October 2012 - The Dental Place

October 25, 2012

Many patients dislike their dental imperfections and would do just about anything to make changes. Thanks to veneers, their new smile can become a reality in just a few brief dental visits.

A veneer is a wafer thin, tooth colored shell that is permanently cemented to teeth to correct:

Stain and tooth discoloration – A professional hygiene cleaning or tooth whitening session is often not enough to remove stain due to medication, over fluoridation, smoking, diet, or age.

Wear and tear – Years of grinding can result in uneven teeth, or just day to day pressures can add years to your appearance because of worn down enamel.

Misshapen teeth – Whether there are several or just one tooth out of alignment, your smile can be enhanced by covering the offending teeth.

Chipped or broken teeth – Veneers have been proven to be the least invasive cosmetic procedure to strengthen and improve the appearance of damaged teeth.

Eliminate gaps – Unsightly spaces between teeth disappear.

Who are the best candidates for dental veneers? Anyone from young adult to a senior citizen that does not suffer from periodontal disease can improve their smile.

Your cosmetic dentist will help you decide what type of veneer is most suitable for you. Then a customized plan will be designed to enhance your appearance by matching the size, contour and color of surrounding untreated teeth to make your veneers blend identically for the most natural look possible.

At that much anticipated final appointment, the dentist will remove a small amount of the enamel about the same thickness of the veneer. The dentist will check to make sure the veneers are perfect before they are permanently cemented. Small adjustments may be needed chairside for the perfect fit and appearance.

A bonding agent along with permanent cement is used to attach the dental veneers. This process, although least invasive, is still permanent and not reversible with standard dental veneers. A curing light is used to expedite the hardening process.

At the conclusion of this stage, your new smile makeover is completed. Taking care of your veneers is as simple as daily brushing and flossing and twice yearly trips to your dental provider for a professional cleaning and exam to keep your natural teeth and veneers looking their best for many years.

If you are interested in pursuing dental veneers and would like more information on the process, contact The Dental Place, serving Arlington TX and neighboring areas, today at 972-264-5795 to schedule an informative consultation.

October 16, 2012

Patients that experience a tooth that has been compromised by infection have few options. Do nothing, and run the risk of losing the tooth and spreading infection. Or opt for root canal therapy, save the tooth and eliminate the discomfort and cost of what may be needed if the tooth is lost.

For patients that choose to ignore needed treatment, the infection may lead to an abscess, which is an accumulation of infected matter that settles at the base of the root. Symptoms of an abscess may include swelling of the area and increasing discomfort.

A root canal is a procedure that allows the dentist to penetrate the outer cover of the tooth and remove the infected nerve and pulp from the inner chambers of the tooth. This process is completed on each root of the tooth. Depending on which tooth is being treated, there can be one, two, three or more roots to be cleaned out.

A root canal is a procedure that allows the dentist to penetrate the outer cover of the tooth and remove the infected nerve and pulp from the inner chambers of the tooth.

It is very important to treat each root. That is why an x-ray is taken prior to the procedure. The dentist wants to verify the number of roots as well as the location and angle each root is growing.

During the procedure, the dentist will seal off the tooth being treated. As matter is pulled from the tooth, it is removed with dental instruments and suction to prevent infection from spreading. The root is thoroughly rinsed and, if needed, treated with antibiotics to ensure a positive outcome.
Generally the tooth has been anesthetized for root canal therapy. Since the access point must be sealed eventually, your dentist might select to complete the root canal and initiate the final restoration at this time.

Often times the root canal requires a dental crown to seal the tooth so a material called gutta percha is packed into the opening to aid in easing sensitivity and to protect the cavity from further infection until the final restoration can be placed.

At the completion of treatment the tooth has been salvaged and sealed with either a composite resin filling or dental crown. The nerve and pulp that were removed serve no purpose once the tooth erupted, so their removal is not a factor.

Root canal therapy can mean the difference between saving or losing a tooth so making this treatment decision should always be a simple one.

For more information on root canal therapy, contact The Dental Place, serving Arlington TX and surrounding areas, to schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated dentists.

October 4, 2012

Society has painted senior citizens with a variety of issues from false teeth and slipping dentures to hearing loss to falling down with the inability to get up. Although some of life’s situations are unavoidable, your dentist can show you the way to a healthy mouth for your lifetime.

As toddlers we are taught to brush our teeth. As we get a little older, we are introduced to flossing our teeth to aid in maintaining healthy gum tissue. Visiting the dentist twice per year for a professional cleaning and exam adds to the preventative steps we can take to enjoy healthy teeth and gums throughout life.

Some aging adults might have to work harder than others due to genetics, trauma or lifestyle habits. But in addition to taking preventative measures as we age, there are other things we can do:

Diet – As appetite dwindles, it is critical to make sure the food eaten is nutritious. Fruits, vegetables and healthy snacks are important to getting the essential vitamins and minerals to maintain good health.

Lifestyle – Just as adopting good habits will aid in staying healthy, abstaining from those practices that are hazardous to good health must occur. Smoking or tobacco use of any kind, excessive alcohol consumption and overeating unhealthy snacks can result in overall health and dental problems.

Good dental decisions – In the event a dental issue occurs, see your dentist and follow the advice given. A lost tooth might not seem that important, but ignoring this condition can lead to uncomfortable and costly results. Or if diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis, this should be treated quickly to avoid tooth loss.

Healthy body – It is a well-known fact that a healthy body will contribute to good oral health. Sufficient sleep, proper hydration through water consumption, and daily exercise are important to good health.

An ounce of prevention – As many senior citizens live on fixed budgets, a dental crisis can have a devastating impact. That is why seeing your dental provider on a regular basis for a professional cleaning and exam will keep plaque build-up at bay and aid in diagnosing potential problems before they escalate into major issues.

As we age, taking care of our mind and bodies should naturally carry over to good dental health, and keeping our own teeth for a lifetime is a very worthwhile goal.

For more information on maintaining your oral health through all seasons of life, contact The Dental Place in Grand Prairie at 972-264-5795 today to schedule a consultation.