Restorative Dentistry

Restoring Teeth at Honeygo Village Dentistry

Restorative dentistry includes repairing damaged or decayed teeth with fillings, most often using composite filling material.

The first step in restoring damaged or decayed teeth is to make sure the patient is comfortable.  If pain management is needed, administration of local anesthetic can be given.  Decay is then removed with the use of rotary instruments and/or air abrasion.  The cavity is prepared for the filling to be placed. 

When doing a composite filling, an acid-etchant will be placed on the prepped cavity area.  This product will help bond the filling material to the tooth. The tooth is then washed and dried thoroughly.  A layer of adhesive is placed into the prepped area and then cured with a bright curing light.  The cavity is now ready for the composite filling material.  Small amounts of composite will be added to the cavity, smoothed, then light-cured.  This step will be continued until the cavity is filled.

The dentist will then smooth the restoration with rotary instruments and (if needed) use articulating (carbon) paper to check for proper occlusion.  Any high areas of the restoration can then be adjusted. 

Tooth decay is the leading cause of tooth loss.  The process can be halted by removing the decay and then placing a restoration.