Most Common Dental Problems We See in Plano (and How We Fix Them)

Broken teeth

·       Most patients break teeth from biting something hard with a tooth that has a crack or large filling.  

·       There is usually no pain with the break.

·       Depending on how large the break is, we fix it with a filling or a crown.  Crowns are needed when the cusp or side of your tooth is broken off.

·       On rare occasions, the tooth may need a root canal if the break reaches the pulp of your tooth.

Abscess

·       Detecting an abscessed tooth based on signs and symptoms can be tricky.  

·       Patients usually come in with pain when they chew or with temperature sensitivity.

·       There can also be a bump or white pimple-like spot on the middle or lower part of your gum.

·       An x-ray of the tooth root can identify an abscess, but there are occasions where it may not be seen on the x-ray.

·       Dr.Joseph and Schell advise patients with abscesses to get evaluated and treated by an endodontist (root canal specialist). We have several endodontists that you will be in good hands with.  

Cavities

·       Patients who have cavities rarely feel pain until it reaches the center of your tooth.  (when that is the case, you most likely will need a root canal).

·       You may have some sweet sensitivity in the area.

·       To fix cavities, Dr. Joseph and Dr. Schell take out the damaged parts of your tooth and replace it with filling material.

Periodontitis(Gum Disease)

·       Periodontitis is caused by inflammation in your gums due to infection from bacteria in the plaque and tartar on your teeth.  The bone that holds your teeth in place disintegrates.

·       If nothing is done your teeth will lose their support over time and fall out.

·       To treat this disease, hygienists go under the gums as well as on the crown of your tooth to clean off the plaque and tartar. You are numb in the area to keep you comfortable.  This process is done in 2 appointments.  Our hygienists will advise you on what to doat home to keep your gum disease in a stable condition.

·       To prevent progression of gum disease (periodontitis), your maintenance teeth cleanings are scheduled every 3 months. Our whole goal is to help you keep your teeth.

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