The Dental Place

What Do Your Teeth Say About Your Health?

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.

What Factors Contribute to the Long-Term Success of Dental Implants?

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.

Feeling Self-Conscious About Your Smile

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.

Tooth Replacement Options: Complete or Partial Denture

February 27, 2014

For centuries, dentures have been used to replace missing teeth. In fact, many notable figures in history wore dentures made from a variety of materials. When patients begin to lose teeth in adulthood, it can be a distressing and traumatic experience.

Missing teeth presents a variety of problems for patients including a diminished ability to eat food properly. Common reasons for the loss of permanent teeth include advanced gum disease, extensive decay, and traumatic injury. To help restore patients’ quality of life and their oral function, our dentist strongly encourages patients to review their tooth replacement options, which include full and partial dentures.

Full and partial dentures are crafted from similar materials but differ in the way that they address tooth loss. Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth on either the upper or the lower jaw. This type of prosthetic is designed for edentulous patients, those who have lost an entire set of teeth or those who have lost teeth and will lose more in cases where multiple extractions are needed. Full sets of dentures rest directly on and slightly over the gums. The shape of the mouth and jaw offer structural support so that patients who wear dentures can enjoy the ability to eat foods and smile without embarrassment.

Unlike full dentures, partial dentures only replace a few missing teeth. Partials contain metal framework that snaps on to existing natural teeth. These prosthetics are used to fill in spaces of the mouth where patients are missing teeth so that their smiles are uniform looking and more functional for eating and speaking. This type of denture also helps provide structural support to neighboring teeth so that they do not collapse into empty tooth sockets.

Both full and partial dentures are constructed in dental laboratories from molds taken from your dentist. Your dentures are made just for you and will fit the size and shape of your mouth. To learn more about replacing missing teeth or to schedule a consultation with our compassionate team of dentists, call The Dental Place at 972-264-5795 today.

Common Reasons for Root Canal Treatment

February 17, 2014

Root canal treatment is a tooth-saving procedure. When a tooth is severely damaged and its interior structures are exposed to harmful bacteria and debris, the tooth, as a living structure, will die without professional treatment. Unlike other parts of the body such as a bone or ligament, a damaged tooth cannot self-heal, this is why receiving restorative and endodontic treatment from your dentist is a necessity to save a tooth.

The root canal is located inside the tooth. This chamber houses the nerve(s) and pulp, which contains vital cellular material. When a tooth is healthy, the root canal is sealed off from oral bacteria; however, if a tooth is significantly damaged, the root canal is exposed. Over time, an exposed root canal will become inflamed and infected. In many patients, common symptoms of an infected root canal include moderate to severe toothaches, facial pain, and headaches. Below are a few of the most common reasons your dentist will perform root canal therapy.

Traumatic Injury

Traumatic injuries to the teeth can result in an unprotected root canal. For example, a deep crack in a tooth that extends below the tooth enamel and dentin often exposes a root canal to millions of oral bacteria present in the mouth. Traumas to the face from falling or contact sports may also cause enough damage to expose the nerves and pulp chamber.

Severe Decay

Untreated tooth decay will ultimately reach the interior structures of teeth. Decay occurs when tooth enamel, the protective layer surrounding teeth, is damaged. Damaged enamel allows bacteria to eat through structures that are more sensitive. Eventually, the cavity will grow larger and ultimately reach the root canal where the nerve(s) and pulp become infected after exposure to bacteria.

With special, tiny dental tools, your dentist will gently enter the inside of your tooth and remove the infection. Once the damaged nerve and root canal has been thoroughly cleaned and removed, the inside of your tooth will be sealed to prevent further discomfort and damage.

To learn more about how root canals help save teeth or to schedule an appointment, contact our office today.

Porcelain Veneers: Handcrafted Beauty for Stunning Smiles

February 4, 2014

Do you dream of a smile free of imperfections? Do you wish your teeth were straighter or whiter? Perhaps a chipped tooth or a noticeable gap between two teeth make you feel too embarrassed to smile. Contrary to popular opinion, beautiful smiles are normally not an attribute that someone is born with. The truth is that behind nearly every perfect, vibrant smile is the work of a cosmetic dentist and fortunately, the smile you have always dreamed of is attainable with a common cosmetic enhancement, porcelain veneers.

The placement of porcelain veneers is a permanent cosmetic procedure available at our practice. Minimally invasive, the process of bonding veneers to the teeth only requires a few visits to our office. Handcrafted by dental technicians, veneers are wafer-thin pieces of porcelain that are cemented to the front surface of teeth to conceal imperfections and stains. When the process is complete, you will leave our office with a beautiful, uniform smile.

If you’re interested in how porcelain veneers could benefit you, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with our cosmetic dentist. At your consultation, our dentist will determine if this procedure is the best way to improve your smile.

Once our dentist determines that porcelain veneers are right for you, precise impressions (molds) of your teeth will be taken. These impressions will be used to handcraft your veneers to flawlessly cover imperfections and produce a natural yet stunning enhancement to your smile. When your veneers are ready, you will return to our office for the bonding process. The surfaces of your teeth will be prepared and your veneers will be permanently bonded to your teeth. While the bonding cement hardens, our dentist will make any adjustments necessary to ensure that your veneers are placed properly.

To learn more about achieving a stunning a smile free of chips, stains, and gaps, call The Dental Place at 972-264-5795 today to schedule your cosmetic dentistry consultation with our team of skilled, experienced dentists.

The Amazing, Amazing Human Body

January 28, 2014

Our bodies truly are amazing. We came across this video and it was just a great reminder of how powerful we can be. We hope you enjoy it! We think it’s missing some dental statistics though, don’t you?

Why Do I Keep Getting Canker Sores?

January 26, 2014

Canker sores create such severe discomfort, eating and speaking can be an inconvenienced for up to two weeks waiting for the sores to heal. If canker sores occur frequently, your dentist can provide valuable tips that might help to minimize their presence as well as offer medications that might ease the discomfort that accompanies these small, but life disrupting lesions.

Canker sores afflict mostly adolescents between the ages of ten and twenty. Although their origin cannot be attributed to one particular thing, it is thought that diet, hormones, stress or oral abrasions can play a role in their occurrence. These little ulcers can appear on the tongue, cheeks, gums, throat … anywhere where oral tissue exists, you can develop a canker sore.

These little ulcers can appear on the tongue, cheeks, gums, throat … anywhere where oral tissue exists, you can develop a canker sore.

Children and young adults that are undergoing orthodontic care may experience abrasions from the metal bands, brackets, or wires that can result in canker sores.

Foods high in acidic value may contribute to these sores as well … citrus fruits like oranges and vegetables such as tomatoes eaten often might trigger an outbreak. Patients who chew gum frequently might develop canker sores more often.

Females are thought to develop canker sores more often than males which might be due to hormones.

Stress can also trigger the sores … pressures from school, classmates, problems at home … youngsters experience stress just like adults and canker sores may result.

People can experience simple canker sores with occurrence a few times per year. If canker sores develop more often, the patient is likely suffering from complex canker sores. The basis for this type of disturbance may be more involved than diet. Certain illnesses or vitamin deficiencies are thought to be possible culprits.

Prevention is difficult as their occurrence is inconsistent. But when dental discomfort due to canker sores erupts, there are a couple of options.

You can wait them out – the most severe of the discomfort is often abated within a few days. A visit to the dentist may result in being given an antimicrobial rinse. Or you can visit your drug store for one of the many products available over the counter to provide relief.

If you experience canker sores often, a diary of foods and beverages consumed might provide clues to our dentists at The Dental Place, of what you can avoid to prevent or limit future outbreaks.

Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction

January 15, 2014

The two words most dreaded when sitting in the dental chair are “root canal.” A dental procedure that has earned a bad rap, the root canal is very beneficial in saving a tooth from being lost. Its reputation is more fable than reality in that this procedure is easy, pain free, and will result in keeping a permanent tooth that otherwise could be lost to infection or decay.

A root canal, also known as endodontic therapy, is a procedure where the dentist will create an opening in the exterior of the tooth. Once opened up, the dentist will use dental hand pieces and files to remove the contents of the canal of the roots of the tooth.

The contents being removed are made up of nerve, pulp, and blood tissues … once the tooth has successfully erupted, these contents no longer serve a useful purpose so their removal does not impact the health of the tooth.

However, failure to remove these tissues can result in infection if the tooth has been breached by dental decay, a fracture, or other trauma to the tooth. If infection does occur, if not treated an abscess can occur. This abscess can allow infection to spread to other parts of the body as well.

When it has been determined that a root canal is needed, an x-ray will be performed so the number of canals involved, as well as their direction, are identified so the dentist will be sure all canals are treated. This is an imperative step because if any canals are missed, retreatment will be needed.

Once the contents of the canals have been removed, there are different options that may be followed to complete the procedure. If no infection is present, the dentist may elect to seal the tooth immediately. However, if infection is present, treatment with antibiotics and packing the tooth with a rubbery substance called gutta percha will provide stability for the tooth while waiting to be sealed.

Depending on the tooth treated, the tooth may be sealed with composite resin. Often treatment will be completed with a dental crown.

The “dreaded” root canal has now saved a valuable commodity … your tooth. You are free to eat as you please without any concerns, and you have avoided very costly and time consuming treatment that would have been necessary had this tooth been lost.

Determine the best option for your dental situation by calling 972-264-5795 and scheduling an appointment with any of our skilled dentists.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Helps to Keep Your Smile Straight

January 7, 2014

The majority of the human species are born with a designated number of teeth for their lifetime. As infants and toddlers, the primary teeth arrive … twenty in all. As those teeth fall out, they make way for the permanent teeth that are to carry us through life. There are 32 permanent teeth with the wisdom teeth being the last to come in.

Our heredity often dictates how much jaw space we will have, as well as the size of our permanent teeth. When jaw space is limited or teeth are a little large, having enough room for all the teeth to erupt without overcrowding can be challenging.

If jaw space is at a premium, these teeth may not have the room needed to erupt. This can result in discomfort, and even infection.

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, can create many problems. If jaw space is at a premium, these teeth may not have the room needed to erupt. This can result in discomfort, and even infection. The wisdom teeth may be impacted or partially impacted, but that doesn’t mean they can’t start pushing teeth closer together creating a malocclusion. This occurs when the upper teeth no longer correspond with the bottom teeth.

When teeth are overcrowded, they can protrude or be forced inward. This not only creates appearance difficulties, but when teeth are crooked there are pockets between teeth that are difficult to keep clean. Plaque builds up in these areas more readily which can lead to dental decay and the potential for gum disease.

Many individuals will not be faced with these third molar issues … but for those who are, your dentist will provide an assessment of what is needed to correct the problem. It may be that only the upper or lower wisdom teeth should be extracted. But in all likelihood, all wisdom teeth would be removed in one appointment.

If wisdom teeth are impacted (not through the gum tissue), oral surgery will be required. For erupted teeth, normal extraction is usually all that is required. These are issues that can be addressed with your dentist in late teens or early twenties. For some patients, if orthodontic treatment is required, third molars may be removed at a much younger age to provide the space needed for teeth to be shifted to their correct position.

Removing third molars before overcrowding occurs is optimum. This will help keep remaining teeth straight, easier to clean, and smiling with confidence.

Contact our experienced dental team for more information about wisdom teeth removal today.