Restorative Dentistry aims to diagnose and treat structural defects in dental tissues arising from developmental or acquired conditions so as to restore the function and integrity of the tooth structure through surgical procedures. The scope of Restorative Dentistry involves diagnosis and treatment of dental caries, protective restorations, operative and cosmetic/aesthetic dentistry.

At our clinic, we use latest dental technology to make sure we provide specialist dental services including diagnosis and treatment of dental deformities and disorders in adults caused by dental caries and excessive tissue loss as well as inlays and onlays, laminate veneers restorations, dental fillings, fibre post and core procedures to treat dental developmental anomalies and restore function and aesthetics in patients. Additionally, we provide caries risk assessment and management services as part of preventive dentistry as well as invasive procedures to eliminate tooth sensitivity and halitosis (bad breath).

At-home bleaching and in-office bleaching procedures are also provided in our clinic to treat discoloration of vital and non-vital teeth. With measurement and analysis of smile line, we offer our patients restorative procedures to help them achieve a healthy and aesthetic smile.

What are dental caries (tooth decay)?

Caused by poor oral hygiene, oral bacteria/their acidic waste products, and excessive consumption of carbohydrates, dental caries is an infectious disease that leads to mineral loss in dental hard tissues.

Things to do to prevent dental caries

• Consume fewer sugars-containing sticky foods and beverages
• Brush your teeth properly at least twice a day
• Floss regularly
• Visit your dentist at least twice a year

Cavity Signs and Symptoms

Brown, black or white stains on tooth surface and deterioration of tooth’s structural integrity may indicate the presence of cavities in the mouth. Additional cavity signs and symptoms may include halitosis (bad breath) and teeth sensitivity to cold and sugar.

Treatment of Dental Caries

Integrity of missing tooth structure is restored using dental fillings, which are specially fabricated restorative materials, including composite resin, compomers, glass ionomer cement, amalgam or ceramic fillings. Types and characteristics of dental materials vary according to their intended purposes.

Can teeth with excessive tissue loss be filled?

If there is enough dental tissue to hold roots in place, a laboratory-processed inlay or onlay may be used. Inlay or onlay procedures usually require two sessions. To protect the tooth between visits, your dentist will fit your tooth with a temporary and less comfortable inlay or onlay.

Is dental filling necessary to reduce each type of tooth sensitivity?

Your dentist will decide whether you have a cavity that needs to be filled after detecting the actual cause of tooth sensitivity and assessing the extent of tissue loss. In cases of tooth wear where no cavities are present or in cases of gingival recession, desensitising agents can be used instead of dental fillings.

Causes of Tooth Wear:

• Aggressive and incorrect tooth brushing
• Tooth brushing with abrasive toothpastes
• Horizontal scrubbing with a hard toothbrush
• Excessive intake of acidic foods and drinks
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Occlusal problems

What is Tooth Whitening/Bleaching?

Tooth whitening is the restoration of a natural tooth shade or whitening beyond the natural shade by using a number of different chemical agents and techniques. Whitening procedure performed with aesthetic purposes to restore or whiten beyond the natural shade is the most protective method among various alternatives as this procedure allows preserving the natural tooth structure. With tooth whitening, it is possible to lighten the colour of the teeth up to six shades lighter than its original colour.

Why Do Teeth Change Colour?

• Developmental disorders of teeth
• Traumatic dental injuries
• Foods and drinks like coffee, tea, cherry juice and red wine are containing colour pigments that attach to the white part of the teeth
• Tobacco use
• Age
• Diseases
• Medications, mouthwashes containing colouring agents

Things to Know Before Tooth Whitening/Bleaching

Whitening your teeth if you have tartar, gum disease, calculus, exposed cavities, crooked teeth, gum recession, or other untreated diseases can lead to further problems. You should get your teeth examined and other procedures (scaling, cavity filling etc.) done prior to whitening/bleaching.

Whitening/Bleaching Options

In-Office bleaching procedure requires a visit to the dental office where the dentist applies a gel or a rubber shield to protect the gums. Then the bleach is applied to the teeth. Whitening effect can be achieved after 1 to 3 sessions. As for the at-home bleaching, your dentist provides you with a customized tray for at-home whitening. With instructions from your dentists, you can put the bleaching solution in the tray and use it on your teeth. The bleaching solution can be used for 7 to 15 days. In some cases, both methods can be applied simultaneously.

Can Tooth Whitening Be Applied After Root Canal Treatment?

Patients suffering from discoloured teeth following a root canal treatment can also undergo tooth whitening procedure. The whitening procedure for the devital teeth underwent root canal treatment is applied by the dentist through the placement of a bleaching agent into the pulp chamber inside the tooth (internal whitening). Most patients may need 2-3 sessions to maintain the bleaching.

Effects of Bleaching Agents on Porcelain Restorative Materials

It is not possible to change the colour of the porcelain restorative materials using a bleaching agent. Before renewing white restorations, patients with restorations on front teeth will need to first undergo a teeth whitening treatment.

Laminate Veneer Restorations

Laminate veneer restorations are made of a thin layer of material placed over anterior teeth. They are generally used for aesthetic purposes or the restoration of a tooth that may have been fractured or discoloured. For a nice, new and bright smile, an aesthetic rehabilitation can be provided to the anterior teeth using the long-term durability of laminate veneers with high oral tissue compatibility.

Techniques for Applying Laminate Veneers

A specific amount of tooth material has to be removed to make room for the required restorative material which is made either of composite or dental porcelain. A composite veneer may be directly built-up in the mouth or fabricated by a dental technician in a lab, later bonded to the tooth. A porcelain veneer, however, can only be fabricated indirectly. Laminate restorations may be preferred over dental crowning to preserve the health of the gingival tissues. In cases where porcelain laminate veneers are no applicable, full porcelain crowns may be preferred.

Uses of Porcelain Veneer/Dental Laminates

• Cover stains or discolorations on the anterior teeth
• Improve symmetry, reshape misaligned teeth
• Close spaces or gaps
• Restore decay, replace worn fillings
• Change shade, value and brightness
• Repair fractures, improve erosion, replace worn enamel

After a Bonded Laminate Veneers Restoration

Good oral hygiene helps veneers last longer. Care for dental veneers is very similar to the care of your actual, natural teeth. In order to prevent damage to your dental veneers, you should avoid eating hard, crunchy foods, grinding or gnashing your teeth, biting finger nails, hard objects, chewing your pens, pencils etc. You may also keep up with your preventive care by visiting your dentist twice a year.