It’s always a good idea to get a dental check-up. Central Coast dentists look after your teeth and keep an eye on the kind of oral abnormalities that may be a symptom of a more serious health issue.

Regular visits to your dentist may seem like an unnecessary disruption of your busy schedule but oral issues can progress fast, so it’s usually advised to make an appointment once every six months.

Dentists provide a number of different services. They provide gum care, teeth cleaning, root canals, fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, tooth extractions, teeth whitening and emergency services. Some dentists are skilled in straightening teeth and can fit braces. Dentists also diagnose and treat conditions ranging from impacted teeth and abscesses, to cysts and oral cancer. They can also fit devices to place in your mouth at night to stop you grinding your teeth.

Dentists clean teeth to remove plaque build-up that can cause bad breath and a gum infection called gingivitis. This infection can lead to your teeth falling out. Signs of gingivitis include red and puffy gums that bleed easily when you are brushing.

Plaque, tartar and cavities can occur even when you are diligent about your oral hygiene. Regular cleans can prevent tartar from eroding your teeth and creating holes. Cavities rarely give any warnings. A toothache means the problem already exists.

Regular check-ups and x-rays can take care of plaque and tartar and detect the beginning of deep cavities before you need a root canal. Your dentist will also remind you about flossing and other simple ways of maintaining your oral health, like using mouthwash and avoiding sugary food. While you are getting your teeth cleaned you might opt for a teeth whitening, to really brighten your smile.

A root canal, also known as endodontic treatment, is very similar to getting a filling and saves your natural tooth. You need a root canal when the inside of your tooth becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay. This treatment involves removing the infected pulp inside your tooth and then restoring it with a crown or a filling for protection.

If you have broken or missing teeth you might consider either veneers, bridges, crowns or dentures to improve the look of your teeth. A veneer covers the tooth’s surface. Bridges and crowns are fixed prosthetic devices. Crowns are used to cover or cap a broken tooth, as in the case of a root canal, while bridges are used to cover space between teeth. Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back in your mouth.

One of the most common extractions performed by a dentist is removing wisdom teeth. These are usually extracted to prevent damage to your other teeth. Wisdom teeth tend to come in at an angle. If there is no room for them, your mouth will become crowded. Dentists often recommend removing wisdom teeth before they start moving your other teeth out of place

If you are in need of dental work, or just need a check-up, make an appointment with your Central Coast dentist.