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If you are consulting with a cosmetic dentist to improve the appearance of teeth marred by issues like chips, cracks or deep stains, porcelain veneers may be recommended for your case. This versatile treatment option can be used to correct a variety of conditions, and the veneers are handcrafted to the patient’s unique specifications to ensure a good blend with the natural teeth surrounding the treated tooth or teeth. The overall result is a more beautiful smile. The veneers are tailored to your needs because the cosmetic dentist will take measurements, photos and dental impressions of your smile to capture the data needed to determine the design of the veneers. The shade of the porcelain, which looks quite similar to biological tooth enamel, can also be customized to match your other teeth. Keep in mind, however, that the shade of veneers cannot be altered further after the veneer is bonded to the tooth, so if you want to have teeth whitening treatments on the rest of your smile, you should do so before your veneers are placed. Your dentist may need to prepare your teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel to make room for the veneer, depending on its thickness. When the veneers are ready to be placed, you will return to the office to have them bonded to your teeth using a strong dental cement. Make sure that you are satisfied with the appearance of the veneers before they are bonded to your teeth because no changes can be made after that point. You may think that porcelain would be too fragile to hold up over years of biting, chewing and talking, but after the veneer is bonded to the tooth, the material becomes quite strong. In fact, if you take good care of them, your porcelain veneers can last for years. Patients who want to improve the appearance of their smiles often can get the results they desire from porcelain veneers. To learn more about this treatment option, schedule a consultation at our office.
It can seem like a hassle to plan for your oral hygiene when you’re preparing for a vacation or business trip or even a weekend getaway. However, you can never take a break from maintaining your smile or else you may find yourself needing to see your dentist promptly upon returning from your trip. In fact, if you neglect your brushing and flossing for even a few days, you may develop plaque and tartar that can only be removed via a teeth cleaning by a dental hygienist. Here are a few tips to help you take care of your smile when you’re away from home: • Take the right tools with you. At the very least, you will need to pack your toothbrush, preferred toothpaste and dental floss. Depending on the space limitations of your luggage, you may opt for travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste. If you use an electric toothbrush at home, some models hold a charge for a longer period of time and can be appropriate for travel as well. • Stick to your normal routine. If you brush and floss at the same time that you do when you’re at home, or at the same point in your morning routine, you’ll automatically keep this habit even when you’re on the road. • Be conscientious about what you eat and rinsing after meals. It’s understandable if you want to indulge while traveling, but if you’re eating more sweet treats, make sure to rinse your mouth after meals so that sugary residue doesn’t hang around for bacteria to feed on. • Schedule any routine dental care that you may need before you leave on your trip. If it’s been about six months since you last saw your dentist, you’re probably due for a check-up and professional teeth cleaning. This will make sure that your smile is in good shape as you embark on your travels and give you a head start on keeping it that way. If you’re planning an upcoming trip for any reason, make sure that you don’t come back with a lot of tartar or a cavity as your souvenir! If it’s time to schedule your next dental visit, contact the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan at 214-343-1818.
Your oral health is precious. Even though a dentist can repair broken teeth with restorations and treat conditions like gum disease and infected root canals, neglecting your oral health can become very costly because invasive and specialized treatments might be necessary. Beyond the monetary costs of receiving treatment for advanced conditions is the fact that neglecting your health can lead to the development of oral diseases that literally destroy oral tissue like gums and bone. In most cases, untreated dental conditions will only worsen without treatment. Following are five good reasons not to neglect your dental health. Cavities Tooth decay or cavities is one of the most common oral health conditions that affect patients of all ages. If a person develops a cavity, it must be treated with a cost-effective and minimally invasive restoration like a filling. If the cavity is left untreated for a prolonged amount of time, it will become deeper and wider. Over time, a filling will not make for an adequate restoration because more tooth structure is affected. Tooth Loss Losing just one tooth can have a domino effect on your oral health. Teeth support one another by holding everything upright. Missing one adult tooth can make a number of teeth shift out of alignment due to the space created by an empty tooth socket. Moreover, tooth loss makes a lasting impact on a person’s oral function. Gum Disease Untreated gingivitis can progress into advanced gum disease rather quickly. Advanced gum disease is powerful enough to destroy teeth and bone along with gums. When this condition reaches a certain point, it is not curable. It is only manageable. Managing advanced gum disease requires vigilant professional care on a routine basis. Orofacial Pain Headaches, jaw pain, and facial discomfort are common forms of orofacial pain that can occur when a person neglects their oral health by avoiding the dentist and necessary treatments. For instance, retaining wisdom teeth or untreated occlusal problems can lead to people experiencing debilitating and persistent orofacial pain. Oral Cancer Oral cancer claims tens of thousands of lives every year. Having routine checkups, where dental professionals screen for signs of oral cancer, can literally save your life. Call us today to reserve an appointment at the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan.
Root canal therapy is a tooth-saving procedure that will increase a person’s oral function on the affected tooth while also relieving significant discomfort caused by an internal tooth infection. After root canal therapy (endodontic treatment), a person will still feel the effects of local anesthetics for a few hours. Local anesthetic will likely produce a numbing sensation inside the mouth and on the face. Since the effects of local anesthetic are still felt, those who have received treatment for a root canal should avoid eating food for a few hours. In the hours following treatment, as the anesthetic wears off, sensation will eventually return to normal. Since the infected nerve endings and dental pulp have been removed from a tooth, a patient will no longer feel the intense discomfort associated with an infected tooth. Why is endodontic therapy necessary? Professional dental treatment is necessary because teeth cannot heal on their own after developing significant damage or disease. Root canal therapy, for example, prevents a tooth from becoming so badly diseased that it cannot be saved. When the inside of a tooth is infected, it can abscess. An abscess is a chronic infection that can spread to tissue adjacent to the infected tooth. Untreated abscesses will not only lead to a tooth being so diseased that it must be extracted, it can also lead to the infection of adjacent teeth, gums, and bone. With root canal therapy, painful dental abscesses can be avoided and a biological tooth can be retained. Will I need a dental crown? Many people require a dental restoration after having root canal therapy but it is not always necessary. A restoration commonly follows endodontic care because there is significant damage to external tooth structure such as a deep cavity or chip. If a restoration is recommended after treatment, it is to protect a tooth from developing further damage so that a patient can enjoy optimal oral function. If you are suffering with tooth pain, call our practice to schedule a checkup with our dentist.
When an individual is dealing with tooth loss and considering their options for restoring dentition, many factors require careful consideration. Very often, dentures are the best choice to restore tooth loss. A consultation with your dentist to get answers to address your questions and concerns is needed before making your decision. Don’t rely on helpful friends or family or what you can read on the internet to play a role in your decision. Some of the things your dentist will likely address include: Type of denture needed: How many teeth are missing? A partial denture replaces one or a couple of missing teeth. If all teeth in an arch are gone, a complete denture is required. Your age: Younger patients that are dealing with tooth loss may be better served with a more permanent option. Time: If you are looking for a solution that can be completed in a couple of dental visits over a few weeks, dentures may work best for you. Cost: While dentures are not inexpensive, they are more economical than other options available. Missing teeth: If teeth will be extracted, and you are not receiving an immediate denture you may be facing a period of time without teeth. Will this fit into your daily needs? Finally, your dentist will address what you ultimately will be facing if dentures are selected. How they work, daily care, potential problems, how long they will last … an honest, open discussion with your dentist will help you determine if dentures are right for you. During your dental exam your dentist will examine the teeth on either side of missing dentition. This will help determine what type of denture you may qualify for. If abutment teeth are decayed or impacted by gum disease, a fixed denture may not be suitable for you. If those abutment teeth are not healthy, placing crowns on them as a means to attach your denture will mean an alternative way to attach your denture will be needed … metal clasps are an option. Patients that select dentures will likely undergo an adjustment period. Things such as saliva production, food choices, and speaking adjustments are to be anticipated. These things are usually overcome with time and a little practice; the final result will be worth the time spent. Contact the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan to discuss your own options!
Tooth loss can occur due to trauma, decay, or disease. Perhaps maybe one or more permanent teeth never erupted properly. Dental implants provide an ideal solution to resolve missing teeth allowing the patient a permanent and beautiful restoration that looks and functions just like your natural teeth. In preparation for the dental implant process the patient will undergo a medical questionnaire to assure they are healthy enough to ensure a successful procedure, and a thorough dental exam will follow including dental x-rays to determine bone strength in gum tissue where the implant is to be placed. Insufficient bone does not automatically disqualify the patient, for there are options available to enhance the bone if needed. The patient is called upon to keep the implant clean by brushing and flossing as directed to prevent infection, a leading cause of implant failure. Tobacco is strongly discouraged as it’s another reason why implants fail. The implant process begins with surgical placement of the titanium post in gum tissue where a tooth is missing. A healing period follows … during that time bone is grafting to the implant to form a solid base to support the restoration. The process of bone merging with the implant is called osseointegration … eventually the implant becomes a permanent part of the patient’s dental anatomy. Once healed an abutment is attached to the implant and the tooth is tried in. When fit, appearance, and function are correct, your dentist will permanently cement it in place. Your dental provider will have fashioned the restoration to perfectly match surrounding teeth in size, shape, and color to make your new tooth indistinguishable from your surrounding natural teeth. When the process is completed you will be able to eat all the foods you love; smile and laugh with confidence; and speak clearly without fear of an embarrassing slip as your new tooth is securely cemented in place. Caring for your implant couldn’t be easier. Just as you brush and floss your natural teeth, that is all that is needed for your newly implanted tooth as well. During every six month dental visit, your dentist will carefully examine your implant to make sure all is well. Dental implants are becoming a very popular way to restore missing dentition … a consultation with your dentist is your first step to a permanent solution for tooth loss. Contact our team today!
What you eat affects your oral health—including your teeth. We all know that eating healthy is important for our general wellness but sometimes, people overlook the importance of nutrition on our oral health. In addition to visiting our dentist for routine checkups and cleanings, our practice recommends limiting sugar intake, watching out for acidic ingredients in foods and beverages, and staying hydrated. Limit Sugar Intake Sugar is dangerous to your dental health because it feeds oral bacteria. Our mouths are warm and moist—a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Eating sugar will only give bacteria more fuel to survive. When bacteria feed on sugar (including starches), they release acid as a by-product and colonize to form plaque. Acid is an irritant that softens teeth and uncontrolled plaque can lead to the development of gum disease and tooth decay. Whenever possible, avoid sugar. If you do consume something with high sugar content, drink water as you eat. We recommend limiting sugary drinks like soda, too. Drinking water while eating or drinking something sugary will help rinse away sugar particles. Avoid Acids Acid is very dangerous to your teeth because it can damage tooth enamel. Our tooth enamel is comprised of minerals. The mineral content of tooth enamel is what makes this protective barrier on the outside of our teeth so strong. Unfortunately, tooth enamel is not impervious to damage. Acid is dangerous because it strips away the mineral content of tooth enamel, thus weakening it. Acids can be found in many foods and drinks. Sometimes acid is naturally occurring, other times acid is used as a flavor enhancer and preservative. Common acidic foods and drinks include citrus fruits, soda, and alcoholic beverages. Staying Hydrated Water intake is very important to your oral health. Drinking water throughout the day will help rinse away food particles that harm teeth as well as dilute acids. Water’s neutral pH is also good for preventing an acidic environment in the oral cavity. Call us today to reserve a checkup with our dentist.
Establishing good oral health begins in childhood. Our family dentistry practice understands the unique health needs of children—especially the importance of detecting potential developmental problems early on and preventing common conditions like tooth decay. Our family-friendly practice takes an inviting and welcoming approach to treating children so that they can establish a positive relationship with our dentist and our staff. Detecting Congenital or Developmental Abnormalities Congenital and developmental abnormalities that affect the oral cavity and facial bones can have a lifelong impact if not addressed early on. Many conditions, with timely intervention, can be treated to maintain a beautiful aesthetic and comfortable oral function. Detecting issues such as improper tooth eruption, occlusal problems, and cleft palates is best done at an early age. This is because a child or adolescent’s facial bones and teeth are still developing. Manipulating the growth of bones and teeth is easier during development. To detect potential problems, we recommend that parents bring their children to our family dentistry practice for the first time around the age of one. This initial appointment involves a physical examination and questions about your family’s medical and oral health history. A child’s first visit is a great time for you to become acquainted with our team, too. By the age of four or five, your child should receive his or her first dental cleaning. With yearly appointments and cleanings, we can closely monitor your child’s oral health and development. If necessary, we can provide referrals to specialists for complex treatment. Preventing Tooth Decay One of the most common threats to your child’s oral health is tooth decay. In fact, tooth decay is so common that about 99% of the population will develop a cavity at one point in their lifetimes. Teeth cannot self-heal and therefore when damaged, a cavity will only deepen until it infects a tooth. Untreated tooth decay is very painful. We treat decay with restorations but we try to focus on preventing cavities all together. Prevention involves providing oral health education that teaches proper oral hygiene, thorough dental cleanings, and treatments such as fluoride varnishes and dental sealants. Call us today to reserve an appointment with our dentist.
Patients who are in need of dentures may have concerns that the appliances will not have a secure fit and will embarrassingly slide out of place. They may also fear that the dentures will shift in the mouth during chewing, making mealtime particularly difficult. Dental implants can give denture wearers more peace of mind, offering enhanced stability and security in comparison to conventional appliances. Because a strong bond forms between the jaw bone and the dental implants, implant dentures have a physical connection to the patient’s jaw that a standard denture lacks. Essentially, the dental implants replace the missing roots of the patient’s natural teeth. We typically take the roots of our teeth for granted, but they perform important functions. They anchor the jawbone and prevent it from eroding, which occurs after tooth loss if the roots are not replaced. Your teeth’s roots also absorb the strong forces that help you process crunchy foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Of course, implant dentures also have a comfortable, snug fit, and patients who choose this tooth replacement option don’t have to worry that their dentures will come loose at a most inopportune time. Furthermore, the fit of implant dentures won’t change over time, unlike conventional dentures, which don’t fit as well after the shape of the jaw evolves as it atrophies. Clearly, implant dentures outperform standard dentures in a variety of ways. In order to benefit from all of these advantages, patients do need to undergo a surgical procedure in order to place the dental implants, but the procedure is completed in a matter of hours. Patients are usually able to resume normal, non-vigorous activity within days of the surgery. If you worry that conventional dentures won’t measure up to your missing biological teeth, consider an implant-supported prosthetic as an alternative. Call our office to schedule an evaluation to determine whether this treatment option might be the best choice for you.
When planning for restorations for damaged teeth, such as dental crowns, patients have a number of concerns. For example, they may wonder how the crown will affect their chewing function, forcing them to give up their favorite foods. The good news is that dental crowns are quite strong and help to preserve the functionality of the biological tooth, including its ability to participate in chewing a variety of foods. Dental crowns are typically made of porcelain or ceramic materials, which may or may not be combined with metal to give the restoration additional strength. Furthermore, after the dentist bonds the crown to your biological tooth, that also makes it heartier and able to withstand normal chewing forces, within reason. Of course, dental crowns are not indestructible. Patients should use common sense. If you attempt to chew anything that could harm your natural tooth, it has the potential to damage a dental crown, as well. Your dentist will give you more detailed instructions on limitations of your new dental crown, as well as information on oral hygiene necessary to keep the crown in good condition. In addition to being rather strong, dental crowns come with a quick treatment timeline. After an initial consultation in which all necessary data is collected, that information is then forwarded to the dental lab that will design and create the crown. That process takes a few weeks. When the crown is ready, the patient returns to the office to have the crown bonded in the tooth. While you are waiting for the permanent crown, you may be fitted with a temporary restoration that is not as durable as the permanent crown. You should be able to eat nearly all foods after you get a dental crown, although your provider may give you some specific restrictions to protect the longevity of the restoration. Be sure that you understand the directions for caring for your dental crown, including what you can eat and what you should avoid. If you have any questions about the maintenance of your dental crown, don’t hesitate to ask one of our knowledgeable staff members. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation!
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