August 12, 2024
Teeth whitening treatments are among the most popular cosmetic dental services. These treatments are effective on most types of stains and can significantly improve the whiteness of your teeth. An in-office whitening session can improve teeth color by up to eight shades.
For patients thinking about whitening their teeth, here are the answers to a few of the questions that they might have.
August 10, 2024
Dental sealants are a great prevention tactic that many dentists recommend today. Your dentist wants your teeth to remain healthy and cavity-free for as long as possible. We all want to do whatever is necessary to maintain our natural teeth and keep our smiles bright.
Our natural teeth are put through a lot if you think about it. We use them daily and put them through a lot of drinking of sugary drinks and unhealthy foods. Yes, some of us have a healthier way of living than others, but the healthier eater gives their teeth raw vegetables that can be harsh on our teeth as well.
In reality, no matter our diet, we all still eat and drink multiple times a day. There are coffee and tea drinkers that promote stained teeth, people who think their teeth are a tool to open packages, and the countless candy binges and tobacco users.
So, if your dentist told you there was a way to help prevent your teeth from cavities, stains, and more, you would be very interested.
This invisible coating on your teeth will act as a barrier. The sealant will protect your tooth enamel from plaque and acids. It will block out germs and food.
This coating is made of a thin plastic material painted onto your teeth' chewing surfaces. It is usually most recommended on the back teeth, also known as your premolars and molars.
There is no risk involved with this coating. It can only help you from developing cavities. It has been researched and discovered that this thin layer would protect you from 80% of cavities for two years, and it can go as far as protecting you from 50% of cavities for up to 4 years.
Many patients are very interested in this preventative action they can take to help their teeth. It allows people to maintian their natural-looking smile.
If your dentist is encouraging you to have this put on your teeth, it is your final decision as to whether or not you have to. This preventative measure is not necessary. It will benefit you and help prevent cavities, but it is not required.
You can also help your teeth and gums out by establishing an oral health hygiene routine as early as possible and sticking to it. Getting into the habit of brushing and flossing regularly is a great preventative measure against cavities forming.
However, if you are looking for any extra way to help prevent future damage to your teeth, then you should consider asking your doctor if this is a good idea for you and your oral health.
As with any other dental procedure you have done, you should always call your dental coverage company and ask them, in advance, if they will cover this preventative measure. Usually, dental insurance plans do help pay for anything preventative.
The insurance companies see the value in preventing cavities from forming because it will save them money in the future because you shouldn't need extensive work done due to cavities forming.
If it is determined that you may have to pay an out-of-pocket expense, then you can ask your dental office if they will take payments or set up a payment arrangement to help you with the cost.
The short answer is no. You shouldn't feel any pain by having dental sealants in your mouth. Dental sealants will only need to be brushed on your teeth, which will involve zero pain. The only discomfort a patient will have is holding their mouth open for the procedure as this can become uncomfortable for some people.
The sealant can be placed on your teeth in one office visit. The only con of getting this preventative measure done is that if it is not put on by an experienced professional, it may fail or not cover the correct surfaces.
Always make sure to ask your dentist if they are experienced and ask about the experience level of anyone other than the dentist that will be putting on the sealant.
If you want to get this added protection on your teeth, make an appointment with your dentist and discuss your options. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have and assure you of all the pros of this great preventative measure. Learn more from your dentist today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.integrityfamilydentist.com/blog/ or call Integrity Family Dental at (303) 337-3000 for an appointment in our Denver office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Sealants in Denver, CO.
August 9, 2024
Getting dental veneers can improve your smile. These thin shells can also protect the treated teeth. Your dentist can determine if you can have this treatment. Here are the details to see if you are a candidate for dental veneers.
The enamel can thin out because of sweet and acidic foods and drinks. Hard brushing can also thin out the enamel. Dental veneers need to attach to the front surface of teeth. The dentist will need to shave off a...
(Read More)August 8, 2024
Cosmetic dental services should not be confused with restorative procedures. Cosmetic treatments aim to improve the way that your teeth and gums look, while restorative treatments are performed to restore the function of damaged teeth.
However, many restorative treatments used in dentistry also provide cosmetic benefits. Crowns, for example, are designed to look like natural teeth. A crown encases the tooth that it is placed on. It restores the tooth’s appearance, but it also protects it from bite forces and irritants in the mouth. Improving the...
(Read More)August 5, 2024
Are you considering cosmetic dental services to enhance your smile? Some people may think that cosmetic treatments are only about appearances. However, many cosmetic dental services are functional and cosmetic. Having straight teeth and an aligned bite can improve your smile in more than just appearance.
Over the years, modern cosmetic dentistry has expanded to include a wide variety of services. From minor crookedness or discoloration to significant issues like missing teeth, you can find a service to fit your needs and create...
(Read More)August 4, 2024
Dental implants are a leading choice for many patients when it comes to tooth replacement. Patients like the idea of a tooth replacement option resembling natural teeth. Dental implants look natural and perform like a permanent natural tooth. Therefore, there is no need to take the tooth replacement out daily for cleaning or worry about the implant slipping out of place. However, the most compelling reason to consider dental implants is their unique oral health benefits.
A dental implant is a screwlike titanium...
(Read More)August 2, 2024
Dental veneers may be the most effective option to repair uneven, misshapen, or broken teeth. They can also help reduce gaps in the teeth. Traditional veneers come in two main types: porcelain and composite resin. While both can help you achieve that movie-star smile, they have some differences. This article will explore both porcelain and composite resin veneers to assist in finding the right option for you.
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain tailor-made for each patient. The porcelain matches the color and...
(Read More)August 1, 2024
Cavities are holes in the enamel of a tooth. A cavity that is detected early and treated in a timely manner does not pose much of a risk to your long-term health. However, if cavities go untreated for an extended amount of time, then it can lead to worsening concerns, including severe discomfort and potential tooth loss.
A cavity that is left untreated can become more severe, which can lead to an increase in discomfort and the need for more extensive treatment to save the tooth. If the tooth is left untreated for too long, then tooth extraction may be necessary. On the other hand, treating a dental cavity in the early stages is typically non-invasive and more affordable.
A minor cavity is not a major cause for concern and can effortlessly be treated with a minimally invasive dental filling procedure. However, since it is easy for bacteria and food particles to get lodged in a cavity, they typically worsen quickly if they are not treated right away. As cavities get deeper and wider, the experience can be more complicated and painful.
As mentioned, cavities that go untreated typically become larger, which exposes the nerves and blood vessels more and leads to more painful symptoms and increased tooth sensitivity. The discomfort from a more severe dental cavity can make it more challenging to function each day until the concern is properly treated.
Anytime bacteria has the ability to accumulate, an infection is possible. If a cavity is left untreated and the decay extends toward the root of a tooth, the risk of infection is much higher. If a tooth infection develops, then it could put the tooth in jeopardy, leading to severe pain and swelling, and possibly spreading to other parts of the mouth and body.
The most common way in which deep tooth decay is treated is root canal therapy. This is specifically necessary if the decay extends toward the tooth’s root. A root canal procedure is more invasive, requiring the removal of decayed portions of the tooth root and filling the tooth with a material called gutta-percha. A crown is typically required afterward to restore the size, shape, and appearance of the tooth.
The ultimate result for many who do not seek treatment for a cavity is the loss of a tooth, which results from a weakened root of the tooth (in which case the tooth falls out on its own or requires extraction). This leads to the need for a replacement tooth.
The following are answers to three of the most frequently asked questions that patients have about cavity treatment are in regard to root canal therapy, cavity fillings, and preventive care long-term.
A root canal may be necessary for cavity treatment when the cavity is too large to fill with a composite or amalgam filling. In this case, the decay of the tooth is usually deep and extends toward the tooth’s root; root canal therapy helps remove and clean the decayed portion of the tooth and then fills and seals the tooth.
The length of time a cavity filling lasts varies depending on the location of the tooth and the type of dental filling material. In general, cavity fillings last between five and 15 years. The more durable options such as metal alloy or gold last much longer than tooth-colored dental filling restorations, although they do not offer the same aesthetic benefit.
After treating dental cavities, the long-term focus shifts to the prevention of cavities. This can be accomplished by good oral hygiene that should include brushing and flossing regularly. Mouthwash can also help kill bacteria inside the mouth that leads to dental cavities. Dentists may also recommend preventive treatments such as dental sealants, which protect the most vulnerable areas (chewing surfaces) of teeth.
Give our dental team a call today if you have a cavity or are experiencing discomforting symptoms with one or more of your teeth. We can determine the cause and severity of your concern and put together a treatment plan to help you achieve optimal oral health.
Request an appointment here: https://www.integrityfamilydentist.com/blog/ or call Integrity Family Dental at (303) 337-3000 for an appointment in our Denver office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Denver, CO.
July 26, 2024
Dental implants are small, titanium screws placed into the jawbone where a tooth was removed. The implant fuses with the jawbone over time and supports a crown, bridge, or denture. This article will review six warning signs that it is time to inquire about dental implants.
Many people (adults) postpone receiving treatment after losing a tooth or teeth. Doing so harms the rest of their mouth. One missing tooth can also cause...
(Read More)July 24, 2024
Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin placed over the front surface of the patient’s teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers can help cover up stains, chips, and other imperfections and correct the shape and size of teeth. Several types of dental veneers are available, each with advantages and disadvantages. This blog will discuss the different types of dental veneers and their advantages and drawbacks.
The most common and popular type of dental veneer is...
(Read More)