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Dentures are very beneficial for patients who have experienced tooth loss. A conversation with your dentist will outline all the advantages dentures have to offer such as allowing the patient to chew with ease and speak clearly, to smiling with renewed self-confidence. Whether dealing with the loss of a few teeth or having to replace an entire arch, dentures offer a realistic solution to tooth loss that is affordable and with a treatment plan that can be completed in a short amount of time. What Exactly Is A Denture? Dentures are a prosthetic device made to replace teeth that have been lost due to infection, trauma, or decay (or in some cases for patients whose teeth never developed properly). There are different types of dentures (removable or fixed); and complete or partial (depending on the number of teeth missing). There are a myriad of things to consider when discussing dentures; a frank discussion with your dentist will allow for the patient to receive exactly what they desire. Removable partial dentures are suitable for patients who are missing some of their teeth. For patients wishing for a more permanent solution, they can opt for a fixed partial where abutment teeth are crowned adding pontics where teeth are missing. A complete denture is required when an entire arch of teeth must be replaced. Caring for Dentures Just as you care for your biological teeth, your dentures require daily attention as well. Plaque and tartar can form on dentures – this can impact oral health so daily cleaning is strongly advised. Your dentist will demonstrate the correct way to properly clean fixed dentures. Removable prosthetics can be cleaned using products designed specifically for dentures. A soft bristle brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser are usually adequate to keep dentures clean. Just as with anything new, you can anticipate a brief adjustment period once your dentures are in place. But the rewards are plentiful … chewing comfortably, speaking clearly, and smiling with self-confidence are advantages afforded to denture wearers.
There are a multitude of products on the market today that promise to whiten your teeth. However, in many cases, the products you acquire at the drug store or online bring disappointing results. There is an option available to you that has many more advantages than pastes, rinses, or one size fits all generic teeth whitening products; a visit with our cosmetic dentist will reveal a take-home whitening kit that will get the job done the first time providing excellent results. Things to Look for In Take-Home Teeth Whitening Products The strength to achieve optimal results … your cosmetic dentist has the credentials and licensing to offer you the most powerful teeth whitening products available. Additionally, they have been tested for your safety. Teeth whitening products purchased elsewhere can’t match the quality and provide the fabulous results you can expect from take-home teeth whitening obtained from your dental provider. Customized just for you … your dentist may recommend you have your teeth cleaned prior to beginning teeth whitening. The accompanying dental exam will provide an opportunity for your dentist to make sure you get the most out of your teeth whitening experience. Custom fitted trays will be made specifically for you – you will not have to settle for the one size fits all universal model. Professional advice … if you have any questions or concerns, your cosmetic dentist is available to address them. If you run into a problem or have a question after purchasing a generic product, you either have to guess at the answer or hope you can rely on information found on the internet. Teeth Whitening Products Are Not All Created Equal The goal, of course, is to achieve the whitest and brightest smile you can. And while you may experience a little improvement using some products, why not maximize your investment and just do it right the first time? Pastes, gels, rinses, blue lights, and even charcoal based products all promise to improve your smile. But if you’re going to invest the time and effort, shouldn’t it be with the best products available that will give you that finishing touch you desire? Take-home teeth whitening obtained through your cosmetic dentist will give you optimum results lightening your teeth shade and brightening your smile far better than any other product available on the market today. Contact the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan today to schedule your consultation.
Brushing twice daily is considered sufficient to clean the surfaces of your teeth, but brushing alone only reaches about two thirds of the surfaces of your teeth. Your dentist encourages you to floss daily as flossing reaches that other third of your dentition. Decay and gum disease often begin due to food debris left behind forming harmful tartar – something that might have been prevented with daily flossing. Advantages of Flossing Teeth Daily If you are only flossing once a day (which is considered adequate), it is best to do so as part of your bedtime regimen. That way you are able to remove anything that has become stuck between teeth throughout the day before it has a chance to harden into harmful tartar. When you floss you will be able to see what your toothbrush couldn’t reach. If you do not floss, you are creating an opportunity for what your toothbrush missed to stay on your teeth. Eventually turning to tartar, you are providing an avenue for the onset of gum disease and the formation of dental decay. Flossing takes about one to two minutes daily. There are a variety of products available making it easy to find one that is ideally suited to your needs. There is a right way to floss. Gently move floss between all teeth making sure to touch all surfaces between teeth. Use your floss to gently massage gum tissue. This will help keep gums invigorated. What Can I Expect If I Don’t Floss? Once harmful plaque turns to tartar on your teeth, some of the things you might experience include: Bad breath – Tartar on teeth harbors bacteria possibly resulting in halitosis. Bleeding gums – This is a possible early sign of gum disease or if you floss incorrectly, you may make your gums bleed unintentionally. Dental stain – Brushing and flossing daily helps keep teeth looking their best. What should come first … flossing or brushing? It is believed by many that flossing should come first removing food particles from between teeth. Rinse your mouth thoroughly before brushing to flush away anything flossing did dislodge. When brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste, a quick rinse is sufficient and won’t negate some of the advantages of brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste or gel. Finally, make sure to visit our dentist every six months for a cleaning and dental exam.
A fad is described as an intense and widely shared enthusiasm for something; especially one that is short lived … there are several of these crazes in the dental world right now. But before trying any of these, it is best to consult with your family dentist to make sure you are not doing more harm than good. The Latest Novelties Include: Oil Pulling: Before the creation of toothpastes we use today, people would swish a tablespoon of oil around their mouth in an effort to clean their teeth. The fad today often involves the use of coconut or sesame oil in an effort to whiten teeth and freshen breath. Charcoal Toothpaste: You wouldn’t chew on a chunk of charcoal from your backyard grill, but there are toothpastes available today that contain charcoal. And while there is some evidence that these products can whiten teeth initially, longer term use can lead to diminished enamel. We rely on enamel to protect our teeth from decay; once it is gone, it will not grow back. Also, experimenting with rinses made with lemon juice, vinegar, or carbonated soda is an invitation to disaster. These are very acidic and can promote further loss of enamel. Fluoride-free Toothpaste: There is a reason why fluoride was added to the water supplies of cities throughout America. It is imperative that we use fluoridated products to continue to fortify the protective enamel on the teeth of children and adults alike. Grills and Jewelry: Usually a fad for young people, placing metal in your mouth (unless you are undergoing teeth straightening) is a bad idea. While some think it looks attractive, the destruction that could be going on underneath the jewelry does not seem worth it. Good Dental Habits You Can Live With Your family dentistry office is staffed with caring individuals who work tirelessly to make sure you enjoy all the benefits of great oral health. But you need to do your part. Brush your teeth twice daily using a fluoridated toothpaste, two minutes each time. Floss every day to remove anything that has formed on teeth especially around the gum line. Rinse thoroughly following flossing. And finally, make sure all family members visit the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan every six months for teeth cleaning and dental exams.
Root canal therapy (also known as endodontic therapy) is a procedure where the contents of the root canals of a tooth are removed due to trauma to the nerve of the tooth. In most cases, there are no long-term diet restrictions; your dentist may suggest eating soft foods for a few days following the procedure. Diet Recommendations Following Root Canal Therapy Since a soft diet is recommended for a few days, it is wise to stock up on those foods that will be easy to consume. These include things like jello, pudding, yogurt, ice cream, eggs, and applesauce. Foods to avoid include anything too chewy like crusty bread and meat; crunchy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables; and anything gummy. Nuts, pretzels, popcorn, chips, and crackers are on the forbidden list for at least a few days. And while your mouth remains numb from the anesthetic, it is wise not to eat or drink anything hot as you could easily burn your mouth. Are There Any Residual Problems Following a Root Canal? For the majority of patients needing treatment with endodontic therapy, the time following treatment is usually much more enjoyable than the time leading up to the procedure. While some patients may not experience any symptoms, very often that is not the case. Some of the symptoms that indicate the need for a root canal include discomfort when biting down on the problem tooth; sensitivity to temperature; swelling of jaw or gums; or tooth discoloration. A tooth that has incurred some type of trauma resulting in a crack or break; a tooth that is deeply decayed; or a tooth that has become infected are all things that might indicate the need for a root canal. Once the dentist has completed root canal therapy, there is an access point in the tooth that must be sealed. In many cases, this final step of treatment is done with a dental crown. Once the tooth has been prepped for the crown and a temporary placed, the patient should avoid chewing on this tooth until the permanent crown can be cemented in. Once the crown has been placed and the access point sealed, the patient can resume their normal eating patterns without any residual problems.
Porcelain veneers provide an excellent solution to hide one or more dental maladies that can ruin your smile. A consultation with our cosmetic dentist will demonstrate how the addition of one or several veneers can alter the appearance of misaligned teeth, close unwanted gaps between teeth, and generally provide a cosmetic enhancement that will improve your smile in weeks, not months or years, of dental treatment. What are Veneers? Veneers are very thin, lightweight coverings that are made to fit on the front of teeth requiring enhancement. Their uses are plentiful from covering up deep dental stains to changing the appearance of teeth that are misaligned. The process for porcelain veneers makes them a permanent treatment option. A thin amount of enamel is removed from the front of each tooth being treated. This is done so that when the veneer is cemented into place, all teeth will appear even and symmetrical. An impression is taken that is sent to the dental lab that is making your veneers. Temporaries are placed as needed. In a few short weeks, your veneers are ready to be tried in for fit and aesthetics. Minor adjustments can be made chairside, if needed. Things to Consider Before Treatment with Veneers Your porcelain veneers are stain resistant, but this means that they will not respond to any kind of whitening. If you plan to whiten your teeth, it is best to do so before your veneers are added so your cosmetic dentist can properly match to your newly lightened shade. While veneers can actually strengthen teeth, the patient may be advised not to use treated teeth to bite into hard or sticky foods. A dislodged or broken veneer usually must be replaced. Patients who bite their nails or grind their teeth need to be aware that these two habits can be problematic. Caring for veneer treated teeth is the same as what you do for all your teeth … brush and floss daily and visit your dentist regularly. As an alternative to braces for issues such as minor misalignments or gaps between teeth, veneers offer a viable solution that can transform your smile in a matter of weeks. Contact the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan today to schedule a consultation.
There are different types of sedation dentistry. The deeper the relaxation you require, feeling groggy following treatment is more likely. Your sedation dentist will make recommendations based on your level of need for the procedure planned. Nitrous Oxide This type of sedation is widely available and generally safe for people of all ages. It works by combining nitrous oxide with oxygen, and is delivered to the patient via a nasal cone or mask. Often referred to as laughing gas, this type of sedation is classified as an inhalational anesthetic … the patient is allowed to inhale nitrous oxide for several minutes before treatment commences allowing the drug to relax the patient into a state of mild euphoria. Nitrous oxide is ideal for helping one to overcome anxiety and to help manage discomfort before and during treatment. The patient remains conscious and able to communicate. As the procedure is being completed, the nitrous oxide is discontinued. Within minutes, the patient is alert and able to resume their day. Unlike many other types of sedation, the patient is able to drive both to and from their dental appointment. Oral Conscious Sedation In the world of dentistry, oral conscious sedation might be considered a newcomer. This type of sedation therapy involves a combination of sedatives designed to relax a patient with the first dose of medication being taken at home about one hour before the scheduled dental appointment. Upon arrival, your sedation dentist will begin to monitor your vital signs. This is standard practice when oral conscious sedation is employed and is designed for your safety and comfort. Based on the level of sedation required, additional sedatives may be administered. As the sedatives take effect, you will become more relaxed. Many patients feel like they slept through treatment and recall very few details. Upon treatment completion, the patient must be alert before leaving the dental office. And since it takes a few hours for drugs to leave the system, the patient may feel groggy; transportation both to and from the appointment is required. The patient is usually advised to go home and rest for the balance of the day. Anxiety, physical, and mental limitations can provide a roadblock to receiving the care required for good oral health. Sedation dentistry provides a means for patients to get the care they need. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact our office today.
One of the most common concerns edentulous patients have is whether their replacement teeth will look natural. One treatment option, which provides a beautiful and lifelike aesthetic, is implant-supported dentures. Dentures secured to dental implants are custom made so that they perfectly complement a person’s unique oral anatomy for an attractive smile and comfortable oral function. What are implant-supported dentures exactly? Implant-supported dentures consist of two main components: a full denture and dental implants. Dental implants are biocompatible prosthetics used to replace the root structures of teeth. They are embedded into the jawbone and can support a variety of restorations and prosthetics. A full denture is a prosthesis that replaces all the teeth in the upper or lower arch. They are made from a few types of materials including porcelain to resemble teeth and acrylic bases that are tinted to match the gingiva. When dentures are secured to dental implants, patients enjoy greater stability and control during oral function than they would with unsupported dentures. What are some of the benefits associated with implant-supported dentures? Anchoring dentures to dental implants can improve your oral function and even benefit your oral health. Stabilizing dentures to dental implants will make it easier for patients to eat and speak comfortably. In fact, many people with implant-supported dentures enjoy well-rounded diets that include fibrous and crunchy foods. Another great benefit associated with implant-supported dentures is the fact that dental implants prevent bone loss. After tooth loss, the jawbone can atrophy due to a lack of stimulation from the roots of biological teeth. Dental implants, however, will keep bone active and reduce a person’s risk for losing bone after tooth loss. Tooth loss takes a toll on our mental and emotional wellbeing. This is why it’s important to find a tooth replacement solution that works for you. Implant-supported dentures can make life after tooth loss much easier while improving your appearance. If you have questions about this treatment option, call the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan to schedule a consultation with our implant dentist.
If you’re suffering with a less-than-perfect smile, there is hope. Even the most visibly flawed smiles are no match for our cosmetic dentist. Our practice offers professional teeth whitening, white restorations, and porcelain veneers to help members of our community look their very best. Anyone can improve the appearance of their smile with cosmetic dentistry. Following is helpful information on our most popular treatment options. Professional Teeth Whitening You might have tried to whiten your teeth in the past with store bought products. While these products might lighten surface stains a shade or two, they aren’t nearly as effective as a professional whitening treatment. Professional teeth whitening can lift the most stubborn stains that form beneath the enamel surface of teeth. Our practice provides take-home whitening kits with prescription-strength lightening solutions. Take-home whitening allows our patients to reinvigorate their smiles comfortably at home while they are watching television or doing the dishes. With proper and consistent use, you can expect a dramatically whiter smile that looks healthy and natural. Professional whitening is safe, too, and won’t contribute to permanent tooth sensitivity. White Restorations Metal dental work is obvious. Fortunately, with today’s modern materials, you can restore and protect your teeth without affecting the aesthetics of your smile. Our cosmetic dentist provides lifelike, tooth-colored restorations such as composite fillings and porcelain crowns. This undetectable dental work looks and feels natural so you can extend the lifespan of your teeth without sacrificing your confidence. Porcelain Veneers Those desiring a complete smile makeover can benefit greatly from receiving porcelain veneers. These custom-made cosmetic enhancements are bonded over teeth to conceal problematic smile flaws like chips, stains, and jagged edges. Each veneer is handcrafted to match a patient’s unique dental anatomy. Since they’re constructed from high quality porcelain, they look and feel just like biological teeth. When multiple veneers are used, it produces the illusion of a perfectly uniform, white, and straight smile. Receiving cosmetic dental treatments can change your life. Call our office today to reserve a smile makeover consultation with our compassionate team.
Are you flossing and brushing properly? Your oral hygiene routine is one of the most powerful methods you have for preventing oral disease. Improper or inadequate oral hygiene can literally put your health at risk and lead to the development of conditions that can be time consuming to treat. Here we explain why your oral hygiene routine matters and what you can do about improving it. Bacteria, Plaque, and Tartar Our mouths are warm and wet environments. This combination makes it easy for bacteria to thrive – including harmful varieties that contribute to common diseases. These bacteria can coat our teeth, tongues, and other soft tissues as a substance called plaque. When plaque is not removed with brushing and flossing, it will harden into tartar once it’s exposed to calculus. When tartar forms, it can’t be removed with regular brushing and flossing. This substance is also a major contributor to gum disease. Tips for Effective Brushing and Flossing Since your daily oral hygiene is your best defense against oral disease, it’s important to take a mindful and methodical approach to brushing and flossing. Proper oral hygiene can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and damage to tooth enamel. When it comes to brushing, you should take your time. You will need about two minutes to thoroughly clean your mouth’s surfaces. You should gently brush all surfaces of your teeth along with your tongue, gums, insides of your lips, and the roof of your mouth. Be sure to use products with the ADA seal of acceptance. Although brushing does clean the majority of our mouths, it is not enough. A toothbrush cannot reach deep between teeth. Flossing, on the other hand, will remove debris between teeth and just below the gum line. Be sure to floss once per day, preferably before you go to bed. Even if you practice perfect oral hygiene, you still need to keep appointments for routine checkups and cleanings with our dentist. If you have questions about oral hygiene techniques, need product recommendations, or want to schedule an appointment, call the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan to speak with a member of our team.