Restorative dentistry refers to the branch of medicine that focuses on restoring or replacing damaged teeth. A person may need restorative dentistry if they develop cavities, damaged teeth, or missing teeth.
Dentistry is a branch of medicine and health care that focuses on the teeth, gums, and surrounding tissue in and around the mouth.
Restorative dentistry, sometimes known as restorative dentistry, is dentistry aimed at repairing or replacing damaged teeth. The goal of this type of dentistry is to restore oral function and improve oral health.
In this article, we will explore when a person may need restorative dentistry, the types of restorative dentistry procedures available, and the recovery process.
Restorative dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on
It can restore the function of the teeth and improve their appearance.
There are different oral conditions that can lead to a person needing restorative dentistry. Some of these conditions include:
- Dental cavities: A cavity or tooth decay can occur due to the gradual destruction of the tooth’s outer, hard layer, known as enamel. In some cases, this can also affect the deeper layer of the teeth.
Tooth fracture : A person may need restorative dentistry after breaking a tooth or teeth. This usually happens due to sports activities, accidents and physical injuries.Missing teeth : A person may experience partial or total tooth loss that may require replacement.
The different types of restorative dentistry include:
Dental fillings
A dentist can use a filling to
Several types of filling materials are available and include tooth-colored fillings and silver-colored fillings. Normally, dental fillings do not last a person’s entire life and may require replacement.
Dental crowns
A dentist can use a dental crown to cover a tooth, similar to a cap. Dental crowns help restore the shape and size of teeth and may improve their strength and appearance.
A person may need a dental crown if they have a large filling on a tooth and there is not enough tooth tissue left to hold the filling.
Inserts and inserts
Dental inserts they are similar to fillings and a dentist can use them to replace a small amount of lost tooth structure. Dental attachments fit inside the tooth structure but also extend to the surface of the tooth.
According to American College of Prosthetists, dentists can use a variety of dental inlays and inlays made from different materials, including gold, ceramic, and porcelain. Inlays and inlays normally last for many years, but they are also expensive.
Root canal treatment
If a person’s teeth have strict damage or decay, may require root canal treatment. A dentist may recommend a root canal to prevent the need to remove a tooth.
A person may need a root canal when there is an infection in the pulp inside a tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth and contains blood vessels and nerves.
A pulp infection can cause the surrounding tooth tissue to become inflamed. This can cause swelling and pain and increases the risk of tooth extraction.
A root canal treatment usually involves removing the nerve inside the tooth and the root areas (the root canal). The dentist will then clean the root canal normally. A dentist may also use medicine that kills bacteria if there is a chance of re-infection.
The dentist will then fill the root canal with a rubber-like material that seals the root canal. The dentist will place a temporary filling to protect the tooth until a permanent filling or crown can fit.
Dental implants
Dental implants are a treatment option for missing teeth. A dentist will place the implant in the jawbone.
Dental implants provide a structure for replacement teeth that can be held and supported
Dental bridge
A dental bridge, also known as a fixed partial denture, is a procedure that a dentist can use to replace missing teeth. Essentially, a dentist will insert replacement teeth into the space between the missing teeth to “bridge” the gap.
There are several types of dental bridges available, and the choice a dentist uses will depend on a number of factors, including the person’s oral health and the number of teeth missing. Types of dental bridges include:
- removable bridges
- implant bridges
- fixed bridges
Recovery from restorative dentistry depends on several factors, including the type of surgery and the number of teeth repaired or replaced.
For example, according to a 2021 study, a person who has had a dental implant placed can expect to recover within
The cost of dental restoration will depend on the type of procedure a person needs. The cost of each procedure can also vary depending on which dental office a person attends for a procedure, as well as whether their dental insurance covers a particular type of procedure.
For example, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), the cost of a single tooth replacement can range from $3,000–$4,500. The ADA also notes that insurance policies often do not cover the full cost of dental implants.
A person should speak with their insurance carrier to determine whether their policy will partially or fully cover a dental procedure. They should also talk to their dental office to make sure they will accept their form of insurance.
A person should contact a dentist if they develop signs or symptoms
- a broken tooth
- missing teeth or tooth loss;
- bloody gums
- pain when chewing
- stained teeth
- tender or painful gums;
Restorative dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on replacing and repairing broken, missing or damaged teeth.
Restorative procedures include fillings, crowns, inlays, root canal therapy and dental bridges. The recovery time and cost of each procedure varies and depends on other factors, including the number of teeth that underwent the procedure.
A person should seek the advice of a dentist if they experience pain or bleeding in the mouth or immediate injury or loss of teeth.
