Introduction to Operative Dentistry

Introduction to Operative Dentistry

• Operative dentistry is the art and science of dentistry dealing with diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of tooth defects.
• These defects do not necessitate full coverage restorations.

To Restore

• Restorations aim to recover form, function, and esthetics of teeth.

Indications of Operative Dentistry

• Caries: Cavities resulting from bacterial action.
• Loss of tooth structure: Due to attrition, abrasion, abfraction, erosion (non-carious lesions).
• Malformed, traumatized, or fractured teeth: Including those that have been impacted or broken.
• Aesthetic improvement: Improving the appearance of teeth, e.g., discoloration.

Dental Caries

• Dental caries is a multifactorial infectious microbiological disease that results in localized dissolution and destruction of calcified tissue.
• Factors affecting caries include host (teeth), microorganisms, and substrate (e.g. CHx (bacteria)).
• Caries types involve: pit and fissure, smooth surface, root cavities.

Attrition

• Attrition is mechanical wear between opposing teeth due to normal or para-functional movements such as bruxism.

Abrasion

• Abrasion is abnormal tooth surface loss due to direct frictional forces between teeth and external objects.

Erosion

• Erosion is loss of hard dental tissue resulting from chemical processes not involving bacteria.
  • Exogenous sources include lemon-sucking, and battery factors.
  • Endogenous ones include gastric fluid regurgitation (Gastro-esophageal reflux).

Abfraction

• Abfraction is an angular notch at the gumline caused by bending forces applied to the teeth.
• Factors include chronic heavy forces (bruxism), or normal forces on teeth with improper alignment (malocclusion).

Malformed, Traumatized or Fractured Teeth

• These are damaged or malformed teeth that need restoration.

Teeth Discoloration

• Teeth discoloration is a visible issue that can be improved by various dental procedures.

Enamel Hypoplasia

• Enamel hypoplasia is a defect in tooth enamel, causing thin and deficient enamel due to defects in the enamel matrix formation.
• It usually creates a pitting in the tooth.
• Enamel hypoplasia severity can range from moderate to severe.

Enamel Hypo-calcification

• Enamel hypo-calcification is a tooth enamel defect where a normal amount of enamel is produced, but the enamel is softer than usual due to a lack of sufficient mineralization.

Aesthetic Improvement

• Aesthetic improvement procedures correct the aesthetic issues of teeth.

Restoration or Repair

• Restoration or repair involves replacing or fixing damaged teeth.

Scope of Operative Dentistry

• Diagnosis: Identifying the dental problem.
• Prevention: Implementing strategies to avoid future issues.
• Interception: Detecting and acting on early problems.
• Preservation: Maintaining healthy teeth.
• Restoration: Returning damaged teeth to a functional state.
• Maintenance: Ongoing care after treatment.

Objective of Operative Dentistry

• Restore tooth function to normal.
• Return teeth to normal occlusion.
• Improve overall oral health and hygiene.
• Motivate patients for routine checkups.
• Provide post-operative instructions.

Explore the essential concepts of operative dentistry, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of tooth defects. This quiz covers topics such as caries, restorations, and aesthetic improvements to restore teeth's function and form.