Do I really need to fix that tooth? It isn't bothering me...

I run into this question quite a bit.  All dentists do.  Often when I find something amiss in the mouth, it's small and relatively easy to repair.  Many times patients will say "but it doesn't hurt, do I really need to fix it?"  Well, yes you do.  Preventive dentistry is not just preventing the need for fillings and other dental treatment, but also treating problems while they are small, easy and less expensive to repair.

Today I had a really nice lady in who, for whatever reason, didn't follow my advise and replace a failing filling two years ago.  She arrived in my office with a piece of the tooth in hand.  Unfortunately now the tooth has become a bigger problem.  She will at the very least require a crown.broken tooth

I often like to compare routine dental care to routine automobile maintenance.  The manufacturer says to replace the oil every 5000 km.  The car still runs ok if you don't and you could be fooled to think you don't really need it that often.  But one day the engine may seize up and that's one big problem....if only you changed that oil as recommended....

If you want a better look at the before and after images of here tooth, just click on the image itself.

Comments

[Tempe Dentist]

I am a strong advocate of trying to preserve natural teeth. I always tell my patients that it is better to try and save your natural teeth than to just pull them out and get fake ones. But many times preserving the natural teeth just isn't an option. That's why I love implant dentistry and I am convinced that it is the closest we can come to give patients their natural teeth back.

[aiza@dental services]

I agree with your post. these will prevent major damage to our teeth.<a

[Mesa Dentist]

Oral hygiene many times gets put on the back burner because people don't believe it is actually that important. Well, they think that until they get a horrible pain in their mouth because of a cavity that could have been fixed months or even years earlier.