Restorative dentistry means the various options available in the dental world to fix, repair or replace damaged, frustrated or broken teeth. 

The purpose of restorative dentistry is to save teeth while also restoring their natural appearance, shape, and feel. 

Treatments from other dental specialities, including endodontics, prosthodontics, and periodontics are included in this branch of dentistry. This is due to the fact that many patients require complex care, which may involve therapy from many specialists. 

Why opt for restorative dental procedures? What are the benefits? 

• Helps keep your teeth aligned, thereby maintaining proper chewing and biting

• Prevents plaque build-up and the problems plaque can lead to when a tooth has been destroyed by cavities 

• Your appearance and self-esteem are uplifted 

When can Restorative Dentistry be applicable? 

As mentioned at the onset, the aim of restorative dentistry is to treat the teeth and bring them back to a healthy state. Restorative dentistry will be recommended or is applicable for the following conditions - 

• Substitute the loss of a tooth 

• Repair fractured tooth 

• Replacing old dental fillings 

• Dental fillings for cavities 

• Repair damaged and decayed teeth 

• To restore and correct a bite 

Let’s look at some common types of dental restorations.

• Dental Crowns— Dental Crowns can restore teeth that have significant structural damage. The dentist might decrease the tooth size to ensure that the crown fits properly. Different types of crowns include ceramic, porcelain-fused to metal and gold alloys. Ceramic crowns use porcelain-based materials that blend with your natural tooth colour. The porcelain fused metal crowns are hybrids of porcelain and metal. Gold Crowns are a mixture of gold, copper, and other metals. Metal-based alloy crowns consist of non-noble metals that can prevent corrosion. 

• White Dental Fillings — White dental fillings are made of coloured plastic and glass materials. They help protect the teeth from decay. Some widely used filling materials include gold, ceramic, amalgam, composite, and porcelain. The process begins with the removal of damaged and decayed areas. The dental filling is then placed on the teeth, and a gel is applied to it. A curing light is used to harden the layer of the filling material. As white dental fillings are invisible, they naturally fit in.

• Porcelain Bridges - Porcelain Bridges are an alternative treatment for dental implants. They are used to replace missing teeth. In this treatment, several crowns are joined together to bridge the gap of the missing or extracted teeth. 

• Inlays and Onlays — Dental Inlays and Onlays restore rear teeth that might have mild to moderate decay. Inlays are similar to dental fillings. Inlays fit inside the top edges of the damaged tooth. Likewise, dental Onlays extend over the cusps of the entire teeth. As the Onlay proceeds to grow, they become a more natural tooth structure. 

• Amalgam Fillings - They are silver dental fillings used in areas where decay is large. Before placing the dental amalgam, the dentist removes the decayed areas and shapes the tooth to place the amalgam filling. A powdered alloy is mixed with liquid mercury to create an amalgam putty. The putty is placed and shaped into the cavity area where it solidifies. These dental fillings are durable and bio-compatible. 

• Dentures - Dentures are artificial teeth that are either detachable or fixed and are used to replace several missing teeth. Custom dentures are a common treatment for those who have lost all of their teeth due to extensive tooth decay or gum disease. There are four different types of dentures to select from, depending on the patient and the need- Complete dentures, fixed partial dentures, removable partial dentures and implant-retained dentures. 

• Composite Bonding — A chipped front tooth is harder to fill because of its position and location. Composite bonding restores teeth by bonding a tooth-coloured resin material to the existing teeth. This treatment minimizes any discomfort and conceals the visible flaw. Dental bonds can be used to fill cavities, repair fractured or chipped teeth, and conceal discoloured tooth surfaces. They can help close minor gaps between teeth, which is beneficial for those who have diastema. Indirect dental bonding, composite veneer bonding, and composite bonding are three distinct dental bonding methods that can be used depending on your needs. 

After a restorative dental procedure, what should you expect? 

Your dentist may advise you to adjust your food and drinking habits for the following 24 hours after a dental restoration: 

• Soft meals should be consumed. 

• Cold meals should be consumed. 

• Warm soup is a good option if you can withstand the heat. 

• After any procedure, you must remember to clean and floss your teeth on a daily basis. 

Patients of all ages, including children, teenagers, adults, and elders, are treated by restorative dentists. However, adults or the elderly are the most likely to seek restorative treatment. Are you looking for fixing a chipped tooth or do you require a dental filling? We advise you to first consult a dentist and then go ahead with a restorative dental procedure - Book your appointment today.

At Sakra, you will get the best dental bridge for front teeth, we have highly experienced dental surgeons who will help you in restoring the look and function of the teeth. We also have the best dental crown for molars available to get your damaged and decayed teeth fixed.