April 2012 - The Dental Place

April 27, 2012

Bruxism is another term for grinding or clenching of the teeth. People with bruxism usually do it unconsciously, and it can happen during the day or during sleep. In severe cases, bruxism can damage the teeth, cause headaches, and affect the jaw joint negatively.

Visit your dental office if you show any signs of bruxism. These can include flattened, chipped or cracked teeth, headaches or facial pain, jaw joint pain, sensitive teeth, or indentations on your tongue. Your partner may even be able to hear you grinding during the night.

There are several possible causes of bruxism, and each individual case is different. Stress is a common cause, as is malocclusion (an abnormal bite). Pain from teething or toothaches can also cause grinding. Some psychiatric medications can cause bruxism. Even simply having an aggressive personality can lead to the condition manifesting.

If you have bruxism, your dentist will most commonly prescribe a mouth guard. Mouth guards are made of a soft plastic, and are usually worn at night. Custom-made night guards are molded to fit over your teeth so they will not dislodge during sleep.

Along with protecting the teeth, mouth guards can also relieve tension on the jaw joint since clenching isn’t possible when you’re wearing it. This can help dissipate headaches and jaw joint pain or tension.

Another treatment option is a dental splint. Splints are made from a heat-cured acrylic resin. They fit over the top or bottom teeth. Splints can be used by both adults and children, though children’s varieties are generally made of a softer material to accommodate the growth of the child’s jaw.

If your bruxism is a result of medication or an existing health problem, you will need to speak with the prescribing doctor about your options. Taking steps to relieve stress or tension can also help eliminate the need to clench or grind your teeth.

If you are experiencing symptoms of bruxism in Grand Prairie, contact The Dental Place at 972-264-5795 and learn how we can help.

April 16, 2012

Losing your teeth can be uncomfortable and make you self-conscious. Custom-designed dentures can restore your confidence and comfort.

Custom-designed dentures are available in complete or partial forms, so whether you’ve lost all of your teeth or just a few, you can make choices that impact your smile.

Custom-designed dentures are molded to the specifications of your bite and your appearance.

The process begins with an initial consultation at The Dental Place in Grand Prairie, TX. Our cosmetic and general services provided by Dr. Robert D. Maxey and Dr. Cecil F. George, Jr. will make impressions of your jaw and take measurements of the space between the top and bottom portions. Models of your dentures will then be made, based on your preferences of color and teeth size and shape. The dentures will be customized to fit your bite.

Once the models are complete, you will try them in your own mouth to determine if you are satisfied with the look and feel. When you select a model, it will be cast into permanent, custom-designed dentures. They will compliment your appearance and increase your confidence.

Your custom dentures may take some getting used to as your facial muscles learn to eat and speak with them in place, but this stage generally only lasts a few weeks. Since the dentures are so carefully designed, some people may not even be able to tell the difference between your natural teeth and the dentures. Your dentist will discuss ways of adapting to the dentures, and the necessary steps of caring for them.

Custom-designed dentures are molded to the specifications of your bite and your appearance. They will fit well, reducing the need for numerous adjustments in the future. The state-of-the-art technology used to produce custom-made dentures ensures that you will be happy with the results the first time around.

If you are considering dentures to improve your smile, call our experienced dental team. The Dental Place has been serving Arlington TX and the surrounding areas. You’ll have something to smile about in no time!

April 5, 2012

Dental implants are permanent posts placed in the gum line to replace lost teeth. The implants fuse with the jaw bone, creating a sturdy surface to which the dentist can affix an artificial tooth. When considering whether to take advantage of implant dentistry, many patients want to know if the implants require special care.

Dental implants can be cared for just like your other, natural teeth, in most cases. One of the major benefits of implants is that they look and act just like your regular teeth. Proper oral hygiene habits are enough to make implants last for decades along with various cosmetic and general dental services.

You will need to brush them at least twice a day, preferably after meals, with a soft bristled toothbrush. Brush the front, back, and sides of each implant. Floss around them every day. Here at The Dental Place, we may also recommend a mouth rinse to use.

The gums around the surgical site may be tender during the first week after the procedure. Your implant dentist may suggest that you alter your diet to include softer foods during this short healing period. You will also want to brush and floss with a gentler hand. Once the implant heals, you can resume your regular oral hygiene routine.

Patients should avoid smoking (or the use of any tobacco products) both immediately after surgery and for the life of the implant. Smoking can irritate the gum tissue and lead to failure of the implant.

Maintain a schedule of routine check-ups and cleanings with Dr. Robert D. Maxey or Dr. Cecil F. George, Jr., just like you did with your regular teeth. These visits will give your dental care team a chance to give the implants a deep cleaning, and to evaluate them. Routine visits will ensure that any problems are detected early.

Failure to brush and floss the implants with the proper frequency can lead to an infection of the surgical site, receding gums, and possibly implant failure. In fact, poor oral hygiene is the number one cause of implant failure. By caring for your implants just like you would your regular teeth, you will help them last a lifetime.

If you would like to learn more about dental implants in the Grand Prairie area, contact The Dental Place at 972-264-5795 and schedule your consultation today.