The main objective of operative dentistry is to restore carious teeth or other malformed teeth using appropriate materials. "Restroative Dentistry”, as its name implies, is to restore the shape and function of teeth.

If the area of tooth decay is small, it could treat by composite filling materials with satisfactory outcome. However, if the destruction caused by tooth decay is too large, the tooth may be cracked when it reach hard objects due to insufficient tooth strength. The filling material would be easy to loose, which causing micro-leakage and secondary tooth decay. Inlays, onlays, and fixed dentures are indicated in such condition for further tooth preservation.