Despite advancements in dental technology that make artificial teeth seem and feel natural, there is still no substitute for real teeth. For this reason, your general dentist in Willow Knolls, IL, recommends you take good care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly and keeping up with your bi-annual dental checkups.
Following a good oral care routine can preserve your teeth for as long as possible. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. The good news is that if caught early, your dentist can still save it. Tooth extraction is the last thing on their list.
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What Dental Treatments Help Save Your Teeth?
Dental Checkups
A dental checkup is part of preventive dental care. It’s essential to see your dentist once every six months so they can detect signs of oral problems before they worsen.
During these checkups, your dentist will evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums and examine them closely using dental instruments to check for signs of cavities and gum inflammation. Sometimes, X-rays may be ordered to assess the extent of the decay.
Fluoride Treatments
Your dentist can recommend fluoride treatments for cavities detected during their early stages to restore your tooth’s structure. Although you can get fluoride from mouth rinses, toothpastes, and tap water, they do not contain sufficient amounts of fluoride to reverse a cavity.
Fluoride treatments can come in foam, liquid, or gel form that your dentist will brush on your teeth or place in customized trays that fit your teeth.
Dental Fillings
What happens if you fail to have cavities and tooth decay treated? Your dentist can suggest dental fillings when they’re way beyond the early stages. Fillings are used to restore your tooth’s integrity and structure. In this procedure, your dentist will remove the decayed parts of your tooth and fill the area with a filling material.
It can be made from porcelain, gold, silver amalgam, or a combination of plastics and glass. Not only do fillings repair cavities, but they are also used to treat broken and cracked teeth that have been worn due to bruxism or nail biting.
Dental Crowns
When the decay has advanced to the point where it has weakened your tooth, your dentist may suggest a dental crown. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped hollow cap customized to cover your tooth's visible portion.
Before attaching the artificial crown, your dentist will drill and remove the decayed parts of your tooth. Dental crowns can also be made from materials such as porcelain, composite resin, gold, or porcelain-fused-to-metal.
Root Canal Therapy
Can your dentist still save your tooth even if the decay has reached the dental pulp? The answer is yes. In such a case, your dentist will recommend root canal therapy. In this treatment, your dentist will remove the infected pulp, disinfect the hollow chamber, and replace it with a special filling called gutta-percha.
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See a General Dentist in Willow Knolls, IL, Today!
Believe us when we say we want to save your tooth, and we will do everything we can to avoid an extraction. At Smalltown Dental, we will customize your treatment plan to help you achieve your dental goals.
We only want what is best for you. Our team has years of experience and training to deliver superior quality dental care that exceeds your expectations. Contact us today for an appointment.
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