The Dental Place

Porcelain Veneers as an Alternative to Braces

April 5, 2019

Did you know that porcelain veneers can produce the appearance of a straight smile? It’s true. These cosmetic enhancements conceal an array of dental imperfections including orthodontic ones. When a series of porcelain veneers are bonded over teeth, a smile will appear perfectly straight and proportioned. For those with misaligned teeth and other imperfections, receiving porcelain veneers might be a great alternative to wearing braces.

Porcelain Veneers vs. Braces

Porcelain veneers and braces both produce straighter smiles but they do it in different ways. Veneers are cosmetic enhancements that are permanently cemented over the front surfaces of teeth. Braces, on the other hand, literally move teeth to straighter positions.

The straight-looking smile produced by porcelain veneers is done in two office appointments. Producing a straight smile with braces usually takes 18 months or longer, depending on a person’s orthodontic situation. There are many instances where braces are preferable to porcelain veneers since having your teeth aligned properly improves oral health.

Sometimes, however, braces might not produce the desired aesthetic one wants or porcelain veneers can be used to conceal minor imperfections in tooth placement that don’t necessarily pose risks to oral health. We recommend consulting with our cosmetic dentist to determine which treatment option meets your needs.

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are a cosmetic treatment that creates a complete smile makeover. These ultra-thin enhancements are custom made to fit perfectly over the front sides of teeth. Once they are bonded to teeth, they create the appearance of a white, straight, and proportionate smile.

Beyond concealing orthodontic imperfections, porcelain veneers will hide stained and chipped or cracked teeth. They are also ideal for concealing misshapen teeth and teeth with jagged edges.

Veneers look very lifelike. Since they are made from fine porcelain and have a beautiful glaze, they mimic the structure, appearance, and texture of teeth quite closely. Those who receive veneers should practice meticulous oral hygiene and visit their cosmetic dentist regularly for checkups to get the most out of their cosmetic enhancements.

Call The Dental Place to reserve a smile makeover consultation with our skilled team.

4 Things You Need to Know about Dental Exams

January 7, 2019

Did you know that dental checkups are very thorough? Dental examinations can reveal a number of oral health and general wellness concerns. With routine checkups and cleanings, your dentist can help you stay on top of your oral health and overall wellbeing. Following are four important aspects of dental examinations that you might not know.

Your Teeth and Gums Can Reveal Health Concerns

The state of your teeth and gums can reveal more than just oral health concerns. The health of the mouth and body is connected. Many oral health conditions coincide with general ailments, including chronic health problems like impaired immunity, fungal infections, and diabetes.

Your Dentist Can Tell if You’re Stressed Out

Are you losing sleep and peace of mind to stress? An oral healthcare provider might notice that you’re stressed out before you vocalize it. For instance, many people clench and grind their teeth – a habit called bruxism – as a response to stress. This habit can wear down your dentition and inflame your gums. The trained eye of an oral health professional might notice the effects of bruxism long before you do.

A Dental Checkup Can Save Your Life

During checkups, the health of the entire oral cavity is evaluated. On top of examining the condition of structures like teeth, bones, and gums, dentists and specialists look for signs of oral cancer.

Oral cancer screenings are an important part of checkups. Cancers that develop in the oral cavity can be fatal, but a person’s chances of survival are far greater when oral cancer is detected and treated as early as possible.

Regular Appointments Save Money and Time

Keeping regular appointments for checkups and cleanings can do more for you than just reveal issues; it can save you time and money. When problems are detected early on, they are less expensive and time consuming to treat.

For example, a small cavity is normally treated with a conservative restoration called a “filling”. Without treatment, that cavity will deepen and widen, making a filling ineffective. Larger areas of decay and damage require larger restorations like inlays and crowns, which are more costly and time consuming to receive.

Call The Dental Place today to reserve a checkup and cleaning with our dental team.

Baby Bottles and Tooth Decay

October 5, 2018

Parents may not realize it, but baby bottles can put their infants and toddlers at risk for tooth decay. When drinks containing sugar, such as fruit juice or soda or even milk or formula, come into contact with a baby’s teeth for an extended period of time, they can contribute to decay. The sugars in those drinks will serve as a source of nutrients for the bacteria that create acidic byproducts of digestion, which in turn cause cavities. Babies face a similar risk when parents dip pacifiers in sugar or honey before giving the pacifier to a child.

Fortunately, parents can take steps to prevent baby bottle decay. Refrain from putting your child to sleep with a bottle, unless the bottle contains water. The risk of decay is increased while your baby is asleep because saliva production goes down, making less of it available to clear away the sugars.

You can be taking other steps to promote optimal oral health for your baby, as well. Did you realize that it’s recommended for a child to see a dentist for the first time before his or her first birthday? This gives the dentist a chance to observe your child’s baseline at the beginning of dental development and monitor your child for any changes or deviations that may be cause for concern.

Parents can also begin a basic oral hygiene routine for their infants. With very young babies whose first tooth has not yet erupted, the gums can be cleaned gently using a wet washcloth. When your child’s teeth begin to come through, you can begin using a soft toothbrush and non-fluoride toothpaste.

It’s important to protect your child’s baby teeth from decay, which can be caused by a child’s bottle habits. When your child loses baby teeth prematurely, it can have negative effects for the permanent teeth that will follow. Prevent these outcomes by limiting your child’s consumption of sugary beverages, and schedule a check-up for your child by his or her first birthday.

Contact our team at The Dental Place for more tips like these!

The Onset and Progression of Gum Disease

July 6, 2018

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. If the condition is left untreated, it can escalate into periodontitis. At this point, the patient is in danger of infection and the potential for tooth loss exists. A visit to the dentist for treatment is needed to restore your teeth and gums to a healthier condition.

There are several symptoms that warn that you may be dealing with the onset of gum disease including:

Bleeding gums – If you brush too aggressively or use a hard bristle toothbrush, you can make your gums bleed. However, if they bleed with little or no provocation, this is not normal.
Gum appearance – Healthy gum tissue is pink and firm. Red and/or swollen gums are indicative of a problem.
Chronic bad breath – You might have bad breath following consumption of strong foods or beverages, but if a breath mint, mouthwash, or brushing still leaves you with a sour odor your oral health may be to blame.
Receding gum tissue – If gums are pulling away from teeth or teeth feel loose, this means your gum disease is advanced and dental care is needed right away.

Even patients that are diligent about daily brushing and flossing and regularly visit their dentist every six months can experience gum disease. It does not have to affect your entire mouth … a tooth, quadrant, or arch may be involved. It is important to see your dentist for treatment before early symptoms can escalate.

Dental x-rays, the presence of plaque build-up, as well as actual symptoms all help to diagnose gum disease. Treatment with root planing and scaling involves removing plaque from beneath the gum line. In some cases, antibiotics are recommended as well as prescription strength oral rinses. Ongoing treatment may be required.

Some of the causes attributed to gum disease include smoking and tobacco use, poor daily oral hygiene care (inadequate or improper brushing and flossing), missed or irregularly kept dental cleaning appointments, poor nutrition, regular soda consumption and alcohol/illicit drug abuse. Genetics have also been known to play a role in dental health.

Although most gum disease patients are adults, it is possible for children to develop periodontal disease. Teaching children about the importance of taking care of their teeth and making sure they see their dentist every six months are important to maintaining good oral health.

Contact our team at The Dental Place to schedule a consultation!

How do I know when it’s time to reline my dentures?

April 5, 2018

Dentures are a great solution for patients who have experienced tooth loss. Your dentist will discuss your options for the type of denture available for you as well as provide you with a thorough treatment plan so you will understand what you will undergo during the denture process.

A denture reline is basically a resurfacing of the side of your denture that rests against the soft tissues in your mouth. The primary reasons a reline are needed include:

Denture no longer fits well – this can be due to changes you have undergone in gum tissue due to bone loss resulting in gum shrinkage.
Wear and tear – when dentures are first placed they should fit securely. Over time a denture can feel like it’s moving when you chew or speak. A reline usually helps to restore the fit you experienced when you first had your denture placed.
Mouth sores – they can be very painful. They can result from a worn or poorly fitting denture. Regular visits to your dentist usually prevent this type of problem as your dentist will inspect your denture regularly during hygiene visits to insure your denture fits correctly.

Patients that require a denture reline should be able to get their denture back the same day. The dental lab can reline a denture if the patient is seen early enough in the day; many dental offices have in-house dental labs providing rapid service.

A reline is usually required every five to seven years, but this time period can vary somewhat from patient to patient. And your dentist may recommend more frequent relines to keep your dentures secure and comfortable.

Your responsibility as a denture wearer include daily care such as cleaning and soaking your denture to keep it looking its best; daily care is needed to keep breath fresh. Clean your denture with the appropriate tools; your toothbrush and regular toothpaste should never be used on your denture as they can be too abrasive.

Before placing your denture and after you remove it daily, brush your teeth making sure to brush the gum tissue where your denture lays to keep gums as invigorated as possible.

Never boil or microwave your denture.

See your dentist regularly. If your denture doesn’t feel right, allow your dentist to make any adjustments. Never try to “tweak” on your own. Contact us today to get your smile back to normal!

Common Causes of Tooth Loss

January 5, 2018

The loss of one or more teeth can be devastating at any age. Missing teeth can impact speech, the foods you can comfortably eat, and your self-confidence can be eroded. An ideal solution to restore dentition is with dental implants.

Some of the reasons tooth loss occurs include:

Trauma – A fall, car accident, or sports injury are just a few of the things that can result in damage to your mouth resulting in tooth loss.
Dental Decay – Cavities occur very often in children, but adults can be faced with decay due to negligent care or a diet high in sugar or carbohydrates. Daily brushing and flossing are needed to help control plaque buildup; patients who sip on soda or other sugar laden beverages are more likely to experience dental decay than those who sip on water.
Gum Disease – Tooth loss due to gum disease does not happen overnight. Periods of neglect or the daily use of tobacco contribute to the onset of gum disease. There are early signs of gum disease such as bleeding, swollen gum tissue; chronic bad breath; teeth appearing to pull away from gum tissue; or teeth feeling loose … any of these signs require a trip to the dentist for treatment.

Patients that have experienced tooth loss can have their dentition restored with dental implants. Your dentist will complete a review of your overall health and a thorough dental exam to determine your candidacy for this procedure.

Some of the qualifying requirements include sufficient bone in gum tissue, (there are treatment solutions for bone loss available, if needed), patient commitment to care throughout the implant process, willingness to give up tobacco, if used and the time needed as the dental implant and restoration process can take a year from start to finish.

A dental implant is a small titanium post that is embedded surgically in gum tissue where tooth loss has occurred. Depending on the number of teeth being supplanted, one or more implants may be needed.

A healing period follows … during that time bone is grafting to the implant incorporating the post to become a permanent part of the dental anatomy that will be secure enough to support the restoration that will eventually be placed.

The final restoration will be affixed to the implant allowing the patient to chew normally, speak clearly, and smile with renewed self-confidence.

Contact our office today to schedule a consultation!

How to Keep the Treats from Playing Tricks On Your Child’s Teeth

October 20, 2017

Halloween parties and costumes can distract children from performing day to day important functions; and as parents we must deal with that plus bags of candy and snacks that can wreak havoc on kid’s teeth. Don’t be forced into emergency treatment at the dentist – be proactive with your children’s dental health.

Dental decay seems to be a pervasive problem for children … that is because their teeth have not fully developed lacking the strength of adult teeth. Plus monitoring their diet is very hard as they often eat away from home.

There are things you can do to help keep your children cavity free …

Teach them how to perform daily oral maintenance. Provide the correct tools and monitor their use. One of those tools might include an electronic toothbrush. An electronic toothbrush often comes with a timer to signal your child to know they have brushed a full two minutes. A toothpaste or gel that contains fluoride helps to strengthen dental enamel.

Flossing daily removes debris your child’s toothbrush missed, and when used correctly flossing also helps stimulate healthy gum tissue. While brushing is necessary for great dental health, flossing is just as important so make sure you incorporate this habit into your child’s daily oral health care routine.

Don’t allow sugary treats to take up residence in your child’s room. Keep in mind that what your child may enjoy most is the act of trick or treating. It’s not necessary for them to eat everything they collect.

Finally, make sure your child sees the family dentist every six months. A thorough cleaning will remove all plaque that has formed since their last appointment. Plaque build-up leads to dental decay.

Your dentist can offer preventative measures such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants that will provide protection to the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth not already impacted by dental decay.

Enjoy the holiday, but do everything you can do make sure your children are maintaining good dental habits.

Lost Back Molar: Is a dental implant an option?

October 6, 2017

A back molar tooth is very important in your ability to chew correctly. If a tooth is missing it can be uncomfortable often resulting in chewing on the opposite side all the time. Dental implants allow the patient to enjoy normal chewing (on both sides); and eating all the favorite foods you love from crunchy to chewy just like you did before tooth loss occurred.

The dental implant process begins with a discussion about your overall health followed by a very thorough dental examination including dental x-rays to help determine bone strength. Lack of sufficient bone in the jaw where the implant is needed may mean additional treatment such as a bone graft.

If bone augmentation is needed, it will be performed before the implant is placed. In some instances, it may be done at the same time as the implant surgery.

The patient will need to make sure they keep the implant area clean and healthy to prevent infection, a primary cause of implant failure. In addition to daily oral maintenance, tobacco use must cease as this is another primary reason for implant failure.

Throughout the healing period, the implant area is protected by a temporary covering. During this time bone is grafting to the titanium implant … this process is referred to as osseointegration. As the bone and implant merge, the implant is becoming a permanent part of the dental anatomy that will provide strength and support for the restoration that will ultimately be cemented to the implant.

When healed, an abutment will be attached to the implant. The restoration will be tried in, and when fit and function are correct, it will be cemented in place.

Your dentist will have the restoration fabricated to match surrounding teeth in size, contour, and shade so your dental work will be undetectable. This means you will be able to smile and laugh with self-confidence; speak without fear of your dental work slipping or moving; and you will be able to eat all the foods you love.

Care for your implant is the same as your natural teeth … brush and floss daily and visit your dentist every six months for cleaning and exam. To learn more about your tooth replacement options, contact The Dental Place at 972-264-5795.

Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

September 18, 2017

Our teeth are very strong, but they are not invincible. Using them to open packages, ‘cut’ thread, or as a means to keep your fingernails trimmed are a few of the ways you can abuse your dentition leading to the potential for broken or cracked teeth. Trauma to the dental nerve from a broken tooth can lead to the need for root canal therapy.

A root canal, also known as endodontic therapy, is a procedure where the contents of the root canals of a tooth are removed. Those contents are made up of the dental nerve, blood, and pulp. Once a tooth has erupted, the nerve is no longer needed. Saving the tooth with a root canal is a much better option than resorting to the only other choice, which is tooth extraction.

Indications that you may need a root canal include sensitivity to hot or cold, pain in a tooth when biting down, a sore like a pimple on the gum, or swelling. Your dentist will take an x-ray to determine that a root canal is needed. The x-ray is also needed to identify the number of canals involved; it is imperative that all canals be treated for a successful procedure.

The root canal gets underway by numbing the tooth involved; a rubber dam will isolate the tooth to keep it dry. The dentist will create an access point in the tooth. Using endodontic files, each canal is cleared of its contents.

If infection is present, the dentist may pack the tooth with antibiotics; or may provide oral antibiotics for the patient. The access point of the tooth will need to be sealed; however, if infection was present, the dentist may wish to wait until certain the infection has cleared before permanently sealing the tooth. In many cases, a dental crown is used to seal the tooth.

You can easily see why it is so important to use teeth only to chew. But with that said, there are some things that should be avoided such as chewing ice or chewing on inanimate objects like pencils or pens. Learn to use proper tools like scissors, bottle openers, and nail clippers instead of your teeth.

However, if you realize you have cracked or broken your tooth, contact our team at The Dental Place as soon as possible.

Help Your Teeth Age Gracefully With You

September 4, 2017

Growing older does not have to mean you stop caring about your appearance. A consultation with your cosmetic dentist will present several ways you can correct your dental imperfections, and provide the bright and healthy smile you deserve.

Dental stain – Illness, medications, and years of wear can result in discolored or stained dentition. The Opalescence teeth whitening system may be the perfect option offering a take home whitening program that will be designed specifically for your needs.

For many years, dental decay was repaired using silver amalgam. As you have aged, those silver fillings may have turned dark. You now have the option of having those fillings replaced with a tooth colored composite resin. Your dentist will carefully remove old fillings and replace them with composite resin that can be closely matched to your tooth shade making new fillings virtually impossible to detect.

Dental crowns have been used to repair broken or badly decayed teeth for decades. However, now most dental crowns are made using porcelain, a strong and stain resistant material that eliminates the need for gold or metal crowns. Dental crowns are also used as the final step to seal a tooth following root canal therapy, as a means to attach a fixed prosthesis, or as the restoration for a dental implant.

If tooth loss has occurred, dental implants allow the patient to eat all the foods they love; speak without fear of slippage; and smile or laugh with self-confidence knowing their missing teeth have been restored using the method that is closest to having their biological teeth back.

For the patient who is looking for a minimally invasive cosmetic enhancement to hide chipped or broken teeth; unwanted gaps; deeply stained teeth; or uneven teeth … porcelain veneers may be recommended. Veneers are wafer thin shells that are made to match teeth in size, shape, and shade. Your cosmetic dentist will cement them in place once fit and function are correct.

Once you have completed your smile makeover, proper care will allow you many years of enjoyment. Brush twice daily and floss to remove what your toothbrush missed. See your dentist every six months for cleaning and dental exam.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact our team at the Dental Place today.