We want to see our patients once every six months, so we can monitor their smiles and catch any concerns in the early stages. But in between these visits, how do you know when you need to seek dental treatment? In today’s blog, your Katy, TX, dentist looks at common signs of serious oral health concerns!
Toothaches
When you have a toothache, this could mean the presence of a cavity. If the pain is severe, this could mean an advanced cavity or possibly the earliest stages of infection. Don’t ignore the pain in your tooth, let us know right away. Our team will carefully examine your tooth with digital x-rays to identify the presence of a cavity or infection, and to plan testament with precision. For many cases, we could remove the decay from the tooth and apply a lifelike composite resin filling in one visit. If you have a more advanced case, or an infected tooth, we could use a root canal to remove tissues from within the tooth, before we add a restorative filling and cap the tooth with a custom crown, offering comfort and optimal appearance.
Sore, Bleeding Gums
If your gums feel sore, look red, or bleed easily, or if they recede, then you have periodontal concerns that need attention. Our team will examine your smile to see if you have gingivitis or gum disease. In many cases, our team will use a deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, to gently remove deposits of plaque and tartar for the teeth and roots, and deposits from beneath the gums. We then polish the teeth thoroughly, and we can manage the presence of gum disease with traditional cleanings every three to four months, so you avoid discomfort and the risk of adult tooth loss.
Lost Teeth
If you have lost one or more of your teeth, then see our team right away. We will take a close look at your smile with advanced technology to assess the cause and severity of your tooth loss. For some, we could provide traditional bridges or removable dentures to address your masking teeth. Dental implants, which last far longer than traditional options and also offer a lifelike appearance, could address a single missing tooth or secure a prosthetic, such as a bridge or denture.
Jaw Pain and Headaches
When you have jaw pain and headaches, this could be due to issues like TMJ disorder or bruxism. Our team can offer relief with a custom and comfortable oral appliance, one that is worn as you sleep and fits like a mouthguard!
Speak With Your Katy, TX, Dentist About Scheduling Your Next Visit
Our team wants to make sure you avoid serious complications with your smile! For more information on the warning signs of potential oral health troubles, please call Lathrop Dental Center in Katy, TX at (832) 437-3849 to schedule a visit.
