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Did you know that the mouth takes the spot on the list of the dirtiest places in the body?

You read that right! The mouth’s wet and warm environment makes it a perfect breeding ground for billions of bacteria—many of which wreak havoc on your oral health, causing pain, bad breath, structural issues, among other dental problems.

Below, we have prepared a roundup of the most common dental problems Dr. Ernie Soto—one of Plantation, Florida’s most trusted dentists—provides treatment for. Check it out.

Dental Caries

Also known as tooth decay or cavity, dental caries refers to the tiny holes in your teeth that develop when harmful bacteria produce acids that attack their hard surfaces.

Dr. Soto detects tooth decay through visual inspection and digital X-rays. Depending on the location and extent of your tooth cavity, Dr. Soto uses fillings made of composite resin, glass ionomer, or porcelain to fix it. If you have a deep tooth cavity or one in which the decay has reached the pulp, Dr. Soto may recommend root canal therapy (endodontics) to remove the infected pulp. After the root canal therapy, Dr. Soto places a dental crown over your tooth to help restore its functionality and health.

Gum Disease

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gingiva (gums) caused by plaque buildup. The harmful bacteria in plaque irritate the gums and cause them to get inflamed, become puffy, and bleed.

Left untreated, gingivitis can cause deeper pockets between your teeth and gums (up to a centimeter deep). In some cases, it can even progress to periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease that causes tooth loss and contributes to many serious medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, kidney problems, and even dementia.

To treat gum disease, Dr. Soto may either prescribe oral antibiotics or apply topical antibiotics to the target areas. He then performs deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) to remove tartar and bacteria from the surfaces of your tooth and beneath your gums. For advanced periodontitis, Dr. Soto may perform surgery to manage the problem.

Missing Teeth

The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that most adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have three or more missing teeth.Missing teeth can result in difficulty biting and chewing, self-esteem issues, altered facial appearance, jaw dysfunction, among other problems.

Fortunately, Dr. Soto offers an array of solutions for tooth loss. These include fixed bridgework, partial and full dentures, and dental implants.

Dental implant surgery involves Dr. Soto replacing missing tooth roots with a titanium screw inserted directly into the jaw bone. Through the process of osseointegration, bone cells bond to this artificial tooth root, forming a secure foundation for a porcelain crown to be placed above the gum line.

Whatever dental problem you have, it’s nothing that Dr. Ernie Soto can’t fix. Book your visit today! Call us at (954) 368-6264, or use this form to send an appointment request, and our scheduler will get in touch with you as soon as possible.