Most dental problems follow predictable patterns. At our modern dental clinic in Plano, TX, the issues patients call us about, come in for unexpectedly, or put off addressing for years are largely the same ones. Knowing what they are, how they start, and how they get treated makes it easier to take action before a small problem turns into a bigger one.
Tooth Decay (Cavities)
Tooth decay is the most common dental problem in the world, and Plano is no exception. It starts when bacteria in the mouth produce acid from sugar, and that acid gradually breaks down the enamel on the surface of a tooth.
In the early stages, decay does not cause pain. That is why checkups matter. A cavity caught at a routine exam can usually be treated with a simple filling. Left untreated, it progresses deeper into the tooth, eventually reaching the nerve, at which point root canal therapy becomes necessary.
We treat cavities at every stage at our Plano office. For simple cases, a tooth-colored composite filling restores the tooth in one visit. For more advanced cases, we discuss the full range of options, including dental crowns when the damage is extensive.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, starts as gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. Symptoms include bleeding when brushing, redness, and swelling. At this stage, the condition is reversible with a professional cleaning and improved home care.
When gingivitis is not addressed, it progresses to periodontitis. The infection spreads below the gumline, the bone supporting the teeth begins to break down, and pockets form around the roots. Advanced gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
We assess gum health at every exam. For patients with active gum disease, scaling and root planing is the first line of treatment. Patients with a history of gum disease are placed on a periodontal maintenance schedule to keep it from returning.
Cracked or Broken Teeth
A cracked tooth can happen from biting something hard, from a fall, or gradually over time from grinding. Symptoms range from sensitivity when biting to sharp pain that comes and goes, to no symptoms at all until the crack progresses.
Depending on the size and location of the crack, treatment may be as simple as a dental crown to hold the tooth together, or as involved as a root canal followed by a crown if the crack has reached the pulp. If the tooth has cracked below the gumline, extraction may be the only option.
We treat cracked teeth as emergencies and offer same-day appointments for patients who call with acute tooth pain or a visible break. Our Thursday evening hours and Saturday availability cover patients who cannot wait until a weekday morning.
Tooth Loss and Missing Teeth
Tooth loss affects more adults than most people realize. Missing teeth are not only a cosmetic concern. When a tooth is missing, the bone in that area of the jaw begins to deteriorate, neighboring teeth shift over time, and bite function changes.
Replacement options depend on the number of missing teeth, bone health, and patient preference. Dental implants, which are titanium posts anchored into the jawbone to support a permanent crown, are the most stable and long-lasting solution. Dental bridges span the gap using adjacent teeth as anchors. Dentures replace larger numbers of missing teeth.
Dr. Hardin is a Fellow in Implant Dentistry through Implant Pathway’s Dental Implant Continuum. He places and restores dental implants in-house at our Plano office. Patients do not need to be referred out to a separate specialist.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common complaints patients mention during exams. It shows up as a sharp reaction to cold drinks, hot foods, sweet items, or brushing.
The causes vary. Worn enamel, exposed root surfaces from receding gums, a cracked tooth, or a cavity can all produce sensitivity. Treatment depends on the cause. For mild sensitivity from enamel wear, desensitizing products and fluoride treatments may help. For sensitivity linked to gum recession or a structural problem, more specific treatment is needed.
We do not guess at the cause. We find it. If sensitivity has been bothering you for a while, a standard checkup is the right first step.
Dental Anxiety and Avoidance
Dental anxiety is a real barrier to care, and more common than most patients feel comfortable admitting. It leads to years of skipped appointments, which in turn leads to larger problems when someone finally does come in.
At our office, we offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation for patients who need extra support to get through an appointment comfortably. Beyond sedation options, we take a straightforward approach: explaining what we are going to do before we do it, checking in during the appointment, and not rushing through anything.
Patients who have avoided the dentist for years are not alone. We see it regularly, and we start where you are.
Staining and Discoloration
Tooth discoloration comes from two categories: surface staining from food, drinks, tobacco, or aging, and deeper discoloration from inside the tooth caused by trauma, medication, or infection.
Surface staining responds well to professional teeth whitening. We offer professional whitening at our Plano office for patients who want a noticeably better result than over-the-counter products deliver.
For more significant or uneven discoloration that whitening alone will not correct, porcelain veneers are an option. Veneers cover the front surface of the tooth and can correct color, shape, and minor alignment issues in one treatment.
Orthodontic Problems
Crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, and underbites are common issues that go beyond appearance. Misaligned teeth are harder to clean, which increases the risk of decay and gum disease. They can also cause jaw strain and uneven wear on the tooth surfaces over time.
For patients who want to correct alignment without traditional braces, clear aligners are a removable alternative. Dr. Hardin is a member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners. We currently offer $1,000 off clear aligner treatment for new patients at our Plano office.
Where to Get Treatment for Dental Problems in Plano TX
We handle all of the conditions covered above, from a simple filling to a full set of dental implants, in-house at our office at 1820 Coit Rd, Suite #145, Plano, TX 75075.
Call (972) 964-8989 or request an appointment online.
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