When it comes to damage and injury to the smile, Dr. John Pappas of Arcadia Dental Arts has seen it all! There are many concerns that can impact teeth, soft tissues of the mouth, and the jaw. With proper evaluations and treatments, patients can get right back to their daily activities with a single dental visit. Below are just a few of the common dental injuries and damage that is seen at our Phoenix, AZ area practice:
- Trauma to the mouth – when patients are involved in certain activities and sports, including those that are considered “high impact” sports, they may be putting their smile at risk of damage. Blows to the jaw and mouth can cause a wide range of problems to occur, including chipped or knocked out teeth. Our dental team recommends that patients participating in high-impact sports should wear a special mouthguard to protect the teeth and gums from impact.
- Untreated bacteria – while bacteria naturally resides in the mouth, some bacteria can be damaging to the smile. Microorganisms can be harbored in the mouth and cause an infection, resulting int eh development of periodontal disease. This condition cannot be cured, only controlled, so preventative actions are best to keep this problem from developing in the first place!
- Dental decay – if patients do not take proper care of their teeth and gums with regular brushing and flossing, they may be putting the smile at risk of developing cavities. Cavities are holes in the natural tooth enamel that can burrow deep enough to cause an infection within the tooth. Cavities should be caught early and treated as soon as possible to keep them from becoming larger or more damaging.
- Unwanted stress – most of us deal with some sort of daily stressors. However, excessive stress can trigger some patients to develop bruxism, a condition that causes clenching and grinding of the teeth. Bruxism can cause damage to natural teeth as well as dental restorations, causing them to break or come loose. Patients who show signs of bruxism can ask their dentist about stress reduction methods and the use of a specialized mouthguard to protect the smile.
Call Arcadia Dental Arts today!
Dr. John Pappas and his Phoenix, AZ area team are committed to providing cosmetic and family dentistry to individuals in and around the community. When it comes to dental injuries or damage, it is important to work with a dentist who offers a myriad of solutions including general, cosmetic, and restorative care. Call (602) 957-9643 and schedule an appointment at our practice at 4124 North 40th Street. We are actively seeking new patients and families while we continue to provide quality service to existing clients.