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Why is Preventative Dentistry Important?
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That’s the philosophy behind preventative medicine. Preventative dentistry stops oral health problems from developing, keeping your teeth healthier for longer. What is preventative dentistry? Preventative dentistry is a general term encapsulating a range of oral health measures designed to stop infection, tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss. It involves things like regular dental checkups, developing good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing, and making sure that children start taking care of their teeth as early as possible. Practically everyone can benefit from preventative dentistry. However, children stand to gain the most. Many dentists, for instance, offer dental sealants (to prevent cavities from developing in their molars) and topical fluoride treatments to keep teeth hard and prevent decay. For older adults, preventative dental care usually involves strategies to help keep natural teeth healthy. These might include removing infections via root canals and providing strategies to prevent periodontal infection – a leading cause of tooth loss. The benefits of preventative dentistry Taking advantage of preventative dentistry offers patients living in Nashville, Tennessee, tremendous benefits. For instance, it can greatly reduce the chances of developing gum infections, such as gingivitis. And it can prevent them from developing into more serious conditions, such as periodontitis. Preventative dentistry can also reduce the risk of some secondary problems associated with gum disease. These include certain types of cancers, respiratory diseases, diabetes and heart disease. In children, researchers link premature birth and low birth weight with poor oral health. So if your child fits into these categories, you may wish to begin taking them for checkups early in their lives, as soon as teeth begin to come through. Preventative dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee also offers practical benefits. It is generally far less expensive to prevent oral health problems from emerging in the first place compared with treating them. So getting into good habits early in life is a great way to stop costs and discomfort from mounting later on. Preventative dentistry can’t completely eliminate the need for root canals and fillings. But it can reduce the likelihood that you will need these treatments in the future. Preventative dental services at West Meade Dental We offer a wide range of preventative dentistry at West Meade Dental. Our routine cleanings, for instance, allow you to get rid of plaque and tartar on the surface of your teeth that you can’t remove via regular brushing alone. The American Dental Association recommends that patients get routine professional cleanings once every six months or so. Hygienists remove calcified plaque, preventing it from slipping down between the teeth and gums and causing periodontal infections. After a treatment, your teeth will look smooth and beautiful. Patients in Nashville, Tennessee, can also take advantage of our fluoride treatments. Fluoride is a natural mineral which helps to keep tooth enamel strong. We can apply extra fluoride beyond that contained in regular toothpaste to enhance tooth hardness and make teeth more resistant to decay. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Benefits of Restorative Dentistry
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Over time, your oral health can decline and, eventually, you may get gum infections and lose teeth. Fortunately, West Meade Dental in Nashville, Tennessee, offers a range of restorative dentistry procedures to return your mouth to health and give you back your smile. What is restorative dentistry? When dentists use the term “restorative dentistry,” they are usually referring to a broad spectrum of procedures designed to replace lost or damaged teeth. These procedures aim to give you back your natural smile, just as it might have looked when you were younger. The Benefits Of Restorative Dentistry The benefits of getting restorative dentistry with us in Nashville, Tennessee, are profound. Restore Your Youthful Smile Making you look younger is one of the main benefits of restorative dentistry. It can eliminate the gaps in your teeth and make your smile more beautiful. Improved Jaw Comfort Missing teeth can lead to cases of jaw discomfort. You may find yourself only chewing on one side, for instance, which can create imbalances. Restorative dentistry helps to correct this. It ensures even distribution of teeth in your mouth, customized to your specific needs. Improve Your Appearance The effects of restorative dentistry on your appearance can be tremendous. Today’s procedures allow you to replace entire rows of teeth, resolving even the most serious of tooth loss issues. Preservation Of Bone Mass Bones, like muscles, can atrophy over time if you don’t use them, getting weaker and smaller. So if you have missing teeth, your jaw may not be experiencing sufficient loads to keep it healthy and thick. As it atrophies, it makes tooth replacement more challenging. Again, restorative dentistry helps. It encompasses treatments that restore the natural chewing forces on the jawbone, encouraging it to remain strong and healthy. Better Chewing Lastly, restorative dentistry can make chewing easier. It eliminates gaps between your teeth where food particles may get stuck, reducing the chance of infection. Restorative Dental Procedures At West Meade Dental So what restorative procedures are available at West Meade Dental in Nashville, TN? Dental Implants Dental implants are an effective tooth replacement option which mimics natural teeth. We insert a post into your jawbone that acts like a regular root and then cap it with a crown on top. Bridges Dental bridges are crowns that replace missing natural teeth. Instead of fitting to your jawbone, they attach to surrounding teeth, forming a type of “bridge” that you can use as a chewing surface. Dentures Some patients may also want to opt for dentures. These are removable crowns embedded into an acrylic tray. You simply insert them into your mouth when you need them, and then remove them at night. Porcelain Veneers Porcelain veneers are beautiful tooth coverings that help to restore the beauty of your teeth. Veneers fit over the top of your existing teeth. In summary, restorative dentistry allows you to reclaim both your oral health and your smile. While it might seem purely cosmetic, it offers real medical benefits too. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
