March 2012 - The Dental Place

March 26, 2012

There’s nothing like the feeling of self-consciousness that can rob you of your smile. Feeling insecure or uncomfortable with your smile can have a strong influence on your attitude, your mood, and your interactions with those around you. Since so much of our communication is non-verbal, others must rely on our facial expressions and smiles to gather more information about us. Think about how this level of communication is reduced when we conceal our smiles and laughter.

Front teeth that are chipped, fractured, discolored, or showing signs of wear and tear can all be improved with the use of veneers.

At The Dental Place in Grand Prairie, TX, we are armed with the techniques and tools that can rebuild your confidence and restore your smile. Dental veneers are frequently recommended for patients who are unsatisfied with the appearance of the front teeth. Because veneers are customized for each patient, and because they are so natural-looking, veneers are often the cosmetic dental service solution for any number of cosmetic concerns.

Front teeth that are chipped, fractured, discolored, or showing signs of wear and tear can all be improved with the use of veneers. Even teeth that appear to be crooked or crowded can be corrected with this type of permanent restoration. To improve the proportions of the front teeth, veneers may be recommended by Dr. Robert D. Maxey or Dr. Cecil F. George, Jr. to lengthen teeth that are too short, or widen teeth that are too narrow. In fact, virtually any esthetic detail can be addressed with porcelain veneers.

The process for achieving your brand new smile is relatively simple. Our cosmetic dentists in Grand Prairie will need to make conservative modifications to your natural tooth structure, reshaping the tooth to accommodate the veneer. A dental impression will be taken to capture the size and shape of the tooth. An ultra-thin porcelain veneer will be constructed according to your dentist’s specifications. Once the veneer has been customized to the appropriate shade and shape, it will be bonded to the front surface of your tooth.

Veneers are designed to last for many years with minimal maintenance, and are durable enough to tolerate normal eating and biting forces.

For many patients, there is a renewed spirit of confidence that comes with a strong and beautiful new smile. Contact one of our dentists serving Arlington TX today, to learn more about beautifying and strengthening your smile with veneers.

March 16, 2012

The wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that typically grow into the mouth during the late teens or early 20’s. These teeth are generally the topic of much debate due to their tendency to be unpredictable in nature. In light of this fact, our dentists at The Dental Place in Grand Prairie, TX may recommend that the wisdom teeth be removed in order to prevent complications.

For some patients, the wisdom teeth may fail to erupt properly. They are prone to a number of abnormalities such as:

Impaction (When the wisdom teeth fail to erupt, or grow into position, the risk of developing a cyst around the tooth increases.)
Poor angulation (Wisdom teeth are notorious for their poor positioning. These teeth may be rotated towards the neighboring teeth or angled towards the underlying nerve pathways.)
Decay (Wisdom teeth are often extremely difficult to clean properly. Accessing these teeth with a tooth brush or floss can be challenging. The inability to clean these teeth may lead to tooth decay on both the wisdom teeth as well as the neighboring teeth.)
Gum disease (As a result of the location of the wisdom teeth, it is common to develop a localized form of gum disease. Inflammation and tenderness are common symptoms when the teeth cannot be cleaned, or when food particles and plaque are allowed to collect around these teeth. Left unaddressed, this type of disease can spread to the neighboring, healthy teeth.

When our cosmetic dentists in Grand Prairie, Dr. Robert D. Maxey and Dr. Cecil F. George, Jr., are able to detect these undesirable conditions as a result of the wisdom teeth, they may be recommended for removal. This recommendation is based mainly on the possible risk to your health rather than your age. In fact, there is no recommended age for the removal of wisdom teeth. Instead, routine dental visits are suggested for proper monitoring of any developing condition, including the progression of the wisdom teeth.

If your dentist recommends that the wisdom teeth be removed, the risks and benefits will be carefully explained. Schedule a professional consultation today with any of our dentists at The Dental Place, serving Arlington TX, to have your wisdom teeth evaluated. Call 972-264-5795 today!

March 5, 2012

Along with the many cosmetic and general dental services available; An important portion of your visit to The Dental Place in Grand Prairie, TX is the search for cavities. Of course, as cosmetic dentists, we have coached for years on strategies for preventing tooth decay. Still, patients of all ages face the very real risk of developing new or recurrent cavities at any stage in life.

The grooves and pits on the surface of the enamel are prime breeding grounds for cavities. Though the anatomy of the teeth can vary from one patient to another, cleaning these areas tends to be challenging for almost everyone. It is virtually impossible to access deep crevices in the enamel with a toothbrush, toothpaste, or mouthwash.

Historically, your dental provider has relied on dental x-rays and visual detection in order to identify tooth decay. Unfortunately, when tooth decay has begun to develop in the grooves and pits, it can be difficult to detect with traditional methods. The result is a cavity that spreads beneath the surface of the enamel. As the cavity progresses, the options for preserving the tooth are significantly decreased.

Still, patients of all ages face the very real risk of developing new or recurrent cavities at any stage in life.

Dr. Robert D. Maxey or Dr. Cecil F. George, Jr. may use the DIAGNOdent cavity detection tool to aid in the clinical examination. DIAGNOdent has also been proven to aid in earlier detection of tooth decay, as compared with traditional methods. Tooth decay, similar to other diseases or infections, can be best treated when detected early.

The DIAGNOdent uses a specific wavelength of light to evaluate the density of the enamel. When the light is projected onto the surface of the enamel, the instrument measures the amount of light that is reflected. Incredibly, the light responds differently when projected onto healthy or unhealthy enamel and the dentist is alerted to the unhealthy areas.

The DIAGNOdent is typically preferred by conservative dentists who appreciate minimally invasive techniques. With the help of a tool such as DIAGNOdent that can identify a cavity in its very earliest stages, much smaller fillings can be placed. Early detection can also prevent the need for crowns and root canals.

The DIAGNOdent has revolutionized the process for detecting cavities. For a high-tech and thorough examination, call our Grand Prairie dental team for an appointment today.