Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing or replacing teeth. The main goal of restorative dentistry is to improve oral health and chewing function.
You may need restorative dentistry if you have:
* Cavities/tooth decay.
* Damaged or broken teeth.
* Missing teeth.

Why is restorative dentistry important?

Restorative dentistry gives you the best chance at long-lasting oral health. Your dentist can help restore your smile to full function by fixing damaged or decayed teeth. This improves your ability to eat, speak and chew.

Types of Dental Restoration

There are several different types of dental restorations, depending on your unique oral health needs:

Fillings

When bacteria eats away your tooth enamel and causes a hole, it’s called a cavity. Smaller cavities are usually repaired with dental fillings. During this procedure, your dentist removes the decayed portion of your tooth, then fills in the hole with a tooth-colored composite material. This halts the progression of tooth decay and reduces the risk of further damage.

Crowns

Dentists use dental crowns to repair large cavities or restore broken teeth. Sometimes called a cap, a crown fits over your entire tooth. In order to place a crown, your dentist must remove some of your natural tooth enamel. So, they’ll alter your tooth (shave part of your tooth down), then place a crown over it.

Inlays and onlays

Sometimes a cavity is too big for a filling, but too small for a crown. In a case like this, your dentist might recommend an inlay or onlay. These custom restorations fit into your natural tooth structure like puzzle pieces. Your dentist permanently bonds them into place. Inlays and onlays are similar. While an inlay fills the area between the cusps of your teeth, an onlay also covers at least one cusp.

Advantages of Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry offers a wide range of benefits for people of all ages. For example, it can:

Restore oral health.

Improve chewing function.

Eliminate dental pain.

Reduce the risk of dental issues in the future.

Reduce the risk of dental issues in the future.

Risks of Restorative Dentistry

The most common risk is sensitivity or general discomfort after a restorative dentistry procedure. Very rarely, you may get an infection or have an allergic reaction to the metals used. Dental restorations have very few risks. But crowns, for example, may become chipped or loosened. If you have deep cavities or delay getting cavities filled, that can lead to root canal therapy or tooth extraction. Contact a dentist right away if you have a problem with your teeth.