Tooth Decay Treatment
Tooth decay is not a new term for most people. Most of us have been directly or indirectly affected by tooth decay or cavities at one point in our lives. However, prompt treatment provides intervention to prevent further decay or infection. At Dentistry By Design, our dentists and dental hygienists will assess your teeth and provide a treatment plan for total oral health.
Our team makes sure you receive the highest-quality treatment using state-of-the-art technology to restore your teeth. We provide total treatment for tooth decay including the teeth fillings Richardson, TX residents rely on.
Development Of Decay
Tooth decay develops from plaque, which is a sticky film that contains bacteria from the food and drinks we consume. Over time, this plaque produces acids that attack the enamel and the root surface of the tooth, thus causing tooth decay.
Even with regular brushing and flossing, tooth decay can develop. Any gap between teeth can create hard to reach spots where plaque can collect. Routine check-ups with your dentist and thorough cleanings by a dental hygienist can help prevent decay. However, decay can haunt you even with proper care.
For example, signs of tooth decay include:
- A feeling of discomfort around the mouth
- Food gets frequently trapped in the tooth
- Experiencing sensitivity when taking cold or hot drinks
- Consistent bad breath that you are unable to trace the cause
- Dark spots on the surface of the tooth
These signs provide an important warning sign that you should contact your dentist. Left untreated, decay opens up more spots for plaque to collect, and can even result in an infection to the bones of the jaw.
Tooth Decay Treatment
Dentistry By Design offers restorative dentistry services including treatment for tooth decay. In most cases, treatment involves removing the decayed part of the tooth and replacing it with a filling or dental crown. Fillings are made from composite materials that bond to the surface of the teeth and return the look and health of each tooth. The procedure is comfortable and you experience minimal or no pain.
Dental crowns can replace more extensively decayed teeth. The dentist will remove larger portions of the teeth and retain the healthy pieces. Then, a dental crown is created and affixed in place before being shaped to fit in with your other teeth. At Dentistry By Design, we offer same day CEREC crowns that streamline this process and get your smile back more quickly.
Other options for serious tooth decay include dental implants, dental bridges, or removable dentures. A consultation with a dentist can assess the level of decay. Then, you can decide between treatments to find the one that is right for you. Our top concern is restoring the look and function of your teeth so you can be confident in your smile.
Addressing tooth decay during its early stages is very crucial. It helps prevent further decay and the resulting complications and pain. Furthermore, treating the dental cavity before it progresses to the pulp and affects nerves and blood vessels saves you from unnecessary pain and large fillings.
Tooth Damage Repair
Tooth repair is a service that most people need at some point in their lives. After all, a tooth can chip or break after chewing on something hard or from a strong impact. Regardless of the events that lead to a broken tooth, the need for a dentist who can repair it is important. Thankfully, Dentistry By Design’s tooth repair services in Richardson, TX can help. Learn more about our dental services today.
Why Do Teeth Break Or Chip?
Most people think of their teeth as some of the hardest bones in the body. In reality, they aren’t bones but highly mineralized tissues. In fact, teeth are much harder than bones because of the enamel that covers them.
If teeth are so hard, though, why do people need tooth repair? Over time, the foods that people eat wear out the enamel coating. When there’s little or none left, the teeth become susceptible to all kinds of damage, including breaks and chips.
Can A Dentist Fix A Broken Or Chipped Tooth?
Just because a tooth breaks doesn’t mean that it’s the end of the road for that tooth. A good dentist with general dentistry has many options to repair it, including:
- Fillings
- Bondings
- Crowns or caps
- Veneers
Dentists can tell people which options are the best for their situations. Keeping that in mind, sometimes teeth suffer too much damage, so dentists have to remove them. For that reason, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as you notice your need for broken or chipped tooth repair. Waiting to schedule a visit only increases the risk that the tooth suffers more damage.
Dental Fillings & Bondings
A dental filling is only possible for small breaks and chips. In general, dentists use fillings for the tops of teeth. They actually use the same process as when they fill cavities. Dental bonding, however, is slightly different.
Bonding is an option to repair chipped or broken front teeth. Because of its location, the damaged tooth is often visible to others when they smile. As a result, filling isn’t the best repair solution.
Dental bonding is a general dentistry service that doesn’t require any kind of numbing. During the process, the dentist roughs up the front of the tooth. Then, he or she attaches material to what remains using a bonding adhesive.
Next, the dentist covers the attached material with a tooth-colored resin. This resin makes the repaired tooth blend in with the rest of the teeth. The goal is to make the material look as natural as possible. Of course, it isn’t an option if there isn’t enough tooth left for the dentist to bond the material to.
Count On Dentistry By Design
Your smile is important to you, and we want to help you keep it. For this reason, we offer tooth repair services at our dental practice in Richardson, TX. Our team puts your needs first. In fact, we put a great deal of value into old-fashioned caring. We’ll treat you with the respect and care that we would want from others.
Don’t let a broken tooth turn into something even worse. Learn more about how to find Richardson, TX tooth repair that you can count on. Call Dentistry By Design for a family-friendly dentist who puts your needs first.
