Dentist

Southern California including Los Angeles, Santa Clarita, Beverly Hills, Valencia and Hollywood, California

Dental Treatment

When Your Dentist Says You Need Treatment

Editorial for Dentist, Dr. Goodrick - Dec 2005

Occasionally you may have a routine dental visit that surprises you with either the hygienist or the dentist telling you that you need dental treatment on teeth that you are not experiencing any problem with. "If they don't bother me, why fix them?" you may ask.

Keep in mind that alloy (silver) fillings that may have been placed in your mouth are intended to last about eight to ten years. They can develop leaking, broken-down margins causing recurring decay. Other instances reveal evidence of fractures in teeth that may run across the top, down the sides or through the cusp anatomy of a tooth. These fractures weaken the teeth over time with repeated use during chewing, which eventually cause the cusp to fracture off completely. At this point, it may become more costly to repair the tooth with a full crown, possibly including a root canal if the nerve is exposed.

The dentist can often identify potential problems early, and with the use of a special camera that views a close-up inside the mouth, can show patients just what he/she is concerned about. Rather than "watch" teeth until damage is so advanced that a tooth breaks or the patient is in pain, your dentist should encourage the best care possible to prevent further deterioration and expense.

So, if you've been told you have old fillings or fractures that look suspicious, you may wish to consider the savings by not waiting until the teeth develop symptoms. Additionally, by having treatment done before a tooth further deteriorates, the restoration can most often remain conservative and optimally restore function of the tooth.

For more information on dental treatment, please call us at 254-4000. We would be happy to help! A Unique Dental Experience®, Dentist, Dell Goodrick, D.D.S. is located at 23504 Lyons Ave, Suite 104 in Newhall, or visit our website at www.drdell.com. Proudly serving patients in Southern California including Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Santa Clarita, and Valencia, California.