Friday 18 September 2015

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.

Thursday 17 September 2015

Researcher Pinpoints Possible Underlying Cause of Metastases in Oral Cancer

An abnormal immune response could be one of the causes of metastases in oral cancer. The research team, led by Dr. Marco Magalhaes, Assistant Professor at the University of....read more

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.


Thursday 10 September 2015

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.

California making strides in dental care measurement

As the dental insurance marketplace continues to increase focus on improved quality of care, accountability and value, California's Health Benefit Exchange (Covered California) has taken the first steps....read more

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.

Wednesday 9 September 2015

What to expect during a dental plan utilization review

As part of a contractual commitment the dental benefit plans have with their consumers (employer groups and their employees), they are required to have a utilization....read more

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.