WHAT IS RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY?

Restorative dentistry in its broadest sense involves the restoration of oral and dental tissues for patients. It includes the following dental disciplines:
operative dentistry which involves the filling of teeth; periodontology which is the prevention and treatment of gum diseaese; endodontics which includes root canal treatment; and prosthodontics which is the replacement of teeth.

WHO PROVIDES RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY?

The vast majority of restorative dentistry is provided in general dental practice. Many dentists work for the National Health Service with some only working on a private basis or a combination.

There are also registered specialists in restorative dentistry. These include the high street specialist who could be a periodontist, endodontist or prothodontist most of whom practice privately. In Britain there are also hospital specialists in restorative dentistry who are consultants in restorative dentistry. To become a specialist an appropriate period of postgraduate training must be undertaken. The General Dental Council holds the lists of all the specialists in dentistry in this country.

Professionals complimentary to dentistry which include dental nurses, dental therapists, hygienists and dental technicians are all important members of the dental team. They all have a role in the provision of restorative dentistry for patients under the direction of a dentist.

WHERE CAN I GET ROUTINE RESTORATIVE DENTAL TREATMENT?

Lists of dentists can be found in various directories and on search websites. Most Primary Care Trusts have good websites with details of dentists in your area. For those living in England, NHS Direct Online(www.nhsonline.nhs.uk) can be useful and holds lists of dentists by postcode.

As dentistry can be provided both under the NHS and privately and under some insurance schemes it is important that you establish with your dentist under what terms you are being treated under before you start treatment. There are certain groups of patients who are exempt from NHS dental fees such as children under the age of 18 years and those in full time education under the age of 19 years. Other groups include those on Income Support and certain types of benefits. However you will need to check this with your dentist or Primary Care Trust first.

There are special groups of patients who may be eligible for dental care within the community dental service. These include children with advanced dental disease, the elderly and those requiring special care dentistry for example those with learning difficulties.

WHERE CAN I GET SPECIALIST RESTORATIVE DENTAL TREATMENT?

You will need a referral from a healthcare worker which will usually be your general dentist. The referral may be to a high street specialist such as an endodontist, periodontist or prosthodontist or to a consultant in restorative dentistry in hospital. This maybe for an opinion, help with a specific item of treatment or a course of dental treatment. Simply because you are referred for treatment is no guarantee that you will receive it.

Patients who are provided with specialist hospital treatment are a very small and specific group who are accepted under strict criteria. This may include those with congenital dental disease, those who have suffered severe dental trauma and those requiring oral rehabilitation as a direct result of cancer. There are also certain medical conditions which may exclude dental treatment within general dental practice.