March 2014 - The Dental Place

March 25, 2014

Your oral health is directly connected to your overall health. In fact, during oral examinations, our team of dentists can recognize signs of health conditions based on the health and appearance of your teeth. In addition to your teeth providing clues regarding your general wellbeing, the health of your mouth also indicates whether you are properly caring for your teeth and gums.

The concept of oral health being linked to general health has been researched extensively in the medical community. Scientists and medical researchers have produced evidence that many dental conditions negatively affect or directly contribute to the development of systemic ailments. For example, inflammation and infection of the gums (periodontal disease) is capable of entering the bloodstream. General conditions contribute to dental problems as well. Patients with diabetes possess a higher risk for developing gum disease.

During a dental examination, if your teeth appear to be cracked or crumbling, your dentist may encourage you to see a gastroenterologist. This is because when teeth begin to crack and crumble, there are strong acids present in the mouth on a regular basis. Acids erode tooth enamel, the protective coating around teeth. Most of the time, this frequent exposure to strong acid reflects a stomach condition such as acid reflux (GERD). Exposure to acid can also make teeth appear more translucent, which is an indicator of enamel loss. Our team may recommend prescription-strength fluoride treatments to help strengthen tooth enamel and help protect your teeth from decay.

Flat, worn down teeth typically signify stress, anxiety, or psychological trauma in a patient’s life. When teeth are worn down and possess flat surfaces, this means that patients are clenching and grinding their teeth, often unknowingly because it usually occurs during sleep. If your dentist suspects that you are grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw during sleep, you might benefit from a prescription mouth guard to protect your teeth at night. Our team may also recommend relaxation techniques to help you manage stress and anxiety, too.

We are currently accepting new patients. To schedule a cleaning or examination, contact our team today.

March 14, 2014

As one of the most viable ways to replace missing teeth, dental implants are life-like and long lasting. Unlike bridges or dentures, dental implants replace both a tooth’s roots and a tooth’s biting surface. Consisting of two components, a titanium rod that is implanted into the jawbone where a tooth once was and a manmade crown that fills in the empty tooth socket, implants can last for decades with proper care. Implants permanently replace teeth and are made from materials that closely mimic the natural structure of teeth so that patients can enjoy optimal oral function without compromising the support of surrounding teeth.

Before receiving implants, our dentist will determine a patient’s candidacy for this procedure. The success of the dental implant relies on a number of factors including the patient’s ability to maintain good oral hygiene and enough bone mass to support the titanium rod. Patients undergoing the implantation procedure should also be healthy enough for oral surgery and post-operative recovery.

Once our dentist has determined if a patient is a candidate for implants, the titanium rod will be surgically placed into the jawbone. After this part of the implantation process, patients will undergo a recovery period. During this time, the bone’s reaction to the implant will be monitored.

Successful implantation involves the bone mass fusing around the implant just as bone fuses to a tooth’s roots. This process firmly supports and anchors the rod in place. Once bone has properly fused around the implant, the manmade crown, which is crafted to exact measurements in a dental laboratory, will be attached to the rod so that patients can enjoy renewed tooth function.

Although dental implants are durable, their success rate depends on a patient maintaining good oral health through regular checkups, cleanings, and proper oral hygiene. Patients should meticulously brush and floss their implants along with their natural teeth and visit our office regularly for checkups.

To reserve a dental implant consultation, contact The Dental Place at 972-264-5795 today.

March 5, 2014

When it comes to conveying emotion and socializing with others, your smile is an important asset. Unfortunately, patients with noticeable smile imperfections often feel self-conscious about their smiles and may even avoid smiling around others for fear of embarrassment. A flawed smile does not have to affect your social life; in fact, a quick visit to our cosmetic dentist can help you achieve a renewed sense of confidence and an improved appearance.

Cosmetic dentistry involves improving the appearance of a patient’s smile through smile-enhancing procedures such as professional teeth whitening, tooth-colored restorations, and missing tooth replacements. Although cosmetic dentistry sometimes involves addressing imperfections with prosthetics, our team uses very life-like materials that appear as natural as possible. For example, cosmetic dental work can produce the following results:

Whiten permanently stained or yellowed teeth
Conceal chipped, gapped, crooked, and overlapped teeth
Replace missing teeth with durable and natural looking implants
Restore old metal dental work with tooth-colored materials such as porcelain and composite resin
Address multiple problem areas by placing porcelain veneers, which produce a total smile makeover

For many patients who feel self-conscious about their smiles, cosmetic dentistry is a life changing experience. Patients who once covered their mouths when laughing among friends now feel comfortable and confident with their appearance after making an appointment with our cosmetic dentist.

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry, and how it can benefit you, we welcome you to reserve a cosmetic consultation with our caring team. During your smile makeover consultation, our team will first get to know you and your goals for improving your smile. We work diligently to ensure that our patients feel welcome and respected. Then, our cosmetic dentist will conduct a thorough examination and determine the root cause of your smile flaws. After careful review, our team will design a custom treatment plan that will improve your appearance and protect your teeth.