What is Restorative Dentistry?

The branch of dental care that focuses on diagnosing, preventing and treating oral diseases is known as restorative dental care, and it covers a wide variety of procedures that all ultimately aim to restore the functionality and aesthetics of the teeth and gums.

It’s a dental field that can trace its roots back to ancient times, with the most rudimentary of methods being implemented to provide care to the dental issues we can still face today. Of course, over the centuries, advancements in materials and techniques have transformed restorative dentistry into a sophisticated field with innovation for continuous improvement of patient outcomes driving the field’s ingenuity and effectiveness. 

Importance of Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry has three main benefits. The first of which are its numerous health benefits; the treatment of cavities, infections and other dental issues to prevent the spread of gum disease helps maintain a healthy oral environment. This in turn can prevent systemic health issues such as heart disease and diabetes, as tooth decay and gum disease will have been addressed at the root causes.

The second section of benefits are purely aesthetic procedures such as crowns, bridges and implants, which work to improve a person’s self confidence and overall quality of life by giving them a smile they feel more comfortable in showing off. A happier mindset can also lead to healthier lifestyle choices, so although these procedures are skin deep, their effects can be felt in all areas of life. If you are searching for dental implants in London, consider the Marylebone Implant Centre and find out the best course of action for your oral needs.

The third aspect of the benefits of restorative dentistry is the restoration of proper chewing, biting and speaking functions. It is essential for everyday activities and overall well-being to have full oral functionality, so repairing damaged teeth and replacing missing ones can be key to the personal well-being of the patient. 

Common Restorative Dentistry Procedures

Now you know a little about what the field is and what the benefits are, what is it that you can actually expect from a restorative dentistry procedure? There are fillings, crowns, bridges, implants and dentures, and the more invasive root canal. Fillings are used to repair cavities and minor tooth decay and are extremely common. Crowns are a level up and are typically used when a tooth is too damaged for a filling. Bridges, implants and dentures are solutions for missing teeth at varying intensities, and are not only aesthetic but are there to improve overall functionality of the patient’s oral capacity. Finally, root canals prevent the need for extraction by removing the infected pulp from the tooth, cleaning the inside and then sealing it off. 

Future of Restorative Dentistry

Now we know where we’ve been, and where we currently are in the field of restorative dentistry, but what lies ahead for professionals and patients? Ongoing research is focused on developing new materials and techniques to further enhance restorative dental care.

Alongside the research, potential innovations may include stem cell therapy, which could enable the regeneration of natural tooth structures, and more sophisticated digital tools for even more precise treatments.

Schedule a consultation with a qualified restorative dentist today, and discuss your dental needs with an expert or explore available treatment options. For those in Birmingham, consider visiting a dentist in Birmingham for expert care and personalised treatment plans!