Cavities are one of the most common dental issues, and they are often detected during a dental exam. Most adults have had cavities at some point in their lives, and many never realize that they have any due to how hard it can be to spot cavities in their early stages.
Biannual dental exams are great for detecting cavities in their early stages because the dentist’s eye is able to detect them. Dentists also use diagnostic tests like X-rays to determine if a patient has cavities.
Regular dental examinations are viewed as one of the most effective ways that a person can safeguard their oral and overall health. These examinations involve an interview with the dentist going over all the patient’s past dental and medical issues.
Dentists also screen for issues, like tooth decay, during dental examinations. They do this by using tools to probe the patient’s teeth and diagnostics like X-rays to see what the insides of a person’s teeth look like.
Teeth cleanings are another important part of dental examinations, as they protect teeth against gum disease and tooth decay. They involve using a scaler to clean tartar from teeth surfaces. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing, making regular dental appointments important.
If a dentist detects tooth decay during a patient’s examination, there are multiple ways to go about treating it. It typically comes down to how severe the decay is and the patient’s budget. Popular treatments used to address tooth decay include the following.
Fillings: Fillings have been the standard way to treat cavities for over a century. It involves filling up the holes created by tooth decay, called cavities. Anesthetics are often administered when fillings are being used, to numb the affected tooth as the dentist removes the decayed material. Silver amalgam fillings are common, but they can be made from other materials, like porcelain. Repairing a tooth with filling takes less than an hour for each tooth.
Fluoride treatments: Fluoride treatments can be used to reverse the early stages of tooth decay. However, most people do not notice tooth decay at its early stage, so it typically goes unnoticed unless a dentist detects it. The procedure involves biting down on a mouth tray that has been filled with fluoride for one minute. The treatment can protect the patient’s teeth from tooth decay for up to six months.
Crowns: Crowns are typically recommended when tooth decay has caused severe damage to a tooth. The crown helps hold the tooth together and prevents further decay. The crown also restores the appearance and function of the damaged tooth.
Are you dealing with tooth decay? Our dentist can provide appropriate treatments and restore the appearance and function of your damaged teeth. Give us a call or visit our Maitland clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.emergencydentistinorlando.com or call Maitland Square Dentistry at (407) 337-1112 for an appointment in our Maitland office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Cleaning and Examinations in Maitland, FL.
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