Restorative dentistry
Conservative dentistry
Conservative or restorative dentistry is the dentistry that treats all diseases of the teeth, from incipient caries to large destructions or fractures. Nowadays, fillings are made with materials that are harmless to the patient and are of high aesthetic quality. They are also very resistant and durable (composites).
Occasionally, the patient may suffer a serious injury to the tooth and the lost tooth material cannot be reconstructed with a filling. In these cases we have to resort to porcelain or resin inlays, veneers or porcelain crowns.
Prosthodontics
A branch of dentistry that focuses especially on the design and manufacture of dental prostheses and/or surrounding structures that are crippled or lost due to various causes. Its main objective is to restore the aesthetics and functionality of the damaged tooth.
Types of dental prostheses
Mobile prostheses
They are used in a transitional or provisional way and can be partial or total. This type of prosthesis can be attached to the mouth by means of retainers or 'hooks' attached to other teeth. If there are no teeth in the mouth, adhesives are used. To maintain this type of prosthesis, frequent cleaning and check-ups are required.
Fixed prostheses
They are firmly inserted in the mouth so they do not have to be removed to maintain them. They are attached to the jawbone by means of implants or through cementation treatments to other teeth already in the mouth. The maintenance and hygiene carried out on this type of prosthesis is similar to that used for the rest of the teeth. Crowns (caps), bridges, dental veneers made of ceramic or other materials belong to this group.