Dental experts recommend that everyone should see the dentist once every six months. This, alongside maintaining excellent oral hygiene, can help reduce the risk of tooth decay, tooth loss and gum diseases. Even when dental issues occur, modern treatment procedures are now more comfortable and cause little or no pain.
During your dental appointment, the dentist will examine each tooth by inserting small dental equipment such as a mirror and probe into your mouth. The dentist will search for any possible instance of gum diseases, tooth decay and other dental issues.
If a suspected dental problem is hidden from plain sight, x-rays may need to be conducted. If there is indeed a problem, your dentist will suggest treatment options for the condition and provide you with an estimation of the cost and possible waiting period.
Scaling and cleaning is the process of eliminating accumulated debris from the teeth. Such debris may include soft plaque, food particles and hard tartar (caused by the constant buildup of minerals from plaque and saliva). The dental hygienist will proceed to scrub and polish your teeth with a rotating brush and polishing solution.
This treatment is helpful for treating and preventing gum diseases. The dentist will give you more suggestions on how to maintain excellent dental hygiene because of its immense contributions to preserving your gums' health.
Sealants serve as a shield for teeth against decay. Although they can be used on teeth with deep grooves or fissures, sealants are more commonly used to treat molars and premolars.
The sealant is a liquid solution that is rubbed on the chewing or biting surface of a dirt-free tooth. It hardens into a sturdy plastic material and becomes a physical shield that prevents food and other bacteria from accumulating on teeth fissures. Dental experts usually recommend fissure sealants for children because it lessens the threat of decay or cavities in permanent teeth.
There are various restoration options for damaged teeth. These restorations help to restore the look, feel, shape and function of the teeth. They include:
Bonding – used to treat chipped, spaced, discolored or abnormally shaped teeth. The dentist will apply a tooth-colored resin filling to the affected tooth to give it a more natural appearance. The resin is not permanent and needs to be replaced regularly.
Veneers – porcelain or composite veneers can be bonded to the tooth to strengthen it and hide structural defects.
Dental crowns – these are covers permanently fused or bonded to the tooth. They are usually made from porcelain and can be customized to match the color of the existing tooth.
Sometimes, to ensure oral health and protect other teeth, damaged or decayed teeth need to be removed. The dentist may also recommend removing problematic wisdom teeth that may lead to dental issues like overcrowding and impaction.
It is vital to consult a dentist immediately should you discover signs of dental issues.
Request an appointment here: https://www.portoladentalgroup.com or call Portola Dental Group at (760) 201-4085 for an appointment in our Palm Desert office.
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