Haven't Been to the Dentist in a Very Long Time? Problems This Can Cause
Posted on: 27 October 2016
If you have not been to the dentist in a very long time, your teeth are likely damaged. If not, they are probably on their way. Below are some problems not taking care of your teeth can cause and how they can be treated.
Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Plaque has been building up on your teeth over the years and it will take the dental hygienist a much longer time to get all the plaque off. There may be plaque growing around your gum line also. If so, this can cause gingivitis, which is swollen, red, and bleeding gums. If this is not treated, it could lead to periodontal disease, which could cause tooth loss. You cannot see plaque so you would have no idea if it was growing on your teeth.
Tarter will also build up on your teeth. This is easy to see if the tarter is above your gum line because it will look brown or yellow.
Your dental hygienist will use instruments, such as curettes, hand scalers, or ultrasonic devices, to remove the plaque and tarter building on your teeth and gum line. Because you have a lot of buildup, this process will take much longer than a normal dental cleaning.
When they are finished, you may have cavities, chipped teeth, or cracked teeth. Your teeth will also be discolored.
Treatment from Your Dentist
The dentist will first fix any cavities you may have in your teeth. Because your teeth are likely discolored, the dentist might whiten them as well. The dentist will repair the teeth that are cracked or chipped. To do this, the dentist can do a procedure called dental bonding. The bonding material is created to match the color of your teeth. The dentist will first roughen the surface of the chipped or cracked teeth using an acid solution so the bonding material will adhere to the teeth.
After this they will apply the liquid bonding material which feels much like putty. The dentist will smooth the bonding material over each tooth until they are in the correct shape. An ultraviolet light is used to harden the bonding material. When the bonding procedure is finished, you will take care of these teeth like you will your other teeth with brushing and flossing. The bonding material can chip, however, so you should avoid chewing on hard materials, such as hard candy.
Talk to a dentist like Richard M Holmes DMD PA for more information about the importance of having regular check-ups.
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