Tooth Preparation and Restorative Materials - Tooth preparation involves cutting the tooth to make space for restorative materials and remove decay. - Materials used for tooth preparation include gold, amalgam, dental composites, glass ionomer cement, or porcelain. - Direct restorations involve placing a soft or malleable filling into the prepared tooth and building it up. - Different filling options are available based on the location and severity of the cavity. - Dental restorative materials include alloys, ceramics, composites, and glass ionomer cement.

Indirect Restorations - Indirect restorations are fabricated outside the mouth using dental impressions. - Common types include inlays, onlays, crowns, bridges, and veneers. - They are usually bonded permanently with dental cement. - Removable dental prostheses can also be considered indirect restorations. - CAD/CAM technology can be used for chairside fabrication of indirect restorations.

Cavity Classifications - GV Black classification categorizes cavities based on their site, such as occlusal, proximal, or gingival surfaces. - Graham J. Mounts classification considers both site and size of the cavity. - Class I cavities affect pit and fissure surfaces, while Class II affects proximal surfaces of molars and premolars. - Class III cavities affect proximal surfaces of centrals, laterals, and cuspids. - Class IV cavities affect proximal and incisal edges of anterior teeth.

Dental Restorative Materials - Amalgams are alloys formed by a reaction between two or more metals, one of which is mercury. - Direct gold fillings were used in the past but are rarely used today due to expense and specialised training requirements. - Dental composites, also known as white fillings, are used for direct restorations, minor buildup, and filling in small gaps between teeth. - Glass ionomer cement is commonly used as a direct filling material and for luting indirect restorations. - Other restorative materials include porcelain, metal alloys, and ceramics.

Complications and Dental Implants - Dental implants are anchors made from titanium or titanium alloy that support dental restorations. - Complications of dental restorations include irritation of the nerve and weakening of the tooth structure. - Root canal treatment may be considered if the nerve irritation persists. - Larger amounts of tooth structure loss or filling material replacement can weaken the tooth, increasing the risk of tooth fracturing. - Dental implants can be used for restorative applications such as crowns, bridges, and dental prostheses.