General information only. This article explains dental topics in general terms and isn’t a substitute for personal advice. Everyone’s oral health and dental needs are different, so please see a dentist for advice that applies to you.

Restorative dentistry covers treatments that repair or replace damaged and missing teeth, so that you can bite, chew and speak comfortably and keep your mouth healthy. This article outlines the common procedures, who they may suit, what the process involves and how to look after restored teeth.

Common restorative procedures

Fillings repair teeth damaged by decay or small fractures. See dental fillings.
Crowns cover and strengthen a tooth that is heavily filled, cracked or weakened, including after root canal treatment. See dental crowns.
Bridges replace one or more missing teeth by attaching false teeth to neighbouring teeth or implants. See dental bridges.
Dental implants are titanium posts placed in the jaw to support a crown, bridge or denture. See dental implants.
Dentures are removable replacements for some or all of the teeth. See types of dentures.
Root canal treatment removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth so the tooth can be kept. See root canal treatment.

What restorative treatment can help with

Comfort and function: repairing decayed, broken or worn teeth can relieve pain and make chewing easier.
Stopping problems getting worse: treating decay or a crack early can prevent infection and the need for larger treatment later.
Keeping teeth in position: replacing missing teeth helps stop neighbouring and opposing teeth drifting or over-erupting into the gap.
Speech and appearance: replacing front teeth or rebuilding worn teeth can help with speech and with how the smile looks.

Who may need restorative treatment

People of any age can need it. Children may need fillings for decay in baby or adult teeth, or repairs after a fall or sports injury. Adults may need treatment because of decay, wear from grinding, gum disease, old fillings breaking down or teeth lost to injury. Older adults often have a mix of these, along with dry mouth from medications, which raises the risk of decay. People with medical conditions such as diabetes may need closer monitoring of their gums and teeth.

Choosing a dentist

Most restorative treatment is carried out by general dentists. More complex cases may be referred to a registered specialist, such as a prosthodontist, endodontist or periodontist. Things worth asking about include the options available for your situation, the pros and cons of each, how long each is likely to last, what is involved in the treatment and what it will cost. You can check any practitioner’s registration on the AHPRA public register.

The process

Examination: the dentist checks your teeth and gums, and usually takes X-rays, to find out what is causing the problem.
Discussing options: the options, risks, likely lifespan and costs are explained so you can decide. A written treatment plan and estimate can be provided.
Treatment: simple fillings are often finished in one visit. Crowns, bridges, implants and dentures usually take two or more visits, sometimes over several months for implants.
Review: the work is checked at follow-up and regular check-ups.

Looking after restored teeth

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily, including under bridges and around implants.
Limit sugary food and drinks, especially between meals.
Avoid biting very hard things such as ice, pens or bottle tops.
Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth, and a mouthguard for contact sports.
Keep up regular check-ups so worn or leaking restorations can be found early.

Common questions

How long do restorations last?

It varies with the type of treatment, the material, where it is in the mouth, grinding habits and how well the area is cleaned. Many fillings, crowns and bridges last many years, but none last forever, and all need checking over time.

Is restorative treatment covered by health funds?

Many extras policies cover part of the cost of general and major dental treatment, with waiting periods and annual limits. Check with your health fund using the item numbers on your treatment estimate.