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Are you struggling with the appearance of your smile? Perhaps you’re tired of worn teeth, stains, or obvious cracks and chips. If you’re tired of living with an imperfect smile, know that there is hope. Our cosmetic dentist offers porcelain veneers, which is a permanent way to transform the aesthetic of your teeth. Porcelain veneers are versatile cosmetic enhancements that conceal an array of dental imperfections. From misshapen teeth to tough dental stains, veneers can produce the illusion of a perfectly straight, white, and symmetrical smile. What are veneers exactly? Veneers are ultra-thin and tooth-shaped cosmetic enhancements that are handcrafted from high quality porcelain. They are bonded over the front-facing sides of teeth to conceal common dental imperfections such as gaps, chips, stains, and misaligned teeth. Will porcelain veneers look natural? Each veneer is handmade to very precise specifications determined by our dentist. When developing the specifications for veneers, our team takes your oral anatomy and smile goals into consideration. Since veneers are custom made, they will perfectly complement your facial structure and your smile. The fact that veneers are made from porcelain also helps lend a very natural appearance. Porcelain comes in diverse white hues and it reflects light the same way as biological teeth. How will I benefit from veneers? Nearly anyone with dental imperfections could benefit from veneers. If you have severe decay or badly cracked teeth, our team may recommend white dental crowns instead to protect weakened tooth structure. If imperfections are only cosmetic in nature, veneers could help conceal concerns like chipped, worn, stained, and crooked teeth. Is receiving porcelain veneers uncomfortable? Receiving porcelain veneers is not an invasive process because teeth require minimal preparation prior to placement. In fact, many folks do not need local anesthetics during their procedures. You don’t have to suffer with a less-than-perfect smile. If you would like to learn more about your treatment options, we invite you to schedule an appointment with our cosmetic dentist. Call our practice to book a smile makeover consultation today.
What you drink could be causing serious harm to your dental health. Most people know that the sugar found in sodas is harmful to their teeth but a number of drinks that are marketed as healthy are harmful, too. Sugar consumption contributes to cavities and gum disease, both of which require professional care from a dentist to treat. The problem with sugar is that it feeds the harmful oral bacteria in our mouths. As bacteria feed on sugar molecules, they colonize and release acids as their byproduct. Reducing sugar intake can starve harmful bacteria and reduce your risks for cavities. You might be surprised how much sugar is lurking in common beverages you drink frequently. Read on to learn more. Smoothies A smoothie might make for a nutrient-rich and convenient breakfast; however, its sugar content is alarming. Even the green smoothie varieties are full of sugar from fruits like apples and pineapples. A smoothie from time to time shouldn’t be too detrimental to your teeth but making it a daily habit could increase your risks for tooth decay. Sweetened Coffee/Tea Many folks enjoy the caffeinated boost they get from tea and coffee but they should be wary of lattes and cappuccinos. Many of these drinks contain flavored syrups and abundant sugar. We encourage you to enjoy caffeine with as little sugar as possible. Kombucha Kombucha may be filled with prebiotic and probiotic goodness but it does contain natural sugars. These sugars along with the beverage’s acidic content could spell trouble for your teeth. If you’re drinking Kombucha for its gastric health benefits, consider swapping kombucha out with unsweetened yogurt or probiotic supplements. Mixed Drinks/Cocktails Many people love to unwind with a cocktail or two. Unfortunately, popular mixed drinks like margaritas, pina coladas, and appletinis are filled with fruit-flavored syrups chock full of sugar. If you do consume something sugary, be sure to drink water afterwards as it helps dilute acid and rinse teeth. For more information or to schedule your next checkup or cleaning with our dentist, contact the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan today.
Does the thought of dental treatment make you feel anxious or restless? If you have an upcoming procedure, our sedation dentist can help. This comfort amenity can quell panic and fear associated with dental phobias while making it easier to remain still during longer procedures. There are a few types of sedation dentistry. Each type offers unique advantages. Nitrous Oxide Used for more than 100 years, nitrous oxide is a gaseous compound that is inhaled through a nasal mask. Also known as “laughing gas”, nitrous oxide is a drug-free form of sedation dentistry that provides uplifting and euphoric feelings while also working as a mild analgesic. Nitrous oxide only produces these feelings when it’s inhaled, which means that patients can drive themselves home after their procedures. Oral Sedation Oral sedation, unlike nitrous oxide, involves taking prescription medicine prior to your treatment. These medications are mild sedatives that have anxiety-relieving effects because they work with GABA receptors in the brain and slow down the central nervous system. Those who suffer with moderate to severe dental phobias can benefit from oral sedation. Oral sedation can also enhance the effects of local anesthetics and pain-relieving medications. The effects of oral sedation can last for a few hours so it’s necessary to have a family member or friend bring you to and from your appointment. IV Sedation IV sedation involves receiving anti-anxiety and sedating medication intravenously. This form of sedation is best reserved for severe cases of dental phobia and lengthy or invasive treatments. Since IV sedation can have lingering effects for a few hours, patients will need to arrange for transportation to and from their procedures. If you have questions about whether sedation dentistry is right for you, we encourage you to discuss this with our team. We strive to provide comfortable, high quality oral care to patients in our community. Call us today to schedule a consultation.
If you think that an attractive smile is the main benefit of good oral hygiene, you’re missing out on a number of other positive outcomes that are even more important for your overall well-being. Investing in both your home oral hygiene practices and routine professional care will reap many rewards. Establishing a relationship with a family dentistry practice is a crucial element of your oral health maintenance plan, as is a robust home oral hygiene routine. Contact our office to learn how we can help. The Many Benefits Of Good Oral Hygiene Many people follow their oral hygiene habits and see their dentist twice a year because they want to keep their smile looking its best. While this is a compelling motivation, there are many other gains from good oral hygiene practices, such as. Disease prevention: Many systemic diseases, such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, appear to have a link to oral health issues, so maintaining oral health can reduce risks of those conditions. Better nutrition: Teeth that are unaffected by decay or other issues are better able to chew and process the nutrients your body needs. Reduced costs: When you take good care of your teeth consistently, you greatly reduce the risk that you’ll need complex and expensive dental treatments. Better quality of life: Dental issues can be a drag on your mood and energy, so preventing them greatly boosts your quality of life. Home Oral Hygiene Routine: The Basics How do you practice good oral hygiene habits to get all of the aforementioned benefits? Here are a few recommendations. Brush twice each day, for two minutes at a time Floss daily Stay well hydrated, and drink some water after meals You should also use the right tools, like toothbrushes in good condition and fluoridated toothpaste with an ADA seal of approval. If you have any questions about your oral hygiene routine, we encourage you to call our office and talk to one of our knowledgeable staff members. How Professional Dental Care Supplements Your Home Routine Of course, your day-to-day regimen at home is only one piece of the puzzle. It’s important to see your dentist at least twice each year for exams and professional cleanings. These services keep your smile in optimal condition. For example, a hygienist at a family dentistry practice can access areas of your smile that are difficult for you to reach on your own in order to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar buildup. When a dentist inspects your smile every six months, any issues can be identified and treated early. Has it been more than six months since your last dental checkup and teeth cleaning? Call the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan today to schedule your next appointment.
When the smile has been affected by tooth loss, most patients want to restore the smile’s beautiful appearance as quickly as possible. Working with an implant dentist to get implant supported dentures can help you to achieve this goal. Implant supported dentures can be placed in a single appointment in some cases, and patients gain numerous benefits from this treatment approach. Patients who are exploring their tooth replacement options for an entire upper or lower arch of teeth (or both) should consider dental implants. Eliminate The Wait With Implant Supported Dentures Each case is different, but many prospective patients for implant supported dentures can get those appliances in a single appointment lasting just a few hours. As few as four dental implants can be placed in the jaw to secure a denture. Because relatively few dental implants are needed for some implant supported dentures, those dental implants can be placed all at the same time. The patient often also can be fitted with the appliance after those dental implants are in place. Your implant dentist can advise you of the most suitable treatment plan for you after evaluating your case. This will help to give you a more concrete idea of what to expect as you prepare to get implant supported dentures. Implant Dentures Outperform Conventional Dentures In addition to the concise treatment timeframe, implant supported dentures offer a number of other benefits to patients in comparison to conventional dentures. Because the dental implants function like artificial tooth roots, implant supported dentures have: Longer lifespan of the appliance More effective chewing capacity Less mess and inconvenience to maintain More lifelike fit and appearance The dental implants allow implant supported dentures to look, feel and function more like your biological teeth and they also preserve the integrity of the underlying jawbone and prevent the atrophy that typically is a consequence of tooth loss. Are you interested in learning more about implant supported dentures and all that they have to offer? Call our office to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
Whenever you are out in public, your teeth are on display. Whether conversing with family, friends, or business colleagues; enjoying a meal out; or exchanging smiles with total strangers, your teeth are a prominent feature that get noticed. So you want them to look their absolute best. If you’ve ever wondered what you could do to improve the appearance of your teeth, a consultation with our cosmetic dentist will identify and outline the enhancements that could help you upgrade your smile. Cosmetic Solutions to Enhance Your Smile Teeth Whitening: Possibly the most often performed cosmetic enhancement, the option of brightening your smile multiple shades in the privacy of your home is readily available. Acquiring teeth whitening from your dentist, a licensed dental professional, allows you to benefit from the most powerful teeth whitening agents available in a take home kit. Your dentist will provide you with a customized tray, teeth whitening solution, and complete instructions that will allow you to improve your smile in the time frame of your choosing. Tooth Colored Restorations: For years, the only solution for dental decay came in the form of dental amalgam, a silver restoration that is noticeable when you smile. Thankfully, we now enjoy the benefit of tooth-colored enhancements that are available to treat dental decay; old silver fillings can be removed and replaced with tooth-colored material. Chipped teeth can also be repaired using a composite that is strong; and through the talent of your cosmetic dentist, these updates are virtually undetectable. Porcelain Veneers: For patients looking to change the appearance of one or multiple teeth, porcelain veneers are very thin shells that can be applied to the front of teeth improving stained, misshapen, or poorly spaced teeth in just a few dental visits. Veneers are a permanent option as a minimal amount of enamel is removed from teeth to be treated so the finished product will provide a symmetrical smile. How Do I Get Started? If you are interested in a smile makeover, the first step is to schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dentist. A treatment plan will outline the program best suited for you. For more information or to reserve your appointment, contact the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan today.
Having a thorough teeth cleaning and dental exam at least twice each year are good guidelines to follow. However, there are individuals who may require treatment more often; following the advice of your dentist is your best option for determining the number of dental visits needed to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. What Occurs During My Dental Visit? With each cleaning appointment, your dental hygienist or dentist will remove the tartar that has been building on your teeth since your last visit. Dental instruments are used to scale away this build-up, or ultrasonic tools may be used to remove calculus. Whichever option is used, this cleaning is necessary as merely brushing and flossing at home is not going to completely eliminate the tartar that forms on teeth especially around the gum line. You will benefit from the dental x-rays performed. Bitewings are taken on back teeth that will detect any decay. The entire mouth is x-rayed at lesser intervals. These x-rays allow for the appropriate monitoring to see any changes that have occurred as well as watching for any new problems that may have begun. Finally, teeth are flossed and polished so they will look their best. The Dental Exam This is an important of your dental visit. While it may only take a few minutes, this one act could actually save your life! What is your dentist looking for? Dental decay; failing crowns; the onset of gum disease or gum recession; and most importantly, signs of oral cancer. Anyone can experience lesions, and all might not be cancerous. But during this check-up, your dentist is looking for anything suspicious. Visits to the dentist should begin around the age of twelve months and continue twice a year for the rest of your life. Once those baby teeth fall out, the teeth that come in as children are the only other ones we get and are expected to serve us well for a lifetime. Given the proper care, it is possible to keep teeth and gums healthy. Follow a regimen of brushing twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste, floss every day, and make sure you visit our dentist as recommended for teeth cleaning and the dental exam.
Dental implants have become a very commonplace dental solution for tooth loss. Of course, saving a biological tooth whenever possible is ideal, but when one or more teeth succumb to trauma, infection, or decay, it is good to know there is a solution that is as close to your biological teeth as possible. A visit with your implant dentist will reveal the process and qualify you for the procedure that will allow you to eat all your favorite foods, speak clearly, and smile with self-confidence. Things to Consider Before Receiving a Dental Implant While this has become a procedure performed widely, the patient bears some responsibility to make it a success. Questions addressing overall health coupled with a very thorough dental exam will be required to make sure there is adequate jawbone to support a dental implant. If needed, a procedure to augment bone may be required prior to implant placement. Your dentist will explain the importance of keeping the implant area clean to prevent infection, a leading cause of implant failure. Placing A Dental Implant The implant itself is a small titanium device that is surgically embedded in gum tissue where a tooth is missing. Titanium is the metal of choice for its unique qualities promoting bone to graft and encompass the implant to provide a solid support structure for the restoration that will eventually cover it. On the day the implant is placed, plan to return home to rest for the balance of the day. This is oral surgery; you will benefit from inactivity for a day or two. A healing period ensues during which time bone is grafting to the implant (referred to as osseointegration). You will have several dental visits to make sure healing is on track. It is important to keep all scheduled checkup appointments. Once healed, the cosmetic restoration can be cemented into place. Your dentist will attach an abutment to the implant, and try in the restoration for fit, function, and appearance. Once all is correct, the restoration will be cemented into place. Your dental implant process is complete … you are free to enjoy your favorite foods and resume life as if tooth loss never occurred. To learn more about your tooth replacement options, contact the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan today.
A visit to the dentist has revealed the need for one or more dental crowns. What you will learn is that crowns usually require two office visits and several steps. Reasons A Dental Crown May Be Needed Your dentist will always try to save a biological tooth whenever possible. Placing a dental crown does exactly that; they are the ideal treatment option for: A Fractured Tooth: Although teeth are very strong, a fracture can occur from biting down on something hard. Extensive Decay: When placing a filling on a deep cavity risks the integrity of the tooth, your dentist may opt for a crown. In some cases, a partial crown (an inlay or onlay) may be all that is required. Sealing the Opening Following Endodontic Therapy: Endodontic therapy (root canal) is a measure taken when the nerve of a tooth has been damaged. An access point is required to reach the tooth’s root canals; the final step for this procedure is to seal that access point often using a dental crown. Abutments for a Fixed Prosthesis: If tooth loss should occur, a fixed partial or bridge is a treatment option that requires crowning the healthy teeth that surround missing teeth. The pontics (or false teeth) will be made to match neighboring teeth and coupled with the crowns, the patient will have a permanent solution for tooth loss. The Steps for Placing a Dental Crown Depending on the location of the tooth, the type of material to be used for the crown will be discussed. If the tooth is in the smile line, a tooth-colored material like porcelain is desirable. The dentist will anesthetize the area. The tooth is milled down removing a major portion of the tooth leaving enough in place to attach the crown. An impression is taken that will be sent to the dental lab for crown fabrication. A temporary crown is placed on the prepared tooth; it will be left in place until the permanent crown is back. On seat day, the temporary is removed and the new crown is tried in. Your dentist has the capability to make adjustments at this time. When the fit and appearance are correct, the crown is polished and cemented into place. You will likely be advised to avoid biting hard or sticky foods for a day or two. For more information about dental crowns or to schedule a consultation, contact our team today.
Many patients take their teeth for granted and expect them to function properly. However, those who have experienced tooth loss understand just how precious natural teeth are, which should make teeth cleaning a high priority as part of a daily regimen of care. Basic Teeth Cleaning Tips Brushing: For many, little thought is given to the brushing technique required to maintain a beautiful smile. But there are proper tools to use as well as a correct way to brush your teeth. A soft bristle toothbrush is strongly recommended by your dentist … coupled with a fluoridated toothpaste or gel. These are the basic tools you need to use daily. Employ a circular motion and even hand; excessive pressure is not required. Brushing too hard can actually damage the outer surface of your teeth as well as contribute to premature gum erosion. Brush twice a day for two minutes each time. A timer can be used or brush to your favorite song. Or use an electric toothbrush. This can accomplish a couple things. Most come with a timer signaling when you’ve brushed for two minutes; and their rapid action does most of the work for you – you just provide the guidance. Flossing: This is very important. Your toothbrush only reaches about two thirds of the surfaces of your teeth. We rely on floss to remove food debris your toothbrush could not reach. Done properly, flossing helps keep gum tissue healthy and aids in preventing tartar from building on teeth. Daily Diet, Hydration, and Lifestyle What we eat and drink can contribute to oral health. Foods loaded with sugar and carbohydrates should be closely monitored. Drink water and water-based beverages like unsweetened coffee and tea (fruit infused water is a refreshing beverage). Soda consumption is very hard on your oral health; it should be considered a special occasion beverage, if consumed at all. Tobacco use stains dentition and is damaging to both overall and oral health. Finally, make sure you visit the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan every six months for teeth cleaning and a dental exam. We rely on our teeth for so much; their proper care and daily attention will contribute to a beautiful and healthy 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.