You should always visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings, but even with good care, cavities and other problems can arise. In some cases, your genetics may cause problems like crooked teeth. If you would like to know more, check out these four procedures that can save your smile.
A root canal treatment involves removing the entire inside of the tooth: the roots and the pulp. This is the "living" part of the tooth, and it contains nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria enter the tooth's pulp, an infection develops and starts to kill the living tissue. While this happens, you may feel extreme pain as pressure builds in the tooth.
In the past, the only treatment for an infected tooth was to extract it, but thanks to root canal treatment, many infected teeth can be saved. After the treatment, the tooth is considered "dead," but it can continue to look and work like a healthy tooth.
A dental crown is made of metal, porcelain, metal and porcelain, or composite resin. Regardless of the material, a crown covers the entire tooth, replacing the exposed exterior surface with a new, solid one. This makes the tooth stronger because it covers vulnerable spots like where a filling and tooth tissue meet.
Dental crowns are done for a myriad of reasons. They aren't usually necessary if you have one small filling, but if a tooth has multiple fillings or one large filling, a crown may be needed to protect the tooth from shattering. Similarly, after a root canal treatment, a dental crown is recommended to add strength to the tooth.
The great thing about dental crowns is that they don't just strengthen teeth; they can be used to make teeth look nearly perfectly straight and white. Plus, the dental crown is better at protecting the tooth than enamel.
Gum disease occurs when the oral bacteria attack the gums, leading to infection. Mild gum disease is referred to as gingivitis, and it may only present with mild symptoms. In many cases, treating the gum infection with antibiotics can completely solve the problem. Minor pockets shrink, and the gums stop bleeding and become less sensitive.
However, if you have advanced gum disease — periodontitis — the symptoms become more extreme: large gum pockets, receding gums, tissue loss, and bone atrophy. You'll still need to treat the infection, but the extreme side effects won't reverse on their own.
Luckily, there are surgical treatments available to fight the effects of advanced gum disease. Your dentist won't recommend these until the infection has been addressed, but you can get gum graft surgery, bone graft surgery, and gum flap surgery to repair your gums and jawbone.
Missing teeth treatment includes dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants. Dentures were once the only option for replacing missing teeth, and they have improved over the years. Still, many patients prefer dental bridges and implants for their durability.
Dental bridges use existing teeth for support, so as long as you keep those teeth healthy, the bridge should remain strong. A dental implant, however, sits in the jawbone, making it more durable than a bridge. If gum disease is the cause of your tooth loss, you'll want to speak with your dentist about treating and reversing the effects before considering a dental bridge or implant.
Just like your overall health, your oral health is incredibly important. While many people neglect their oral health and skip a few dental cleanings here and there, you should prioritize your oral health. Many advanced treatments can save your smile. If you would like to know more, contact us at Family Dental Care of Wilmington today.
