Cavities and gum disease are two of the most prevalent oral health diseases that are easily prevented. Gum disease, also known as periodontitis and gingivitis, as well as cavities are caused by bacteria retention due to plaque buildup in the mouth and poor oral hygiene. By brushing and flossing daily and keeping up with routine dental cleanings / exams, the chances of bacteria causing damage to the teeth and bones that hold the teeth in are greatly reduced.
Costs associated with dental care drastically increases when issues are not addressed quickly. Two common examples that are seen daily include cavities and gum disease.
Cavities (Carious lesions) can be prevented and stopped when they first begin forming - use of dental sealants and fluoride treatments can help prevent cavities. Once the cavity becomes larger, a filling must be done and the decayed area of the tooth must be removed. If a cavity is neglected, the cavity can penetrate into the pulp where the nerve is; at this point, a root canal therapy (endodontics) must be performed in order to save the tooth. If the root canal therapy is not done, then the tooth will eventually fail, and extraction is the only option. In order to replace missing teeth, dental bridges, partial / complete dentures and implants are needed.
Gum disease is caused by bacteria retention which then leads to bone loss and gum receding to create a "longer" looking tooth. The dental term for gum disease is gingivitis. Gingivitis if not taken care of by routine dental cleanings and proper at home oral hygiene care eventually leads to bone loss, also known as periodontitis. Once periodontitis is established, the bone loss cannot be returned. Dental cleanings are crucial at this point to prevent further bone loss. Excessive bone loss eventually leads to teeth that are mobile, and eventually tooth loss. Maintenance is essential at all stages - whether at the REVERSIBLE stage of gingivitis (gum disease) or for prevention of further bone loss associated with periodontitis.
Costs associated with dental care drastically increases when issues are not addressed quickly. Two common examples that are seen daily include cavities and gum disease.
Cavities (Carious lesions) can be prevented and stopped when they first begin forming - use of dental sealants and fluoride treatments can help prevent cavities. Once the cavity becomes larger, a filling must be done and the decayed area of the tooth must be removed. If a cavity is neglected, the cavity can penetrate into the pulp where the nerve is; at this point, a root canal therapy (endodontics) must be performed in order to save the tooth. If the root canal therapy is not done, then the tooth will eventually fail, and extraction is the only option. In order to replace missing teeth, dental bridges, partial / complete dentures and implants are needed.
Gum disease is caused by bacteria retention which then leads to bone loss and gum receding to create a "longer" looking tooth. The dental term for gum disease is gingivitis. Gingivitis if not taken care of by routine dental cleanings and proper at home oral hygiene care eventually leads to bone loss, also known as periodontitis. Once periodontitis is established, the bone loss cannot be returned. Dental cleanings are crucial at this point to prevent further bone loss. Excessive bone loss eventually leads to teeth that are mobile, and eventually tooth loss. Maintenance is essential at all stages - whether at the REVERSIBLE stage of gingivitis (gum disease) or for prevention of further bone loss associated with periodontitis.