Selecting a Family Dentist in Kona is an important decision because dental health contributes to a person’s overall health. Dentists recommend that a new patient begins treatment with a dental examination and professional cleaning. Modern digital x-rays allow the dentist to clearly examine the teeth and jaw while minimizing the patient’s radiation exposure. The dentist can also use a small intra-oral camera to show the patient what they see. This camera is on the tip of a small wand so the dentist can easily move it around the patient’s mouth. It is connected to a digital display mounted in front of the patient. This allows the patient to see and understand any dental problem and its treatment.
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems that a Family Dentist in Kona finds. These are caused by bacteria that eat away at tooth enamel. When the dentist finds them early, they can use a tooth-colored dental filling to repair the tooth. The first step is to use a dental drill to clean out any of the decay. The dentist uses a local anesthetic to numb the area to ensure that the patient doesn’t feel any pain. The hole that remains is filled with a composite resin that matches the tooth and bonds with the tooth enamel. This reduces the chance that the filling will leak and allow bacteria into the tooth. This makes the filling last longer.
When cavities aren’t diagnosed in their early stages, this can lead to extensive tooth decay. Once all of the decay is cleaned away, there may not be much of the tooth left. In this case, the dentist uses a porcelain dental crown to stabilize and protect the tooth. An impression of the top and bottom teeth is taken to ensure that it will fit properly. The dentist also notes the shade of the tooth, so it will blend in with nearby teeth. When the patient follows the dentist’s maintenance instructions, a dental crown will last for several decades. Carter S. Yokoyama D.D.S. is one of the family dentists in Kona that provide these services. People can visit the website to learn more about his practice.
