Restorative dentistry is concerned with repairing or replacing damaged, decayed or missing tooth structure and restoring oral function. Restorative materials include metals, ceramics, glass ionomer cements and composite resins, with the appropriate material and restoration depending on the clinical situation. [1]
This page is the restorative dentistry hub for ACE Dental Resource. It provides a high-level map of the main treatment categories and directs readers to dedicated pages for detailed information about each procedure.
Illustrations from the Original Restorative Dentistry Guide
These historical illustrations include crowns, bridges, fillings, air abrasion and dentures. They are retained from the original page; the treatment table below reflects the current scope of this guide.
What Is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative treatment can be used when teeth have been damaged by decay, fracture, wear or other problems, or when teeth are missing. Some restorations are also designed to blend with natural teeth, so restorative and cosmetic goals can overlap.
The treatment plan should be based on an examination and the condition of the teeth, gums, supporting structures and bite rather than on the name of a procedure alone.
Common Restorative Dentistry Treatments
| Treatment | General purpose | Detailed ACE guide |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Crowns | Restore or protect a tooth when substantial tooth structure requires coverage. | Dental Crowns |
| Dental Inlays & Onlays | Restore selected areas of damaged tooth structure without necessarily covering the entire tooth. | Inlays & Onlays |
| Dental Implants | Provide a foundation for replacing a missing tooth or supporting a prosthesis. | Dental Implants |
| Mini Dental Implants | A narrower implant option used in selected treatment situations. | Mini Dental Implants |
| Dentures | Replace multiple missing teeth or an entire arch with removable prostheses. | Dentures |
| Flexible Dentures | An alternative denture design using flexible denture materials in selected cases. | Flexible Dentures |
| Full Mouth Reconstruction | A coordinated plan involving multiple restorative treatments for complex dental needs. | Full Mouth Reconstruction |
Restorative Materials Matter
Different restorations can be made from different materials, and material selection depends on factors such as location in the mouth, functional demands, aesthetics and the design of the restoration. The ADA’s current information on indirect restorative materials describes applications for crowns, inlays, onlays, veneers, bridges and partial dentures across several material classes. [2]
NIDCR also notes that indirect restorations can be custom made in a laboratory using techniques such as digital design, milling or 3D printing, and that some require multiple visits for fabrication and placement. [1]
How Dentists Choose a Restorative Approach
There is rarely one universal restoration that is appropriate for every patient. Treatment planning may consider:
- How much healthy tooth structure remains.
- Whether the tooth can be predictably restored.
- The number and location of missing or damaged teeth.
- Gum and supporting bone health.
- The patient’s bite and functional requirements.
- Material properties and aesthetic goals.
- Maintenance and the possibility of future repair or replacement.
- The patient’s preferences, circumstances and overall treatment goals.
Why Treatment May Need to Be Sequenced
Restorative treatment is sometimes only one part of a larger plan. Active oral-health problems may need to be addressed before definitive restorations are placed, and complex cases may require treatment to be completed in stages.
For broader preventive and oral-health information, see General Dentistry, Dental Hygiene and Gum Disease.
Restorative Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry
Restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry can overlap. A crown, denture or implant restoration may need to restore function while also matching the appearance of surrounding teeth. Conversely, some cosmetic procedures are primarily intended to change appearance when oral health and function are already satisfactory.
For the broader aesthetic treatment category, see Cosmetic Dentistry.
Understanding Restorative Treatment Costs
The cost of restorative treatment depends on the procedure, materials, number of teeth, complexity, laboratory work, location and other patient-specific factors. Online ranges should not be treated as a personal quote.
For general information about dental treatment costs and how estimates should be evaluated, see Cosmetic Dentistry Costs and the individual treatment guides above.
Questions to Ask About Restorative Treatment
- What problem is the restoration intended to address?
- What treatment alternatives are available?
- How much natural tooth structure can be preserved?
- What material is being proposed, and why?
- How many appointments are expected?
- What maintenance or future replacement may be required?
- What is included in the treatment estimate?
Explore Restorative Dentistry Resources
- Dental Crowns
- Dental Inlays & Onlays
- Dental Implants
- Mini Dental Implants
- Dentures
- Flexible Dentures
- Full Mouth Reconstruction