Understanding Dental Pain and Bacterial Infections

Posted on: 16 June 2016

Even if you make frequent trips to the dentist for checkups, exams and cleanings, there may still be some things that you don't like about your smile. Misaligned teeth or teeth that are overcrowded or overlapping, can be altered to give you the smile you've been searching for. Oral surgeons who specialize in both general and cosmetic dentistry can offer you a large array of options for getting the look you deserve. Here are a few examples of common dental issues and procedures that a dentist or oral surgeon can do to help you smile a little brighter.

Cracked Teeth

A crack in your tooth can happen when you accidently hit it against some glass or another hard object, or it can occur when you have tooth decay. First your general dentist will find the underlying cause of the cracked piece or area. He will then address the issue by treating the underlying issue by either:

• X-raying your mouth to look for further damage or other hairline cracks
• Filling the cavity
• Treating the decay
• Treating any type of widespread gum disease if necessary

Once the contributing factor is resolved, he may recommend bonding the area if it is a small crack, or placing a crown in between two teeth to restore the structure of the lost portion of a tooth.

Tooth Loss

Tooth loss can occur gradually over time if you have a cavity that has spread through the dentin and enamel of your tooth. The result could be part or all of your tooth breaking at the surface of your gums. In some cases, accidental tooth loss occurs from trauma. Regardless, replacing the entire tooth is essential for optimum oral health. Your dentist may be able to extract and treat the affected area, but may refer you to a cosmetic dentist. He may recommend one of two types of dental implants such as: 

• Endosteal Implant- placed within the jawbone.
• Subperiosteal Implant- placed under the gum, just above or on the jawbone.

The severity of the root decay and the condition of your jawbone will be the determining factors in what type of implant is best for you.

Crooked Or Misaligned Teeth

Teeth that don't line up properly can not only make you question your appearance, but it can cause damage to the surrounding teeth. This can lead to teeth that are crowded, causing an increased risk for gum disease and other oral health complications. Various types of braces that straighten teeth can help slowly move some teeth back into a straight position.

Spaces In Between Teeth

If you've had to deal with spaces or gaps in your smile, a dentist specializing in cosmetic dentistry can help restore your smile. Spaces may occur naturally as your permanent teeth formed, or they could be the result of significant changes in your jawbone structure. Your dentist may use techniques such as:

• Bonding—to fill in gaps or spaces.
• Veneers—to fill in spaces or cover oddly shaped teeth.
• Contouring and shaping techniques—to correct bite problems or protruding teeth.
• Laser techniques—to whiten or brighten your teeth.

Filling in spaces will help to create a more natural smile and tooth appearance.  

Using multiple techniques will help you gain the smile you want. Call your dentist or oral surgeon specializing in cosmetic dentistry today (such as one from Vegas Budget Dental).