Exploring Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

3 Reasons To Visit The Dentist

The dentist is your best ally in fighting oral health problems like decay. However, you can't reap the benefits if you don't visit the dentist regularly. There are many reasons you may need to visit the dentist, and if you would like to know more, check out these three reasons you should make a dental appointment. 

1. You Haven't Been in a While

You should have regular dental cleanings, exams, and X-rays. During cleanings, the dentist removes any debris, including tartar. Tartar is hardened plaque, and you can't brush it away like plaque. Instead, the dentist or hygienist uses special tools to carefully remove the plaque without scratching the tooth's enamel. If left ignored, tartar can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

During a dental exam, the dentist looks for signs of decay, weakening enamel, gum irritation, and much more. They use X-rays to see the tooth's roots below the gumline. There, they can diagnose possible problems with the tooth roots, such as roots that penetrate the sinus cavity or roots with abscesses.

2. You Have Pain or Discomfort

If you have any regular oral pain or discomfort, you may have a cavity, tooth infection, or gum disease. If a tooth experienced trauma, you may have a chip, crack, or dying tooth. In some cases, thinning enamel can make your teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, and sugar, making it feel like you have a cavity.

If you have a cavity, the dentist removes the dead tissue and places a filling. For a tooth infection, you'll need root canal treatment or extraction. Weak or severely cracked teeth may need crowns, and a dying tooth may also need root canal treatment and a crown. If your teeth are simply sensitive, your dentist will recommend enamel-strengthening options like toothpaste and fluoride treatments.

3. You're Pregnant

Most dental insurance carriers offer an additional yearly dental checkup for pregnant members. When someone is pregnant, the baby takes a lot of the nutrients from their body, including calcium from teeth.

For this reason, pregnant patients should visit the dentist more often to keep their teeth healthy. If you recently found out you were pregnant, you should consider making a dental appointment to prevent severe tooth decay and tooth loss.

Going to the dentist may not be the most exciting time, but it can help prevent many complicated oral conditions like advanced gum disease. Most insurance policies cover preventative care and some restoration services. If you would like to know more, contact a dentist office in your area today.