Addressing cavities and periodontal disease with your dentist

Patients proactive about their oral health will often experience less problems than those who don’t make care of their smile a priority. Drs. David Hiebert and Keri Smith encourage Saint Helens, Oregon area patients to see their dentist at least every six months for a cleaning and evaluation. Why? Because many dental problems can be caught early enough for successful intervention and treatment.

What problems can occur with the smile?

The two most common dental health problems that are seen at Hiebert Smith Dental Group are cavities and periodontal disease. These two conditions can cause extensive damage to the smile, but can be prevented with a more proactive approach to dental health and wellness by the patient.

• Cavities – cavities are essentially areas of decay that have developed due to acids forming on the natural tooth enamel. Cavities can become extremely large and deep, and may be the reason for a severe toothache. These areas of decay that reach the dental pulp inside of the tooth can cause a serious infection and require patients to undergo procedures such as root canal therapy. All of this can be avoided by brushing and flossing the teeth after every meal.
• Periodontal disease – another problem that can develop is periodontal disease, more commonly known as “gum disease.” Gum disease is a condition that begins in the gum tissues but then spreads and worsens if not diagnosed and treated in the earlier stages. Periodontal disease can cause the loss of teeth, bone, and gum tissue, and should be treated as soon as it has been diagnosed. Periodontal disease may be addressed with scaling and root planing and/or antibiotics to control the infection.

Speak to our team at Hiebert Smith Dental Group regarding your needs

Whether you believe you have a cavity or you want to educate yourself on how to avoid periodontal disease, we can help. Drs. David Hiebert and Keri Smith of Saint Helens, OR are committed to offering patients options for improving their oral health, including education and preventive procedures. Call (503) 397-6144 today to request your visit with our team and find out the steps you can take to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted!