When you go to visit your dentist in Atlanta, GA, you hope for an uneventful experience that consists of nothing more than a thorough cleaning and a reminder to always brush and floss. This is often the case if your oral health is in excellent condition without such problems as gum disease or misaligned teeth. If there are dental issues to resolve, however, the modern dentist will make use of a wide variety of tools and procedures to quickly and painlessly get the job done.

Diagnostic Procedures

Modern dentists use x-rays to provide a more nuanced examination of your mouth. X-rays offer one of the best tools for monitoring oral health and setting a plan for damage prevention. X-rays allow the doctor to identify cavities, examine the roots, detect periodontal disease, and track the status of growing teeth.

Treating Tooth Decay and Damage

Tooth decay and damage are common problems, and your dentist can offer a variety of procedures to address these problems, depending on their nature and severity. A root canal is one of the most popular solutions. With a root canal, infected tissue is removed from within the root chamber and replaced with antibacterial filling. The tooth is then capped to protect it from further damage. If the tooth decay is less severe, simple filling may be done.

Treating Gum Disease

Periodontal treatment covers a range of methods to deal with gum disease. Early stage treatments might involve medicated mouthwash, tooth scaling, and scheduled cleanings. Late stage treatment might require surgery or a laser procedure.

Treating Crooked Teeth

Uneven teeth can be a cosmetic issue but can also have negative effects on your health, contributing to plaque build-up, risk of cavities, and gum disease. Orthodontic procedures to correct treat alignment include using visible or invisible braces like Invisalign. Other solutions, such as porcelain veneers and crowns, may be applicable.

Tooth Replacement and Restoration

In cases of severe damage, dentists may rely on replacements to maintain the integrity of your smile. These include dentures, which replace all or part of your teeth with artificial substitutes. Dental bridges offer an alternative, anchoring replacement teeth to healthy and existing teeth. Dental implants, however, are considered the most effective teeth replacement. In less severe cases of tooth damage, procedures like bonding can be used to repair chipped or broken teeth. Bonding involves gluing an enamel-like composite to the tooth and sculpting it to fit the tooth’s natural state.

Regular dental visits are important to avoid dental problems, but in cases where damage or decay has set in, you can count on dental offices like Buckhead Esthetic Dentistry to provide the solution.

Sources:

Procedures, Colgate.com

General Dentists and Restorative Procedures ,, Consumer Guide to Dentistry