The Benefits of a Dental Checkup

There are plenty of reasons to get a dental checkup. Most importantly, dental checkups keep your teeth and gums in good shape, and they prevent oral disease. The checkups consist of two parts, the checkup and the cleaning. Here’s why both portions are important.

During the checkup part, your dentist examines your teeth for cavities, plaque and tartar. Buildup of plaque and tartar can lead to oral disease, so checkups help you prevent disease or detect it early. To check your gums, the dentist uses a tool to gauge how much space is between your teeth and gums. This is to look for gum disease; spaces tend to be deeper when gum disease is present. Your dentist also takes a look at areas such as your head, neck, tongue and throat. He or she is searching for possible indicators of swelling or cancer. In fact, dental checkups decrease your risk of developing later-stage heart disease and other conditions because these oral exams are effective at detecting problems.

In the cleaning portion of a checkup, your dentist employs a method called scaling to remove tartar. You can’t perform this removal at home; brushing and flossing only takes care of plaque, and tartar develops after plaque builds up and hardens. Your dentist might use a paste to polish your teeth, and he or she will floss to clean the areas between your teeth. These cleaning methods prevent cavities, stop tooth loss and inject extra sparkle into your smile.

Even if you practice excellent oral hygiene at home, brushing and flossing several times a day, you realize the benefits of dental checkups. These checkups stave off bad breath and keep you healthy. Aim to visit the dentist every six months to achieve maximum gain. In fact, one of the most intangible—but most critical—benefits of a dental checkup is the assistance to your wallet. When you prevent problems or catch them early, you do not need to spend a lot of money later to treat these issues.

To help out your dentist and stay healthy, prevent plaque buildup between visits. Brush your teeth two times a day with a toothpaste that has fluoride. Floss at least one time daily, and reach for the mouthwash to help fight plaque. Feel free to use it for bad breath as well.

You’ve read about several reasons to get a dental checkup. For more in-depth information on the benefits of such checkups, take a look at the website of a dental clinic in Raleigh.

Four Things To Do Before a Teeth Whitening

Having white teeth is something that is very coveted in this day and age. While many things in your daily life can cause staining and discoloration of your teeth, you are fortunate that you live in a time when there are a variety of teeth whitening options available.

The best option is going to a dentist to have it done as this will be the quickest and most effective option. However, even when you go to a dentist, the procedure results can vary. You actually play a role in how well the procedure works. With that in mind, there are some things that you need to do before you get your teeth whitened.

You want to be sure that you properly clean your teeth before you go to your appointment. This means carefully brushing your teeth. Plaque can reduce the effectiveness of a treatment, so you have to be sure the surfaces of you teeth are perfectly clean and plaque free. In addition, you want to floss your teeth to remove all food particles and anything else that could be stuck between your teeth so the whitening agents can get to every surface of every tooth.

In the few weeks leading up to your teeth whitening procedure, you will want to start using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Whitening products can increase or even cause tooth sensitivity. So, by using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth will help get your teeth in the right shape to hopefully prevent problems.

Make sure that you are using a soft bristled tooth brush in the weeks leading up to your appointment, too. You want to make sure your gums are healthy and not inflamed or irritated because the whitening products can also cause gum irritation issues. If they are healthy and in good shape, you will greatly reduce the changes of this occurring.

Finally, make sure that you eat something before you go to your appointment (and of course don’t forget to brush and floss afterwards). Eating something will help you get through the session without hunger pains bothering you. Additionally, it will help you avoid running to the nearest drive through for a tooth staining soda after your appointment, which will just undermine all the hard work that was done to get your teeth pearly white.

Preparing for your teeth whitening appointment will help to ensure that you get the best possible results with the least amount of discomfort. It will also enable you to fully enjoy your new bright teeth. Visit this website to learn more about a dentist clinic in Raleigh.

Get Dental Crowns Quickly and Efficiently

Why make several trips to the dental office for the dental crowns that you need to fix a damaged tooth? An experienced dentist may have no problem completing this treatment for you during just one visit instead of two.

The Good and Bad Things About Dental Implants

Did you know dental implants are commonly used to act as a replacement for a tooth that has either fallen out or was simply too damaged to fix with a filling or crown? Although there are plenty of good reasons to get them, there are a few disadvantages too.

The Benefits of the Dental Procedure

If a tooth falls out, the gums are completely exposed. As a result, you could experience discomfort. Along with the discomfort, you may start to feel unattractive because your teeth no longer look perfect since that one has fallen out. An implant is a durable replacement that does not break easily. Some of the additional advantages include:

• Customized to blend in with your other teeth.
• May last for an entire lifetime when taken care of properly.
• Made to look identical to natural teeth.

The Disadvantages You Should Know About

Although there are a number of benefits associated with dental implants, there are a few disadvantages too. Unfortunately, most dental insurance companies are not willing to foot the bill for this kind of procedure. As a result, you may need to pay for the expense out of your own pocket instead of receiving coverage.

Aside from possibly having to pay the cost of the procedure, you will need to have a surgery performed. The dental surgeon must make an incision in your gums to insert the titanium rod, which is part of the implant. If you are uncomfortable with surgery, this may be a concern for you. Learn more about dental implants in Capitola by visiting this website.

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Why Good Oral Health Is Necessary for Your Kids’ Teeth

 

Most kids love sugar and dislike brushing their teeth. Those  traits don’t make a good combination when it comes to children’s oral health. However, it’s important that your children establish proper oral hygiene at an early age to avoid dental problems in their youth and adulthood.

Childhood Benefits

Good oral health should start long before your kid’s teeth even emerge, because teeth can be affected even before they are visible. You need to take care of your little one’s mouth early on to:

• Prevent decay and painful cavities in primary teeth.
• Allow for proper chewing and talking.
• Shape your child’s face and smile.
• Ensure correct growth and placement of adult teeth.
• Protect immature adult teeth from cavities.
• Encourage lifelong healthy eating and drinking.
• Contribute to overall health and development.

Adulthood Benefits

The effects of having a strong foundation of oral health go well beyond childhood. Good habits started when your children are young and continued as they grow lead to these desirable results:

• Strong and healthy permanent teeth
• Better spacing and alignment of teeth
• Decreased chances of dental disease
• More attractive smile and appearance
• Longer-lasting teeth
• Improved overall health

A Win for the Kids

If you’ve been unable to get dental coverage for your children, there is good news for you. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, dental insurance providers are expanding their reach to fulfill the mandate that all children are covered.

Five tips To Handle Dentist Phobia

Any number of things can trigger an unwarranted fear of the dentist.  A previous bad experience, a  scary movie or a friend’s horror story could plant a seed of anxiety that impedes patients from seeking routine maintenance. More serious dental issues worsen until pain forces a patient to seek immediate assistance. It is important to overcome this nervousness as an individual’s oral condition can be an early indicator of other health problems. Therefore, it is crucial that one maintain awareness of new or ongoing dental issues for purposes of comprehensive health.

The first step to getting rid of dental phobia is to select a personable dentist. An easy-going doctor will be much more proficient at keeping an anxiety-prone patient calm. If possible, locate one that is flexible and ask his or her guidance on who to contact if you are experiencing pain or difficulty after leaving the office.

Secondly, get information on your procedure so you know what to expect.  Is it routine? Will it involve sedatives or recovery time? Helplessness is a strong catalyst for fear. If you are aware of the details of your procedure, you are less likely to be alarmed by it. Even if your appointment is routine, there is no harm in asking about the steps involved in basic procedures like tartar removal.

Additionally, identify any direct causes of apprehension that you are aware of and discuss them with the dentist. Perhaps the last hygienist you went to made you choke on mouthwash or didn’t listen to you when you told her that she was being too rough with the dental floss. Your new dentist and hygienist can proceed with the knowledge of your triggers and compassionately proceed accordingly. Consider that your ability to talk may be inhibited while the doctor is working on your mouth. Think about establishing a signal or gesture that will alert the dentist if you are having an issue.

When visiting a dentist, you may find it helpful to bring something familiar with you to reduce nervousness. Ask someone trustworthy to accompany you who does not share your phobia. You may also ask your dentist or hygienist if it’s acceptable for you to use headphones. If permissible, music could be a good tool for relaxation during an appropriate procedure. Familiarity is a useful tool in curbing anxiety.

Lastly, breathing exercises are  great devices to employ when dealing with dental procedures. Slow and deliberate breaths can help to normalize the rhythm of an anxiously beating heart. Click here to find a family dentist clinic in Durham who can service your dental needs and help you work through your fears related to the profession.

Should You Get Invisalign or Traditional Braces?

 

Straight teeth are an important piece of a perfect, confident smile. Sadly, most people are not born with a perfectly aligned mouth. While braces provide an excellent solution to a straighter appearance, you may be reluctant particularly as an adult. However, new developments in dentistry provide a greater range of options, and Invisalign can be an excellent alternative to traditional metal, but how do you know which is right for you? Here are a couple things to consider as you make your decision.

Traditional Braces

Traditional metal brackets are useful when correcting more complicated issues. Additionally, because you can’t remove the brackets, they require very little self-discipline, and you do not need to take any extra cleaning steps to maintain them. You simply brush as you normally would. However, these can be more painful and uncomfortable for patients and provide more potential for stained teeth and breakage. While there are less obvious options today, the brackets are ultimately quite noticeable.

Invisalign

Made from clear liner trays, the system is virtually invisible. As such, you are able to straighten your teeth without others noticing. While there may be a little discomfort from shifting, there is not the extensive pain you get from wires. On the down side, it does require extra cleaning, and you need to brush after every meal. While they are not ideal for those with larger issues, they are perfect for small adjustments.

Ultimately, your decision depends on the types of issues you are facing and your own personal preference. For more information on Invisalign braces in Raleigh click here.

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Establish Effective Communication With Your Cosmetic Dentist

 

Your smile is an important piece of your overall confidence and health, and cosmetic dentistry can greatly improve your appearance. However, it can be a complicated and intimidating process. There are a variety of issues that may be leading to your dental concerns, and there is a vast area of procedures to address these problems. The process can be extraordinarily overwhelming for any patient. However, establishing strong communication with your dentist is an important piece in getting started.

Active Listening

While dentists are experts in teeth, it is still important that he or she are listening to your concerns and desires. Particularly when considering cosmetic procedures, your dentist needs to clearly grasp what you want from the procedure. Make a point to clearly outline what type of results you want and be specific in how white or shiny or big you want your teeth to look. Then make sure that your dentist clearly shows that he or she has listened. He or She should also outline a specific approach that addresses your specific needs.

Understand the Causes

As a patient you deserve to clearly and fully understand your dental health, and when approaching concerns, your doctor should be letting you in on the full picture. Some dentists will simply say that you need a cosmetic procedure, or he or she will try to sell you on the benefits. Instead you want to make sure that the doctor is clearly explaining why he or she are making the suggestion. Additionally, new technology allows the dentist to share images and data with you. The more specific he or she is the more confident you can feel in your decision.

While choosing to undergo a cosmetic procedure can be a scary decision, establishing good communication with your doctor can help you make the right choice and feel confident in the outcome. For more information on cosmetic dentistry in Durham click here.

Bright White Before-And-After Smile

A before-and-after picture is a great way to get excited about any upcoming change to your life, even a tooth-whitening procedure! Be sure to add this to your collection of other goals and to-dos, then get it done without delay.

When Is a Root Canal Vital?

 

When you hear the words “root canal” come from your dentist, it can be daunting and a little scary. While you may have heard the term before, you may not be exactly certain what it is and why you need it. However, it is a very important procedure in maintaining your mouth’s health, and is very likely the difference between keeping or losing a tooth.

Why Do You Need a RTC?

The living portion of your tooth, which encompasses blood vessels and nerves, is called the pulp. Overtime, it is possible for the pulp to become infected through trauma, decay, cracks or deep fillings. Through infection, it becomes highly aggravated, and severe inflammation can lead to the death of the pulp. An abscess is then created. If left untreated the tooth will need to be removed to prevent further damage, and an untreated tooth can be detrimental to your entire mouth.

What Is a Root Canal?

Ultimately, to restore the tooth and keep your mouth in tip-top condition, the pulp needs to be removed. This is accomplished by entering the tooth through the root canal, hence the procedures name. Some teeth possess just one canal while others possess up to four. Once the infection has been removed, your dentist will clean the inflamed area to eliminate any remaining build up. The root canal is then filled and the tooth is renewed either with a crown or a filling, and you are as good as new.

Overall, with the appropriate anesthetic, the procedure is simple and painless, and it is an essential part in maintaining a healthy mouth. For information on an expert root canal service in Cary, click here.

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How to Select the Best Type of Dental Crown

 

If you have a tooth that’s in need of repair, one of the best ways to take care of it is with a dental crown. There are several different types of crowns, and the one you need will depend on the type of damage your tooth has sustained and its position in your mouth. Here are a few kinds and the reasons you may choose each one.

All-Resin

This type of crown is the most affordable option available, but is also one of the weakest and prone to breakage. Initial costs may be low, but repairs are more likely.

All-Ceramic

A ceramic crown is designed to blend in with other teeth and is a good option for a visible tooth. While it’s more durable than resin, it’s still prone to breakage and often requires repair.

All-Porcelain

This type of crown is generally the most desirable because it can be matched to the surrounding tooth color almost exactly. Unfortunately, since the material is thicker, more of the natural tooth needs to be removed, making it difficult to achieve a natural fit on the gum line.

All-Metal

Metal crowns are often the most cost-effective over the long run because they endure well and rarely need repair. They don’t match surrounding teeth, but can handle constant chewing and grinding.

Porcelain Fused to Metal

While this type of crown doesn’t look as naturals an all-porcelain crown, it can match closer to surrounding teeth while retaining the strength found in metal crowns.

Consulting with an experienced dentist is the best way to determine which crown is right for you. Click here to contact a professional in dental crown repair in Cary today to get your teeth looking as good as new.

Keeping a Close Eye on Cavities

Sometimes cavities can cause deep damage before you’ve even noticed them. Having a regular check-up every six months ensures that a professional will get the chance to catch cavities and fill them before they become a bigger problem.

Five Reasons You Should Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months

Do you try your best to eat nutritious foods, avoid the vending machine and work your muscles at the gym a few days a week? If so, you probably understand the importance of overall good health for your body and mind. However, did you know that visiting your dentist every six months can greatly reduce your risk for diseases while keeping your teeth clean and strong? If you have not scheduled your twice-yearly dental visits, here are five reasons to get those appointments made today.

One of the most important reasons to visit your dentist every six months is the opportunity it provides for you to receive a thorough teeth cleaning and examination. During your visit, your dentist will examine your mouth for signs of tooth decay and cavities. While you may not want to hear that you have any of these, early detection leads to easier treatment and less risk for further complications.

In addition to checking for signs of poor oral health, your dentist will polish your teeth to a beaming glow. Stubborn tartar and plaque will be scraped away as well. Even if you brush and floss twice a day, a comprehensive cleaning is necessary for optimal oral health. Additionally, your dentist can show you how to brush and floss properly if you forget your teeth cleaning skills.

Another beneficial portion of your dental visit is the screening for cancer of the mouth. To check for signs of cancer, your dentist will examine your mouth, tongue, head, throat, face and neck for swelling or sores. If anything is detected, you will be referred to a specialist. Fortunately, this type of cancer is very treatable when caught in the beginning stages.

When you visit your dentist, he or she will also analyze your bite to make sure you do not have an overbite or an underbite. Misaligned bites that go undiagnosed can cause severe damage to your tooth enamel while also harming your jawbone. If your dentist finds you have under corrected bites, he or she will help you find a solution.

Visiting your dentist every six months will also decrease your chance for gum disease, known as Periodontal Disease. When your dentist examines your mouth, he or she will check for exposed roots, bleeding gums and heavy tartar build up. Catching this in the early stages allows for healing treatment and prevention of further damage.

To learn more about scheduling your twice-yearly visit with a dentist in Cary, visit this website. A healthy body starts with healthy teeth and regular check ups with your dentist.

Healthy Teeth Start at Home

Do your little tots have upcoming appointments with a kids’ dentist in Cary? If so, take a look at these free educational materials about kids’ dental health. They are perfect for getting your children excited for dentists and tooth brushing!

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These Three Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures Will Leave You With a Perfect Smile

 

Do you feel embarrassed during family photo shoots? Does your work I.D. photo leave you cringing when you enter the office? If your crooked, misaligned or stained teeth have you hiding when the flashbulb pops, take a look at these three incredible cosmetic dentistry procedures that will leave you with a perfect smile.

1. Teeth Whitening

Combining the power of dental technology and powerful cleaning agents, teeth whitening can remove unsightly stains caused by coffee, tea and other foods. This procedure can be done with bleach and high-powered lights or lasers.

2. Veneers

If you suffer from broken, crooked or damaged teeth due to gingivitis or injury, you may benefit from veneers. These products are composed of porcelain or a composite resin material. They are applied to the front of teeth and fortunately the process requires very little to zero anesthesia. Veneers are a great option if you want to correct your smile with brighter, straighter and stronger teeth.

3. Implants

If you need a permanent solution to replace missing teeth or a tooth unable to thrive despite other treatments, you should look into dental implants. Made of titanium steel, the implant replaces the root while a porcelain crown on top replaces the tooth. Implants also provide:

• Increased self-esteem and brighter smiles.
• Improved oral health and bite.
• Better eating ability.

To learn more about these procedures and other cosmetic dentistry in Cary, visit this website. You are just one step away from building your perfect smile.