How long has it been since you last visited the dentist for a routine checkup? We suggest scheduling an appointment twice a year to examine the health of your mouth and assist your hygienic efforts at home. Each examination allows us to check for signs of tooth decay that you may not notice on your own. Furthermore, regular cleaning provides the removal of bacterial formations that cannot be addressed with your regular brush and floss. When you skip the dentist, oral bacteria contribute to decay and break down the surface of your enamel. This erosion causes cavities to form and can eventually infect your tooth’s pulp.
To detect cavities before they become worse, visit your Ankeny, IA dentist on a regular basis. Combining your daily oral hygiene habits with professional cleanings can prevent decay in the first place, but early detection stops its progression.
Permanent Restorations Support Your Tooth
When oral bacteria form plaques on the surface of your teeth, they produce acidic byproducts as they feed on debris from your meals. This acid wears away at your tooth’s enamel and can eventually form permanent holes that weaken its structure. Left untreated, a cavity can grow in size and threaten the health of the entire tooth or allow bacteria to infect its root’s pulp. To prevent this growth, your dentist can remove decaying tissues that contain oral bacteria. Because removal permanently alters the structure of your tooth, they must place a restoration to prevent reinfection.
Placing A Dental Filling
Dental fillings provide a conservative treatment for appropriately sized cavities. Each filling corresponds to the size and shape of your tooth to return its healthy appearance and provide lasting protection to its structure. Covering the once-exposed hole relieves sensitivity and prevents bacteria from entering the insides of your tooth.
Support From Dental Crowns
When a cavity significantly removes structure from your tooth, a dental crown can provide relief from extensive damage beyond the capabilities of a standard filling. By covering the top of the tooth above your gumline, a crown recreates the appearance of the entire visible portion. Material selection allows your crown to blend in with your healthy teeth while withstanding the pressure of your bite. This treatment restores teeth that crack due to decay.
Speak With Your Ankeny, IA Dentist About Treating The Symptoms Of Tooth Decay
When you visit your dentist regularly, you can reduce oral bacteria’s ability to cause tooth decay and detect cavities when they do occur. We can remove decaying material and restore the structure of your tooth with a filling or crown when appropriate. If you would like to find out more about this service or have questions about other oral health issues, please call your Ankeny, IA dentist’s office at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.
