Reviewed By Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD
Reading Time: 4 minutes
If you have ever had a cavity filled or a dental crown placed, you have already experienced restorative dentistry. But what exactly does that mean, and how do you know what counts as basic versus major care?
In this blog, we break down what restorative dental care is, what a dental restoration involves, and how to tell the difference between basic and major restorative procedures. You will learn when these dental treatments are needed and why they matter for your long-term oral health.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Restorative dental care includes a wide spectrum of dental treatments designed to repair damaged teeth, restore missing teeth, and support long-term oral health.
What Is a Dental Restoration?
A dental restoration is any procedure that repairs or replaces a tooth that has been damaged by decay, trauma, or wear.
The goal is to restore function, strength, and appearance. Restorations can range from small dental fillings to full replacement of a missing tooth with a dental implant.
Common issues that require dental restorations include:
- Tooth decay that weakens the tooth structure
- Cracked or broken teeth due to injury or grinding
- Missing teeth that affect your bite and jaw alignment
- Infected teeth that require root canal therapy
We offer conservative restorative dentistry treatments that prioritize the preservation of natural tooth structure. Dr. Tyler N. Davis, DMD, uses high-quality composite materials, ceramic restorations, and modern imaging to deliver long-lasting results.
What Does Restorative Dentistry Include?
Restorative dentistry includes a wide range of dental procedures that address decayed teeth, damaged teeth, or missing teeth. Common restorative dentistry procedures include:
- Dental fillings: Use composite resin to restore cavities in natural teeth.
- Dental crowns: Cap and protect weakened or broken teeth.
- Dental bridges: Replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants.
- Root canals: Remove infected tissue inside the tooth root and preserve the remaining structure.
- Dental implants: Use a titanium artificial tooth root to support a replacement tooth.
- Partial dentures and full dentures: Provide removable options to replace multiple missing or decayed teeth.
What Is Basic Restorative Dental?
Basic restorative dental care includes simple procedures that repair minor issues. These are often completed in one visit and are often covered by dental insurance (varies by provider).
Examples of basic restorative procedures:
- Tooth-colored composite resin fillings
- Dental bonding to repair small chips
These treatments are effective for treating cavities, protecting oral health, and restoring the integrity of healthy teeth before more extensive work becomes necessary.
What Is Major Restorative Dental?
Major restorative dental care involves more complex procedures that rebuild or replace significant portions of the tooth or multiple teeth.
Examples of major restorative procedures:
- Dental crowns
- Bridges for replacing missing teeth
- Dental implants for long-term tooth replacement
- Full or partial dentures
- Complex root canal therapy or retreatment
These dental services are essential when the entire tooth is compromised or lost. Rebuilding the tooth structure helps restore oral health, appearance, and function.
Why Restorative Dentistry Matters
Restorative dentistry is not only about aesthetics, it is vital for long-term dental health. Leaving broken teeth, decayed teeth, or infected tooth roots untreated can lead to serious complications, including bone loss and spreading infection.
Restorative treatments help:
- Improve chewing and speaking function
- Maintain healthy teeth and gum function
- Prevent further damage or tooth loss
- Support neighboring natural teeth
- Restore comfort and self-confidence
Whether you need a filling or implant treatment, early intervention protects both your smile and overall oral health.
When to Schedule a Visit
Schedule a consultation if you notice any of the following:
- Pain while biting or chewing
- Broken teeth, chipped enamel, or worn edges
- A missing tooth or gap between teeth
- Loose crowns, bridges, or partial dentures
- Sensitivity or visible signs of tooth decay
Early treatment makes it easier to save your natural teeth and reduce the need for complex dental work later on..
Schedule a Dental Exam in Mesa, AZ
At Power Road Dental Care, we offer personalized restorative dentistry procedures that restore both function and aesthetics.
If you are in the Phoenix East Valley, book an appointment at our dental office in Mesa, AZ, call (480) 664-1438 or visit us at 2500 South Power Road, Suite 102, Mesa, AZ.