Dental problems are not very pleasant. Even though most of them require quick fixes, people ignore them until it’s too late. Most people have a deep-rooted fear of going to the dentist. Ignoring dental problems can lead to teeth loss or serious infections. Having a basic knowledge of the most common dental problems can give you an idea of what to do. Even when you think that your teeth are too far gone, you may be surprised that there are procedures to fix that. Here are some cosmetic procedures that help to save your teeth.
Tooth Decay
Are you afraid that your teeth are too decayed to be saved? Tooth decay is caused by cavities. Excess sugars and food particles stick on your teeth and form plaque over time. The plaque traps bacteria that create an acidic environment. This erodes the tooth enamel causing decay and cavities. You can prevent this buildup by brushing and flossing.
Early symptoms of cavities can be treated with a fluoride treatment. Fillings made with composite resin, dental amalgam, and other materials also help to cover cavities. If you have extensive decay, you can get a custom made crown. It mimics the tooth’s natural shape. If the tooth decay has gone deep into the root of the tooth, you can have a tooth canal procedure to save the tooth. If you have to extract the tooth, a dental implant that mimics an original tooth is placed in the socket.
Stained Teeth
Naturally, teeth darken or form a yellow coloring. This is due to the foods we eat or old age. People who use nicotine and too much caffeine also have darker teeth. The good news is that you can restore the color of your teeth. Cosmetic teeth whitening uses high-grade dental bleach to restore tooth color. You can also have teeth veneers to cover up tinted teeth. They are made from porcelain that matches your original teeth color.
Chipped Or Broken Teeth
Broken teeth resulting from biting hard foods. You can also get broken teeth if you receive a hard blow to the mouth. Treatment for broken teeth depends on the severity of the damage. A small chip can be fixed with a veneer or a filling. Front teeth are fixed using composite resin in a procedure called bonding. Broken premolars and molars are treated with root canals, crowns, and implants.
Teeth Misalignment
Misaligned teeth are not a problem, but if they affect how you eat and speak, then you can have them fixed. Some people have a small space in their jaw and teeth that are too big. They push each other as they grow and form misalignment. Other causes include facial injury, genetics, and misaligned jaw, thumb-sucking, pacifiers, and tongue-thrusting. Misaligned teeth are treated with braces, especially if the patients are young and still growing. Invisalign® or invisible braces are also a good option for treating crooked teeth. Teeth-straightening surgery is another option. Sometimes, a jaw realignment is required to fix teeth misalignment. No matter how bad you think your teeth condition is, there is always a solution.
To know more about saving teeth, visit Orange Door Dental Group at our offices in Elkhart or Warsaw, Indiana. You can also call (574) 347-4793 or (574) 406-2115 to book an appointment today.