4 Common Reasons to Visit a Dentist

In 2014, the American Dental Association released statistics about the number of adults utilizing general dentistry services. About 80% of U.S. adults reported visiting a dentist in the previous two to three years. There are many reasons patients visit the dentist, ranging from dental pain to preventive check-ups. Patients should understand when to see a dentist for emergency care. They should also recognize the benefits of preventive dentistry for overall health.

4 types of dental appointments

The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that oral health affects the whole body. Researchers link chronic systemic diseases such as endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes to poor oral health. Therefore, patients should include dentistry services in their overall wellness plans.

1. Toothache

The Mayo Clinic reports that tooth decay is the main culprit for a toothache. A cavity begins in the enamel of a tooth but spreads into the deeper layers of the tooth if left untreated. Once the decay reaches the pulp, or nerve, of the tooth, the patient begins to feel pain. A severe cavity can cause a dental abscess, a pocket of infection around the root of a tooth that can be extremely painful.

Dentists often present two treatment options for an abscessed tooth: Root canal therapy or extraction. The severity of the decay will determine what treatment the patient needs.

2. Broken tooth

A broken tooth can be painful, or it can present an aesthetic concern. Patients often report breaking a tooth while eating hard or crunchy foods. Depending on the severity of the break, the dentist may recommend a filling or crown. If the broken tooth has an exposed nerve, a root canal may be necessary to repair the damage.

In extreme cases, a broken tooth may be non-restorable. In this situation, the dentist will discuss extraction and tooth replacement options.

3. Dental cleaning

While many patients use dentistry services for emergency care, preventive dentistry is necessary as well. At dental cleaning appointments, a hygienist takes X-rays, removes plaque and calculus from the teeth, and examines the patient's gums.

At these preventive care appointments, the dentist can identify cavities and gum disease in the early stages. When patients seek care in the early stages of dental disease, treatment is often less invasive.

4. Missing teeth

Often, patients visit the dental office to discuss tooth replacement options. Dentists recommend full and partial dentures, implants, and bridges to replace missing teeth. The dentist will perform a thorough exam to determine which replacement option will serve the patient's needs.

If the patient has dental decay, adjunctive procedures such as extractions and fillings may be necessary to restore optimal dental health.