Dental treatments are an investment to ensure the longevity of tooth function. They also offer a great alternative to restore the tooth architecture and provide great comfort to the patients.
Dentists offer a variety of dental treatments which can help patients maintain good oral hygiene for a long time. While some of these treatments enhance the patient's smile and confidence level, others ensure rehabilitation of function and preserve the physiological functions of the oral cavity.
However, lack of care and hygiene can sometimes seriously damage restorative treatments. In such instances, the restoration of tooth architecture becomes quite a task, and in the worst-case scenario, the result often leads to extractions.
In case you have been through the same, here are some ways to take care of your restorations, so they last a lifetime.
1. Stay Diligent with Oral Hygiene
While restorations and dental treatments might be a great alternative to natural teeth, the reality is the opposite. Fillings and restorations also require optimal oral hygiene maintenance and care. Fillings and root canals can trap bacteria which can result in secondary caries and re-infection of the tooth. The accumulation of plaque under crowns and bridges can compromise the periodontal tissues resulting in gingival inflammation and periodontitis. In cases when any restoration is present in the oral cavity, maintaining oral hygiene is of utmost importance to ensure the longevity of the dental procedure.
2. Eat Mindfully
With filings and crown buildups, the tooth architecture is compromised and can chip off easily. Biting on hard food items, including walnuts, apples, ice, and candy can produce micro-cracks in the enamel surface. These surface cracks can cause cracked tooth syndrome - a condition characterised by inflammation and infection of the pulpal tissue. Eating sugary treats can also increase the chances of recurrent caries causing more damage to an already compromised tooth. Make sure to monitor the frequency of sugary intake and make it a habit to clean your mouth immediately.
3. Acknowledge the Healing Process
Getting a dental implant means keeping up with a long period of healing. Dental implants are a complex procedure, and the entire treatment lasts 4-6 months. Since with implants, the body has to go through a lot, it requires a long time to start and complete the healing process. While the healing period is crucial in enhancing the longevity of the procedure, it is advised to stick to the guidelines offered by the dentist to speed up the recovery period.
4. Get Rid of Parafunctional Habits
If you are doing everything right but can't figure out the cause behind the failure of your treatment, then chances are you are involuntarily causing damage to your teeth. Habits including jaw clenching, night grinding, and cheek biting can put undue pressure on the restorations. This can lead to chipping and dislodged restorations. Hence, it is highly recommended to follow healthy lifestyle choices to ensure that your dental treatments are in the ideal condition.
5. Timely Visits to the Clinic
The professionals advise monthly and yearly dental visits to follow up with the dental treatments. Dentists can help evaluate the condition of the dental treatments and advise follow-ups with the designated professional. Failing to do so can result in some severe consequences. Visiting the dentist twice a year is recommended by professionals.
Visiting a dentist twice a year can minimise the need to get a treatment done. However, if a problem arises, getting adequate treatment and maintaining oral hygiene can help preserve the tooth function for a lifetime.
