There are many options available for restoring bad or badly decayed teeth. The best option for you will depend on the severity of the damage, the location of the tooth, and your budget.
What Causes Teeth to Decay?
Teeth can decay for many reasons. The most common cause is plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. When plaque is not removed, it turns into tartar, which is a hard substance that can only be removed by a dentist. Tartar can cause gum disease and tooth decay.
Other causes of tooth decay include:
• Eating sugary foods and drinks
• Drinking acidic beverages such as soda and fruit juice
• Not brushing and flossing regularly
• Wearing mouthguards, dental appliances, or braces that make it difficult to clean the teeth properly
• Having dry mouth
• Smoking or using other tobacco products
How Can I Prevent Tooth Decay?
The best way to prevent tooth decay is to brush and floss your teeth regularly and see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. You should also avoid sugary foods and drinks and acidic beverages. If you wear mouthguards, dental appliances, or braces, make sure to clean them properly. If you have dry mouth, talk to your dentist about ways to increase saliva production.
Options for Restoring Bad Teeth
The most common options for restoring bad teeth are:
1. Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. The cap is cemented into place, and fully encases the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line. Crowns are often used to protect a tooth that is too damaged to be repaired with a dental filling. Crowns are also used to cover misshapen or discolored teeth.
2. Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a false tooth (called a pontic) that is held in place by dental crowns on the adjacent teeth. The adjacent teeth act as an anchor to support the bridge. Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. Bridges are usually made of porcelain or ceramic, and are supported by a metal frame.
3. Dental Implants
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is placed in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. A dental implant is a permanent tooth replacement solution, and is the best option for filling a gap where a tooth is missing.
4. Dental Veneers
A dental veneer is a thin, custom-made shell of tooth-colored porcelain that is used to cover the front side of a tooth. Veneers are used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, misshapen, chipped, worn down, or have gaps between them. Veneers can be used on one tooth or on several teeth to give you a bright, white smile.
5. Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin is used to restore a tooth that is chipped, cracked, discolored, or misshapen. The resin is applied to the tooth and then hardened with a special light. Once the resin is hard, it is shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth.
Conclusion
There are a few options available for restoring bad or badly decayed teeth. These include fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants. The best option for you will depend on the severity of the damage, your budget, and your preferences. Fillings are the most affordable option and can be used to repair small cavities. Crowns are more expensive but can be used to cover up more extensive damage. Bridges and implants are the most expensive options but can provide the most durable and natural-looking results.
If you are looking for a reputable dentist in Danvers, MA, you should book an appointment with Danvers Aesthetic Family Dentistry. We will take care of your dental problems before things worsen. Please do not wait another minute and contact us now!
