The term “restorative dentistry” or oral rehabilitation refers to a comprehensive and integrated management of dental problems and restoring the mouth to a functional and aesthetic state. It involves replacement of missing teeth or repair of missing parts of the tooth structure. It may include co-ordination of multi-professionals to achieve the objectives. Restorative dentistry may include some or all of the following depending upon the patient requirement: 1.Fillings??of teeth with gold, silver amalgam, or tooth-coloured plastic materials called composite resin fillings. It is done to prevent further damage of the tooth. 2.Crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is used to cover a tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, appearance, to hold a bridge in place or cover a dental implant. 3.Bridge??comprises of false teeth that are permanently fixed to fill the gap created by one or more missing teeth. 4.Implants??are replacement tooth roots that are placed into the bone socket of missing teeth. 5.Dentures??can be complete or partial and are removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Complete dentures replace all the teeth and partial dentures simply replace missing teeth so the remaining teeth do not move or become crooked. 6.Root Canal??involves removal of diseased or dead nerves inside the tooth to save the tooth. Advantages of restorative dentistry
- Restores the function of the teeth.
- Improves facial appearance.
- Improved speech, swallowing and chewing.
- Promotes dental health.
- Prevents cavities.
