As a young mother, I was reasonably ignorant when raising my firstborn. My biggest regret is that I didn't help her take better care of her teeth. Like many people, I didn't realise the importance of baby teeth, resulting in long-term dental problems. Recently, my daughter got married and some of my tears were for the beautiful, glistening smile she presented to the cameras. Ever since I realised the dental damage I had caused, I had been saving for my daughter to have cosmetic dentistry. The results are remarkable. During the course of this journey, I have learnt a lot about caring for children's teeth and corrective procedures that can be undertaken when issues arise. I am sure many of you would be interested in the latest knowledge and techniques that are available to prevent and repair dental complications. I'm Margret Devlin - thanks for visiting.
Tooth cavities, also known as dental caries, are a widespread concern among children and adults alike. Your dentist can diagnose you with cavities. The treatment options are contingent on the severity of the decay and your unique situation. They include:
Fluoride Treatments
If your tooth cavity is discovered early, before the carries corrode the enamel, your dentist can recommend fluoride treatment as the best option. Sometimes, a professional fluoride varnish or brushing with fluoride toothpaste can discontinue and even reverse the cavity, restoring the enamel where it had been eroded. Professional treatments are more preferred to toothpaste or relying on tap water because of their higher fluoride content. Procedures may take a few minutes and can be administered as varnish, liquid, gel or foam, which is applied to the affected tooth or a tray placed over the tooth.
Fillings
Fillings, also widely known as restorations, are the most common treatment alternative for tooth decay. However, they are only recommended for cavities that have passed the early stages but haven't progressed further. Fillings usually resemble natural teeth in both colour and texture, which makes them less conspicuous. They are made from long-lasting plastics known as composite resins. Other tooth filling materials made from glass ionomers even produce fluoride which results in a tooth that is resistant to decay. What's more, filings are also attuned with dental sealants, meaning that you can have the tooth filled and sealed immediately to provide extra protection.
Crowns
For extensive tooth decay where the tooth is weak as a result of losing much of its structure, your dentist will recommend a crown. Sometimes, severe tooth decay may require a large filling which may leave the tooth vulnerable to cracking. Therefore, your dentist will drill away the damaged area in a bid to salvage what's left of the tooth and then cover it with a crown. Crowns can be made of gold, resin, porcelain or alloy.
Root Canals
When a cavity has gone to the extent of damaging the tooth nerves, your dentist may advise a root canal as the treatment. During the procedure, the damaged nerve and the pulp are removed, and the area is filled with an endodontic sealant.
Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is considered the last resort treatment option. Your dentist will recommend this procedure if destroying the tooth tissues will increase the risk of having the infection spread to the jawbone.
Dentists advise that you be proactive with your oral health if you want to prevent cavities. Regular check-ups can also help to diagnose tooth cavities at their onset and will save you a great deal of discomfort and money as well.
Share20 November 2017
