decay, which is called restoration. This can include placing a filling or a crown.

Why Choose Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is used to treat problems like tooth decay, trauma, and periodontal disease. In addition, it can help to remove tartar buildup, fill cavities, and repair broken teeth.

There are several restorative procedures that can be done to address these issues, including:

Fillings

Filling a cavity is the most common restorative dental procedure. A dentist places a filling material inside a decayed or broken tooth.

Crowns

A crown is a thin cap that covers the tooth to restore its original shape and size. Crowns are used to prevent a tooth from breaking or cracking. They are typically used to replace a part of the tooth that has been severely damaged.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of your teeth. They are used to fix the appearance of chipped, discolored, or crooked teeth.

Bonding

Bonding is used to repair or replace broken teeth. Bonding is a process that uses adhesive to bond a composite resin to the surface of the tooth.

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is a treatment that involves removing the pulp from a tooth and cleaning out the canals. The canals are then filled with calcium hydroxide to prevent bacteria from entering. This treatment prevents infection and promotes healing.

Questions to Ask Your Restorative Dentist

How long have they been practicing?

Since restorative dentistry is a relatively new specialty, it’s important to find a dentist who has been practicing for at least five years. This will give you the peace of mind knowing they have the experience to handle any problem that may arise.