Basic Restorative Dentistry

If, after consultation with Dr Pretorius it is determined that a patient's teeth are showing signs of decay or disease the next approach to treatment would be basic restorative dentistry. Restorative dentistry is where we will implement a plan to restore the oral health and function of a patient’s smile through various conservative therapeutic paths that will address cavities or structural tooth damage.

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Basic Restorative Dentistry Includes:

Fillings - are commonly used to treat and repair teeth showing signs of decay or cavities, are cracked or broken. The filling is applied to prevent further damage to the tooth by removing decayed portions of the tooth and then filling the tooth with a filling material.

 

There are a variety of filling materials available and in consultation with the dentist, you will be able to discuss the type of filling material best suited to repair and restore the damaged tooth.

 

 

Pulpotomy -  is a procedure used to rescue severely decayed and infected teeth. This treatment is usually recommended when an infected tooth with a deep cavity exposes the pulp (pulpitis) of the tooth, leaving it vulnerable to infection. The associated infection can threaten the life of the tooth, plus infect the gums, and surrounding areas of the mouth.

 

A pulpotomy, if appropriate, is a more conservative approach as it leaves the roots of the tooth intact and able to continue growing. For this reason, it is most suitable for children with milk/baby teeth that don’t have fully developed teeth and root structures as yet.