Preventative dental care is a part of general dentistry. Routine dental care, including dental cleanings and exams, root canal therapy, and fillings, can prevent future dental problems. Early intervention is important to preserve the smile and avoid complex dental care.
We offer general dentistry treatment for patients at Smile Land Family Dental in San Antonio, TX, to keep teeth and gums healthy. We also provide general dental services to the public in San Antonio.
General Dentistry in San Antonio, TX
Regular dental services help prevent dental problems that require more complex and invasive treatment. Addressing common problems like tooth decay and cavities can potentially save natural teeth and prevent the spread of infection:
Cavities
Dental cavities are common dental problems, and fillings are natural treatments for cavities. Cavities develop when harmful bacteria build-up, typically in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. Harmful bacteria feed on food particles left in the mouth and form plaque. These bacteria also produce acids that begin to eat away at the natural tooth enamel. This is why patients can experience soft enamel, and holes appear in the teeth when they have tooth decay.
Once the bacteria reach the inside of the enamel, they attack the dentin, the part of the tooth that contains sensitive nerve fibers. The nerves send out signals of sensitivity and pain to indicate a problem. When the cavity is too large, it can damage the nerve. However, if the cavity is found soon enough, we will recommend a dental filling.
Root Canal Therapy
A root canal is a common treatment if the nerve of your tooth is damaged for any reason. Contrary to common perception, root canal therapy does not have to be an uncomfortable experience. We use anesthesia so patients will not feel pain during treatment.
During root canal therapy, we thoroughly clean the canal within the tooth. After we remove harmful bacteria from the canal, we provide a temporary filling. The infected area usually heals quickly. There may be some discomfort for a few days before the area feels normal again.
The next step is to permanently fix the tooth by replacing the temporary with a permanent filling called the core. In finalizing this procedure, it may be necessary to install posts into the canals to support and strengthen the core. Finally, a crown covers the entire area to provide a protective shell for the tooth.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Do you need to treat a dental infection or schedule a cleaning? Call Smile Land Family Dental for treatment at 210-939-9689. You can also request a dental appointment with us on our website.