In our previous blog, we discussed how oral appliances can address issues such as bruxism or TMJ Disorder as well as the role that these disorders can play in complicating your oral health. It is important to recognize that, in addition to naturally-occurring issues, poor oral health can also contribute to several dental complications. While you may have been led to believe that skipping a dental visit or two is nothing to bat an eye at, or that dental concerns cannot impact other areas of your health, you can think again. In today’s blog, your Celina, TX dentist takes a deeper look at the role of restorative dentistry and explores the different treatment options for varying oral health concerns.
The Role of Restorative Dentistry
From tooth decay to periodontal disease and everything in-between, many issues can arise from failing to practice routine preventive care. Your dentist recommends brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once, as this is the minimum amount of effort you need to put into your routine to maintain a healthy and strong smile. In addition to at-home practices, attending routine checkups and examinations serve a vital purpose in monitoring your health.
When a person experiences an issue such as a cavity or a broken tooth, restorative dentistry is utilized to do just that – restore the structure. Your unique needs will dictate what treatment may be best for you, and our team will take care to help you understand your options. For more information about the different areas of dentistry and what our team can do to help, give us a call today.
Addressing Minor Cavities
Every smile contains bacteria, and while it is important to brush and floss routinely to minimize the impact of these microorganisms, it is virtually impossible to get rid of them all. You see, bacteria lurk in the hard-to-access areas of the mouth, such as in-between teeth and the back molars. As we eat, food may become lodged between structures. They can sometimes come out on their own, but for the most part, they require assistance dislodging. As the food remains, bacteria feed on the sugars and produce a destructive acid that eats away at your tooth’s natural enamel. If this continues, a small hole known as a cavity will form.
To prevent the cavity from growing, our team may recommend a tooth-colored filling. During this process, we will numb the area surrounding the structure, then gently but thoroughly remove the infected portions of the tooth. After this, we fill the open area with a tooth-colored composite resin that is then shaped and cured.
Protecting Structures from Damage Progression
As you can imagine, your tooth may need time to heal following a more extensive procedure. In order to help protect your teeth from bacteria infecting the healing area, a dental crown may be used. This cap-like structure is placed snugly over a tooth and shaped to fit your structure tightly. Not only does a crown protect your teeth, but they can help reinforce your bite as your structure heals.
For the more visible teeth, a porcelain crown may be used to provide a smooth, lifelike finish that does not detract from your smile. To learn more about when it may be appropriate to seek a dental crown restoration, give our office a call.
Understanding Root Canal Therapy
As tooth decay progresses, it will continue to compromise your tooth. If a cavity is not addressed in a timely manner, the issue can spread to the roots of your teeth, where your nerves are housed. From here, you will begin to experience noticeable symptoms such as sensitivity and pain. When this occurs, it may be time to seek root canal therapy.
A root canal procedure is a bit more extensive than a filling, as it requires our team to remove all of the infected material and fill the open canals with a composite material. This is often the last treatment option prior to extraction, so it is best to act sooner rather than later.
Tooth Extraction
While extracting a tooth is the last thing we want for our patients, sometimes it is necessary to prevent an infection from further wreaking havoc on your smile. A tooth that is damaged beyond repair will reject a restoration, and if it is not removed, there is a higher likelihood that the infection will spread to surrounding healthy teeth. Moreover, chewing will be extremely painful and difficult, impacting your overall oral function.
If we have to extract a tooth, we take care to thoroughly numb the area. We will then use best practices to remove and dispose of the structure and secure the open wound. Finally, we will provide aftercare instructions and schedule your follow up appointment to ensure it is healing well.
Implants and Other Prosthodontics
It is one thing to remove an infected tooth, but it is another thing to simply leave the gap open indefinitely, which can lead to complications with chewing, biting, pronunciation, and more. You see, your teeth and roots serve important roles in not only balancing your bite, but keeping your jawbone strong as well. To help with this, our team can help set you up with an implant or other prosthodontic option.
Dental implants consist of an abutment and a post. The post acts as an artificial tooth root, securing the crown in place and keeping the jawbone strong and stimulated. Implants are used alongside single crowns, bridges, and partial or full denture sets. We will work together to determine your best treatment options and how to get started.
Schedule Your Restorative Visit
Your smile’s health is important to maintain, and our team is ready to help. Don’t wait to seek treatment for your dental concern. Contact Celina Family Dentistry in Celina, TX by calling 214-851-0130 and schedule your next visit with our team.
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