Cavities in adults and children are inevitable, but they are easy for a family dentist to treat if prevention does not work. All dentists are trained to help patients avoid cavities by cleaning teeth and gums and offering advice on oral care. If a cavity forms, the dentist can remove the damaged tooth material and replace it with a filling, though some cavities require more or less drastic treatment.
One important thing that family dentists do for adults and children is to clean and examine their teeth. A professional cleaning gets rid of tartar and plaque that the patient may have missed when brushing, flossing, and rinsing. In fact, removing all of the buildup on teeth at home is almost impossible for children and adults. This is why dentists recommend professional cleanings and checkups.
During a checkup, the dentist can also offer advice on maintaining good oral health between visits. If the patient is a child, the dentist helps their parents understand how to guide their child in keeping their teeth clean. They may, for example, critique a patient's use of dental floss. Not flossing, or not doing it well, allows plaque to build up. Many cavities and cases of gum disease come from bad habits that a dentist can help patients avoid. Poor eating habits, for example consuming lots of sugary food, increase the odds of a person needing a cavity filled.
Once a cavity begins to form, little can be done at home. The first thing a family dentist does is confirm that a cavity is the cause of that patient's tooth pain. Sometimes a gum infection or even a sinus infection can cause pain, as can a minor gum injury. However, cavities are a common cause of oral pain that fortunately tend to be easy to diagnose and treat.
Fillings come in several materials. The filling is a resin, porcelain, or other material used to replace whatever decayed tooth material the dentist removes.
Some cavities can be treated without a filling. If the dentist judges this is the case, a professional flouride treatment can be applied to stop the decay and help the enamel recover. This process only works if the cavity is caught very early.
In advanced cases of tooth decay, the patient may need a crown. After removing damaged tooth material, the dentist fits the patient for this tooth covering, which may be made of porcelain, resin, or a procelain and metal composite. The fitting and application usually require two seperate visits, but some general dentistry practices offer same-day crowns.
A family dentist helps patients avoid cavities through regular cleanings and advice on improved oral hygiene. If cleanings and at-home oral care fail to prevent a cavity, the dentist can investigate the problem and prescribe a treatment, typically a filling but possibly a crown or, in the most serious cases, an extraction.
Request an appointment here: https://muhlenbergdental.com or call Muhlenberg Dental Associates at (610) 844-9825 for an appointment in our Reading office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist in Reading, PA.
Wondering what a family dentist has to offer? Read on to learn more. Sometimes the whole family needs to undergo routine dental procedures. Visiting the family dentist’s office at least two times each year may lower the risk of severe dental health issues including gum disease and tooth decay. The dental professional can provide preventive,…
Preventing dental problems by visiting a family dentist is the most effective way to maintain optimal oral health for all patients, young and old. With the help of a qualified family dentist, preventative care allows for early detection and treatment of oral issues. Naturally, patients need to play their parts at home, but a qualified…
Looking for a new family dentist in your area? Since there are different types of dentists to choose from nowadays, choosing the right one is important. Ready to learn more about the benefits of choosing a family dentist?Considering choosing a family dentist in Reading? People choose family dentists to provide them with the dental care…
Talking with a family dentist about how to practice good oral hygiene is a great way to ensure a healthy set of teeth and gums. One topic that family dentists often discuss is toothpaste. The use of toothpaste is a necessity for good oral health in both children and adults.There are a few tips and…
Curious about dental crowns? Read on to learn more about this type of restoration. If a dentist determines that you need a dental crown, there are several reasons why they may make that suggestion. A crown is a common dental restoration to cover and protect a tooth with compromised structural integrity. Their natural appearance and…
Looking for an emergency dentist in case your child experiences a dental emergency? It is a good idea to plan ahead of time. While some pediatric dentists offer emergency dental services, not all do. However, those who do, understand the importance of providing emergency dental care services, especially when the emergency has to do with…