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If you’ve invested time, energy and money in teeth whitening, you undoubtedly want your results to last as long as possible. Although the effects of teeth whitening are not permanent, patients can take certain steps to extend the longevity of their results between touch-up treatments. In order to better understand how you can maximize your results, it’s helpful to know how teeth whitening treatments work in the first place. How Teeth Whitening Works Teeth whitening involves applying a gel that contains a bleaching agent to the teeth. This can be done via a custom-made tray provided by your cosmetic dentist, which you wear at home. Patients wear the tray for several hours a day as directed by the dentist. The bleaching agent then penetrates the enamel and releases the stain particles, leaving the teeth several shades whiter in the process. However, over time, stain particles from substances like coffee, red wine or tobacco will work their way back into the enamel, re-staining the teeth. Therefore, patients need periodic touch-up treatments to maintain the results of teeth whitening treatments. Maximizing the Benefits of Teeth Whitening There are several steps that patients can take to maximize the benefits of teeth whitening. The first is to complete touch-up treatments according to the schedule recommended by your cosmetic dentist. This additional teeth whitening treatment will help you to stay on top of any additional stains that affect your teeth. You can also make a conscious effort to reduce or eliminate your consumption of things that can cause discoloration, like the beverages mentioned above. It also makes sense to stop smoking if you’re pursuing teeth whitening because smoking is a major culprit in tooth staining. You’ll also get better results if you work with a dentist on this treatment. Professional-strength teeth whitening systems produce more noticeable and predictable results. Good oral hygiene practices are essential for supporting teeth whitening, too, as tartar buildup can cause the teeth to look dingy. Do you have questions about how to make the most of your teeth whitening treatment? Call the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan today to schedule a consultation.
It’s common to receive a dental crown after having root canal therapy. This is because root canal treatment is designed to treat the inside of teeth and restorations like crowns are used to strengthen the exterior surfaces of them. The only way to know whether you will need a dental crown is when it is recommended by a dentist. What is a dental crown exactly? A dental crown is a restoration that is placed over a tooth to cover its biting surfaces and all its sides. Crowns are custom made so that they fit over a person’s tooth and in between adjacent oral structures. One could compare a dental crown to a cap because of the fact that crowns reinforce external tooth structure. What will my crown look like? Dental crowns are tooth-shaped and their appearance can vary depending on the types of materials chosen to make the restoration. Those who want to maintain a natural looking aesthetic will likely choose porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. Both of these options will look very lifelike. Others might choose metals like silver or gold because of their durability and cost. What is a root canal? A root canal is part of a tooth’s anatomy. The root canal is located deep inside a tooth and houses the nerve endings and cellular material (dental pulp) of a tooth. While its common vernacular to refer to endodontic care as a “root canal”, it’s more correct to refer to these procedures as “root canal treatment” or “root canal therapy”. When is root canal treatment necessary? Root canal treatment is necessary when the root canal is exposed to oral debris through a dental injury or if the inside of a tooth has developed an infection. Ignoring a dentist’s recommendation for endodontic treatment eventually leads to oral health complications like abscesses, which could result in the loss of a tooth. Treating root canals saves teeth from the need for extraction. Call us today to reserve a consultation with our skilled dentist.
Restorative dental work doesn’t have to be unnatural looking. Today’s technology and techniques paired with high quality materials makes for beautiful looking, healthier smiles. Your restorative dental options are diverse so it’s best to consult with our dentist to find out which treatments meet your unique needs. Following is an overview of some of our most popular restorative services. White Fillings Gone are the days where amalgam is the standard material used for fillings. Today’s fillings are made from tooth-colored materials that blend in perfectly with biologic tooth structure. Fillings are small restorations used to fill in tooth structure affected by cavities. White fillings are made from a material called “composite resin”. This material is made up of a mixture of plastic and glass. Most of the time, composite resin is more conservative than amalgam because it bonds to teeth with less preparation. Dental Crowns A dental crown is an extensive, custom restoration that fits over all a tooth’s structure above the gums. Crowns cover the cusps of teeth and extend down all its sides like a cap. These restorations are commonly placed over badly diseased and damaged teeth. While many crowns are still made from metals like gold and silver, white dental crowns are incredibly popular. Tooth-colored crowns can be made from porcelain or porcelain fused to metal. These restorations look unbelievably natural because porcelain is similar in color and texture to teeth. Prosthetics Receiving restorative care can include prosthetics such as bridges and dentures. Prosthetic teeth help millions of people smile and eat with confidence. Fixed bridges, full dentures, and partial dentures are custom made in dental laboratories. Bridges and dentures are made to very precise specifications so that they look and feel natural. Prosthetics must appear natural but also function well under the forces associated with chewing and biting food. We are currently accepting new patients. Call the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan to schedule a consultation with our dentist if you’re in need of dental work or if you have experienced tooth loss. Our team takes a compassionate and educational approach to treating oral health issues.
Your dentures are an investment. Caring for your dentures properly will improve their longevity and help you maintain comfortable oral function. For example, soaking your dentures is necessary. They can become weak and warped without moisture, an issue that can make wearing them uncomfortable. Most dentures require alterations every few years, and ultimately will need replacing. It’s important to talk with your dentist if you experience changes in the way your dentures fit or if they break. Following are tips to help you get the most out of your dentures. Dentures Will Feel More Comfortable Over Time If you’re new to dentures, your gums will likely feel sore during the first couple weeks of wearing them. This is because it takes time for our gums to adjust to the weight of dentures and the force exerted upon them during oral function. It’s important to wear dentures as recommended by your dentist; otherwise, getting used to dentures could take longer. Remember that Dentures Can Break Your dentures are custom made for you from materials like porcelain and acrylic. If you were to drop your dentures on a hard surface, they could chip or break. When you’re not wearing your dentures, be sure they are stored in a clean, safe place. Some people develop the habit of leaving their dentures throughout their homes. We recommend keeping your dentures in a designated place each time they’re not being worn. Keep Your Replacement Teeth Clean Your prosthetic teeth can harbor bacteria – especially if they are not cleaned properly. Denture wearers who practice poor oral hygiene may develop bacterial and fungal infections. Fortunately, cleaning dentures is easy. Patients should brush their dentures gently with a toothbrush made for prosthetic teeth and soak their teeth overnight. When cleaning dentures, be sure to remove all traces of debris from food and residue from adhesives. If you’ve recently lost teeth, we invite you to review your tooth replacement options with our caring team. Call the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan today to reserve an appointment.
Halloween is beloved by children and adults. It gives people a chance to attend parties, visit neighbors, and prepare fun costumes. Instead of fearing ghosts and ghouls, almost every dentist fears candy and its effects on oral health during Halloween. Candy contains massive amounts of sugar, which contribute to tooth decay – especially among children. Preventing cavities saves children from enduring permanent damage to their teeth and discomfort associated with dental caries. Our family dentistry practice offers tips to help you keep your child’s teeth safe during Halloween. Disperse Candy in Increments It’s almost unfair to expect youngsters to exercise restraint with an enormous bag of delectable treats before them. Moreover, sneaking treats at bedtime is dangerous for one’s oral health. Consider keeping your child’s candy out of reach and dispersing it in small increments for after school snacks or dessert. Observe Brushing Habits Before Bed It is especially important to monitor your child’s oral hygiene routine during and after Halloween because of the temporary increase in sugar consumption. Your child should brush his or her teeth just before bed. Make sure he or she brushes teeth thoroughly so that all surfaces of teeth, the gums, and the tongue are cleaned. Encourage Water Consumption The bacteria in our mouth thrive when we consume sugar. Bacteria release acid as they feed on sugar molecules. The combination of harmful oral bacteria and acid softens teeth. Drinking water can help rinse away leftover food particles and dilute acid. Encourage your child to drink at least 64-ounces of water throughout the day. Limit Other Sugar and Starches Temporarily Since sugar intake is temporarily increased during Halloween festivities, it is important to limit the consumption of sugary and starchy foods elsewhere in one’s diet. Bacteria respond to starches the same way they do sugar. Consider swapping sides like potatoes during dinner for a salad or sautéed greens. Our family dentistry practice is accepting new patients. Call us today to reserve a checkup with our dentist.
Unfortunately, dental fear keeps a large number of patients away from the dentist’s office. This anxiety may prevent you from obtaining even routine care and can ultimately result in serious oral health consequences. Many patients who suffer from dental fear find that sedation helps them access the care they need. How Sedation Dentistry Works A sedation dentist administers medications that help patients achieve a deeply relaxed state before any interventions are performed. The drugs used in this approach are often from a class of anti-anxiety medications known as benzodiazepines. They may be delivered in pill form, gaseous form or intravenously. Your sedation dentist may recommend any of these three methods. Although patients feel as though they are asleep while under sedation, they actually remain conscious throughout the appointment. Depending on the sedation method chosen, patients may need to prepare for sedation in advance of the appointment. For example, patients may be instructed to fast prior to receiving intravenous sedation. Also, patients will not have recovered fully from most sedation methods by the end of the appointment, so you will also need to arrange for a responsible adult to escort you home. Benefits Of Sedation Dentistry Patients who work with a sedation dentist to access dental care gain a number of benefits in the process. Because patients maintain consciousness while under sedation, the airway does not need to be maintained artificially as it does with general anesthesia. For this reason, sedation is generally considered to be a safer option than general anesthesia. Of course, your dentist will assess your medical history for any concerns that might contraindicate sedation. Indeed, the main benefit of sedation dentistry is that this technique helps patients overcome anxiety that can be a barrier to their receiving necessary dental care. Patients also do not form memories while under sedation, so there is no opportunity for an existing dental fear to be reinforced and exaggerated. Have you steered clear from regular dental checkups and cleanings because of dental fear? Investigate sedation dentistry as a treatment option that can give you peace of mind and help you access the treatments you need to keep your smile as healthy as possible.
Many people believe in myths that could be damaging to their teeth and their oral health. It’s important to know what is accurate and what is not so that you can do everything possible to protect your smile. Fact Or Fiction? It can be hard to sort through the noise to figure out which beliefs are dental myths and which are facts. Here are some of the most common false beliefs about your oral health. White teeth are healthy: The shade of your teeth does not necessarily reflect their health. White teeth can still be besieged with cavities or coated with bacteria-laden plaque. Flossing is not important: Patients who think that they can get by on brushing alone are sorely mistaken. Flossing is essential to your oral hygiene regimen, as it dislodges plaque in the places you can’t reach with your toothbrush, such as between the teeth. You shouldn’t brush bleeding gums: While bleeding gums are cause for concern and warrant a consultation with your dentist, they don’t mean you shouldn’t brush. Check your technique and see if it’s contributing to the problem. Preventing Or Undoing Damage From Dental Myths Of course, the best methods of oral disease prevention include proper oral hygiene at home and adequate professional care in the form of routine exams and cleanings. Brush for two minutes, twice daily, using proper technique and floss each day. Schedule your checkups and cleanings for every six months to give your dentist the chance to monitor your smile for concerning symptoms. If your teeth have already suffered due to your belief in dental myths, it may still be possible to undo the damage through treatments like restorations and gum disease treatment. Schedule an evaluation with your provider to see if any such interventions would benefit you. Don’t let dental myths harm your smile! Call the office of Dr. Barry Buchan and speak to our staff about any questions you may have so that we can set you straight.
While your family dentist might approve the occasional indulgence, sweet treats should never be considered a daily staple. There are many ways to satisfy your sweet tooth that taste great and won’t negatively impact your dental health. Examples of Healthy Sweets Fresh fruit is a choice that is flavorful, sweet, and satisfying. Of course, an apple, peach, or slice of melon will probably never measure up to a big slice of cake (if that is your predilection), but fresh fruit is high in fiber (leave the skin on) and loaded with healthy nutrients. If fresh fruit doesn’t bring a smile to your face, try dried fruit. Although higher in calories, dried fruit is a sweet alternative. Dried figs (we call them fruit, but they are actually a flower) are very healthy and are loaded with fiber, iron, and vitamins making them a great choice (in moderation). Sweets lovers need not totally abandon chocolate. Dark chocolate specifically can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It can be eaten on its own; one ounce is actually considered heart healthy. Melted or shaved it can be used as a topping for greek yogurt or melted as a dip for your favorite fruit. A cup of hot chocolate can be very satisfying. Popcorn can be jazzed up by melting a little chocolate and peanut butter and drizzle on top. Granola will satisfy both your sweet tooth and the need to crunch; add in a few nuts to either of these treats to boost their staying power. You don’t need a fancy ice cream maker to make your own frozen concoction … take a ripe banana or your favorite fruit; puree with a little lime or apple juice; and freeze. This is a healthy alternative and a great way to use up fruit that may have passed its appeal to consume on its own. Maintain Your Dental Health If you must indulge in something more decadent, make sure to follow up with the proper care for your teeth. Brush as soon as practical following your treat. Don’t allow those sugars to linger long enough to become harmful plaque. Make sure you brush and floss daily; and visit our family dentistry office every six months for a thorough cleaning and dental exam.
It’s recommended that patients visit a dentist every six months to have a teeth cleaning and exam. This routine preventive care helps to reduce your risk of oral diseases and catch issues like cavities or gum disease early when they do develop. Unfortunately, many patients do not stick to this suggested schedule of dental care, and some avoid the dentist entirely until an emergency occurs. Common Reasons for Missing or Skipping Routine Exams So, what motivates people to postpone this important routine care? Here are some of the most common reasons: Fear: Many patients develop dental anxiety as a result of their earliest experiences with a dentist, and that can keep them out of the office for years, even for services as simple as teeth cleaning and exams. Financial concerns: Patients may feel that they can’t afford a professional teeth cleaning and exam, although these routine services are usually covered by dental insurance and are very affordable for uninsured patients. Busy schedule: Patients often report that they simply don’t have the time in their schedule to come see us for cleanings and exams. However, these appointments usually take less than an hour. Underestimating importance of professional care: Patients may believe that their home oral hygiene routine is sufficient to maintain their oral health. Consequences of Missed Checkups and Cleanings If you don’t get a teeth cleaning and dental exam on a regular basis, you may develop advanced oral diseases, such as extensive tooth decay or severe periodontitis. Ironically, the issues that may keep people from seeking preventive care can actually occur in its absence. The interventions to treat advanced oral disease are more involved and may be associated with more discomfort, potentially reinforcing dental anxiety. They’re also more expensive and time-consuming. If you don’t invest time and a relatively small amount of money in preventive care up front, you may face costly interventions that require a longer recovery period later. That can really interfere with your routine. Have you been lax about your preventive dental care? Come to our office to get back on track. Call the office of Dr. Barry H. Buchanan today to schedule your appointment.
Has your dentist told you that you need a dental crown? A dental crown is a common restoration that helps patients prolong the life of damaged biological teeth. Crowns are low-maintenance and easy to care for when one practices proper oral hygiene. Like teeth, a patient will brush and floss their restorations to keep them clean. What are crowns made from? Dental crowns can be made from a few different kinds of materials. The most commonly used materials are metals such as gold and silver and tooth-colored porcelain. Zirconia crowns are becoming increasingly popular as well. When it comes to determining the material for a restoration, it is ultimately the patient’s choice. Some folks choose their restoration’s material based on their financial situation while others could choose higher-end materials for aesthetic reasons. Fortunately, our team is here to help you navigate your many treatment options. When are crowns recommended? An oral health professional might recommend the placement of a crown for a few reasons. If a tooth has developed significant wear, a crown can restore a damaged tooth to its rightful shape and size. Crowns are useful for protecting chipped and cracked teeth as well as teeth that have sustained extensive decay. Since crowns can be made from tooth-colored materials and look incredibly lifelike, they can be used for cosmetic reasons in addition to restorative ones. Porcelain crowns can make a damaged tooth look perfectly white and healthy while protecting its surfaces from harmful oral bacteria and the biting forces associated with eating meals. Are dental crowns disease-resistant? Yes, the materials used to make dental crowns are resistant to disease. While the materials used to make dental crowns is not living tissue, a tooth and the structures surrounding it can still develop disease even if a crown is present. For example, a crowned tooth can develop an infection if the roots of teeth become exposed to debris and oral bacteria. Those with restorations should continue to visit the dentist as normal for checkups and cleanings. They should also practice vigilant oral hygiene. If people do not practice proper oral hygiene, the gingiva surrounding restorations and prosthetics can become infected. For more information, contact the office of Barry H. Buchanan, DDS, and schedule a consultation today.
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