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Permanent teeth solutions in San Jose offer a durable, natural-looking way to restore your smile and improve oral function. Whether through dental implants or advanced restorations, these treatments provide lasting results that help you eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Your permanent teeth are designed to last a lifetime, serving as the foundation for proper chewing, speaking, and maintaining facial structure. Unlike baby teeth that naturally fall out, your adult teeth require careful attention and professional care to remain healthy and functional throughout your life. Understanding how to protect and maintain these irreplaceable teeth is crucial for long-term oral health and overall well-being.
At Center for Advanced Dentistry San Jose, Dr. Steve Lim and Dr. Clairis Peréz provide comprehensive care for permanent teeth using state-of-the-art technology and proven treatment methods. Our board-certified prosthodontist brings over 25 years of experience in restorative dentistry, while our dental insurance-friendly practice offers flexible payment options, including Care Credit and Cherry financing. With IV sedation available for anxious patients, we ensure comfortable treatment experiences for all our patients.
Permanent teeth, also called adult teeth, typically begin emerging around age six and continue developing through the late teens or early twenties. Most adults have 32 permanent teeth, including wisdom teeth, though some people may have fewer due to congenital absence or extraction.
Each permanent tooth has a specific function and location in your mouth. Incisors at the front cut food, canines tear it, and premolars and molars grind it for proper digestion. This specialized arrangement allows for efficient chewing and proper nutrition absorption.
The process of losing baby teeth and gaining permanent teeth spans several years, typically from ages 6 to 12. During this mixed dentition period, children have both baby and permanent teeth in their mouths simultaneously. Permanent teeth develop beneath baby teeth and gradually push them out as they erupt.
This transition period requires careful monitoring by dental professionals to ensure permanent teeth emerge properly and have adequate space. Early intervention can prevent many orthodontic problems and ensure optimal tooth positioning.
Understanding the different types of permanent teeth helps you better care for your oral health and recognize potential problems.
Your eight incisors include four central incisors and four lateral incisors located at the front of your mouth. These thin, sharp-edged teeth are designed for cutting food and play a crucial role in speech and facial aesthetics. Incisors are often the most visible teeth when you smile, making their health and appearance particularly important.
The four canine teeth, also called cuspids, are located next to your incisors. These pointed teeth are designed for tearing food and have the longest roots of any teeth. Canines play an important role in guiding jaw movement and protecting other teeth during chewing.
Eight premolars, also called bicuspids, are located behind your canines. These teeth have flat surfaces with cusps designed for crushing and grinding food. Premolars serve as a transition between the cutting teeth in front and the grinding teeth in back.
Your molars include eight permanent molars plus up to four wisdom teeth. These large, flat teeth at the back of your mouth are designed for grinding food into small particles for easy swallowing and digestion. The first permanent molars, often called six-year molars, are typically the first permanent teeth to emerge.
Permanent teeth face various challenges throughout life, from decay and trauma to wear and structural problems. Some of these issues include the following:
Tooth decay remains one of the most common problems affecting permanent teeth. Bacteria in your mouth produce acids that can dissolve tooth enamel, creating cavities. Without proper treatment, decay can progress through the tooth layers, potentially reaching the pulp and causing severe pain or infection.
Modern preventive measures and early intervention can stop decay in its tracks. Regular dental checkups allow for early detection and treatment of cavities before they become serious problems.
Periodontal disease affects the tissues surrounding your permanent teeth. Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, causes inflammation and bleeding. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which can destroy the tissues and bone supporting your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss.
Permanent teeth can be damaged by accidents, sports injuries, or other trauma. Unlike baby teeth, permanent teeth don’t have natural replacements, making protection and immediate treatment of injuries crucial.
Over time, permanent teeth naturally experience wear from chewing, grinding, and other forces. Excessive wear from bruxism (teeth grinding) or acid erosion can compromise tooth structure and function.
When permanent teeth are damaged or diseased, various treatment options can restore their function and appearance. These treatment options are as follows:
Fillings, crowns, and inlays can repair damaged teeth and restore their function. Modern materials like composite resins and porcelain provide durable, natural-looking results.
When decay or trauma affects the pulp inside a tooth, root canal treatment can save the tooth by removing infected tissue and sealing the tooth. This procedure allows you to keep your natural tooth rather than having it extracted.
When permanent teeth are lost, dental implants, bridges, or dentures can restore function and appearance. Dental implants are often the preferred option because they most closely replicate the function of natural teeth.
Your permanent teeth are irreplaceable, making their care a lifelong priority. Dr. Steve Lim and Dr. Clairis Peréz provide comprehensive care for permanent teeth, from preventive treatments to complex restorative procedures. Our board-certified prosthodontist brings over 25 years of experience in saving and restoring damaged teeth, while our state-of-the-art facility offers the latest in dental technology. We accept many dental insurance plans and offer financing options to make treatment accessible.
Whether you need routine care or complex treatment for damaged permanent teeth, our team is here to help you maintain a healthy, functional smile for life. Contact us at (408) 684-5567 or schedule an appointment to discuss your permanent tooth care needs.
Our office is strategically positioned in San Jose, CA, along North Bascom Avenue, offering easy connectivity to major transportation routes and centrally accessible from neighboring communities. The suite is housed within a professional complex with convenient parking options and straightforward building navigation for visitors.
