Restorative Dentistry


Find UK Dentists »

Restorative dentistry is a specialist field which focuses on studying, examining, diagnosing and treating diseases of the teeth and other structures of the oral cavity. The fields of endodontics, periodontics and prosthodontics are all incorporated into restorative dentistry. The main aim of restorative dentistry is to restore oral and dental tissues to functionality whilst simultaneously meeting patient’s aesthetic requirements. Dentists who specialise in restorative dentistry tend to practice in a consultant role for the NHS.

Restorative dentistry specialists are often called on to provide guidance and assistance in difficult or problematic cases involving any of the restorative dentistry fields such as endodontics, prosthodontics and periodontics. Restorative dentistry specialists may also hold an academic post involved in undergraduate and postgraduate research and education and other types of training for future specialists.


Restorative Dentistry Treatments

Restorative Dentistry specialists are able to perform all the procedures used by specialists in the fields of periodontics, endodontics and prosthodontics. Examples include the root canal treatment, which is performed in order to remove infected pulp tissue from inside the tooth or an apicectomy where the tooth is accessed through the bone. From the field of Prosthodontics, common treatments include restoring teeth with dental crowns, dental bridges or dentures and in the area of periodontics, root planing and root surface debridement are commonplace.

Qualifications of Restorative Dentists

In addition to being a registered dentist, at least five years of postgraduate training is required to become a restorative dentistry specialist. During this time, the specialties of endodontics, periodontics and prosthodontics will be covered in detail. Once this training is completed, trainee specialists are awarded the Fellowship in Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Surgeons in Restorative Dentistry, which enables them to be recommended for a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training. Once a trainee specialist has achieved their certificate, they can apply to be entered on to the speciality list of one or more fields such as periodontics, endodontics and prosthodontics.

« Prosthodontics Special Care Dentistry »



Guide to Dental Specialists



Further Information about Dental Treatment