If a patient’s teeth are sensitive, it can be a sign of receding gums. When the gum line recedes, it allows the underlying dentin to show through, which allows sensitive nerves to be affected by cold water, hot food, or other liquids and food that are placed in the mouth. To help prevent gum recession, there are toothpastes, gels, and dental procedures that can be used. Speak to our team at Your Kissimmee Dentist to get more information on possible treatments.
The best prevention starts at home with a daily routine of brushing and flossing. Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly prevents plaque and tartar from building up on teeth. A daily hygiene routine will minimize the risk of gingivitis or tooth decay as you age.
Gingivitis is caused when bacteria from saliva and food surrounds the teeth and enters the gums. Gingivitis causes a patient’s gums to become irritated, inflamed, and bleed. To prevent the condition from spreading to more areas of the mouth, regular cleanings are recommended. In addition to a thorough cleaning, the hygienist may also demonstrate to patients proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Periodontal disease is a broader term for gingivitis and the condition begins with little or no symptoms. Like gingivitis, it is caused by bacteria that surrounds the teeth and enters the gums. The gums become irritated and inflamed, and if not treated, the condition will only worsen. Symptoms of periodontal disease include bad breath, gum recession, gum sensitivity to acidic foods, abscesses, tooth pain, and tooth loss.
A dentist will almost always recommend immediate treatment. Through a series of periodontal cleanings such as root planing and scaling, laser therapy, and local antibiotics, the condition can be controlled and eliminated from the mouth. Dental surgery may be required in severe cases.
There are some differences but none that affect the quality of the dental work. A patient’s personal choice usually determines what type of filling is used.
Silver fillings, also known as amalgam fillings, have been around for decades. Made from a metal alloy, the metal expands and contracts as hot and cold food or drinks are chewed or swallowed. The expansion allows for very little bacteria to enter the tooth once the filling is applied. The tooth remains healthy and strong.
White fillings, also known as composites, are made of plastic or glass polymers. Cavities are filled with a material that will look and feel just like a natural tooth. This restoration is created with a resin and fits tightly into a tooth to prevent further decay. The resin will also closely match the natural color of your teeth and you won’t see gray or silver material in your mouth when smiling, brushing, or flossing.
There are many dental procedures that can improve the look of your smile. Among the procedures that are available is teeth whitening, bonding, veneers, crowns, bridges, or dentures. Contact Your Kissimmee Dentist to speak to a member of our team. A customized treatment plan will be prepared just for you.
Cost-effective and safe, teeth whitening is a procedure that can restore teeth to their original sheen. The recent addition of fluoride to the treatments reduces the risk of a patient experiencing tooth and gum sensitivity. Tooth whitening is monitored by your dentist and only started after an exam and a comprehensive cleaning have been completed.
Whitening can keep your teeth looking great for years as long as the patient maintains a daily routine of brushing and flossing. It’s always a good idea to reduce the amount of coffee, tea, soda, and wine you consume after a teeth whitening treatment because those beverages will stain your smile!
Bonding is a treatment that can reduce gaps between your teeth or change a tooth’s color if it has been stained by use or decay. The immediate results are amazing. In only a few hours, you will notice a difference in the appearance of your teeth. Like whitening, bonding can last for years if teeth are brushed and flossed regularly. Drinking coffee, tea, soda, and wine can change the color of the bonding over time.
Implants are a permanent solution for patients who have lost a tooth in an accident or because of decay. Implants look and function like natural teeth and decrease the possibility of bone loss, periodontal disease, tooth movement, and further tooth loss. An implant is maintained by routine cleaning visits. A traditional bridge would involve using the adjacent teeth to create a false tooth in between.
Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are adhered to the natural teeth. Veneers can change the size, shape, and color of a patient’s teeth or can be used by patients to create a younger appearance. Veneers are also used to repair fractured teeth, teeth darkened by age or medication, or crooked teeth and the entire process can take as little as two visits.
Crowns are a permanent cosmetic procedure that are used to cover a damaged tooth. In two visits, crowns will change the size, shape, and color of a patient’s tooth. After a cavity has been filled or a damaged tooth has been repaired, the crown covers the tooth to prevent further decay or damage.
A dental implant is a replacement for a missing tooth or a missing tooth root. Made from titanium, the implant is essentially a screw that is inserted under the gum and into the bone of the upper or lower jaw. After 2 to 4 months, the implant and the bone fuse together, creating an anchor for the new tooth. The procedure causes little discomfort for the patient.
Just about everyone. Advancements in dental technology, and specifically dental implants, make most people candidates. There are always exceptions, but people who don’t qualify generally have chronic illnesses, heart disease, or severe osteoporosis.
The placing of an implant can require three to four visits to your dentist. The first visit is to x-ray the implant area, take an impression that will serve as a surgical guide, and create a temporary prosthesis to cover the implant area.
The second visit will place the implant after a local anesthesia is administered. A minor incision is made by the dentist where the implant will be placed. The implant is then inserted into the jaw bone and sutures close the wound.
You will return in about three months when the porcelain crown is ready to cover the implant.
The cost can vary depending on the region of the country and your particular dentist. A consultation should be scheduled to discuss the procedure and confirm all fees.
An implant should last about 30 years if the patient has routine cleanings and brushes and flosses regularly.
Discuss payment options with our team by calling our office today.
