If you’ve ever had to visit the dentist, you may have noticed that dentists refer to teeth using several different numbers and letters. In fact, even within one office, dentists can use different systems to describe teeth. So what do all these numbers mean? This article will help explain some of the most commondental teeth numberssystems. We’ll also share some examples of each so you know exactly what they look like in real life and how they apply to your own mouth.
Cavities
If your dentist gives you a cavity number, that means there are several cavities in your mouth. Some of these cavities may be active, which means they’re starting to decay and will eventually become visible on your teeth. If you have cavities that aren’t treated, they can spread and grow until they reach other dental teeth numbers or are otherwise noticeable.
The number of active cavities tells your dentist how many areas in your mouth have begun to decay. That way, if you have multiple active cavities—like three or four—your dentist can focus more attention on these problematic areas. There’s no tooth number for no cavities, since that would mean no decay at all! But if you do have some cavities, it’s important to treat them as soon as possible so they don’t get worse. Don’t let dental problems go untreated: schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. Cavity treatments are typically quick and painless. And with regular checkups every six months, you can catch future problems before they start!
Filling Material
The material used to fill your tooth is largely determined by your dentist. Different filling materials can have vastly different costs, so it’s always best to discuss with your dentist what’s going to be right for you. The other major factor that determines cost is whether or not your dentist has adequate training and experience working with that particular filling material.
For example, if you need a root canal on a very back tooth, it may be more cost-effective for you to go to a specialist than someone who doesn’t deal with how are teeth numbered as often. That said, there are some general rules of thumb when it comes to choosing a filling material: composite resin (white) will usually be less expensive than amalgam (silver), which will usually be less expensive than gold. Also, metal-free fillings are generally considered better for your health since they don’t contain any toxic metals like mercury. If you’re interested in getting metal-free fillings, make sure to ask about ceramics and porcelain options at your next appointment!
Avoiding Fillings
Are you trying to decide between a filling and a crown for your tooth? It’s important to consider what each option can mean for your dental health, as well as how long each one is likely to last. To understand more about whether or not you may be a candidate for either of these procedures, it’s important to take a closer look at some of their characteristics. For example, fillings tend to last longer than crowns in many cases, but crowns are more often required when decay has reached too far into a tooth. We explain all that in our latest post! Read on to learn more.
Get A Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatments work by strengthening enamel, which is what helps protect your dental teeth numbers from decay. They also keep existing tooth decay from getting worse. Fluoride treatments come in two forms: topically applied and professionally applied during a dental visit. Topical fluoride treatments are things like gels and rinses; professionally applied ones come in different variations but generally involve a dentist mixing a fluoride compound into an enamel-safe material before applying it to your dental teeth numbers. Consult with your dentist to find out more about specific types of fluoride treatments, including if they’re right for you. You may even want to get a few visits just so that you can have your dentist apply several different kinds.
That way, you can figure out which one works best for you! After all, finding one that makes going to the dentist enjoyable might. Be just as important as finding one that gets rid of cavities. If you do end up picking a type of treatment, make sure to use it regularly. It’s no good sitting around collecting dust on your bathroom shelf! And remember: although there’s some controversy over whether or not dental sealants really help prevent cavities. If your dentist thinks they’ll help, then go ahead and give them a try. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to dental health. Even though cavity prevention is often considered part of dentistry, sometimes there are situations where preventing tooth decay isn’t enough. And where restorative dentistry becomes necessary instead.
