At Melko Dental in Sunnyvale, CA, restorative dentistry is about more than just fixing teeth — it’s about helping patients regain confidence, comfort, and long-term oral health. Whether a patient is experiencing tooth decay, damage, or missing teeth, restorative treatments are designed to repair function, enhance appearance, and prevent future issues.
This comprehensive guide explains what restorative dentistry involves, when it’s necessary, the materials and techniques used, and how Dr. Shamiram Melko and her team tailor each treatment to meet the needs of their patients.
Meet Dr. Shamiram Melko
Dr. Shamiram Melko is the founder of Melko Dental and a trusted provider of restorative care in Sunnyvale. With a passion for dentistry and a heart for people, Dr. Melko brings both technical skill and warmth to every patient interaction. Outside of her work in the practice, she enjoys spending time with her family (her daughter is now in college), jogging, hiking, biking, reading, and even writing poetry.
Dr. Melko’s philosophy centers around building strong relationships with patients and practicing dentistry in a way that is conservative, ethical, and patient-centered. Her approach to restorative dentistry is rooted in preserving the natural smile whenever possible — combining science, technology, and artistry to deliver results that last.
What Is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry refers to the branch of dental care that focuses on repairing and restoring teeth that have been damaged by decay, trauma, wear, or disease. It can involve simple procedures like fillings or more complex solutions such as crowns, onlays, or even full-mouth rehabilitation.
“It’s the science and art of dentistry that’s concerned with restoring one tooth or multiple teeth — even a whole smile,” says Dr. Melko.
Restoring teeth isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s also essential for maintaining healthy digestion, breathing, and sleep quality. The mouth is the gateway to the body, and healthy teeth support the function of many bodily systems. That’s why timely, conservative dental care is a cornerstone of overall wellness.
Common Restorative Treatments Offered at Melko Dental
Every patient’s needs are different, and the team at Melko Dental creates personalized treatment plans based on the condition of the teeth, goals of the patient, and long-term prognosis. Here are some of the most common restorative solutions available:
Tooth-Colored Fillings
When a tooth has a small or moderate cavity, it can typically be repaired with a composite resin filling. This durable, tooth-colored material blends seamlessly with the surrounding enamel and helps restore both function and appearance.
“We have many durable materials that are also very aesthetically pleasing,” Dr. Melko explains.
Composite fillings are biocompatible and ideal for restoring decayed or fractured teeth in a natural-looking way. Advances in dental materials have made these restorations more fracture-resistant and longer-lasting than ever before.
Dental Crowns
For larger areas of decay or structural damage, a dental crown is often the best solution. Crowns completely cover and protect the remaining natural tooth, restoring its strength, function, and appearance. Melko Dental offers several types of crown materials based on patient needs:
- E.max crowns: Made from lithium disilicate ceramic, these crowns offer a beautiful, natural appearance and are ideal for front teeth.
- Zirconia crowns: Extremely durable and fracture-resistant, these crowns are well suited for back molars and patients who grind or clench.
- Gold crowns: While less commonly chosen for aesthetic reasons, gold crowns remain a time-tested and strong option.
“Zirconia crowns are very strong, especially for heavy clenchers and grinders,” says Dr. Melko. “And gold crowns, while not everyone prefers them cosmetically, are still very healthy and fracture-resistant.”
Inlays and Onlays
For teeth that need more support than a filling but don’t require a full crown, inlays and onlays offer a conservative alternative. These custom restorations are fabricated to fit the affected area and preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible.
Smile Rehabilitation and Alignment
In addition to individual tooth repair, restorative dentistry can include treatment plans to realign the bite or improve smile aesthetics. In some cases, aligning crowded teeth with Invisalign or other orthodontic solutions is considered part of restoring a healthy, functional smile.
“Just aligning that smile to a more aligned, healthy smile is also considered restorative dentistry,” notes Dr. Melko.
When Is It Better to Save a Tooth vs. Extract It?
One of the most important decisions in restorative dentistry is whether to preserve a tooth or remove it. Dr. Melko’s philosophy is to save natural teeth whenever possible. However, there are cases where extraction may be the healthier long-term choice.
Teeth that may require removal include those with:
- Extensive decay and minimal healthy structure left
- Failed root canals with recurring infection
- Severe bone loss or mobility
- Repeated emergencies or pain
“Nothing replaces your natural teeth,” says Dr. Melko. “But if a tooth is compromised and won’t last, it’s better for the patient to consider removing it and replacing it with a dental implant.”
The Melko Dental team helps patients weigh the pros and cons of each option and makes recommendations based on clinical evidence and patient goals.
The Role of Dental Implants in Restorative Care
When a tooth is removed, dental implants offer the most reliable, long-lasting way to restore function and appearance. Implants are placed into the jawbone to act as artificial roots and support crowns, bridges, or dentures.
While implants are highly successful, Dr. Melko emphasizes that they’re never a first choice if a natural tooth can still be saved.
“Dental implants are very successful, but our goal is always to be conservative and save teeth whenever it’s possible and predictable.”
Why Early Treatment Is So Important
One of the most powerful ways to protect oral health is by catching problems early. Small cavities or cracks can often be repaired with simple, minimally invasive treatments. Waiting too long, however, can lead to more complex issues and higher treatment costs.
“When a person comes to restore a cavity that’s small or moderate size, that tooth will be better off health-wise… versus waiting long to develop a bigger cavity,” says Dr. Melko.
The takeaway? Don’t wait. Preventive and early restorative care leads to better long-term outcomes, fewer emergencies, and lower risk of tooth loss.
Materials Matter: What Melko Dental Uses to Restore Teeth
At Melko Dental, patients can feel confident knowing the materials used in their restorations are selected for durability, compatibility, and aesthetics.
Fillings
- Composite resin: A tooth-colored material that bonds tightly to enamel and is ideal for small to moderate cavities.
“Today’s generations of composite fillings are more durable, more aesthetic, and more compatible with oral health,” Dr. Melko shares.
Crowns
- E.max – Great for natural-looking front teeth
- Zirconia – Strongest option for high-pressure areas
- Gold – Long-lasting and highly fracture-resistant
The choice of material depends on where the tooth is located, the patient’s bite, aesthetic preferences, and long-term treatment goals.
A Conservative, Relationship-Based Approach
Melko Dental takes a personalized approach to every treatment. Rather than pushing aggressive or unnecessary procedures, the team focuses on educating patients, exploring options, and protecting what’s natural whenever it’s safe and predictable.
“Our prime goal is conserving as much natural tooth as possible,” explains Dr. Melko.
Patients are never rushed or pressured. Instead, they’re given the information, guidance, and care they need to make confident decisions about their oral health.
What Patients Can Expect from Restorative Treatment
Every treatment plan starts with a thorough consultation. The Melko Dental team uses modern diagnostic tools to evaluate the teeth, gums, bite, and bone health. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, patients are walked through their options — with transparent pricing and clear expectations for recovery and results.
From a simple filling to a complex full-mouth restoration, every procedure is completed with comfort, precision, and a strong emphasis on long-term function.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
Whether you’re dealing with a chipped tooth, a cavity, or a dental issue that’s been bothering you for a while, Melko Dental is here to help. Restorative dentistry doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With expert care, modern technology, and a supportive team, restoring your smile can be a smooth and empowering experience.