General Dental & Oral Health Care In Houston

Dental Veneers Houston TX

 

One of the most often performed procedures in general dentistry today is the repair of cavities (dental caries) caused by decay of the tooth enamel. This decay may be caused by the bacterial generation of acids from food particles not removed by brushing or flossing, or by erosion of the enamel by acidic soft drinks.

This decay is predominately confined to the outer enamel of the tooth. Should the decay reach the interior of the tooth, the dentine, severe infection can occur resulting in abscesses or tooth loss. This infection may be accompanied by the symptom of severe pain, known as a toothache.

Learn more about cavity treatments here.

Are Fluoride Treatments Important?

There are several options that your dentist may elect to utilize for the repair of the erosion of the enamel. The most simple would be by the use of a fluoride treatment which might be used in the case of slight tooth decay. Fluoride treatment assists your body in the strengthening of tooth enamel against attack by acids.

Learn more about fluoride treatments here.

What Are the Facts About Dental Fillings?

The next option would be the filling of the cavity with another substance, such as amalgam or a composite resin. For over 150 years the most common filling material has been amalgam, a mixture of mercury with silver and other metals. These are commonly known as silver fillings because of their appearance.

Amalgam fillings have been replaced as the filling of choice by resin fillings. There are several reasons for the change. As the temperature in your mouth changes, such as being caused by a hot or cold drink, the tooth enamel, and the amalgam expand at different rates. Over a period of time, the filling might crack or fracture the tooth, or allow bacteria to get below the filling causing additional decay.

Resin composites have nearly the same expansion rate as the tooth minimizing the possibility of structural damage. Anesthetic reason for the change to resins is that resin fillings are virtually translucent and assume the natural color of the tooth.

Learn more about resin fillings here.

Dental Filling in houston

Why Do I Need a Dental Crown?

A third option, should the situation require it, would be the placement of a crown or “cap” over the tooth. The purpose of the crown is to provide a restoration of the outer enamel thereby strengthening the tooth. Crowns, which are typically constructed of porcelain, are esthetic matches for adjacent teeth. The color of the crown can very closely match the color of natural teeth within the mouth. The crown is held in place by cementing it over the upper portion of the existing tooth.

Learn more about the need for crowns here.

What Are Root Canals?

When a tooth needs saving from being pulled, is becoming abscessed, or would fall out – a root canal is used. Every tooth has three parts.

  • The outer layer that we see is called the tooth.
  • The middle of the tooth or the softer layer is referred to as the dentin.
  • The pulp is the innermost part of the tooth where there are the nerves, blood, and life-sustaining function. When the pulp becomes damaged or infected the tooth starts to die and serious complications can occur.

Even when a tooth is dead it can be restored to its normal functions and cosmetic appearance through a variety of cosmetic and/or general dentistry procedures that are geared towards preventing the loss of the tooth and the infection from returning once again.

Although general dentistry is a great way to treat medical conditions cosmetic dentistry is designed to improve the appearance of teeth and improve the medical condition as well.

Learn more about root canals here.

What Adults Should Expect at the Dentist

A trip to the dentist doesn’t have to be intimidating. On your first visit, your dentist will carefully inspect your mouth and discuss your general health to identify any risks. Next, you’ll need to talk with your dentist and insurance provider to determine the best course of action. 

Regular checkups allow you to maintain a strong preventative care routine. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms you should contact your dentist immediately to schedule a visit:

  • Frequently dry mouth
  • Jaw pains or clicking noise
  • A long-lasting sore in your mouth
  • Lost filling
  • Sensitivity to heat, pressure, or cold
  • Swollen, bleeding, or painful gums
  • Tooth pain

Many of these symptoms are signs of a dental issue that requires emergency services. A dentist can quickly schedule a visit to help alleviate your pain and find the cause of the unusual symptoms. If you wait too long to contact your dentist, the problem may grow exponentially.

Contact Us for General Dentistry Services

Medical Center Dental Group is located at 6560 Fannin St #1424, Houston, TX 77030. To schedule an appointment call (713) 795-5905.

Take the Fear Out of Dentistry by Visiting Our Video Gallery

If you experience fear of dental procedures, check out some of these videos talking about general and cosmetic dentistry procedures here!

Other General Dentistry Services Offered at our Houston Dental Office

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“My experiences at this dental office are always first class. Everyone from my dentist to the technicians to the admin staff are professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. I believe all the equipment and practices are state-of-the-art.”

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