Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry is the restoration of teeth damaged by decay, wear, trauma, fractures, and aesthetic discrepancies to their natural appearance and function using biocompatible materials. At Valinor, our approach is minimally invasive, biomimetic (mimicking the natural structure of the tooth), and digital. Our goal isn't just to repair teeth; it's to improve your smile, chewing comfort, and self-confidence.

1) Diagnosis & Planning (Correct Diagnosis = Longevity)

  • Comprehensive examination: Medical/dental history, occlusion analysis, jaw joint and muscle evaluation.
  • Imaging: Bitewing/periapical radiographs, low-dose CBCT in selected cases; transillumination and fluorescence-assisted caries detection.
  • Digital records: Touchless measurement, facial photos and smile analysis with intraoral scanner.
  • Risk-based planning (CAMBRA): Personalized treatment & prevention plan based on caries risk, salivary flow, diet and hygiene habits.

2) Restorative Materials Used (Biocompatibility & Aesthetics)

  • Composite resins: Nano-hybrid, flowable, bulk-fill – aesthetic, restorative, tooth-colored.
  • Glass ionomer (conventional / resin modified): Fluoride release, ideal for children and root caries.
  • Ceramic restorations: High strength and light permeable – natural appearance in inlays/onlays/overlays and full crowns.
  • Modern options such as Giomer/Ormocer: Low shrinkage, high polishability.
  • Liner/covering materials: Calcium hydroxide, bioceramic-based dressings (biological approach to deep caries).

3) Caries Management & Minimally Invasive Approach

  • Selective caries removal: Only diseased tissue is removed to preserve the pulp (dental nerve).
  • Direct/indirect sealants: Biological techniques that respect the vital pulp and reduce sensitivity.
  • Staged caries removal: Controlled approach to deep lesions without exposing the pulp.
  • Remineralization: Fluoride varnishes, calcium-phosphate supplementation, diet and saliva management.
  • Resin infiltration (early enamel lesions): Drill-free, microinterventional solution.

4) Aesthetic Restorations (Natural Light, Natural Smile)

  • Bonding: Edge fractures, minor shape & color irregularities.
  • Diastema closure: Natural transition between front teeth with composite.
  • Composite veneers: Fast, economical, reversible aesthetic enhancement.
  • Shade matching & layering: Multilayer techniques that mimic tooth-specific translucency and fluorescence.

5) Inlay – Onlay – Overlay (Durability Respecting the Tooth)

  • When? More durable than a classic filling and more conservative than a crown for large cavities/fractures.
  • Ceramic vs composite: Ceramic = maximum aesthetics/resistance; composite = elasticity/ease of repair.
  • Cementation: Protocol that minimizes the risk of marginal leakage and falling with adhesive/resin cements.
  • Bite (closing) balance: Long life with controlled distribution of loads.

6) Post-Endodontic Restoration (Post & Core)

  • Ferrule principle: Preventing fracture by preserving the remaining dental hard tissue.
  • Fiber post: Aesthetic, flexible, lower risk of cracking.
  • Metal post: In selected posterior teeth; in cases with low aesthetic concerns.
  • Superstructure: Composite core + crown / onlay – individual decision based on the remaining structure of the tooth.

7) Wear, Erosion, Abrasion Management

  • Causes: Bruxism (teeth grinding), acidic drinks/reflux, hard brushing.
  • Treatment: Additive composite rehabilitation (bite elevation if necessary), splint (night plate), feeding & brushing education.
  • Dahl approach (progressive augmentation): In selected cases, controlled vertical dimension gain.

8) Post-Traumatic Repairs

  • Bonding the broken part (re-attachment): The most conservative and aesthetic solution.
  • Composite/ceramic repairs: Natural results with color-form-function harmony.
  • Discolored tooth: Internal whitening + composite/ceramic restoration.

9) Restorative Treatment in Children

  • Glass ionomer & resin modified options: Breaking the caries cycle with fluoride supplementation.
  • Fissure sealant: Protects against decay by sealing deep grooves.
  • Behavior management: Child-friendly, painless, quick sessions.

10) Digital Restorations (CAD/CAM)

  • Intraoral scanning: Fast, no measurement distortion, high precision.
  • Digital design: Simultaneous simulation of smile and occlusion.
  • Production: Error-free fit with milling/3D printing; same-day restoration if necessary (depending on case availability).

11) Post-Treatment Care & Lifespan

  • Sensitization management: May be short-term; control with desensitizing products.
  • Checks: Inspection & professional cleaning every 6–12 months.
  • Home care: Correct toothpaste–brush–floss/interdental brush, night guard (bruxism).
  • Lifespan: Varies depending on material & hygiene; many years with proper care.

Valinor Dental Clinic Difference

  • Minimally invasive & biomimetic philosophy: Maximum protection of dental tissue.
  • Digital ecosystem: Intraoral scanner, CAD/CAM, low-dose imaging.
  • Perfect margin & contacts: Micro precision for long life.
  • Multidisciplinary team: Restorative + endodontics + periodontics + jaw surgery + aesthetics.
  • Personalized protocols: Risk-based planning, nutrition & habit coaching.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Restorative Dentistry

A) General

  1. What is restorative treatment?
    It is the restoration of the function and aesthetics of damaged teeth with biocompatible materials.
  2. How is a filling different from a crown?
    A filling is a partial solution, while a crown is a solution that covers the entire tooth.
  3. In which cases are inlays/onlays required instead of fillings?
    For durability and sealing if the lost tissue is large.
  4. Are the treatments painful?
    Painless with local anesthesia.
  5. How many sessions does it take?
    1–2 sessions depending on the lesion and technique; in digital cases, the same day may be possible.
  6. Is temporary restoration required?
    Yes, for large repairs.
  7. Can it be done during pregnancy?
    Urgent and minimally invasive procedures are planned with the coordination of the physician and obstetrician.
  8. Will my restorations fall off?
    With proper technique & maintenance, it is rare; if it falls, it can be repaired.
  9. How to ensure color harmony?
    Digital color analysis + layering technique.
  10. What is the Valinor difference?
    Biomimetic approach + digital precision + aesthetic elegance.

B) Caries & Diagnosis

  1. Does a cavity always cause pain?
    No, it may progress silently in the early stages.
  2. Which film do you need?
    Usually bitewing; selective CBCT if necessary.
  3. What is transillumination/fluorescence used for?
    Catches early caries without drilling.
  4. How can I reduce my risk of cavities?
    Fluoride, plaque control, dietary modification, salivary flow management.
  5. What is resin infiltration?
    Microtechnique to stabilize early enamel caries with a small procedure.
  6. Is it possible to treat deep caries without opening the nerve?
    Sometimes yes; with selective/gradual caries removal and biological dressings.
  7. Does dry mouth increase tooth decay?
    Yes, a saliva support plan is made.
  8. Do sweet and acidic foods affect consumption?
    Yes, control of frequency and duration is essential.
  9. Is fluoride safe?
    It is safe and protective in professional doses.
  10. Frequency of inspection?
    6–12 months depending on your risk.

C) Materials

  1. Composite or glass ionomer?
    Composite aesthetics/resistance; glass ionomer fluoride-releasing protector.
  2. Is ceramic more durable?
    Generally yes for large defects and inlay/onlay.
  3. What do bioceramic dressings provide?
    Pulp-friendly biological closure in deep caries.
  4. Are there any materials containing metal?
    Restorative fillings are mostly metal-free; they vary depending on the indication.
  5. Do composites stain?
    It can happen over time; control with polishing and maintenance.
  6. Allergy risk?
    Very rare; alternative protocol in case of history of sensitization.
  7. Is shrinkage a problem?
    Minimized with modern composite & layering technique.
  8. Where is flowable composite used?
    In small cavities, base and cervical lesions.
  9. Is bulk fill safe?
    With the correct thickness and light protocol, yes.
  10. Is ceramic suitable for repair?
    Some ceramics can be repaired by surface treatments.

D) Aesthetics & Bonding

  1. How long does bonding last?
    5–7+ years with care.
  2. Does bonding damage teeth?
    Minimal or no abrasion is required.
  3. Does diastema closure look natural?
    Yes, with the right proportions & color.
  4. Composite veneer or porcelain veneer?
    Composite: fast/economical; porcelain: longer life/colour stability.
  5. How to choose color?
    Digital measurement + skin/complexion/age parameters.
  6. Shine and polish?
    Highly polishable composites remain shiny for a long time.
  7. Cigarette/coffee effect?
    Increases risk of discoloration; manage with maintenance and polishing.
  8. Can old bonding be renewed?
    Yes, with minimal abrasion.
  9. Are instant results possible?
    Most aesthetic bonding is done in a single session.
  10. Can the black triangles between teeth be closed?
    Yes, with composite techniques that respect the papilla architecture.

E) Inlay–Onlay–Overlay

  1. When to use inlay instead of filling?
    In cases where the walls are weak/tissue loss is great.
  2. Will ceramic inlays crack?
    Very durable with appropriate design & closure.
  3. What is the difference between onlay and overlay?
    Onlay is partial; overlay covers larger surfaces.
  4. Is a temporary inlay necessary?
    In most cases, short-term temporary protection is provided.
  5. Can it be done on the same day?
    With digital streaming, in some cases, yes.
  6. Is the choice of adhesive (cement) important?
    Very; adhesive protocol determines life.
  7. Risk of edge leakage?
    Minimized by margin compliance and isolation.
  8. Does bite height change?
    Compensated by digital occlusion control.
  9. If it breaks, can it be repaired?
    Varies by ceramic–composite; most are repairable.
  10. Lifetime?
    10–15+ years with care.

F) Post-Endodontics (Post & Core)

  1. Is post necessary?
    If the remaining tissue is small, yes; otherwise, it is not necessary.
  2. Why is fiber post preferred?
    Flexibility, aesthetics, reducing the risk of root cracks.
  3. When is the metal post?
    High load on selected posterior teeth.
  4. What is a Ferrule?
    Support from the remaining tooth wall; prevents fracture.
  5. Is post-canal coating mandatory?
    It is recommended for large defects; onlay/composite may be sufficient for small ones.
  6. How to solve discoloration?
    Internal whitening + restoration.
  7. What to do with broken roots?
    Extraction/implant/surgery depending on the situation; case-by-case decision.
  8. What if the post falls?
    Most are repairable; urgent appointment.
  9. Is the pain normal?
    There will be tenderness in the first days; if it lasts longer, it should be evaluated.
  10. Lifetime?
    Many years of design and load control.

G) Wear/Erosion/Bruxism

  1. How does bruxism wear down teeth?
    Microcracks and flat surface wear.
  2. Is a night plate necessary?
    Strong recommendation for longevity of protection & restoration.
  3. Can acid erosion be repaired?
    Lost tissue is restored; a diet regime is essential.
  4. Is closing upgrade safe?
    Yes, if planned gradually and in a controlled manner.
  5. How to get over sensitivity?
    Desensitized products, leak-free restorations and splints.
  6. Are worn front teeth aesthetic?
    Natural appearance with additive composite/ceramic.
  7. The soda effect?
    Increases the risk of erosion; frequency of use is important.
  8. Acid reflux effect?
    Yes, medical cooperation and dental protection are required.
  9. Hard scrubbing?
    Cervical abrasions; soft brush/correct technique is essential.
  10. Will my restorations break due to bruxism?
    Risk is reduced with splint and load management.

H) Children

  1. Do milk teeth need fillings?
    Yes, it is important for infection and chewing.
  2. Is glass ionomer sufficient?
    It is very effective in children with fluoride support.
  3. How old is fissure sealant?
    It can be evaluated as soon as it lasts.
  4. Is anesthesia safe for children?
    Yes, with a dosage appropriate for age and weight.
  5. Is child broken tooth repair permanent?
    Revision may be required in parallel with growth.

I) Maintenance, Life & Fee

  1. What is the lifespan of fillings?
    Composite 7–10+ years, ceramic 10–15+ years.
  2. How is the maintenance?
    Regular brushing, interdental cleaning, 6–12 month check-up.
  3. Is polishing necessary?
    Yes; for aesthetics and stain control.
  4. Fees?
    Varies depending on material, scope and digital processes.
  5. Guarantee?
    With a written care protocol that includes physician-patient responsibilities.
  6. Is same-day restoration possible?
    Yes, with digital streaming in appropriate cases.
  7. What happens if treatment is delayed?
    The cavity grows, the cost and scope increase.
  8. Is the aesthetic result close to natural?
    In Valinor, the goal is always naturalness.
  9. Is pain after the procedure normal?
    There may be short-term tenderness; if it persists, it should be evaluated.
  10. My restoration fell/cracked, what should I do?
    Make an appointment now; most cases are repairable.

Valinor Dental Clinic’At , restorative dental treatment combines scientific accuracy, advanced technology, and aesthetic elegance. Our goal is to provide you with comfortable, lasting, and natural results through a minimally invasive approach that respects your teeth.

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