At some point, your teeth and gums will require professional treatment in order to remedy some of the problems that they may have developed. In particular, there are several common dental treatments that patients will be the most likely to need during their lives.
Filling Cavities
Cavities and decay are the most frequently encountered dental problems. While good hygiene can help to lessen the chances of developing a cavity, a patient will need professional treatment to eliminate this particular problem. In particular, the decayed portion of the tooth will need to be removed so that a filling can be applied. This treatment will only cause minor discomfort, but it can prevent the spread of the cavity. Furthermore, fillings often utilize porcelain so that the repair will be indistinguishable from the rest of the tooth.
Treating Gum Disease
Gum disease is another ailment that people are likely to experience with their oral health. In addition to causing its own pain and discomfort, gum disease can also negatively impact the rest of your teeth by making them more prone to developing decay and also potentially causing them to become loose. Luckily, most patients will find that treating their gum disease can be as simple as having a professional cleaning done. Once the plaque and bacteria that are causing the gum disease are removed, the patient's gums will be able to heal fairly quickly. In particularly severe cases of gum disease, the patient may be given a prescription mouthwash to use to help the gums heal while neutralizing bacteria.
Placing Crown
When a tooth has suffered major structural damage, the placement of a crown can be necessary to prevent the tooth from potentially shattering. A crown can greatly reinforce the tooth while also restoring it to a natural shape. Patients may assume that a crown always involves a root canal, but this is not the case. As long as there is not an infection that is extending deep into the tooth, a root canal will likely be able to be avoided. However, waiting too long to have the tooth treated and the crown placed can increase the chances that enough bacteria get in the tooth to be able to cause a significant infection or for the tooth itself to shatter. If the tooth were to shatter, a crown may no longer be a viable solution. Rather, the patient may need to opt for an extraction followed by the placement of a dental implant or another replacement tooth option.
For more information on dental treatment, contact a dentist.
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