Restorative Dental Therapy

Restorative dental services are intended to repair damage that occurs to teeth as a result of oral diseases, such as tooth decay, or facial trauma. Sometimes it is possible to preserve a natural tooth, while in other cases, the tooth must be extracted and replaced. As such, restorative dental services may include interventions ranging from fillings and crowns to dental bridges and dentures. Root canal therapy is also considered to be a restorative dental service, as it strives to preserve a biological tooth.  

Minor restorative dental work addresses smaller portions of the tooth. Therefore, services such as dental fillings, dental bonding and onlays and inlays would all be considered to be minor restorative interventions. Dental fillings and bonding can be completed in a single appointment, while other minor restorative work may require multiple appointments days or even weeks apart. The dentist will take care to achieve the same good aesthetic results with minor treatments that are expected with more major interventions.  

A restorative dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is bonded on top of the biological tooth, after a thin layer of enamel has been removed to make room for the crown. Dental crowns may be made of porcelain, ceramics, porcelain-fused-to-metal or metal alone, and different materials may be appropriate for different scenarios. Dental crowns are also placed on teeth following root canal treatment, as that therapy leaves teeth more susceptible to breaking and the crown offers additional protection.  

The process of placing a dental crown involves at least two appointments with the dentist. At the first one, the tooth is prepped for crown placement and dental impressions are taken so that the crown can be designed. The patient may also be fitted with a temporary crown at this visit. Then, when the crown is ready, the patient returns to the office to be fitted with the device.  

The restorative dental treatment process will vary based on the unique needs of each patient. Some treatments can be completed in a single session, while others take place over a number of weeks. Some treatments require minimal adjustment, while it can take some time to get used to others. Your dentist can give you more specifics about the restorative treatment process at your initial consultation.