November 2013 - The Dental Place

November 24, 2013

Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are permanently cemented over teeth to repair many dental imperfections.

Teeth that are stained from hard to reach intrinsic stains or are discolored from years of medications taken, lifestyle choices, or just drab and discolored can be covered.

When teeth are malformed or enamel is worn, teeth can be made to appear symmetrical through dental veneers.

Once veneers are completed, care is as simple as caring for your natural teeth.

Chipped or cracked teeth are repaired and often are stronger after veneers are cemented in place.

When spaces or gaps between teeth are unattractive, dental veneers can make the spaces appear to close.

A consultation with your cosmetic dentist will provide information to repair many dental challenges through the use of dental veneers. During this appointment, a treatment plan will be outlined and the patient will be advised of needed appointments as well as what care will be needed after treatment is rendered.

What makes porcelain ideal for this application? Porcelain is stain resistant and is well tolerated by gum tissue. Porcelain can be prepped to match the shape, size and color of the teeth being repaired making treated teeth virtually undetectable.

Before veneers are permanently affixed, they are “tried in” to guarantee they are a perfect match to surrounding teeth. Adjustments can be made, if needed.

When cementing the veneers in place, a small amount of dental enamel must be removed so treated teeth will appear natural in size and depth. The biological teeth are then coated with etch which roughs up the surface to aid in veneers adhering to teeth.

Once veneers are completed, care is as simple as caring for your natural teeth. Biting into hard objects like ice, candy, or objects like pens or biting fingernails can chip or break a porcelain veneer, so that is discouraged.

Daily flossing, brushing at least twice per day, and bi-annual visits to the dentist for a cleaning and exam will help keep both treated and untreated teeth healthy and bright for many years.

November 12, 2013

Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic therapy, is a procedure where the contents of the canals of the tooth’s root are removed. These include nerves, pulp, and blood tissues. A root canal is most often performed on a tooth that is infected in an effort to save the tooth.

When a root canal is performed, the dentist will take an x-ray to determine how many roots are involved and the position they are in to facilitate reaching all of the canals. Failure to ascertain and treat all canals can result in the need for re-treating the tooth to prevent infection advancement, possibly an abscess.

Once the x-ray is taken, the tooth is segregated by a rubber dam. This will keep the tooth dry and allow the dentist to remove the contents before they can be swallowed.

The tooth will be opened with the use of a drill to create access to the canals. A file is then used to penetrate the opening and will wrap the contents of the canals around the file for removal. After debris is removed, the area is flushed.

The condition of the tooth will dictate what happens next. If there is no infection present, the tooth may be filled with a rubbery substance called gutta percha. This will add stability to the tooth by filling the cavities. At this point the tooth must be sealed.

Depending on the location of the tooth treated, the opening may be sealed with a tooth colored filling made from composite resin, a plastic material that is placed in stages and cured with each placement.

For a molar tooth, the tooth is more likely to be sealed with a dental crown. Because a crown must be fabricated, immediate placement after a root canal is unlikely. In this case, a temporary covering is placed until the final restoration can be seated.

After the crown is cemented in place, the tooth is sealed and will not require any special care. A root canal will not alter the tooth as once a tooth has erupted, the contents of the canals are no longer essential.

Daily flossing and brushing will help keep all your teeth healthy. Our dental team will provide instructions on how to floss properly after a crown has been placed. Call 972-264-5795 for more information today.

November 3, 2013

Patients can have a dry mouth for many reasons. Some are temporary, perhaps as a result of an illness like a cold and medications you take that can dry up the sinuses and oral cavity. But if dry mouth is chronic, your dentist in Grand Prairie has suggestions that can bring you relief.

This dry mouth condition is known as xerostomia. Basically, the body lacks the ability to produce sufficient saliva for normal oral health.

If dry mouth is chronic, your dentist has suggestions that can bring you relief.

When the mouth is dry, it provides ideal conditions for dental decay and gum disease to develop. Saliva is our own natural mouthwash which aids in keeping bacteria flushed from the mouth. Saliva also serves as one component in breaking down the enzymes that aid in digestion.

If dry mouth is a problem, there are a few options you can try:

If dry mouth is attributed to medicines taken, a different medication might be prescribed or altering the dosage may help.
If dry mouth is a result of chemotherapy or surgery; or merely the inability for glands to produce saliva, you can chew sugar free gum or suck on sugar free candy. The chewing and sucking actions may help to promote saliva production.
Keeping water on hand and sipping it throughout the day and night will keep the mouth moist.
For cavity protection, brushing a minimum of twice per day with a fluoridated tooth paste along with daily flossing are essential to maintain good dental health.
Seeing the dentist every six months for cleaning and an exam will aid in reducing plaque build-up as well as monitoring problem areas before they can escalate into major repair.
Avoid the things known to promote dental decay including sugary snacks and beverages; tobacco use; excessive alcohol or caffeine (alcohol and caffeine are known to promote dehydration).
When the mouth is extremely dry, the ability to chew and swallow may be impeded. The diet should include moist foods and limit the intake of dry or salty products.

Other dental services in Grand Prairie could include asking Dr. Robert D. Maxey or Dr. Cecil F. George, Jr. to recommend one of the products over the counter that helps promote saliva production. Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol. If lips are also dry, a lip balm can provide relief.

Although a dry mouth is more aggravating than dangerous, relief is available. Your dentist at The Dental Place is your best resource for finding a solution. Contact The Dental Place in Grand Prairie, TX today.