Tooth decay and gum disease are very common. If left untreated, it can cost you your tooth, which will require a dentist to replace your lost tooth structure. Even if you practice good oral hygiene, you can still suffer from tooth decay.
If you have tooth decay and want to find out how your dentist can treat it, these are some of the most commonly used methods.
These are commonly used by dentists to treat tooth decay. Your dentist will replace the decayed part of your tooth and fill it up with a compound to replace the decayed material that was removed.
Your dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth with an anesthetic before using a laser or drill to remove the decayed part of the tooth. After the decay has been removed, your dentist will clean the cavity created by the removal of decayed tooth debris and fill it up using filling materials, which can be made out of metal, ceramic, porcelain, composite resin or glass.
The filling used by your dentist usually depends on the size of the hole after the decay has been removed, your personal preference, your insurance plan and your budget.
These are caps that are used to cover exposed teeth, protecting them from infection and disease. Dentists use caps to protect a weak tooth, cover up a dental implant, restore a broken or worn down tooth, hold a bridge in place or cover a discolored tooth.
Like fillings, they are made from different materials, including metal, porcelain, ceramic, composite resin and stainless steel. Since crowns have to be made in a dental laboratory, your dentist will give you a temporary crown while you wait for the permanent crown that will be used to replace lost tooth structure.
When you lose a natural tooth, your tooth structure has been compromised, which means you will need false teeth to bridge the gap between the missing teeth. Bridges are usually anchored by dental crowns which your dentist will cement into place as a substitute for your natural teeth.
Bridges restore your ability to chew properly and prevent your teeth from moving out of position, maintaining your facial structure in the process.
These are replacements for permanent teeth that are installed in the bone pockets where the permanent teeth used to be. The implants are a way to restore teeth structure for people who have missing teeth. They are also colored to match your natural teeth making them look more natural.
Dentures come in two forms. Complete dentures are used to replace all the teeth in the mouth, while partial dentures are used when you still have natural teeth in your mouth. Complete dentures are put in immediately after all the natural teeth are removed and can’t be taken out once they have been put in. Partial dentures are removable and more natural looking.
Losing your tooth to decay or gum disease doesn’t mean you have to live with a gap in your teeth and a crooked smile. If you want to replace lost tooth structure, talk to your dentist to find out what your best option is.
Request an appointment here: https://smilesdental.com or call Smiles Dental Care at (650) 563-1180 for an appointment in our Mountain View office.
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