What is the process of replacing a diseased portion of a tooth or a lost tooth by artificial means called?

The process of replacing a diseased portion of a tooth or a lost tooth by artificial means is best referred to as restoration. In dentistry, restoration encompasses various procedures aimed at returning a tooth to its normal function and appearance. This can include placing fillings, crowns, bridges, or dentures, all of which serve to restore the integrity of the dental structure lost due to disease or trauma.

Restoration focuses on providing both functional and aesthetic benefits, ensuring that the tooth can effectively carry out its role in chewing and is visually appealing. This term captures the broader scope of treatments used to rehabilitate a tooth or restore it to its original state.

While extraction refers specifically to the removal of a tooth, and implantation pertains primarily to inserting a dental implant into the jawbone to serve as an artificial root for a crown, restoration includes both these processes as well as other methods for dealing with compromised teeth. Similarly, repair is a more general term that might apply to fixing damaged teeth but doesn't encompass the broader aspects of restoring lost function with artificial materials.