Dental procedures are essential to maintaining good oral health, and unfortunately, many people put off these treatments because of the associated costs, inconvenience, or fear. Postponing necessary dentist procedures can lead to serious dental diseases such as gum complications, cavities, and tooth abscesses that require intensive and expensive treatment.
The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist every six months and scheduling any needed treatments promptly. This helps detect dental issues early on, reducing the need for complex and costly treatments.
Proactive dental care is more comfortable, efficient, and much less expensive than reactive care. You will maintain healthy teeth and gums, which improves your oral health and reduces the risk of a wide range of chronic systemic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Read on for information on five dental procedures you should never ignore.
Scary Risks of Postponing a Dental Procedure
Work pile-up, financial constraints, and time limitations are common excuses for delaying a visit to the dentist. It is easy to view dental care as something that can be pushed back for another day when you have a lot on your plate, but this attitude can do you more harm than good. Common risks associated with postponing dental care include:
Increased Risk of Gum Disease
Gum disease is a severe infection of the tissues that support the teeth, leading to receding gums and tooth loss. It occurs due to plaque and tartar buildup between the teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque and tartar can cause inflammation and irritation, leading to periodontitis.
Bacteria can spread through the bloodstream if left untreated, causing other systemic health ramifications. Gum disease is characterized by red, tender, or swollen gums that may bleed when brushing or flossing.
Risk of Cavities and Tooth Decay
Cavities are small holes in the teeth that form when bacteria attack your enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth. Bacteria feed on the sugar and starches in your food, producing acids that erode the enamel. Cavities can cause severe pain and tooth loss or require root canal therapy to repair them if left unchecked.
Damage to Existing Restorative Dental Work
It is crucial to maintain regular dental check-ups if you have already had any form of restorative dental work, such as crowns, bridges, or veneers. Visiting your dentist regularly helps detect signs of wear or damage due to age, lifestyle choices, or improper care. It averts further damage that would require a more complex and costly treatment.
Low Self-Confidence
Skipping out on dental care can lead to discolored, cracked, or missing teeth. This doesn’t just affect your oral health but also your self-confidence. A beaming smile reflects your inner confidence and boosts your overall self-esteem. You will face lesser social anxiety with a healthy and beautiful smile.
It is essential to understand that not all dental diseases manifest outwardly. Practice preventive dental care and never ignore the signs of a potential issue. You should visit your dentist if you have any symptoms, such as toothache, bleeding gums, and bad breath (halitosis).
5 Dentist Procedures You Should Never Ignore
Skipping out any of these five dental procedures can be detrimental to your oral and overall health:
1. Professional Teeth Cleaning and Dental Exams
Regular brushing and flossing are essential, but even the most diligent at-home oral care cannot match the thoroughness of professional dental cleaning. A dentist uses specialized tools to remove hardened plaque and tartar on and beneath the gum line, helping you maintain healthy teeth and gums. Your dentist will also conduct a comprehensive dental exam to detect signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues before they become severe.
2. X-rays
Dental X-rays are an essential diagnostic tool to detect any underlying issues invisible to the naked eye. They provide a detailed view of your teeth, gums, and jawbone and help detect cavities, impacted teeth, and abnormalities in the jaw or bone.
Dentists also use X-rays to prepare for orthodontic treatment and follow-up care after dental work. Several types of X-rays are available based on the view and area of interest.
- Bitewing: Taken to detect signs of interdental cavities (between the teeth). The dentist will ask you to bite gently on a special film sheet and assess how your crowns match up.
- Panoramic: Provides comprehensive views of all teeth, upper and lower jaw, sinuses, and other structures. The machine rotates around your head and takes a single picture. It is commonly used to detect jaw bone issues, check wisdom teeth, and plan orthodontic treatment.
- Occlusal: Done with the jaw closed, this X-ray procedure helps your dentist assess how your upper and bottom teeth fit together to detect abnormalities in the bite.
- Periapical: Taken on two complete teeth from root to crown to help detect bone loss, abscesses, and cysts.
How often you need X-rays depends on your oral health, disease risk, age, and history of gum disease. Your dentist will guide you through each procedure and customize your X-ray schedule accordingly.
3. Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments help restore essential minerals to the tooth enamel, reduce demineralization, and strengthen the teeth from within. They involve applying a highly concentrated fluoride gel, foam, or varnish to your teeth with a swab or brush. You must allow the fluoride to stay on your teeth for 30 minutes before rinsing to allow the enamel to absorb as much fluoride as possible.
4. Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer is a potentially life-threatening disease that affects over 54,000 Americans annually. It is caused by smoking, excessive drinking, sun exposure, and human papillomavirus (HPV). Regular screenings are an essential part of preventive care to detect any irregularities in your mouth or throat that could indicate early signs of oral cancer.
Your dentist will examine your mouth for abnormalities in the lips, tongue, throat, and gums during an oral cancer screening using a special light. They will also feel for any lumps or bumps in your neck and face to detect signs of oral cancer. Your dentist will order a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis should they find any irregularities.
5. Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that protect the chewing surfaces of your back teeth from decay. Think of them like armor for your teeth! The sealant is applied onto the surface of each tooth, and it quickly bonds and hardens, forming a protective barrier against cavity-causing bacteria for over two years.
Dental sealants are recommended for children when their permanent molars come in, but adults can benefit from them too. The procedure is quick, painless, and effective in preventing cavities.
Ignoring these five procedures can put your oral health at risk. Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment are essential to avoiding costly or even life-threatening consequences due to dental neglect. Regular check-ups and thorough oral exams with your dentist can help prevent or detect issues early when treatment is more successful.
Schedule an Appointment Today for Optimal Oral Health
The dentists and specialists at The Dental Team are here to help you maintain a healthy smile. We offer comprehensive preventive and restorative treatments, from routine cleanings and X-rays to dental sealants and oral cancer screenings.
Our compassionate and experienced dentists will provide a comprehensive care plan tailored to your needs. Contact The Dental Team today to schedule an appointment at any of our locations and take the first step toward a lifetime of good oral health and beautiful smiles.
