Restorative Dentistry in Izmir

Restorative dental treatment aims to restore tooth function, structure, and aesthetics. Dentists use these treatments to repair cavities, damage, and missing teeth, improving patients’ oral health. Options such as dental fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants blend in with natural tooth structure while prioritizing durability. Composite resins, in particular, fill gaps and prevent decay, while crowns protect damaged teeth. Bridges and implants, on the other hand, fill the gaps caused by missing teeth, providing both a functional and aesthetic solution. These treatments support the oral structure and provide a long-term solution.

What is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry involves repairing and replacing decayed, broken, or missing teeth to restore their function. Structural problems in teeth are addressed using methods such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants. Restorative dentistry, which has a long history, has undergone significant development, especially since the 20th century, and has begun to offer safer and longer-lasting solutions through the use of modern materials and techniques. Amalgam and composite resins, among the FDA-approved materials, play a critical role in improving patients’ oral health. The FDA ensures that patients receive safe treatment by monitoring the safety and effectiveness standards of materials used in dental treatments.

How Does Restorative Dentistry Work?

Restorative dental treatment supports tissue regeneration while preserving tooth function and aesthetics. The bioactive and biomimetic materials used in these treatments act through various mechanisms:

• Increase remineralization
• Supports hydroxyapatite and fluorapatite formation
• Fluoride releases calcium and phosphate ions
• Creates an acid-resistant protective layer in demineralized areas

Thanks to their bioactive structure, some materials form a harmonious bond with dental tissues and contribute to regeneration processes. Calcium silicate-containing materials, in particular, accelerate tissue formation and support dentin healing.

Antibacterial properties in restorative treatments are designed to prevent bacterial growth. Glass ionomer cements and materials containing zinc ions create a hostile environment for bacteria, halting the progression of decay. Antibacterial additives, such as methacryloxydecyldodecylpyridinium bromide used in dental fillings, provide long-term protection.

Dentin sensitivity is reduced with bioactive glass and calcium-phosphate materials; these substances block the dentinal tubules and promote mineralization, forming a protective layer. Furthermore, biomimetic adhesive systems ensure strong bonding of restorative materials to the tooth structure, thus requiring minimal preparation while maintaining tooth integrity.

When Is Restorative Dentistry Used?

Restorative dental treatment is used when teeth have been damaged by decay, fractures, or abrasions. The primary goal is to maintain the structural integrity of the tooth, restore its function, and provide an aesthetic appearance. Restorative solutions are used when decay progresses and damages the tooth tissue, or when preventive treatments are insufficient.

• CavityCaries lesions: Materials such as amalgam, composite resin, glass ionomer.
• Broken or damaged teeth: Bonding, crowns, veneers.
• Aesthetic needs: Resin bonding, veneers, full crowns.
• Functional restoration: Occlusion problems, tooth malformations, severe wear.
• However, restorative dental treatment doesn’t just offer permanent solutions; it also provides preventative and temporary options. In early caries lesions, sealants or resin infiltrations provide temporary protection to halt progression. Glass ionomer-based sealants may be preferred, especially for young children or patients requiring special care, because they offer effective protection even in environments with difficult humidity control.
  

  Who Is Not Suitable for Restorative Dental Treatment?

  Restorative dental treatments may not be suitable for everyone because they can jeopardize patient health in some cases. Certain conditions, such as pulp exposure, periapical infections, and cavities with access difficulties, may preclude the use of these treatments. Furthermore, the patient’s general health can determine the safety of dental treatment. The following are the main conditions in which restorative dental treatment is contraindicated:

  • Pulp exposure
  • Periapical pathologies (abscessed sinus tract)
  • Cavity locations requiring difficult access
  • Large or multi-surface cavity structures
  • Individuals with a suppressed immune system
  • Systemic conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes

  Under these circumstances, the application of restorative treatments may increase the risk of potential complications and negatively impact treatment success. A thorough pre-treatment evaluation is crucial, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems or uncontrolled chronic diseases. Conversely, difficult-to-access cavities or extremely large lesions may not be successfully repaired with minimally invasive methods. In such cases, traditional or more durable restorative materials should be preferred.

  How is Restorative Dentistry Performed?

  Restorative dentistry requires a series of meticulous procedures to preserve tooth structure and repair decay. Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART), in particular, stands out with its minimally invasive approach and prioritizes the preservation of healthy tooth tissue. These procedures offer reliable solutions, especially in rural areas or areas with limited equipment. ART application is performed following the basic steps:

  • Cotton rolls are used to isolate the treatment area
  • Caries is removed with hand instruments (excivator)
  • Careful cleaning is performed to preserve healthy tooth structure
  • Bond is strengthened with dentin cream
  • CIS is mixed in appropriate proportions to achieve consistency
  • CIS is gradually placed into the cavities
  • High points are adjusted with articulating paper
  • Excess cement is removed
  • Matrix strips and wedges are applied for multi-surface cavities

  Glass ionomer cement is used in this treatment process. Biocompatible materials such as (CIS) stand out with their fluoride-releasing properties. These materials contribute positively to patients’ oral health thanks to their caries-preventing properties and biocompatibility. ART provides successful results, especially for pediatric patients, in community health clinics, and in areas where advanced equipment is limited. ART focuses not only on caries but also on protecting the overall structure of the tooth, providing effective treatment with minimal discomfort. This prevents damage to healthy tooth tissue and preserves the long-term durability of restorations.

  What are the Side Effects of Restorative Dental Treatment?

  While restorative dental treatments are beneficial in maintaining oral health and restoring functionality, they also carry the risk of certain side effects and complications. These treatment methods can lead to various adverse effects depending on the materials used and the patient’s general health. Dental composites, amalgam, and ceramic restorations can cause sensitivity or irritation after application, potentially leading to pulp damage. In some cases, this can trigger complications such as pulpitis or necrosis.

  Common complications include:

  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Pulpitis or tooth necrosis
  • Toxic reactions
  • Allergic reactions
  • Risk of infection
  • “1”>Soft tissue damage

  Dental implants also carry the risk of some side effects. Complications such as peri-implantitis, bone resorption, and implant loss can develop, especially in patients taking antiresorptive medications such as bisphosphonates. These medications can negatively impact the healing process by increasing the risk of osteonecrosis in the jawbone. Other side effects include gingivitis and the risk of infection around the implant.

  Prosthetics such as crowns and bridges can, over time, cause material fractures, plaque accumulation, wear on opposing teeth, and occlusal problems. Gingivitis and cavities, especially in fixed prosthetics, can become serious problems if regular checkups are not performed. A detailed pre-treatment patient evaluation and regular post-treatment follow-up are essential to reduce these risks.

  How Successful Is Restorative Dental Treatment?

  The success rates of restorative dental treatments depend on patient-specific factors, as well as the type of procedure and the quality of the materials. Success rates vary for treatments such as dental implants, root canal treatments, atraumatic restorative therapy (ART), and direct/indirect restorations.

  • Dental implants have a 90-95% success rate
  • Root canal treatments offer a success rate of 85-97%
  • ART is especially effective for small lesions
  • Direct restorations are short-lived
  • Indirect restorations are more durable

  The success rates of these treatments are determined by factors such as patient health, oral hygiene, and the durability of the materials used. Adequate bone structure, not smoking, and the absence of health risks such as diabetes are particularly important for implants. Furthermore, indirect restorations such as crowns or inlays have higher fracture resistance than direct restorations. Metal-ceramic materials, in particular, provide long-term success.

  What Should Post-Restorative Dental Care Be Like?

  Proper care after restorative dental treatments supports the durability and longevity of restorations. First and foremost, meticulous oral hygiene ensures the protection of the treatment area. Gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, non-abrasive toothpaste, and, if necessary, antimicrobial mouthwash is recommended. Regular cleaning with dental floss keeps bacteria around restorations, reducing the risk of infection.

  • Soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Non-abrasive toothpaste
  • Antimicrobial mouthwash
  • Dental floss

  Regarding dietary recommendations, it’s helpful to avoid hard and sticky foods in the first few days to support the healing process. It’s important to follow a soft diet after implants or extensive restorations. Additionally, avoiding alcoholic, hot, and carbonated beverages for the first 24 hours to prevent damage to the treatment area.

  Mild pain or swelling may occur. In this case, applying a cold compress and using painkillers are recommended. If symptoms persist, consult a dentist. Adequate hydration accelerates healing; therefore, it’s important to drink plenty of water to prevent dry mouth. For patients who clench their teeth, it’s also recommended to wear a night guard or a mouth guard while exercising.

  Izmir Restorative Dental Treatment Prices

  Restorative dental treatment is a treatment method that aims to repair dental damage such as decay, fractures, or aesthetic problems. Prices for this treatment vary depending on the material used, the complexity of the procedure, and individual needs.

  • Material Used

  Materials such as composite fillings, porcelain, or zirconium may be preferred for restorative treatments. The quality and durability of the material directly impact the price.

  • Treatment Type and Scope

  Filling procedures performed on only one tooth are more affordable. Procedures requiring multiple restorations or crowns can be more expensive. The cost increases as the scope of the treatment increases.

  • Doctor’s Specialization

  The experience and expertise of the dentist performing the treatment determines the price.

  • Clinic Selection

  The equipment and reputation of the clinic where the restorative treatment is performed are determining factors in price.

  • Additional Procedures

  In some cases, additional procedures such as a dental cleaning, root canal treatment, or periodontal treatment may be necessary. If these additional procedures are performed, the treatment will cost more.