November 28, 2011

Preserve Natural Teeth With Dental Implants

Fort Worth dental implantsMissing teeth can take a toll on your appearance and self-confidence. Getting a fixed bridge is an option that many people decide upon. To anchor the pontic (artificial tooth), your dentist has to reduce two adjacent teeth, which will be used as an anchor. Instead of modifying perfectly sound teeth, consider dental implants in Fort Worth.

The main goal in dentistry is to conserve and restore missing or damaged teeth. With that in mind, getting dental implants has become the treatment of choice that most dentists prefer. Instead of reducing vital enamel from teeth that are in good condition, a titanium post is gently placed into your alveolar bone to anchor the pontic. Since titanium has the best osseointegration properties, the chance of rejection is little to none.

Your dentist will need to make sure that your alveolar bone is dense enough for the treatment. When you are found to be a good candidate for dental implants, the procedure can be speedily performed in the clinic. A small slit is made on your gums to give the post a point of entry. Local anesthetic will be given beforehand to make the area numb. When the procedure is done, you will feel only a slight discomfort.

The beauty of the dental implant procedure is that it does not damage sound enamel and dentin. You can also enjoy eating the food you love without the fear of your appliance falling off. The pontics used are sturdy and can withstand almost the same biting or masticatory forces as your natural teeth.

Dental implants are not like your usual prosthodontic appliance that requires adjustments every few years. The titanium post is durable, with proper care and regular visits to your dentist, it will last for a lifetime. Just like natural teeth, you can floss the area around it to prevent plaque build-up. With fixed bridges, you would not be able to do so.

The placement of dental implants must be performed by a licensed practitioner with experience in this field of dentistry. Invest in a boost of self-confidence by asking our experienced dentistry team more about this innovative treatment today.

November 18, 2011

Is Flossing Possible With Braces?

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with realigning the teeth that exhibit improper occlusion. Getting braces in Fort Worth is a popular way of getting straight and even teeth. Depending on the type of malocclusion, the treatment can last for approximately two years or longer. In that span of time, you should make it a point to reduce the risk of plaque build-up.

Many people wonder if it’s possible to floss with braces. The answer is yes! It is true that flossing through braces will take a bit more effort than what one is used to. You can use an orthodontic toothbrush with a pick at the end to help get rid of plaque found in the diastema, or area between the teeth. However, flossing is preferred because it clears the whole area and is a helpful adjunct to brushing your teeth. Your orthodontist will gladly teach you a few tricks about flossing with braces.

Using regular dental floss, cut off a few inches and slip one end under the arch wire. Take hold of the tip and guide it toward the diastema. Make use of the sawing technique to debride the area of plaque. Repeat this step three to five times. Try not to hit the arch wire and stay away from the brackets to avoid dislodging them.

You can also use a floss threader if you can’t quite get used to the above mentioned. Always remember that the area between the teeth needs to be kept clean. Plaque build-up turns to calculus, which leads to gum problems and even tooth loss. Carious lesions may also develop if you fail to keep the interproximal spaces clean.

Having braces is the best way to get teeth that are enviably straight. If you neglect your oral hygiene, you would have wasted your effort. Make flossing part of your daily habit. For any questions about how you can keep your mouth in pristine condition, call 817.918.4199 to schedule a consultation today.

November 7, 2011

How Successful Is a Root Canal Treatment?

Root Canal Fort WorthRoot canal therapy is a conservative procedure performed by a dentist to save an infected natural tooth. This treatment is taught in dental school so every dentist is experienced in the area of endodontics. Getting a root canal in Fort Worth Texas, is a common procedure.

This therapy is performed on a patient with an infected root canal. This infection is common in patients who have a cavity that is left untreated. A cavity is formed by a breakdown caused by acid and bacteria. Our mouth is filled with microorganisms that thrive on carbohydrates from the food we eat and excrete acid. They are part of the oral cavity and aid in digestion. When a person has poor oral hygiene, these organisms increase in number, and they begin to eat into our enamel and dentin.
Blunt force to a tooth can kill the pulp, also causing an infection. If the blood flow from the alveolar bone is cut off, the patient may require root canal therapy as well. Tooth fractures are also a possible entryway for bacteria. Periodontal disease can lead to pulp infection. When the pulp dies, this can cause an abscess to form around the tooth and infect the jawbone.

When performed correctly, there is about a 90% success rate for root canal treatment. The main pulp chamber and accessory canals have to be completely debrided to ensure that bacteria does not remain behind. The teeth that receive treatment may become brittle in time, and that makes them susceptible to fractures. A patient is usually advised to have a crown placed over the affected tooth. This is done to rebuild it and keep it safe from secondary infection.

Getting root canal therapy will protect you from possible complications like abscesses and alveolar bone infection. Aside from the health benefits, this procedure allows you to keep your natural tooth and it decreases the chance of jaw shrinkage.

If you have teeth that are sensitive to hot or cold food and exhibit pain upon biting down, you may be a candidate for root canal therapy. Schedule an appointment with our Fort Worth dentistry team as soon as possible.