The different treatments offered by dental practices may seem endless, but there are actually only a few main categories. Most dental treatments fall into one of three categories: restoration (replacing a broken or missing tooth), prevention (taking care of your teeth and gums before they develop cavities or other problems), or gum treatment (taking care of gum disease). Each category also has several subcategories further expanding the possibilities. In general, the more serious the issue with your teeth or gums, the more likely it is that a restoration treatment will be necessary. On the other hand, prevention treatments are almost always the best choice for new patients because they have lasting benefits and little risk of causing problems in the long term. Keep reading to learn about these different categories, their benefits and risks, and examples of each type of treatment.
Restorative treatments
Restorative treatments are used to replace broken or missing teeth. The two main types of restorative treatments are: - Bridges: A bridge is a replacement for a single missing tooth that spans two teeth on either side of the missing one. The teeth on either side of the missing one are called abutment teeth, and they house the bridge itself. A dental bridge may be made from a variety of materials, including gold, porcelain, titanium, and stainless steel.Bridges can improve your smile and speech by replacing a single missing tooth. They can also help prevent gum disease and protect your teeth from various other dangers, like falling objects and grinding teeth. - Implants: An implant is a replacement for a single missing tooth or several missing teeth that cannot be replaced with a bridge because the space between teeth is too small for a bridge or because the teeth are too weak to support one.
Prevention treatments
Prevention treatments focus on improving oral health before it becomes a problem. There are many different types of prevention treatments, but most are focused on improving your diet and your brushing and flossing habits. There are also several other types of prevention treatments, including sealants, mouthguards, and gum disease treatments.Mouthguards: A mouthguard is a plastic device that is supposed to fit inside your mouth while you play sports or engage in other high-impact activities. They are commonly used in sports like diving, hockey, soccer, and basketball, but can be used in other activities as well.Mouthguards can help protect your teeth from injury and damage. They are especially important for athletes who may experience frequent impacts to the teeth and gums.Diet: Diet is the primary way to prevent gum disease, a disease that can lead to tooth loss if untreated. It’s important to focus on foods that are high in calcium and vitamins A, C, and D. These foods will help strengthen your teeth and gums and reduce the likelihood of developing cavities.Brushing and flossing: Both brushing and flossing help reduce the risk of developing cavities and other gum diseases by removing bacteria and food particles from your teeth. You should brush at least twice a day and floss once a day, if possible.Flossing can be tricky for some people, so use these tricks to make it easier and more effective: Use a floss threader. It’s an inexpensive, easy tool that makes flossing easy and less time-consuming. Use a water flosser. They are more effective than brushing at removing food particles from your teeth.
Gum treatments
Gum treatments are designed to prevent or treat gum disease and improve gum health. They are often used to treat gum disease and can help prevent it from developing into something more serious. Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in older adults, but it can be prevented and reversed with gum treatments.Gum treatments that are used to treat gum disease include deep cleaning, antibiotics, gum grafts, and sealants. Deep cleaning uses special tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and gums.Antibiotics are sometimes used to treat gum disease. They should only be used under the guidance of your dentist because they can have harmful side effects if taken for too long or in too high a dose. Gum grafts are procedures that are performed under general anesthesia, and may be used to treat severe gum disease.Gum sealants are applied to teeth to prevent new cavities and protect teeth from cavities. They are most often used to treat children and teens.
Prosthodontics
Prosthodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on replacing missing teeth and improving the function of teeth that are missing or broken. Prosthodontist are dental specialists who can perform a variety of treatments for replacing teeth, including implants, dentures, and dental bridges. They can also improve the function of teeth by replacing missing parts with dental implants or by installing a dental bridge.Dental implants: A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed in the jaw to replace the root of a missing tooth. They are also sometimes used to replace roots of teeth that have become damaged or decayed.Dental bridges: A dental bridge is a device that is used to replace a missing section of teeth that cannot be replaced with a dental implant.A dental surgeon will examine your mouth, determine what treatments are needed, and recommend a specific course of action. Afterward, you will be required to follow a strict hygiene routine to keep your mouth clean and healthy. You may be asked to brush and floss more frequently to help prevent gum disease and other problems.
Endodontics
Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in diseases and disorders of the teeth and surrounding tissues called the endodontium. Endodontics can be used to treat a variety of dental conditions, including toothaches, gum disease, and infections of the root canals.Dental X-rays: X-rays are one of the most important tools in dentistry, and they’re used to detect cavities, broken teeth, and other issues. They are taken in the office or digitally in the dental office or at home with specialized equipment.Endodontic treatment: Endodontics is focused on root canals, which are deep cavities in teeth that are often left untreated by general dentists. A root canal is used to treat a root canal disease. It involves removing the soft tissue and nerves in the root canal, cleaning out the canals, and then sealing them with a filling or a crown.Endodontic treatments often require root canals to be redone because initial treatments often fail. Endodontists can perform these treatments.
Conclusion
Treating and preventing dental issues can be a complex process, but it is an important part of maintaining good oral health. The treatments available are vast and depend on the severity of the problem, but it is important to remember that prevention is always the best option.Taking care of your teeth and gums is crucial to improving your overall health, and it is something that should be done on a regular basis. The best way to do this is by making sure to brush and floss regularly, eating a healthy diet, and visiting the dentist regularly.