3 Ways A Dentist Can Help Prevent And Treat Tooth Decay

16 August 2017
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

Share

Do you have a trusted dentist that you see at least once every six months? If not, then now is the time to find one. While very few people love going to the dentist, having regular dental cleanings and check-ups is an important aspect of your health and wellness. And while there are many services that dentists have to offer, prevention and treatment of tooth decay is among the most common. In fact, there are several ways in which a dentist can help prevent and treat decay for a healthier mouth.

Dental Sealing for Children

For younger children, many dentists offer dental sealing, which can be done during your child's regular exam and cleaning without the need for anesthesia. Dental sealing involves placing a sealant over the molars, particularly over the small crevices that are most prone to trapped food particles, plaque, and decay. This is a great way to protect baby teeth, and many dental insurance plans cover this simple procedure.

Prevention With Regular Cleanings

Of course, the best prevention against tooth decay is regular dental cleanings. Seeing your dentist twice a year will allow him or her not only to check for signs of decay, but to protect your teeth against them by removing plaque, tartar, and other build-up that can eat away the teeth. 

Treatment of Small Cavities With Fillings

Even with regular cleanings, it is possible for small cavities to form in between dental appointments. In this occurs, the good news is that your dentist can prevent the decay from spreading by using a dental filling. This involves using a numbing agent around the affected tooth, followed by drilling out the decayed portion of the tooth and cleaning it out. The cavity is then filled with a composite filling that dried and hardens quickly.

Root Canal Procedure for Large Cavities

For those who haven't been to the dentist in awhile and have larger areas of decay that cannot be treated with a simple filling, a root canal procedure may be necessary, Root canals refer to decay that has reached the nerve of the tooth. This procedure is a little more extensive than a regular filling since it involves removing the entire pulp and nerves of the tooth and requires the use of a dental crown. 

Avoiding cavities is key to a healthy smile, and seeing a dentist, like David B Anderson, DDS, PC, is the best thing you can do to protect your teeth!