Restorative dentistry is the term dental experts use to explain how they replace missing or damaged teeth. Fillings, crowns bridges and implants are common restorative options. The goal is to bring back your real smile and prevent future oral health issues. The easiest way to treat a cavity is for your dentist to remove the decay and fill the tooth with one of several different materials. These dressing materials include gold, porcelain, silver amalgam (which consists of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc and copper), tooth-colored plastic or composite resin. Restorative Dentistry Treatment Options Fillings: The most common way to treat a cavity is for your dentist to remove the decay and fill the tooth with one of several different materials. These filling materials include gold, porcelain, silver amalgam (which consists of mercury mixed with silver, tin, zinc and copper), tooth-colored plastic or composite resin. Crowns: A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth. It is used to strengthen and protect your tooth structure. Your dentist prepares the tooth, takes an impression and the crown is made in a lab by a specialist. Bridges: A dental bridge "bridges" the gap where there are missing teeth. A bridge has a crown on each end as an anchor with an artificial tooth or teeth connecting the crowns and filling the space. A bridge can keep your other teeth from moving out of place. Once a bridge is placed, it works just like your natural teeth. Dental Implants:Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. An implant has 2 parts: a metal anchor and a false tooth, similar to a crown. A dental implant looks and feels like a natural tooth.