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Cosmetic Dentistry can Fix Unsightly Dental Work
It can be very disappointing to have dental work and have it turn out differently than you expected. If you’ve had dental work that has left your teeth looking uneven, discolored, or just not the way you want them to look, a cosmetic dentist can help correct the issues so you can be proud of your smile again.
Problems with Your Dental Work
In most cases, dental work helps successfully restore or repair damaged or decayed teeth. Usually, the results do not detract from the look of your smile. Fillings or dental crowns in the back teeth are not readily visible, and work done on front teeth is placed in such a way that it is invisible, or is performed with tooth-colored materials.
Sometimes, however, dental work can result in problems like cracked teeth, discoloration, misalignment, or dark-colored fillings that are easily visible. In these cases, you can work with a cosmetic dentist to determine the best approach to restoring your smile to normal.
Options for Restoring Your Smile
The first step for repairing your teeth is to consult with a cosmetic dentist. You’ll discuss what it is about your teeth you don’t like and what the best options are to repair them. For example, if past dental work has led your teeth to crack or chip, your teeth can be restored with tooth-colored dental crowns or with veneers, depending upon the type of damage.
Some cosmetic dentistry options that can help fix dental work you’re not pleased with include:
- Replacing metal fillings with tooth-colored fillings
- Tooth-colored dental crowns
- Porcelain veneers
- Invisalign
- Inlays and onlays
These procedures, or a combination of procedures, can correct the problems that exist with your smile. You and your dentist will decide together on what the right approach is to give you the results you want.
To find out more about cosmetic dentistry and how it can help you achieve a smile you can be proud of, please contact the office of Dr. Sweta Sheth at 972-307-7777 to schedule a consultation.
What to Avoid for Better Teeth & Breath
It takes more than simply brushing and flossing to keep your teeth white and bright with fresh breath. You need to consider which foods and drinks you’re consuming each day! Here is a great article listing seven things to avoid if you want to keep your mouth minty fresh!
Can I Whiten My Teeth While Pregnant Or Nursing?
Teeth whitening is popular and safe, and can make a dramatic difference in the look of your smile. However, most dentists recommend avoiding whitening treatment while you are pregnant or nursing.
Whitening While Pregnant or Nursing
Teeth whitening uses strong concentrations of hydrogen peroxide to bleach the surfaces of your teeth. The amount of whitening agent is required to be below a certain level, making whitening very safe under normal conditions. However, if you are pregnant or nursing, it’s recommended that you should avoid whitening treatment.
Whitening has not been proven to be dangerous to pregnant or nursing mothers or to their babies. There has not been enough study yet to determine if it’s safe, though, so it’s best to avoid exposure just in case. If you are unhappy with the way your teeth look and are planning to have a child, have them whitened before you get pregnant. It’s a good idea anyway to have dental work taken care of prior to pregnancy, since pregnancy itself can have a detrimental effect on the health of your teeth and gums.
There has not been enough study yet to determine if it’s safe, though, so it’s best to avoid exposure just in case.
Taking Care of Your Teeth During Pregnancy
Pregnancy creates a variety of changes in your body. This includes your oral tissues. While you’re pregnant, the hormone changes can lead to a variety of symptoms and potential issues, including:
- Teeth that feel slightly loose
- Bleeding or sensitive gums
- Increased likelihood of tooth decay
- Increased likelihood of gum disease
Before you get pregnant, it’s a good idea to see your dentist for a thorough checkup and cleaning. During pregnancy, be sure to see the dentist regularly for cleanings and to assess the condition of your teeth and gums. If you develop cavities, you can have them treated, but you should avoid X-rays during your pregnancy and also avoid general anesthesia. If you have any questions about whether you should have specific treatments during pregnancy, be sure to discuss your options with your dentist at Bliss Dental as well as your obstetrician.
Can Crowns Improve the Appearance of Natural Teeth?
Dental crowns are one of many available treatments to correct the look of your teeth. They’re also used to restore damaged teeth and to protect teeth that have undergone root canal procedures. If your teeth are damaged or decayed, crowns can greatly improve their appearance.
Uses for Dental Crowns
Crowns are primarily used for restorations. This includes teeth that have been broken off, severely cracked, or that are seriously decayed. Treatment with dental crowns can dramatically improve the way these teeth look as well as protecting them from further damage.
If a tooth has suffered severe nerve damage, it might require a root canal. After the root canal procedure is performed, the dentist will place a crown on the tooth to protect it. With a tooth-colored crown, your tooth will appear natural. Tooth-colored crowns are usually made of porcelain, a strong, durable material that can be color-matched to your teeth. They can also be made of metal covered with porcelain, which will also give you a natural-looking, long-lasting restoration.
Getting a Dental Crown
Your dentist uses a two-part procedure to place a crown. First, your dentist makes a mold of your unaltered tooth. Then the tooth is prepared to make room for the crown. A portion of the tooth must be removed, then the dentist makes a mold of the modified tooth and places a temporary crown. This temporary crown helps protect your tooth while the permanent crown is being manufactured.
After about two or three days, your permanent crown will be ready. You then return to the office to have it cemented into place. After the crown is set into place, your dentist will make any necessary adjustments to be sure your bite is restored to normal. This can involve minute modifications to the crown’s surface. If you experience any discomfort after going home with your new crown, you should let your dentist know. This kind of discomfort often occurs because your bite has not been completely adjusted.
Contact the dental office of Dr. Sweta Sheth at 972-307-7777 to reserve your appointment today.
What causes white spots on my teeth?
White spots that formed on teeth before they grew in usually indicate regions of the tooth that grew without sufficient calcium. Certain medications have been known to create spotting on teeth as well, but this is usually in a combination of white, brown, and yellow spotting as opposed to straight white spots. Other white spotting can develop from poor oral hygiene habits, especially during orthodontic treatment, or from worn enamel, which is of concern to dentists because it leaves teeth vulnerable to decay.
Most dentists feel that white spots on teeth come from a loss of minerals in that particular spot, usually the loss of enamel. Enamel can erode from excessive acid exposure, such as from diet, eating disorders, an acid-reflux or GERD. Over time, the acid wears down the enamel protecting teeth, revealing discoloration including white spotting, and possibly an increase in tooth decay. Regular dental office visits will result in the early discovery of this type of mineral loss.
Most dentists feel that white spots on teeth come from a loss of minerals in that particular spot, usually the loss of enamel.
During orthodontic treatment, patients with poor brushing and flossing habits are often left with white spots on their teeth, located in hard-to-reach spots from when braces were on. This type of decalcification or demineralization is generally permanent. The best way to prevent it is with diligent brushing and oral hygiene habits all throughout the entire orthodontic treatment process. Although discoloration after wearing braces is most common with younger patients, it is found on orthodontic patients of all ages.
Once the demineralization appears, whitening the teeth at home is usually insufficient and may make the spots more noticeable. Professional bleaching, however, can reduce the difference in color between natural teeth and the white spots that developed, leaving patients happier with their smiles. Special concentrated fluoride treatments are also used with some patients with moderate success at reducing the stark difference in color between the regular tooth and the white spots.
Once the demineralization has caused noticeable spots on teeth, the process is almost always irreversible. The visible effects can be reduced with some treatments, depending on the cause of the white spots, the patient, and any coexisting symptoms. For more information and learn which treatment options are possible for a specific case, contact our skilled dental team at Bliss Dental today!
What Steps Are Taken in Having a Veneer Made?
Treatment with veneers is a suitable approach for numerous cosmetic dentistry issues. The procedure is relatively non-invasive, and each veneer is carefully custom made and color-matched so your smile looks as good as new after treatment.
Steps in Making a Veneer
Each veneer is custom-made for each individual patient and, in fact, for each individual tooth. They are usually produced in a dedicated laboratory based on molds your dentist takes of your teeth. The color is also determined by the color of your natural teeth, so your veneers won’t look out of place when they’re permanently affixed to your tooth surfaces.
On your first visit to the cosmetic dentist, you’ll have molds made of your teeth. In order to make room for the veneer, a small amount of enamel must be removed from the surface of each tooth. Another mold is made after this process is finished. The two molds form the front and back of each individual veneer, so they’ll fit perfectly against your teeth and will have the same shape and contours as the original surface of your tooth. These molds go to an off-site lab, where your veneers are manufactured. When they arrive back from the lab after a few days, they’re permanently cemented to your teeth, giving you a bright, perfect smile.
Advantages of Treatment with Veneers
The non-invasive nature of this kind of treatment gives it many advantages over other types of cosmetic treatment. A veneer requires very little room, so only minor alterations are necessary to the original tooth. The porcelain in a veneer is durable yet thin, and its semitranslucent nature helps it reflect light just like natural enamel. This quality of porcelain combined with the careful color-matching means your treated teeth will look just like your natural teeth.
Veneers can also be used to treat a wide variety of cosmetic issues including:
- Severe discoloration
- Surface damage such as pits or chips
- Minor gaps or misalignment
To learn more about how a veneer can dramatically improve the look of a tooth, please schedule a consultation with our skilled cosmetic dentist by calling 972-307-7777 today.
How Does a Root Canal Become Infected?
Many people associate the term “root canal” with a dental procedure. However, it is actually the name of a part of your tooth. This interior portion of the tooth houses nerve tissue that can become infected. If infection sets in, the dental procedure is used to clear out the area and remove all the affected tissue.
The Root Canal and How It Becomes Infected
The root canal is a hollow space on the inside of your tooth. Inside this space is nerve-rich tissue called the pulp. The individual nerve that serves the tooth, allowing it to feel pressure and changes in temperature, is also housed in this space. Blood vessels can also be found here, as well as connective tissues that are important to the tooth’s health.
If infection sets in, the dental procedure is used to clear out the area and remove all the affected tissue.
Nerve tissue inside the root canal can become infected under several circumstances. These include:
- Extensive tooth decay
- Damage to the tooth
- Multiple restoration procedures
- Facial trauma
- Cracks or chips in the tooth
When the tooth is damaged or otherwise disrupted, bacteria finds its way into the root canal and can cause an infection. In some cases, infection can become severe, causing extreme discomfort. A root canal procedure is necessary to remove the infection completely.
The Root Canal Procedure
The root canal procedure has an undeserved reputation as a difficult process. It is in actually no more unpleasant than having a tooth filled. To remove the infected tissue, the dentist makes a small hole in the tooth. The pulp, nerve, and other tissues in the root canal are removed through this hole. When the infected tissue is completely evacuated, the interior of the tooth is refilled with a sealant. In some cases, your dentist might choose to fill the tooth temporarily with medication to ensure the infection is completely eliminated before sealing the tooth. The hole used to evacuate the tooth’s interior is closed with a filling. The tooth is then treated with a crown to keep it strong and ensure it will be functional for many years to come.
To schedule an appointment, contact the office of Bliss Dental today.
Olympians with No Teeth
Who is watching the Olympics? We are! We came across this hilarious article that shows just how important our teeth are! Check it out – it’s USA Olympians with no teeth! Enjoy!
Teeth Whitening: How Long Will It Last?
Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic treatments for your teeth. The procedure is simple and non-invasive, and can make a dramatic difference in the way your smile looks. One treatment can last for several months, and even longer if you are careful of what you eat and have occasional touch-up treatments.
How Teeth Whitening Works
An in-office teeth whitening treatment uses a strong whitening agent that is applied directly to the tooth surfaces. Because the whitener can be irritating to the oral tissues, your gums and lips will be coated with a protective gel. The dentist paints the whitener on your teeth and lets it sit for about twenty minutes, then repeats the process two more times. Some whitening agents must be activated with a special light. The entire treatment takes about an hour.
You will notice your teeth look whiter immediately after treatment. Over the next few days, they will lighten further, until they are five to ten shades lighter than the original color. This change in color will last several months. If you notice your teeth look dull again, you can return for a touch-up treatment. This treatment will not last as long as the initial whitening, and will restore the bright, white look to your smile.
Keeping Your Teeth White After Treatment
Your whitening treatment will last longer if you take good care of your teeth and keep them from becoming stained again. The best way to do this is to brush and floss regularly and avoid foods and other substances that stain your teeth.
Staining agents that can make your teeth look discolored and dull again include:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Nicotine
- Dark-colored beverages
- Dark-colored fruits and vegetables
The most common causes of discoloration are coffee and nicotine. If you reduce or eliminate your intake of these substances, your teeth will stay whiter longer, reducing the need for touch-up treatments. You should also follow any instructions your dentist at Bliss Dental gives you regarding proper care to keep your smile bright and beautiful.
Call 972-307-7777 to reserve your appointment today.
How Should I Prepare for a Tooth Extraction?
Though most of us hope to keep all our permanent teeth for life, occasionally a tooth extraction is necessary. Extractions can be necessary for a variety of reasons. If you require a tooth extraction, you can help the experience go more smoothly with a bit of preparation.
If you require a tooth extraction, you can help the experience go more smoothly with a bit of preparation.
Getting Ready for Your Extraction
Before you have a tooth extracted, you will discuss the procedure with your dentist. You’ll talk about the reasons why the tooth needs to be removed, as well as any precautions you need to take beforehand and what aftercare will be required. Before the extraction, you should be sure your dentist knows about:
- Any medications you are currently taking
- Any systemic disorders you may have
- If you have any artificial joints or artificial heart valves
- If you have had bacterial endocarditis
It is important for your dentist to know about these issues in order to ensure that your extraction will be successful and not have unexpected side effects.
You should also ask what kind of anesthetic will be used during your procedure. If you will be under a general anesthetic, you should arrange to have someone pick you up after the extraction is completed.
Taking Care of Yourself after Your Extraction
Aftercare is also very important to ensure you have a successful recovery after your tooth has been removed. You will receive detailed aftercare instructions, which you should follow closely. These instructions could include:
- Take any medications you have been prescribed
- Use ice to minimize swelling
- Bite on gauze to apply pressure to control bleeding
- Avoid spitting or using a straw
- Don’t smoke
If you experience any unusual symptoms such as swelling, excessive bleeding, fever, or a general overall feeling that you are unwell, you should see your dentist immediately, as you may be suffering from infection. In addition, if the blood clot that forms in the tooth socket becomes dislodged, come back to our dental office for additional treatment to prevent possible complications due to dry socket.
