Periodontal considerations in restorative dentistry. 1: Operative considerations

Restorative dentistry may be defined as the branch of dentistry that deals with the restoration or replacement of lost tooth structure, teeth or oral tissues. The practice of restorative dentistry has a reciprocal relationship with the maintenance of periodontal health. Untreated periodontal disease will compromise the success of restorative dentistry, and poor restorative treatment may have adverse effects on the periodontium by increasing accumulation of plaque and inducing changes in the composition of the plaque flora. Excessive occlusal stress and direct physical injury to the gingiva produced by the various dental procedures may also affect periodontal health. This is the first of two articles to look in depth at the periodontal considerations necessary in restorative dentistry, and covers the factors important in operative dentistry. The second article, which will be published in a later issue, will look at the situation with regard to prosthodontics.