Cavities are holes in your teeth that develop when bacteria eat away at the outer hard enamel layer and the tooth’s dentin underneath. These cavities are a pain and can become infected (abscess) and cause sensitivity, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Maintaining good oral health habits and seeking professional teeth cleaning services are effective in preventing these issues. A reliable clinic with hygienists that prioritize patient comfort is essential.

Dental Cleanings

Keeping your teeth clean is essential to prevent cavities Tallahassee FL and other serious oral health issues. However, brushing alone cannot remove all the bacteria and food particles that collect in small crevices of your teeth. Visiting your dentist for a professional cleaning is an excellent way to avoid more costly dental treatments down the road.

Regular dental cleanings (also known as prophylaxis or 6 month cleaning) help prevent gum disease and keep your smile healthy. They also remove stains that can’t be removed with regular brushing, leading to a brighter smile.

During your cleaning, your dental hygienist will identify and remove plaque (a soft film that can be easily removed with toothbrushing) and tartar (a hardened form of plaque that requires dental tools to be removed). They will then floss your teeth, rinse, and apply a fluoride treatment. They will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you have about your dental hygiene routine. It is important to arrive at your appointment early to allow for a comfortable and stress-free experience.

Dental X-Rays

X-rays are an important diagnostic tool that capture images of the teeth and jaw bones. They help the dentist and dental hygienist detect hidden abnormalities that cannot be detected with a visual examination. X-rays also help monitor changes in the position of existing teeth, identify new teeth and determine bone density.

Unlike traditional film-based X-rays, digital X-rays use electronic sensors that capture and store data on a computer. The digital images can be instantly viewed, expediting the diagnosis process. In addition, the ability to enlarge a single image makes it easier for the dentist to spot problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.

There are many types of X-rays, including bitewings (x-rays of the upper and lower front teeth biting together), panoramic (x-rays of the entire mouth) and periapical (x-rays that show the full crown or root of a single tooth). All forms of X-rays involve some level of radiation, but with all of the advancements in technology, dental X-ray exposure is minimal.

Fillings

Tooth decay (or cavities) happens when bacteria produce acid that breaks down the hard outer layer of your tooth, called enamel. If the damage isn’t stopped, it can start to eat away at deeper layers of your tooth, eventually affecting the dentin and nerves. If left untreated, a cavity can become infected and cause painful swelling, or even lead to a root canal.

We use a variety of filling materials to treat teeth with cavities Tallahassee FL including tooth-colored composite resin, which preserves more of your natural tooth structure than amalgam fillings. We also offer dental sealants to protect teeth from decay in the small, hard-to-reach grooves on back molars.

If you have a cavity, we’ll remove the damaged area of your tooth and fill it. After we’ve placed your filling, we’ll check the fit and do any necessary polishing or bite adjustment. During this time, you may experience some lingering numbness, which should return to normal within an hour or two.

Root Canals

If a tooth’s inner vital tissues are irritated or infected, a root canal may be necessary. A standard root canal procedure involves removing the infected tissue, disinfecting the area, and then filling the root canals with special dental materials. Once the treatment is complete, a crown or other restorative material is placed to restore the strength of the tooth.

A root canal is usually painless and can be completed in one or two appointments. Some patients experience mild discomfort after the procedure, which can be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers.

Some teeth that require root canal therapy show no visible signs or symptoms and are diagnosed as needing treatment by a dentist during a routine exam. This is especially true for infected or fractured roots or teeth with large decay. In these cases, a nonsurgical root canal is usually successful in treating the infected tooth but an apicoectomy or endodontic surgery may be needed to treat any hidden canals that do not appear on X-rays.