Dental Trends of the Future: Leaving the Past Behind

Many dental treatments are preventative in nature. However, once the damage has been done to your natural teeth, restorative options can be considered to replace missing teeth and ensure optimal comfort, aesthetics, and health. People with severe tooth loss and decay may require extensive oral reconstructions. A prosthodontist can help you restore your entire mouth using a full mouth reconstruction. Here are some treatment options that are available to patients who choose this route:

1. Root Canals

Small cavities can be remedied through dental fillings. However, once decay reaches the pulp of a person's teeth, an infection can set in. Dental abscesses are painful dental emergencies that can be avoided through prompt root canals. If you have active areas of decay in one or more of your teeth, your dentist may suggest root canals. Root canals are the best way to save teeth that are too damaged for traditional fillings but not yet structurally unsound enough to require extraction.

2. Dental Extractions

Teeth can become damaged through improper dental care, poor diet, and mechanical damage. Some teeth cause more harm than good by continuing to remain in your mouth. Your dentist may suggest dental extraction in this case. Dental extractions are performed using local or general anesthesia. Patients can expect to feel pressure as their teeth are surgically removed, but they should not notice any pain. Removing damaged teeth can make room for improvements and restorations in the future.

3. Dental Implants

Dental implants restore every part of a lost tooth, from its root to its crown. This is done by placing titanium implants through a person's gums and into their jawbone. Dental implants can help patients protect their bone mass by providing the necessary pressure that jawbones need to escape erosion. In some cases, dental implants are placed during the same appointment as dental extractions. In other cases, your prosthodontist may want your mouth to heal before you undergo the implant procedure. Dental implants can be used to attach prosthetic teeth to a patient's mouth. Singular dental crowns can be used to replace individual teeth, while larger bridges may be used to replace multiple teeth in a row.

4. Dental Bridges

Dental bridges can be used for full mouth reconstruction with or without dental implants. If you are not a candidate for dental implants, you may opt for dental bridges that are held in place using traditional dental crowns. Dental bridges can prevent unsightly gaps between teeth and make it possible for patients to bite and chew all their favorite foods. 

For more information, visit a local clinic like Comprehensive Dental Care.