When it is Time to Visit a Reconstructive Dentist

A reconstructive dentist specializes in restoring the structure, function, and aesthetics of teeth and gums compromised due to injury, disease, or wear. Many are unsure of when to seek their care, but recognizing the right time can make a significant difference in achieving a healthy, functional smile. Here are five signs and situations indicating that it may be time to consult a reconstructive dentist.

1. Severe tooth damage

If dental damage results from decay or injury and cannot be repaired with traditional restorations like a filling or bonding, a reconstructive dentist can assess the extent of damage and recommend appropriate treatments. Severe decay that affects the tooth's structure often requires advanced procedures such as inlays, onlays, and custom crowns. If the damage reaches the tooth's pulp or root, a root canal will be necessary prior to reconstruction.

2. Missing teeth

Losing one or more teeth, whether due to injury, decay, or infection, can have a massive impact on one's overall oral health. Missing teeth lead to shifting of the surrounding teeth, bite misalignments, and loss of density and mass in the jawbone over time. A reconstructive dentist offers a range of solutions to replace missing teeth, including dental implants, bridges, and dentures. While all options effectively address various issues associated with tooth loss, only dental implants address all disadvantages, as they require surgical implantation into the jawbone.

3. Advanced gum disease

Periodontal (gum) disease occurs in stages:

• Gingivitis. The earliest stage manifests as red, puffy gums that may bleed when performing oral hygiene techniques
• Mild periodontitis. The gums begin pulling away from the teeth and create pockets around them.
• Moderate periodontitis. Bacteria erode the ligaments, soft tissues, and alveolar bone supporting the teeth.
• Advanced periodontitis. Bone loss continues, and the teeth will struggle to stay in place, eventually falling out.

If the disease reaches mild or moderate periodontitis, the patient will require more than root scaling and planing. The reconstructive dentist may need to perform a gum graft to restore lost tissue and stabilize the teeth. If the disease reaches moderate or advanced periodontitis, a bone graft may be necessary.

4. Persistent jaw pain

Jaw pain, discomfort, or issues with how the teeth fit together can indicate structural problems in the mouth. These issues may arise from misaligned teeth, bruxism (teeth grinding), or a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. A reconstructive dentist can diagnose the root cause of one's discomfort and recommend treatments, products, or other dental specialists, such as clear aligners, occlusal splints, mouth guards, or orthodontists. Note that if a specialist is required, the restorative dentist can alleviate pain and restore proper function, even if only temporarily, until a more concrete treatment plan is established.

5. Desire for a smile makeover

Reconstructive dentists are ideal for helping patients achieve a complete smile makeover. A smile makeover is a blanket term encompassing a wide range of dental treatments, such as veneers, crowns, whitening, and tooth replacements. It can even encompass procedures that make the gums more aesthetically pleasing. The reconstructive dentist can use a combination of procedures to help patients achieve an aesthetically pleasing, well-functioning smile.

Schedule an appointment

Visiting a reconstructive dentist can greatly improve the appearance and function of teeth affected by decay, damage, missing teeth, or gum disease. If you are experiencing any of the above signs or want a smile makeover, a reconstructive dentist can help restore your smile to an optimal state. Contact Olive Family Dentistry's Burbank office to schedule an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://www.olivefamilydentist.com or call Olive Family Dentistry at (818) 483-9069 for an appointment in our Burbank office.

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