The Dental Place

Can You Ever Keep Your Wisdom Teeth?

February 26, 2013

Third molars, more commonly referred to as wisdom teeth, are the very back teeth on both sides of the upper and lower arches. In some patients, these teeth never emerge. Others may have more than four wisdom teeth. Many patients can go through life without experiencing any problems with their wisdom teeth allowing them to be left alone.

However, many patients are not so fortunate and are faced with problems such as:

Overcrowding – When the wisdom teeth erupt, quite often the jaw cannot accommodate all permanent teeth. A malocclusion may occur forcing the teeth out of position to try to make room creating an over bite, under bite or cross bite. In an effort to prevent this from happening, the dentist may recommend removing the third molars.

Impacted teeth – Many patients are faced with impacted third molars. This means they are unable to erupt or come in completely or straight. This can present areas that are difficult to reach with a tooth brush or floss creating pockets where bacteria thrive and plaque build-up can occur.

Periodontitis – Also known as gum disease, the area surrounding wisdom teeth can be more susceptible to this problem due to the inability to reach with floss and a tooth brush resulting in improper hygiene.

Orthodontics – Many patients preparing to enter a teeth straightening procedure may be faced with having one or more teeth extracted. Quite often those teeth will be the third molars.

Discomfort – Impacted wisdom teeth can be uncomfortable, and when this impacts day to day living, the best solution may be to have them removed.
Impacted wisdom teeth are often extracted by an oral surgeon. Since this is a very common procedure for them, the process is very proficient. Healing time varies from patient to patient with the recommendation that soft foods be the mainstay for at least a few days. Do not drink beverages through a straw or smoke as the sucking action can loosen the clots needed to keep dry sockets from developing.

Wisdom teeth got their name from the fact that they generally erupt in the late teens or early twenties when a level of maturity has been reached. So if removing them is recommended, follow your dentist’s advice and have it done.

Contact The Dental Place at 972-264-5795 if you have additional questions or would like to make an appointment to discuss the status of the health of your wisdom teeth.

Will a Root Canal Save My Tooth?

February 17, 2013

The primary purpose of a root canal is to remove the nerve, pulp and blood tissue from the interior canals of a tooth, usually due to infection. Without this procedure, an abscess may develop that could result in spreading infection to other tissues in the body, and ultimately illness and/or tooth loss.

An infection can occur due to a breach in a dental filling or a cracked tooth. Although discomfort often accompanies this type of infection, there can be a problem without obvious symptoms. Sensitivity to hot or cold can be a clue, but sensitivity can also occur due to gum recession and exposed root.

The only way to positively identify the need for a root canal is a visit to the dentist. Dental x-rays and other simple tests can indicate the need for endodontic therapy. Removing the interior of the canal of a tooth’s root does not jeopardize the health of the tooth as once a tooth has erupted through the gum tissue; the nerve no longer serves a necessary purpose.

Clearing out the infection then sealing the tooth can relieve the pressure and discomfort, and at the same time salvage the tooth.

The consequences of inaction can be serious. Allowed to progress, an infection can spread to other parts of the neck, throat and head. Clearing out the infection then sealing the tooth can relieve the pressure and discomfort, and at the same time salvage the tooth. Depending on the tooth treated, the entry point can be sealed with a composite resin filling, but more likely a dental crown will be the final restoration of choice.

The procedure itself involves steps such as a dental x-ray to see positioning and number of roots that must be treated, numbing the area for utmost patient comfort, isolating the tooth to prevent accidental exposure of infectious material from spreading and the patient swallowing debris removed, and the actual process of removing the interior of the tooth’s canals.

The vacated root is flushed, and in some cases treated with additional medication. To provide additional stability for the tooth, it is packed with a rubber like material to fill the cavity left behind.

The process is completed with the final restoration. The tooth has been saved allowing the patient many more years of functionality and comfort. And although the root canal has earned a reputation as a dreaded dental procedure, with modern technology and updated instrumentation, this procedure can be done quickly, safely, and with outstanding results.

If you have questions about an upcoming root canal procedure, contact our skilled team of dentists at The Dental Place to schedule a consultation.

Should a Denture Be Worn at Night?

February 5, 2013

When a patient is fitted for dentures, there is an initial adjustment period where it is generally advisable to wear the new denture at night. Everyone is different, however, so that adjustment period is not set in stone.

A denture is an appliance used when one or more teeth have been lost. For replacing one or a couple of teeth, a partial denture is the best option. A removable partial denture is made up of the replacement tooth or teeth attached to a plastic base. The base is gum tissue color for aesthetics and is used to secure the denture with metal framework that is affixed to surrounding natural teeth.

The option of a fixed partial is also available. Permanently attached to healthy natural teeth, this partial denture does away with the question of removing at night.

When trauma, disease or decay results in the loss of all teeth in either the upper or lower arch, a complete denture may be recommended. Since there are no teeth to keep a complete denture in place, a custom fit is critical to the appearance and comfort of the wearer.

You will likely see your dentist for numerous visits over the period of time from the beginning of the denture process until a couple of weeks after you’ve received your final denture.

If you are undergoing the conventional denture process, you will see your dentist for dental impressions, model wax-up and numerous try-in appointments to make sure the appearance and fit are precise. Your dentist will make adjustments so that the final denture will be the correct tooth size and the tooth shade will match your remaining natural teeth.

After your final denture has been fabricated and delivered, small adjustments will likely be needed. You may find yourself returning to the dentist on a daily basis, as aesthetics, comfort and functionality must be the priority no matter how many adjustments are needed.

Wearing your denture 24/7 initially will expedite the adjustment period. Once attained, removing your denture during the night to allow gum tissue a chance to rest is optimum. Keeping the plastic base soft by soaking the denture throughout the night along with keeping the “teeth” clean with the recommended denture soak will enhance your denture’s appearance and comfort. Ultimately following your dentist’s advice offers the greatest chance for the best denture experience possible.

If you are considering dentures as an option to improve your smile, contact The Dental Place at 972-264-5795 and make an appointment today.

Veneers Create Stunning Smiles

January 24, 2013

You may realize that getting treatment from a cosmetic dentist can give your smile a major upgrade, but did you know that you can get a brand-new smile in just a matter of weeks? Veneers can help you achieve this goal.

In addition to the quick turnaround, veneers are one particularly versatile option to enhance a smile’s aesthetics. These devices are thin, tooth-shaped shells that are typically made of porcelain or some other material that has optical qualities similar to biological tooth enamel. They are bonded on top of the problematic tooth or teeth.

A cosmetic dentist may use veneers to correct any number of issues with the smile. A chipped or broken tooth can be made “like new” with a veneer, and veneers can conceal deep stains in the teeth, as well. Veeners can even be used to realign slightly crooked smiles. In fact, they are sometimes used in a treatment called “instant orthodontics.”

Did you know that you can get a brand-new smile in just a matter of weeks? Veneers can help you achieve this goal.

The process of getting veneers involves just a few appointments with the dentist. At the first visit, the dentist will take impressions and examine the teeth to plan for the veneers. The dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel to accommodate the veneer.

The dentist will also discuss your preferences for the shade of the veneers at the first visit. If you plan to whiten your teeth, it’s important to do so before getting the veneers, as the porcelain cannot be whitened further after it is bonded to the teeth.

The data gathered at the first appointment is then sent to the dental lab that is tasked with creating your veneers.

When the veneers are back from the lab, typically a few weeks later, you’ll go in to the dental office again to have them placed. The cosmetic dentist can make further adjustments to the shape and shade of the veneers according to the patient’s wishes. In the final step, the veneers are permanently bonded to the teeth.

Patients who want to improve their smiles are encouraged to consider veneers. Schedule a consultation with any of our skilled cosmetic dentists at The Dental Place to learn if this treatment option is appropriate for you.

What is the success rate for dental implants?

January 15, 2013

Dental implants require a significant investment of time and effort on the part of the patient, so patients typically want to maximize their chances of success.

Most dental implant patients will enjoy a positive outcome. In fact, according to the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the success rate for dental implants is approximately 95 percent.

Many factors influence dental implant success, including the quality of available bone and the patient’s oral and overall health, among other concerns.

The patient must have a sufficient amount of bone into which the implant dentist can insert the implant. This aspect is central to long-lasting dental implants, as the implant may ultimately fail if there’s not enough bone to support a strong bond between the implant and the jaw.

Patients with extensive bone loss need not be discouraged, though. They still can be candidates for this treatment by undergoing a preliminary bone graft to provide supplemental bone at the implant site. This step does extend the treatment timeline, but it can ultimately allow the patient to access the desired treatment.

Uncontrolled gum disease can also compromise the dental implant if it continues to attack the soft tissues and eventually the underlying jawbone. Therefore, patients with gum disease should have that problem addressed prior to getting dental implants.

Additionally, patients must be in good enough overall health to tolerate the surgical procedure involved with dental implants.

Smoking also presents a potential obstacle to dental implant success. This habit is associated with tissue inflammation, which can negatively affect the healing process.

The patient also plays an important role in the long-term stability of dental implants. Proper oral hygiene at home becomes even more critical to reduce the presence of bacteria that might lead to bone loss and, subsequently, implant failure.

Choosing dental implants as your tooth replacement option gives you a good chance of a positive treatment outcome. Contact The Dental Place to have a discussion with any of our implant dentists and learn what steps you need to take to improve your odds of a successful implant treatment. Call us at 972-264-5795 to schedule an appointment today.

I’m postponing dental treatment because it’s not bothering me

January 6, 2013

Many patients put off going to the dentist until they experience pain, but that’s not a good practice if you want to maintain your oral health. If a dental problem has progressed to the stage that it’s causing discomfort, the treatment is likely to be more invasive and expensive.

Serious dental issues, like abscesses and gum disease, often are preventable. Routine semi-annual visits to the dentist can reduce your chances of developing such conditions.

A professional dental cleaning is tremendously valuable to a patient’s well-being. This thorough cleaning helps to clear out oral bacteria found in plaque and tartar. You may think that brushing and flossing according to recommendations is sufficient, but in reality it’s not. The bacteria continue to build up even with the most dedicated oral hygiene regimen and need to be periodically removed by a hygienist.

If a dental problem has progressed to the stage that it’s causing discomfort, the treatment is likely to be more invasive and expensive.

Regular exams also give your dentist an opportunity to spot a minor concern, like a small cavity, before it becomes extensive, requiring more drastic treatment. In some cases, these exams can be lifesaving. For example, a dentist may be able to detect a suspicious lesion or tumor and identify oral cancer and treat it before it has a chance to spread.

The methods of modern dentistry are far more comfortable than those used decades ago. The techniques and instruments used can improve the patient experience, and those who are still skittish can take advantage of sedation to ease their minds.

Patients who don’t make regular dental appointments should re-consider their reason for doing so. Do you have anxiety about going to the dentist? Bring this issue to your dentist’s attention so that he can take extra care to ensure your comfort.

Are costs a concern? Keep in mind that delaying treatment can ultimately hit your wallet harder than having routine exams every six months.

It’s best to develop an ongoing relationship with a dentist who knows the details of your oral health. One important way to achieve this goal is by going for exams and cleanings every six months.

Contact our experienced team at The Dental Place to discuss which preventive measures might be right for you and your smile.

A Healthy Mouth is a Gateway to a Healthy Body

December 28, 2012

Whenever we feel ill, we don’t perform at our best. Regardless of where the ache or pain is, be it in our back, knee or hand, it can prevent us from fulfilling everyday tasks to its full potential. An old saying suggests a healthy body equals a healthy mind; any dentist will also say that to have a health body, the mouth must also be healthy!

Everyone does – or should, if they don’t already – brush their teeth regularly; dentists such as our Dr. Robert D. Maxey or Dr. Cecil F. George, Jr. recommend at least twice a day, as well as daily flossing and twice yearly-checkups to spot and address any potential problems in our mouths. Brushing helps to keep teeth clean by removing plaque and bacteria from the surface of our teeth, while flossing ensures any food debris that can encourage the growth of bacteria is removed from areas of the teeth where brushing might not reach.

Fluoride-based mouthwashes can also help to rinse away any impurities that could cause decay, while also helping to keep the tooth enamel strong. However, despite our best efforts, it is still possible for tooth decay to take hold and so professional dental cleanings to remove stubborn plaque and tartar are recommended, along with other dental services we offer in Grand Prairie.

In addition to keeping teeth clean, eating the right foods is also important to our oral health. A good diet containing plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is not only good for our body’s general health, but also for our oral health, thanks to their vitamins and nutrients. However, any change in our dental health, such as experiencing pain from our teeth, or even where teeth are missing may see us change our diets for the worse and forego those necessary vitamins.

Sleep is also important; our bodies should aim for around eight hours sleep each night in order to recharge and repair itself. Night-time, however, is when many people subconsciously grind their teeth – a condition called bruxism – which can lead to disturbed sleep and cause pain in the jaws, and even headaches. However, at The Dental Place in Grand Prairie, TX we could treat the symptoms of bruxism in several ways, from suggesting relaxation techniques to night-time mouthguards designed to limit the impact of grinding teeth.

Exercise is an excellent way to keep fit and promote a healthy body; but if we have a tooth-ache, or even a headache (which could be dental related) we might forego our exercise regime through lethargy or the fear of further pain.

Maintaining good dental health is an important facet in maintaining good overall health. While a healthy body may represent and encourage a healthy mind, a healthy mouth must be added to the equation as being equally important.

If it is time for your next dental exam and cleaning, contact The Dental Place in Grand Prairie, TX at 972-264-5795 to schedule your appointment. We are also your cosmetic dentist in Grand Prairie TX for when you not only want to improve your dental health, but appearance as well.

Beware of an Acidic Diet

December 17, 2012

Ask any dentist about what causes tooth decay and cavities, and an acidic diet will likely be high up in most of the replies. Although bacteria and plaque are key drivers of tooth decay and cavities, it is how these substances react with the food and drink we consume that is really the crux of the matter.

Many foods contain elements, such as sugars, which when exposed to bacteria in the mouth can be converted into acidic byproducts. Eating sweets, for example, can see the sugars in the candy react in this way, leaving a sticky acidic residue behind on the surface of our teeth. Over time, this acidic residue begins to erode the enamel of our teeth until it is removed through brushing and flossing, or by a professional dental cleaning.

Professional cleanings where plaque and tartar are removed from the surfaces of the teeth and beneath the gumline, and a comprehensive dental exam are important steps in maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

However, when we eat the next sweet, the cycle begins again and we put our teeth under threat once more. It isn’t just sweets either as many foods and drinks contain sugars or carbohydrates which can alter the levels of acidity in our mouths and react with the varied bacteria that are present.

Acid reflux too can have an impact on the health of our teeth, and foods which can encourage heartburn or reflux can encourage the development of increased levels of acids in the mouth while also introducing additional gastric acids to put the mouth under further threat.

It is important then to try to regulate the saliva levels in our mouths. Saliva is a natural defence mechanism of the body which acts as a barrier to mouth acids, and its purpose is to rinse away the acids and bacteria that can attack and harm teeth. However, saliva production can be compromised in several ways, including bouts of dry mouth and a lack of fluid intake. When this happens, the bacteria and acids can wreak havoc in the mouth.

To combat the problem, regular visits to a dentist can help. Professional cleanings where plaque and tartar are removed from the surfaces of the teeth and beneath the gumline, and a comprehensive dental exam are important steps in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Advice on how to combat the proliferation of acids through dietary changes and self-help techniques such as chewing gum to stimulate saliva production may also be given.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction: What is the recovery process?

December 4, 2012

Wisdom teeth problems such as impactions often inflict pain on patients, and so many people with issues with wisdom teeth have them removed by a dentist. Wisdom teeth serve no real purpose in our mouths now as the evolutionary cycle has seen our jawbone and mouth become smaller and better formed.

Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there is insufficient room to allow the wisdom teeth to successfully emerge into the patient’s mouth. This may result in pressure being applied to other existing teeth, while in other cases, the wisdom tooth may not fully emerge; instead creating pockets below the gum tissue where bacteria can thrive, leading eventually to tooth decay and other dental issues.

In many cases, a dentist will elect to remove wisdom teeth if they cause problems, or could potentially cause problems in the future. For patients who have wisdom teeth removed, there may be some lingering symptoms to be aware of, especially if the extraction was complicated.

The area around the extraction may be swollen and sore, and there may be a short period after where the mouth and cheeks may appear swollen. However, this will improve gradually over the course of a few days; using a cold cloth can help to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort.

Your jaw may be also be stiff and sore for a few days afterwards, and you may have difficulty in eating. Over-the-counter painkillers can help to relieve pain in these circumstances; other sensations to be aware of include an unpleasant taste in the mouth, and a temporary tingling or numbing feeling of the face, lips or tongue.

There are several self-help tactics to help reduce discomfort and aid the healing process; while painkillers can help ease any pain, avoiding strenuous exercise and sleeping using an extra pillow to provide additional comfort at night can also help. Try not to rinse or spit, while consuming hot drinks may also hinder, as these can dislodge the blood clots that form in the socket of the now-missing tooth.

Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol, and eating soft food for a few days will also help. However, the only true treatment to aid the recovery process of a wisdom tooth extraction is time, and after a few days the symptoms should subside. It is important however that you finish any antibiotics given to you by a dentist, and to have a check-up soon after the extraction has been performed, reporting any excess bleeding, severe pain or other untoward symptoms.

For additional information and to schedule your consultation, contact our experienced and dedicated team at The Dental Place. Call 972-264-5795 to schedule your visit today.

Why Would I Need a Dental Crown?

November 26, 2012

For anyone who has chipped or cracked a tooth, feeling self-conscious about your smile is always a possibility. Aside from the damage done to the tooth, the tooth itself may otherwise be totally healthy, and so a dentist may be reluctant to perform an extraction of the tooth. A dental crown could be the answer, helping to conceal the damage, while preserving the structure and health of the underlying tooth.

Dental crowns are porcelain caps that a dentist places over the affected tooth. Prior to fitting, the dentist will remove a small quantity of the tooth’s enamel, before taking an impression of the tooth, which will be used to fashion the artificial tooth.

Dental crowns can be used to conceal damage to a tooth in order to hold it in place without jeopardizing the health of the tooth. Crowns can also be used to conceal unsightly fillings, such as those used in root canal treatment, as well as helping to protect the filling from damage. Dental crowns can even be matched to the natural shade of the patient’s other teeth, helping to deliver a natural aesthetic finish.

Dental crowns can be used to conceal damage to a tooth in order to hold it in place without jeopardizing the health of the tooth.

Multiple fillings in a single tooth can affect the integrity and strength of the tooth, and so a dentist may feel further fillings in the tooth may not be worthwhile and recommend a dental crown instead.

Once a dental crown is placed, it can potentially last a lifetime with proper after-care. Regular dentist check-ups, coupled with a good dental hygiene regime should hold the dental crown in place for many years. Being cautious of sticky or hard foods is always advised to avoid damage of the crown.

If you are suffering from a chipped or cracked tooth and would like to know if a crown can benefit your smile, contact the Grand Prairie office of The Dental Place today to schedule a consultation.