Definition and Scope of Restorative Dentistry
- Restorative dentistry involves the study, diagnosis, and management of dental diseases and the rehabilitation of the teeth and supporting structures.
- It includes the specialties of endodontics, periodontics, and prosthodontics.
- Restorative dentistry addresses the functional and aesthetic needs of individuals.
- Close collaboration with other dental specialties, such as orthodontics and paediatric dentistry, may be necessary.
- Surgical specialties like oral and maxillofacial surgery may also be involved.

Conditions Treated by Restorative Dentistry
- Restorative dentistry treats various conditions, including caries (tooth decay) and maxillofacial trauma caused by environmental factors.
- Developmental issues like hypodontia, amelogenesis imperfecta, dentogenesis imperfecta, and cleft palate may require restorative treatment.
- Multifactorial conditions like periodontitis, with both genetic and environmental causes, are managed by restorative dentistry.
- Restorative dentists play a role in managing head and neck oncology cases, both before and after treatment.
- The specialty is recognised by the General Dental Council in the UK and represented by professional societies.

Restorative Dental Treatments
- Restorative dentistry combines endodontics, prosthodontics, and periodontics.
- Restorative consultants work in dental hospitals and receive referrals from other dental specialties and general practitioners.
- They manage complex cases, such as pre-radiotherapy head and neck oncology assessments.
- Restorative dentists provide oral rehabilitation for patients after head and neck oncology treatment.
- They also offer oral rehabilitation for patients with hypodontia, maxillofacial trauma, and tooth wear.

Restorative Dentistry Procedures
- Root canal therapy, both non-surgical and surgical, is performed by restorative dentists.
- Periodontal treatment, including non-surgical and surgical approaches, is within the scope of restorative dentistry.
- Restorative dentists may provide treatment planning services or shared care with referring dentists.
- They specialize in the provision of obturators for head and neck oncology and cleft palate patients.
- Restorative dentists are skilled in managing cases of tooth wear.

References
- The DGZ (German Society of Dentistry and Oral Medicine) provides resources related to restorative dentistry.
- The book 'Introduction to Tooth Preservation' by Hellwig, Klimek, and Attin covers cariology, endodontology, and periodontology.
- Restorative Dentistry-UK (RD-UK) and the Specialty Registrars in Restorative Dentistry Group (SRRDG) are valuable sources of information.
- The RD-UK website offers insights and resources on restorative dentistry.
- Additional references and sources can be found to further explore the field of restorative dentistry.