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 Franklin, IN
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 Cedar Lane Family Dentistry at 317-736-7476 for an appointment in our Franklin office.
When a tooth develops decay, it can be restored to normal function through a dental filling by a family dentist. Decay that does not cause pain is often discovered through routine dental visits, but sometimes cavities are symptomatic. While the type of filling recommended by the dentist depends on the location and size of the…
When individuals experience gum problems of any kind, it is imperative that they visit a family dentist for a thorough cleaning and possibly treatment. Gum concerns, even mild ones, are likely indicative of gum disease, the number-one cause of tooth loss in adults. Unfortunately, it often goes unnoticed in the early stages, and by the…
A family dentist plays a key role in the oral health of patients both young and old. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately one in five children between the ages of 5 and 11 have untreated cavities. There is more access to dental care than ever before, but many parents struggle with establishing…