Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry involves the diagnosis and integrated management of diseases of the oral cavity, the teeth and supporting structures. It includes rehabilitation of the teeth and oral cavity to the functional and aesthetic requirements of each individual patient, including the co-ordination and interaction of multiple specialists to achieve these objectives.

Due to the increasing complexity of oral health management there is an increasing need for a multidisciplinary approach often including other specialties within dentistry such as endodontists (root canal specialists) and periodontists (gum specialists) as well as oral surgeons and orthodontists.

Crowns

Crowns are used to restore form, function and appearance of teeth which are badly broken down, worn or fractured to such an extent that simpler forms of restoration are contraindicated or have found to fail in clinical service. The decision to provide a crown depends on many factors, including patient motivation, the condition of the remaining teeth, analysis of the benefits, disadvantages and long-term consequences of providing the restoration. They are generally provided in situations in which such advanced restorative care will clearly contribute to the oral health and wellbeing of the patient.

Crowns are also used to reduce the risk of fracture occurring in extensively restored teeth including endodontically treated teeth that have undergone root canal therapy.

Bridges

A bridge is a dental prosthesis that is luted, screwed or mechanically attached to natural teeth or dental implants. They replace one or more teeth of functional or cosmetic importance to the patient. Tooth-supported bridges require the availability of appropriate abutments (adjacent teeth). If the adjacent teeth would not from restoration or are unsuitable then implant supported prosthesis should be considered.

Alternatives to Crowns and Bridges

Modern adhesive and implant dentistry offers many opportunities to provide direct and indirect restorations without the need for significant tooth preparation and these restorations can satisfy the aesthetic and functional requirements of the patient. Vital bleaching, ceramic onlays, resin bonded bridges and implants are often more conservative especially when teeth are minimally restored at the time of presentation. Dental implants are often the treatment of choice when missing teeth are to be replaced.

The development of adhesive dentistry and modern implant techniques have reduced the need for removal of sound tooth tissue as part of a restorative treatment plan.