This four-part article series takes a look at the various treatments and procedures available for four common dental problems faced by Americans.

1. Four Common Dental Problems and What Your Wilmington Dentist Can
Do To Treat Them, PART 1
This four-part article series takes a look at the various treatments and procedures available for four
common dental problems faced by Americans.
Tooth decay, gum disease, stained teeth and tooth loss are four dental problems, one or more of
which we are all pretty much guaranteed to experience at one stage in our life. For some, gum
disease and tooth loss have become a constant struggle, while for others, stained teeth has put a
permanent damper on their smile confidence and self-esteem.
In this four-part article series, we speak to an experienced Wilmington dentist about his
recommendation for the
treatment of common problems
that affect the vast majority of the
population. Thankfully, there
would appear to be several
treatment options available, so
without further ado, let’s take a
look at what they are for the first
of the common dental problems
we shall be discussing: tooth
decay.
Common Dental Problem # 1:
Tooth Decay
If you’ve had a filling done, you’ve had tooth decay. In fact, it would be quite easy to say there isn’t a
person over the age of 30 who hasn’t suffered to some extent with tooth decay: after all, it is the
second most common disease affecting Wilmington residents, the first being the cold. Tooth decay
is a major problem affecting our society and one that has the potential to totally wreck our teeth
and our general health, because, if left without professional treatment, tooth decay can lead to gum
disease. Let’s take a look at the treatment options available…
Possible Solutions:
 Dental Fillings

2. Dental fillings are restorations done to teeth that have sustained mild damage due to decay, which
is caused by oral bacteria. A composite or tooth-colored filling offers an aesthetic repair for cavities
that look natural and can last many years before restoration or replacement is required.
 Porcelain Crowns
If a large portion of your tooth has become decayed and needs to be removed, some Wilmington
cosmetic dentists may recommend drilling away the decayed structure completely and placing a
porcelain crown over the top of the tooth. This will look and function like a natural tooth crown, but
it will be supported by your natural root/s.
 Root Canal Therapy
If the decay has penetrated the pulp chamber or root canals, you are probably looking at losing the
tooth, unless a skilled
Wilmington dentist (or
endodontist, if recommended)
can perform a timely root canal
procedure. This involves the
extraction of all the diseased
tissue from the tooth before it’s
filled with an inert cement and
capped with an aesthetic and
durable dental crown (as above).
 Improved Oral Hygiene
One of the best approaches to
treating tooth decay is to
prevent it. If you have had some of your teeth filled, capped or even replaced entirely, you can take
it as an indicator that your standard of oral hygiene and general lifestyle habits could be improved.
“Tooth decay is caused by oral bacteria, so people who don’t brush thoroughly or floss are more
likely to present with it,” explains a Wilmington cosmetic dentist. “Smokers, heavy drinkers and
people with diets high in starchy foods and sugars are also more vulnerable to tooth decay and to
losing their teeth earlier.”
Stay Tuned for Part 2
To find out about the various treatment options available for the next common dental problem to be
discussed (gum disease), stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part article series.