Many people think nothing of it if they miss brushing or flossing their teeth for a day or two. Not until there is a niggling toothache which may keep them up at nights. Yet, they postpone the dental visit as much as they can till the toothache becomes too painful to ignore.

Think it’s an exaggeration? You’d be surprised how many people do this.

Poor oral and dental care may lead to many diseases and may even result in tooth loss. And if you think that’s the worst that can happen, here’s a shocker. Research shows that poor oral hygiene is linked to cardiovascular diseases.

The best thing to do is to not let things slide. Brush and floss regularly. Visit your dentist once every six months at least. If you notice signs of tooth decay, teeth sensitivity, bleeding gums, bad breath or any other oral or dental problem, make an appointment with your dentist right away. Do these and you can enjoy exceptional dental health.

Los Angeles general dentistry practitioners are committed to bringing you the best and the latest in dental care.

What is general dentistry?

General Dentistry is not just about toothaches, cavities, gum diseases and bad breath. It deals with the identification and treatment of diseases affecting the teeth, gums, and maxillofacial (the jaw and face) region of the body. Dental procedures such as dental implants, crowns, dental bridges, dentures, root canal therapy etc. fall under the purview of general dentistry. It differs slightly from cosmetic dentistry because cosmetic dentistry is primarily about enhancing the appearance of teeth, whereas the focus is on functionality as far as general dentistry is concerned.

Read on to find out more about how Los Angeles general dentistry can help with tooth decay and tooth loss.

What causes tooth decay?

Tooth decay is by far the most common dental problem affecting the young and old alike. It is caused by the accumulation of toxins secreted by bacteria and other microorganisms that live in the oral cavity.

These toxic secretions gradually enter the pulp chamber or the inner cavity of the tooth and cause infection and inflammation. The pulp chamber is an integral part of the tooth as it contains the main canals and the anatomical branches that connect the tooth to the root and to the overall teeth structure. The infection, inflammation and loss of the dental pulp eventually lead to teeth loss.

How can you protect your teeth from decay?

Prevention is better than cure, especially when it comes to oral and dental health. How do you prevent teeth decay? The answer is childishly simple. Brush and floss every day. Visit your dentist for regular dental checkups.

What if you already have a cavity or two? Schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately. The earlier you treat dental problems, the better the chances of full recovery. If the cavity is peripheral, simple filling might be sufficient. But if the decay has reached the inner cavity, you may need to undergo a root canal treatment.

Root Canal Treatment

Many people fear the root canal treatment, but it is a very common general dentistry procedure. With Los Angeles general dentistry, root canal treatments can be rendered completely pain-free and stress-free.

Root canal treatment is also known as endodontic therapy. This procedure removes the infected inner areas and fills the chamber with composite fillings containing disinfectants to prevent further bacterial activity.

Tooth loss

If you have lost your teeth to decay, Los Angeles general dentistry experts offer you many solutions: dentures, dental bridges or dental implants. Of the three, dental implants form the most reliable and permanent option. Dentures are removable teeth which must be fixed to your gums using adhesives. A dental bridge sits on top of two neighboring teeth, essentially forming a bridge where the teeth are missing. Dental bridge requires modification of adjacent teeth.

To know more about how Los Angeles general dentistry procedures can help you enjoy exceptional dental health, schedule an appointment with us today.