There is nothing enjoyable about experiencing shooting pain from cavities, developing swollen and tender gums from infection, or having intense discomfort from sensitive teeth. As Trinity dentist experts, we see how common dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth sensitivity, can plummet one’s quality of life. Today we will be addressing how these dental problems pop up, and what treatment options are offered by our Trinity Fl dentist team here at Spring Haven Dental.
Tooth Decay: What It Is & Treatment Options
Your mouth contains upwards of 700 unique species of bacteria and when the bacteria feed, they produce acids that erode your tooth enamel (outer protective barrier). Without this barrier, holes in your teeth can form, causing pain, infection, and tooth loss. Treatment options for tooth decay from our Trinity dentists in FL include:
- Tooth-colored Fillings: These are used to restore the structure and function of decayed teeth, and are made from tooth-colored composite resin, porcelain, or amalgam.
- Dental Crowns: In cases of extensive decay (or root canal therapy), dental crowns can be used to “cap” or “cover” and protect a damaged tooth, giving it strength and function back.
- Root Canal Therapy: If tooth decay reaches the innermost layer of the tooth (pulp), a root canal treatment may be necessary to remove infected tissue to save the tooth. The tooth is then filled, and often capped with a crown to restore full function.
- Tooth Extraction: If a tooth is severely decayed, and it cannot be restored by the above methods, then our Trinity Fl dentist team may recommend a tooth extraction. During an extraction, your tooth is removed entirely from its socket, and the space can be filled with an artificial tooth via a dental implant or dental bridge.
Preventative measures are also provided to prevent further tooth decay in the form of regular teeth cleaning appointments with optional fluoride treatment, which tackles plaque and tartar build-up in hard-to-reach places.
Gum Disease: Why It Develops & How We Tackle It
Gum disease is the inflammation and infection of the gums that support your teeth. The mild form is gingivitis which causes redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. The severe form is periodontitis which causes damage to the bone and tissue that hold your teeth. Our dentists in Trinity, FL can help prevent and treat gum disease with:
- Scaling and Root Planing Appointments: Our Trinity dentist team can use a deep cleaning technique called scaling and root planing to remove all plaque and tartar present under the gum line. Then we will reshape (planing) and smooth out the roots of your teeth to prevent bacteria from accumulating in these areas.
- Pocket Readings & Pocket Reduction Surgery: If you have mild-moderate gum disease, pocket readings are a painless probe treatment we use to measure the spaces between the teeth and gums, called periodontal pockets that can house bacteria. Pocket reduction surgery can remove any diseased tissue, and reshape your gums to fit more snugly around your teeth to reduce the likelihood of recurring infections.
- Crown Lengthening: If you’re getting pocket reduction surgery, we may also lengthen your crown by pulling some of your gum tissue down to expose more of your tooth. This can help reduce the risk of further gum infection.
- Gum Grafting Surgery: In cases where gum tissue is lost due to gum disease, our Trinity dentist specialists can use a gum graft to add more gum tissue to a receded gum line. This can reduce infection risk, protect teeth roots from decay, and reduce sensitivity.
Our Trinity dentist team may also prescribe antibiotics and antimicrobial mouth rinses to help control bacteria growth and reduce inflammation in the mouth to give your gums a better chance to heal properly.
Tooth Sensitivity: Why You Feel It & What We Can Do About It
Tooth sensitivity is the striking discomfort you feel when your teeth are exposed to cold air, hot/cold water, hot/cold/sweet/acidic foods, and drinks. It occurs when the protective enamel on your teeth wears down, exposing the dentin layer underneath. We recommend fluoride treatments and desensitizing agents, but in severe cases, dental veneers may be applied to protect exposed tooth surfaces.
Here at Spring Haven Dental, we understand the intricate connection between our patients’ oral health and their overall well-being. As Trinity dentist experts, our comprehensive range of services, and compassionate, personalized, one-on-one care, makes us the best dentist in the Florida area for dealing with common dental problems. Contact us today at (813) 448-6885, or visit our website to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you leave our clinic with a bright, confident, and healthy smile.
