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While dental technology has come a long way in recent decades, dentists still rely on a number of simple yet effective tools to clean and restore teeth. If you feel overwhelmed when sitting in a dentist’s chair while looking over the tray of tools in front of you, below is a brief overview of common tools used in modern dental offices: Scalers The scaler is a handheld pick tool used to loosen and remove plaque and tartar. These substances build up around the gum line and can lead to bad breath and tooth decay. The scaler is usually reserved for use when you have larger areas of plaque formed by bacteria, acids, and sugars. The scaler is also commonly utilized in the treatment of periodontal disease. Mouth Mirrors The mouth mirror is used to give your dentist a better view of your back teeth as well as the backside of your front teeth. The mouth mirror is employed during exams, but it is also used while restorative work is being performed to help guide your dentist. Sickle Probes The sickle probe looks very similar to the scaler as it has a pick-like metal point on one end. Unlike the scaler, the sickle probe works to check teeth for cavities and weak spots. It is also effective at removing small areas of plaque and tartar. Syringes Syringes in a dental office are used to administer numbing medications prior to dental work. Novocaine was the primary numbing agent used in the past, but newer numbing agents are often used today. While the initial shot is uncomfortable, numbing agents go to work quickly to alleviate pain. Bite Trays and Bitewings You may also notice your dentist has different bite trays and similar items laid out during your visit. These are to make molds of your teeth if restorative crowns need to be created. Trays also help to check the alignment of your teeth. Additionally, bitewings are utilized during x-rays to isolate specific teeth for the best image. Contact Your Local Dallas Dentist to Schedule an Appointment To learn more about the tools used in modern dentistry, schedule an appointment with a local Dallas dentist at the office of Barry H. Buchanan, DDS. Dr. Buchanan and his team of caring dental professionals are ready to serve you with expert dental care in a comfortable, welcoming environment. To schedule your consultation online with an experienced dentist in Dallas, contact us now. Content found on this blog is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional judgement, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak with a professional if you have concerns about your oral health.
Tartar is a common problem that affects nearly everyone at some point. As you eat and drink each day, your teeth develop a sticky substance on the surface called “plaque.” If you don’t remove this plaque quickly, it may harden into a harder material called “tartar.” Tartar can coat your teeth enamel, work its way between your teeth and even get under your gum line. It makes brushing your teeth more difficult and can lead to bigger problems down the road. How to Prevent Tartar Because tartar is difficult to remove, the best treatment is prevention. You can brush away plaque before it becomes tartar. We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. You should also floss your teeth daily to prevent tartar buildup between teeth and along the gum line. If you experience a lot of tartar buildup, you can also use mouthwash to help kill the bacteria that causes tartar. Stay away from carbohydrates and foods with lots of sugar added. Drinking plenty of water and brushing your teeth between meals also keeps tartar away. Problems Caused by Tartar Buildup Tartar buildup leads to numerous health concerns. If left untreated, tartar may eventually cause the following issues: Cavities or tooth decay. These are holes or tooth damage that allows bacteria to penetrate the tooth’s surface. Tooth decay is often painful and may lead to an infection. Gum disease. If tartar gets below the gum line, it can lead to gingivitis or periodontitis, which are the clinical terms for mild and severe gum disease. Tooth loss. If your tartar buildup is severe, your tooth may fall out or your dentist may recommend an extraction. Infection. A tooth or gum infection is painful and sometimes a serious concern for your overall health. How to Remove Tartar You can remove plaque at home, but tartar is more difficult. You can’t use a toothbrush to remove tartar because the substance is too hard. Still, good oral hygiene is essential. Schedule professional cleanings with your dentist at least every six months to remove tartar. This helps prevent cavities and other problems. A dental hygienist or dentist can use a scraper and other professional tools to remove tartar from your teeth and gums. If you have cavities, your dentist may recommend fillings or root canals to combat the problem. Schedule an Appointment With a Dallas Dentist Oral health is the best way to prevent tartar and other dental issues. Schedule an appointment with a Dallas dentist for a dental cleaning and exam. Content found on this blog is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional judgement, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak with a professional if you have concerns about your oral health.
Tooth decay is damage to the surface of your tooth. It may lead to cavities, tooth infections, or even total loss of your teeth. It’s a very common problem, yet many people don’t realize they have tooth decay until it’s too late to save the tooth. This guide helps patients spot tooth decay early or even prevent tooth decay entirely. What Are the Signs of Tooth Decay? If you have tooth decay, you probably don’t even know it. That’s because the signs and symptoms usually aren’t obvious until you have a cavity or infection. Signs of a cavity or tooth infection are more obvious, but you will need a dentist to treat these concerns. Look for: Tooth pain Tooth sensitivity when eating cold or hot foods or drinking beverages Facial swelling, especially in your cheek or jaw area Fever Signs of an abscessed tooth (e.g., a throbbing headache or bad breath) How to Prevent Tooth Decay The best way to prevent tooth decay is with routine oral care and hygiene, including dental examinations. You should brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss every day. Visit a dentist for routine checkups and more thorough cleanings, too. Treatment for Tooth Decay If you develop tooth decay or a cavity, your dentist may use one of the following treatments. Fluoride treatment: This is only used for very mild cases of tooth decay. It helps the tooth repair itself and prevents further decay. Filling: A filling is the standard treatment for moderate tooth decay (aka cavities). The dentist removes the damaged area then fills it with a filling material. Root canal: A root canal is for more severe cases of tooth decay. The process is similar to a filling, but more of the tooth is removed. The roots and tooth are cleaned, then a temporary filling is placed until a more permanent filling (or crown) can be fitted. Extraction: If the tooth decay is too severe for a root canal, your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction. In this case, dentists usually recommend a bridge or implant to replace the tooth. Schedule a Dental Exam in Dallas If you need a dentist in Dallas, you can schedule an appointment for a dental cleaning and examination. We can ensure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned and free of health issues like tooth decay and cavities. Content found on this blog is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional judgement, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak with a professional if you have concerns about your oral health.
Gingivitis is a type of disease related to the gums. Advanced gum infection is called periodontitis, and it often creates long-lasting problems, including damage to the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. It’s a disease that shouldn’t be taken lightly as it has major health repercussions. Dr. Barry Buchanan has been practicing general dentistry in Dallas for the last 34 years. Let’s explore his views on the risks of gingivitis and the best ways to treat the disease. What Is Gingivitis? Gingivitis is the condition you suffer from when your gums, also called your gingiva, get inflamed. You can spot the condition by certain signs, described below. Your gums appear and feel swollen and puffy Your spot blood on your toothbrush or dental floss Your mouth has a bad odor Your gums appear dark red in color You have receding gum lines (i.e., when the root surface of your teeth are exposed, owing to your gums pulling away from the surface of your teeth) However, you may not be able to spot the early signs of gingivitis, though a good dentist can easily determine the onset of this disease. How to Treat Gingivitis Scheduling regular dentist visits for a cleaning and checkup should be enough to keep gingivitis at bay. The plaque and tartar buildup, which are the main culprits of gingivitis, are scraped away, leaving you with a bacteria-free mouth. If your gums are already showing signs of developing gingivitis, the following methods can help resolve the issue: Ensuring good, regular oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth properly at least twice a day, flossing your teeth at least once daily, and investing in a good antiseptic mouthwash to clean your tongue and mouth. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. It’s best to avoid acidic foods and artificial sugars, which foster gingivitis. You need to ensure your Vitamin C intake is sufficient. Keeping dry mouth syndrome at bay. There are several medications that cause dry mouth as a side effect. Luckily, there are mouth rinses that can be bought over the counter, like Biotene, which can help with this condition. Scheduling a thorough dental evaluation. A good dentist can spot ill-fitting dentures and other restorative work carried out incorrectly (including crowns and bridges). These can lead to fungal or viral mouth infections, ultimately leading to gingivitis. The Risks of Not Treating Gingivitis in a Timely Manner It is not safe to leave gingivitis untreated, even at the early stages. Untreated gingivitis has a high chance of turning into periodontitis, which can lead you to lose your teeth, and worse, can cause heart disease. Genetics plays a role in increasing the risk of developing gingivitis. Pre-existing conditions including diabetes, respiratory ailments, rheumatoid arthritis, coronary artery illness, and strokes are also risk factors. All these diseases increase bad bacteria in the body. If you think you may be suffering from gingivitis or periodontal gum disease and need to schedule a thorough dental exam, call Dallas dentist Dr. Barry Buchanan today.
Dental bridges fill the gaps in your teeth, and they consist of several pieces that work together to close open space and replace a missing tooth. Consider three reasons it makes sense to see your dentist and get a dental bridge today. 1. Missing Teeth Make It Hard to Do Important Things Missing teeth create a gap that will be a problem at some point. Not only does a dental bridge restore your brilliant smile, but it also helps you chew food, speak clearly, and retain the proper form for your teeth. These are all things that become difficult when you have one or two missing teeth. 2. A Dental Bridge Prevents Shifting A space will interfere with the dental structure of your mouth. Teeth are part of the architecture of the mouth. When something is missing, the whole thing starts to collapse. When this happens, the surrounding teeth will move towards that empty area. It’s a cascading effect. As the neighboring teeth start to move inward, so will the ones next to them. That shift can change the way you eat, speak, or even rest your jaw. 3. Dental Bridges Can Provide a Permanent Fix You have a couple of options when you are missing one or more teeth. One of them is the partial denture. A partial denture is a removable bridge. The plate hooks around neighboring teeth, and you remove it at night and clean the appliance. Part of the problem with partial dentures is that the remaining teeth may not work well as a foundation to ensure it. As a result, the denture may slip or be loose in the mouth. It may dig into the gum and cause other problems. Fixing a dental bridge in place instead of a partial denture means you may have a permanent solution for your missing teeth. The appliance connects to two crowns that go over anchoring teeth. Since the anchors are crowns, the bridge becomes fixed in place. You clean it when you brush your teeth. There are many types of dental bridges available. Porcelain fixed bridges are the traditional approach. It takes just a couple of visits to the office to get the work done for the bridge. If you are considering your options to replace a missing tooth and you live in the Dallas area, call our office to find out more about the benefits of dental bridges. The content found on this blog is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak with a professional if you have concerns about your oral health.
Our teeth are strong but sometimes they develop wear, disease, and degradation. Fortunately, this damage doesn’t have to mean we lose our teeth. Restorative dental treatments can make it possible to keep your teeth for the rest of your life. Our dentist provides fillings, crowns, and root canal therapy to help you keep your teeth and enjoy comfortable oral function. Following is helpful information on your treatment options. Fillings A filling is a small restoration that treats minor tooth decay. Our fillings are composed of composite resin – a tooth-colored compound that provides discreet but durable restorative dental work. Fillings prevent small cavities from worsening. Dental Crowns A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that covers all visible portions of a tooth. Fitting over teeth like a cap, crowns restore the shape of a tooth while providing extra protection from acid and bacteria. Dental crowns treat more than tooth decay; they also reinforce badly worn and broken teeth. Our crowns are made from porcelain, which lends a beautiful enhancement to your smile. Root Canal Therapy Sometimes, extensive tooth decay or substantial cracks/wear cause painful infections in the nerve centers of our teeth. Before modern dentistry, the only recourse to treat these infections was to remove the diseased tooth. Today, however, most infected teeth can be treated with a procedure called “root canal therapy”. Root canal therapy removes the infected tissues within a tooth and seals its nerve center so that new infections cannot form. This treatment makes it possible to avoid tooth extractions, too. Replacement Teeth Options When restorations are not enough to prevent the loss of teeth, we can utilize prosthetics to replace teeth. Our practice offers fixed porcelain bridges and dentures. A bridge consists of a series of connected crowns that close the gaps of a smile and provide a sturdy biting surface for oral function. Partial and full dentures are removable prosthetics that produce the illusion of a complete smile and assist with more productive eating and speaking. If you would like to learn more about your restorative dentistry options, call the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan to schedule a consultation with our dentist.
Teeth – unlike bone or other tissues, cannot heal on their own. If cavities are not treated early on by a dentist, they will worsen, which could lead to painful infections and tooth loss. Our family dentistry practice offers preventive and restorative care to patients of all ages. The best way to treat cavities is to prevent them. Following are the top five ways you can prevent tooth decay. Reduce Sugar Consumption Did you know that sugar feeds cavity-causing bacteria? Our mouths are home to millions of harmful oral bacteria. When tooth enamel is weak, these bacteria will feed on sugar and ultimately, our teeth. Reducing your consumption of sugar helps starve cavity-causing bacteria. Be sure to check food labels as sugar comes in many forms, including fructose, fruit concentrate, maltose, dextrose, and many more. Limit Acidic Foods and Beverages Another common threat to your pearly whites is acidic foods and beverages. Strong acids weaken tooth enamel by stripping away its minerals. Unfortunately, many food items contain acids as their main ingredients or as a preservative. Common acidic items you should shy away from include citrus, sodas, and alcoholic beverages. Do Not Chew Inedible Objects or Grind Your Teeth Many of us chew on pen caps, our nails, and even ice cubes to cope with stress, pain, and anxiety. Others may also grind their teeth as a response to these emotions. Chewing on inedible objects and grinding our teeth will destroy tooth enamel over time. Permanent damage to tooth enamel greatly increases our risks for dental cavities. Practice Great Oral Hygiene Your daily oral hygiene routine can protect your teeth for a lifetime. When brushing and flossing, take a mindful approach to help ensure that you use good techniques. Every person over the age of five should be brushing twice a day and flossing each night. Visit Your Dentist Regularly Routine dental visits give our team a chance to detect potential concerns as soon as possible. Frequent checkups and cleanings give us an opportunity to provide preventive care like fluoride treatments and sealants before cavities form. Early-stage decay can be treated with small, minimally-invasive restorations, too. Call our family dentistry practice to schedule your next cleaning and checkup.
A professional teeth whitening treatment may not be the fountain of youth but it can make you appear younger. Professional teeth whitening is a quick, non-invasive way to breathe new life into your appearance. Our cosmetic dentist utilizes prescription-grade take-home whitening systems that can remove decades of stains from your teeth. What Causes Tooth Stains? Surface stains can form when a person neglects his or her oral hygiene. As plaque and tartar build up on the surfaces of teeth, they can appear dull and yellowed. These stains can be removed with professional dental cleanings and improved care at home. Permanent teeth stains form when exposed to discoloring foods and beverages. They can also stain when one smokes or chews tobacco. Common foods and drinks that contribute to the development of permanent stains include: Wine Coffee Berries Beets Soy sauce Balsamic vinegar Dark sodas Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening When it comes to brightening your smile, you may feel overwhelmed by your options. There is no shortage of over-the-counter whitening strips, toothpastes, and rinses. You may have even tried a product or two. While these products may advertise that they can produce results, bear in mind that store-bought formulations lack the potency to lift permanent stains. Instead, most of these products can only address surface stains. Some of these products may also use abrasive agents to remove discoloration. Over time, abrasive formulas can cause permanent damage to tooth enamel. If you’re looking to invest your time and money into a whiter smile, we recommend consulting with our cosmetic dentist. Our take-home whitening systems contain powerful formulas that can safely and dramatically lighten your teeth. Professional whitening systems contain high enough concentrations of lightening agents to penetrate the enamel layer of teeth to lift old, permanent stains. These take-home whitening kits will not harm teeth nor will they cause permanent tooth sensitivity. Take-home whitening kits can lighten your teeth up to ten shades when used as directed. If you are interested in improving the appearance of your smile, call the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan to reserve a consultation with our cosmetic dentist.
If you’re considering receiving veneers from our cosmetic dentist, you are probably yearning for a flaw-free smile. Taking good care of your new smile can help ensure that your porcelain veneers last as long as possible. Although veneers are quite durable, some seemingly innocuous habits could affect the longevity of your improved smile. Eating Fibrous, Chewy, and Sticky Foods A chewy granola bar, delectable candy, and well-cooked steak might sound appetizing, but these items should be consumed with caution. If you have veneers and decide to visit a steakhouse, be sure to cut your food into small bite-size pieces. As far as chewy and sticky foods, it’s best to avoid consuming them. Sticky and chewy foods can put too much pressure on veneers – specifically the twisting motions involved with eating them. Sticky items are especially dangerous as they will contain high amounts of sugar. While veneers are resistant to cavities, your natural tooth structure is not. Consuming Too Much Alcohol and Acidic Beverages Alcoholic drinks and acidic beverages can wear down your tooth enamel, leaving your natural teeth vulnerable to developing decay. Consume these drinks in moderation to extend the lifespan of your veneers and your teeth. Drinking Without a Straw Drinking with a straw helps push cavity- and stain-causing molecules to the back of your throat. While veneers do not stain, the dental structures under them can. When your natural tooth structure stains, it can make your veneers appear darker. The backsides of your teeth could also develop damage which may lead to caries and chips or cracks. Using a straw when you drink beverages can reduce your risks for stains and dental issues. Chewing on Inedible Objects and Ice Cubes Millions of people chew on non-food items like pen caps and ice cubes to assuage nervousness or tension. These habits are destructive to biological tooth structure and cosmetic enhancements like veneers. If you chew on inedible objects, it’s important to try to break this habit before you receive veneers. If you desire a more attractive smile, call our practice to schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dentist.
Dental work doesn’t have to be obvious or unsightly. Composite fillings make it possible to enjoy the protection that restorations provide without affecting the appearance of your smile. If you have a cavity or two that require treatment, you might be surprised to learn how beneficial composite fillings are to your oral health. What is a Composite Filling? A composite filling is a small, tooth-colored restoration used to treat minor areas of tooth decay. It is made from a resin comprised of plastic and glass. A composite filling can be tinted to match the exact color of your teeth. Receiving a composite filling isn’t very different from receiving a traditional amalgam filling. This procedure is minimally invasive and only requires local anesthetic to maintain patient comfort during treatment. Tooth decay requires professional treatment. Unlike a bone, a tooth cannot regenerate new tissue to self-heal once it is permanently damaged. If a cavity goes untreated, it can deepen into the tooth and ultimately cause extensive damage, infections, and tooth loss. Benefits of Tooth-Colored Fillings The most obvious benefit of tooth-colored fillings is the fact that they provide undetectable protection for damaged tooth structure. Since composite fillings are customizable to match teeth, patients can enjoy dental work that won’t negatively affect one’s self-image. Another benefit to composite fillings is the fact that they effectively treat tooth decay. A composite filling stops decay from widening and deepening into the tooth. These restorations can last for a decade or longer, too. A unique advantage to choosing composite resin is that the compound used for this type of filling bonds very well to biological dental structure. Since composite bonds better than amalgam, less tooth removal is needed to place the filling. For those concerned with exposure to trace amounts of mercury or those with allergies to metal, composite resin is a viable alternative to conventional restorative materials. If you’re in need of restorative dental work, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Barry Buchanan. Our practice can provide effective treatment that won’t negatively affect the appearance of your smile.
Our Response To Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Although the Governor has rescinded the mask mandate, as a Dental Office we are subject to protocols of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE). The TSBDE has not lifted its COVID 19 emergency protocols, so masks are still to be worn by patients and staff in the dental practice. We will be continuing all of our COVID safety protocols and respectfully request all patients, staff and vendors wear a mask in our office. Thank you for helping us keep the safest environment possible for our patients and staff.
Please contact our office if you have any concerns.