Your commitment to using general dentistry services will improve your oral health. Dental visits are essential for preventing serious conditions and maintain healthy teeth and gums. There are also cosmetic reasons to visit the dentist. If you have damaged a tooth or multiple teeth, your dentist has a few choices to restore their appearance and function. The method will depend on the severity of the issue and what your dentist thinks makes the most sense for your needs.
Common reasons why teeth become damaged
General dentistry offices frequently treat patients who have broken, chipped, or cracked teeth. These conditions can occur in a few different ways. Sometimes, the patient’s poor habits can contribute to the damage. A lack of brushing or flossing can weaken teeth and make them susceptible to cosmetic problems. Failing to go to the dentist’s office regularly can also have the same effect.
In other instances, damage may be the result of an accident or injury. A hard blow to the face can harm a tooth. People can also hurt a tooth by biting into an object such as a hard food or a utensil. Face-first falls can also damage teeth.
Crowns
For cosmetic issues with a tooth, the general dentistry office may first consider using a crown to repair it. Crowns are usually made of porcelain or ceramic. These caps are natural-looking in size, shape, and color. The dentist will place it entirely over the affected tooth. This not only protects it from further damage, but the crown restores the person’s smile, so the aesthetic concerns are gone.
Veneers
A dental veneer works similarly to a crown but has some differences as well. It also will make a damaged tooth appear whole again. But instead of covering the entire tooth, the veneer will bond to the front surface of it. This thin porcelain shell acts much like an artificial fingernail. The dentist will match the veneer to the color of surrounding natural teeth so it will blend in well. Veneers last for up to 10 years, especially if the patient is cautious about biting into hard or chewy foods.
Bonding and fillings
People think of general dentistry offices using fillings to correct cavities, but this treatment has other uses. For small chips and cracks, a filling might be the right choice to repair a person’s tooth. The filling will be tooth-colored, so the patient should not have to worry about it standing out. In a similar way, the dentist can use bonding material to build up the tooth. After placing a filling or using bonding, the dentist will smooth and polish the tooth.
General dentistry services can make your tooth look attractive again
It can be embarrassing to have damaged teeth. These cosmetic issues may make you want to avoid being around other people. The good news is that you do not have to hide your smile forever. Your dentist can use one of these methods to repair your teeth and help you to feel good about your appearance once again.
Request an appointment or call Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte at 941-676-9225 for an appointment in our Port Charlotte office.
Related Posts
General dentistry is a practice similar to primary care. Patients see their general dentists on a regular basis for various treatments, including preventative care, diagnostics, fillings, and routine cleanings. Undergoing routine care with a general dentist offers various benefits to the patient.The health of your teeth and gums depends on your oral hygiene and routine…
Maintaining dental health can give you a beautiful smile, but did you know that regular general dentistry visits can make them stronger as well? Over time, acidic or sugary foods can wear down the enamel on your teeth and weaken them, increasing the odds of breakage, cavities, and chips. If you have concerns about the…
Dental X-rays are tools used in general dentistry to help patients and providers get a better understanding of the health of the teeth and mouth. These are considered both diagnostic and preventative resources, and patients experience little discomfort for the procedure. There are a variety of dental X-ray options, as each has a different purpose…