Comprehensive General Dentistry Services
Maintaining healthy teeth requires routine dental checkups and cleanings, but certain problems can require specialized treatment. Dentistry services include dentures, tooth extractions, dental implants, and more. Having knowledge of the different treatments can help you make informed decisions about your dental health.
Crooked teeth can be corrected with braces or transparent aligners like Invisalign. Missing teeth can be replaced with dental crowns or dentures, allowing you to eat a more varied diet and increase your self-confidence.
Root Canal (Endodontics)
A root canal is an effective treatment for tooth pain and preserving the tooth structure. During a root canal, the nerve of the infected tooth will be removed and the insides of the tooth will be cleaned and disinfected. Afterwards, the tooth is filled and sealed.
A root canal may sound scary, but with proper local anesthetics and pain medication the procedure is very tolerable. Aside from mild soreness after the procedure, you should not experience any tooth pain while chewing or biting.
If left untreated, infection or decay in the roots of a tooth can lead to bone loss, swelling in the jaw and face, sensitivity to hot and cold and persistent pain, and eventually an abscess. Our endodontists are experts at performing root canal therapy and ensuring that the affected tooth will be saved for many years to come.
Dental Crowns & Bridges
Crowns, also called caps, can protect damaged teeth and restore their strength. They can also improve their appearance and your ability to chew and speak normally. Dental bridges, on the other hand, are used to replace missing teeth. They consist of multiple tooth-shaped pieces or “fake” teeth that are anchored to a natural tooth on each end.
These are popular restorative general dentistry westchase tx options because they can help prevent serious issues down the road. A tooth that is cracked or infected can lead to infections, root canals, and abscesses, so the sooner it’s treated, the better.
Both crowns and bridges are effective for restoring dental function, but choosing the right option depends on your unique situation. To make an informed decision, consult with your dentist about your concerns and goals for your smile. They’ll be happy to explain the differences between these two services so you can choose what is best for your oral health. They will also discuss the costs associated with each treatment.
Tooth Extractions
Dental decay, infection and injury can threaten the health of a tooth. If left untreated these problems can compromise the structural integrity of your smile and may spread to surrounding teeth. General dentists can treat these issues with dental fillings and crowns; however, if one or more teeth are irreparably compromised it may be necessary to remove them with surgical tooth extractions.
Our experienced practitioners will numb your gum tissue and the tooth before loosening it with a tool. The tooth is then removed with forceps. We may need to remove a portion of bone tissue in order to extract teeth that are impacted, have curved roots or are embedded in the jaw. In these cases we may use nitrous oxide or intravenous sedation to alleviate discomfort during the procedure.
After a tooth extraction patients must avoid rinsing the mouth or spitting for several hours. It is also important to maintain a liquid or soft food diet and eat slowly. Wrapped ice packs can help reduce swelling in the face.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a strong foundation for permanent replacement teeth. They can replace single missing teeth, provide support for bridges that restore several lost teeth, or hold full dentures in place for people who have become edentulous (toothless).
The first step in the implant process is a consultation with your dentist and oral surgeon. They will take X-rays and possibly a cone beam computed tomography scan of your jaws to assess the amount of bone tissue in your upper and lower jaws and to locate important structures, such as nerves or sinuses, that may interfere with implant placement.
Once your general dentistry westchase tx and oral surgeon determine that you are a good candidate for dental implants, they will schedule the surgery. You will usually have the option to receive nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral conscious sedation, and you will need a friend or family member to drive you home afterward. The implant will need time to heal and integrate with the jawbone before you come back to your general dentist for the next step.
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