October 2016 - The Dental Place

October 21, 2016

Porcelain veneers offer a minimally invasive means to correct multiple dental maladies. Deep dental stain, chipped enamel, misshapen teeth and unwanted gaps between teeth can be dealt with in just a couple of dental visits with a permanent solution. A consultation with your cosmetic dentist will reveal exactly what is involved with placing porcelain veneers.

Veneers are very thin, tooth colored shells that are fabricated by the dental lab using dental impressions and thorough instructions from your dentist. Photographs may be taken as a supplemental aid.

Veneers can be used to enhance one, two, or multiple teeth. The process involves removing a small amount of enamel from the front of each tooth being treated (about the thickness of the veneer).

Veneers are very versatile in that they have a useful purpose to treat multiple problems:

Dental stain and enamel discoloration – Stained teeth can ruin your smile; spots or marks that are prevalent in several teeth from medication, illness, neglect, or tobacco use can disappear quickly.

Chipped teeth can appear whole again when dental veneers are in place.

Misshapen or uneven teeth appear symmetrical.

Gaps between teeth appear to close.

Veneers are tried in for fit and appearance. Minor adjustments can be made at this time, if needed. Upon the approval of you and your dentist, the veneers are permanently cemented in place. Treated teeth enjoy added strength; however, they are not invincible.

You will likely be advised not to bite into hard, crunchy, sticky, or tough foods. Cut fresh fruits and vegetables in pieces for consumption. Other habits you have to forego include biting fingernails and using your teeth to open packages.

Oral health care for teeth covered with veneers is the same as biological teeth. Brush twice every day with a fluoridated tooth paste; floss daily; and see your dentist every six months for cleaning, polishing and dental exam. Veneers will be examined at each visit.

Veneers are made from porcelain which is naturally stain resistant; if you wish to whiten your teeth, make sure to complete whitening before veneers so the shade can be accurately matched.

To learn more about porcelain veneers or other cosmetic dental procedures we offer, call 972-264-5795 and schedule your visit today.

October 7, 2016

Third molars are more commonly known as wisdom teeth. There are normally four of these teeth that erupt during the late teens or early twenties. They are located at the very back of the mouth, one in each quadrant.

By the time wisdom teeth come in, the individual has achieved bone maturity and jaw space has been determined. If there is insufficient space for these teeth to erupt, wisdom tooth extraction is often recommended. Without treatment, there are different scenarios that could occur:

Malocclusion: When these teeth emerge and lack the jaw space to come in correctly, the result can be an over bite, under bite, or cross bite. As wisdom teeth erupt, they can push teeth over to make room. This can interfere with the bite making teeth protrude or push inward. Areas in the mouth due to crooked or misshapen teeth are ideal places for plaque to build.

Gum Disease: Partially erupted or impacted teeth can lead to infection and/or gum disease. An impacted tooth can’t come in correctly when it is blocked by bone, another tooth, or soft oral tissue. An impacted tooth is a common occurrence with third molars.

Patients that regularly see their dentist are probably going to be aware of the potential problems associated with wisdom teeth. Your dental provider will be watching for these teeth to emerge; if there is concern about teeth being impacted, x-rays will be taken. If no problems are anticipated, you and your dentist may take a wait and see approach.

But for many patients, the indication is clear that removal of the third molars is the best option to prevent teeth overcrowding, discomfort from impacted teeth, and to reduce the risk of gum disease due to plaque build-up.

Your dental provider sees many of these cases on a regular basis so the procedure to extract wisdom teeth is considered very standard. The patient is anesthetized, teeth removed, and patient is released to go home to rest the remainder of the day.

Failure to have problematic third molars extracted can lead to swelling, discomfort, infection, and gum disease. Your dentist is your best resource when faced with how to handle wisdom teeth removal to reduce risk of infection and gum disease.

To learn more about wisdom tooth extraction or to schedule an evaluation, contact The Dental Place at 972-264-5795.