Restorative Dentistry Specialists
This field is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the teeth and mouth. This is exclusively focused upon the structures of the mouth and aims to restore functionality to these areas. This depends on the aesthetic and psychological requirements of the patient.
This speciality includes other areas such as prosthodontics, endodontics and periodontics and these all work together when planning a course of treatment.
For example, root canal treatment in which diseased tissue is removed from the pulp (centre) of a tooth. Another procedure is an apicectomy in which the dentist accesses the tooth via the gums and bone. Crowns, bridges and dentures are other types of restorative dentistry.
The objective is to ensure that a tooth is functional and looks good as well.
A specialist in restorative dentistry usually works as a consultant in a hospital or holds an honorary position in private practice. They are there to offer help and advice for all aspects of tooth restoration as well as passing on their knowledge to future specialists. They also carry out teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
This type of specialist can perform work in any of these three areas: prosthodontics, endodontics and periodontics.
Due to the complexity of this specialism candidates will need to have done 5 years of postgraduate training which includes all three of the above. If they are successful they will be awarded the Fellowship in Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Surgeons (FDS) in Restorative Dentistry.
The end result is inclusion on the GDC’s Specialist List.
Dental Specialists Guide Index:
- Dental and maxillofacial radiology Specialists
- Dental public health Specialists
- Endodontic Specialists
- Oral and maxillofacial pathology Specialists
- Oral medicine Specialists
- Oral microbiology Specialists
- Oral surgery Specialists
- Orthodontic Specialists
- Paediatric dentistry Specialists
- Periodontic Specialists
- Prosthodontic Specialists
- Restorative dentistry Specialists
- Special care dentistry Specialists