What Is Restorative Dentistry and How Does It Work?

When you need to repair a chipped tooth, fill a cavity or replace a missing tooth, restorative dentistry may be the solution to achieving the smile you want. Restorative dentistry is aimed at helping patients retain their oral health and prevent future dental problems.¹

Read on to find out more about restorative dentistry and if it is an option for you.

What Is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry treats oral health issues related to damaged or missing teeth. Its goal is to restore the function, integrity and natural appearance of the teeth, gums and overall oral structures.¹

Restorative vs. preventive and cosmetic dentistry

Restorative dentistry differs from other types of dentistry — such as preventive or cosmetic — in its focus and objectives:²

• Restorative dentistry aims to repair and restore teeth that are damaged due to decay, injury or disease. These procedures are primarily focused on improving the function and health of teeth and gums so patients can comfortably eat, speak and smile.

• Preventive dentistry, sometimes called general dentistry, aims to maintain oral health and stop problems before they occur, with procedures like regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, dental X-rays and patient education.

• Cosmetic dentistry is focused on enhancing a patient’s smile through elective procedures like teeth whitening, veneers or tooth reshaping.

In many cases, restorative and cosmetic goals may overlap. For example, a dental crown used to restore a damaged tooth will also enhance its appearance. The distinction is that restorative dentistry is necessary to regain or maintain oral health, while cosmetic dentistry is typically elective and done to improve aesthetics.²

Types of Restorative Dental Procedures

Some common types of restorative dental procedures include:

• Fillings. Fillings are used to repair cavities caused by tooth decay. The dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and fills the space with a material such as composite resin, amalgam, gold or porcelain. The filling helps to prevent further decay and improve the tooth’s strength.¹
  
• Crowns. A crown, or a cap, is fitted over a tooth that is too decayed or damaged to be repaired with a filling. The dentist will shape the damaged tooth and cement the crown in place. Crowns are typically made from porcelain, ceramic or metal and may need to be re-cemented over time if they wear out or become loose.³
• Bridges. A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. It’s made up of an artificial tooth (or teeth), anchored on either side by crowns. The bridge is then cemented into place, using the healthy teeth as support for the artificial replacement(s).³
• Dental implants. Implants are a permanent option for replacing missing teeth. They involve surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as an artificial tooth root. A crown is later attached to the post to restore the appearance and function of the missing tooth. The gums and surrounding bone must be healthy enough to support this procedure.³
  
• Bonding. Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin material to repair minor chips, cracks or gaps. This quick and relatively simple procedure enhances tooth function and appearance.²
• Root canal. When the inner part of a tooth — the pulp — becomes infected or inflamed, a root canal is needed to remove the decayed tissue, clean and disinfect the tooth and seal it.¹
• Inlays and onlays. Virtually invisible, custom-made dental inlays or onlays are sometimes used as a replacement for traditional fillings to fill cracks or holes caused by moderate decay or fractured teeth.⁴ Inlays are bonded between the cusps of the teeth, while onlays are bonded to the chewing surfaces of the teeth, including the cusps.⁵ They might also be used to replace older fillings that have become damaged or discolored.⁴
• Dentures. Dentures are removable prosthetic devices used to replace multiple missing teeth. Dentures can be full, replacing all teeth in the upper or lower jaw, or partial, replacing only a few teeth.¹

Benefits of Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dental procedures can improve oral health, quality of life and well-being.

When damaged or missing teeth are repaired, patients can chew, bite and speak properly again.¹ In addition, many restorative treatments — like crowns or implants — also improve a patient’s smile, which may boost confidence and self-esteem.⁴

Restorative procedures that treat cavities or tooth decay early can deter the need for more extensive and expensive procedures later, such as tooth extractions or reconstructions.¹

With proper care and maintenance and regular dental visits, most dental restorations can last more than 10 years.⁶

Does Dental Insurance Cover Restorative Treatments?

Dental insurance may cover or partially cover many dental restoration procedures, particularly when they are considered medically necessary to restore function, repair decay or address oral health problems. For example, fillings, root canals, crowns and bridges are often covered, though the level of coverage may vary based on the specific insurance plan.⁷

However, insurance coverage for dentures or implants can be limited, as some plans may consider them elective. In these cases, patients may need to pay a higher out-of-pocket cost, or the coverage may only apply to specific types of implants or dentures.⁷

The specifics of what is covered will depend on your insurance plan, so it’s important to check with your provider to understand what treatments are included and whether there are any out-of-pocket costs. Your dentist may also offer payment plans to accommodate your budget.

Side Effects and Recovery From Restorative Dental Treatments

There are a few side effects associated with most restorative dental treatments, the most common being temporary tooth sensitivity that usually resolves within a few days of the procedure.⁸ In rare cases, a patient may have an allergic reaction to a dental material used in the procedure or experience infection, which may be managed with antibiotics.¹

Recovery time will depend on the type of treatment received. There is normally little to no downtime after receiving a filling, crown or bridge. Other treatments — like root canals, implants or denture fittings — may have a longer recovery time, depending on the extent of the damage and the number of teeth involved. Your dentist will outline a recovery plan based on your specific needs.⁹

Restorative dentistry is essential for maintaining good oral health, particularly when it comes to repairing damage and restoring function to teeth and gums. From simple fillings to complex dental implants, restorative dentistry can help patients regain the ability to eat, speak and smile with confidence.

Financing Restorative Dentistry With the CareCredit Credit Card

Whether you're getting restorative dentistry or you're simply paying for a dental exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist or oral surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit. Use the CareCredit credit card, again and again, to pay for your health and wellness wants and needs, and download the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to dental care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for pet care, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Anne-Marie Kennedy is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience covering health and wellness, personal finance and real estate/investing.