Operative dentistry is a branch of dentistry which is related to removal or treatment and restoration of the defected tooth enamel and dentin. The restoration of tooth is done using metallic and non-metallic materials. These materials may be amalgam, composite resins, gold or glass ionomer restorations. The operative dentistry is used to remove decayed or fractured tooth making the dental condition healthy and pleasing to eye. It is also known to be a part of cosmetic industry, but in reality it has much more significance than just improving the appearance of the dental structures.
Operative dentistry requires five aspects to perform the function. They are – treatment through dental operative instruments, materials and 
equipments, four handed dentistry, basic dental procedures and supply procedures.
The basic instruments that are used in operative dentistry are excavators, chisels, hatchets, gingival and marginal trimmers, hoes, amalgam restoration instruments include amalgam carriers, carvers, burnishers, composite resin instruments, cement and insulating base instruments, etc.
The above details are about operative industry in nutshell.