A healthy smile reflects good oral hygiene and contributes to your overall well-being. But tooth decay can negatively affect your smile, causing discomfort and impacting your quality of life. Thankfully, dentistry advancements have made it possible to get effective treatment options for tooth decay with the help of an experienced dentist in Orange Park, FL.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Regular dental examinations and cleanings at a dental clinic, regular tooth brushing and flossing, and maintaining a balanced diet are essential in preventing tooth decay. Your dentist may recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day to eliminate plaque between teeth, and limiting your intake of sugary snacks and drinks. Also, in-office dental cleanings can get rid of stubborn plaque and tartar, minimizing your risk of tooth decay.
Treating Tooth Decay
If you have tooth decay, the following are treatment options your dentist may recommend, depending on the severity and other factors:
- Dental sealants. This includes the application of a protective coating to your teeth chewing surfaces. Dental sealants are beneficial to molars and premolars, preventing food particles and harmful bacteria from getting stuck on your teeth’s grooves, where decay can start.
- Root canal treatment. If tooth decay has reached the tooth’s innermost part of the pulp, root canal treatment may be the right solution to save the tooth. This procedure involves removing the infected pulp and cleaning, disinfecting, and sealing the root canals. A dentist will then place a dental crown over the treated tooth.
- Fluoride treatments. Fluoride can prevent tooth decay. Your dentist can administer professional fluoride treatments during routine checkups. The procedure includes applying fluoride gel to your teeth. This strengthens your tooth enamel, increasing its resistance to bacterial acid attacks. Also, fluoride toothpaste and mouthwashes that you use at home can help protect against tooth decay.
- Tooth fillings. If tooth decay progresses and leads to cavities, a dental filling can be used to address it. Typically, traditional fillings are made of amalgam or composite resin. Your dentist will remove the tooth’s decayed part first and place the filling to restore the shape and function of the tooth. Cosmetic resin fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
- Inlays and onlays. If the decay is too serious that a standard filing cannot address, inlays and onlays can provide an immediate solution. Such restorations are made in a dental lab and bonded to the affected tooth. Inlays fit within the tooth’s cusps while onlays can cover more than one cusp.
- Dental crowns. If tooth decay has weakened the tooth or resulted in serious structural damage, dental crowns may be needed to cover the tooth’s visible part above the gumline. The crowns restore the look, shape, and strength of the tooth. They can be made from porcelain, metal, or both.
- Tooth extraction. If tooth decay is already in an advanced stage, extraction may be necessary. But removing the decayed tooth doesn’t have to mean you cannot have a healthy smile again. Different tooth replacement options are available to restore aesthetics and functions. They include dental implants, dentures, and dental bridges, which make sure you can show your smile again with confidence.
Tooth decay is a common dental problem. However, with the different treatment options available, you do not have to endure the consequences of untreated tooth decay. From preventive measures and simple treatments to more extensive restorative treatments, modern dentistry offers an extensive toolkit to preserve and improve your smile. Good oral hygiene practices, regular dental checks and cleanings, and prompt intervention are key to keeping your oral health in top shape and enjoying a bright smile for many years.
