Dental – General content – gtg

3 Habits That Help You To Have Healthier Teeth

Having a white smile helps to boost your confidence and improves the first impression you make on others. Regular visits to the dentist help to keep your teeth healthy and can also help to whiten your teeth. You also need to incorporate at-home hygiene practices in order to safeguard your smile. These small steps can have a large impact on your overall oral health over time, and they do not take a lot of effort to put into effect. Here are three habits that help you to have healthier teeth.

Replace your toothbrush every three months.
Your toothbrush is one of the most important tools you have to take care of your oral health. Over time, the bristles begin to fray and lose their original shape. At this point, they are no longer able to help you clean your mouth by removing plaque and food debris. Bacteria can grow on your toothbrush over time as well, increasing your chance of introducing that bacteria right back into your mouth. It is important to replace your toothbrush when the time comes. Dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush every three months, or earlier if you have suffered from a communicable illness such as the flu or strep throat.

Drink water after a meal or sugary snack.
Although brushing after you eat is ideal, the truth is that most people do not have the time to do that. The next best thing you can do is rinse out your mouth with water. This helps to dilute some of the sugar left behind on your teeth, and it may also help to loosen stuck food particles, making it easier to remove them when you do get the chance to brush. Make it a habit to keep a water bottle in your bag each day. This will help to not only remind you to drink water after eating, but will also help you to keep water close at hand as well.

Structure your diet to support your teeth.
You have heard that too many sugary snacks can increase your risk of developing cavities; however, you should also keep foods that are good for your teeth in mind as well. Dairy products such as cheese and milk can help fight against acid’s effects on your teeth by balancing the pH in your mouth. Calcium and phosphorus in these foods can also help to replace lost minerals in your teeth as well.

For more information, please call our office.

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The Purpose Of Rubber Bands With Braces

If your child is about to get braces on his or her teeth, you may wonder why the orthodontist will use rubber bands in the process. Rubber bands are one of the vital components needed to make braces work, and there are two main reasons they are used. This will help you understand why orthodontists use these with braces.

To hold wire in place
The first place you will see rubber bands is on the brackets, which are found on each tooth in the child’s mouth. These rubber bands come in many colors, and your child may get to choose different colors at each appointment. The purpose of these rubber bands is to hold the wire in place. After the orthodontist places brackets on each of the teeth, he or she will insert a wire that runs from one side of the child’s mouth to the other. To keep this wire in place, the orthodontist uses small rubber bands.

To change the child’s bite
Braces are most commonly known for straightening a person’s teeth. While this is one of the main purposes braces serve, braces are also designed to help correct issues relating to a person’s bite. Bite refers to the way the top teeth and bottom teeth meet. In a perfect situation, a person’s top teeth would be positioned just past the person’s lower teeth when his or her mouth is closed.

If your child has an overbite or underbite, rubber bands can be used to fix this problem. If this is needed, the orthodontist will place special hooks on the brackets found on the child’s teeth, but these will only be placed on the teeth the child will use for the rubber bands. The rubber bands will be connected from the upper teeth to the lower teeth in a way that will force the child’s bite to shift.
The rubber bands are small and might seem insignificant, but they serve an important role. They place enough pressure on the upper and lower jaw to actually make it shift. If your child gets rubber bands, he or she should wear them constantly, except when he or she is eating or brushing his or her teeth.

Braces offer a great way to fix misaligned teeth and bites, and they are available for people of all ages. If you would like to learn more, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

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Broken Veneers? 3 Things You Should Do Before You See Your Dentist

While dental veneers are tough and durable, there’s a small chance that they can crack or break loose from the tooth’s surface. If either one of these things happen to you, call your dentist immediately to make an appointment for a repair. If you can’t get in to see your dentist right away — same day or emergency appointment — don’t worry. In most cases, broken veneers do not cause any pain or problems. However, you should do the following three things while you’re waiting for your appointment day to arrive.

Remove and Save Pieces
Remove any loose pieces of veneer along with any pieces that are barely hanging on to your tooth. If a piece of your veneer feels like it is solidly attached to your tooth, leave it in place. Save the broken pieces of veneer to take to your dentist by wrapping them in a paper towel and placing them in a hard container, such as a glass storage container. If your veneer came off in one solid piece, your dentist may be able to reattach it. If not, your dentist will have to order new veneers for you. Regardless, your dentist will probably want to inspect the veneer to see why it broke.

Check for Sharp Edges
After your veneer breaks, you may notice sharp places on your tooth caused by leftover bonding agent. The remaining broken pieces of veneer may be sharp as well. These sharp angles can cause damage to your gums, tongue and cheeks if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s important for you to take note of sharp places and make adjustments accordingly. You may find that chewing on the opposite side helps.

Relieve Sensitivity
If you notice any sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages, you may want to avoid eating or drinking items that are extreme in temperature. If you’re experiencing extreme sensitivity, purchase some dental wax from your local drugstore and place it over the affected tooth. The wax will create a barrier between your exposed tooth and the things you eat, which should eliminate your sensitivity.

Continue to brush your teeth and eat normally until you see your dentist. Don’t worry about damaging your teeth through normal activity because you won’t. However, you may damage your teeth if you continue to pick at your tooth or any remaining pieces of veneer. Avoid doing further damage by keeping your hands and sharp objects out of your mouth.
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3 Great Holiday Gifts For The Dental-Health Conscious Gift Recipients On Your List

It can often be difficult to come up with holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list. However, gadgets and devices to help improve oral health are items that everyone can use. Many are also fun items that people may feel guilty splurging on themselves, but will happily use when received as gifts. Here are three great gifts at several price-points that you can give anyone on your list, but will especially be appreciated by the oral-health conscious recipients on your gift list.

1. Water Flossers
Many people skip flossing just because they don’t like using string floss. Water flossers are a great alternative that not only remove the plaque between teeth that floss can, but they also help clean the surfaces of teeth to remove any plaque that remains after brushing. Some water flosser makers are coming out with special products for the gift-giving season, like flossers in bright colors.
People on your list who may especially love a water flosser include people who wear braces, which make string flossing much more difficult, and people who love gadgets that help make life easier.

2. Bamboo Toothbrush Sets
Bamboo toothbrushes are typical toothbrushes made with eco-friendly bamboo handles. These brushes make great low-price gifts if you are on a tight budget but still want to give a great, unique gift that will be put to use.
These brushes will be especially appreciated by anyone on your list who you know likes to be as environmentally friendly as possible. They may not know these brushes exist, and they will appreciate not only the brushes themselves, but also finding out that these brushes are available for them to purchase in the future can help them feel less guilt when throwing out their toothbrush every three months.

3. Unique Flavored Toothpaste Packs
While unique toothpaste may at first sound like only a gift that children would appreciate, there are sets of unique toothpastes with flavors aimed at adult taste-buds. These flavors can include rose, green tea, Darjeeling tea, bitter chocolate, and even pumpkin pie. If you know someone who loves tea, then imagine their face when they open your gift of a set of toothpastes, each with the flavor of a different type of tea. Unique toothpastes can please everyone on your list, and when the set is tailored to their taste-buds and favorite flavors, they will appreciate the thought you put into choosing their flavors carefully.

Whether you have a gift recipient on your list who you know is oral-health conscious, or you just need gift ideas that are fun and everyone can use, then look into one of these gift options. Your recipients will not only enjoy opening and using your gifts, but you can help them enjoy their next dental check-up after your gift helps improve their oral health by making oral-care fun for them

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5 Tips For A Successful Dental Implant Recovery

If you are going to have dental implant surgery, you will want to know of the best way to recover from it. This will ensure that you are back to feeling normal once again and are able to eat and drink and return to work more quickly. Here are five tips to help you experience a successful dental implant recovery;

Prevent Infection: One of the number one reasons dental implants fail is because of infection. Infection happens when bacteria is able to get to the root of the implant and eat away at the gums, which causes infection and prevents the implant from being able to implant to the bone. You will have to have your dental implant removed, the infection treated and another one placed back in place. To avoid infection, you must brush and floss as normal and take extra care around the implant.

Stop the Use of Tobacco: Using tobacco is one of the other reasons dental implants fail. This is because tobacco causes the implant to break down. If you have a hard time stopping the use of tobacco, you should try and have the problem taken care of with treatments and therapy before you have the dental implant surgery.

Don’t Participate in Excessive Exercise: For at least three days after the surgery, you should be sure that you are not participating in excessive amounts of exercise. Since dental implant surgery can cause swelling, you will want to be sure that you allow the swelling to go down and not become worse. Excessive exercise will cause additional swelling and possibly even bleeding at the implant sight.

Don’t Rinse too Much: Although it will feel like you are cleaning your mouth out when you rinse, you can actually cause the healing process to slow down. You can rinse your mouth every once in a while. However, excessive rinsing can cause too much to wash away and prevent the implant from easily being able to attach itself to the bone.

Don’t Miss Your Follow Up Appointment: Even if you feel that your recovery has gone smoothly, you should never skip out on the follow up appointment after surgery. This is because your dentist may catch problems that you didn’t notice or feel and they will be able to correct it. Plus, your dentist will provide you with further tips for keeping your dental implants clean and safe from damage.
By following these five tips, you can be sure that your dental implant recovery goes smoothly and you can quickly get back to your everyday life.

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Can Teeth Whitening Procedures Damage Your Gums?

One of the most common reasons people hesitate to have their teeth whitened is the fear that it will somehow damage the rest of their mouth, particularly the gums. Patients with sensitive teeth or gum disease are more likely to be concerned about this possibility. The truth, however, is that tooth whitening is a safe procedure, and any rare side effects usually resolve themselves within a day or two. If you are worried about the potential impact of teeth whitening on your gums, follow these four steps to protect your mouth.

Checking the Fit of Bleach Trays
Most complications from whitening occur when the trays holding the bleaching agent do not fit correctly. This tends to happen with home whitening kits, which are made to fit a wide variety of mouths and end up fitting no one perfectly. For those who insist on whitening at home, try to find a kit that does not extend over your gum line to minimize the bleach’s impact on your gums.

Protecting Your Gums During the Procedure
Dentists can offer more comprehensive whitening solutions, but they also use more powerful bleaching agents. Because of this, your dentist must take steps to guard your gums, typically through protective barriers and customized bleaching trays. You are less likely to suffer complications when whitening with a professional, but you may still see some discoloration or peeling afterward. It is important to then be able to recognize what is and is not a normal part of the healing process.

Understanding Gum Discoloration
When a bleaching agent does find its way onto your gums, it will whiten them as well. Depending on the levels of exposure, you may also experience minor chemical burns, which can burn, itch and peel. Thankfully, this irritation should clear up quickly, and most patients find themselves fully recovered within a few days. Rinsing your gums with warm water after whitening can help to remove any excess bleach and minimize the damage.

Recognizing a Negative Reaction to Whitening
Very rarely, a teeth-whitening patient will experience side effects that require medical attention. Should you experience pain for more than a week or pain that is too intense to eat or drink, contact your dentist for a followup examination. You may be prescribed a gel that can numb the sensation and allow you to function as your gums heal. Soon, your gums will be back to normal, and your smile will be brighter and more attractive than ever. If you still have concerns about whitening your teeth, don’t be afraid to consult with your dentist to better understand the process and have your mind set at ease once and for all.

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4 Tips For Eating Immediately After Dental Implant Surgery

Missing teeth can quickly become the root of a number of problems. It is harder to speak and eat correctly while missing teeth. In addition, your teeth are more susceptible to disease due to the gaps that missing teeth leave. As a result, the easiest solution is to get dental implant surgery. Dental implants work as well as regular teeth; however, they need to be taken care of immediately after surgery in order to last long.

Avoid Chewing with your Dental Implants
Right after your surgery, your implants are still settling into your gums. This means that any unnecessary pressure can loosen your implants. Therefore, avoid chewing with your dental implants. Use your original teeth to chew foods. If it is impossible to eat without your implants, then only use them to chew for a few seconds. The less that you aggravate your implants, the faster they will heal.

Avoid Hot and Cold Foods and Beverages
Foods that are either extremely hot or extremely cold will cause the surgical area to open up. In addition, these foods commonly cause tooth sensitivity after a dental surgery. It is better to look for alternative food options than adding on to your pain. Also, your dental implants will collect stains the same way your regular teeth do. So staying away from hot beverages like coffee and tea will save you on teeth whitening in the long run.

Avoid Eating Sticky Foods
Sticky foods tend to lock on and hold to your teeth. With teeth that have fully formed, these foods can easily be removed. However, your dental implants are still delicate immediately after surgery. Therefore, you should avoid eating things like candy, gum, and tough meat.

Incorporate Liquid Foods into Your Meals
After your dental implant surgery, it is best to avoid chewing altogether. You can do this by consuming liquid foods like soups, shakes, yogurt, and applesauce. While this diet may not be enjoyable, you can mix up the type of meals you eat. For example, breakfast can consist of something soft like oatmeal, while you can have soup for lunch. You can then end the day with a more solid meal choice for dinner.

The foods you choose to eat after your dental implant surgery are a huge part of your aftercare. As a result, use these tips to ensure that you eat the right foods after dental implant surgery. Contact our office for more help.

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How To Move Past The Gag Reflex When Wearing Your Dentures

If you have just got new partials and you find they gag you, it can be very hard to convince yourself to put them in, not to mention keeping them in for long periods of time. However, you have partials to replace missing teeth and the only other option you have at the moment is to go without teeth. This article will provide you with tips on how you can move past that horrible gag reflex and other options you may want to consider.

Dealing with a small gag reflex problem
If you gag a little bit when you put your partials in or take them out, then the chances are good that you will eventually get over it as soon as your mouth is used to the sensation of having the dentures rub against the roof of your mouth.
If you continue to have problems, it may be the way you are positioning your tongue. Try paying attention to how you have your tongue while you are putting them in. Take them out and give yourself a few minutes to recuperate. Try putting your tongue in a different position and try again until you find the right positioning for your tongue that doesn’t cause such an extreme gag reflex.

Dealing with a bad gag reflex problem
If you have a severe gag reflex that you aren’t going to be able to move past, then you may want to take your dentures back into your dentist. There is a chance they may be able to trim some of the dentures so the top part doesn’t go so far into your mouth. The dentist won’t be able to trim the dentures too much, or they won’t offer you the proper support and this can cause you more problems.

Alternatives to dentures
If you aren’t able to move past the gag reflex and your dentures can’t be trimmed enough to help, then you may want to consider other alternatives to replace the teeth you are missing. You may also be a candidate for dental implants or a bridge. These are other options you may have available to you when it comes to missing some of your permanent teeth.

Anytime you have an issue with your dentures, you should bring it to the attention of our dentists. There may be a simple solution or tips they can give you that will help you correct the issue.

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4 Dental Emergencies And Steps You Can Take Before You Reach Your Dentist

An unusual accident or oral infection can quickly compromise your dental health. You may have to seek emergency dental care. However, the period between the time of the accident and the moment you reach your dentist is important. Depending on the type of dental emergency, there are steps you can take to prevent your condition from worsening before you get professional treatment. Here are a few examples of dental emergencies and associated steps you can take before you arrive at the dental office:

Chipped Tooth
If you have chipped your tooth, save the broken piece. Rinse your mouth with warm water and bite down gently on a piece of gauze to stop any bleeding. A cold pack can be applied to your cheek to reduce swelling and help with the discomfort.

Severe Toothache
If your tooth is throbbing, it could be due to decay, an infection or severe inflammation. Your dentist will need to diagnose the cause of your condition. However, you can make your mouth more comfortable by rinsing thoroughly with warm water and flossing. These steps should help remove any food that may be lodged between your teeth. In addition, a cold pack can be applied to your cheek on the side where you are experiencing the discomfort. Try to avoid placing an aspirin on the gums that border your affected tooth; it can irritate the gum tissue.

Dislodged Crown
If a dental crown comes off, coat the inside of it with toothpaste or denture adhesive, and put the crown back it place. This will help protect the underlying tooth until you reach the dental office.

Dislodged Tooth
Save the tooth, but be sure not to scrub it or wash it with soap. Instead, gently rinse it and place it back in its socket. If you can’t hold the tooth in its original position, place it in the pocket of your cheek or save it in a container of milk. Act quickly. If your tooth is left out of its socket too long, it may not be salvageable.

Lost Filling
If you lose your filling, replace it with a piece of sugarless gum until you reach your dentist. As an alternative, you can use a bit of over-the-counter dental bonding material.

A dental emergency will require you to see your dentist as soon as possible. However, while you are on the way to receive dental care, take precautions to ensure that your condition doesn’t worsen. Nevertheless, never try to fully treat a dental emergency on your own. If you are in extreme pain or have dislodged a tooth or filling, contact our office immediately.

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3 Steps To Follow When You Have An Abscessed Tooth

Tooth pain can be caused by a number of issues, but an abscessed tooth is a serious medical condition that requires immediate dental care. Not all toothaches are equal– if you experience extreme tooth pain along with fever, swollen lymph nodes in your neck, pain while chewing, foul smelling breath despite good oral hygiene, and swollen or very red gums, there is a good chance that you have a bad infection causing your tooth abscess. If you suspect an abscessed tooth, take the following steps:

Contact a Dentist as Soon as Possible
The longer an infection of the tooth and gums is left untreated, the worse it will get. If the pain from your tooth is unbearable, it is important to visit a dentist as soon as you can in order to clear the infection, and also hopefully save your tooth. If you are experiencing excruciating tooth pain at night or on a weekend, contact a 24 hour emergency dentist in your area. Not only will dental treatment give you some relief from the pain, it will also ensure that your infection doesn’t spread to other parts of your body. Your dentist will conduct several tests to determine the cause of your pain and infection, and it may be necessary to lance the gums around the infected tooth in order to relief pressure and remove a build up of pus.

Take Antibiotics as Prescribed
Emergency treatment of an abscessed tooth typically involves lancing as needed, followed by a course of antibiotics. If you want your infection to clear up properly, it is essential to take the antibiotics that you are prescribed according to direction, and finish the whole course. You may feel better after just a day or two of antibiotics, but failing to take every pill as prescribed can result in an even worse infection in your mouth, as bacteria can be left behind to replicate.

Don’t Avoid Follow Up Dental Care
Lancing the affected gums and antibiotics can do a lot to help the pain of an abscessed tooth, but it won’t fully solve the problem. In most cases patients require a root canal after a tooth abscess. If you want to prevent further dental problems and avoid having to have a tooth extracted, it is a good idea to follow up with your dentist as soon as possible to determine and schedule the treatment that is best suited for you.

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4 Foods To Avoid After Implant Surgery

After making the decision to go through dental implant surgery, you need to make sure and educate yourself on all the ins and outs of what you can or cannot do. The last thing you want to do is jeopardize your new implants because you weren’t properly informed about what to expect. Even though you might think you can go back to doing the same things you did before, there are a few foods you don’t want to eat for at least a week after getting implants put in.

Anything that could end up getting stuck in your teeth.
Just about everything you eat is going to end up leaving some food particles behind, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat anything you like. Avoid seeds, chips, popcorn and anything else that you can think of that ends up getting stuck to the point where you have to pick the food out of your teeth.

Chewy foods.
If you have to chew an item for three times or more, you could wind up pulling the implants away from your gums. Salads, gummies, rolls, cookies, gum and hard fruit are just a few examples of food that you should avoid. Red meat should also be eaten with caution. If the meat isn’t tender, you need to avoid it for a little bit.

Hard foods.
Hard candies, dried fruits and pretzels are hazardous to your new implants. Even though raw vegetables might be good for you, they are dangerous to your implants for the first week or so. Wait until your mouth has ample time to heal before going with the raw vegetables. In the meantime, their cooked counterparts will suffice.

Foods that are extremely cold or hot.
Eating foods that are extremely hot or cold can cause pain around the implant site. It can also cause your wound to end up opening up and prolonging the healing process. Meals that are hot shouldn’t be eaten right away. Let them sit for a little bit before you consume them. Avoid drinking with a straw for a couple days to prevent irritating your new implants.

After you get through the first week or two, you will be able to add some foods back into your diet. Your best bet is to discuss the foods you can eat with your provider. They will be able to examine the site and let you know what you should or shouldn’t do.
For more information about dental implants or the dos and don’ts of post-surgery, contact our office.

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3 Ways That Anemia Affects Your Oral Health

Red blood cells carry oxygen to the tissues in your body, but if you have anemia, your body doesn’t make enough of these important cells. This can be a short-term problem, caused by nutritional deficiencies, or it can be a chronic problem, caused by other health issues. No matter the cause, anemia leaves you feeling tired and weak and it can have affects inside your mouth, too. Here are conditions that people with anemia need to be concerned about.

Glossitis
The surface of your tongue is covered in small bumps called papillae that are responsible for sensing taste. Glossitis is a condition that results when these bumps are lost, changing both the look and feel of the tongue. People with glossitis have smooth, shiny tongues that are red instead of the normal pink. The surface of the tongue can be swollen or painful due to the loss of the papillae. This can occur as a result of both iron deficiency anemia and pernicious anemia thanks to the deficiency of both essential nutrients and oxygenated blood. Your dentist can treat your symptoms with corticosteroids, medications that work by reducing inflammation.

Canker sores
Canker sores are round ulcers that form on the soft tissues inside your mouth, including the insides of your cheeks, the roof of your mouth, or on your tongue. These sores are white or yellow, have red borders, and are painful. Canker sores usually go away by themselves within 14 days, but if they last longer, you should see your dentist. When you have anemia or another autoimmune disorder, canker sores can recur frequently, so they may become an ongoing problem for you. Your dentist may give you an anesthetic mouthwash to numb the pain associated with the sores and may recommend rinsing your mouth with salt water.

Oral candidiasis
Oral candidiasis is a fungal infection that affects your mouth; it’s also called thrush or a yeast infection. This infection causes white patches to form on your tongue, inside of your cheeks, or other soft tissues. Oral candidiasis won’t go away on its own, so your dentist will need to give you anti-fungal medication to kill the fungus.

Anemia is a condition that causes a lowered amount of red blood cells and it can affect your whole body, including your mouth. If you have anemia and notice any changes inside your mouth, make sure to make an appointment with one of our dentists.

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Good Alternatives For Teeth Whitening Issues

If your teeth are discolored or stained, the obvious solution is to have them whitened. However, not everyone will be a good candidate for whitening. If you have certain dental conditions, such as a lack of enamel on your teeth or tooth-colored fillings or crowns, then a whitening solution is not going to work. In fact, getting a treatment will only make things worse by causing your teeth to end up a variety of colors. If whitening isn’t for you, there are other options you can consider. You can learn about some of those options below.

Bonding – Bonding can often be used to improve the color of your smile. It can also be used to take care of other problems such as chipped teeth or to fill in gaps between teeth. Some people choose to go with bonding over veneers because they are more affordable. The price can vary a lot from dentist to dentist, but veneers are always more costly.
To bond your teeth, the dentist will start by roughing up the surface using a special solution. This will give the bonding a good surface to adhere to. The dentist will then put the bonding on your teeth and use a special tool to mold it so it has the correct shape and a natural look. The bonding will be hardened on your teeth with the use of a dental-quality light. After the bonding is set, the dentist will finish up your teeth by polishing them so they have the shiny appearance of natural teeth.

Porcelain veneers – Most times a dentist will suggest going with porcelain veneers to whiten your teeth if a whitening treatment isn’t a valid option for your situation. To make the veneers, the dentist will grind your teeth down a bit to make room for the glue and the veneers. They will then take an impression of your mouth to send to the lab. At the lab, the technicians will make the porcelain veneers to match the color you and the dentist decided on. Once the veneers come in, the dentist will schedule an appointment to put them on. They will put the glue substance on your teeth and place the veneers on them. The dentist will verify that they fit correctly and have no issues.

Composite veneers – Your dentist may suggest composite veneers. These veneers are a bit different from porcelain veneers and they are made with a plastic material the dentist bonds onto your teeth. As with bonding, your teeth will be roughed up prior to putting the composite on them. The material will be shaped to fit your natural bite and the color will be the one decided on by you and your dentist.

Once you choose the right option for your needs, you will be able to achieve the nice, white smile you have been wanting. For more information, please call our office.

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3 Reasons To Have Cosmetic Procedures Done By Your Family Dentist

If you are looking into cosmetic procedures for your teeth, such as if you want to whiten your teeth or have veneers placed on them, then you might assume that you should look for a specialist who focuses on cosmetic dentistry. Although there are a lot of great cosmetic-only dentists out there, however, you should know that a surprising number of family dentists are also qualified to perform these procedures. These are a few reasons to consider looking for a dentist who offers both family and cosmetic services.

1. Save Money
First and foremost, you should know that you can save a lot of money by using a family dentist who also offers cosmetic procedures. For one thing, many cosmetic-only dentists are considered specialists and charge higher rates. Plus, even if the rates for specific treatments are the same, you are sure to pay less for your actual office visits. Then, you can combine regular office visits and cosmetic procedures into one appointment to save as much as possible.

2. Ensure Proper Care After Cosmetic Procedures
After cosmetic procedures, it is important for you and your dental professionals to take proper care of your teeth. For example, if you have veneers, your dental hygienist will need to use a special polish and a different procedure than if you were having a regular cleaning done. Also, if you have recently had your teeth whitened, your dentist will need to be careful not to stain or damage your sensitive teeth in the days after the procedure. Although you can certainly tell your dentist about these things at your appointment, it can be easy to forget. If your family dentist is the one to do these procedures, however, there will be a greater chance that he or she will remember and provide you with proper aftercare after your cosmetic procedures.

3. Ensure Whole Mouth Health
Although a cosmetic dentist obviously cares about the health of your teeth and gums, he or she might be less likely to keep an eye out for potential problems while checking your mouth. Your regular dentist, however, will always be on the lookout for inflammations, cavities and other things that you should be concerned about. This can help you achieve better oral health in general.

As you can see, you don’t have to count on a cosmetic dentist for your cosmetic procedures. Instead, consider the benefits of choosing a dentist who offers both cosmetic and family dental services. our office can provide more guidance and advice.

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Pros and Cons of Different Dental Implant Roots

Dental implants are a stable dental replacement option when a tooth or teeth are lost to trauma or decay. The essential implant process happens the same way regardless of implant type. An artificial root of some kind is implanted into or onto the jawbone where it will fuse during the healing process. And an artificial tooth is attached to that root via a post at a later date.

The condition and structure of your jawbone can dictate the type of implant your dentist recommends. The difference will mostly come down to the type of root structure used. Dentists have a few different options to choose from and each has its own pros and cons.

Screw or Cylinder
The most common type of dental implant is endosteal, which involves implanting the root straight into the jawbone. This root might have either a screw or cylinder shape.
For the screw-shaped root, a specialized drill is used to create a grooved hole in the jawbone. The screw is then able to twist down into that hole for a tighter fit. This custom fit means the screw roots provide some of the most stable implants capable of taking the highest bite force.

Cylinder roots are similar to the screw-shaped roots except the cylinders lack the exterior threading. The hole drilled thus doesn’t need the grooving and the cylinder is essentially dropped straight into the hole. This means that the cylinder roots are easier to implant, but this does come at a bit of a stability cost.

Blade
A blade-style root is a rarer option for endosteal implants. The root structure is thin but wide and shaped similarly to the end of a spade. This unusual shape can’t sustain as much bite force as the screw-type root. But this might still be a good option if you have a narrow jawbone that wouldn’t allow for the implantation of a screw or cylinder.
As with the other types of endosteal implants, the blade root still needs to have the post attached during a later procedure.

Plate
A plate-type root is typically found in subperiosteal implants, which are fitted above the jawbone rather than implanted into the bone. Your dentist will make an incision in your gums, fit the plate, and then allow the gum tissue to heal so the plate becomes fused in place. The plate already has a post attached so a second procedure for post attachment isn’t necessary. Instead, the artificial tooth can be fitted as soon as the gums have healed.
A plate root tends to be the best option if you have a shallow jawbones or bone decay that you don’t want to treat with a graft. It’s also a good option if you don’t want to cut down on the number of office visits required for the implant. For more information, please call our office.

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Work On Those Fears That Prevent You From Going To The Dentist

If it’s been a few years since you’ve been to the dentist, and you can easily come up with excuses why not to go, maybe you have some anxiety about the whole event. It’s time to work on those fears. If you let your teeth and mouth get in bad shape, you could face some really challenging dental work in the future. Here are some of the common fears about going to the dentist and how you can get rid if them:

1. Fear of Pain
This is one of the major fears of dental work. Movies and television haven’t helped by portraying dentists coming at patients with large syringes and needles. The reality is that your dentist has a number of techniques to prevent you from feeling any pain. More effective local anesthetics, low-dose injectable anesthetics, and laser dentistry all prevent you from feeling anything but a little pressure during the dental work. Some dentists offer a variety of sedation techniques to make you drowsy during the procedure. Talk with different dentists about the techniques they offer to make your appointment a pain-free experience.

2. Fear of the Unknown
Sometimes it’s just not knowing what will happen during a dental appointment that causes the fear. Many dental offices now include videos on their websites that discuss the different procedures they do. Check out various websites and watch the videos pertinent to the work you need to have done. Then talk with your dentist office and have them explain their procedure step-by-step. Ask questions until you are comfortable which each step.

3. Mouth Breathing Issues
If you have allergies, you may find it difficult to not breathe through your mouth during a dental procedure. Congestion may cause you to mouth breathe regularly and the thought of not being able to can cause anxiety. Ask your dentist about taking an antihistamine before your appointment. Or use the plastic nasal strips that keep your airway open. While breathing through your mouth makes the dental work more difficult, your dentist can work for shorter segments, then break to allow you to breath easier through your mouth.

4. Gag Reflex Issues
Your gag reflex may have been triggered in previous appointments and that can be keeping you away from the dentist. Some of the procedures, such as taking x-rays, have improved so you’ll experience less moments where you feel like gagging. There are also a number of other things that people have found effective:
breath through your nose during the procedure
take a decongestant before the appointment to clear up your airways
use a throat spray that contains an anesthetic to numb the throat
suck on a cough drop that has throat numbing properties before the appointment

If you find that you’re avoiding going to your dentist because of these or other fears, talk with your dentist about it. They see a number of people who likely share your fears and can give you suggestions as to how you can overcome them. To learn more, call our office with any questions you have.

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Increased Risk For Gum Problems Following Menopause

Although regular dental checkups help to diagnose periodontal disease early, they become even more important after menopause. As estrogen levels in the body drop, women become more susceptible to developing gum problems.

What Research Suggests
Studies suggest a link between hormonal changes and oral health. When estrogen levels decline quickly — as is the case following menopause — bone loss can occur. Consequently, the risk of tooth loss increases as bone mineral density decreases. The American Academy of Periodontology cautions that osteoporosis may put women at increased risk for periodontal disease, which can cause bone loss around the teeth. After menopause, women can develop loss of alveolar bone — the bones that hold the teeth — in the jaws. As the gums weaken due to bone damage around the sockets of the teeth, they become prone to infection.

Consequences of Decreased Estrogen
A decrease in estrogen levels in your body can cause your mouth to get drier. This creates an environment in which bacteria grow, and that can lead to tooth decay and problems with your gums. Dry mouth, a common symptom of menopause, results in less saliva in your mouth to neutralize the acids on which oral bacteria thrive. Bacterial plaque is the main cause of periodontal disease after menopause. Because plaque irritates gum tissue, good oral hygiene practices and regular trips to the dentist are essential to oral health. While regular brushing and flossing help remove plaque, your dentist can remove bacterial plaque from under the gum line where you can’t reach.

Common Symptoms
If your gums are red, dry and shiny, receding, painful, or bleed easily, these may be symptoms of periodontal disease. Since healthy gums are normally pink in color, shiny areas can be signs of plaque buildup. Even more serious, receding gums may be an indication of bone loss in the jaw. Other signs of gum problems include loose teeth, pus between the teeth and gums, or spaces between your teeth. Loose teeth are usually a sign of later-stage gum disease. Spaces can be a sign that your gums have receded. Tell your dentist if you have decreased saliva flow, a burning sensation in your mouth, and altered taste. All of these can be signs of gum disease. Your dentist will check to see if you have gum inflammation, pockets between your teeth and gums, or loose teeth.

Preventive Steps
You can prevent gums problems after menopause with common general dentistry practices and a few other steps:
Getting regular dental checkups to detect problems early.
Having your dentist or a dental hygienist clean your teeth every six months or more often as needed.
Brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing every day.
Informing your dentist about any medications you take, as certain medications you may need as you get older can contribute to bone loss and lead to gum disease.
Taking a daily dose of calcium and vitamin D to help improve jawbone mass and density.

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Bad Breath? Eat These Foods To Hide It
Foods like onions and garlic contain pungent oils that are carried throughout your blood steam and into your lungs. When you breathe out, the pungent smells are exhaled. Fortunately, there are foods you can eat to mask the bad breath.

Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices have oils that fight bad breath. Some of the herbs and spices you can choose from include:
Parsley
Spearmint
Cinnamon
Cardamom
Rosemary
Tarragon
Cilantro
Add these herbs and spices to your diet each day to have fresher breath no matter what you eat.

Green Tea
Green tea is healthy for you, and it helps with bad breath. It contains catechin, which is a powerful antioxidant that fights the bacteria in your mouth that causes the odor. You can purchase green tea supplements in pill form to take each day, or purchase green tea bags to make your own. It comes in many flavor varieties, such as orange, honey, mixed berry, lemon ginseng, and mint.

Yogurt
Yogurt has active cultures that fight the bacteria that cause bad breath. Make sure the yogurt you purchase has probiotics, which is good bacteria that will overpower the bad bacteria in your mouth causing the bad smell.

Fruits and Vegetables
Add apples and pears to your diet to fight bad breath. This fruit works well because it increases the production of saliva in your mouth. Saliva is important as it decreases the bacteria, and washes it out of your mouth. Berries, melons, and oranges are rich in vitamin C, which cuts down on bacteria in your mouth. This fruit also combats gingivitis and gum disease, which can also cause bad breath.

Crunchy vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumbers also increase the production of saliva in your mouth as long as you eat them raw.

Nuts
Almonds, peanuts, cashews, etc., work like fruits and crunchy vegetables washing away the bacteria. Nuts also act as tiny toothbrushes on your teeth, which also helps cut down on bad breath.

Other Ways
Sugarless gum can mask the odor of bad breath, as well as increase the production of saliva. Drinking water keeps your mouth moist, and the water rinses out your mouth.

Eating these foods and drinking water and tea is a temporary solution to bad breath problems. You should make sure you floss and brush your teeth and tongue each day. Regular dental cleanings is important, and should be done twice per year. If you continue to have bad breath, the problem could be more than what you eat. Your dentist will be able to determine what the problem is, and then give you the treatment you need. Talk to one of our dentists to find out other ways you can fight bad breath.

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Guard Your Dental Health To Achieve Overall Well-being

The relation between oral diseases and potentially life threatening conditions is quite well-known. Bad oral health can result in long-term health issues that can be potentially fatal. For instance, cavities and gum diseases may contribute to serious health conditions like diabetes, respiratory problems, and even clogged arteries and stroke; untreated cavities may become extremely painful and may lead to serious infections. Pregnant women with oral infections have up to seven times greater risk of giving birth to a premature baby than those with normal oral health.

Maintaining good dental health is thus far more than a way to have a beautiful smile; it can be a window to one’s overall health. More and more people are thus visiting family dentists on a regular basis for spotting any oral problems, and thus also preventing any other health conditions. A family dentist is one who performs comprehensive dental procedures for each member of the family, including children. These include cleanings, normal checkups, tooth fillings, and some simple cosmetic procedures like tooth whitening, crowns, bridges and veneers.

People feel very comfortable taking dental treatments through their family dentists because these individuals have a suitable perspective, and their affectionate, sensible approach makes everyone feel comfortable. We are a full-service dental office that offers the best in Family Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Orthodontics, Dental Implants and Sedation Dentistry. The goal of this dentist is to create lasting relationships with their patients and turn them all into friends, who would look forward to coming back to them. To achieve this, they work closely with the top specialists in the area to make sure that their patients receive the best care available.

Every new patient undergoes a comprehensive examination and a discussion about his/her past dental experiences and overall health. By doing this, the dentists find out exactly what the patient’s expectations are, and what they should do to meet and exceed them. Some of the other important reasons that make us a preferred family dentist for people living in in the area include:

We offer pediatric dentistry, which involves giving fluoride treatments and dental sealants to help children ward off their tooth decay. We offer orthodontics for kids and adults with a variety of options, including Invisalign clear braces and traditional straight-wire braces with metallic or clear brackets. Our gentle hygienists perform thorough cleanings, and they offer periodontal therapy for patients whose gums have fallen victim to gum disease. We have all the latest technologies at our disposal. We screen the patients for oral cancer; assess each tooth to identify problem areas if any. All our treatments are performed with maximum esthetics in mind. We use only tooth colored fillings and porcelain to restore teeth back to their original beauty. Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) is used to help reduce those anxious moments

Undoubtedly, the dentist-patient relationship is a key determinant of patient’s comfort level as well as his long-term association. The warm, generous approach of our office makes every patient’s visit highly pleasurable and worthwhile, and thus results in many lasting relationships!

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Your dentist is a cornerstone of your health and well-being! Too often, we think of our oral health as separate from our overall health. In reality, the health of our teeth and gums is intertwined with the rest of our body. Your mouth is the main entrance to the body. Gums and teeth are linked to the digestive, nervous, endocrine, lymphatic and skeletal systems and the bloodstream. And they share the harmful organisms that cause disease. This is why your dentist is so important to your health and well-being. Your dentist is an expert in diagnosing and treating conditions of your teeth, gums and upper jaw and face conditions that can impact your overall health. Most important, your dentist can help you prevent damaging and costly oral health problems from occurring in the first place.

Who’s the most important member of your dental health team? You! Even with the very best dental care, if you don’t do your part, the health of your teeth and gums is at risk. Although personal dental hygiene practices differ depending on the general condition of your mouth and gums, the following three steps are crucial.

Brush your teeth after every meal, at least three times a day. Floss at least once a day.
Eat a well-balanced diet. Good nutrition helps you maintain healthy teeth.
Have your teeth examined and cleaned every six months or more if you have gum disease or other conditions that place you at greater risk of oral health problems.

Seven health conditions your dentist may detect first.You might be surprised to know that a dentist is often the first person to spot a number of health conditions, including serious diseases like diabetes and heart disease. All told, more than 90 percent of the systemic diseases of the body are linked to symptoms in the mouth.

Red, sore, swollen gums of periodontitis (gum disease) are associated with heart disease and stroke.
Sore, pale gums indicate you may be anemic.
Bright red, spongy, inflamed gums that bleed easily can be a sign of leukemia.
Significant erosion of tooth enamel may signal of eating disorders, such as bulimia, or gastric conditions.
If air blowing on your gums makes them bleed, you may be pregnant.
Bad breath, dry mouth, bleeding gums and receding gums are often associated with diabetes.
White spots and sores that don’t heal on your gums and other oral tissues can be signs of oral cancer.

What you should know before choosing a dentist

1. Is the dentist covered by your dental insurance plan?
2. Does the dentist perform the kinds of services you need? For example, you may want to find a dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry or a pediatric dentist for your child.
3. How are emergencies handled?
4. Are the location and hours of the office convenient for you?
5. How long is the wait for non-emergency appointments?
6. What are the fees for typical services such as x-rays or a preventive dental appointment that includes an oral exam and teeth cleaning.?
7. Are payment plans available?
8. If you get butterflies in your stomach when thinking of going to the dental appointment, ask if the dentist specializes in working with patients who are nervous about dental procedures and if he or she offers nitrous oxide to help patients relax.

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Types of Family Dentistry

Some points to consider when you have to decide on what kind of dentist to select for the whole family.

The majority of dentist who are practicing are general practitioners who are trained and able to work with a wide spectrum of patients of all ages. A small minority of dentist are specialist that treats only in one of the nine specialty fields such as an oral surgeon or a dentist who treats only children.

When it comes time to decide what kind of dentist would serve your family best there are many advantages to choosing a family dentist. This choice makes it easier on your busy schedule to schedule appointments for the whole family with one practitioner instead of running all over town to take the kids to a pediatric dentist and you and your spouse to a general dentist.

A children’s dentist may have a waiting room that is set up for kids with games and toys but it isn’t the waiting room that should be selling point. When you are trying to decide between a family dentist and a specialist you need to ask yourself some basic questions. Is it going to make it easier or harder on you or whoever chauffeurs the kids to the dentist to have to go to a different dentist from the adults in the home? Is having a dentist who can only treat your child until they turn eighteen worth the future inconvenience? Wouldn’t it be easier if your child grew up with the same dentist they could continue to go to as young adults who already knows their dental history and oral hygiene habits?

Your child should start seeing the family dentist at a young age, even while they still have only baby teeth to contend with. The dentist can educate your child and whole family about the proper care of teeth and help install good life long oral hygiene habits at a young age. Ideally if visits to the family dentist have begun at a young age it will be second nature to your child to take care of their teeth as they age and they won’t develop a fear of the dentist chair that is so common in not only children but adults as well.

If your child is already fearful of visiting the dentist it can help for the family dentist to be someone who you are already familiar and comfortable with as a patient so you won’t worry about the care and treatment your child will receive knowing the quality of care you already see from this doctor.

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Common Concerns About Getting Dentures

When you are missing several of your teeth, it is important for you to understand the treatment options that can be used to restore the appearance of your smile. However, there are many different corrective procedures that can be used to replace your teeth. In particular, dentures are an affordable and effective solution for repairing this type of damage to your mouth. By having a few of the more frequently asked questions about dentures addressed, you can make a more informed choice about using dentures to correct your dental appearance.

What Is Involved With Being Fitted For Dentures?
Before your dentures can be made, it will be necessary for your dentist to create a mold of your mouth. This mold is necessary so that the dentures can be perfectly fitted to the unique shape of your mouth. When the dentures have been made, the dentist will put them into your mouth, and evaluate how they are sitting on the gums. In some instances, it may be necessary to adjust the dentures during the initial fitting. To do this, the dentist will gently warm the base of the dentures and slightly bend them. They will be put back in your mouth, and this process will be repeated until the dentures are perfectly situated in the mouth.

Will Dentures Cause Sores Or Other Issues For Your Mouth?
There are some people that may be concerned about their dentures causing sores or other issues with their mouth. However, you should be relieved to know that dentures will not cause these issues as long as they are properly fitted. Another common cause of these sores is using denture adhesives as these substances can irritate the gums.

How Will You Care For Your New Dentures?
Caring for your dentures is essential for making sure that you get the most from this investment in your smile. To keep your dentures safe from the damage that wear and tear can cause, you should make sure to keep them as clean as possible. In particular, you will need to brush and floss them at the end of each day as well as place them in a sanitizing solution while you are sleeping at night. If you fail to do this simple maintenance, your dentures can become discolored, and they may cause you to have chronic bad breath. Additionally, they may be more likely to cause your gums to become irritated, but these issues can be avoided by simply following these cleaning and care steps.

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The Custom Arch Wire: What It Is, How It’s Made And Why It Can Seriously Change Your Child’s Mouth Forever

Arch wires in orthodontia are those wires that the orthodontist inserts through all of the metal brackets on your child’s teeth. New technology has made it possible to create custom arch wires that are created from a scans taken of your child’s mouth and from the digitized plan your orthodontist creates within the software of these programs. To learn more about custom arch wires and digitized treatment plans, how the wires are made, and how it can seriously change your child’s mouth forever, the following information has been provided.

What This New Treatment Is
After the orthodontist’s assistants take pictures of your child’s mouth, the orthodontist assess the pictures. Some of these are three-dimensional cross-section images of your child’s sinuses, jaws, nasal cavities, etc. Then the orthodontist creates a treatment plan within the software of this program that immediately produces a picture of what the corrected teeth would look like with the custom arch wires in place. This picture is sent to a lab, where a single, unbent piece of arch wire is carefully bent to the specifications given in the treatment plan. Then the wire is installed in your child’s braces.

How It Is Made
The data taken from the orthodontist’s treatment plan is programmed into the machine that transforms the arch wire from a shapeless wire into a perfectly accurate replicate of the wire that will go into your child’s mouth. Every little bend made in the wire by this precision machine has its own purpose–pull teeth forward, push teeth back, move teeth out of the way or decrease overbite. The machine’s bending tips (which almost look like a couple of lasers meeting in the middle) are very small and extremely precise in the work that they do. The wire is transformed with a millimeter’s difference here, a couple millimeters’ difference over there.

Why It Will Seriously Change Your Child’s Mouth Forever
Because the treatment plan and the custom arch wire are so precise and because your orthodontist never needs to make a single adjustment, you all spend far less time in the chair and fewer appointments in the office. The custom arch wire does all of the work without your child even noticing what is happening and when the treatment is over, your child will never need any orthodontia again (unless he/she knocks out an adult tooth). Treatment is often faster and the results last longer, plus your child’s smile is perfected to picture-perfect accuracy. If you want to know how to get this kind of orthodontic treatment for your child, call our office.

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Questions About Periodontal Surgery

If you have had gum problems, your dentist may have suggested periodontal treatments to help reduce the inflammation of the tissues. Additionally, he or she may have performed procedures, such as root planing or scaling, to help clear plaque, tartar and bacterial deposits from below your gum line. Nevertheless, if the pockets in your gums have still not shown sufficient improvements or are excessively deep, the dentist may suggest periodontal surgery for more effective cleaning. Here are a few questions about this beneficial dental surgery:

Is there anything done to prepare your mouth for periodontal surgery?
It is important for the bacterial population in your mouth to be well controlled before the surgery. The health of your gums is directly impacted by the amount of plaque in your mouth. Your dentist will likely instruct you to use an antibacterial mouth rinse in addition to your usual brushing and flossing. He or she may also suggest an oral irrigator to massage the gums and help flush material from the area just below the gum line. If your gums continue to be inflamed, the dentist may prescribe an antibiotic to ensure that pathogenic bacterial counts are at an acceptable level before surgery.

What types of corrections are performed during periodontal surgery?
During gum surgery, the gingival tissues may be repaired and restructured. Additionally, bone loss may be corrected. In some cases, these procedures are performed in conjunction with the installation of a dental implant for tooth replacement.

Is general anesthesia usually used?
In most cases, only local anesthesia is applied for periodontal surgery. However, if you suffer from dental anxiety, oral or intravenous sedation medicines may also be administered.

What are the desired outcomes of periodontal surgery?
The desired outcomes of the surgery include the elimination of pockets in the gums, the reattachment of the gums to the teeth and the appearance of normal-looking gingival tissue.

What should you expect after the surgery?
After the surgery, you should expect your gums to feel sore or uncomfortable for a couple of days. In addition, your teeth may be more sensitive to changes in temperature. Also, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics and pain medication, and you may be asked not to participate in rigorous activities that could cause your surgical wounds to bleed.

To learn more about periodontal surgery and what to expect from the procedure, schedule an appointment with a dentist or periodontist in our office.

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Refuting A Few Myths Concerning Teeth Whitening

It is a reality of life that staining can be a common dental problem for people to encounter. Whether these stains are from smoking or drinking coffee, they can have a profound impact on the appearance of your smile. Fortunately, whitening services are available to help address this problem, but you may have a difficult time deciding to use this option if you are giving credit to the following few myths.

Myth: Professional Whitening Will Always Make Your Teeth More Sensitive
There is a frequent belief among some individuals that whitening their teeth will result in permanent sensitivity issues. Fortunately, this is not typically a problem that you will need to worry about when using professional whitening services. Often, this problem can be caused when individuals attempt to use home-based kits and misuse the whitening gel. A common example of this misuse may be leaving the gel on for much longer than necessary. Luckily, professional whitening technicians are highly trained in the use of the bleaching agents, and this will help ensure that your teeth are kept safe from this issue.

Myth: Whitening Cannot Work For Deep Stains
Those that suffer from particularly severe tooth staining may be under the impression that these whitening services will be insufficient to correct their smiles. While it is true that deep staining will be more difficult to correct, it is still possible for your dentist to restore your smile from this problem. Laser whitening is a common treatment for individuals that have deep stains. When this procedure is used, a gel is applied to the teeth that will react when a laser light comes into contact with it. This reaction will help the bleaching agent to get below the surface of the teeth where it can remove the staining.

Myth: Whitening Results Always Fade Soon After The Procedure
It is no secret that undergoing a professional tooth whitening service can be a rather significant investment in your appearance. However, there are some steps that you can take to help ensure that the results of this procedure will last for as long as possible. Ideally, you should avoid food and beverages that are rich in pigments as these substances can be absorbed into the pores of the teeth. If this is not always possible, you should brush your teeth or at least rinse your mouth with water when you consume substances that are rich in pigments. This will remove most of the pigments, which will help to minimize the risk of staining.

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How To Heal From Your Dental Implant Procedure More Quickly

Implant Procedure More Quickly
When you get dental implants, you want to be able to enjoy your new smile as soon as possible. While the initial pain and discomfort of the procedure will fade in a short time, the healing process can take up to 9 months to complete. This process allows your gums and jaw line to heal for a secure bond you can enjoy with your new teeth. Here are ways you can heal quickly from your dental implant procedure so you can shine with your new smile with comfort and confidence.

Consume lots of calcium
Your body needs lots of calcium to make your jaw bone healthy and strong as it heals from having your dental implants put in. Consume dairy products and other foods that contain natural amounts of calcium, such as:
spinach
oranges
seafood
legumes

You can also take a calcium supplement if you have approval from your doctor to do so. Talk to your doctor about the right dosages to take so you end up getting as much calcium as your body needs while you heal from surgery.

Avoid ‘chewy’ foods
You want to steer clear of foods that make you chew a lot, as this can give your poor jaws an unwarranted workout. Until your dentist gives you the OK, stay away from granola, nuts, popcorn, gummy candies, chewing gum, and other foods that require you to chomp a lot before swallowing. You want to give your jaws a rest both for your own comfort and to allow them to heal stress-free.

Take care of your oral health
You may think you don’t need to care for your mouth the way you used to when you get dental implants, but the opposite is true. Your tender gums are susceptible to infection and bacteria just as they were prior to getting implants, and an infection can slow your healing down and lead to uncomfortable swelling, bleeding, or even tissue wear. Use a mouthwash approved by your dentist to clean out debris, floss when you have permission to do so after you have healed enough, and always brush your dental implants with a non-abrasive toothpaste to keep your oral health in check.
Your dental implants should last you for a few decades, and with the right precautions, you should heal rather quickly. If you have concerns about healing after your dental procedure, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist about them. They can help you choose the best ways to keep your gums, teeth, and jaws healthy for as long as you have your implants.
For more information, contact our office.

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Want Gold Dental Crowns But Worried About Tarnishing? 3 Tips To Keep Them Lustrous

Are you considering visiting a cosmetic dentist and having gold crowns installed over some of your teeth? Is the fear that your crowns will tarnish soon after having them placed the only thing preventing you from getting the procedure done right away? If so, here are 3 tips to help you keep your future gold crowns lustrous and tarnish-free for a very long time.

1. Opt For A Higher Karat
The higher your crowns’ gold content, the less apt they will be to tarnish. Pure 24 karat gold will not tarnish at all, but dentists can’t craft your dental crowns out of 24 karat gold because they would be far too soft and malleable. There is no standard metal composition of dental gold; 10-16 karat gold is common for dental work, but your dentist can place crowns with gold contents as high as 20 karats. If tarnishing is your main concern when it comes to your future gold dental crowns, ask your dentist to craft your crowns with the highest gold karat content they offer.

2. Avoid Acidic Foods
Some of the metals mixed with gold to create the gold alloys used in dental work will tarnish when exposed to acid. As such, it’s wise to avoid acidic foods such as onions, pickles, and olives after having your gold crowns placed. When you can’t avoid acidic food, brush your teeth thoroughly shortly after eating to limit the exposure your gold crowns have to tarnishing food acids. When drinking acidic beverages such as soda or alcohol, use a straw so the liquid bypasses your crowns and goes straight to the back of your mouth.

3. Don’t Smoke
Most people know that smoking can lead to the discoloration of their natural teeth, but it can also lead to the tarnishing of gold crowns and other gold dental work. Dental crowns typically have palladium, silver, tin, and/or copper mixed in with the gold to give the metal added strength and durability. If your dental crowns have silver or copper in them, though, they’ll tarnish quickly when exposed to the gasses in cigarette smoke. If you’re a smoker, it’s wise to kick the habit now before having gold crowns installed over your teeth.

Gold dental crowns can tarnish, but with the right gold content and proper care, yours won’t. If you want gold crowns placed over some of your teeth, heed the advice above and go ahead and set an appointment with your cosmetic dentist to get it done.

To learn more, contact our office.

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4 Ways Dental Bonding Material May Be Used To Transform The Look Of Your Teeth

Dental bonding material has a wide range of cosmetic dental applications. Here are a few ways that bonding material may be applied to transform the look of your teeth:

Bonding material can be used to fill in large gaps between the teeth.
If you have large spaces between your teeth and you are uncomfortable with the way that they look, dental bonding material can be used to fill in the spaces and make your teeth appear as though they are more closely set. The bonding material can be molded to the teeth that border the gap to fill in the space between them. A vertical indention can be made in the bonding material to mimic the look of the line formed by the connecting borders of the two adjacent teeth. The cosmetic correction should not take long. The bonding material is applied while it is still pliable and it is then hardened onto the teeth using a specialized light. The color of the bonding material is matched to that of the teeth to ensure that the restoration appears seamless.

Bonding material can be used to cover exposed roots.
The roots of the teeth are not covered with tooth enamel. As a result, they appear yellow because the dentin layer is displayed. If your gums recede a bit, some of the yellow dental roots may appear. Dental bonding material that matches the color of your natural crowns can be placed over the exposed yellow roots to minimize their appearance.

Dental bonding material can fill in chips and cracks.
If you chip or crack a tooth, bonding material can be used to fill in the missing portion. Although a crack in a tooth may not be as noticeable as a chip, it can absorb pigments over time and become more unsightly. By covering the crack with bonding material, the surface of the tooth remains unmarred.

Dental bonding material can be applied to the front surface of a tooth to make the teeth look whiter.
Some types of dental discoloration do not respond to dental bleaching solutions. Teeth that have been darkened by trauma, the use of medication or a birth defect cannot be whitened using peroxide solutions. Dental bonding material in the desired shade can be applied to the teeth to give them a whiter appearance.

To learn more about dental bonding material and how it can be used, schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist in our office.

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Fluoride Treatments: Benefits And Reasons They Are Prescribed

During your most recent dental appointment the dentist may have suggested a fluoride treatment. These treatments are relatively common. Here is a bit of information concerning them:

Why is fluoride considered good for the teeth?
Fluoride is considered beneficial for the teeth because it helps to make the teeth more resistant to damages that occur due to exposure to acid. Your teeth are regularly exposed to acid because of the presence of bacteria in the mouth. Oral bacteria ingest carbohydrates in your mouth for food. As a byproduct from their digestion, the microbes excrete acid. This acid damages tooth enamel by dissolving the minerals in it. As the tooth enamel becomes weakened from the corrosive acid, decay occurs.

Fluoride helps offset the decay by forming a coating on the outer surface of the teeth. The fluoride also draws or attracts dissolved minerals, such as phosphorus and calcium, back to the teeth. The teeth become more resistant to acid as the fluoride combines with the other minerals to form a new tooth material that exceeds the original tooth material in acid resistance.

Fluoride also helps lessen the number of bacteria in the mouth. The antibacterial effects of the compound appear to stem from fluoride’s ability to make oral bacteria more sensitive to the effects of acid. This sensitivity causes the microbes to stop feeding, and the bacterial production of acid declines.

If fluoride is in most tap water and toothpaste varieties, why is a special treatment needed?
Although fluoride is often present in tap water, it is present in very low amounts. In addition, the concentration of fluoride in toothpaste is still much lower than that in a special fluoride treatment.
An in-office fluoride treatment allows the fluoride to be deeply absorbed by the teeth. In addition, since the fluoride is applied using a mouth tray or is painted on as a varnish treatment, practically all of the surfaces of the crowns of the teeth are equally exposed to the fluoride.

What are some of the instances in which a dentist prescribes a fluoride treatment?
Your dentist may prescribe fluoride treatments in the following cases:
Deep crevices in the chewing surfaces of your teeth
Too little exposure to fluoride from at-home dental products and drinking water
Frequent instances of dental decay
Visible teeth roots
Dry mouth

To learn more about fluoride treatments and how they could benefit you, schedule a consultation with a dentist in our office.

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Things You Can Do To Keep Your Dentures White

If you have recently been fitted with new dentures, you may be excited about the appliance restoring your ability to chew as well as improving the look of your smile. However, even though dentures may appear pearly white when they are first installed, over time they can yellow, just as natural tooth enamel can. Here are a few things that you can do to help preserve the whiteness of your dentures:

Rinse your dentures immediately after eating or drinking highly pigmented and acidic substances. If you choose to ingest a heavily pigmented substance, such as coffee or blackberries, be sure to rinse your dentures thoroughly immediately after the snack or meal. The longer the pigments are allowed to rest on the dentures, the more they will be absorbed by the appliance. Although rinsing does not clean the dentures as thoroughly as brushing them or soaking them in a cleaning solution, it does quickly remove particles of food that may be left on the dentures.
As you rinse, avoid rinsing with hot water. The base plate of a denture may be made of resin or metal, and the false teeth are usually fashioned from resin or porcelain. Since resin is actually a type of plastic, resin components are particularly susceptible to damage from exposure to extremely high temperatures. In fact, resin portions of the dentures may become disfigured or warped.

Acidic Substances
The acids in citrus fruits or sodas can mar the surface of the dentures. Although your dentures may initially be smooth when they are first obtained, they can become rough due to the etching of the surface by acids within the mouth. Once the surface becomes roughened, the dentures are more easily able to trap dental discoloration. It is probably best to avoid eating or drinking highly acidic substances altogether, but if you enjoy these foods or beverages, you can lessen the chance of damage to your dentures by rinsing your mouth with water immediately after ingesting them. The water will help dilute any acid that is on the appliance.

Remove your dentures for a thorough cleaning daily.
Brushing your dentures and soaking them overnight in a denture cleaning solution can help remove any dental stains that may have absorbed earlier during the day. Brushing helps remove yellowing plaque that may be coating the dentures, and the cleanser helps remove remaining dental stains. Many denture-cleansing solutions have effervescent qualities so that tiny bubbles are released as the appliance soaks. These bubbles can help clear away pigments from ingested substances, as the solution dilutes stains that are resting in the pores of the appliance.

To learn more things that you can do to keep your dentures their brightest, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your office.

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3 Reasons Dental Implants Fail

By and large, dental implants are a durable and long-lasting treatment option. Yet, like most everything in life, unless you take care of your implants properly, they may not continue to serve you so well down the line. If your dentist has suggested that dental implants might be a good idea for you, read on. This article will discuss how to avoid three of the most common causes of dental implant failure.

Bruxism
If the name of this bad habit doesn’t ring a bell, don’t worry. Chances are you’re familiar with bruxism by its more common name: teeth grinding. A tendency to grind a little bit here and there isn’t necessarily a huge problem for dental implants. But those with severe bruxism will find the surface of their implants wearing out at an alarming rate. Ultimately, the habit may even lead to fractured implants and abutment screws. Bruxism often presents the largest problem at night. For that reason, wearing a protective mouth guard while you sleep is generally the most successful solution. The best remedy for daytime bruxism, on the other hand, is often psychological. Because the tendency to grind is associated with higher stress levels, implementing healthy stress management techniques can make a huge difference.

Infection
As with all surgical procedures, there is a risk of developing unwanted bacterial infections soon after having dental implant surgery. If allowed to persist, this can negatively affect the stability of the implants themselves, in addition to posing a serious threat to your overall health.
In order to prevent this from happening, many dentists choose to prescribe antibiotics for you to take before the surgery happens. That way, any problematic bacteria present in low levels in your body will be eliminated before they have a chance to cause bigger problems. Yet antibiotics alone won’t keep you completely safe.
It is just as important that you practice a regime of strict oral hygiene, not only in the days and weeks leading up to the implant procedure, but in the days and weeks following as well. Keeping your mouth clean is vital to the long-term success of your implants. To help keep your mouth as sterile as possible, your dentist will likely opt to prescribe a special antiseptic rinse.

Cigarettes
As if you didn’t know it already, cigarettes are bad in pretty much every way possible. This is especially true for those recovering from procedures such as dental implant surgery. You see, cigarette smoke works to lower the oxygen levels in your blood. This makes it much harder for your body to heal wounds–a matter of vital importance in recovering from the dental implant procedure. Thus your dentist will likely encourage you to cease smoking as your implant appointment draws near. To learn more, speak with a dentist in our office.

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The Four Health Benefits Of Choosing Dental Implants For Replacement Teeth

If you have any missing teeth, you may have a few options for replacing them. Replacing your missing teeth is important for continuing to have the same oral functions, as well as an aesthetically appealing smile. One option you may have are dental implants, which can provide all of this and more. Here are four health benefits that dental implants provide:

Keeps Jawbone Strong: The first benefit is the fact that dental implants keep your jawbone strong. A strong jawbone ensures that you will not suffer from bone loss, which can affect the appearance of your face. Your face will being to sink in after suffering from bone loss in the jaw. Dental implants attach to the bone, thus stimulating it to continue to stay strong.

Keep Natural Teeth Healthy: Any natural teeth that you have left are going to continue to stay healthy with the help of dental implants. This is because with dental implants firmly in place inside of the mouth, your natural teeth will not begin to shift into other places, which not only creates a crooked smile, but can also affect facial shape, as well. Plus, when teeth begin to shift in the mouth, it can leave roots exposed. The roots of teeth are extremely sensitive and easily suffer from decay when exposed in the mouth.

Better Oral Hygiene: Cleaning your teeth with dental implants is much easier than cleaning your teeth when you have a bridge. This is because you will be able to continue brushing and flossing as normal. Bridges are harder to floss around because they are larger than dental implants and you will have to floss on top of the bridge as well in order to reach the gums.

Won’t Lose More Teeth: With replacement teeth, such as partial dentures, you will have an unnatural pressure being placed on the rest of your natural teeth. When this happens, your natural teeth can become loose, which is going to cause them to fall out easily. With dental implants, you can be sure that the pressure stays the same because dental implants attach to the root of the bone in your mouth, which is the same as if you still had your natural teeth.
When you know the four health benefits of dental implants over other options, you can see why it may be worth any additional costs. Be sure that you definitely consider dental implants for these reasons. For dental implants, contact our office.

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Everyone knows just how important taking good care of your teeth is, especially during your first few years on this earth. Everyone also knows that to make sure that you maintain proper dental hygiene you have to regularly check up with a dentist. For little ones however, dental care is quite different to grown-ups, as their teeth are still developing and it is important to make sure that they develop good habits from a young age. This is where pediatric dentists step in, catering for the specific dental needs of young ones, pediatric dentists are specially trained to treat the needs of infants, and have to undertake a total of six years of training, however finding the right pediatric dentist can be a daunting task if you do not know where to start looking.

When it comes to finding a pediatric dentist there are many options that you should take into consideration as opposed to just choosing the closest to where you live. All are unique and different to one another, so you should take the following into consideration before you rush into any hasty decisions. For example, you should take into consideration any needs that your children might need catering for, for example disabled access to the dentistry, or seeking a pediatrician who has a skill-set to cater for your children’s unique circumstances. You should also check that the dentist is fully certified and qualified, and might also want to search some reviews on them online to check the quality of care that they provide for their patients. Once you have decided on the set of requirements that you expect out of your pediatric dentist you can start the search for the right one.

The simplest method to finding a pediatric dentist around your area is by asking friends for their recommendations, as these are always a good place to start, even if they end up not being the right fit for you or your children for some reason. Another good way to get in touch with a pediatric dentist is by asking for a referral from your child’s pediatrician if they already have one, as they will usually be able to recommend more than one dentist and will already know your circumstances so can help to find the right dentist that can cater for them. Another method for finding a dentist for your children if you have already depleted these methods is by using an online search tool which can search for dentists in your local area.

If you are still struggling to find pediatric dentistry for your children, then you can always go direct to some of the institutions that they usually work at, for example going to a medical center to inquire about their services for children’s dental hygiene, or if it is possible maybe a private practice that is near to you. If not, then it is even possible to receive dental treatment from a dental school, so it could be worth checking out a dental school if you know that one is available nearby you. You should be able to find a pediatric dentist that is able to fully cater to you and your children’s needs by running through all of the options in this list, however if you cannot then you will most likely need to expand your field of search in order to find a dentist that suits you.

There are also other considerations that you should put some time into while searching for child’s new dentist, such as taking the time to ask them about their two year work placement and if that experience can be applied to help your children. Also it is never enough when searching for a dentist for your kids to just communicate with the dentist via phone or the internet and make a decision based on conversations over the phone or internet, as it is really important to go out and see the dentist face to face, so that you can assess if the location, the practice and the dentist themselves are right for you.

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Your smile makes a lot of difference in your day to day life. To have a good smile it is necessary for you to have a proper dentition pattern. There are only few people in the world who are blessed with proper dentition. If you have a child who suffers from toothache, it is really important for you to seek help of a dentist as soon as possible.

Pediatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. The age limit of such patients ranges from birth to 21. A medical practitioner who specializes in this area is known as a pediatrician. The dentist deals with teeth, their diseases and disorders, and oral care. People take their children to a pediatrician because of their expertise in dealing with children’s diseases. The same idea applies to dentistry.

Pediatric Dentist
Dental care needs to begin at an early age. Most children are ignorant about dental care, and it is the responsibility of the parents to inculcate oral hygiene into their kid’s daily lives. Even though the children’s teeth are not their permanent ones, any damage to these teeth can affect the growth of the permanent ones that are beneath the milk ones. A child should be taken to the dentist for regular checkups. But care should be taken while choosing a dentist. The best option is to consult a pediatric dentist.

A pediatric dentist deals with kid’s teeth and oral problems and needs to complete additional education beyond dental school in an officially recognized specialty program. A general dentist can legally treat children usually as part of a family practice. Most general dentists do a good job even though they do not have additional specialty training and education of a Pediatric Dentist. It is illegal to call oneself a Pediatric specialist if one if not. Such orthodontic practices do not offer the full range of services as the specialist. A little marketing can deceive the public so don’t assume a practice is a specialist if they happen to look like kids dentists. Most of these kid’s dentists are usually general dentists who have set up a business model to emphasize the treatment of children and mainly target Medicaid insured patients.

Make sure that your child’s dentist is really a Pediatric dentist and not just a general one. If you use a group practice it could be that the dentist seeing your child is general one. If you are not sure, ask specifically whether the dentist is a Pediatric specialist. If you get answers like “our dentists treat children” or “yes, we see children” or, “our practice is dedicated to treating children”, or something other than a straight yes, you are not seeing a pediatric dentist. The answer needs to be specific. If you are still in doubt, do a little research on the internet about their residency and their specialty. Some states require a specialty license.

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Dentists â Types and Specialties

Having a thorough knowledge of various types of dentists effectively helps patients to properly evaluate and consider their options when seeking dental care. Placing your trust in a specialist who is not equipped to handle your condition, or who lacks the knowledge and understanding necessary to treat you will only work to worsen any current conditions or issues you have.

General Dentistry

Dentistry at its core encompasses a vast array of studies and treatment areas. As such, most general dentistry practices offer patients a variety of treatment options, which touch on everything from checkups and fillings to cosmetic procedures. General dentists are thus, the most common oral health physician and the most well known. While many general practices to offer more in-depth treatments, it will all depend on the individual physician and the skills they have acquired.

Endodontics

This area places a focus on the dental pulp and periradicular tissue. Physicians will study normal pulp in addition to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases associated with it. Practitioners will generally offer root canal surgery, especially in cases where the case is severe.

Oral And Maxillofacial Pathology

These are ADA specialties which merge the areas of pathology and dentistry into one unique treatment area; the focus being diseases affecting the maxillofacial and oral regions. This will ultimately include courses and causes of these diseases, in addition to research and diagnosis through examination.

Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentistry is an area that places focus on infants, children and adolescents. It involves both therapeutic and preventative care, and includes dental care for those with special needs. This line of dentistry works to ensure younger patients the quality care they need to achieve and maintain appropriate oral health early on.

Periodontics

This branch manages the support of the tooth structure, and involves the treatment to conditions and diseases that work to impact these particular regions. Many of these conditions have various manifestations, however common forms include gingivitis, which works to deteriorate the bone and tooth area over time. As such, periodontics encompasses the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of these diseases.

Prosthodontics

This area tends to focus primarily on patients with missing or decayed teeth. Physicians who specialize in this line of work generally offer implants, tooth reconstruction treatments, and esthetic procedures in hopes to restoring the functionality of the patient’s teeth and support areas. Prosthodontics includes the diagnosis of issues, in addition to the rehabilitation of the areas affected.

Considerations

Before choosing a dentist, be sure to ask yourself what you are looking for in an oral health practitioner. Are you planning on using them for general dentistry purposes, or do you require orthodontic care as well? Do you have children whom might benefit from the attention of a certified pediatric specialist?

If you’re unsure of what services a particular practice offers, the best thing to do is ask. Most practices will be very upfront about the areas they are qualified to treat, and may even be able to point you in the direction of someone who can better assist you in cases where they are ill equipped. This way you’ll find the best dentists.

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