An ounce of prevention?
When discussing oral health, preventing problems from worsening is the way to go. Small fillings are better than waiting until problems worsen. A small filling can lessen the need for a root canal or an extraction in order fix the problem once it worsens. Getting cleanings and check ups also lessons the probability of patient developing periodontal poblems. Brushing well and flossing also keep the teeth cleaner and less likely to develop smooth surface decay (not in the pit and fissures). Unfortunately many patients ignore the dental problems until they are hurting. By this point prevention is not an option and our fixes, sad to say, are not guaranteed to permanently fix tooth problems. Often by the time a patient "feels" significant tooth pain the situation is so advanced that the long term prognosis for their tooth is compromised even after their problem is addressed. This is why dentists advise their patients to come for checkup and cleanings every 6 months. Of