March 2016 - The Dental Place

March 21, 2016

Do you wish your teeth were whiter and brighter? Perhaps years of coffee drinking have dulled your smile. If you are unhappy with the color of your teeth, you might be interested in teeth whitening treatments. Since many over the counter products cause tooth sensitivity and lack the strength to lift deep stains, some patients may feel skeptical about the effectiveness of whitening treatments. However, you can achieve a dramatically whiter smile when you receive a professional teeth whitening treatment from our cosmetic dentist.

Professional whitening utilizes a clinical, prescription-grade solution that is potent enough to remove stains below the enamel surface of teeth without causing long-term tooth sensitivity. The whitening system we use, Opalescence, is safe and effective.

The Problem with Over the Counter Products

Over the counter products are problematic for a few reasons. First, they do not contain strong enough concentrations of lightening agents to actually tackle hard-to-remove permanent stains. In fact, they can only scrub away or temporarily lighten surface stains.

Whitening toothpaste typically contains small particles of abrasives like silica. These abrasives are intended to help scrub away surface stains but they can actually cause damage to tooth enamel and ultimately lead to the development of sensitive teeth. Moreover, prolonged use of white strips causes tooth sensitivity among many people.

Benefits of Professional Whitening

A professional teeth whitening treatment will produce dramatic results. Most patients, after treatment is completed, enjoy a smile that is several shades whiter and brighter. To measure the effectiveness of treatment, we can use shade indicators to provide a visual illustration of the color of teeth before and after treatment.

Another advantage of choosing professional whitening is the fact that you will be under the care and supervision of our cosmetic dentist who only uses products that are safe for the structure of teeth.

Improving the appearance of your smile is as simple as calling our Grand Prairie, TX office to schedule a consultation. We offer a number of smile-enhancing services to help you look and feel your best.

March 7, 2016

Has your tooth become chipped or cracked? When a tooth is injured, it is important to seek professional treatment as soon as you can to salvage your natural tooth. Waiting too long to treat a crack or chip can cost you your tooth. A tooth extraction can often be avoided by receiving root canal treatment and a restoration from a dentist. Following is some helpful information on preventing the need for a tooth extraction.

Why do cracked teeth need to be extracted?

When a tooth is severely damaged or diseased, its removal may be necessary to prevent oral health complications such as the development of an abscess. A cracked, chipped, or badly decayed tooth exposes the root canal to oral debris and infection-causing bacteria. An extraction is done to preserve neighboring structures affected by an abscessed tooth.

How can root canal treatment save my tooth?

Root canal treatment is an endodontic procedure that removes the infection inside a tooth. This type of treatment can prevent the development of an abscess, relieve pain and discomfort, and restore comfortable oral function.

What is the root canal exactly?

The root canal is a hollowed area inside the root of a tooth. Inside this canal are dental pulp and nerve endings. Since it contains nerve endings, an infected root canal is quite painful for most patients.

When is root canal therapy needed?

Root canal therapy is necessary when the inside of the tooth (the nerves and dental pulp) are inflamed and infected. Without this treatment, the infection can spread and also destroy the rest of the tooth’s structure. Any time a dental injury or decay exposes the root canal to oral bacteria, a patient is at risk for losing their tooth.

Will I need a filling or crown after endodontic treatment?

That depends on your situation. Some patients with worn down and cracked teeth will require a restoration to bring a tooth back to its proper size and shape. After an examination, your dentist can determine which treatment(s) is best for you.

For more information, contact The Dental Place at 972-264-5795 to reserve an appointment.