What is restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry, sometimes referred to as oral rehabilitation, is the specialist study, diagnosis and integrated management of diseases of the oral cavity, the teeth and supporting structures.
It includes the rehabilitation of the teeth and the oral cavity to the functional, psychological and aesthetic requirements of the individual patient.
Restorative dentistry encompasses the dental specialties of:
- Endodontics
- Periodontics
- Prosthodontics
Its foundation is based upon the interaction of these specialties in cases requiring complex, coordinated and multi-faceted care.
Complex interdisciplinary care for high need patient groups
The focus of restorative dentistry is to work with other dental, medical and surgical specialists, to provide and support the integrated management and oral rehabilitation of patients with complex treatment needs, such as:
- Patients who have undergone radiotherapy and ablative surgery for the management of oral cancer.
- Patients affected by developmental disorders such as hypodontia
- Patients who have had traumatic injuries to the face, mouth and teeth
We also offer limited dental hygiene/therapy care, supported by general dentist colleagues for patients treated within our department for longer term maintenance.
Please note
Routine dental care is not provided within this highly specialised and restricted service. Routine dental care is the remit of primary dental care, provided by a general dentist.
How and where can restorative services be accessed?
Specialist restorative dentistry services within South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are accessed via a referral system, through a patient’s treating doctor or dentist.
At present, only internal referrals from hospital services are being accepted.
Restorative dentistry treatment clinics are located in The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough and the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton.