According to the Canadian Dental Association, oral diseases cost an estimated $1 billion in lost productivity annually in Canada.
Many oral health problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, can cause pain, resulting in a loss of focus and decreased productivity.
However, pain is just one of the many symptoms indicating the potential need for restorative dental care. In many cases, there are even early dental restoration signs that precede pain, meaning if you catch them early, you may be able to avoid discomfort.
To that end, we at Newmarket Dental Care in Newmarket, ON, put together this guide discussing the signs of dental problems and other indications that you need dental restoration. Read on to discover what they are, their potential causes, and treatment options.
1. Old Dental Fillings
As a Colgate article pointed out, amalgam and gold fillings can last at least ten years. If yours has been around for that long (or longer), it may be nearing its point of failure.
When existing dental fillings fail, they may fall out, putting the teeth at risk of painful decay. Consider having our dentists at Newmarket Dental Care assess and replace them as needed.
2. Cracked or Chipped Tooth
Perhaps you were eating your favorite nutty treats or accidentally crunched down on a piece of ice. The next thing you know, you can feel something hard in your mouth that's not food. Alas, it's a piece of a chipped-off tooth.
No matter how small the broken-off piece is, please consider visiting a restorative dentistry office.
One reason is the damaged tooth may now have a jagged or sharp edge that can injure the tongue. Most tongue injuries heal independently, but they can bleed and be painful.
Tongue injuries may also develop an infection, considering the mouth is home to at least 700 species of bacteria, per NewScientist.
For the same reason, leaving a cracked or chipped tooth as is can invite harmful bacteria to invade the damaged tooth. If not addressed immediately, it can lead to painful tooth decay.
Prevent those complications by scheduling an appointment with a dentist for your restorative dentistry needs. Depending on the damage, your dentist may use dental bonding, inlay, onlay, or a crown.
3. Intrinsic Tooth Discoloration
Intrinsic discoloration is when the teeth become discolored from within. It can occur due to aging, dental trauma, or a root canal infection.
Since intrinsic discoloration affects the tooth from the inside, teeth whitening usually won't help. Instead, you may need prosthodontic treatment. Prosthodontics involves using prosthetic devices to correct damaged or missing teeth.
Your Newmarket dentist can help you determine if you need prosthodontics.
If the discoloration is due to aging, your dentist may recommend getting a dental crown. A crown is like a cap that goes over the entire tooth and acts like an extra enamel layer. It can help cover stains and reinforce the tooth.
If the problem is due to trauma or a root canal infection, your dentist will take a comprehensive approach, addressing the existing injury or disease first. For example, they may perform root canal therapy before placing a crown. If your case involves multiple teeth with severe problems, you may need a dental bridge instead of a single crown.
4. Bad Breath
Poor oral hygiene, which promotes plaque, tartar, and bacterial growth, is the most common cause of bad breath. To prevent this, follow practical dental care tips, such as flossing and brushing at least twice daily.
However, persistent bad breath is also among the most common oral health red flags indicating cavities and gum disease. In this case, please visit your Newmarket restorative dentist so they can check and determine the presence of these oral diseases.
5. Bleeding Gums
Does your toothbrush come out pink whenever you brush your teeth? Or perhaps you see blood on your gums when you brush or floss. You may have gum disease or an infected root canal, which warrants a trip to your dentist.
6. Gum Swelling
Gum swelling is another typical symptom of gum disease and root canal infection. In this case, the gums may bulge, take on a reddish or darker pink color than the surrounding area, and feel sore or tender to the touch. Visit your Newmarket dentist soon so that they can determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
7. Old Dentures
If you wear dentures that have been with you for many years and no longer fit snugly, it's time to schedule an appointment with your Newmarket restorative dentistry office. You may also wish to explore alternatives, such as dental implants.
Dental implants are ideal tooth replacement options because:
- They mimic the appearance and functions of natural teeth
- Their replacement tooth root can last for a lifetime with proper placement and care
- Their artificial tooth replacement, such as high-quality dental crowns, can last for many years
- They attach to the jawbone, so no more loose dentures
- They stimulate the jawbone, helping it stay healthy and intact
While preparing for and completing the dental implant process can take a few months because it is surgical, the long-term benefits are significant. Once the procedure is done, you can enjoy more functional teeth and a healthier, more dazzling smile for many years.
8. You Want to Improve Your Smile
For some people, enhancing or restoring the beauty of their smiles is a good enough reason to get restorative dental care.
For example, consider getting a dental crown if you need a longer-term solution for extrinsic tooth discoloration. Or, if you've recently lost a tooth, you can recover your once beautiful smile with a dental implant.
Do You Need Restorative Dental Care?
As you learned in this guide, many signs point to the need for restorative dental care, such as tooth pain, decay, breakage, and missing teeth. So, if you experience any of these symptoms, it's time to visit our office, Newmarket Dental Care.
For over 20 years, Newmarket Dental Care has been a trusted name in the York region. Our experience and commitment to your oral health ensure that you're in safe and capable hands. You can find our dental office at 17906 Yonge #2, Newmarket, ON L3Y 8S1, Canada.
Connect with us today to schedule your visit!