Some dental problems need more than a filling. Badly broken teeth, a failed root canal, a worn-down bite or several missing teeth often need careful planning across many treatments. This is the work of a restorative dentistry specialist. This guide explains what a restorative specialist does, how they differ from a general dentist, and when it is worth seeing one in KL and Selangor.
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What is a restorative dentistry specialist?
A restorative dentistry specialist is a dentist who has completed several years of postgraduate specialist training after their basic dental degree. They focus on saving, repairing and replacing teeth, especially in complex cases.
In Malaysia, restorative dentistry covers three main areas:
- Endodontics: root canal treatment, including difficult cases and re-treatment of failed root canals
- Prosthodontics: crowns, bridges, dentures, veneers and teeth fixed on implants
- Periodontics: the gums and bone that support the teeth
Some restorative specialists then focus on one of these areas. You may see them described as a prosthodontist or a periodontist.
Restorative specialist vs general dentist
A general dentist handles most everyday care: check-ups, scaling, fillings, simple root canals, extractions and single crowns. A restorative specialist is usually involved when a case is complex, for example:
- several teeth need treatment and the order of treatment matters
- a root canal has failed or a tooth has a curved or blocked canal
- teeth are badly worn from grinding or acid, and the bite has collapsed
- several teeth are missing and you are weighing implants, bridges and dentures
- previous crowns, bridges or veneers keep breaking or falling out
At Qualiteeth, your general dentist and the specialist work together. Simple steps can be done by your regular dentist, while the specialist plans and carries out the complex parts.
When should you see a restorative specialist?
- You have been told a tooth “cannot be saved”, and you would like a second opinion
- Your teeth are getting shorter, chipped or sensitive from grinding
- You need a full mouth rehabilitation, rebuilding most of your teeth
- You want veneers but have worn teeth or an uneven bite
- You have loose or uncomfortable dentures
- An old root canal tooth is painful or swollen again
Meet our restorative dentistry specialist
Dr Ho Yee Mun is Qualiteeth’s in-house restorative dentistry specialist. She holds a BDS from Universiti Malaya and a Master of Restorative Dentistry from Universiti Sains Malaysia. After several years in government dental clinics, she completed four years of specialist training in restorative dentistry and served as the restorative specialist at Klinik Pergigian Tawau before joining Qualiteeth. Her main interests are endodontics and prosthodontics. Read her profile.
She sees patients across all Qualiteeth branches by appointment, working alongside our visiting prosthodontist and periodontist.
What happens at a specialist consultation?
- Full examination of your teeth, gums, bite and jaw joints
- X-rays, and a 3D CBCT scan where needed
- Photos, scans or models of your teeth for planning
- A written treatment plan with options, the order of treatment and the full cost
- Time to ask questions. There is no obligation to start treatment
How much does restorative treatment cost?
Cost depends on how many teeth are involved and which treatments you choose. Starting prices at Qualiteeth:
- Root canal treatment: from RM700
- Dental crowns: from RM700 per tooth
- Dental bridges: RM700 per tooth
- Dentures: from RM350
- Dental implants: from RM5,000
- Veneer packages: 8 veneers with Digital Smile Design from RM2,999
Complex cases are planned in stages, so you can see the cost of each stage before agreeing to it.
Related: Root canal re-treatment: saving a failed root canal · Full mouth rehabilitation
Specialist appointments near you in the Klang Valley
Our specialists visit all Qualiteeth branches by appointment, so you can be seen close to home:
- Kepong & KL North: Kepong (Taman Sri Bintang), Kepong Baru, Desa Aman Puri, Jinjang Selatan
- Selayang, Gombak & Rawang: Selayang, Gombak, Rawang, Anggun City Rawang
- Sungai Buloh & Damansara: Sungai Buloh, Bandar Sri Damansara
- Petaling Jaya & Shah Alam: Aman Suria, PJ, SS3 Taman Universiti, Subang Murni
- Cheras & Serdang: Cheras, Olive Hill, Seri Kembangan
Book an appointment and tell us you would like to see a specialist. The branch will confirm the date on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
What does a restorative dentistry specialist do?
A restorative specialist saves, repairs and replaces teeth in complex cases. This includes difficult root canals, crowns, bridges, dentures, veneers, implant-supported teeth and full mouth rehabilitation.
Do I need a referral to see a restorative specialist at Qualiteeth?
No. You can book directly, or your Qualiteeth dentist can arrange the appointment if your case needs specialist planning.
Is a restorative specialist the same as a prosthodontist?
Not exactly. Restorative dentistry covers prosthodontics, endodontics and periodontics. A prosthodontist focuses mainly on crowns, bridges, dentures, veneers and implant teeth.
Can a restorative specialist save a tooth another dentist wants to remove?
Sometimes. Root canal re-treatment, a post and crown, or gum treatment may save a tooth. The specialist will explain honestly if a tooth can be saved and what the long-term outlook is.
Which Qualiteeth branches can I see the specialist at?
Our specialists visit all Qualiteeth branches in KL and Selangor by appointment, including Kepong, Selayang, Rawang, Sungai Buloh, Petaling Jaya, Subang and Cheras.
This article gives general information and is not a diagnosis. Your dentist will advise on suitable treatment after an examination. Prices are starting prices; the full cost is explained before treatment begins.