RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY

define restorative dentistry

restorative dentistry: an area of dentistry where the treatment aims are to restore oral structure with regard to

• the functional

• psychological

• and aesthetics 

needs of the patient

outline notable points about this patient

• centrals are a different colour to the rest of the dentition

• mottling of enamel makes upper centrals look like this

• calculus between lower anteriors

• class IV on disto-incisal of LR1

what are the key aspects of restoring in dentistry

• accurate diagnosis

• developing a patient-centred treatment plan

• prevention of recurrence

• referral or seek advice if unsure

• providing operative treatment

• reviewing success of treatment

• maintenance of any work done to ensure it lasts as long as possible

what are the specialties within restorative dentistry

• endodontics

• periodontics

• prosthodontics

interdependent on each other

what are the key principles of endodontics

• keep bacteria out of the dental pulp

• remove bacteria if they penetrate

• keep bacteria out after treatment

what is an important thing to consider when shaping the restoration to ensure it lasts

ensure they are well adapted and anatomically correct/ close to the original tooth

what are key aspects of periodontics

• maintenance of a healthy periodontium

  • incl. systemic diseases, prevention, active treatment

outline notable aspects about this patient

• chronic periodontitis

• loss of contour of gingival tissues

• lots of calculus 

• likely mobility issues

• likely periapical infections

• likely halitosis

what are key regimes in periodontics treatment

• antibiotics sometimes used as an adjunct to treatment

• important to get oral hygiene as good as possible at the beginning of treatment

• PMPR

what stands out about this bitewing

• there should be a root fill between the end of the post-crown on the LR5 but it is missing 

what does the red arrow represent

• retained root from an extraction

things to remember from a medico-legal aspect

• practice good quality, ethical dentistry

• keep excellent records

• if things have gone wrong then follow up according to procedures

• informed consent is vital

what is prosthodontics

prosthodontics: replacement of lost tooth tissue

what are the types of dental prostheses 

• fixed - can be direct or indirect

  • intracoronal restorations (within the crown)

  • extracoronal restorations (over the sides and edges of tooth)

• removable

  • dentures

classify this type of restoration

intracoronal fixed direct restoration

what class lesion is this 

class V

what dental prosthesis combines implants and dentures

implant retained dentures

give examples of indirect restorations

• veneers

• bridges

• crowns

suggest why bleaching teeth is a popular practice

• fairly straightforward

• immediate results

if a patient receives a partial denture, what is important to emphasise to them

maintaining oral hygiene of remaining natural teeth

identify the pontic and bridge in this image 

• UL2 = pontic (fake tooth)

• fixed bridges from premolars

how can we manage patient expectations with all the influence from social media

extensive planning

what is prosthodontics a combination of

• patient’s needs and wishes

and

• your skills and knowledge

what aspect of prosthodontics is at the interface of all 3 traditional specialties

implantology

important points for restorative dentistry

• consider the future health of the whole mouth, not just one restoration

• don’t be afraid to seek advice/ refer

• prevent as well as treat

• know your limits