Teeth put up with a lot of force, and they are subjected to a tough environment. It is a good thing they are coated with a super strong material called enamel. This protects the more delicate parts of the tooth which are dentin, cementum, and the pulp. Even with the protection of enamel, your teeth can still suffer damages that need repair. These include cavities in your enamel, infections in the gums and pulp, and damage from grinding or impact.
Cavities
The most common issues that you have likely dealt with in regard to your teeth are cavities. Specific types of bacteria live in your mouth and eat the sugar that may be left behind. This bacteria causes chemicals that eat through your enamel, leading to a cavity. Cavities are easily spotted and fixed by your dentist in Chicago. However, if they are left alone for too long, they can require more difficult procedures, like root canals or even extractions.
Infections
The cause of most root canals and invasive dental procedures is the development of an infection. When cavities are not treated promptly and oral hygiene is neglected, infections in the pulp of your tooth can occur. These need to be cleaned out, usually with a root canal. Other common infections include periodontitis, which is an infection of your gums. Untreated, they can lead to great pain, and cause your teeth to fall out.
Physical Damage
Your enamel is tough, but it can be broken. If you grind your teeth, you will find that your molars can become flat. This damage can impact your bite and jaw alignment significantly. Impacts, either with your other teeth or other objects can also damage your teeth. If something hits your mouth, the tooth may come out. A dentist may be able to reinsert the tooth if seen shortly after the incident. Chips and cracks are not as severe but can weaken the structure of your teeth. This will cause more pain if they are not treated by a dentist in a timely matter.
If you are in need of a dentist in Chicago, check out Dental Specialists of South Loop & North Shore. You can find more information here: http://www.endoperiosurg.com.
