A Dalton Dentist Sheds Light on Modern Dentistry Solutions

As a local Dalton dentist, we are asked a lot of questions about dental care. There are so many misconceptions about dentistry that some of the questions are downright funny.  Hollywood has done an excellent job of making dentists look like a mad scientist that runs around pulling teeth.  The good news for patients is that this portrayal is just as fictional as the movies themselves.  Modern dental care has more to do with technology and finesse than outdated dental tools and practices.  With that in mind, here is what you need to know.

Science is changing dentistry.Science and technology go hand in hand and together, they are changing dentistry all of the time.  Things like lasers, for examples, were never used before, and now they are making waves in medical care.  Additionally, we have modern imaging techniques that use computer software instead of using the traditional x-ray machine only.  These changes may seem small, but they make our patients’ experience better.

Pain is a thing of the past.As a Dalton dentist, we can keep our patients completely comfortable and also remove any anxiety that they have using sedation dentistry.  This is important because when people are afraid of visiting the dentist, they tend to put it off, and infections become worse, as a result.  We aim to keep our patients relaxed, comfortable and happy to be here.  This way everyone can enjoy their dental experience.

Teeth can remain in place – we are not fans of pulling teeth!Regardless of what Hollywood likes to show, most of the time we will restore a tooth rather than pull it.  There are inherent risks to pulling a tooth, and it is bad for the jawbone in the long-term.  The jaw is the healthiest and strongest, when all of the natural teeth are in place.  As such if your tooth is cracked or chipped we will try to restore it using a bonding procedure, dental crown or veneer.  If your tooth is infected, we will still try to save it but will need to remove the infected area first by performing a root canal or another procedure.

Can my teeth get stronger?Those that suffer from weak or brittle teeth are often looking for ways to strengthen them.  We suggest starting with a healthy diet that is capable of remineralizing teeth.  This may include dairy products, lean protein, and green leafy or crunchy veggies.  We can also use a fluoride procedure to strengthen teeth.  If, however, they are extremely weak it may be best to complete a bonding procedure to cover up any exposed areas of dentin or simply as a precautionary measure.  We can give you an exact recommendation when you come in for a consultation or dental exam.

How long will my crown last?In our Dalton dentist office, we use dental crowns to address a variety of issues.  They can improve the appearance of teeth while also correcting physical damage like a chip or crack.  They are extremely useful but are not designed to last forever.  If you practice good oral hygiene at home you may keep them for twenty years or more.  Things like grinding teeth, however, will make restorations weaker.

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