The goal for all of our patients is to maintain healthy teeth and gums and to have a smile they love. Taking good care of your smile involves proper oral hygiene habits and visiting your Leland, NC dentist on a regular basis. Unfortunately, many of our patients will suffer from some form of dental problem. Even those that take perfect care of their teeth can encounter an issue every now and then. Dr. Josh Heinsheimer is a highly educated dentist that offers treatment for many dental concerns. He will also explain how to prevent these problems in the future.
Common Dental Concerns
If you are suffering from any of the following dental concerns, we suggest scheduling an appointment as soon as you can. Ignoring it could result in the problem getting worse, causing you more pain, suffering, and money. Here is a list of the most common types of dental concerns we treat:
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay, or dental caries or cavities, is a very common dental concern. It occurs when the outer layer of a tooth begins to deteriorate due to acid. When bacteria filled plaque is not regularly removed from teeth, the acid it produces will eat away at the tooth. If left untreated, the decay will progress and damage the tooth further. A simple dental filling will prevent this if the cavity is spotted right away. Tooth decay can affect people of all ages, from children to adults. To learn more about what causes tooth decay, see Tooth Decay.
Bleeding Gums
While there are several causes for bleeding gums, the most likely cause is periodontal disease. Also referred to as gum disease, periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition that affects the gums. As a progressive disease, it can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, and other systematic health complications. The primary cause of gum disease is lack of proper oral hygiene. When plaque and tartar accumulate around your gums, it can irritate the gums causing them to bleed when you brush or floss. It can also cause your gums to become red and inflamed. Eventually, the disease will progress and an infection will develop. Periodontal therapy will depend on the extent of your condition. To learn more about what causes bleeding gums, see Bleeding Gums.
Missing Teeth
Missing teeth is a dental problem that no patient should ignore. Not only is it embarrassing to have gaps in your smile, but it also bad for your oral health. If there is a gap anywhere along your arch, the other teeth will begin to shift towards it. Teeth shifting can lead to bite problems and TMJ disorders. Also, the lack of teeth roots will cause bone loss in the jaw. People who have lost teeth have a higher risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay, and further tooth loss. Dr. Heinsheimer offers several treatments for missing teeth including dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants. To learn more about our missing teeth treatments, see Missing teeth.
Yellow Teeth
Discolored and yellow teeth are common cosmetic dental issues that dentists see every day. This is typically an extrinsic stain that we can treatment with professional teeth whitening. However, there are some types of intrinsic stain that teeth whitening cannot treat. To learn more about yellow teeth and the various treatment options we provide for it, see Yellow Teeth.
Bad Breath
There are many things that can cause bad breath, like eating onions, however lack of proper oral hygiene causes chronic bad breath, known as halitosis. Halitosis is caused by a buildup of bacteria that grows in your mouth. In most cases, this is a sign of an underlying oral health problem such as gum disease and severe tooth decay. Your bad breath may also be caused by ill-fitting dental restorations. If you suffer from bad breath, Dr. Heinsheimer will first determine the cause then recommend the best treatment for you.
Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety is a common problems that many patients suffer from. Many people find it difficult to visit the dentist because of it. The reason for this anxiety is different for everyone. The real problem arises when the fear and anxiety keeps patients from getting the dental care they need to remain in good oral health. We offer sedation dentistry to help our patients receive the dental care they need. To learn more about the causes of dental anxiety, see Dental Anxiety.
Cracked or Chipped Teeth
Damaged teeth are a common dental problem we treat. Teeth can crack or chip due to accidents or mishaps. The important thing is to never ignore it and to have your tooth repaired as soon as possible. While a cracked tooth or a chipped tooth is not necessarily a dental emergency (unless you are in severe pain), it should never be ignored. There are several options to repair the tooth depending on the extent of the damage including dental bonding, porcelain veneers, or dental crowns.
To schedule an appointment for your dental concern, call 910-519-1624 or request an appointment online by filling out this form.