Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” It makes sense, right? Why not prevent dental issues from happening in the first place?
Establishing proper dental care routines including brushing, flossing and regular visits to the dentist can keep our teeth, mouth and gums strong and healthy.
But what if, despite your best efforts, you still end up with a dental difficulty – like a cavity or a damaged tooth? Thankfully, there are ways your friendly, neighborhood dentist (like me!) can help.
Cavities. No one likes them, but they happen. Thankfully, treatment can be a simple filling, done by removing the decay itself and then filling the hole or pit with silver alloy, gold, porcelain or composite resin.
If you have a decayed or weakened tooth, you may need a crown, sometimes called a cap. The decayed or weakened area is removed and repaired. A crown is fitted over the remainder of the tooth. Crowns are often made of gold, porcelain, or porcelain attached to metal. Treatment can often save the tooth!
A root canal is recommended if the nerve in a tooth dies from decay or injury. The center of the tooth, including the nerve and blood vessel tissue (pulp), is removed along with decayed portions of the tooth. The roots are filled with a sealing material. The tooth is filled, and a crown may be placed over the tooth if needed.
Other treatments included periodontal therapy and nightguards. I hope you never have to deal with any of these dental issues. But if you do, Dr. Rhea and Dr. Doherty can help you! Click here or call 314-961-3221 to schedule your next (or first) appointment.
