About 90% of adults ages 20 to 64 have decay in their teeth. Meanwhile, 2% of adults have no teeth.

Seeking immediate dental repair can protect your smile. Otherwise, losing teeth can affect your functionality, appearance, and self-confidence.

Consider seeking dental restorative services. How can a dentist in Lakeway help? Read on to find out!

What Are Dental Restorative Services?

Restorative dentistry focuses on replacing or repairing teeth. Tooth repair services can improve your ability to chew and speak. Otherwise, a broken or lost tooth can affect your oral health.

For example, the remaining teeth could start shifting toward the gap in your smile. You’ll experience a change in your bite, affecting your ability to chew.

Swallowing large chunks of food leaves your digestive system with more work. You may experience digestive issues, including stomach aches or acid reflux.

Your teeth will begin to look crooked. Your jawbone will deteriorate, which can cause wrinkles to form. These problems can affect your appearance and self-confidence.

A cavity can cause an infection to spread through your bloodstream. Your risk of an abscess could increase. 

Examples of restorative dentistry treatments include root canals, dental implants, and cavity fillings. They can protect your teeth from further damage. When a dental abscess is left untreated, your mortality rate can increase to 40%.

Ideal Candidates

Talk to your dentist in Lakeway if you have:

  • Broken teeth
  • Tooth decay
  • Missing teeth
  • Damaged teeth

They’ll determine if you’re an ideal candidate for treatment. They’ll develop a customized treatment plan based on your needs.

Seeking immediate tooth repair can help you avoid complications. You can protect your smile, oral health, and overall health. Otherwise, your risk of serious health complications could increase. 

Restorative vs Cosmetic

There is a difference between restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. Restorative dentistry can improve the functionality of your teeth. For example, your ability to chew.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the appearance of your smile. However, there is an overlap. 

A demand for cosmetic dentistry and dental implants is driving the restorative dentistry market. The restorative dentistry market reached $18.8 billion in 2022. By 2030, the industry could grow by a CAGR of 8.7%.

The industry continues to grow due to:

  • The development of advanced technology
  • A focus on aesthetics
  • The growing prevalence of dental disorders
  • The rise in restorative materials for restorations

Some procedures can improve your functionality and appearance. Perhaps you’re missing a tooth. Your dentist may recommend a dental implant.

Dental implants are permanent tooth loss solutions. They’re surgically implanted into the jawbone. They can improve your ability to chew and the appearance of your smile. 

Options for a Better Smile

Schedule a consultation appointment with your dentist in Lakeway. They’ll determine which of these treatment options suits your needs. 

Fillings

Maintain a healthy smile by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Otherwise, bacteria, saliva, and food remnants can mix together. Plaque, a tacky clear substance, will form as a film over your teeth.

Over time, plaque hardens and releases acid. It can eat away at your protective tooth enamel. A cavity could form.

Cavities are small holes in your teeth. Your dentist may recommend restorative treatment with fillings.

First, your dentist will remove the decayed portions of your tooth. They’ll use a composite material to fill the cavity. The tooth-colored material will make the hole less apparent.

Immediate treatment can help halt the progression of tooth decay. If decay causes further damage, you may need to explore other options. Your dentist may recommend tooth canal therapy.

Otherwise, the bacteria can reach the pulp of your tooth. An infection could spread.

Your dentist will remove the diseased pulp. After disinfecting the area, they’ll fill the canals with dental material. This will seal and protect your damaged tooth.

Dental Implants

Dental implants look like small metal screws. They’re surgically placed into the jawbone. Unlike dentures, they offer stability.

You’ll need a few months to heal from the first surgery. After osseointegration occurs, your dentist can place the abutment. They’ll attach a dental crown to the abutment to restore your smile. 

If you have a missing tooth, it can affect your overall health, appearance, and functionality. A dental implant can help you avoid complications.

Dentures

Dentures are a temporary tooth replacement option. They’re designed to replace an arch of multiple missing teeth. 

Unlike implants, dentures rest atop your gums instead of within the jawbone. You can remove them for cleaning. Failing to clean your dentures could lead to tooth decay or gingivitis.

There are also implant-supported dentures. They’ll attach to dental implants to provide additional stability. 

Inlays and Onlays

In some cases, a cavity is too large for a filling. Your dentist may recommend inlays or onlays instead.

These dental restorations are custom-fitted onto your natural teeth. Your dentist will bond the inlay or onlay into place.

Inlays fill the area between cusps. Onlays cover at least one cusp.

Crowns and Bridges

Dental crowns are artificial teeth. They’re caps that fit over an existing damaged tooth.

Your dentist may recommend a dental crown if you have a large cavity. They’re also an option for tooth repair.

For this procedure, your dentist will need to shave down some of your existing tooth enamel. The procedure is non-reversable. 

Talk to your dentist about same-day CEREC crown and bridge replacement. Their technology can help you get back to normal without interruption. 

Dental bridges can replace a single tooth or row of missing teeth. They feature artificial teeth with dental crowns on each side. For this procedure, your dentist will need to shave down your existing teeth for space. 

Visit Your Dentist in Lakeway Today

Don’t let a broken or decayed tooth affect your appearance and health. Instead, visit your dentist in Lakeway. Discuss these dental restorative services to determine which best suits your needs.

With help, you can show off a better smile with renewed confidence! Our team at Skyridge Dental is committed to offering superior care.

We treat our patients like family. Trust our state-of-the-art technology, customized services, and skilled team. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.