Effective Dental Restorations in North Austin
Restorative dentistry includes a range of dental treatments which allow us to repair cosmetic or functional issues of the teeth, gums, and jawbone. Usually, a tooth that has been damaged by decay or normal wear can be restored with methods that leave most of the original structure intact.
Sometimes, though, a tooth is missing or so severely damaged that there is no option but extraction. In these cases, the team at Shoal Creek Dental Care replaces teeth with beautiful prosthetics that complete the smile. Whether you simply need us to treat decay, place a porcelain veneer, or create a full set of dentures, we offer a wide range of modern dental technologies to bring you the very best restorative dentistry available.
CALL US: 512-955-5373 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
Solea® Lasers in Restorative Dentistry
We use the latest in dental technology to provide faster, safer restorative treatments. The Solea Dental Laser system allows us to replace conventional drilling and cutting with the use of precision light. These laser beams are only one-eighth the diameter of a human hair, and there is no vibration during treatment. We can use the laser to prepare a tooth for a filling, crown or bridge, shape a tooth for a veneer, remove excess gum tissue, and even begin the implant treatment procedure.
- Laser treatments are faster, resulting in less time in the dental chair
- You can expect less bleeding and discomfort
- Solea is silent, so there is no drill sound to give you anxiety
- Lasers can remove exact areas of tissue, aiding precision
- Laser procedures often do not require anesthetics
Crowns & Fillings
When patients experiencing tooth pain visit our practice, we first conduct a comprehensive oral exam to precisely locate the areas of concern. We take the time to discuss the recommended treatment plan based on the extent of decay, so you have a complete understanding of how long the restoration will take and the costs.
Sometimes, a tooth can become heavily decayed above the gum line, but the root is still strong and healthy. In cases such as these, the tooth can be saved with a life-like ceramic cap called a crown. These crowns are custom-made to match the color and contour of your natural teeth. After the deteriorated surface of the tooth is removed, the crown is cemented over it, sealing the restoration in place and preventing further decay in much the same way that a filling does.
If the cavity is minor enough, we can easily remove traces of decay and repair it with composite resin. The tooth-colored material helps improve aesthetics in addition to protecting the treated tooth. We also offer silver and gold filling material when appropriate for restoring your oral health. If the decay is significant, we may recommend root canal therapy.
When the structure of a tooth has been compromised to the point that restoring the pulp is impossible or has a high risk of failure, extraction may be the best choice. We can explain all your tooth replacement options and recommend the best treatment for your circumstances. These choices typically consist of a traditional bridge or a dental implant.
Are dental implants or a bridge better for you? The decision to choose dentures or implants depends on:
- Your overall health
- The health of your gums and bones
- Your budget
Finding a tooth replacement option is an important choice that needs to be made to protect your overall oral health. Over time, having missing teeth can cause problems such as:
Shifting Teeth
Teeth tend to move when space is left in the mouth by a missing tooth. They can become crooked and leave spaces between teeth, which can impact your bite and affect the shape of your jaw and cheeks.
Bone Loss
When the bone under a missing tooth is not stimulated by chewing, it can lose density and mass.
Hiding Your Smile
When you are missing teeth, you might feel awkward and embarrassed in social settings, which can result in a poor quality of life.
A bridge allows you to replace missing teeth in a non-invasive way. A dental implant requires a surgical procedure in which a titanium post is placed into your jawbone. This creates a sturdy foundation for your replacement tooth or teeth. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages.
A Dental Implant or a Bridge?
A bridge requires two teeth on either side of the missing tooth to be prepped with a crown. The custom-made prosthetic is connected to each crown, forming a bridge over the space. The procedure is minimally invasive and less expensive than a dental implant, but it does not provide essential stimulation to your jawbone that an implant does.
Complete Tooth Replacement with Dental Implants
A dental implant is an artificial root and tooth, typically made from titanium, which we surgically place into your upper or lower jawbone. Dental Implants are an innovative and permanent solution to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Unlike a bridge, an implant replaces the root of a tooth and provides stimulation to the jawbone. Jawbone density is important as it helps maintain your overall facial structure. Implants may cost more upfront, but they can save you money in the long run by preventing further gum and bone loss and by keeping the surrounding teeth from shifting.
Dental Implants Can:
- Restore chewing, speech, and digestion
- Eliminate joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into a missing tooth space
- Support a bridge or denture to make it more secure and comfortable
- Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting surrounding teeth
- Restore or enhance facial tissues
Both bridges and implants are great solutions to replace missing teeth and improve overall oral health. Our team can help you decide which treatment is the right one for you and provide more information about each procedure.
Complete or Partial Dentures
Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to look and function like natural teeth to give you a complete, confident smile.
Complete dentures replace all the teeth, whereas partial dentures are used to replace several missing teeth in a row. A partial denture fills the gap left by missing teeth and prevents surrounding natural teeth from shifting.
Complete dentures can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” We create a conventional denture after the teeth are removed and the gum tissue has healed. This usually takes 4-6 weeks. During this time, we will provide you with a temporary device.
We create immediate dentures in advance and place them immediately after the tooth removal process, which allows you to begin wearing your final device right away. Once the tissue has had time to heal, some adjustments may be necessary.
What is Involved in Getting Dentures?
The process of getting dentures typically spans several office visits and routine checkups for adjustments. After a thorough exam, we will take detailed impressions and measurements of your jaw, gums, and teeth to create your custom prosthetic. Your new denture may require several try-in appointments to ensure proper shape, color, and fit.
At your final appointment, we will adjust your finished denture for a natural and comfortable fit.
Finally, we will provide you with instructions on how to care for your dentures, so they will promote a healthy lifestyle and last for many years.
Complete Restorations for a Healthy Smile
Conventional dentures, bridges, implants, and other restorations can help improve the appearance and uniformity of your smile. Our team at Shoal Creek Dental Care enjoys giving you all the information you need to make informed decisions about your treatment. If you live in North Austin, Balcones, Jollyville, Allendale, Northwest Hills, contact us today and find out how we can bring health and wellness to your smile!
CALL US: 512-955-5373 REQUEST APPOINTMENT