Preventative Dentistry
Preventative Dental Care in Ottawa, IL
Good oral health begins with individual oral hygiene and deep cleanings on a routine basis. Faber Dental Arts offers both as part of a preventative dentistry approach for patients. For most patients, a dental cleaning every six months is sufficient, but what you do in between dental visits is also part of managing your oral health.
The difference you’ll notice about Faber Dental Arts is that we take a personalized, preventative approach to dentistry. Our family dentists go beyond treating painful tooth pain and work to identify and treat the “root” cause of your pain and prevent it from coming back.
We focus on the prevention of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. We also recommend good preventative dentistry habits at home, such as regular brushing, flossing, and healthy eating.
Common Oral Health Problems
Periodontal (gum) disease refers to an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. Typically, periodontitis is the result of poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque—a sticky film that contains bacteria—to build up on your teeth and then harden. This can damage your teeth, leading to decay and tooth loss. It is also a risk factor for heart and lung diseases.
Gum disease is preventable with regular cleaning of the pockets around your teeth to prevent damage to surrounding bone. Advanced cases of gum disease, however, may require surgery.
An abscessed tooth is a pocket of pus that forms in a tooth as a result of a bacterial infection. This causes moderate to severe pain that can sometimes radiate to your ear or neck. The infection may be caused by an untreated cavity, an injury, or previous dental work. Symptoms of an abscessed tooth include pain, bad breath, and fever. In any case, the abscess must be drained. A root canal or antibiotics may also be needed. In an extreme case, the tooth must be pulled.
Cavities are areas of decay on your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. They’re the result of poor teeth cleaning and the buildup of bacteria or caused by snacking and sipping sugary drinks. There are three types of cavities: smooth surface cavities develop on the smooth sides of your teeth; root cavities develop on the surface over the roots; and pit and fissure cavities occur on the chewing surface of your teeth. Left untreated, cavities can lead to toothache, infection, or tooth loss. Routine treatments for cavities include fillings, fluoride, and crowns. For more severe cases, root canal or tooth extraction may be necessary.
Mouth sores are ulcers that can develop on the inner lips, gums, tongue, roof of the mouth, or throat. Most are minor irritations that can be caused by a cold, a vitamin deficiency, burning the mouth with hot food, or accidentally biting the tongue or cheeks and only last for a week or so. In some cases, however, mouth sores can indicate mouth cancer or infection from a virus, such as herpes simplex. If you experience frequent mouth sores, consult your doctor or one of the dentists at Faber Dental Arts.
Sensitive teeth are often the result of worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots. However, it can also be caused by a cavity, a cracked or chipped tooth, a worn filling, or gum disease. If your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold or any other triggers, consult with the specialists at Faber Dental Arts.
Oral cancer refers to a malignancy that develops anywhere in the mouth. Risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Symptoms of oral cancer include a mouth sore that doesn’t heal, a lump, or a white or red patch on the inside of the mouth. Treatments for oral cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and, in some cases, chemotherapy. However, early detection is critical, so consult your doctor or the professionals at Faber Dental Arts at the first sign of any of these symptoms.
When dental problems arise, they are often painful and require an emergency visit to the dentist. You can avoid emergency tooth problems and save yourself time and money by being proactive about your oral hygiene. We’ll be here for you in an emergency situation, but we’d much rather see you on a regular basis and help you prevent serious dental problems from happening.
For preventative dentistry that can improve your long-term oral health, call Faber Dental Arts today. Our friendly staff will be delighted to answer all of your questions and schedule an appointment in our office located in Ottawa (815) 433-1242. You can request an appointment online right now!
