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The anxiety and fear many people experience about a visit to the dentist is very real. In recent years, more options have been made available to alleviate this apprehension making dental visits a comfortable and minimally stressful encounter. So whether it’s a fear of needles or any other phobia, a consultation with your sedation dentist will reveal how you can eliminate stress and receive needed care to help you maintain great oral health. How Does Sedation Dentistry Work? With oral sedation, the patient is prescribed medication to take at home about an hour before their scheduled dental appointment. Upon arrival at the office, additional sedatives are administered to place the patient in a deeper state of relaxation. The patient is continually monitored for their comfort and safety. While the patient remains conscious during treatment, many people report feeling like they slept remembering very little. This type of sedation is also appropriate for individuals who suffer from mental or physical disabilities which may make dental treatment difficult. Patients who are unable to recline for extended periods are able to relax. When the patient is comfortable and relaxed, the dentist is able to proceed with needed treatment which can include anything from teeth cleaning to restorative work and periodontal care. How Do I Know If Sedation Dentistry is Right For Me? Your sedation dentist has received the training needed to offer this service to you. A review of your concerns and needs will help you and your dentist reach a decision for your best options for treatment. You will need someone to transport you to and from your dental appointment as you will be unable to drive. Once treatment is completed, you may feel groggy for the remainder of the day so it is best to return home to rest. Do not plan on going back to work or school. If someone is able to stay with you for a few hours, that is advisable. You should be able to resume your normal schedule the following day with no side effects. Good dental health contributes to maintaining good overall health. If a patient requires assistance to overcome anxiety, mental, or physical limitations, sedation dentistry provides the ideal solution for the patient to receive much needed dental care. To learn more about your options for sedation dentistry, contact the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan today.
No one ever wants to hear those dreaded words … “you have a cavity”. Patients who regularly visit the dentist and follow recommendations for a healthy diet and daily oral care have less chance of requiring restorative dental services such as composite fillings. Proactive Vs. Reactive What is tooth decay and how does it happen? The foods we eat and beverages consumed feed the bacteria already present in the mouth. Bacteria produces acids that can penetrate protective dental enamel resulting in a cavity. Daily brushing and flossing helps to prevent harmful plaque from forming on teeth that can lead to decay and/or gum disease. Consistent visits to the dentist allow for early detection of most oral conditions. Allow your dentist to take x-rays whenever recommended as decay caught early allows for a smaller repair which means much less of your tooth’s structure needs to be removed. If decay is allowed to grow, the need for more extensive repair may be required. This can include a root canal followed by a dental crown to seal the tooth. These are measures that you might be able to avoid with great daily oral care and regular visits with your dentist. Prevention is Optimal, but Early Detection is Very Important There are steps you can take to try to prevent dental decay. Dental Sealants – The chewing surfaces of teeth never treated for a cavity can be coated with a product that seals the surface of the tooth protecting areas where cavities often form. Since decay often occurs in the early years, children can benefit greatly from sealants. Fluoride – Drinking tap water is an excellent source, but your dentist offers fluoride treatments if needed. Use a fluoridated toothpaste to brush; and if recommended, add a fluoride rinse to your daily regimen. Diet – A healthy daily diet will enhance overall and oral health. Limit sugary snacks; read labels on the foods and beverages you consume; limit or avoid drinking soda (but if you do, use a straw and drink with a meal); rely on healthy fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and protein as your primary sources of nourishment. Visit our dentist, Dr. Barry Buchanan, every six months; if decay does occur, there are restorative dental options that will be virtually impossible to detect, and will stop the harmful decay from growing.
When you smile do you attempt to hide your teeth? If those pearly whites have become drab or stained, you can enhance your smile in the comfort and privacy of your home utilizing teeth whitening that has been tested for your safety and is recommended by your trusted dental provider. Advantages of Take Home Whitening You can brighten your smile on your own schedule … you choose. First thing in the morning, on your lunch break, after work, before an evening out, or just before bed – you decide the best time for you to brighten your smile. You’re in control … once you achieve the level of whitening you desire, you can work to maintain your new smile by daily brushing and flossing and maybe the occasional touch-up. You acquired your teeth whitening kit from your cosmetic dentist … if you have any questions or concerns, simply call and get the answers from a trusted dental professional. No guessing or hoping for a good result. Your teeth whitening kit contains the most powerful whitening agents available in a “use at home” product so when used as directed, you can achieve the great smile you want. Your dentist is providing you with all the tools you need to brighten your smile. Do you really know what you’re buying if your purchase teeth whitening at your drug store or online? Maintaining Your Bright, New Smile There are many foods and beverages that have the ability to stain dentition. Coffee, tea, soda, and red wine are some of the drinks to either limit or avoid. Plan to drink (and swish) water while consuming any of these or use a straw with cold beverages … this will help much of the liquid to bypass your teeth. Many berries, tomato based sauces, beets, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar … these and other foods are known to stain teeth. Tobacco used in any form is not only unhealthy, but cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco all stain teeth. Great dental health is just as important as overall health. Do the things that promote both … eat a healthy diet and drink lots of water. And when it comes to keeping your teeth and gums healthy, brush and floss every day and visit our dentist at least twice a year for cleaning and exam.
Cosmetic dentistry transforms smiles and improves people’s quality of life. If you are suffering with a less-than-perfect smile, our cosmetic dentist can develop a treatment plan that fits your needs, goals, and budget. Our practice offers tooth-colored fillings and crowns, porcelain veneers, and professional teeth whitening. White Restorations Obvious dental work such as silver crowns and amalgam fillings is noticeable to others. While restorations are needed to protect teeth, there are beautiful alternatives to conspicuous restoration materials. Our practice offers tooth-colored fillings made from composite resin and dental crowns made from porcelain. Composite resin is a tooth-colored compound made from a mixture of plastic and glass. These biocompatible restorations bond well to teeth, provide protection from acid and debris, and restore a smile with a natural, lifelike appearance. Porcelain, which is also used for white restorations like dental crowns and bridges, is beautiful and lifelike. Available in an array of white shades, porcelain looks and feels like biological tooth structure. Porcelain Veneers If your smile is afflicted with various types of cosmetic concerns, porcelain veneers might be a great option for producing the appearance of a straight, white, and uniform smile. Veneers are cosmetic enhancements that are permanently fixed over the outer surfaces of teeth. They effectively conceal imperfections like chips and stains. When multiple veneers are used, they can hide the effects of worn dentition and improperly spaced teeth, too. Veneers are custom made to exact specifications so that they look natural and complement your unique oral anatomy. Professional Teeth Whitening Professional teeth whitening treatments are a great way to improve your appearance without permanently altering tooth structure. Our practice offers take-home whitening kits that use high quality, prescription-grade whitening solutions for effective, predictable results. Many patients enjoy smiles that are ten shades brighter after professional whitening treatments. Living with an imperfect smile is distressing. Dental imperfections can contribute to feelings of social isolation and depression. Investing in cosmetic dental treatments improves aesthetic concerns and boosts self-confidence. If you’re interested in enhancing your appearance, call the office of Barry Buchanan, DDS, to reserve a smile makeover consultation with our cosmetic dentist.
Advancements in technology and prosthetics have given patients more options than ever before for replacing their missing teeth. Dental implants are one of the most popular tooth replacement options available today; and for good reason, they’re incredibly durable and lifelike. Implants are the ideal tooth replacement solution because they can last for decades, restore oral function, and support the entire oral health system. How Dental Implants Function Dental implants are unlike any other prosthetic available because they replace the missing root systems of teeth. Replacing the roots of teeth is accomplished by embedding a titanium post directly into the jawbone. This post is shaped like a cylinder and since it’s made from titanium, bone in the jaw will fuse to it so that it stays in place. Once the implant is stabilized, it can be used to support dental crowns, bridges, and even dentures. The materials used to construct the restorations or dentures attached to dental implants can look incredibly natural. Crowns and bridges can be constructed from tooth-colored materials like porcelain or porcelain fused to metal, which lend a very lifelike aesthetic as replacement teeth. Dentures are made from a combination of porcelain to duplicate the appearance of teeth and acrylic bases that are tinted to resemble the gingiva. Benefits of Implant Dentistry Implant dentistry offers unique advantages to patients when compared to conventional tooth replacement methods like bridges or dentures. Conventional bridges and dentures only replace the visible surfaces of missing teeth, not the roots. This means that over time, patients can struggle with bone atrophy and their prosthetics moving during oral function. With implants, however, one will not experience movement of their replacement teeth during meals or when speaking. Bone loss is a common side effect of tooth loss because the jaw at the site of tooth loss lacks stimulation. Since dental implants are loaded into the jawbone, they keep bone active and stimulated. Retaining bone is important for maintaining a youthful appearance and comfortable oral function. Preserving bone helps support existing teeth and other prosthetics, too. If you are evaluating your tooth replacement options, call our office to reserve a consultation with our implant dentist.
When teeth develop decay, restorative dental care is needed to protect healthy tooth structure and prevent the development of infections and further degradation of teeth to disease. One common method for treating tooth decay is by having a dentist place a dental crown. These restorations are recommended for advanced tooth decay that has affected a significant amount of tooth structure. How can a dental crown benefit me? Dental crowns are more extensive restorations than fillings. They protect all visible surfaces of tooth from oral debris and bacteria. They strengthen existing tooth structure, too. This means that people who have extensive decay can simultaneously prevent the advancement of decay and protect existing tooth structure with a dental crown. An oral healthcare provider might also recommend dental crowns for teeth that have been cracked and chipped as well as those affected by substantial tooth wear. What do dental crowns look like? Dental crowns are shaped like teeth, except that they have a hollowed center. They can be fabricated from a few types of materials that affect their appearance. Common materials used to produce crowns include metal alloys like gold, silver, and zirconia. Those desiring discreet restorations often choose porcelain or porcelain fused to metal for a more natural looking appearance. How do I care for dental crowns? Dental crowns are easy to take care of because you can treat them like natural teeth. You will brush and floss your biological teeth as well as your restorations. Some patients choose to use oral hygiene tools like water irrigators to clean around the base of their restorations. While dental crowns are very durable, it is important to take precautions to protect your restorations. This means that you should avoid chewing on hard objects like pen caps and ice cubes. You should also receive routine checkups and cleanings to ensure that your teeth and your restorative dental work are in good shape. For more information about the restorative dental services we offer, call our practice today to reserve time with our dentist.
Are you dreaming of a whiter, straighter smile? Cosmetic dental treatments like porcelain veneers could change your life. These versatile smile enhancements produce the appearance of a perfect smile – free from flaws like permanent stains, chipped and crooked teeth, and worn dentition. They can make teeth appear perfectly straight and symmetrical. Benefits of Porcelain Veneers When it comes to perfecting a smile, porcelain veneers can accomplish many objectives. Patients who receive veneers might suffer from the following dental imperfections: Chipped teeth Asymmetrical teeth Orthodontic issues like crowded, crooked, gapped, and overlapped teeth Intrinsic and extrinsic tooth stains When veneers are placed, a person enjoys an instantly brighter, straighter smile. Veneers are made to very exact measurements, too. This means they will perfectly accommodate a person’s oral anatomy to produce a beautiful and natural-looking smile enhancement. How Veneers Work Porcelain veneers are wafer thin, handcrafted pieces of porcelain. They are shaped like teeth. Each veneer is made to fit over a specific tooth. A cosmetic dentist usually places porcelain veneers over the most visible teeth. Receiving veneers is minimally invasive and normally only local anesthetic is needed. The first step to receiving veneers is to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation. If a patient decides to pursue veneers, the cosmetic dentist will remove a thin layer of tooth enamel in order to accommodate the veneer. Molds, along with photos and X-rays, are taken of a person’s mouth. The information gathered is then sent to a dental lab where the veneers are custom crafted. Once a patient’s veneers are ready, he or she will return to our office to have them permanently bonded to their teeth. Our cosmetic dentist will slightly etch tooth structure to create a rough surface to which veneers can bond. Then dental cement is used to place them. As the bonding material dries, final adjustments are made to ensure that veneers are perfectly placed. If you’re interested in pursuing your cosmetic treatment options, call the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan to reserve a consultation.
While oral piercings and dermal modifications might seem like an appealing way to express yourself, you should be aware that these modifications come with some lesser-known risks to your oral health. If you plan on receiving oral piercings or dermal modifications, you might want to discuss their risks with your dentist beforehand so you can make an informed decision. Following are a few ways that piercings can negatively affect your oral health. Some might surprise you. Untimely Tooth Wear Having piercings can wear down your dentition. Many people develop a habit of making contact between a piercing’s structure and teeth. Some might click their tongues, where their tongue piercing habitually taps against their teeth. Others might turn their lips inward so that lip rings make contact with tooth structure. When our teeth make contact with hard objects, it can lead to permanent damage. Metal piercings can wear cracks in tooth enamel, which will worsen over time. If your teeth are already weakened by acid exposure or decay, you run the risk of breaking or cracking a tooth. If you decide to wear piercings in spite of these risks, we recommend taking great care not to develop habits that involve tapping piercings against your teeth. Increased Risk for Infections Having piercings increases your risks for bacterial and fungal oral infections. This is because surfaces of the lips, the tongue, and the linings of the lips and cheeks can be exposed to oral bacteria that normally wouldn’t be present without a piercing. If you have piercings, it’s important to practice vigilant oral hygiene to control bacterial growth in the mouth. You should brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time. When brushing, be sure to brush your tongue, the roof of your mouth, and the gums. You should also floss once per day, every day. Swallowing Hazards Oral piercings present swallowing hazards if they come loose. If you’re eating or sleeping and a piercing comes loose, you could easily swallow or choke on it. Be sure your piercings are fastened appropriately especially before meals and before bed. If you have questions about your oral health, call our practice to schedule a consultation with our dentist.
Have you heard of implant dentures? This revolutionary treatment option secures custom made dentures to a series of dental implants for optimal oral function and comfort. Implant dentures are beautiful, too – they produce the appearance of a healthy, youthful-looking smile. When custom dentures are secured to dental implants, patients enjoy a number of benefits that improve their quality of life. Implant Dentures vs. Conventional Dentures Conventional dentures are designed to rest on the gums. The arch of the jawbone is what holds them in place. Unfortunately, tooth loss is typically accompanied by bone loss. As the bone atrophies, dentures will begin to fit improperly. They might shift during speech and oral function. Implant-supported dentures, however, do not rely solely on the arch of the jaw for support. Instead, they are anchored in place by dental implants, which are embedded into the jawbone. Since dental implants are placed in the jaw, they function like the roots of teeth. The placement of implants is what gives implant dentures unprecedented stability. The technology and techniques for making modern dentures is advanced compared to dentures of the past. Today’s dentures are made from very lifelike materials that perfectly mimic the appearance of the gingiva and teeth. Since they are made to very precise specifications, dentures are virtually indistinguishable from biologic tooth structure. Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures Implant dentures present some unique advantages – especially when compared to conventional, unsupported dentures. Since dental implants hold dentures in place, people can enjoy improved oral function. There are no dietary restrictions, which allows those with implant dentures the ability to enjoy a balanced, nutritious diet. Dental implants help people retain bone. This is especially important for those who have suffered with tooth loss. Bone atrophy caused by tooth loss negatively affects oral health, the longevity of prosthetics, and one’s appearance. Lastly, implant dentures are comfortable. There’s no need for messy adhesives to keep them in place. The likelihood of developing sore spots is also diminished. This is because implant dentures draw on support from implants, which prevent the bone atrophy that contributes to ill-fitting dentures. If you have questions about your tooth replacement options, call the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan to reserve a consultation with our experienced dentist.
You may think that as long as you’re brushing your teeth twice each day for two minutes at a time that you’re in good shape to protect your oral health. However, bad brushing habits can make your oral hygiene routine much less effective. In fact, in some cases, such issues may actually be harming your teeth. It’s important to recognize these bad habits so that you can change them. Consult with your dentist if you see anything in this list that might apply to you. How Bad Brushing Technique Can Harm Your Teeth You can actually damage your teeth in a number of ways if you’re not brushing correctly. You may either do an incomplete job of cleaning or cause premature wear and tear on your teeth. Therefore, it’s important to evaluate the tools that you use in your oral hygiene routine as well as your techniques for using them. Make sure that you aren’t doing more harm than good with your daily brushing. Most Common Bad Brushing Habits Using a toothbrush that is in poor condition: A brush that is worn, has hard bristles or is laden with bacteria will not be an effective tool for cleaning your teeth. Swap out your toothbrush every three or four months to make sure that you’re not using a brush that is overly worn. You may track your dentist visits and switch halfway between those appointments, as well as right after them to keep on track. Choose brushes with soft bristles, and store them upright and allow them to air dry to reduce bacteria proliferation. Brushing too hard: There is too much of a good thing when it comes to brushing! Overly aggressive brushing can wear down your enamel. Not brushing long enough: According to the ADA, the average person spends just 45 seconds brushing their teeth when the recommended brushing duration is actually two minutes. Brushing for a short period of time can leave bacteria behind. Using ineffective brushing technique: To clean most effectively around the gumline, you should be holding your brush at a 45-degree angle, using short strokes equal to the width of your teeth. When brushing the inside of your front teeth, use vertical strokes with a slightly tilted brush. If you recognize any of these habits as ones that you need to break, work with your dental care team here at our office to develop a plan to do so. Check in with us at your next checkup or feel free to call at any time for advice and suggestions.
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