Dental technology and treatments have come a long way over the years, but there are times when it is just not possible to save a tooth. Severe infections, breaks, or advanced gum disease are all potential reasons why your dentist may recommend having a tooth removed. While you may not be able to save this tooth, your immediate actions following an extraction make a huge difference in you being able to preserve the rest of your smile.
- Missing or damaged teeth can not only negatively affect the quality of your smile, but they can also compromise the integrity of your bone structure. Your jawbone needs stimulation to prevent deterioration. This stimulation is received when teeth make contact with foods during chewing. Dental implant treatment is a popular option for patients looking to avoid the negative effects of missing teeth. Some patients underestimate the amount of time and effort required to install dental implants.
- If you are in need of a root canal, it is important to be aware of how the procedure works and the potential complications that can happen afterward. The last thing you want to happen is get an infection, which can become very painful and cause you to lose the tooth you tried to save. Here are some common questions about root canals and infections. How Are Infections Treated? If you end up having an infection, you may assume that the standard treatment for this problem will be a prescription for an antibiotic.
- When you see a general dentist for a cleaning, you will likely have scaling and polishing done. Scaling is the aspect of the procedure where hardened plaque is scraped off of your teeth. The polishing portion of the procedure is where the dentist or hygienist removes surface stains. Here are some questions you may have about polishing. Does Everyone Need Polishing? Unlike scaling, which is vital for everyone, polishing could be optional if you have fantastic oral health.
- Bruxism is an oral condition caused by grinding or gnashing your teeth. It can cause oral health issues and other medical conditions as well. Read on for causes of bruxism and the oral and medical conditions that may be caused by this condition, as well as what can be done about it. Bruxism: What Is It And What Causes It Bruxism can be caused by stress or anxiety in your daily life, or from chewing on non-food items.