Restorative dentistry dental procedures aim at restoring teeth that have been damaged due to dental decay or chipped in an injury. It also includes replacing missing or diseased teeth to normal form and function as a measure of complete restorative dentistry solutions. Restorative dentistry helps in protecting and enhancing your overall oral health. Affordable and cheap restorative dental treatments can be availed at most of the India dental clinics.

There are situations when different types of dental restorations may be needed as choice of treatment for various reasons. The restorative approach is to ensure saving teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. Restorations include fillings, inlays and onlays, veneers, crowns, implants, bridges, and dentures. Dental restorations can be described as direct and indirect restorations. Some restorations require multiple visits to the dentist (e.g., crowns, bridges). Restorations can be made from a number of different materials, including amalgam, composite resin, ionomers, metal alloys, porcelain and porcelain fused to metal.

It is at the time of visit to the dentist for a dental examination a recommendation is made to the patients on the type of restoration is right for them. The general process for dental restorations is similar for all types of restoration. The tooth is first prepared for the restoration. Any tooth decay is removed and the tooth may be reshaped. If an indirect restoration is to be used, the dentist will take an impression to make the restoration. The restoration can then be placed and adjusted as needed. Once placed, restorations do not usually cause discomfort.

Restorative cosmetic dental care procedures like bonding or veneers for slightly crooked teeth are attractive and time saving options for those who cannot afford to undergo full length of regular orthodontic treatments for various reasons. Other dental procedures may be necessary before some dental restorations. For example, a root canal treatment may be required before a tooth crown can be placed. The longevity of a dental restoration depends on many factors, including the patient’s health and dental hygiene habits, the type of restoration and material used, and the location of the restoration in the mouth and the skill of the dental practitioner.

The most common of the different types of dental restorations as mentioned are designed to do specific jobs:

1. Sealants: Mainly used in the back teeth of children as a preventive procedure, this white filling materials in a "flowable" form.
2. Tooth Colored Fillings: Placed directly into the prepared tooth, these white fillings are esthetically most acceptable solution for decayed teeth.
3. Silver Fillings (Amalgams): These are cheaper in cost and stronger for deep decay in back teeth. Esthetically and medically (for mercury) bad, these fillings are avoided by many.
4. Inlays: Costlier, stronger, and longer in life than composite fillings, inlays are pre-formed and most acceptable ceramic tooth restoration.
5. Onlays: Also known as partial crown, these are non invasive lab fabricated ceramic dental restoration that covers the entire or most of the biting surface.
6. Crowns: It is the largest tooth restoration. It is used as implant prosthesis or in a situation when an existing crown must be replaced.
7. Veneers: These porcelain facings are used to protect tooth enamel erosion, while in another situation enamel is shaved off to shape the teeth to meet cosmetic dentistry requirements.
8. Bridges: These are replacement for missing teeth when sufficient "anchor" teeth are available on each side of the gap.
9. Implants: These are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone, to support single crown or bridge or complete denture.
10. Removable Partial Dentures: When insufficient teeth remain to support fixed bridges acrylic or cast partials fulfill the option.
11. Removable Full Denture: In edentulous situation, complete dentures are the most commonly used option that helps maintain good general health of a patient.