According to a survey by the American Dental Association, 85% of Americans understand that there is a strong correlation between oral health and total health, and a family dentist helps patients make this connection. Dental diseases and poor oral hygiene can lead to a number of other issues, so patients should prioritize preventive and early restorative care. In order for patients to be advocates in their own care, they must understand common procedures performed in a dental office. This knowledge will give the patient the ability to make informed choices about future restorative care.
A family dentist manages many aspects of oral health. Common treatments focus on restoring decayed teeth and improving a patient's chewing ability.
Dental fillings are a routine part of a family dentist's day. In this procedure, the dentist removes decay (a cavity) from the enamel of the tooth. Then, a tooth-colored material is bonded to the tooth to fill the hole left by the decay. This procedure can be performed on front or back teeth. Cavities most commonly occur in the grooves of the back teeth. Meticulous brushing of this area, as well as using fluoride toothpaste and rinses, can help prevent cavities. Once a cavity is formed, though, it cannot heal itself; the family dentist must restore the tooth.
Dental crowns, also known as caps, are common restorations for teeth that are cracked, decayed, or weakened by a root canal. In the crown procedure, a family dentist removes a portion of the enamel around the entire tooth. A custom-fitted cap is then cemented in place. This creates a stronger tooth and gives the patient more chewing function.
A dentist may recommend this procedure when a cavity is too large for a simple filling or after a tooth has had a root canal. Both of these situations make a tooth weaker and more prone to breaking if not crowned. A cap may also be used on a front tooth that is broken or discolored for a cosmetic fix.
Patients who are missing many or all of their teeth may find eating difficult. Aesthetics may be a concern as well. There are two main types of dentures — complete and partial. A complete denture is used when the patient does not have any natural teeth. A partial denture has clasps that hook to the patient's remaining teeth. The natural teeth act as anchors for this type of denture. This restoration can provide a patient with an attractive smile while improving chewing function.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Family Dentist Treatments in Brevard, NC
Dentistry continues to evolve to provide patients with necessary restorative methods. A family dentist is the natural choice for many patients, and a trusting relationship can be formed over the years. When the patient and dentist work together on developing the treatment plan, the patient can enjoy a beautiful and healthy smile.
Request an appointment or call Carolina Smiles Family Dental at 828-974-3326 for an appointment in our Brevard office.
Seeing your family dentist for regular checks and treatments can maintain or improve your dental health. You can avail of basic treatments during your visits. Knowing what each one is can help you make informed decisions. Here are the common treatments that you can get from your family dentist.Cavities may worsen over time. Dental decay…
A regular visit to the family dentist may reveal that a patient has a chipped or cracked tooth. A patient generally knows if a tooth is fragmented due to its appearance. A tooth can become damaged from improper biting, cavities, poor hygiene, teeth grinding, and trauma. A cracked tooth is often harder to notice because…
There are many reasons to consider choosing either a family dentist or a general dentist. A move to a new location, changing dental needs, or even the retirement of a current dentist can lead a patient to weigh the available options in dental care. Knowing the difference in the services and restrictions of each type…
Dental bonding is an affordable way to fix many restorative and cosmetic dental issues, and it is often completed during a single visit. The materials used are made up of mixtures of plastics and glass, and they are color-matched with the rest of the patient’s teeth.It is a non-invasive way to repair teeth, and there…
Invisalign® is often the preferred choice for patients looking to straighten their smiles without the hassle of getting metal braces. If you have been avoiding teeth straightening because you are worried about people noticing metal brackets and wires on your teeth, Invisalign could be the perfect choice for you. Continue reading to see how you…