Preventing problems should always be your plan A. When it comes to oral care, that means eating a healthy diet (not too many sweets). It also means brushing and flossing your teeth daily and having routine dental cleanings and exams.
At the same time, we know that more than 90 percent of people will develop cavities during their lives. And a majority of people (estimates vary from 70 to 85 percent) will develop gum disease at one time or another.
Many times, these issues can be corrected simply. At other times, they will require more extensive restorative dentistry. And we offer many restorative options at Advanced Dental Center in Florence, SC.
Keep reading to learn more about our restorative care, or call (843) 588-1919 to schedule an appointment.
Fill ‘Er Up
One of and likely the most common restorative treatment is a simple dental filling.
Fillings have done two very important things for a long time. First, they fill the cavity created by the effect of decay, thus restoring the function of your tooth. Second, they protect that tooth against further decay.
In modern dentistry, we have the option of tooth-colored fillings. These are made with a composite resin. This allows us to shade and polish your filling, so it matches the color of your natural teeth.
Just be aware that fillings don’t last as long as teeth normally. They wear down. They can chip and crack, and in some unfortunate instances (see our previous post), they can fall out.
It may go without saying, but a damaged filling isn’t as effective at stopping further decay. A missing filling is even worse.
So, if you do have a filling, remember to continue getting regular dental checkups. This gives us a chance to keep an eye on that filling. We can let you know if and when it should be replaced.
A Crown Fit For … Anyone
Dental crowns are great for kings and queens, and anyone else who may need one.
Crowns are versatile as well. We have used them to repair:
- Broken teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Decayed teeth
- Infected teeth
- Worn-down teeth
We could get into the cosmetic benefits of crowns, too, but we are focused on restorative care in today’s post.
Modern crowns are made with durable ceramics that restore the function of your teeth — so you can eat what you want — and the natural appearance of your teeth — so you can feel confident about your smile.
Getting a crown is quick and easy at Advanced Dental Center. We have invested in CEREC technology. This allows us to scan your mouth, to design a crown that fits your smile with computer software, and to make that crown while you wait.
With CEREC, you could have your new tooth in a matter of hours.
Getting to the Root of the Problem
Tooth infections can be painful, and they can interfere with everyday activities.
Trying to bite or chew with an infected tooth can seem like a test of how much pain you’re willing to endure. You also may notice your teeth are more sensitive to heat, cold, and sweets, which can make your morning coffee much harder to swallow.
Then again, you could suffer from a toothache that never seems to go away.
These are times when a root canal procedure is your best option.
Despite what you may have heard, root canals can be done without causing you more pain. (More on this a little later.) In fact, you should see a root canal as a way to end your pain.
During a root canal, we remove the infected tissue (pulp) inside your tooth.
To complete the process, we add a special material to the inside of your tooth. This provides support and reduces your risk of reinfection. We then cap the tooth with a dental crown, so your tooth looks and feels like new.
Replacing What Has Been Lost
Tooth loss isn’t as common as cavities or gum disease, but it is far more common than most people realize.
Thankfully, tooth replacements have come a long way. In the course of human history, stones, bones, seashells, and animal teeth are among the many things that have been used as teeth replacements.
Today, we have dental implants and mini implants to add stability, security, and strength to teeth replacements. With implants, your replacement teeth can feel and function practically as well as healthy natural teeth. Implants can support crowns, dental bridges, and full dentures.
By coming to Advanced Dental Center, you also have the option of getting mini implants. Just as the name implies, these are smaller than standard implants, but in many ways, that’s a benefit.
Because of their smaller size, mini implants can be used even when other implants may not fit. This can save you the expense and the time needed to recover from a bone graft procedure.
Mini implants are typically more affordable as well, and due to their smaller size, you can recover faster from the implant placement process. That means you can enjoy your new teeth sooner, too.
Do It All Painlessly
For people with dental anxiety about routine care, restorative treatments may seem intimidating. Even for people who are OK with preventive treatments may feel anxious about restorative dentistry.
That’s why we want you to know that we offer two kinds of dental sedation. With oral sedation, you can rest assured that you can fix your teeth without any pain. Our sedation options will keep you from feeling anything and help you stay relaxed during your procedure.
We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about sedation dentistry before we make your appointment.
Save Your Smile
No matter how bad you may think your smile has gotten, you can repair it. Our team in Florence, SC will be happy to help.
To get started, set up a consultation with one of our doctors. Call us at (843) 588-1919 or contact us online today!