Going to the dentist can be an anxious time for anyone. Many people have innate phobias regarding dentists, and others simply don’t like going because they regard it as a waste of time. As you’ll discover below, there are many reasons why visiting the dentist is not a waste of time — your health being one of them. But combatting your fear can also be done. Once you find the right dentists, you’ll not only be able to care for your dental health — you’ll also have plenty of other opportunities available, among them the ability to look into cosmetic dentistry, should you be interested in not only maintaining your smile, but even improving it. You see, in this day and age you don’t have to visit one office to have your family dentist look at your teeth and another to seek out options like teeth whitening or porcelain veneers. Now, many dentists work in practices that offer a variety of different services, all in one place. This means that going to the dentist is more convenient and time efficient than ever — and that now is the time for you to visit the dentist. No matter how severe you think your condition is, with the right dentists on hand, you’ll be able to find a solution. Below, we’ll look into some of the ways dentists can help you.
Treating Edentulous Teeth
Edentulous teeth are, by definition, missing teeth. If you have this condition, you may have experienced shame or embarrassment, or the feeling that you are alone. Many people who are missing teeth don’t go outside as often as they once did, avoid opening their mouths in public, and even experience discomfort when eating. Firstly, you should not feel ashamed if you are missing teeth. This condition is more common than anyone knows. It’s believed to be more common in men than women, at 56.4% versus 38.4%, and then again more common among those living below the federal poverty level at 65.4%, and those with less than a high school education at 66.9%, and chain smokers at 64.2%. You may be missing teeth due to a genetic condition, an accident, or even a medical treatment. For example, many cancer patients lose their teeth during treatment. There are answers. It’s estimated that about 15% of the edentulous population has dentures made each year. But if that doesn’t sound right for you, there are other options. If you’re missing just a few teeth, crowns with bridges or even dental implants could be the solutions. Rest assured, there are many possible treatments.
Periodontal Disease Treatments
Periodontal disease is remarkably common, but can be very frightening at first glance. This disease is essentially one of the gums, and it affects many people. It is believed to advance with age, with about 70.1% of the population aged 65 or older suffering from the disease. Although it isn’t always painful, periodontal disease causes redness, swelling, and bleeding in the gums. Usually, it’s caused by poor oral hygiene. However, it is very treatable. Minor cases can be treated simply by increasing your oral hygiene as per your dentist’s instructions. If it becomes more severe, however, you may have to go in and have the pockets around your teeth professionally cleaned. Extremely advanced cases may require surgery. Don’t feel bad if you have been diagnosed with this disease — simply be proactive and treat it. It could happen to anyone, but you don’t have to put up with it.
Tooth Discoloration Treatments
Although tooth discoloration is a cosmetic issue, it can be glaring. Your teeth can become stained through what you eat — but you can get rid of those stains through cosmetic treatments. These include teeth whitening, which is often done through sessions, or even porcelain veneers if you want your teeth to look perfect in every way. No matter what you end up choosing, your smile will be brighter in no time.