At Forster Tuncurry Dental & Implants, our dentist's primary goal is always to save as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. Today, we'll discuss why protecting natural tooth structure matters and how we do it.
Why Tooth Structure Preservation Matters
Your tooth is composed of several layers:
- Enamel — The protective outer layer of your tooth. It is also the hardest substance in the human body.
- Dentin — A bone-like layer that makes up most of the tooth's outer structure.
- Cementum — A hard covering for the root of your tooth.
- Pulp — The soft inner layer of your tooth that houses connective tissue and nerves.
Your natural tooth enamel and dentin provide the strongest foundation for biting function that dental materials can't really replicate. Tooth roots also naturally stimulate your jawbone, keeping it healthy. If you lose a tooth, you lose its root, which can cause bone resorption (loss) that can change facial structure and appearance. Keeping natural teeth in their correct positions prevents shifting and bite misalignment.
How We Protect Your Natural Teeth
Every patient's needs are unique; however, our dentists plan every treatment with tooth preservation in mind. This may mean preserving your natural tooth structure with a dental crown or with root canal treatment. Or, if you are facing tooth loss, our dentists will recommend dental implants for qualified candidates because dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that restores both the tooth and its root.
Preventive dental care, like teeth cleans and exams, also helps to protect your natural teeth. During these visits, our dentists can screen you for common concerns such as tooth decay and gum disease that affect your oral health. They can also check the health of any current restorations to help prevent future problems from wear or breakdown.
Talk with Our Team
If you're looking for a Forster dentist with your best interests in mind, we'd love to chat with you. Call our team to book an appointment or request a visit online.