Even when you take excellent care of your teeth, issues can develop. They are likely to become more common as the years pass. If you should go in for a checkup and your dentist recommends one of these procedures, don’t be surprised. You will be in good company.
Fillings and Crowns
No one is immune from developing a cavity. There’s a good chance one will develop in spite of y our efforts. When that happens, the smart move is to arrange for the dentist to remove the decay and fill the tooth as quickly as possible. Doing so ensures you can keep the tooth for many years to come.
Depending on the severity of the damage, a crown may be needed along with the filling. Crowns help to add strength to teeth that are weakened due to decay or chipping. Your dentist will know how to match the shade of the crown so that it blends in with the rest of the tooth.
Veneers
Veneers are a wonderful way to improve the appearance of otherwise healthy teeth. If the stains run deep and whitening will only produce limited results, this solution makes a lot of sense.
Essentially a sheath that is adhered to the surface of each tooth, a veneer does more than improve your smile. If there are any fine cracks in a tooth, the veneer will also protect it from more damage. Along with providing you with a whiter smile, the veneer also allows you to hang onto your natural teeth for more years.
Root Canals
While many fillings are fine to deal with smaller cavities, decay that has reached the pulp of your tooth is another matter. If there is any hope of saving the tooth, you will need a procedure known as a root canal. With root canals, the dental professional extracts all the decayed portions along with the infected tooth pulp. The space is filled in with materials designed to protect the nerve endings and avoid further damage. It’s not unusual for a crown to be added once the root canal is completed.
Implants
The loss of teeth due to disease or an accident can be devastating. Some people choose to go with denture plates once the real teeth are history. Another approach you want to discuss with the dentist is dental implants.
Unlike dentures that fit over your gums, implants occupy the same space recently vacated by your natural teeth. Many people prefer this approach because there is no need to deal with messy adhesives. Many find that implants look more like the real thing. They also stay in place, so you don’t have to worry about anything slipping out of position at the worst possible time.
If you haven’t seen a dentist in some time, call and make an appointment today. Doing so will make it easier to identify any dental issue present and take care of it before things get worse. With the right combination of care and quick treatment, you can look forward to having a brilliant smile all your life.
