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 a smart decision.
A family dentist can see older children and adults in one convenient setting. The dentist has the education and training to treat a wide variety of concerns. Many of these should be treated as soon as possible.
It is highly recommended that most people visit the dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning and dental exam. The cleaning gets rid of tartar and plaque that regular at-home oral hygiene cannot tackle, and this helps prevent decay and infection.
The exam also helps the dentist diagnose potential problems before symptoms even arise, which results in quick treatment. People who are at high risk of dental or gum disease may need to have preventive visits more frequently.
Routine checkups are important, even for those with excellent dental health. These regular visits can play an essential role in preventing or improving dental anxiety, especially in younger children. By visiting the dentist often at a young age, patients are more likely to feel more at ease when treatment is needed while also building good oral health habits.
One of the first signs of infection or decay is sensitivity to extreme temperatures. There are various reasons for sensitivity, such as a cavity, gum disease, or enamel erosion, and the family dentist can determine the issue and recommend the right treatment. They can also offer suggestions on how to ease discomfort, such as diet modification or using a different type of toothpaste. Whether the cause is minor or serious, sensitivity should not be ignored.
This is a common reason why people visit a dentist, but some think that the problem will go away and do not take any action. Achiness or pain in the tooth often indicates decay or infection, although it may also be present due to some sort of trauma. If a toothache is sudden, severe, or does not improve in a day or two, it should be evaluated by a dentist.
Gum disease is common, and if it is caught in the early stages, it can be treated before it causes irreversible damage. Some of the earlier signs include red and swollen gums as well as those that bleed with flossing or brushing.
Early treatment includes a deep cleaning to remove bacteria from underneath the gums. In more severe cases, antibiotics or dental laser treatment may be needed. If gum disease moves on to the later stages, it often leads to severe infection of the gums, gum recession, tooth root exposure, and loose teeth. If left untreated, this may result in tooth loss or extraction as well as surgery to treat the infection.
A fractured or chipped tooth makes it easy for bacteria to enter the tooth and cause decay which would potentially require a root canal to treat. There are numerous methods a dentist may use to fix these issues, and they should be taken care of as soon as possible.
If someone loses a tooth due to infection or an accident, the individual should contact a family dentist immediately. Prompt treatment may result in the tooth being successfully reinserted at the gum line. If the tooth cannot be saved, there are tooth replacement options. Either way, tooth loss should be treated right away. Otherwise, it can lead to numerous complications, such as:
Keep in mind that any kind of dental trauma could also lead to bone fractures beneath the surface. These often require X-rays to diagnose and will often lead to a new treatment plan to promote fast and proper healing.
Whether someone is experiencing symptoms, or it is time for periodic cleaning, a family dentist can help. The services can not only improve the function of the mouth but also improve one's smile. No matter how minor a symptom may seem, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible to avoid complications. Symptom-free patients should still maintain routine appointments for better dental health.
Request an appointment here: https://www.texasstarsmiles.com or call Texas Star Smiles & Fastbraces at (254) 237-1342 for an appointment in our Killeen office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentist in Killeen, TX.
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…
Tooth extractions are some of the most common procedures that a family dentist performs. In fact, the American Dental Association includes extractions on its list of most frequently reported dental procedures. Because many patients undergo this treatment, it is important to understand when it is needed. Because patients should play a key role in their…
Dental sealants are among the services a family dentist provides to help prevent tooth decay. Dentists perform the application on the back teeth, or molars, used primarily for chewing. These teeth have tiny crevices and uneven places where the bacteria that can cause cavities are often found. According to the American Dental Association, sealants can…
Choosing the same family dentist for every member in a household has numerous benefits. These practitioners are trained in providing dental care to most age groups and understand the varying oral and dental health needs at all life stages. This differs from general dentistry, in which practitioners generally focus on a particular age group.There are…
Do you need a dental implant? Read on to learn more about this type of dental restoration. Removable partial dentures and a fixed dental bridge not supported by implants are not considered permanent restorations. However, a dental implant restoration is considered permanent, as it essentially uses the same structure as a natural tooth.The benefits of…
There are specific signs that an implant dentist looks for to determine if dental implants are appropriate for a patient. In this review, we discuss these signs to help you make an informed decision about your choice for teeth replacement.Dental implant treatment involves the placement of implants into the jaw, followed by the attachment of…