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 Huntsville, AL
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 Smiles by Design, PC at 256-660-3233 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.
Few people are thrilled at the thought of sitting in their dentist's chair. While dental anxiety is a real problem for many people, even those who do not experience that level of discomfort still have occasional misgivings or even fears. Finding a family dentist that you are comfortable with can help you get through those…
There are numerous reasons to see a family dentist. This dental professional provides a variety of services that prevent and treat dental issues. If problems with the gums or teeth go untreated, they can quickly lead to bigger issues that can even affect the entire body. Visiting a dentist when symptoms first appear is always…
Whether an individual has simply not been to the family dentist in a few years or switched to a new provider, a first visit can be overwhelming and possibly nerve-wracking. Knowing what to expect during the first visit and how to prepare can help ease individuals’ concerns and ensure the appointment goes as smoothly as…
Dental implants are an option for people who need to replace one or more missing teeth. The process involves several steps during which a metal post is surgically mounted into the jaw. The replacement tooth or crown is then secured to the implant, holding the new tooth firmly in place.Missing teeth can have an adverse…
Considering Invisalign®? Modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of many types of teeth straightening options. Clear aligners are offered by a number of brands, with Invisalign® being the most popular. However, individuals who are considering teeth straightening may also consider braces, which are known to be the standard method for correcting crooked teeth, crowded…