Category: Dental

Let’s face facts, huh? If you have misaligned teeth, then you know how much of a brain cramp that is, and how often you either consciously, or unconsciously, think about it. Have you put your hand up to your mouth whenever you smiled, and have done it so much, you don’t even realize you’re doing it on a regular basis now? Well, that’s what we call, “crazy!”

Seriously, why would you be going through all that when there are a number of viable options available in the marketplace today? Even metal braces is a serious alternative to hiding your smile from people, once they do their job that is . . . don’t you think?

Teeth straightening is now being performed in a number of different ways, and one of the ways more people are leaning towards today are clear aligners. Also known as “invisible braces,” clear aligners are highly-durable plastic trays that are molded to fit your mouth, and cause your teeth to shift ever-so-slightly towards the position the dentist wants.

The truth is clear aligners “appear” invisible, but they’re really not. If someone was to look at your mouth closely, they would see your aligner on. But even writing that, it sounds weird that somebody would take that amount of time, and effort, to verify that you have an orthodontic piece of equipment in your mouth. This is why many dentist call this “invisible teeth straightening,” becasue for the most part – that’s exactly what it is.

But here’s the major benefit that these “braces” have over traditional metal ones . . . ready for it? They can be removed. Yup, that’s true. You can remove your aligners when you brush your teeth in the morning, when you eat, and when you even play sports. This is the one area where traditional braces just cannot compete.

And sure, aligners are a bit more pricey than their older counterparts, but for good reason. They are hard to detect, so they appear almost invisible. They are removable, which is beneficial in a number of different settings. And they seem to get results in a shorter amount of time than normal braces; but then again, that’s only if you qualify to have aligners placed. Not everyone can take advantage, and this is why it’s important that you set a time with your dentist. They need to verify if Invisalign is the right fit for you.

To take advantage today, search “Staten Island Invisalign Dentist,” and find a local dentist that can get you started on your path to a beautiful smile.

Oxon Hill MD dentists are now using laser dentistry to perform a number of dental procedures. This allows them to treat specific areas, without injuring the surrounding gum tissues or the general tooth structure.

The use of laser in laser dentistry applications allows dentists to do their work more capably and efficiently. High-precision laser technology minimizes pain and promotes faster and more efficient healing.

What are the different laser dentistry applications that dentists now do?

Laser Dentistry Procedures for the Teeth (Hard Tissue)

1. Detection of Cavities – Dental lasers can detect cavities. They are used to sense the presence of by-products associated with tooth decay.

2. Dental Fillings – Dentists no longer have to inject local anesthesia or use the conventional turbine dental drill to fill cavities. They simply use hard-tissue dental lasers. Lasers kill cavity bacteria, thus, paving the way for high quality durable tooth restoration.

Replacing crowns, inlays and amalgam fillings, however, are some dental procedures through which dental lasers are considered inappropriate.

3. Addressing Tooth Sensitivity – Dentists use dental lasers to seal the tubules found at the roots of teeth. The process addresses tooth sensitivity issues as high sensitivity to cold and heat are associated with these tubules.

Laser Dentistry Procedures for Gums (Soft Tissue)

1. Removing Epulis or Soft Tissue Folds – Dentures that do not fit well usually cause soft tissue folds. Dentists can now remove these folds through dental lasers — without having to do surgical sutures, that are painful, and require more time to heal.

2. Setting the Frenulum Free – The frenulum is a small and thin band of tissue connecting the base of the tongue to the mouth’s floor. A frenulum that is tight or restricted makes free motion difficult. Babies with this problem find it difficult to breastfeed. It also makes it difficult for children to pronounce words correctly.

Dentists may do a lingual frenectomy to set the tongue free from the base of the mouth, allowing it freedom of movement. The procedure calls for the application of anesthesia to numb the tongue, making incisions to free the tongue and sewing up the cut so that the tissue can heal. A faster and more efficient option is to use laser frenectomy.

3. Reshaping Gum Tissue – Some dental patients have what is commonly referred to as a “gummy smile”. Dentists are now using laser technology to restructure gum tissues to expose the healthy tooth structure. This results in a more attractive smile.

4. Lengthening of Crown – Dentists often use laser dentistry to provide a strong foundation where restorations can be placed. They can either opt for hard tissue laser to remodel the shape of the bone structure, or soft tissue laser to alter gum tissue – or both – to lengthen and strengthen the crown.

Other laser dentistry applications include the following:

1. Optical Coherence Tomography – Dentists use this to look at gum and tooth tissues safely, and more efficiently.

2. Removal of Benign Tumors – Benign tumors found on the lips, palate, gums, or the sides of the cheeks can be safely removed by using laser technology. The process does not require painful and time-consuming surgery.

3. Addressing Cold Sores – Cold sores can be painful. Dentists now use low-intensity laser dentistry to minimize such pains, and promote faster healing.

4. Regenerating Nerves – Dental lasers are now used for regenerating blood vessels and nerves that have been damaged. The process is called photobiomodulation.

5. Dealing with Sleep Apnea – Sleep apnea can be caused by the overgrowth of throat tissue as a result of aging. A dentist may do LAUP or a laser-assisted uvula palatoplasty to remove some of the overgrowth, and minimize the breathing difficulties associated with it.

A lot of major dental problems of adults started way back during their childhood days. The moment a person’s first tooth erupts, they are already prone to dental caries or cavities that can cause tooth decay in the long run. Research shows that tooth cavities are one of the most common diseases among children. This is not surprising, considering a child’s regular diet, which consists of too much sugar and starches. Also, most parents find it difficult to train children to practice proper and regular oral hygiene at a young age. Improper diet and poor oral hygiene from childhood could definitely take a toll on a person’s dentition when they grow older.

This is where pediatric dentistry comes into play. It is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the dental health of children and adolescents. Pediatric dentists promote the importance of dental care and treatment at a young age, and serve as vital resources for parents and guardians. Knowing how to take good care of one’s teeth and gums from childhood is essential in maintaining a strong and healthy dentition. In line with this, pediatric dentistry strongly advocates that parents and guardians must be aware of oral healthcare necessities for kids, teenagers, and even infants.

Dental care for children starts the moment the first baby tooth erupts. Cleaning baby teeth should be done carefully since an infant’s gums and oral features are delicate and gentle. However, it should be done regularly so an infant can get used to taking good care of their teeth. Depending on how much of the tooth has already erupted, parents can use gauze or a soft washcloth to clean the tooth, ideally after every meal, feeding, or taking medication. If there are already more than one tooth, a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles can be used for cleaning.

A child’s first visit to a pediatric or family dentist in Laurel MD is recommended no later than age one. Establishing a professional relationship with a pediatric dentist at a young age can definitely aid in keeping the dentitions strong and healthy for a long time. One procedure that pediatric dentists strongly recommend is the application of dental sealants once a tooth erupts. This protects the tooth from dental damages like tooth caries and cavities as soon as it erupts. Pediatric dentists also suggest using moderate amounts of fluoride treatments for children to strengthen their teeth and prevent plaque and bacteria buildup at a young age.

If the child is already capable, parents may introduce the use of mouthwash and dental floss. Orthodontic brackets or braces, if and when needed, should be appropriate for kids age 7 years old and above.

The goal of pediatric dentistry is to help kids practice proper oral hygiene at a young age. Establishing the habit of regular dental care from childhood pays-off big time and results in stronger and healthier teeth that can last a lifetime.

Rockville dentists are now using laser dentistry to perform a number of dental procedures. This allows them to treat specific areas without injuring the surrounding gum tissues or the general tooth structure.

The use of laser in laser dentistry applications allows dentists to do their work more capably and efficiently. High-precision laser technology minimizes pain and promotes faster and more efficient healing.

What are the different laser dentistry applications that dentists now do?

Laser Dentistry Procedures for the Teeth (Hard Tissue)

Detection of Cavities

Dental lasers can detect cavities. They are used to sense the presence of by-products associated with tooth decay.

Dental Fillings

Dentists no longer have to inject local anesthesia or use the conventional turbine dental drill to fill cavities. They simply use hard-tissue dental lasers. Lasers kill cavity bacteria, thus, paving the way for high quality durable tooth restoration.

Replacing crowns, inlays and amalgam fillings, however, are some dental procedures through which dental lasers are considered inappropriate.

Addressing Tooth Sensitivity

Dentists use dental lasers to seal the tubules found at the roots of teeth. The process addresses tooth sensitivity issues as high sensitivity to cold and heat are associated with these tubules.

Laser Dentistry Procedures for Gums (Soft Tissue)

Removing Epulis or Soft Tissue Folds

Dentures that do not fit well usually cause soft tissue folds. Dentists can now remove these folds through dental lasers, without having to do surgical sutures that are painful and require more time to heal.

Setting the Frenulum Free

The frenulum is a small and thin band of tissue connecting the base of the tongue to the mouthâs floor. A frenulum that is tight or restricted makes free motion difficult. Babies with this problem find it difficult to breastfeed. It also makes it difficult for children to pronounce words correctly.

Dentists may do a lingual frenectomy to set the tongue free from the base of the mouth, allowing it freedom of movement. The procedure calls for the application of anesthesia to numb the tongue, making incisions to free the tongue and sewing up the cut so that the tissue can heal. A faster and more efficient option is to use laser frenectomy.

Reshaping Gum Tissue

Some dental patients have what is commonly referred to as a “gummy smile.” Dentists are now using laser technology to restructure gum tissues to expose the healthy tooth structure. This results in a more attractive smile.

Lengthening of Crown

Dentists often use laser dentistry to provide a strong foundation where restorations can be placed. They can either opt for hard tissue laser to remodel the shape of the bone structure or soft tissue laser to alter gum tissue, or both, to lengthen and strengthen the crown.

Other laser dentistry applications include the following:

Optical Coherence Tomography

Dentists use this to look at gum and tooth tissues safely and more efficiently.

Removal of Benign Tumors

Benign tumors found on the lips, palate, gums, or the sides of the cheeks can be safely removed by using laser technology. The process does not require painful and time-consuming surgery.

Addressing Cold Sores

Cold sores can be painful. Dentists now use low-intensity laser dentistry to minimize such pains and promote faster healing.

Regenerating Nerves

Dental lasers are now used for regenerating blood vessels and nerves that have been damaged. The process is called photobiomodulation.

Dealing with Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can be caused by the overgrowth of throat tissue as a result of aging. A dentist may do LAUP or a laser-assisted uvula palatoplasty to remove some of the overgrowth and minimize the breathing difficulties associated with it.

The application of dental veneers is one of the most sought-after cosmetic dental treatments, next to teeth whitening. Veneers, as you probably know, are wafer-thin, custom-made shells that are usually in the same shade or color as your teeth. These are bonded on the top surface of the teeth, resulting in a natural-looking set of pearly whites. There are two types of veneers â composite resin and porcelain.

Of the two, porcelain is more brittle; however, once bonded on the teeth, it becomes very strong and durable. It also resists stains better than resin, and replicates the natural teeth’s light reflecting properties.

Dental veneers are normally applied on people with teeth that are worn down, misaligned, abnormally spaced, chipped, broken, stained or discolored. A good dentist in Sterling, VA will recommend the best alternative, based on the extent of the damage, and the structure of the existing enamel. Your expectations are also factored into the optional treatments.

The dentist may take X-ray scans of your teeth, or dental impressions to determine if the structure of your teeth can accommodate the laminate or porcelain placements. The procedure usually involves three trips to the dentist, the first for checkups and evaluation, and the remainder for prep work and the fittings.

If your dentist determines dental veneers will improve your teethâs present form or appearance, then you will be scheduled for prep work. The placement of veneers occurs on the teeth’s surface, so the top layer of the enamel has to be shaved off prior to the fittings. The amount of enamel removed depends on the type of veneer used. Resins are thinner than porcelain; these are preferable for teeth with minimal damage or with surface discoloration. Porcelain looks very similar to real enamel, but their thickness can compromise the structure of badly damaged teeth.

Impressions of the shaved teeth are taken and sent to a dental laboratory for customization. The fabrication usually takes a couple of weeks, and your dentist will place temporary veneers to protect the shaved part from damage and sensitivity. The placements are fitted on your third visit; the dentist will clean, polish, and etch your teethâs surface, and the shape and color of the dental veneers are customized before they are attached with chemical bonding. Then the dental veneers are exposed to light until the bond hardens, at which time, the dentist makes the final adjustments to ensure a proper fit.

Veneers last for about 5 to 10 years. So if you want your veneers to last that long, you should carry on with your oral hygiene practices. Floss once a day and brush your teeth at least 2 to 3 times a day to prevent the accumulation of plaque. Treat dental veneers like you would your real teeth. Since you now have an almost perfect set of pearly whites, donât forget one important thing, and that is to flash a gorgeous smile all the time.

One of the services being offered by dentists is the installation of dental implants in Columbia, MD. A dental implant is an artificial root that serve to hold a dental bridge or a replacement tooth. As with any other surgical procedure, it may be inevitable that there could be incidences of a dental implant coming loose. Although they are designed to be 99% permanent, there are a variety of factors that may lead to an dental implant becoming loose.

Causes of Loose Dental Implants

A tooth implant is considered a failure when it becomes wobbly, mobile, or if it falls out. The following are the most common factors that may lead to the loosening of dental implants:

a. Incorrect positioning of the tooth implant.

b. Bone density and volume is insufficient.

c. Surrounding tissues are damaged.

d. Overloading (failure that happens due to unnecessary forces or pressure placed on the crown and protruding abutment).

e. Osseointegration (a process wherein the bone tissue directly binds to the tooth implant).

f. Sudden impact.

g. The dental implant gets fractured.

Procedure for Fixing Loose Teeth Implants

The first step when a dental implant gets loose is to book an appointment with the oral surgeon who placed it. Most likely, the dental implant has failed to integrate and therefore, has to undergo a four-step process.

1. The dental implant that has come loose is removed. The surrounding area is then cleansed to get rid of debris and bacteria.

2. A bone graft procedure is done to allow the empty socket to heal. This is an essential process to avoid bone recession and for sufficient bone tissue to grow.

3. After four months, the oral surgeon will check the growth of bone tissue from the bone graft. There needs to be sufficient bone tissue for the dental implant to attach.

4. If there is sufficient bone tissue, the implant is then reinstalled. Should there not be sufficient bone tissue yet, additional bone grafting will be performed to make sure that the dental implant will insert adequately onto the bone.

In some cases, it may be difficult to remove all components of the dental implant. The difficulty of implant removal will depend on the prosthetic components used, as well as the severity of the mobility of the implant. Prior to refitting the implant, patients will be prescribed with analgesics to eliminate any pain that accompanies the wobbling of a loose dental implant.

Aftercare and Recovery

Here are the steps that patients should take after getting their dental implants reinstalled.

Drink cold drinks, and avoid eating until the local anesthetic wears off. Avoid strenuous movements such as exercise, and take care to avoid hot food and drinks for the first day.

Reduce any swelling by holding ice packs onto the cheek for up to 10 minutes.

Take painkillers such as ibuprofen before the local anesthetic wears off.

If minor bleeding, swelling, and pain persists after 2-3 weeks, a visit to the oral surgeon is recommended to make sure an infection is not developing.

It’s amazing just how fast things can go wrong in life, huh? One minute you’re riding as a passenger in a car, the next you’re climbing out of a wreck. One minute you’re drinking with your friends in a bar, the next you’re being helped up after being knocked out during a fistfight. One minute you’re playing touch football with your friends, the next you’re waking up after getting hit unconscious. And all these situations can happen in an instant.

The initial shock of being involved in an accident, like the three just outlined, wear off after a few minutes. What doesn’t is the damage that those accidents incur. What if your teeth were permanently damaged in an accident like this? What would you do? Luckily today, we have dentistry that allows a dentist to, “put Humpty Dumpty back together again,” so to speak.

In many cases, this form of dentistry, known as cosmetic dentistry, can be performed soon after an accident has occurred. It is not uncommon for dentists to receive emergency calls in the middle of a night, to help a patient deal with an accident they were involved in. From tooth bonding, all the way to dental implants, if you have the resources available to have the procedure performed, you can have it done. some dentists are even willing to allow you to get on a payment plan to have the work done, if you don’t have the resources – how about that?

What many patients say, after the work is complete, is that the smile the dentist was able to create for them, is actually better than the one they originally had. Many are amazed how close friends, and even family members, are unable to recognize the work that was performed. Now of course, there is a caveat. These kind of results depend upon which type of dentist you go to. Just like regular medical doctors, not all dentists are the same. The key is to do your due diligence, and make sure you feel confident about the dentist you are going to be working with.

One of the highest forms of cosmetic dentistry are dental implants. Many people, who feel this kind of procedure is beyond their ability to pay, choose not to replace their missing teeth. This can lead to the realignment of all the teeth; and this can cause major problems down the road – some of which can include losing more teeth. Without teeth, a person’s appearance is drastically different.

Nothing will cause more confidence, and self-esteem, issues, than having to face the world with a set of teeth that cause a negative reaction. The Tooth Implant Pros have been helping patients create whole new smiles since 2013, and can help you do the same. With locations in NYC, Colorado Springs, Florida, and now Washington DC, the Pros are ready, willing, and able, to help you get back on the right side of a wrong situation.

If you live in the Washington DC area, type “dental implants washington dc,” into your favorite browser, and their information should pop up somewhere on the page. Accidents can happen at any moment, and they do, but now you have a way to make sure that your smile lasts a lifetime; and the Tooth Implant Pros can show you how.

Without a doubt, there have been vast improvements in the dental health care of Americans due to technological advances, and persistent studies of experts in the field. However, there are also many instances when tooth loss becomes unavoidable mostly due to tooth decay, gum disease and injury. When this happens, you have no choice left but to get dental implants.

This might seem like a daunting choice for some, but when you get to know and understand basic key facts about dental implants, many of your misgivings and reservations are likely to disappear.

First Things First

A dental implant is intended to replace a tooth root. Having one done can improve your appearance, speech and comfort. It will also allow you to return to your former eating habits as well as give you back your self-esteem.

Since local anaesthesia is used, getting permanent dentures would involve minimal discomfort, and the benefits afterwards are enough to make up for the mild inconvenience of the procedure.

Types of Dental Implants in Annapolis, MD

There are three types of permanent dentures: endosteal implants, artificial bone substitute implants, and sub-periosteal implants.

Endosteal Implants: The term comes from the word endosseous which means within the bone. This type of permanent denture is placed into the jaw to replace the dental root. The implants are metal, or ceramic screws, or cylinders that are placed within the jawbone.

Artificial Bone Implants: In this kind of implant, a substitute material that is based on calcium is made to fit over the jaw bone. As time passes, this substitute material bonds with the existing jaw bone.

Sub-periosteal Implants: This one is usually used for elderly people. Sub-periosteal means “on top of the bone”, and this kind of dental implant is composed of a metal framework attached on top of the jawbone and underneath the gum tissue.

Deciding What to Get

This decision is contingent on certain factors such as where the dental implant is placed, the kind and amount of bone, and the design of the tooth which the implant will support. You can talk about your options with the dentist. The more you know about the dental implant types and procedure, the less misgivings you are likely to have.

Some Last Reminders

Just like your regular teeth, your dental implants will need looking after. All you need is your regular dental hygiene practices like brushing and flossing. Regular checkups with your dentist should also be taken into consideration.

Minimizing gummy and chewy food can also be beneficial so as to avoid over-exerting the artificial tooth crown.

Before understanding the causes of tooth decay, it is first important to know the three layers of the tooth: the enamel, the dentin, and the pulp.

When you look at a healthy tooth, you will only be able to see the hard, white enamel. The dentin just beneath it is yellowish, and can be exposed if the enamel is thin or damaged. The center of each tooth contains the pulp, which is made up of nerves and blood vessels.

Bacteria is ever-present in the mouth, and they excrete acids that disintegrate the teeth, starting with the enamel, until they eventually reach the dentin, and the pulp. If left untreated, the bacteria will create a hole in the tooth, called a cavity, leading to tooth damage, otherwise known as tooth decay. The tooth decay will reach the pulp, and when it does, the tooth will become infected, and eventually be destroyed.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Bacteria is the main cause of tooth decay. Their presence in the mouth forms plaque, which is a sticky, transparent substance that constantly forms on the gums and teeth. This plaque becomes home to the bacteria. Whenever you eat, the bacteria in the plaque will be sustained by the sugars in your food.

The more sugar the bacteria can feed on, the more acids they excrete. These acids act quickly, wearing down on your enamel within approximately 20 minutes after you have eaten. Given enough time, the acids will break down the enamel.

Certain bad habits strengthen the effects of these bacteria, and also wear out the teeth more quickly.

These are:

1. Failing to brush and floss the teeth regularly.

2. Not finding a way to cure dry mouth. Saliva is your body’s natural way of rinsing the sugars and food off the teeth, and preventing bacteria from flourishing. The causes of dry mouth are: not getting enough liquids, certain medications, and certain health conditions such as xerostomia. Constantly breathing through the mouth can also cause dry mouth.

3. Not going to the dentist for regular checkups, and professional cleaning sessions. Without professional cleaning, plaque will turn into tartar, which is a hard formation on the teeth that will cause not just further tooth decay, but gum infection as well. This can only be removed with the specialized tools used by dentists in Burke, VA.

4. Consuming foods that are rich in carbohydrates, specifically sugars.

5. Smoking, breathing secondhand smoke regularly, and chewing on tobacco. These promote gum disease as well as plaque and tartar buildup.

Once tooth decay has reached the pulp, it causes irreversible damage and unbearable pain, both of which can only be resolved by either a root canal or tooth extraction. You can prevent tooth decay by simply quitting the bad habits that cause it, and maintaining regular dental care visits.

Lets face it when it comes to our appearance, we all desire a beautiful smile. Unfortunately, for most of us it is just a desire. If you want to improve your smile and have chipped or cracked teeth, you may be asking: Dental veneers or crowns which is better for me?

The answer to that question, sadly, may not be a simple one. Your dentist will most likely answer that the decision is based on many factors including your tooth structure, whether decay is present, or whether you have previously undergone root canal therapy.

Generally, veneers will be the best option for you if you want to improve the color or shape of your teeth. Other issues that can be corrected with veneers are excess space between teeth and crowding.

In some cases, a crown will be a better choice. This occurs most frequently where there is less tooth structure (usually because of tooth decay) or if you have previously had root canal therapy.

The placing of veneers will require two or three visits to your Boulder cosmetic dentist. Some will simply perform an exam and discuss options with you at the first visit. In other instances, the process will actually be begun at that first visit. Either way, the enamel of your teeth will be trimmed to match the approximate thickness of the veneer. An impression of your teeth will be taken, which will be sent to a lab for creation of the veneer(s).

At the second visit, the dentist will place the dental veneer over the tooth to check the shade and color. The shade can be tweaked if required with the shade of cement that is used. At times, some trimming may also be needed. Your tooth will then be cleaned and polished. The veneer will be placed on the tooth with cement. A special light activates the chemicals in the cement, curing it. Excess cement will be removed if necessary, the dentist will evaluate the placement, and voila! Your new beautiful tooth will be in place!

If a crown is the option you need, a somewhat similar process will occur. X-rays will ensure the healthiness of the tooth. If no decay is present, the dentist will begin the process by numbing the area. The tooth will be trimmed and a paste or putty will be used to make an impression, which will also be sent to a lab. A temporary crown will cover and protect your tooth while the crown is being created.

The second visit will entail removal of the temporary crown and a check of the fit and color of the crown, as in the veneer process. The tooth will again be numbed and the crown placed.

As you can see, the question of which is right for you dental veneers or crowns will be an individual choice determined by the condition of your teeth and the dentists recommendation.