Restorative Dentistry

The Consultant in Restorative Dentistry manages the restorative care of patients with a variety of conditions in which dental treatment can be hazardous or complex. For example, patients with bleeding disorders, leukaemia, endocardial lesions, some form of drug therapy, the elderly patient with special problems and those with learning difficulties. The Consultant in Restorative Dentistry is likely to be responsible for the care of patients in longstay hospitals, often in combination with the community dental service.

Patients with congenital facial clefts or major dental abnormalities require carefully planned and often complex treatment. In the past this has been less than ideal because of the lack of adequate restorative advice and treatment. For example, patients with congenital defects of the maxillofacial complex may receive surgical repair in combination with orthodontic treatment, later to be neglected in their restorative care, largely negating the advantages of earlier treatment.

Oncology treatment for patients with a tumour of the head and neck can result in intra-oral defects that require carefully designed obturation to prevent deterioration of other dental structures and to establish satisfactory social rehabilitation of the patient.