Restorative dental procedures help you repair or replace damaged, decayed, or missing teeth, restoring both function and confidence in your smile. Whether you need a simple filling or a full-mouth rehabilitation, understanding your options empowers you to make informed decisions about your oral health. In this article, you’ll learn what restorative dentistry entails, explore common procedures—like fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures—and discover how to care for your restorations and choose the right provider.
Understand restorative dentistry
What is restorative dentistry
Restorative dentistry focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing oral health issues by repairing or replacing teeth. Your general dentist or specialist aims to restore chewing function, speech clarity, and aesthetics. Common procedures include fillings, crowns, inlays/onlays, root canal therapy, bridges, implants, and dentures [1].
Benefits of restorations
- Stop decay progression and preserve natural teeth
- Improve chewing, speaking, and overall oral function
- Prevent shifting of adjacent teeth and bone loss
- Enhance smile appearance and self-confidence
- Offer durable, long-term solutions for oral health
Explore dental fillings
When you need fillings
Fillings repair minor cavities, small chips, or cracked teeth before they worsen. If you experience sensitivity, visible pits, or dark spots, your dentist may recommend a filling to stop decay and prevent infection.
Types of fillings
- Amalgam: durable alloy ideal for back teeth
- Composite resin: tooth-colored option available via our composite filling service
- Gold or porcelain: highly biocompatible, long-lasting materials
Your tooth filling dentist will help you choose the best material based on cavity size, location, and aesthetics.
Cost of fillings
Cavity fillings typically range from $100 to $500, depending on material and tooth position [2].
Evaluate crowns and inlays
Dental crowns
A dental crown covers a weakened or broken tooth, restoring shape, size, and strength. You may need a crown after a large filling, root canal, or crack. Crowns come in materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or porcelain fused to metal. Learn more about our dental crown placement and specialized porcelain crown restoration options.
Procedure steps
- Prepare tooth by removing decay and shaping
- Take impressions for a custom crown
- Place a temporary crown
- Bond permanent crown in a follow-up visit
Crown cost
Dental crowns cost between $850 and $2,000, depending on material and complexity [2].
Inlays and onlays
Inlays and onlays fit into or onto a damaged tooth when a filling is insufficient but a full crown isn’t necessary. They preserve more natural tooth structure and can last up to 30 years. Many practices offer these as part of their bridge & crown services.
Consider root canal therapy
Why you need root canals
Root canal therapy removes infected or inflamed pulp inside a tooth, relieving pain and saving the tooth from extraction. Signs you may need this treatment include severe sensitivity, swelling, or persistent toothache.
Procedure overview
- Administer local anesthesia
- Access pulp chamber and remove diseased tissue
- Clean and shape root canals
- Fill canals with biocompatible material
- Seal with a crown or filling
Learn more about our professional root canal therapy.
Typical cost
A root canal procedure usually costs between $900 and $2,000, depending on tooth location and infection severity [2].
Examine bridges and implants
Dental bridge replacement
A dental bridge spans the gap left by one or more missing teeth, using crowns on adjacent teeth for support. Your dentist prepares neighboring teeth, takes impressions, and bonds the bridge in place. Explore dental bridge replacement for details.
Dental implants
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. After healing, your implant is restored with a crown, bridge, or denture. Implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement and avoid altering healthy teeth. Consult our implant restoration dentist to see if you’re a candidate.
Benefits of implants
- Preserve jawbone health and prevent bone loss
- Provide stable, natural-feeling teeth
- Offer long-term durability
Implant cost
Single implants range from $3,000 to $6,000 per post [2].
Denture options
Dentures replace multiple missing teeth and come in removable or implant-supported designs. Our custom denture services and dental prosthetics services ensure a proper fit and lifelike appearance.
Denture cost
Complete dentures range from $2,500 to $5,000, with implant-supported dentures costing more due to additional implant fees [2].
Plan post-procedure care
Caring for restorations
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle brush
- Floss gently to remove plaque around restorations
- Use an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash as recommended
- Attend regular checkups with your dental restoration clinic
Managing sensitivity and risks
Most restorative procedures cause mild sensitivity for a few days. To reduce discomfort:
- Eat soft foods and avoid extreme temperatures
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
- Contact your repair chipped tooth or repair cracked tooth dentist if pain persists
Rare risks include infection or allergic reaction, which you should address promptly with your dentist.
Choose your dental provider
Finding a qualified dentist
- Look for credentials in restorative specialties like endodontics or prosthodontics
- Read patient reviews and before-and-after galleries
- Ask about materials, technology, and infection control
Consider practices offering comprehensive dentistry for damaged teeth and crown and bridge dentistry.
Navigating insurance and costs
Check if procedures are covered under your plan by consulting an insurance covered restorative dental guide. Many offices provide financing or payment plans to make high-quality restorations more accessible.
By understanding restorative dental procedures—from fillings and crowns to implants and dentures—you can select treatments that suit your needs, budget, and lifestyle. With proper care and a skilled provider, your new restorations can last for decades, keeping your smile healthy and vibrant.
