Avoid These Cavity Consequences With Prompt Treatment

Even when cavities don't cause noticeable symptoms, it's important to have them filled by a dentist. Left untreated, cavities can cause a range of unpleasant consequences from pain and sensitivity to the need for a root canal or tooth extraction. Good dental hygiene, including regular dental visits and prompt treatment for cavities, can prevent these complications.

Complications Caused by Cavities 

Cavities are caused by a sticky substance called plaque, created when the acids in our mouths combine with food particles and bacteria. When it isn't removed by brushing or flossing, plaque slowly erodes the enamel of the teeth and leaves them susceptible to decay. When cavities are left untreated, complications can include:

• Chronic tooth pain
• Heat and cold sensitivity
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Difficulty biting and chewing certain foods
• Missing, shifted, or misaligned teeth
• Malnutrition caused by difficulty eating
• The development of an infected abscess, which can become life-threatening if the infection enters the bloodstream

Prevent Decay With Dental Hygiene

A good dental hygiene regimen protects the teeth from the effects of cavities and decay. Visiting the dentist for a cleaning and checkup every six months is the best way to detect and treat signs of tooth decay before they lead to more serious problems. Minor cavities can be treated with a simple filling, while more serious issues may require a root canal. A root canal allows you to avoid an extraction by removing the infected nerve root while preserving the tooth.
In addition to regular dental visits, prevention steps to take include:

• Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day, as recommended by the American Dental Association
• Avoiding between-meal snacks
• Limiting sugary and acidic foods and beverages
• Drinking plenty of water
• Getting dental sealants, a protective coating that shields the teeth from plaque

Storts Family Dentistry is a full-service practice that provides comprehensive dental care, including preventive care and treatment for cavities and other oral health issues. Contact us by calling 580-223-6720 to make an appointment for your checkup at one of our three convenient Southern Oklahoma locations.

Understanding Single Tooth Dental Implants

For people with a single tooth missing or in need of replacement, a dental implant can be an excellent option. Dental implants replace both the tooth and the root, providing a long-term, permanent fix for a lost tooth. A dentist will evaluate a patient to see if they are a good candidate for a single tooth dental implant before moving forward with surgery.

How Dental Implants Work 

A dental implant uses a small piece of metal, most commonly titanium, to provide an anchor for the new tooth. After the root replacement has been installed and allowed to settle, the replacement tooth is affixed to the anchor. Because the root implant is set in the jaw bone, a dentist will evaluate a patient to make sure their gums are healthy enough to support the implant and ensure there is enough bone to hold the implant in place. For implants in the upper row of teeth, the dentist will also make sure the sinuses won't be affected by the implant.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer a number of advantages over other methods of tooth replacement. It is commonly used as an alternative to a bridge. Unlike a bridge, which is affixed to the neighboring teeth, an implant does not sacrifice the health of the other teeth. Bridges can cause the bone around the old tooth root to deteriorate around the empty space, but an implant fully replaces the tooth root, better preserving the overall bone health. Implants are also easier to care for than other tooth replacement options, keeping gums supported and healthy with regular brushing and flossing.

In most cases, a dentist with a general practice will only evaluate and assess whether a patient is a good candidate for dental implants before referring them to a specialist. At Storts Family Dentistry, however, the same experts who help patients with routine prevention and care can undertake the implant surgery, making it convenient for patients and their dental care providers. Our dentists and staff will help you at every step on the way to your new smile. To get started, contact us today.

Yes, They're Safe: Why Your Child's Dentist Recommends X-Rays

While the majority of parents would likely agree with the experts that dental care is a necessity, the issue of dental x-rays is sometimes more debated. Parents want to know: Are they safe? Are they necessary? These concerns are valid, and a dentist requesting to perform x-rays on a child should be prepared to explain the process, including the potential risks and benefits as relevant to the patient.

Understanding Radiation Exposure 

Generally speaking, the primary concern is exposure to radiation. While it is not possible to avoid all exposure, parents can rest assured that the level of exposure today is extremely small. As with so many other procedures in medical and dental care, the safety of x-rays has increased dramatically with the advancement of technology, especially digital imaging. According to a team of healthcare professionals at Columbia University, a person is exposed to about 360 units of radiation per year. A plane ride averages 5 units of exposure. A dental x-ray averages 2 to 3 units.

Still, no one wants his or her child to be exposed to more radiation than necessary. Dentists understand this and don't always recommend x-rays at every visit. Instead, there are two specific reasons they may be requested.

Diagnosing Problems

If a dentist notices recurring or frequent abnormalities at a child's dental care appointments, he or she may recommend an x-ray. In these cases, it may help diagnose and treat an issue that isn't visible to the naked eye. Some of the reasons an x-ray may be recommended include the following:

• Tooth decay
• Frequent cavities
• Swelling, bleeding, or sensitivity
• Unusual characteristics

Monitoring Development

For a child with a healthy mouth, dental x-rays may only be recommended once every year. The purpose of these x-rays is to monitor development and make sure everything is occurring under the gums as it should be, including the following:

• Proper tooth eruption and development
• Appropriate loosening of baby teeth
• Wisdom tooth development

As a whole, dental x-rays are extremely safe, even for children. X-rays are performed sparingly, and thanks to thyroid shields, aprons, and technology, the exposure to radiation is minimal. They are quick, easy, and indispensable to proper dental care.

Oral health maintenance that begins in childhood can help prevent a lifetime of future problems. Dental x-rays are no exception. Contact Storts Family Dentistry today in Ardmore to schedule your child's appointment.