Dentists specialize in caring for your teeth as well as the soft tissue in your mouth, such as your gums. To this end, dentists offer many treatments and services. Here are four services you can receive from your dentist:

1. Preventative Care

Preventative care is the foundation of oral health. Unlike other parts of your body, your teeth cannot repair themselves. That means you need to take good care of your teeth since they're the only ones you'll ever have. Your dentist can help you care for your teeth through preventative services. Biannual checkups allow your dentist to identify sites of decay using x-rays and visual examinations. During your checkup, your dentist will polish your teeth, floss between them, and remove tartar from their surfaces using a technique called scaling.

2. Periodontal Care

Your gums support your teeth. Healthy gums hold your teeth in place. Gum disease can lead to abscesses below your gum line. People suffering from gum disease sometimes experience loose teeth that are more prone to falling out. If you have periodontal disease or you're at risk of developing it, proper periodontal care can help. Your dentist will monitor your gum health by checking your gum depth periodically. If you have gingivitis or another gum disease, your dentist can treat it using a technique known as root planing. During root planing, your mouth will be numbed using local anesthesia. Then, your dentist will clean away bacteria from below the surface of your gums, scraping along the surface of your tooth roots to clean them.

3. Tooth-Colored Fillings

Despite excellent dental care, you may eventually experience tooth decay. Fortunately, tooth decay is easily treatable, especially when it's diagnosed right away. Your dentist can provide dental fillings to restore teeth that are affected by decay. Resin fillings are the same color as your teeth. They are a discreet solution to a dental problem that affects many people.

4. TMJ Treatment

Your temporomandibular joint is the hinge that allows your jaw to open and close. Under normal circumstances, you can move your mouth without pain. People with TMJ disorder feel pain at this site; this pain is often accompanied by a clicking or popping sensation. Your dentist can offer TMJ treatment. Custom mouth splints can be created to fit your mouth perfectly. This splint will keep your jaw in a neutral position while you sleep, which should ease the symptoms associated with TMJ disorder.

For more information about dental care that dentists can offer, contact a local dental office.

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