The Dental Place

Why is Porcelain an Ideal Material to Use for Veneers?

March 28, 2013

Dental veneers are wafer thin shells used to cover a multitude of dental imperfections.

Stained teeth – Genetics, age, medication, and lifestyle habits can result in stubborn stains that are not successfully treated with a hygienic cleaning or whitening products.
Misshapen teeth – For those teeth that appear like they don’t belong, veneers can alter the appearance of one or several teeth.
Chipped teeth – Can appear whole again.
Gaps between teeth – One or several gaps can be treated making those spaces disappear.

Your cosmetic dentist can review the many ways veneers can produce a brilliant smile in a couple of short visits, and explain which material is best suited for you.

Porcelain is the perfect material for veneers because of its translucent properties that make these covers appear as natural as your teeth.

Veneers provide an answer that is more permanent than whitening or bonding, while providing a minimally invasive cosmetic correction.

Porcelain provides added strength to treated teeth.

Porcelain resists staining.

Porcelain can be made into any shape and color matched perfectly to surrounding teeth.

Veneers provide an answer that is more permanent than whitening or bonding, while providing a minimally invasive cosmetic correction. A very small amount of the natural enamel is removed from the front of teeth that are to be treated. The amount removed is close to the thickness of the veneer. This makes treated teeth appear very natural and virtually undetectable from surrounding teeth.

The teeth are coated with a substance designed to aid in bonding the veneer to the tooth. However, before being permanently cemented, the dentist will “try-in” the veneers to guarantee the fit and shading are a perfect match. Adjustments can be made as needed.

Once satisfied, the veneers are cemented into place. Those dental imperfections are erased, and a brilliant smile has been created.

Caring for dental veneers is as easy as caring for your own natural teeth with one small exception. The protective enamel on teeth is very hard and can withstand more pressure than the porcelain veneer. Avoid biting hard objects like ice or hard candy; do not bite fingernails or use the teeth to open packages. If a veneer is broken, it must be replaced as the enamel under the veneer has been previously removed.

Daily flossing and brushing along with those twice yearly visits to the dentist round out the rules of caring for your porcelain veneers which will provide many years of brilliant smiles.

Do I Really Need to Get Dental Checkups Every Six Months?

March 18, 2013

What can possibly happen to teeth if I fail to keep my six month checkup, and don’t see the dentist or hygienist for a whole year?

Plaque build-up – You don’t really notice it at first because it starts at the gum line. But all of a sudden you can start to feel that little ridge of calculus that is starting to form. That is bacteria piling up on your teeth that can progress into dental decay or gum disease.
Yellowing – At each visit when you get your teeth professionally cleaned, plaque is removed along with the build-up of grime that has allowed your teeth to take on a dull appearance. Once the teeth are cleaned, they will be polished to look their best.
Decay – Small caries too little to detect at one appointment can grow to a full blown cavity if not checked on a regular basis. This can translate to a huge filling, or worse.
Gum disease – Your dentist or hygienist will perform a periodontal charting to make sure the pocket depths between teeth and gum tissue are not reaching a serious depth, which could result in gum disease.
Malocclusion – Regular visits with your dentist will monitor any changes in the dental bite. An over bite, under bite or cross bite can cause grinding and clenching, dental decay, TMJ, or concerns about the appearance of your teeth.
Tooth loss – Potentially serious problems are monitored, and needed corrections can be initiated to prevent costly and time consuming treatment.

Many patients mistakenly believe they can substitute their dental visits for their own personal daily hygiene regimen, but this is not the case. However, adopting a few simple daily habits will help keep teeth and gum tissue at its best between dental visits:

Floss daily – This is critical for optimum gum tissue health.
Brush daily – At least twice per day with a tooth paste or gel.
Rinse – Use fluoridated or anti-bacterial rinses as recommended by your dental provider.

Lifestyle habits such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, sugary snacks/beverages, insufficient sleep, and stress can impact your dental health.

Follow your dentist’s recommendations, keep dental appointments, and enjoy a lifetime of smiles. If it is time for your six-month checkup, contact our team at The Dental Place today. Call 972-264-5795 to schedule your visit.

Aesthetic Dental Transformations

March 5, 2013

If dental imperfections have you concerned, you can easily transform any dental deficiency into an aesthetically pleasing result. A consultation with our cosmetic dentist will explain how you can treat:

Stained or yellowing teeth – Genetics, medications, aging, or lifestyle habits can result in teeth becoming dull or stained. Our Opalescence teeth whitening system offers many advantages over other whitening products such as:

Powerful peroxide bleaching agents coupled with chemicals will strengthen your enamel
Flavored gels make whitening more pleasant
Custom fitted trays make whitening as comfortable as possible while maximizing the effectiveness of the whitening gel

Chipped, broken or misshapen teeth – Veneers have proven to be the least invasive treatment in which wafer thin shells are permanently affixed to teeth to cover up many dental problems. You can change a tooth’s shape, close gaps between teeth or “repair” chipped teeth. When stubborn intrinsic stains do not respond to teeth whitening, veneers offer a solution that is permanent and effective.

Veneers have proven to be the least invasive treatment in which wafer thin shells are permanently affixed to teeth to cover up many dental problems.

Dental decay – Cavities can occur on any tooth, but we no longer have to rely on silver amalgam to make needed repairs. Tooth colored composite resin is the ideal way to repair dental decay, cover exposed roots due to enamel recession, or perform any number of cosmetic enhancements with bonding.

Missing teeth – Trauma, decay, or disease can claim one or more teeth. Not only do missing teeth create a self-conscious patient, but dental health is at risk after the loss of one or more teeth. When a tooth is lost, the remaining teeth will start to drift toward the open space creating a malocclusion, which is when the top teeth do not align properly with the bottom teeth.

Bone loss in gum tissue and the jaw can give your mouth a shriveled appearance once a tooth has been lost. This can affect your outward appearance as well.

Your cosmetic dentist can provide dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth. The implant is made from titanium, which is surgically placed in the gum tissue in the area where tooth loss has occurred, and allowed to heal over a four to six month period. During this time, the implant is fusing to existing bone, while regenerating additional bone, eventually providing strength and support to the final restoration that will be placed over the implant.

An aesthetic dental transformation is achievable providing the patient with self-confidence and a brilliant smile. Contact our skilled team of dental professionals today to learn more about your options.

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 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, 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.