Restorative Services
A dental restoration or dental filling is a dental restorative material used to restore the function, integrity and morphology of missing tooth structure. The structural loss typically results from caries or external trauma. It is also lost intentionally during tooth preparation to improve the aesthetics or the physical integrity of the intended restorative material. Dental restoration also refers to the replacement of missing tooth structure that is supported by dental implants.
Dental restorations can be divided into two broad types: direct restorations and indirect restorations. All dental restorations can be further classified by their location and size. A root canal filling is a restorative technique used to fill the space where the dental pulp normally resides.
Who can deliver Restorative Dentistry Specialist Services?
Consultants
Consultants will have completed a 5 competency based training programme the end point of which is determined by the completion of the Intercollegiate Specialty Fellowship Examination. A Consultant may also have a specific interest in one of the disciplines of Restorative Dentistry. The training covers a range of domains which include knowledge, clinical, management, communication and teaching and research with a significant proportion of time spent on clinical and management aspects including leadership, integrated team working and quality assurance. They will be on the Speciality List of the General Dental Council.
The care delivered to a patient is often delivered by a range of people, however as the complexity of care emerges leading to rising demand, the concept of managed clinical networks focussing on delivering optimal patient care using the team approach has arisen. This network includes a range of individuals involved in providing restorative care and is often chaired by a Consultant in Restorative Dentistry with dentists, specialists, dental care professionals and commissioners forming the membership to help ensure Restorative Services are delivered effectively and appropriately within the funding constraints.
Specialists
Specialists are usually experts within one of the disciplines of Restorative Dentistry (Periodontology, Prosthodontics, Endodontics) and will have developed competence in one of these areas by completion of at least 3 years of higher training within the Specialty. They will be on the Specialist List of the General Dental Council.
