Monday, October 17, 2016

What Is a TMJ Treatment and Why Do I Need One?

TMJ TreatmentWe offer a TMJ treatment in Chicago that can help eliminate or reduce your jaw pain. As a dentist, patients ask us what is the best treatment for their jaw, face, or teeth that are constantly hurting. This is actually a fairly common problem, even though most people are unaware of what is causing the pain or how to treat it. While you can certainly go the normal route of taking ibuprofen or icing your face, you do not have to live like this on a regular basis. Having to take the occasional ibuprofen is fine, but if that has become your daily routine, you need to seek help.

Visiting our office is the first place to start because we can examine you and determine whether or not you have TMJ. Some of the signs we will look for are worn down teeth and popping noises when you open and close your jaw. We will also look to see how sore your jaw and face muscles are when you speak or touch them. If we feel that you do have TMJ, we will present you with treatment options.

What is a TMJ treatment?

We recommend a non-invasive treatment solution that works by addressing the source of your TMJ symptoms. Very often, grinding or clenching your teeth at night will cause soreness in the jaw or face. Most people who do so never realize that they are. Since it happens in your sleep without causing much noise, your partner may not notice you grinding your teeth either. The only thing you will notice is how you feel when you wake up the next day. If we feel that this is happening after examining and speaking with you, we will recommend that you wear a night guard to prevent your teeth from touching. Our treatment solution is that simple.

How a TMJ treatment works:

When you visit our Chicago dental office, we will make an impression of your mouth and take measurements. That information will be sent to the dental lab so they can create a night guard to your exact specifications. Over the course of a couple of weeks, your new oral appliance will be created. It will be designed to fit you perfectly and securely. This is important because it needs to remain in place as you sleep without becoming loose since that could cause you discomfort or alarm in your sleep. All you need to do is wear it every night when you go to bed. We have found that most of our patients wake up feeling much better and that the soreness they felt is all but eliminated. By wearing it for a couple of weeks, your soreness should go away entirely. The only exception to this is if there is an additional factor causing your TMJ symptoms.

For more information about TMJ treatment, call our Chicago office and schedule a consultation.


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Monday, October 3, 2016

Dental Implants are Incredibly Successful at Replacing Lost Teeth


Dental ImplantsWhen getting dental implants, most Chicago patients will be pleased to know that there is typically over a 95 percent success ratio following the placement of the dental implants. This number increases to 98 percent with people who take good care of their teeth and by proxy, their dental implants. However, as with most things, there is always a slim chance for failure, and we do get questions about how this can happen. A failed implant is one that is loose, becomes mobile, falls out, or starts to show bone loss of more than one millimeter after the first year. In these cases, we want to make sure to identify and rectify the problem.
In most cases, dental implants are:
  • Incredibly durable
  • Long-lasting
  • Natural looking
  • Comfortable
Dental implants typically do not fail. There have been a few cases when the bone does not fuse fully with the dental implants, which can cause it to become loose or fall out. At other times, we have seen where the jawbone continues to disintegrate even after placing the implant, which leads to a failure of the dental implants. Careful monitoring of the dental implants is required. If we suspect that there may be cause for concern, we will measure the amount of bone loss over a period of one to two years.
If we start to see mobility in the implant or a bone loss of one millimeter after one year or 0.2 millimeters after the second year, we may start to discuss implant failure and what measures to take. It is important to note that if we find a low density of jawbone, to begin with, we will do a bone graft before ever considering placing dental implants, to ensure the bone can withstand the new implants.
With any oral surgery, and this is true for dental implants as well, there is always a risk of infection. When it comes to dental implants, we call this peri-implantitis, which is caused when there are bacteria present during the placing of the dental implants. The infection can lead to inflammation of the gum and bone and is a relatively common complication. In a few cases, we can treat this condition with antibiotics. However, we also find that in most cases, we will have to remove implant to cure the peri-implantitis.
The following can increase your risk of developing a complication:
  • Smoking
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Being diabetic 
Another potential complication is when dental implants are placed into the upper row of the teeth. As a seasoned professional in placing dental implants, we know to be extra careful that the dental implants do not protrude into the sinus cavity. When this happens, the area can become infected and inflamed. Typically, if we discover that there is a potential for this condition to happen, we will perform a sinus augmentation to create more bone in the area, which will provide better support of the dental implants. Our Chicago dental office always likes to know if you have had sinus issues before the dental implants are placed.


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Thursday, September 15, 2016

When You Don’t Have Time for Braces, Try Dental Veneers from our Chicago Dental Office


Dental VeneersOur Chicago dental office can provide you with dental veneers to completely transform the appearance of your smile. Having a stunning and beautiful smile is at the top of most people's wish list. People who wish for a beautiful smile more than anything else is understandable, considering that surveys of both men and women place a beautiful smile at the top of what makes a person attractive. There have even been studies showing that those with a beautiful smile are more likely to get ahead at work with promotions and even raises over those without a nice smile. Investing in yours can, therefore, be a lucrative endeavor.

If you have gaps between your teeth or you have teeth that are slightly crooked, you may be tempted to get braces. Orthodontics has an excellent reputation for straightening teeth because they work incredibly well. Whether you are 10 or 50 years of age, braces can help give you a beautiful smile. There is only one problem: they take a long time to work. It is common to wear braces for 18 months to two years. As an adult, this may not be the time you want to devote to your smile. Additionally, once the braces come off, you may still have stained teeth that will need to be whitened.

A different, and sometimes better option is to have a dentist place dental veneers. Veneers are thin porcelain shells created in a shade of white to match your surrounding teeth, or brighter in order to whiten your smile. They are bonded to the surface of your teeth after those teeth have been prepared. In this way, they essentially replace your enamel, so the only thing you see are the beautifully shaped veneers. Natural-looking yet perfectly beautiful, veneers can give you the smile you have always wanted in only two appointments. This is far faster and more convenient than braces.

Dental veneers can close gaps in between your teeth by making the veneers slightly wider than your natural teeth. With the smallest of adjustments, dental veneers can solve spacing problems beautifully.

Dental veneers can also straighten teeth by shaving off a portion of the enamel and then securing the veneer in such a way as to give your tooth the appearance of being straight. A dental veneer can straighten a tooth, without having to move it or the root.

Dental veneers can change the shape or size of your teeth if they are too large, too small, or unsymmetrical. We can also give your teeth a bright white appearance by covering your stained and yellow teeth with dental veneers. When you smile, you will see brilliance instead of years of coffee-induced stains.

Dental veneers are incredibly versatile and affordable when compared with an orthodontics treatment. We can discuss all the things you do not like about your smile during a consultation and then let you know how dental veneers can work to correct those challenges. The nice thing about veneers is that you can start the process by having them placed on the most obvious front teeth and then continue to make any other adjustments over time. You can also combine this treatment with teeth whitening or even dental bonding. Our goal is to give you a smile you are proud of, so our Chicago dental office will present you with whatever options are necessary to achieve that objective.



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Thursday, September 1, 2016

How Snoring and Sleep Apnea Are Related


Sleep ApneaOften, snoring and sleep apnea go hand in hand. In fact, snoring is one of the most common and well-documented symptoms of sleep apnea. When a person has chronic and ongoing snoring problems, there is always a chance that they are also suffering from sleep apnea.

Now, it is not to say that snoring and sleep apnea are synonymous; many people suffer from bad snoring habits and never develop sleep apnea. However, in the diagnosis of sleep apnea, chronic snoring is one of the symptoms we always look for. When a person with sleep apnea has chronic snoring, we find that snoring is often intermittent with pauses, which will sometimes end in choking or gasping. These are additional signs that point to sleep apnea.

The challenge is that the patient is often asleep when these events occur. Nobody can truly be sure that they snore at night or whenever they fall asleep, simply because they are usually in too deep of a restive state to be disturbed by their own sound. Similarly, when a person suffering from sleep apnea chokes or gasps at the end of a pause during their snoring, they may have no idea that this is happening to them.

In cases like this, we have to rely on a family member or a partner to identify that these symptoms are occurring and to note how frequently. Since snoring can be completely independent of sleep apnea, it can be challenging to positively identify it, which is why we look for other symptoms as well.
Other common symptoms that go along with snoring and sleep apnea includes fatigue during the day. Many of the patients who suffer from sleep apnea find that they are unable to get enough sleep and that they feel sleepy throughout the day, periodically nodding off. People with sleep apnea may rapidly fall asleep during the daytime, as well. When combined with chronic snoring, this can be a clear symptom of sleep apnea.

Despite snoring and sleep apnea having such a distinctive relationship, we still always look for other signs and recommend that any patient who is having trouble breathing during sleep consult with their doctor about possible sleep apnea treatments.

If you have other symptoms like falling asleep during the day, headaches, problems with remembering or learning things, irritability and depression, trouble focusing or concentrating, or dry mouth and a sore throat, you definitely need to consult with your doctor about sleep apnea. In children, this condition can possibly manifest itself as irritability, inability to do well in school, and hyperactivity during the day. Additionally, children who suffer from sleep apnea may have a habit of breathing through their mouth, even during the day time.

While a few of the symptoms of sleep apnea are often dismissed as coincidental, such as snoring, it is important to seek treatment if the other symptoms occur.



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Tuesday, June 28, 2016

An Emergency Dentist for Kids in Chicago Should Be Part of Your Healthcare Plan

Emergency Dentist
When you are planning for healthcare, be sure to add an emergency dentist for kids in Chicago to your list. Having children brings about many changes. The need to find a pediatrician, daycare providers, and a children’s dentist. As a dentist, we know many parents are confused about when and if they actually need to take their kids to the dentist. If you are a first-time parent, the confusion is completely understandable – there is a great deal to learn! Just know that you definitely do need a dentist for your child, you should bring them in around one year of age, and you need a dentist you can call in emergencies.

Why do I need an emergency dentist for kids?

It’s simple, really. Children are accident-prone. Whether your teething toddler falls down while learning to walk and bumps their front tooth, your preschooler hits their teeth on the playground or your older child has a sports accident, the bottom line is that accidents happen. There is no way to control when they will, nor is there a good way to avoid them. The best you can do is to keep your children's teeth healthy and strong, hoping that they will be able to withstand the impact. If they cannot, if they break, crack, or chip, you need a dentist you can call right away. In these situations, we are here to help.

What does an emergency dentist for kids do?

We do it all. Our dental office in Chicago is a traditional pediatric dentistry office that provides preventative and restorative dental care. That means we can clean their teeth, treat decay, and restore damaged teeth. The difference between our office and the typical dentist is that we also provide emergency care. We understand that just like you cannot prevent accidents, you cannot tell when they will happen. For this reason, we offer appointments outside of the standard nine to five, and we always leave room in our schedule for emergencies. That way, when your child needs help, they can get it without the need to wait for a week or two to come in.

Will my insurance cover an emergency dentist for kids?

That depends on your dental insurance. However, since we are a pediatric dentistry office, we do work with most insurance providers. We do not offer emergency care only, but rather, we offer all types of dental care. This means the procedures your children need should be covered as long as you have a comprehensive dental plan. If you do not and you want to discuss other payment arrangements, let us know so we can help find solutions for you.

Shouldn’t I just take my kids to the ER?

No. If your child hurts their tooth, do not take them to the ER but call an emergency dentist for kids instead. ER doctors are highly trained, but they are not trained in dentistry. Your child will not receive the level of care they need from the ER.

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Visit Mitchell Dental Spa for a Dental Cleaning and Examinations

Dental Cleaning and Examinations
When you visit Mitchell Dental Spa for a dental cleaning and examinations, we will take the time to get to know you and the concerns you have for your health and the appearance of your smile. We have a variety of dental solutions we can use to correct everything from a toothache to gum disease and a chipped tooth. Whether you are concerned that your gums may be receding or you do not like a gap in between your teeth, let us know. We will be happy to come up with a customized treatment plan to address these issues.

During your appointment, we will conduct a physical examination, along with taking x-rays, so we can see the condition of your tooth structure and jawbone. This will help us determine if you are suffering from resorption, need a root canal, or simply need to have your teeth cleaned. By cleaning your teeth twice a year, we can decrease your risk of getting cavities and help keep you healthy so you do not require any further dental care. Ongoing preventative care can help to make this possible, but it requires consistency on your part.

During a dental cleaning and examinations, Mitchell Dental Spa will also check the enamel on your teeth to look for signs of erosion. Your teeth only have a set amount of enamel. Over time, that enamel can wear away, exposing the porous dentin underneath. Your nerve endings are contained here, and without a protective layer of enamel, you can experience sensitivity and discomfort while eating or drinking. There are solutions like desensitizing toothpaste that can help, but this is only a temporary measure. If your enamel is eroded, the only way to permanently solve the problem is with a dental restoration. We can use dental bonding or a dental crown to help protect your tooth and reduce or eliminate the sensitivity. Keep in mind that you do not need to treat all of your teeth. If the enamel has worn away on only one or two, we can address those ones only, so no unnecessary dental work has to be done. As a benefit, any restoration we complete can be made to look natural and blend in with the surrounding teeth. That way, no one can tell which teeth were ever damaged or restored.

While performing a dental cleaning and examinations, Mitchell Dental Spa also look for signs of oral cancer. This is incredibly important because it is difficult to see the inside of your mouth, making early detection next to impossible without the help of a professional. We can look for signs such as red and white bumps or rough patches that could be indicative of cancerous cells. One person dies every day from oral cancer, and early detection is the key to defeating the disease. With that in mind, if you smoke, chew tobacco, drink a lot of alcohol, are exposed to a lot of sun, or have the HPV virus, you need to have an oral cancer screening once per year. Fortunately, we can incorporate this into your dental exam, making it easy to do both at the same time.

Monday, May 16, 2016

If A Tooth Gets Knocked Out Follow These Tips From Our Dental Office

Dental Office
As a dental office we understand how important teeth are. Our digestive process begins with the act of chewing and so protecting our teeth is essential. In the modern world, our children are faced with new dangers and potential for losing or damaging their teeth. Chief among these are sports and recreational activities like climbing or skateboarding. Contact sports like football also can result in damage to a tooth or even the loss of a tooth due to a collision. In order to protect the teeth from inadvertently being knocked out, all athletes wear mouth guards that can help mitigate damage and reduce the impact. However, accidents still happen.

For a child to lose a tooth is a big deal, especially if the tooth that is lost is the permanent tooth. All people have two sets of teeth. The first, milk teeth which are also known as deciduous teeth, come in first as a baby and eventually fall out naturally to make room for the larger, more permanent teeth. Functionally the baby teeth are essential since a child learns how to chew and talk with these teeth. Also, they serve as a placeholder for the permanent teeth. In this role, they prevent other teeth from crowding the space required by the adult tooth so that it can grow smoothly and proportionately. As a result, when a milk tooth is knocked loose, we will take precautions to ensure that the gap, left by the tooth, is not filled or crowded by the surrounding teeth.  This is necessary to prevent an irregular growth of the adult tooth.

If your child has a baby or milk tooth knocked out during a sport it is a good idea to visit our dental office as soon as possible to make a plan. This way we can start monitoring the other teeth until the new tooth has grown in. You can also bring the knocked out tooth with you, transporting it in milk.

On the other hand, if the tooth that has been displaced is a permanent tooth, the problem is more serious.

We advise taking the following steps –

Find the tooth and make sure it is clean. If it is clean put it back into the socket from which it fell and hold it in place. The tooth may be held in place using the opposing teeth, the tongue, or by wrapping it in a foil using the neighboring teeth as a support. If the tooth is obviously dirty, wash it before placing it in the mouth to avoid contamination.

Call our dental office to schedule an emergency exam. We can look at various options for restoring the tooth or if it is too far gone, replacing the tooth with another dental solution. Getting the tooth to the dentist quickly is essential, and it can, like the deciduous tooth, be transported in milk or even a saline solution. When handling the tooth make sure not to touch the root but instead pick it up and handle it using the crown to avoid damaging the root.

During the appointment, we will give you advice on the best way to proceed.

Monday, May 2, 2016

Tips for Keeping Your Implant in Good Condition from an Implant Dentist

Implant Dentist
If you are looking for an implant dentist, we help patients transform their smiles, and this is one of the many procedures that we specialize in. An implant can transform a person’s smile by restoring missing teeth and giving them the full functionality that typically only comes from natural teeth. We asked our implant dentist to answer some commonly asked questions about implants and how to keep them in good condition.

Question: What is a dental implant?

Answer: There are actually two parts to an implant: a synthetic root system and a new tooth. The roots are made of a metal post, and the tooth is typically made of ceramic.

Question: What do they look like?

Answer: An implant looks like a natural tooth because it is created in a dental lab to match the surrounding teeth in shape and size. The color is also matched to the natural teeth so that it blends in perfectly.

Question: What can an implant dentist use them for?

Answer: Most of the time they are used to replace a tooth that has fallen out. This is an alternative to dentures or installing a dental bridge and looks more natural than both of those solutions. It is also more durable. At times, patients will ask for an implant to correct a crooked tooth that may not be responsive to orthodontics.

Question: How does the process work?

Answer: The main difference between an implant and any other type of procedure is the new root system that is created. In order to do this, I implant a metal post under the gums and secure it to the jawbone. The bone responds by eventually fusing with the metal. This step can take a few months, but once they are fused together, a synthetic root system exists that is as durable and strong as a natural one. Meanwhile, a new tooth is being created in the lab using an impression that was taken of a patient’s mouth. Once the first stage is complete, I secure the new tooth to the metal post at the surface of the gums and position it into place. The results look completely natural.

Question: How long will my implant last?

Answer: There is no set time frame and your dental implants can last a lifetime if you take care of your oral health.

Question: How do I keep them in good condition?

Answer: Dental implants are stain resistant and not prone to infection because they are made of ceramic and metal. The rest of the teeth in your mouth and gums are susceptible to becoming infected, so the focus needs to be on taking care of them.  I recommend that patients brush after every meal and floss daily in order to remove bacteria and plaque. Teeth cleanings twice a year are also important for preventing infections and treating them right away if they do occur. The greatest risk to an implant is having an untreated oral infection spread into the jawbone. This can be prevented with regular teeth cleanings.

We are happy to answer any additional questions you have during a consultation. Schedule a consultation today.

Friday, April 15, 2016

What You Need to Know About Brushing Your Teeth from our Dentist Office

Dentist OfficeWhen you visit our dentist office, we can show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth. Learning how to do this the right way will help you to prevent cavities and gum disease from forming in your mouth. We understand the importance that preventative care plays in good oral health. We can do our part by cleaning your teeth twice a year and removing any plaque, tartar, and bacteria that was left behind from at home cleanings. While this is effective, it isn't enough without at home care as well.

Here is what you need to know about brushing your teeth.

The two-minute myth.
A lot of people have been taught that as long as they brush for at least two minutes, their teeth will be clean. This is only half of the story. The two-minute rule is a good starting point, but you really need to brush for as long as it takes to get a good clean. This may be longer if you have a bad toothbrush. Feel your teeth when you are done and see if they are clean. If you can still feel grime with your tongue then adjust your timing accordingly.

Motion matters.
When you brush your teeth, it is important to brush them in a circular pattern. This will help you to remove more bacteria and plaque without irritating your gums. If you have an electric toothbrush, it will do this for you so that you have less to worry about. This is far better than brushing from front to back or back to front which can irritate your gums. We can show you how to do this when you visit our dentist office.

It is also important for you to brush away from your gums. For example, if you are brushing your top teeth start at the gum line and brush downwards. This will keep bacteria off of your gums and help to prevent gum disease.

Buy the right equipment.
You should be brushing with a soft toothbrush or an electric one. Both are better for your teeth than a hard toothbrush because they won't strip away your enamel or irritate your gums. You also need to switch out your toothbrush every three months before the bristles start to fray. If you notice that your toothbrush has an odor, you should change it out faster since this could be a sign of bacteria.

Purchase toothpaste that contains fluoride so that you can strengthen your teeth while brushing them. Look for one that has the American Dental Association seal of approval on it and use this toothpaste several times a day for the maximum benefits.

When you visit our dentist office, we can demonstrate how to brush properly and care for your teeth so that you can stay healthy at home and prevent both cavities and gum disease. You should also schedule a teeth cleaning for twice a year so that we can remove any bacteria or plaque that has been left behind.

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Friday, April 1, 2016

A Restorative Dentist Can Use Both Crowns and Veneers

Restorative DentistA Restorative Dentist Can Use Both Crowns and Veneers

A restorative dentist can help you if your tooth has become damaged. Previously, when a person's tooth became cracked or chipped there were not many options for correcting it. Some people even had their tooth pulled, which is now unnecessary most of the time thanks to modern dental techniques. By visiting the dentist immediately after teeth have been damaged, most teeth can be restored and saved.

Dental crowns and veneers are two ways that a dentist will restore the tooth. They can be used to correct teeth that have been chipped or cracked. Additionally, a veneer is often used to cover dark stains, close gaps in teeth, and make them even. Crowns are more frequently used to restore a tooth after a large portion of it has been removed during a procedure like a root canal. Both options provide patients with a way to improve the appearance and strength of a damaged tooth and allow for a person to eat normally once their tooth has healed.

While there are many similarities between the two procedures, there are also many differences. Here is what you need to know.

How they are used. Dental veneers are used more often to restore a tooth with minor damage while the majority of the tooth is still in place. This can include teeth with small holes in them, chips, or cracks.  Meanwhile, dental crowns are needed when a larger portion of the tooth is missing, or the crack is so large that the tooth is falling apart. A restorative dentist will use a crown when the damage is more extensive.

What they look like. A dental veneer is made of all-porcelain or ceramic so that it looks completely natural. This is an excellent solution for someone who may be repairing one tooth but also wants to cover stains on other ones at the same time. They can be placed on one or all of a person's teeth. Dental crowns are made of several materials and a patient can select which one to use. All-metal crowns are more common for back molars since it is the most durable and will last the longest. All-porcelain and porcelain-on-metal are also common and more frequently used on teeth that people can see. The only challenge is that they don't last as long.

Tooth preparation. In both scenarios, a restorative dentist will prepare the tooth by removing a portion of the enamel so that the crown or veneer can fit and feel natural. More of the enamel is removed with a crown than with a veneer since the crown surrounds a tooth where the veneer simply sits on top. Temporaries are worn after the tooth is prepared while the lab is creating a permanent solution.

Placing a crown or veneer. Once the permanent ones are ready, the temporary will be removed and if the permanent crown or veneer lfits perfectly it will be bonded to the tooth.

Both solutions can look natural and feel great and allow the patient to eat like normal and speak comfortably. A restorative dentist will make recommendations on what needs to be done after examining a damaged tooth.

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Thursday, March 24, 2016

Learn Why Dental Crowns Are Used Instead of Fillings

Dental CrownsAmong restorative procedures, dental crowns are by far the most commonly performed by dentists everywhere. Most people understand what a dental crown does, and usually we have discussed it at some length before a patient decides to schedule the procedure. Historically people have a lot of questions about any procedure that is going to involve their teeth, and dental crowns are no exception. Since there is a cost involved, even when the insurance companies are paying some of it, people want to know that the procedure is necessary before committing the time and money to having it done.

From our perspective, we prefer to ensure that the teeth themselves are well taken care of and to do whatever procedures are necessary to have strong, healthy patients. If this means we can do a filling, in lieu of a crown, and it would be sufficient, then that is what we will recommend. However, we do find that if the tooth requires a crown, typically there are not many alternatives that provide the same level of effectiveness.

Dental crowns are also commonly referred to as dental caps. This is based on the idea the dental crown “caps” or covers the entire tooth, providing a degree of protection while strengthening and supporting the tooth. To ensure that the crowns are a perfect fit, they are custom fabricated in a laboratory based on the measurements taken at our office. This allows the crown to fit perfectly over your tooth and give it the support it needs. Once installed, a dental crown performs two vital functions.

1.    It strengthens and supports the tooth itself. When a tooth is damaged, your mouth will often overcompensate for that tooth, leading to an uneven bite and misaligned teeth. When the crown is placed, the mouth can rely on this tooth for functionality and hence does not have to make adjustments.

2.    Damaged teeth, especially those that have been damaged due to decay have a tendency to attract more bacteria. This bacteria also spreads around and could infect other teeth as well. A cap puts a stop to the decay and limits the amount of bacteria that can spread. This is beneficial to the tooth, and to the mouth as a whole.

When do we recommend that you get a dental crown?

If you have a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth, we may recommend that you get a dental crown. A crack in the tooth or a chip can quickly spread which will cause immense amounts of discomfort. Any damage to the tooth leaves it susceptible to infection, which is something we want to avoid and the crown is the best way to accomplish this. If you have a filling that is extremely large and has outgrown the recommended filling size, we will recommend a crown. Dental crowns are more durable than fillings, lasting longer and providing better support. There are many reasons why they may be recommended, which is why we will discuss your particular and individual situation with you first.

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Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Visit Our Cosmetic Dentist Office For These Procedures

Cosmetic DentistOur cosmetic dentist office can transform your smile from dull to brilliant. No matter what your particular needs are, we know how to help. Some of the most common treatments we employ are listed below to provide you with insight regarding our viable methods.

Fillings: If you need a filling to remedy a cavity, we can provide you with a tooth-colored filling that will look natural against the color of your tooth. Our fillings are durable and will protect your vulnerable teeth from more damage for years to come.

Bonding: In our cosmetic dentist office, our dental bonding is made of a similar material as our composite resin fillings, but it is used to fill in chips and cracks in your teeth to improve esthetic value. If you have a minor imperfection that you would like covered, dental bonding is an attractive and long-lasting solution that requires minimal chair time. Our bonding solution is also tooth-colored, so it blends in with your natural tooth color.

Crowns: We use crowns to cover damaged teeth that are too impaired to be fixed by a filling or bonding. They cover your entire tooth for the most protection against decay and further damage. We can offer you attractive, natural-looking crowns that match your other teeth. While natural looking, they are so durable that can withstand immense pressure and are stain resistant.

Teeth Whitening: To brighten a dull smile, our cosmetic dentist office can give you a thorough teeth whitening strategy that can be implemented as needed to achieve the white shade you desire. A whitening can transform your smile in a simple, but effective way.

Dental Veneers: Our veneers are very thin, tooth-colored shells that can be applied to the fronts of your teeth as attractive coverage for crooked or discolored teeth. Veneers are long-lasting and are a minimally invasive way to cover up dental flaws and to restore teeth that have been damaged in an accident.

Dental Bridges: A dental bridge is a semi-permanent replacement for missing teeth. If you have one missing tooth or several missing teeth, our dental bridge provides fabricated teeth that match your other ones. The bridge will fit into the gap created by your former teeth. The false teeth will be secured in place by two crown anchors attached to your strong existing teeth.

Dental Implant: A dental implant will be your most attractive and permanent replacement option. Our cosmetic dentist office will secure a titanium rod into the root opening that was left by your former tooth. This rod will be attached to the replacement tooth to hold it in place. With time, the titanium rod will graft with your jawbone to create the most permanent solution to a missing tooth.

For all your esthetic dentistry needs, our cosmetic dentist office can help. We can provide you with comprehensive care so that no imperfection is left unrefined. You will be pleased with the timely, durable, and attractive solutions we can provide for your dental needs.

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Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Why Dental Bonding Is More Convenient for Younger Patients

Dental BondingIn our office, we provide dental bonding as a solution or a variety of problems that can occur with the teeth.  As a local family dentist office, we are committed to helping your family to remain in the best possible oral health.  In order to achieve this goal, we would prefer to clean and examine your teeth at least twice a year.  This way we can remove plaque and tartar, treat oral health problems, and help your teeth to remain healthy.  This is critical because healthy teeth are strong teeth, and if your teeth are infected, it will be that much easier for them to become chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged.

If, however, you do damage a tooth, we have several ways to restore it including bonding.  It is incredibly common for both children and adults to damage their teeth.  Many adults do so while playing sports or even in a car wreck.  Children can also damage their teeth while playing sports or, most commonly, when playing with their friends on the playground.  Their simple and innocent behavior often leads to damage due to how aggressively they tend to move around.

When a child's tooth becomes damaged, we must determine whether or not it should be saved.  If it is a baby tooth and likely to fall out in short order, we may not want to do a major restorative procedure.  However, if we anticipate them keeping their tooth for a while or if it is a permanent tooth (as is the case with adult damage), then it is important to save it.  We have several methods of doing so including dental veneers and dental crowns.  In young patients, however, dental bonding is often the easiest and least invasive method of doing so.

Whether your child damages a tooth or you do, it is important to know your options for restoring it.  The reason that dental bonding is so popular is that it doesn't require any preparation and the process can be completed a single sitting.  If, for example, your tooth becomes chipped, a tooth colored material can be shaped around your tooth to restore the chipped area.  It is pliable enough to be moved and shaped until your tooth looks perfect.  Once done, it is hardened with a special light in order to form a hard chewing surface. Your once damaged tooth will then be restored and look natural since the material will be matched in shade to your existing tooth.

The process of dental bonding is more convenient than dental veneers simply because the enamel on your tooth can remain intact.  Therefore, no preparation is required.  Simultaneously, a veneer is created in the dental lab after an impression is taken of your teeth. This makes it a two-step process for restoring a tooth. While the results are beautiful and natural looking, getting a veneer requires more commitment on behalf of the patient than it does to undergo a bonding procedure.  For this reason, we find that bonding is a viable solution for busy adults and younger patients.

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Monday, February 1, 2016

A Restorative Dentist Can Save Your Damaged Tooth

Restorative DentistAs  a restorative dentist, we specialize in saving teeth that may otherwise need to be pulled.  It is incredibly common to damage a tooth, sometimes doing the most basic of activities.  Driving a car and getting into a wreck, playing basketball and colliding with an elbow, running into something at work, etc.; all of these things can lead to tooth damage.  From small chips to large cracks, a damaged tooth can be incredibly uncomfortable.  Not only can it lead to toothaches but a damaged tooth can make it difficult to eat or speak clearly.  It can also cause you to hold your jaw in an unnatural position, creating tension headaches or discomfort in your face and neck.

If you find yourself in the situation where your tooth is damaged, we encourage you to call our dental office right away.  We can restore and save your tooth, preventing you from experiencing unnecessary discomfort.  Correcting the problem quickly is also important for ensuring that your tooth does not become infected from bacteria entering through the cracked portion of the tooth.  If it does, you could end up needing to have more than one procedure in order to first remove the infection and secondly restore the tooth.

As a restorative dentist, we are equally committed to restoring the function and form of your tooth. For example, it is not just the way that your tooth looks that matters.  How it functions is equally important, if not more so.  You need your teeth to be healthy and fully functioning so that you can eat and speak clearly.  Otherwise, it can be difficult to enunciate and enjoy your favorite foods.  Simultaneously, if you actually lose your tooth or have it pulled, the function of your jawbone can become compromised.  Your natural teeth, after all, are essential for preserving your bone density.  Once a tooth falls out, you can lose up to 25 percent of your bone's density within one year.  If enough of your teeth fall out, it can even change your facial appearance.  With that in mind, if your tooth becomes damaged, consider the consequences and visit us for a restoration quickly.

When you visit our dental office, we can ensure that you remain entirely comfortable and relaxed while your dental work is being completed.  This leaves no reason to skip the dentist since a restored tooth will be far more comfortable than a damaged one. Simultaneously, we have various ways to correct the tooth.  We can use procedures like bonding, dental veneers, and dental crowns to restore a tooth that has been chipped or cracked.  These can be completed in one or two appointments, depending on what is being done.  If you are getting something like a veneer that does take two appointments, we can give you a temporary one to wear immediately so that you aren't uncomfortable.  Since our recommendation will be based on the extent of the damage, we will provide our exact recommendation based on your dental exam.  As a restorative dentist, we will ensure that your tooth functions and looks perfect.

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Thursday, January 28, 2016

The Truth About Acid Reflux and Your Teeth From our Dental Office

Dental Office
In our dental office, we help patients that suffer from acid reflux disease and are dealing with tooth erosion as a result.  Reflux-induced erosion is a common problem that can impact both children and adults.  As acid travels up through the esophagus, it enters the mouth and can start to attack the teeth.  The acid will start to wear away the teeth one layer at a time until they become thin and brittle.

According to a report by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project between twenty and thirty percent of U.S. adults, experience the symptoms of acid reflux or GERD on a weekly basis.  A full sixty percent of the population has these symptoms at least yearly.  This manifests as a burning sensation in the chest and throat as acid works its way backwards and up the esophagus. This proves problematic for many people, making it difficult to eat and sleep along with interfering with their concentration at work. Acid reflux also creates health problems in the stomach, esophagus and throat in addition to impacting the teeth.

In our dental office, we want to know if our patients have acid reflux so that we can help to prevent erosion in addition to treating it.  By keeping teeth healthy and clean, they will remain stronger.  For example, people that have cavities or gum disease will naturally be more susceptible to getting cavities and suffering other dental health issues. While cleaning teeth, we can remove bacteria from the teeth and gum lines so that they can remain healthy and cavity free.  We can also provide a fluoride treatment for teeth that need strengthening and are at risk for erosion. These preventative steps aid in keeping the mouth healthy.

If the erosion does occur, it will first attack the enamel and cause it to wear away.  As it does, the dentin underneath will become exposed which leads to sensitive teeth.  When food touches the dentin it is simultaneously touching the nerve endings inside of it.  This can lead to the pain signal being transferred to the brain, leading to an increase in sensitivity that many patients complain of.  In this early stage, we can help by completing a bonding procedure to seal the dentin.  This works well in the beginning stages but as erosion becomes more advanced; the teeth will become weak, thin and brittle.  At this point, the best way to protect the teeth is to place a crown around them.  A crown is a cap that surrounds the tooth and prevents anything from touching it.  This procedure allows us to save a tooth that may have otherwise been pulled due to erosion.

In our dental office, we also recommend that patients take medication to control their acid reflux.  By seeing your doctor, you can get a prescription that will help you to feel better and to protect your teeth.  If an attack does occur, you should avoid brushing your teeth for an hour, but be sure to rinse your mouth in order to neutralize some of the acid.

Friday, January 1, 2016

Why You Should See an Invisalign Dentist

Invisalign DentistAn experienced Invisalign dentist can transform your smile into something straight and beautiful, without anyone knowing you are having a dental procedure completed. The best thing about this process is that your teeth can be straightened using a clear device that is unnoticeable and inconspicuous. This is ideal for busy professionals, teens, or those concerned over how metal braces could impact their appearance.

In order to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure, schedule a dental exam and consultation. Our team of professionals will evaluate your teeth, gums, and jaw to determine if Invisalign will accomplish the goals that you have for your smile and your dental health. Patients that have a misaligned jaw may still need traditional metal braces in order to correct it.

The Process

An Invisalign dentist will create a treatment plan that takes you from where your teeth are today to completely straight and gorgeous, using clear aligners.  An aligner looks like a clear retainer. It completely surrounds your teeth, and patients are typically provided one for both the upper and lower teeth. To start, a mold will be taken of your mouth.  In the lab, aligners will be produced for your entire treatment plan. Each aligner takes your teeth one step closer to being straight.

At home, you will switch out the aligner every couple of weeks. This will keep your teeth moving in the right direction, without requiring constant visits to the orthodontist. Since this is done on your own time, scheduling follow up appointments becomes much easier.

The aligner is supposed to be worn for around 22 hours a day.  This leaves time to enjoy a special dinner out, brush your teeth, and eat your favorite caramel apple. One of the benefits of Invisalign is that you have the freedom to take the aligner out, instead of being stuck with braces regardless of the occasion. In addition, your teeth will look straighter throughout the process, helping your appearance to improve immediately.

While you are straightening your teeth, it is important to practice good oral health care at home.  Brush your teeth twice a day, use floss, and an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria. You can also brush your aligner with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. Visit your Invisalign dentist for regular teeth cleanings to remove any additional bacteria that may form in your mouth. This will help to prevent cavities and gum disease while keeping your teeth healthy for the procedure.  Since the aligner is replaced every couple of weeks there is less risk of it carrying infection causing bacteria, as well.

An Invisalign dentist can do wonders for your smile and help you to look positively radiant.  As your teeth continue to straighten, you will notice changes and improvements to your appearance.  We also recommend that patients have their teeth whitened as part of their big reveal. We offer professional teeth whitening services that can whiten your smile by up to eight shades. Once the process is complete, you will be delighted with your bright, straight smile.

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