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Once your child has advanced into their teens, you may think your job of overseeing their dental care is over; however, once children are old enough to make some decisions on their own, this may be a bigger source of concern. What they are eating and drinking can have a huge impact on their oral health so overseeing their teeth cleaning habits and maintaining trips to the dentist are probably more crucial than ever. Provide the Proper Tools for Maintaining Oral Health If you instilled good oral health habits during their growing years, teens are more likely to continue these habits. But if a trip to the dentist indicates they might not be brushing and flossing as needed, it’s time to join forces and work together to find ways to make improvements for their oral health. An electric toothbrush might appeal to your teen. After all, this brush basically does all the work. They just need to add some toothpaste and brush (maybe to their favorite music which you will happily provide). Timers on electric toothbrushes will encourage your teen to brush for two minutes as recommended. Toothpaste is important – find a fluoridated paste or gel that your teen likes. Oral rinses may be helpful here as well. Again, let your teens have some input. Flossing is very important, but can be challenging to monitor. You can stress the importance of flossing every day, but this may sound more like nagging than helpful instruction. So, your dentist can be very helpful by explaining what can occur (like bad breath, gum disease, and tooth loss) if your teen fails to floss. Healthy Diet While your teen may eat out more often, what you provide for snacking and meals at home are more important than ever. Crunchy fruits and vegetables are a much better choice than chips and crackers. Soda should be replaced with water. Provide sugar free water options by infusing water with fresh fruit. Sparkling water may be a bit more costly, but may appeal to your teen more, and is a better choice than soda or sugary flavored beverages. Finally, make sure your teen visits the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan twice yearly for teeth cleaning and dental exam.
Tooth loss is a serious problem for many people. Your dentist is your best advocate when it comes to deciding which tooth replacement option is best for you. The choices vary with several things to take into consideration, but dentures are very popular providing a great result. The Importance of Tooth Replacement A denture is a removable prosthetic appliance that is designed to manage tooth loss due to injury, decay, or disease. How many teeth are lost or are to be extracted will dictate the need for a complete or partial denture. When tooth loss occurs, facial changes can occur due to bone loss. While dentures cannot prevent bone loss, they can provide support for oral structures helping the patient to maintain a more natural appearance. The loss of even one tooth can have a serious impact on your ability to chew properly; and can result in other problems like teeth shifting, food debris collecting around the open spot, and aesthetic concerns. Complete or Partial Dentures A complete denture is required when all teeth in the upper or lower arch require replacement. A partial denture is employed when some natural teeth remain that are healthy enough to support the appliance. A partial is designed to be fastened to neighboring teeth using some type of clasp. Both complete and partial dentures are made from lifelike materials designed to resemble the teeth they are replacing. Since they cannot compete with the strength of natural teeth, care must be taken to maximize their longevity. You will need to remove dentures at bedtime. This gives gum tissue some time to rest and rejuvenate. While you sleep, dentures need to be stored correctly. Follow directions provided carefully. Clean your dentures daily. Even though the teeth in dentures cannot get cavities, if not cleaned daily they can still develop plaque that can impact gum tissue. A denture cleaner and brush are best. Never use toothpaste or scrub with a hard bristle brush as this abrasive action can damage the denture. While dentures are out, carefully clean gum tissue. Clean dentures and healthy gum tissue will prevent odor and provide long life for your oral appliance. To learn more about your tooth replacement options, contact our team today!
One of the most economical ways to improve your smile is through teeth whitening. Dental stain or teeth discoloration can be embarrassing resulting in discouraging you to smile or laugh in public, eat with friends and family, or speak without trying to hide your teeth. A visit with our cosmetic dentist will reveal how effective and simple it is to enhance your appearance with teeth whitening. How Do I Get Started with Teeth Whitening? All you have to do is ask. The steps fall into place after that. You will likely be advised to have teeth cleaned by your dental provider so you can start with a clean slate … topical stain and dental plaque and tartar will be removed and a dental exam will assure that you don’t have anything going on that would prohibit you from whitening your teeth. Why Shouldn’t I Just Order Teeth Whitening Online? Some of these products are just gimmicks; others just don’t produce good results. Your cosmetic dentist is licensed to provide you with products that have been tested for your safety and for their effectiveness. Teeth whitening dispensed through your dentist contains the most powerful whitening agents available in a take home product. And if you should encounter a problem or have a question, your dentist is available to address your concerns. Does Professional Teeth Whitening Really Work? Absolutely. In addition to a great teeth whitening product, your dentist will supply you with all the tools you need. Follow the instructions provided; whitening will not happen overnight, but you should begin to see results fairly quickly if used as directed. How Much Improvement Can I Expect? Everyone is different. Your dentist will help you with this. But in most cases, shades of lightening are significant. How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last? This primarily depends on your lifestyle habits. The foods you eat and beverages you drink can impact the appearance of your teeth. Coffee, tea, red wine, and soda all have teeth staining capability. Foods like tomato based sauces and berries can stain dentition. A touch-up kit may be needed to keep teeth looking their best. Finally, brush and floss every day and visit the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan regularly to maintain great oral health and a beautiful smile.
Maintaining great dental health is as important as keeping overall physical fitness strong and robust. After all, the two are closely intertwined. There are many steps you can take to ensure well-being; and you can be assured you are in good hands with our friendly family dentistry team. But you must do your part for yourself and your family by following these important steps for great dental health: Daily Brushing These two words encompass more than they imply. Because it’s more than just brushing your teeth. How you brush and the tools you use do make a difference. Your toothbrush should be soft bristled. While scrubbing your teeth with a firm toothbrush may make you feel like you have cleaned your teeth well, you could be wearing away precious enamel designed to protect your dentition as well as doing damage to gum tissue. Brush for two minutes using a fluoridated toothpaste. Employ a circular motion applying moderate pressure. And always brush before bed to remove food particles that attribute to plaque formation. Flossing When you brush your teeth, you only reach about two thirds of the surfaces of your teeth. Flossing is needed to remove what your toothbrush didn’t. The type of floss you use is not as important … find one you like and make sure to use it at least once a day. Diet Avoid foods high in sugar and carbohydrates. Enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables (the crunchy ones help clean your teeth), dairy, proteins, and healthy grains. Drink water to stay properly hydrated. Soda and beverages loaded with sugar are not a good choice for either your oral or overall health. Dental Visits You must visit your dentist at least every six months for a thorough cleaning and dental exam. Even the most diligent person will likely have some plaque and tartar form on their teeth. The only way to remove harmful dental tartar is with a cleaning by your dental provider. The dental exam is designed to look for signs of decay, disease, and the oral cancer screening performed could actually save your life. Family dentistry should be thought of as a one stop shop for you and your family. Regular dental visits will help keep teeth and gums in great shape while providing many of the services you may need to maintain great oral health.
Your senior years may be approaching, and you want to have a great smile. A conversation with your cosmetic dentist will reveal the many options available to help you achieve that coveted smile and teeth that will age gracefully with you. It’s More Than Just Aesthetics Your oral health has a lot to do with your overall health. While a beautiful smile is important, healthy teeth and gums are imperative to support your overall well-being. While broken or missing teeth can betray your age, they can also impact your day to day quality of life. We rely on our teeth to speak clearly, chew properly, and give us the self-confidence to smile and laugh in the presence of others. Growing older does not mean accepting tooth loss or damaged, unsightly teeth as a natural part of the aging process. You deserve better. Dental Problems and Solutions Your cosmetic dentist has a solution for just about any cosmetic dental issue you can suggest such as: Dental stain – This can result from diet, lack of proper hygiene, or medications needed for your health. Teeth whitening may provide an ideal solution. Teeth whitening trays are made specifically for you to work with a take home whitening product that will allow you to whiten your teeth in the privacy of home. Chipped, uneven, or poorly spaced dentition – Porcelain veneers are like a one stop shop for cosmetic dental problems. Veneers are very thin tooth colored shells that are made to replicate your teeth. Porcelain veneers are fabricated by a dental lab and will be permanently cemented to teeth to correct multiple cosmetic problems. Old, darkened amalgam fillings – For decades, dentists relied on silver amalgam to correct dental decay. But as you aged, those silver fillings have darkened; thankfully there is a remedy for that. Tooth colored composite resin is available to replace old fillings that make tooth repair virtually impossible to detect. Fractured teeth – A dental crown provides a solution that allows the tooth to be saved. When the only other option is extraction, a dental crown can be placed that will look just like your own tooth. Look your best by allowing our cosmetic dentist, Dr. Barry Buchanan, to show you the many ways your teeth can age gracefully with you.
Whether you travel for business or pleasure, you want your trip to go smoothly. Nothing can ruin time away from home more than having to deal with a dental problem. Taking great care of your teeth and gums daily is important in making sure your oral health is in tip top shape, but being prepared for a problem while traveling is just good sense. If you haven’t been to the dentist in recent months, a visit before your trip to have your teeth cleaned and a dental exam performed should be on your pre-travel checklist. Prevention The proverb that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is appropriate here. Brushing and flossing every day coupled with regular dental visits are excellent ways to help prevent problems associated with gum disease and dental decay. But even the most diligent person can be surprised by a toothache or experience some type of dental trauma when away from home. Preparation Knowing how to handle any emergency involves being prepared. Some helpful tips include: Pack your dentist’s contact information. In the event you experience a dental problem, make a call to your own dentist right away. Very often a temporary solution can be provided over the phone; a follow up visit when you return home may be needed. If more help is required, your own dentist may be a good source in helping you find a dentist locally. Another option is to reach out to a friend or family member to recommend a dentist. If you don’t know anyone, the local chamber of commerce is a good source of information. Traveling abroad? A call to your local consulate is a great lifeline to whatever you need. Finally, don’t use vacation time as an excuse to bypass taking care of your teeth. It only takes a few minutes a day to brush and floss. Forgot to pack a toothbrush? Unless you are backpacking in the wilderness, you probably have access to a store of some kind where you can buy a replacement toothbrush. Absent that, toothpaste on a clean finger provides a good temporary substitute. Hopefully, all will go well on your time away and you do not have to deal with a dental emergency. Great daily oral care aids in prevention, and being prepared to handle any situation gives you the power to control the outcome. For additional tips or to schedule and appointment, contact our office today.
Patients who are dissatisfied with aesthetic flaws in their smiles have a number of solutions at their disposal. For example, a cosmetic dentist can use porcelain veneers to address a number of deficits in the smile’s appearance. Because porcelain veneers are designed to match each patient’s unique smile, they result in a natural appearance. Your cosmetic dentist can also make any further adjustments to the veneers that you may desire prior to placing them on your teeth. Porcelain Veneers For Custom-Designed Enhancements Porcelain veneers are thin tooth-shaped shells that are bonded to the front surface of your biological teeth to conceal a variety of issues, such as: Chipped teeth Cracked teeth Deeply stained or discolored teeth Undersized teeth Slightly crooked teeth Porcelain shares a number of optical qualities with biological tooth enamel, which provides a good starting point for the most natural appearance possible. Your dentist will tailor the design of each porcelain veneer to match your smile’s unique specifications. This means that the porcelain veneer will closely match the shade of your surrounding biological teeth and its shape will blend in with the rest of your smile. We work diligently to make sure that the tooth that has been treated with a veneer looks just like its natural neighbors. The Porcelain Veneer Treatment Process: What To Expect Your path to enhancing your smile with porcelain veneers begins with a consultation. At this initial appointment your dentist will collect information such as photos, measurements, dental impressions or x-rays, needed to design the veneers, and your teeth may be prepped for the veneers. All of the pertinent data is then forwarded to the dental lab that will be creating your veneers. When they are ready, you’ll return to our office to have them placed. Before they are permanently bonded to your teeth, your dentist can tweak the shade or shape further as you desire. The veneers, which cannot be altered further after they’re bonded to the teeth, become quite strong when they’re attached to the teeth. They can last for many years if you take care of them as directed by your dentist. Have you been concerned about a flaw in your smile? Porcelain veneers might be a good fix. Contact the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan and schedule a consultation to learn more about this treatment option.
Are you considering your treatment options for dentures? If so, we strongly encourage you to investigate implant-supported dentures as a possible intervention. Implant dentures outperform conventional appliances in a number of important ways. When you consult with an implant dentist, you can also learn more about what to expect from the treatment process, which will be helpful in making your decision. Why should I get implant supported dentures? Dental implants are a significant upgrade over previous prosthetics because they offer patients a structurally complete option for tooth replacement. We may take the roots of our teeth for granted, but they perform important jobs in our smile. Not only do the roots of our teeth support the crowns, they also anchor the jawbone, preventing the erosion of bone tissue that is a consequence of tooth loss. Because the jawbone remains constant, implant-supported appliances fit more consistently over time. Improved jawbone stability is just one benefit associated with implant dentures. The others include: More secure appliance Improved chewing function Better comfort More convenient maintenance This list is far from complete, so ask your implant dentist if there are any specific aspects of implant dentures that are particularly important for you. What is involved in the implant supported dentures treatment process? The dental implants are inserted into the patient’s jaw in a surgical procedure. Depending on the technique being used, as few as four dental implants can be placed to support a denture. In such cases, the dental implant placement can be completed in a single appointment. Sometimes, the patient may be able to be fitted with a temporary denture immediately after the dental implants are placed. The patient will get their permanent denture after osseointegration is complete. It’s also important to recognize that patients must have adequate bone tissue at the implant site for osseointegration to be completed successfully. Your dentist will assess the quality of your bone tissue to make sure that your dental implants won’t be at risk for premature failure. Implant dentures can restore a complete smile that is both beautiful and functional. If you’d like to learn more about this treatment option and find out whether it might be a good fit for you, schedule an evaluation at our office.
Sedation dentistry is available in different applications for a variety of reasons. Whether nitrous oxide is used that places the patient in a euphoric state or oral sedation is prescribed, your sedation dentist will discuss the benefits available with sedation dentistry. Nitrous Oxide This type of sedation is considered safe for patients of all ages. It is a gas that is mixed with oxygen. As you arrive for your dental appointment, nitrous oxide will be initiated through a nose cone with time provided that allows the patient to become relaxed before dental treatment is rendered. There are no special requirements needed for this type of sedation. As treatment is nearing completion, the nitrous is terminated allowing oxygen only to be administered. The patient is quickly restored to their normal state. Using this type of sedation allows the patient to drive to and from their appointment, and return to work or school as there are no lingering effects. Oral Sedation Candidates for oral sedation include patients suffering from extreme anxiety; or for patients dealing with physical or mental limitations that make undergoing dental treatment difficult. Believe it or not, there are individuals who are so fearful of the dentist that they may go years, even decades, without even having their teeth cleaned. These patients can now overcome their fears utilizing this sedation option. Oral sedation involves the patient taking a sedative at home about an hour before their dental appointment. Because of this, and additional sedatives that will be given, transportation both to and from the dental visit is required. Upon arrival, the patient will be administered additional sedatives. Your sedation dentist and accompanying staff are trained to monitor and provide all the services needed for your safety and comfort. Your dentist is now free to provide the dental treatment required. Many patients indicated that they felt as if they slept with little or no memory of their dental visit. Total relaxation allows both the dentist and patient to get through needed procedures providing an opportunity for great oral health previously unavailable. And very often, your sedation dentist will combine needed procedures so minimal visits are required. Returning home for the balance of the day is recommended as the patient is likely to feel a little groggy for a few hours. The patient will typically be able to resume normal activities the following day. To learn more about our sedation dentistry services, contact the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan to schedule a visit.
Dentures provide a way for a patient to restore tooth loss that is effective and aesthetically pleasing. But as with anything new and different, adjustments can be anticipated. Your dentist will likely outline what may occur, but everyone is different and your experience may actually be easier than you expected. Are Dentures My Best Option? The main variables involve how many teeth are impacted and whether you require a partial or full denture; and if your denture will be fixed or removable. A partial denture is available when the patient still retains some biological teeth. These teeth must be relatively healthy … if their condition is questionable, your dentist might recommend a different option. A full denture is required when all teeth from the upper or lower arches are gone. If teeth are being extracted, an immediate denture might be an ideal choice. It is a temporary measure that allows you to have a denture placed at the time teeth are being removed. A permanent denture will be placed once healing has taken place. A fixed denture usually requires more of a financial investment, but allows for the denture to be permanently affixed. A removable denture is attached using some type of clasp (for a partial). What About Those Adjustments For a brief time the new denture wearer is going to require patience as they get used to their new prosthesis. Saliva flow – Any time something new is introduced into the mouth, saliva production usually increases. Speaking – You may feel awkward at first, but practice and perseverance will help you overcome this hurdle. Eating – Soft foods will be on your menu for a brief period of time. As you adjust, slowly introduce more foods eating slowly and in small bites. Smiling – This will be the easiest adjustment of all! Finally, as you get used to your new replacement teeth, additional adjustments may be needed for your denture. Never attempt to fix anything on your own … your dentist will not be surprised that your new dentition requires a little alteration. The key is patience as you adapt to this improvement to your oral health. To learn more about your tooth replacement options, contact our team today to schedule a consultation.