Revealing Statistics About Restorative Dentistry That Every Patient Should Know
Restorative dentistry plays a crucial role in helping millions of people maintain their oral health, function, and confidence. Whether it’s repairing a chipped tooth, replacing a missing one, or treating decay, restorative procedures restore both the appearance and functionality of damaged teeth. Yet many people don’t fully understand how common these treatments are or how significantly they impact quality of life.
At Carolina Commons Dentistry in Indian Land, Dr. Kavi Sagunarthy and our team provide comprehensive restorative dental care to help patients preserve their natural smiles and restore what’s been lost. Understanding the statistics behind restorative dentistry can help you appreciate why these treatments matter so much and how they might benefit you or someone you love. Let’s explore five compelling statistics that reveal the true scope and impact of restorative dental care.
1. Over 90% of Adults Have Had at Least One Cavity
By the time Americans reach adulthood, more than 90% have experienced tooth decay requiring restorative treatment. This staggering statistic means that dental fillings—one of the most common restorative procedures—are nearly universal. The prevalence of cavities spans all demographics, affecting people across different income levels, educational backgrounds, and geographic locations.
What makes this statistic particularly significant is that it demonstrates how normal and expected restorative dental care truly is. Having a cavity doesn’t mean you’ve failed at oral hygiene—it means you’re human. Even people who brush and floss diligently can develop decay due to factors like genetics, diet, medications that reduce saliva flow, or simply the anatomy of their teeth that creates hard-to-clean areas.
The good news is that modern restorative dentistry has made treating cavities more comfortable and conservative than ever before. Today’s tooth-colored composite fillings bond directly to tooth structure, require less removal of healthy enamel than traditional metal fillings, and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Many patients are surprised by how quick and painless the procedure is, especially with modern anesthetic techniques.
What’s concerning, however, is that approximately one in four adults has untreated tooth decay at any given time. These untreated cavities don’t stay small—they grow larger, penetrate deeper, and eventually reach the nerve of the tooth, causing pain and requiring more extensive treatment. A cavity that could have been fixed with a simple filling often progresses to require a root canal and crown, or even extraction and replacement. This progression illustrates why regular dental checkups and prompt treatment of small problems are so important.
At Carolina Commons Dentistry, we emphasize early detection and treatment of cavities to keep procedures as simple and affordable as possible. Dr. Sagunarthy uses advanced diagnostic tools to identify decay in its earliest stages, often before it’s even visible on X-rays, giving patients the best possible outcomes with the least invasive treatment.
2. More Than 120 Million Americans Are Missing at Least One Tooth
Tooth loss is far more common than most people realize, affecting over 120 million Americans. That translates to roughly one in three adults dealing with the functional and aesthetic challenges of missing teeth. Even more sobering, about 36 million Americans have lost all their natural teeth, requiring complete dentures or implant-supported prosthetics.
The reasons for tooth loss vary widely. Severe decay, advanced gum disease, trauma from accidents or sports injuries, and congenital conditions all contribute to this statistic. Age plays a role too—while tooth loss isn’t inevitable as we get older, it becomes more common, with approximately 25% of adults over 65 having lost all their natural teeth.
The impact of missing teeth extends far beyond appearance. Each tooth plays a specific role in your ability to chew effectively, speak clearly, and maintain proper bite alignment. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth can shift into the empty space, creating bite problems and making remaining teeth more vulnerable to damage. The jawbone in the area of the missing tooth also begins to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation, which can change facial structure over time.
Fortunately, restorative dentistry offers excellent solutions for missing teeth. Dental implants have revolutionized tooth replacement by providing a permanent solution that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. Unlike bridges or dentures, implants replace both the visible crown and the root, preserving jawbone and preventing the cascade of problems that follow tooth loss.
For patients missing multiple teeth or all their teeth, options like implant-supported dentures and All-on-4 restorations provide stability and functionality that traditional dentures simply can’t match. These advanced treatments allow patients to eat their favorite foods, smile confidently, and avoid the embarrassment of slipping dentures.
Our practice in Indian Land provides comprehensive tooth replacement options tailored to each patient’s unique situation. Dr. Sagunarthy evaluates factors like bone density, gum health, overall health status, and budget to recommend the most appropriate restoration. Whether you’ve lost one tooth or many, modern restorative dentistry can help you regain full function and aesthetics.
3. Root Canals Save Over 15 Million Teeth Each Year
Root canal therapy has an undeserved reputation as one of dentistry’s most dreaded procedures, yet this treatment saves more than 15 million teeth annually that would otherwise require extraction. This statistic highlights how valuable root canal therapy is for preserving natural teeth and avoiding the need for more complex restorative work like implants or bridges.
A root canal becomes necessary when the pulp inside a tooth—the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels—becomes infected or inflamed. This can happen due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, cracks or chips, or trauma. Without treatment, the infection spreads, causes severe pain, and eventually destroys enough bone around the tooth root to necessitate extraction.
The procedure itself involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and sealing it to prevent reinfection. Despite its reputation, modern root canal therapy is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling, thanks to advanced anesthetics and techniques. Most patients report that the relief from the toothache that brought them in far outweighs any discomfort from the procedure itself.
What many patients don’t realize is that root canal therapy is just the first step in restoration. After the infection is eliminated and the tooth is sealed, it typically needs a crown to protect it and restore full function. The tooth becomes more brittle after root canal treatment since it no longer has living tissue inside, making it vulnerable to fracture without the reinforcement a crown provides.
The success rate for root canal therapy is impressive—over 95% when performed properly and followed by appropriate restoration. A tooth that receives root canal treatment and a quality crown can last a lifetime with proper care. This makes root canal therapy one of the most cost-effective and functional options for dealing with deeply decayed or infected teeth.
At Carolina Commons Dentistry, we use advanced endodontic techniques and technology to make root canal procedures as comfortable and successful as possible. Our goal is always to preserve your natural tooth whenever feasible, as even the best replacement options don’t quite match what nature originally provided.
4. Dental Crowns Are One of the Most Common Restorations
Dental crowns rank among the most frequently performed restorative procedures in dentistry, with millions placed each year in the United States. These versatile restorations serve multiple purposes—protecting weakened teeth, restoring broken teeth, covering teeth after root canal therapy, anchoring dental bridges, and improving the appearance of severely discolored or misshapen teeth.
The prevalence of crowns reflects how effectively they address a wide range of dental problems. A tooth with a large filling that’s at risk of fracture, a tooth worn down from grinding, or a tooth weakened by a crack can all benefit from the comprehensive protection a crown provides. By covering the entire visible portion of the tooth, crowns restore structural integrity and allow patients to chew normally without fear of breaking the tooth.
Modern crown materials have evolved significantly. While gold and metal alloys remain excellent choices for their durability, today’s porcelain and ceramic crowns offer exceptional aesthetics that blend seamlessly with natural teeth. Many patients and dentists prefer all-ceramic crowns for front teeth due to their translucency and natural appearance, while stronger materials like zirconia work well for back teeth that endure heavy chewing forces.
The crown procedure typically requires two appointments. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared by removing a thin layer of enamel to make room for the crown, impressions are taken, and a temporary crown is placed. The permanent crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory to precise specifications matching your bite and the color of surrounding teeth. At the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is cemented in place.
However, technology is changing this timeline. Same-day crown technology using CAD/CAM systems allows dentists to design, mill, and place a custom crown in a single appointment. This advancement eliminates the need for temporary crowns and multiple visits, offering tremendous convenience for patients with busy schedules.
Crowns can last 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care, making them a worthwhile investment in your oral health. Good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, avoiding extremely hard foods, and wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth all contribute to crown longevity.
At Carolina Commons Dentistry, we offer comprehensive crown services using the latest materials and techniques to ensure optimal outcomes. Dr. Sagunarthy’s expertise in both the functional and aesthetic aspects of crown placement means you’ll receive restorations that not only protect your teeth but also enhance your smile.
5. Only 3 Out of 10 Adults with Dental Bridges Replace Their Missing Teeth
While over 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, only about 30% of those individuals have sought treatment to replace the missing teeth with bridges, implants, or other restorations. This means approximately 70% of people with missing teeth are living with gaps in their smiles, often unaware of the long-term consequences or believing that replacement is only necessary for visible front teeth.
This statistic reveals a significant gap between need and treatment. Many people assume that losing a back tooth isn’t serious because it doesn’t affect their appearance, but the reality is quite different. Every tooth plays a role in maintaining proper bite alignment and jaw function. When a tooth is missing, adjacent teeth tend to drift into the empty space, and the opposing tooth can over-erupt, creating bite problems that affect your entire mouth.
The jawbone in the area of a missing tooth also deteriorates over time without the stimulation provided by tooth roots during chewing. This bone loss can compromise your ability to place an implant in the future if you eventually decide to address the missing tooth. It can also contribute to changes in facial structure, particularly when multiple teeth are missing.
Dental bridges have long been a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth. A traditional bridge uses the teeth on either side of the gap as anchors, with an artificial tooth suspended between them. While this requires preparing the adjacent teeth for crowns, the result is a fixed, permanent restoration that looks and functions much like natural teeth.
Implant-supported bridges offer another option, using dental implants rather than natural teeth as anchors. This approach preserves the structure of adjacent natural teeth while providing excellent stability and preventing bone loss in the area of the missing teeth.
The relatively low percentage of people who replace missing teeth often comes down to cost concerns, lack of awareness about the importance of replacement, or dental anxiety. However, the long-term costs of leaving teeth unreplaced—including additional restorative work to correct bite problems, bone grafting for eventual implants, and potential loss of additional teeth—often exceed the cost of timely replacement.
At Carolina Commons Dentistry, we help patients understand all their options for replacing missing teeth, from traditional bridges to modern dental implants. We work with each patient to develop a treatment plan that addresses their specific needs, goals, and budget. Dr. Sagunarthy’s extensive training in restorative and implant dentistry means you’ll receive expert care whether you choose a bridge, an implant, or another solution.
What These Statistics Mean for Your Oral Health
These five statistics paint a clear picture: restorative dental care is extraordinarily common, touches nearly everyone’s life at some point, and plays a crucial role in maintaining both oral and overall health. Far from being optional or cosmetic, restorative procedures preserve your ability to eat nutritious foods, maintain proper bite function, prevent additional dental problems, and maintain the confidence that comes with a healthy smile.
The prevalence of cavities reminds us that preventive care—while critically important—can’t always prevent the need for restorative treatment. The high number of people with missing teeth highlights how common tooth loss is and how important it is to address it promptly. The millions of root canals performed each year demonstrate that preserving natural teeth remains a priority in modern dentistry. The popularity of crowns shows how effectively they address multiple dental problems. And the gap between people who need tooth replacement and those who receive it reveals an opportunity to help more patients understand the importance of comprehensive dental care.
Understanding these statistics can help you make informed decisions about your own oral health. If you’ve been putting off restorative treatment—whether it’s filling a cavity, getting a crown, replacing a missing tooth, or addressing any other dental problem—these numbers highlight why prompt action matters. Restorative dentistry isn’t just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about preventing bigger problems, preserving your natural teeth whenever possible, and maintaining your quality of life.
Comprehensive Restorative Care in Indian Land
At Carolina Commons Dentistry, we provide the full spectrum of restorative dental services to help our patients maintain healthy, functional smiles. Dr. Kavi Sagunarthy combines advanced training, state-of-the-art technology, and a patient-centered approach to deliver restorative care that’s both clinically excellent and comfortable for patients.
Whether you need a simple filling, a complex full-mouth restoration, or anything in between, our modern Indian Land practice is equipped to provide the care you need in a relaxing, welcoming environment. We take time to explain your treatment options, answer your questions, and help you make decisions that align with your goals and priorities. Our practice also offers convenient scheduling, same-day dentistry options, and flexible financing to make getting the care you need as easy as possible.
Don’t let yourself become part of the statistics representing untreated dental problems. If you’re dealing with damaged, decayed, or missing teeth, contact us today to learn about your restorative options. We’re here to help you achieve and maintain the healthy smile you deserve.