The Dental Place

Will I be Able to Eat with My New Dentures?

October 16, 2013

As with any change to a part of your body, dentures can take a period of adjustment before a comfort level is achieved.

A denture is used to replace lost permanent teeth. A partial denture replaces several teeth while a complete denture is employed for a missing upper or lower arch. When consulting with your dentist about dentures, there are several considerations:

Fixed or removable – If a removable denture is your choice, there are options available as to the attachment mechanism used. A fixed denture is permanent, and if the teeth that abut the area to be treated are healthy, this may be the most desired option. That is because there are no concerns about a fixed denture slipping when speaking, smiling or eating.
Immediate or conventional – An immediate denture is prepared prior to having teeth removed. There are no temporaries to deal with as the final denture is placed immediately following extraction. A conventional denture is placed after healing has taken place.

Eating with dentures can take a little practice, especially depending on the type of denture you have selected. Many patients are tempted to remove their denture initially when eating; however this will make it difficult to learn how to eat with it in place.

Ideally, leaving the denture in place and selecting soft foods is best at first. When learning to eat more solid foods, smaller bites and chewing on both sides will expedite the comfort level. Caution is to be exercised when eating and drinking hot items as the senses may need a period of adjustment as well.

During the first couple of weeks of learning to live with your new denture, you may experience temporary discomfort as you adjust. Your denture has been customized specifically for you, but do not hesitate to contact your dentist if sores develop or your denture feels like it is slipping.

Do not make the mistake of trying to make adjustments to your denture on your own. If your new denture is experiencing movement you may be tempted to make a few minor tweaks on your own to eliminate a trip for adjustment, but it is ill advised. Your dentist made this denture for your comfort and function, so allow for needed adjustments.

If you are considering dentures as a tooth replacement solution, contact our experienced team at The Dental Place and schedule your personal consultation today.

Why Can’t Children Get Dental Implants?

October 3, 2013

Dental implants describe a procedure where a metal device is surgically imbedded in gum tissue where a permanent tooth has been lost as a means to provide a solid base for a crown, implant supported bridge, or total replacement of the upper and/or lower arch.

A patient should have attained bone maturity before considering dental implants. That is because once the implant has been placed, it is critical that bone fuse to the implant exactly where it has been placed. In a child, bones in the jaw are still growing making it very difficult for the implant to remain stable.

Why is this stability so important? Think about the root of a natural tooth. If the root is displaced because of jaw bone growth, the tooth attached to it would also shift. Teeth shifting can create a malocclusion, a condition where the upper teeth do not properly align with the bottom. This can result in any number of problems from bite issues to teeth ultimately requiring straightening.

A dental implant is intended to function like that of the root of a biological tooth. That is to provide stability for the tooth it supports. The canals or interior of the teeth’s roots also contain blood, pulp and nerve tissue, but these do not have a role in the function of the root of the tooth so their absence with dental implants is not a factor.

With a child still experiencing bone growth, dental implants are impractical, and can actually do harm for future bone growth. When a younger adolescent or teenager loses a permanent tooth, there are options that are temporary that provide cosmetic relief. A flipper, which is used to replace one tooth, is probably the choice most patients make until achieving bone maturity when an implant can be placed.

There have been documented cases where implants were placed in children. Usually in cases like this, the child has failed to develop one or all teeth, and implants are a better option than a denture for a child. There is a possibility that the implants and their restorations may need to be replaced when the child becomes an adult.

A consultation with our dental team will provide the best options for teeth replacement for a child or adult. With the many options available, smile improvements are very attainable. Call 972-264-5795 to learn more.

Root Canal Treatment: Why does tooth pulp need to be removed?

September 25, 2013

When a patient has a severe toothache or is experiencing sensitivity, it is likely the tooth’s enamel has been breached. In some instances, the tooth may be decayed and a filling is the prescribed treatment. However, if infection is present, the patient is likely going to need a root canal.

A root canal, also known as endodontic therapy, is a procedure where the canals of the infected tooth are opened and the contents of the canal are removed. This is done by creating a small opening in the tooth and entering the canal. After accessing the canal, another instrument called a file is used. Of course, this is a simplistic explanation … there are more steps needed.

The whole purpose for undergoing a root canal is to save a viable tooth.

The file literally spins the contents in the canal around the device until everything can be removed. The canal consists of pulp, nerve tissue, and sometimes infectious material. After each canal is treated, the area is flushed to remove any remaining matter. If the tooth is to be sealed right away, the canal is filled with a rubbery substance called gutta percha. This provides stability for the tooth.

Each canal of the infected tooth must be treated. If a canal is missed or all infection is not removed, the patient may develop an abscess. An x-ray is taken prior to starting the root canal to verify the number of roots that need to be treated.

Sealing the tooth following root canal therapy can be done with a filling, but for a tooth that has been subjected to earlier repair, the likely restoration will be in the form of a crown.

The whole purpose for undergoing a root canal is to save a viable tooth. Once a tooth has erupted, the nerve serves no useful purpose. Removing the nerve and pulp of the tooth will not cause the tooth to “die”. The tooth will not become shriveled or fall out. In fact, once the treated tooth has been sealed, it will not look or feel any different than before.

Without root canal therapy, the patient is often faced with extraction to resolve the problem. Since keeping our natural teeth is always a better solution than the alternative, a root canal should be performed if recommended by your dentist in Grand Prairie.

How Stain Resistant are Porcelain Veneers?

September 16, 2013

The porcelain used to make dental veneers is a composite of several materials that have been studied and improved since the process was created in the 1960’s. Technology has advanced along with the materials providing superior stability, shading, and durability for porcelain veneers.

Porcelain is shaped and strengthened at the dental lab by employing high quality products and a process that produces wafer thin, glass like covers to repair teeth due to:

Stain – When teeth have been stained from medications, over-fluoridation, or lifestyle habits, the stained teeth can be covered with veneers. With porcelain, the surface of the veneer resists stains along with the adhesive that holds the veneer in place. Veneers fabricated from other products may not have the equivalent resistance to stains.
Chipping – Teeth that have sustained this type of damage can be made beautiful again while enhancing the strength of the tooth.
Misshapen – Teeth can appear symmetrical by correcting their shape, adding length where needed, and repairing teeth that have been worn down.
Unwanted spaces – The gaps between teeth appear to close when veneers are placed eliminating unattractive spaces between teeth.

Teeth requiring repair are prepared by removing a very thin amount of dental enamel. The front surface of the tooth is “etched” in an effort to promote the adhesion of the veneer.

The cosmetic dentist will temporarily place the veneers to ensure that the shape and color will match untreated teeth. Any adjustments needed to correct size or shape can be done at that time.

When the dentist and patient are completely satisfied, the veneers are permanently cemented on the front of the treated teeth.

Just as porcelain is resistant to stains, a porcelain veneer will not be affected by any teeth whitening process, so if whitening is anticipated it should be done prior to having teeth prepped for veneers.

Caring for dental veneers is easy. Daily flossing and brushing coupled with twice yearly cleanings by your dental provider should keep them shining and healthy.

But even though your new veneers are resistant to beverages that stain like coffee, tea, and wine; and resistant to foods that are known to discolor like tomato sauce, berries, and beets; it is best to limit the potential for staining by consuming these items minimally. Make yourself aware of what to avoid, and your veneers should look great for many years.

To learn more about the benefits of porcelain veneers, contact our experienced team at The Dental Place today. Call 972-264-5795 to arrange your personal consultation.

Bleeding Gums can Affect More Than Your Smile

September 4, 2013

There are several reasons that gum tissue might bleed. Brushing with too firm a hand along with a tooth brush with hard bristles can promote bleeding gums. If this sounds familiar to you, acquire a soft bristle tooth brush and ease up a bit when brushing. But if gum tissue bleeds frequently or you are suffering from any of the following symptoms, you need to see your dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment:

Gums bleed without provocation – You have not incurred any trauma, but your gums bleed.
Gums appear bright red or swollen – Healthy gum tissue is pink and not puffy.
Chronic bad breath – Halitosis can be the result of many things: strong or aromatic foods like onions or garlic; beverages like coffee; lifestyle habits like smoking … these things can result in bad breath. Chewing sugar free gum or sucking on a breath mint can take care of these issues. But when bad breath is constant, there are usually underlying reasons.
One or more teeth feel loose – If teeth appear to be pulling away from gum tissue or feel loose, it is critical to see the dentist right away.
Discomfort – Gums or teeth feel sore.

Bleeding gum tissue can indicate the onset of gingivitis or the more serious periodontitis. Both of these conditions fall into the category of gum disease, and left untreated can lead to infection or even tooth loss.

There are several things that can contribute to gum tissue problems. Usually the most predominant reason is poor dental hygiene. Oral hygiene to maintain good dental health consists of brushing daily (at least twice per day) with tooth paste or gel; flossing daily (this will help to prevent plaque build-up as well as keep gum tissue stimulated); keeping dental appointments to have teeth clinically cleaned twice per year; and having at least one dental exam per year to spot and resolve potential problems.

Although genetics can play a role, excellent oral hygiene habits coupled with a healthy diet of fresh fruits and vegetables while limiting sugary snacks and beverages is a good start. Sufficient rest and plenty of fluids (mostly water) round out the things needed to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

If it is time to schedule your next professional exam and cleaning, contact our team at The Dental Place today.

Restore your Smile with Custom Dentures

August 26, 2013

For some patients, tooth loss is unfortunately inevitable. In some cases, decay or disease is too far advanced to save any of the teeth.

Many patients who find themselves in such circumstances turn to dentures, but some are reluctant to do so because the appliances have earned a negative reputation—undeservedly so.

Patients may have doubts about dentures because they assume that the technology has changed little since their parents and grandparents wore the devices. Indeed, those older appliances often fit poorly and were uncomfortable and ineffective.

Now, the dentist can provide a much higher quality appliance to patients in need of dentures.

The process of getting custom dentures begins with an initial appointment at which the dentist will take models of your mouth to determine the basic shape of the denture. Patients have significant input in this process, and you can specify certain aspects of the denture’s appearance, such as the shade of the teeth.

Because these dentures are made based on models of your unique mouth structure, you will have a good fit with the denture. You will have ample opportunity to try out the denture to make sure that it fits to your specifications. The newer materials are much more lifelike, as well, giving them a more natural appearance. This characteristic also appeals to patients.

Although your dentures will fit quite comfortably in the long run, many patients have an initial adjustment period during which the appliance feels loose or off-target in some other way. If this happens to you, don’t get discouraged. Give it a few weeks, and you should get used to the dentures. If you continue to have problems, bring the appliance back to the dentist for further adjustments that can improve the fit.

Don’t feel that you have to give up comfort and function in order to restore your smile with dentures following tooth loss. Consult with our experts in custom dentures at The Dental Place; you are likely to enjoy better outcomes than you thought possible. Call 972-264-5795 for more information.

Spaces Between my Front Teeth: Can veneers help?

August 15, 2013

Many patients who have a gap between their front teeth (a diastema) want to address the problem, but they may not want to endure months or even years of orthodontic treatment to reposition those teeth.

Fortunately, veneers can achieve the desired effect in a much shorter period of time.

A cosmetic dentist can use veneers to conceal any number of unattractive problems, including chips, stains or cracks in the teeth. Additionally, veneers can be used to fill in an empty space between the teeth.

Veneers are thin, tooth-shaped shells, often made of porcelain. They are bonded atop your natural teeth to cover up problems that detract from your smile’s appearance.

The treatment timeline is quite short, and patients usually have their veneers in place within a matter of weeks. At an initial appointment, the cosmetic dentist gathers data used to plan for the shape of the veneers. The teeth may also need to have a thin layer of enamel removed to make room for the veneers.

The information gathered at the initial appointment is then forwarded to the dental laboratory tasked with custom-designing and crafting the veneers. The dentist usually has the veneers back in his or her office within a week or two, and the patient returns to have them placed.

At that second appointment, the dentist may make further adjustments to the shade and shape of the veneer per the patient’s request. In the last step, the veneers are permanently attached to the tooth with a strong dental bonding agent.

Additionally, it’s also important to consider that the porcelain used in the veneers does not respond to teeth whitening treatments in the same way that natural enamel does. If you are planning to have a tooth whitening treatment, do so before the veneers are placed.

If you want to close the gap between your front teeth but are reluctant to pursue orthodontia, consider veneers as an alternative. They can help to improve your smile’s appearance and fill in that gap. Talk to our cosmetic dentists to learn more about your treatment options.

Dental Implants: Enjoy the health benefits of a complete smile

August 4, 2013

Everyone realizes that a missing tooth or missing teeth have a detrimental effect on the smile’s appearance. However, tooth loss also has consequences for your oral health and your overall well-being. Those factors are also compelling reasons to consider dental implants as a treatment for tooth loss.

With dental implants, patients get a structurally complete tooth replacement. The implant is a post made of titanium, which fuses with the jaw. Because the implant osseointegrates, it serves the same function as the missing tooth root. It secures the prosthetic arch and prevents the jawbone from eroding, which happens when the root is absent.

For this reason, your dentist can help prevent further tooth loss by placing dental implants to replace missing teeth. If the jawbone continues to atrophy, the adjacent teeth may be at risk.

Dental implants also benefit patients in terms of nutrition because people who choose implants can enjoy a more complete diet. Dental implants are more effective at chewing due to the connection between the jaw and the prosthetic.

Avoiding a tooth replacement intervention entirely also can have negative outcomes for your oral health. The empty space can offer a welcoming spot for oral bacteria to collect, proliferate and cause tooth decay or gum disease. It can be difficult to keep the space clean, and debris can collect there, providing a food source for those bacteria.

Of course, the aesthetic benefits of dental implants should not be discounted, either. Positive self-esteem and self-confidence are important components of your mental health, and these aspects, too, benefit from dental implants.

Dental implants are appropriate for patients with varying scenarios of tooth loss. They can be used to replace a single tooth or to support a dental bridge or denture when multiple teeth (or even all of them) are missing. These devices have significant advantages for a patient’s health, so talk to our dental team to see if you may be a candidate for dental implants. Call 972-264-5795 today.

Adjusting to Dentures: What should I expect during the first few weeks?

July 25, 2013

Dentures are valuable appliances for replacing an entire mouthful of missing teeth, but they do require an adjustment period as your mouth becomes accustomed to the device. If you know what to expect and what steps to take to prepare, this transition can be less disruptive.

Modern dentures represent a vast improvement over the devices that your grandparents wore. These appliances are custom-crafted, instead of one-size-fits-all as in past decades. They are made of lifelike materials that can be tailored to match the shade and shape of your natural teeth – or improve upon the smile you once had, if you wish.

In order to ensure that the appliance is designed to your unique specifications, your dentist will take impressions of your jaw that then provide the guidelines for crafting the denture. Patients who are getting upper and lower dentures should be fitted for both at the same time to ensure that the arches fit together properly.

Dentures are valuable appliances for replacing an entire mouthful of missing teeth, but they do require an adjustment period as your mouth becomes accustomed to the device.

Although the dentures are custom-fitted, patients sometimes feel that the appliances do not fit well at first. This sensation will pass as your mouth adapts to the denture, generally within a few weeks. If you continue to have that feeling or any discomfort after a few weeks, the denture may need to be tweaked a bit. Schedule a follow-up evaluation with your dentist to see if any further adjustments are necessary.

You may find eating and speaking a little difficult when you first have your denture, too. Again, this is a common experience for new denture wearers and will abate with time. Your dentist can give you suggestions of strategies to use for chewing with your new dentures.

Be sure that you know what to do in order to maintain your dentures, as well. After your mouth has gotten used to the dentures, you can begin removing them at night to clean them thoroughly.

You can take advantage of today’s dentures to get an attractive smile and comfortable fit even after tooth loss. With a little patience during the adjustment period, you will get used to your brand new smile in no time at all.

Call The Dental Place for an appointment today.

What happens after root canal therapy?

July 13, 2013

A root canal is a valuable dental treatment that can help you to save a severely damaged or decayed tooth. Unfortunately, though, the root canal has developed a negative reputation over time, and some may dread the procedure.

When performing a root canal, the dentist clears away infected pulp material from the tooth’s inner core. After the pulp has been removed, the empty chamber is filled with an inert rubber-like substance called gutta percha.

Before undergoing the procedure, many patients express concerns about the effects they will experience afterward. If you have any such worries, it’s important to discuss them with your dentist in advance so you will know what to expect.

Although many patients associate the idea of a root canal with severe discomfort, that is not necessarily the case anymore. Advanced instruments and techniques have significantly reduced the levels of discomfort that result from a root canal.

Following a root canal, patients often report a level of discomfort no more significant than that associated with having a cavity filled. Any uncomfortable feelings that that patients do experience typically can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications.

Most patients also will have a crown placed sometime after the root canal as a further level of protection against additional damage to the tooth. Until the crown is in place, it is best to avoid chewing with the tooth that received the root canal. This will help to prevent the re-introduction of bacteria into the area.

Root canals have a very high success rate, generally around 95 percent. Most patients who undergo a root canal will need no further treatment, although in a small number of cases the root canal may need to be re-done, especially if there were additional chambers in the tooth’s center and one was not cleaned out. This is rare, though.

If a root canal has been recommended in your case, don’t procrastinate in seeking treatment out of anxiety. Schedule a consultation with any of our skilled dentists to discuss the process and procedure to set your mind at ease prior to your appointment. Call 972-264-5795 today.