Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing damaged or worn smiles, but it’s not always easy to see dental damage until it’s too late. So, how can you tell when it’s time to visit a restoration dentist before dental issues get out of hand?
At Lakewood Dental Group, our team of talented professionals has extensive training in restorative dentistry. If you’re ready to meet with a restoration dentist, then call our Dallas, TX, dental office at (214) 827- 1885 or request an appointment online.
If you’re not sure if you need a restoration dentist, then keep reading. Dr. Mihir Patel and Dr. Shaun Sigurdson are here to tell you common signs and symptoms that indicate when restoration dentistry is necessary.
Dental Pain
Typically, dental pain is a good indicator that something is wrong and needs attention. Types of pain to be aware of include:
- Tooth sensitivity, particularly to hot and cold temperatures
- Persistent sharp or dull oral pain
- Sore gums
- Swollen and painful tongue
A thorough exam with Dr. Patel or Dr. Sigurdson will help our team determine what is causing the pain. And once we know the source of the pain, we can take steps toward repairing the damage with restorative solutions.
Bleeding and Swelling
It is normal for our gum tissue to become a little sore or bloody on occasion. However, persistent bleeding and swelling in the gums is a sign of deeper issues, like periodontal disease (also called gum disease).
Periodontal disease affects nearly half of the global population and requires swift treatment. The faster we can restore gum tissue back to its healthy state, the better your teeth, gums, and jawbone will be overall.
Cavities
Oral bacteria feast on the food debris that remains on our teeth after we eat. Usually, proper oral hygiene (like frequent brushing and flossing) can sweep away harmful bacteria. However, bacteria that sit on our teeth for prolonged periods of time begin to eat away at our protective tooth enamel.
Once our tooth enamel is compromised, the bacteria gain access to the dentin and pulp of our teeth, which can lead to painful tooth infections. As a result, root canal therapy may be the only way to save an infected tooth.
So, preventing cavities from developing is key. But even with the best preventative measures, it’s still possible to get cavities. However, knowing the early signs of cavities could limit the risk of tooth infections and root canals. Here’s how to spot a cavity early:
- Localized dental pain or sensitivity
- Extreme sensitivity to temperatures and pressure
- Small holes or pits in the sides or top of a tooth
- Brown, white, or black discoloration on a tooth
If you notice any of these signs, then contact a restoration dentist immediately. The sooner our team can treat the cavity, the faster we can restore your oral health.
Erosion
Similar to cavities, dental erosion occurs when food and beverages wear away at our tooth enamel. Typically, highly acidic foods and drinks cause erosion, but sugary foods can make matters worse. However, certain health conditions, such as acid reflux, can also cause tooth erosion.
Cavities can spread across a single tooth and begin eating away at neighboring teeth, but this happens very slowly. Erosion, however, affects all of our teeth at one time, making it extremely important to brush our teeth frequently.
When erosion occurs for prolonged periods of time, you may notice the following symptoms:
- Sensitive teeth, especially to temperatures and sugary or acidic foods
- Changes in bite alignment
- Discoloration on the teeth
If you suspect that you might be dealing with dental erosion, then contact a restoration dentist as soon as possible. Dr. Patel and Dr. Sigurdson can easily help you manage dental erosion with quality restorations, like composite resin fillings or porcelain dental crowns.
Cracked or Fractured Teeth
Even though our teeth can handle upwards of 200 pounds of pressure, they are not immune to damage. This means that significant trauma or pressure can result in painful cracks or fractures in our teeth.
It is dangerous to leave cracks and fractures untreated, as oral bacteria can find their way into these crevices. Once bacteria get inside a cracked tooth, they can create a health-threatening infection inside. And after an infection takes hold in our teeth, a root canal may be the only way to save the damaged tooth.
A skilled restoration dentist (like Dr. Sigurdson and Dr. Patel!) can protect fractured or cracked teeth with durable dental crowns. These devices completely encompass a damaged tooth, which offers unmatched protection from harmful bacteria and unparalleled functional support.
Missing Teeth
Did you know that nearly one out of every six senior adults is missing all of their teeth? Not only that, but over 100 million Americans are missing at least one of their teeth. While it may seem like no big deal, leaving missing teeth unchecked can cause devastating oral health issues.
Our teeth keep our jawbone, gums, and nerves healthy. When we lose our teeth, these tissues no longer have support or stability, which can create a wide range of issues, including:
- Jawbone weakening and recession
- Gum recession and worsening periodontal disease
- Dental shifting and bite misalignments
- Continued tooth loss
Replacing missing teeth can help patients avoid all of these issues. Our Dallas restoration dentists recommend scheduling an appointment as soon as possible to discuss quality tooth-replacement options, such as:
- Dental implants: These titanium posts serve as artificial tooth roots upon which our team can affix lifelike dental crowns or dentures. Dental professionals widely consider implants to be the strongest tooth-replacement option available to patients.
- Dentures: Whether total or partial, dentures can keep your jawbone and neighboring teeth healthy and stable.
- Dental Bridges: Similar to dentures, replacing missing teeth with dental bridges is an excellent way to support the jawbone and surrounding teeth from further damage.
Talk to a skilled restoration dentist today!
If you’re in need of a restoration dentist, then don’t wait–schedule an appointment with Dr. Patel or Dr. Sigurdson now. Our team can help you repair dental damage and restore your smile to its original brilliance.
Call our Dallas dental office at (214) 827-1885 or request an appointment online.
