With the near-constant advances of modern dental technology, almost no issue with your smile is too big to fix. Whether you require a full arch replaced or want more consistent alignment of your teeth, there is a solution. Within the field of dentistry, most problems that require your teeth to be “fixed” fall under the category of “restorative” care. Unlike cosmetic dentistry, which focuses on aesthetics, or general dentistry which is often preventative, restorative dentistry frequently fixes your smile once the damage has occurred. By combining the latest dental technology with the expertise of a skilled oral healthcare provider, you can rest easy knowing that there is a solution for almost any issue that ails your smile. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, dentist discusses restorative dental care and the ways we can help you regain the healthiest possible smile.
Treating Cavities
One of the most common issues individuals run into with their smiles is cavities, which is the most prevalent and common type of tooth decay. They typically develop due to lifestyle choices like consuming an abundance of sugary, acidic beverages and foods. Moreover, genetics can also determine susceptibility to cavities. Additionally, when cavities are not addressed promptly, they can lead to internal damage and infection. When it gets bad enough, the pulp and nerve tissues within the tooth can become inflamed and irritated. Luckily, there are solutions to both cavities and more severe issues within the roots of your teeth.
For more traditional cavities, we can provide composite fillings. For this procedure, we will carefully extract the decaying part of their tooth and then fill in the hole with a composite resin. This is color-matched to the rest of their teeth, so it is indistinguishable from its surroundings. This removes the affected part of the tooth and also fills it so additional bacteria cannot harm the tooth.
In more severe cases when the infection is deeper within the tooth, we can provide root canal therapy. For this treatment, we remove bacteria and infected tissues from the tooth pulp, which is the part of the tooth where nerves, blood vessels, and other soft tissues are found. When it is overrun with bacteria and suffers infection, the tooth can potentially suffer a lot of damage. The tooth pulp is connected to the root canal, hence the name of the procedure. For both cavities and deeper infection, it is crucial to act quickly before additional damage is done. Typically, the longer you wait with an issue, the more intrusive and extensive the necessary restorative treatment will be.
Restoring Damage
When a tooth becomes vulnerable from decay or external trauma, we can provide dental crowns to help strengthen it. This restorative fix consists of a piece of biocompatible material that goes over a damaged tooth. Before we place it, we take precise measurements of your mouth and affected tooth, so we can craft a crown that perfectly fits and blends into your smile seamlessly. We will suggest this option when a tooth suffers significant damage. When a tooth is weakened, you can lose your ability to chew properly and are more prone to infection — potentially leading to cavities and other problems. Dental crowns can also be used to strengthen teeth to better-provide support for other restorative procedures.
Filling In Gaps
Crowns also go hand-in-hand with dental bridges. A dental bridge is used when you are either missing a single tooth or several next to each other. When you are missing a tooth, it not only looks bad, but it can even affect the overall health of your mouth. Without a tooth, you cannot properly chew, which means you do not get enough nutrients from food. Moreover, it can cause your jaw to not receive proper stimulation, which can affect bone density. A bridge, however, fills empty spaces, giving you a healthier smile. Bridges are affixed to the teeth adjacent to your gap. These teeth, known as abutments, are affixed with dental crowns to provide better support.
Replacing More Teeth
If you are missing a full row of teeth or suffer from more randomized tooth loss, we can use dentures to provide you with a complete smile. There are multiple options available, ranging from a full set to a partial set, to implant-retained dentures. This means we can provide a solution that specifically matches your needs. Again, we know that tooth loss can be stressful and cause self-consciousness, but we are always available to help you achieve the healthy smile that you want and deserve.
Contact Us For More Information
If you suffer from damaged or missing teeth, we are here to help you regain a healthy smile. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, we invite you to call SILK Dental Wellness in Dallas, TX today at 214-969-7455, or use our online request system.
