Let's discuss some common beliefs and mis-conceptions regarding visiting your dentist.
1.
) Nothing hurts...
why go?--Because teeth are the only part of the human body unable to repair itself.
Decay begins as a small hole in your tooth.
Once it gets big enough, it either breaks your tooth or hits your nerve (OUCH!) or both.
Either way, this can be prevented my routine trips to your dentist.
Tools like x-rays and intra-oral cameras, allow dentist today to discuss your options and usually show you exactly what they see on a big computer screen.
2.
) I was told that I have a cracked tooth and it needs a crown.
What is a crown? Dentists routinely find cracked teeth on examination.
These teeth are like ticking time bombs...
predicting the exact day or week they break is impossible.
The bigger the crack or old filling, the more likely it is to break..
Waiting until it breaks makes restoring the tooth more difficult and more expensive! Only your dentist can determine when the time is right.
3.
) I brush everyday.
Why do I need a cleaning? Almost every dental office employs a hygienist.
There are specially shaped tools that clean areas of your mouth that are difficult to reach.
The hygienist also monitors your gum tissue and bone support of each tooth.
Things like, genetics, age, medications and systemic disease play a big roll in the health of your oral supporting structures.
Periodontal disease is a long term, long grade infection that should be monitored closely with your hygienists help.
Going to the dentist is usually not something people consider a good time.
However, it can play a big role in your life.
Your teeth and smile are used every single day and provide a lot of pleasure and happiness.
Make sure you take care of them! Many patients are given the option of a crown when they visit the dentist.
What is a dental crown and why would I need one? A crown is like a cover for each tooth.
Most commonly, crowns are placed on teeth that are broken or have had a root canal.
In both of these cases, the tooth is weaker and a filling would be too big to last long term.
A crown re-creates the shape and shade of your normal tooth and functions to protect the tooth.
Crowns can be made out of many different materials.
Some are all gold and some are white.
Gold is usually used only on the back teeth, while porcelain crowns can be used anywhere in the mouth.
Make sure you discuss the options with your dentist and why one should be used over the other.
There is not much cost or time difference for either choice.