May 2012 - The Dental Place

May 25, 2012

Once upon a time, only movie stars could enjoy beautiful smiles. The term “Movie Star Smile” became popular, and cosmetic dentistry was only a dream for most patients.

With the advancement of dental technology and increasing accessibility of dental care, cosmetic solutions have become a reality for virtually anyone. Beautiful, durable materials such as porcelain, ceramics and composites allow your cosmetic dentist to design smiles that were historically reserved for celebrities.

Well, consider yourself a celebrity. Not only can you obtain the smile that you desire, your new smile can be affordable and practical. With porcelain veneers, you can enjoy a luxurious smile for far less than you may have thought. Cosmetic dentistry can be used to transform your smile, correct flaws, and boost your confidence almost effortlessly.

Cosmetic dentistry can be used to transform your smile, correct flaws, and boost your confidence almost effortlessly.

If you are unsatisfied with your smile, or feel that certain improvements could make a big difference in your appearance, porcelain veneers may be the cosmetic solution for you.

For most patients, porcelain veneers can be designed and permanently cemented into place in only one or two dental visits. They are bonded to the front surfaces of the upper or lower front teeth in the shade, size, or shape of your choosing. Your cosmetic dentist will aid you in selecting the veneers that will complement your smile for the most natural and realistic result.

Aside from the cosmetic advantages, porcelain veneers are extremely conservative. Very little enamel is removed, preserving the integrity of your natural teeth.

Your new smile will be strong enough to withstand your active lifestyle and there is no inconvenience in terms of eating or drinking. Avoiding harmful habits such as nail biting and teeth grinding are recommended in order to prolong the lifespan of your veneers. With proper care and routine dental visits, your spectacular smile is designed to go the distance.

Today, you can afford the luxury of a brilliant smile. Our cosmetic dentists have the expertise to craft customized and beautiful veneers that will enhance your smile. To find out more in the Arlington TX area, schedule your consultation today.

May 16, 2012

The months before the arrival of your new baby are the perfect time to learn how to learn more about caring for your personal health. It’s important to establish healthy habits as soon as possible in order to protect your own health as well as the health of your baby.

During pregnancy, many of the usual oral hygiene principles apply, but to a greater degree. Some health and dietary factors that are common during and after pregnancy can affect the health of your teeth and gums requiring special attention and care.

Turn to the dentists at The Dental Place in Grand Prairie, TX, Dr. Robert D. Maxey or Dr. Cecil F. George, Jr., as soon as possible for information as to the state of your oral health as well as advice on how to make improvements when indicated. Focusing on preventative care for the next nine months is the best way to get on the pathway to a lifetime of great health.

Diligent brushing and flossing is imperative to protecting your dental health, along with other family and cosmetic dental services. Your obstetrician has likely recommended frequent, smaller meals and snacks in order to maintain your energy level. These meals also provide the additional nutrients that are necessary for your growing baby. Brushing and rinsing away plaque and food particles can help to ward off bad breath, cavities, and gingivitis.

Gingivitis, inflammation of the gums, is a common occurrence seen in pregnant women. The body tends to be overly sensitive to the bacteria found in plaque, triggering bleeding, swelling, and tenderness. Taking steps to keep the teeth and gums clean can help to lessen these symptoms and also prevent the condition from progressing to periodontal disease. These are steps that our dental team near Arlington, TX may suggest.

An increase in the acid level in the mouth is another common factor during pregnancy. Acid reflux, GERD, and nausea can create an acidic environment in the mouth. These acids are known to contribute to tooth decay and sensitivity as well as halitosis. Rinsing with water, gentle brushing, chewing sugarless gums are suggested methods of neutralizing acidic saliva.

It is important to remember that each pregnancy is unique. Your dentist is prepared to provide the specialized care that you deserve. To learn more about your dental health during pregnancy, contact The Dental Place in Grand Prairie, TX at 972-264-5795.

May 4, 2012

Tooth impaction is one of the leading causes of wisdom teeth extraction. When the teeth are prevented from growing in properly, a number of dental conditions can arise. Typically, in order to prevent dental and health complications, your dentist will suggest the removal of impacted third molars. In some unfortunate cases, the impacted teeth can cause discomfort and complications that prompt patients to seek their removal.

Dental x-rays and a clinical exam are necessary to diagnose an impacted tooth. Though patients may experience sensitivity or discomfort in the rear of the mouth, a professional diagnosis is the only way to determine if the source is an impacted tooth.

Tooth impaction is one of the leading causes of wisdom teeth extraction.

For the great majority of patients, the wisdom teeth may become impacted due to a lack of space in the mouth. If there space at the very end of the arch is limited, there may not be enough room to allow the wisdom teeth to erupt properly.

When the teeth are not positioned ideally, impaction is often the result. In the case of the wisdom teeth, this scenario presents itself fairly often. The wisdom teeth may be angled toward the front or rear of the mouth, or in some instances, completely sideways. The chances that teeth in this position could erupt in a healthy manner are extremely low. In fact, these teeth can be predicted to lead to damage or other health concerns in the process.

Impacted teeth are the common cause of bone loss and tooth decay in the rear of the mouth. Since it is virtually impossible to clean the area surrounding such a tooth, bacteria are permitted to accumulate and the result is infection of the neighboring teeth and gums.

It is also common for a cyst or pocket to develop around an impacted tooth, contributing to extensive damage of the jaw bone and underlying nerves.

Your dentist has the expertise to evaluate your wisdom teeth in the very early stages of development in order to determine the prognosis. If complications can be predicted, the recommendation may be tooth extraction.

To find out if your wisdom teeth are impacted, schedule a consultation in our Arlington TX office today.