You know the importance of brushing your teeth and having good oral hygiene to avoid cavities. But did you know that cavities aren't just in your teeth?
Yes, even when you take care of your enamel, you can still end up with a cavity between your teeth. This has a technical term called an interproximal cavity. It forms like other cavities: when the enamel is worn away and bacteria are able to get into the tooth.
When this happens with your permanent teeth, it can cause tooth pain that you don't want to have to deal with, as well as other problems when the cavity penetrates into the bloodstream.
Preventive dentistry is the best way to make sure you don't end up with interproximal cavities and tooth decay. These tips will teach you how to recognize if you have the signs of a cavity in your teeth and how to prevent cavities in general.
Keep in mind that if you're concerned that you may have a cavity, you should contact your dentist early. The sooner the problem is taken care of, the less likely you'll need more serious fixes like a dental crown or root canal treatment.
You've been taught to brush your teeth since childhood to avoid cavities. But what exactly is this dental concern, anyway? And do you really need to floss?
A cavity is an easily preventable dental condition in which the hard surface of your teeth (the enamel) ends up with a tiny hole in it. This permanent damage is caused when the bacteria stick to the tooth.
As you engage in frequent snacking, eat sugary foods or drink sugary drinks, and don't effectively clean right after, the food particles form dental plaque.
As plaque, bacteria sticks to the enamel and decays the tooth. If you don't remove decay fast, it turns into a hole that requires a large filling to fix it. However, if it's caught early, the enamel could be recalcified with fluoride gel.
The best way to prevent interproximal cavities and other cavity types, according to the American Dental Association, is to brush at least twice a day.
Use toothpaste with fluoride to get rid of the bacteria, and follow with flossing and a mouth rinse. Fluoride is a commonly added ingredient to most over-the-counter tooth products.
If you notice tooth sensitivity, you could be using the wrong brush. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush unless your dentist recommends otherwise. Brush your teeth in a circular pattern, and include your gums to prevent gum disease.
Flossing is important since interproximal cavities form between the teeth, and the floss and mouthwash get up in those hard-to-reach places.
Avoid sugary snacks and drinks, quit habits like using tobacco, and head to your dentist during office hours for preventative cleanings. If you need professional help quitting bad habits, your primary doctor can provide medical advice.
If you're concerned that something isn't quite right, but you're not sure what's going on with your teeth, look for these symptoms to guide you:
So how can you avoid interproximal cavities between two teeth or cavities in general? The best thing to do is to seek out preventative care at least every six months, according to the American Dental Association.
Professional cleanings and dental exams help catch problems early, before cavities can form. And if you do need a filling, the dentist can use a variety of metal alloys to solve minor issues.
Interproximal cavities form when bacteria is ignored and allowed to run rampant. Head to your dentist for routine visits, and call for an urgent appointment if you think you may have an interproximal cavity or any other dental issues.
A quick makeover is possible with a dental veneer! This ultra-thin material is expensive, so you'll want to take care of it so it lasts for years to come. Porcelain veneers are engineered to resist practically everything your normal teeth can handle. If they're cared for carefully, you can enjoy the benefits of your veneers for anywhere from 10 to 15 years!
So, what can you do to ensure that your porcelain veneers continue to brighten your smile for years to come? You'll learn everything you need to know about maintaining and caring for this dental fix from these instructions.
Whatever the reason you opted to have a veneer, it's not a miraculous fix for your mouth. To get the most out of your veneer, you still need to practice good dental hygiene.
Dental veneers correct small faults and imperfections to give you the smile makeover you deserve. If your natural teeth were already discolored, cracked, or chipped owing to inadequate dental care, you'll have to change your habits. Your veneer won't last as long if you don't take care of it.
Taking good care of your teeth and gums is an important part of overall health. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to keep your teeth clean. The best way to keep gum disease from happening is to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day.
Talk to your dental professional before you use whitening toothpaste to be sure it won't affect the veneer surface. Baking soda, sodium bicarbonate, or hydrogen peroxide are common ingredients in these solutions.
Custom-made shells were created for you based on your skin tone and preferences. Your fresh smile may be harmed if you whiten your teeth.
Veneers made of porcelain or composite resin are extremely durable and stain-resistant. However, this does not imply that they are impenetrable. A veneer can be discolored by the application of a stain.
Eat and drink sensibly in order to keep your veneers in good condition. Staining chemicals are present in many foods and beverages, resulting in the discoloration of your natural teeth.
Any discoloration, regardless of whether it's on your veneer or the teeth around it, will take away from the brilliance of your smile. Soy sauce, red wine, black drinks, and other stain-generating foods should be avoided because they can discolor your veneer.
The veneer on your teeth might potentially be damaged if you come into contact with a harsh item. When eating hard foods like raw apples, carrots, or celery, take care not to choke. Even with your genuine teeth, you should avoid chewing on ice. Unlike veneers, your enamel can crack if you wear veneers.
When it comes to your smile's appearance, what you eat and drink, and your behaviors, all have an impact. Smoking will quickly deteriorate your veneers. Tobacco cessation is something that you've already decided to do. Composite resin or porcelain veneers provide this demand with a new urgency.
Smoking can discolor the surface of a veneer much like it does your natural teeth. For the sake of your beautiful smile, you'll have to do the hard work of giving up unhealthy habits.
Teeth deterioration and surface discoloration can also be caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Make an appointment with your dentist and tell him or her about your worries. You never know if they have some basic ideas or solutions that have worked for others.
A bonding agent is used to secure dental veneers in place. The bonding line might be shifted and the veneer has thrown out of place if you grind your teeth or get smacked in the mouth. If there isn't any additional damage, it can be reset, although it's preferable to stay away from it in the first place.
As a result, some people with veneers should also wear mouth guards. Talk to your dentist if you play contact sports frequently or suffer from bruxism (grinding) and let them know about your lifestyle.
They'll be able to teach you how to properly care for veneers, treat teeth grinding and its causes, and suggest solutions. An occlusal guard or bite guard can help protect your teeth and dental implants from getting hurt when you bite or chew.
Even if you're unaware of it, grinding your teeth subconsciously can cause a significant amount of harm. Wear a mouth guard to protect your healthy teeth from erosion and damage. Sports guards are also useful for protecting your teeth in the event of a collision with your jaw, mouth, or face.
Finally, regular cleanings and examinations will help your dental veneers last much longer. If you can't reach the germs, tartar, and plaque buildup that the dental hygienist has, she can. Using the right toothpaste and brush is good, but it doesn't compare to having your teeth cleaned by someone who has been trained and has the right tools and techniques.
By visiting the dentist on a regular basis, you can avoid more serious conditions like gum disease or tooth decay. Your natural teeth will be healthier if you address any issues with your dental hygiene as soon as possible. Your porcelain veneers will last much longer if you do this.
Your veneers will last longer if you take good care of them at home. With the correct toothpaste and toothbrush, brushing your teeth twice a day or more is a good first step. People who floss and use antiseptic mouthwash can get rid of any bacteria that might have slipped through the gaps.
Your veneers will last longer if you keep your mouth in good shape. Visiting the dentist on a regular basis is critical to maintaining good dental health. Your dentist is trained to spot early signs of gingivitis or periodontitis, as well as any problems with the veneers you have.
Find a dentist you can rely on to keep an eye on your oral health when you're away from the office. As a team, we can ensure that your veneers will last for many years to come!
Preventative care is an important component of overall wellness. You can go to the doctor for physicals and annual blood tests, but if you don't get regular dental checkups, you're missing out on an important aspect of healthcare.
Many patients do not visit the dentist until they have a problem because they do not have quality dental care monitoring their oral health.
By that point, what could have been a simple fix has become more complicated and frequently necessitates sedation dentistry to repair.
Sedation is a medical term that refers to any method of treatment that helps patients relax. Sedation techniques in each field are typically similar.
They can range from general anesthesia to minimal sedation, which keeps the patient awake and alert, to deep sedation, which renders the patient completely unconscious.
If your dentist recommends sedation as part of your dental treatment, there's a reason for it. Sedation is not used for every procedure. It's a safe and effective way to get through something that would otherwise cause discomfort or pain.
Without sedation, your natural instincts are to jerk and pull away, making the dentist's job more difficult and possibly causing you harm.
There are several types of sedation dentistry available, and your dentist will go over them with you. The level of sedation required is determined by a variety of factors, including your medical history and the dental procedures you are about to undergo.
Dentists must undergo additional training to provide sedation, and it is only used when a topical anesthetic is insufficient.
The majority of people's apprehension about sedation stems from stories and myths. Let's go over the various reasons for dental sedation and when each type is appropriate.
A local anesthetic is the first level of sedation that dentists consider. This is typically used when patients have dental issues as a result of things like cavities, crown placement or adjustment, and root planing and scaling.
Local anesthesia allows you to remain conscious and alert. It numbs the area that needs to be worked on. The numbness usually lasts between 30 minutes and an hour.
This is administered as a topical gel rubbed on the gums or as an injection into the gum area. When you feel numb, it's time to begin the dental procedures on your schedule.
General anesthesia can help when stronger pain control is required or a patient has dental anxiety about the procedure. The patient is completely relaxed and unconscious during this method of sedation dentistry.
Dentists frequently recommend this type of sedation for lengthy procedures and dental work that requires precision. Complex dental treatments are easier to perform because the patient is completely unconscious throughout the procedure.
Your dentist may also recommend this type of sedation for other reasons. For example, if your anxiety is so severe that you can't sit still for a cavity sealant, or if you have a medical condition that prevents you from using other sedation methods, general anesthetics can help.
The majority of types of general anesthesia are administered by experienced dentists via IV sedation or a face mask. Throughout the procedure, the anesthetic is steadily controlled. When you fall asleep, you will relax in the dental chair and breathe through a special tube.
For procedures such as wisdom tooth removal or tooth extraction, general anesthesia is frequently recommended.
This type of sedation, however, is not appropriate for people who have neurological issues, acid reflux, or organ diseases. If you have previously had an allergic reaction to an anesthetic, inform your dentist so that your sedation can be adjusted accordingly.
Nitrous oxide, as opposed to IV moderate sedation, is an inhaled minimal sedation technique. If your anxiety is high or you don't want to deal with an IV, this dental sedation, also known as laughing gas, is a quick fix.
Inhale oxygen mixed with nitrous oxide through a mask. The balance of the gases is maintained throughout the procedure to ensure that you remain unconscious. If you have a low pain threshold and the medication wears off too quickly, the dentist will be aware and will increase the laughing gas.
Most patients are unaware they have had the procedure until it is completed. They may feel sleepy or lose consciousness immediately after inhaling the laughing gas. When you stop inhaling it, the gas loses its potency and you become alert again.
Oral sedatives are an option if the procedure does not require you to be unconscious or if you are anxious about it. With these drugs, you'll be sedated for several hours, long enough for the dentist to complete the entire treatment.
The majority of dentists use Halcion, a Valium-like medication. An hour before your procedure, you will take your oral medication. Within that time, you'll feel completely relaxed and drowsy. You will, however, be able to respond to instructions and questions.
Oral sedative medication provides moderate relaxation and pain relief. This makes oral conscious sedation an excellent choice for a wide range of dental procedures, including root canals. However, unlike laughing gas, it does not wear off quickly. After the dental procedure, you may require the assistance of another person to drive you home.
IV application is the only type of sedation that can put you into deep sedation that all but the most aggressive actions can't break. The IV drip contains the same drugs as the oral sedation. However, if you want to be unconscious to avoid dental anxiety or if you have a weak gag reflex, moderate sedation is insufficient.
After you've fallen asleep, the dentist will monitor your vital signs and adjust your medication as needed.
Don't let your fear of sedation dentistry prevent you from getting your dental health issues addressed. Make an appointment with your dentist to discuss the various sedation options available to you.
Remember that whether you require moderate oral sedation, deep sedation, or something else is determined by a number of factors. You might be putting "worst-case scenario" options in your head when they aren't necessary.
Feel free to bring a list of questions and concerns to your appointment. Several other patients have!
The American Dental Association and the Food and Drug Administration have both approved nitrous oxide, oral sedation dentistry, and any medication you may be given. The type you'll get will be tailored to your health, procedure, and any insurance concerns.
We want to help you handle your dental needs as safely and comfortably as possible.
Our goal is to assist you in meeting your dental needs as safely and comfortably as possible. Make an appointment today for sedation dentistry, preventative care, and everything in between!
Monday: 1 p.m. – 8p.m.
Tuesday: 11 a.m.- 6p.m.
Wednesday: Closed.
Thursday: Closed.
Friday: 8 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Saturday: 9a.m.- 2p.m.
