Integrity Family Dentist Blog

Among the most common dental problems that a general dentist treats are cavities. Most people will experience this form of tooth decay at some point due to:

• Dry mouth
• Sugary foods and drinks
• Poor oral hygiene
• Genetics

There are several types of cavities, and each can lead to complications without prompt treatment.

How do dentists treat cavities?

A general dentist first considers a cavity’s location when determining how to proceed. Beyond that, size and depth dictate which procedure is a suitable treatment.

Smooth surface cavities

Tooth extraction frequently occurs in the office of a general dentist for a variety of reasons, including:

• Bacterial decay
• Accidental breakage
• Overcrowding
• Impaction

Most patients are more concerned about the gap the tooth leaves behind than its fate outside their mouths. An extracted tooth usually takes one of the following paths, depending on whether the dentist or the patient claims it.

Reasons a dentist keeps the tooth

Incineration

A dentist usually places an extracted tooth into a sealed bio-medical bag because it...

Persistent oral pain or extensive decay may send a patient to a general dentist, who must then advise whether the patient should try to save the tooth or have it pulled. To save the tooth, a root canal procedure may be necessary. This involves removing the infected pulp of the tooth and replacing it with gutta-percha, a biocompatible rubber-like material. Extracting the tooth is usually the last resort, but sometimes it cannot be avoided.

When it might be necessary to pull a...

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Patients may be alarmed if a general dentist mentions that a tooth extraction may be needed during a routine appointment. A dentist’s primary goal is to preserve the teeth, but there some cases where a tooth cannot be saved using normal procedures. Understanding what situations can result in tooth removal and knowing the options available to address the resulting gap can help put patients at ease as they explore treatment options.

Why may a tooth need to be extracted?

If a tooth is in an undesirable position, injured,...

Good oral care is critical for overall well-being, and adults who routinely visit a general dentist are less likely to have problems with their teeth and health. Visiting a dentist twice per year can help detect and remediate the following conditions:

• Cavities
• Gum disease
• Oral cancer
• Tooth misalignment
• Systemic disease

Many people put off visiting a dentist due to fear of the unknown or pain, but in reality, a dental exam involves nothing to fear and is typically painless, as well as being invaluable for maintaining optimum health.

Despite what many people think, a general dentist wants to see strong, healthy teeth when patients come into the office. Dentists are, in fact, the most prominent champions of clean and cavity-free teeth; they work to educate patients and community members about proper oral care techniques and cleaning practices. With the right level of care, patients can maintain healthy teeth, avoid cavities and gum disease, and preserve overall health. However, many people are still unsure about what, exactly, they should be doing at home between professional cleanings.

5 dental...

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Braces come with many benefits for patients, but one disadvantage that a general dentist may point out is staining. Stains are not an unavoidable result of having braces on for long periods of time. However, braces can make it harder to thoroughly clean teeth on a regular basis, which can eventually lead to stains. Here are recommendations for avoiding this problem so that the teeth remain beautiful and clean when the braces are finally removed.

Why stains occur

Plaque is the main culprit in...