Jul 14, 2016 | Blog
In the past, metal fillings were the only option for dentists who needed to repair teeth damaged by decay. Amalgam materials were cheap, durable, and easy to use. While metal fillings restored tooth structure, they were not without drawbacks. Over time, these restorations could darken, taking away from a bright, white smile. Additionally, amalgam fillings can change shape and leak, creating other dental health issues.
At this point, most dentists use composite fillings. Not only do tooth-colored fillings produce attractive results, but they also strengthen remaining tooth structure. Because the composite materials actually bond to the tooth, they won’t crack or shift like amalgams. Composite fillings also require less removal of healthy tooth tissue, which allows your dentist to perform a more conservative repair.
Part of the issue with amalgam fillings comes from the mercury found in metal restorations. Exposure to mercury can result in memory problems, tremors, mood swings, and headaches as well as brain and kidney damage. Concerns occur because the metal fillings can allow mercury to leach into your mouth and increase your risk of side effects. In some cases, amalgam filling materials contain up to 50 percent mercury.
If you are worried about the health risks associated with metal fillings, talk with your dentist. To ensure your safety, your doctor can check your older restorations and make sure they are in good condition. Some patients decide to replace any metal fillings with composite restorations as a precaution. Fillings that have started leaking should definitely be removed.
Family Dentist Central Falls RI
Jul 21, 2016 | Blog
Unless you’ve already discovered and benefited from a smile makeover, chances are that there’s something about your smile that you dislike. Cosmetic dentistry has been developed especially for solving problems that people have with their mouths that make them unhappy or self-conscious. Whether it’s a simple problem like yellowed teeth or a more severe issue like missing teeth, a cosmetic dentist will likely be able to give you the smile makeover that you desire.
A very common issue that a smile makeover can tackle is discolored teeth. There are various whitening solutions available. One option is tray-based kits, in which your dentist makes a model of your teeth and provides a whitener that you can place in the customized tray to wear at home. Another choice is professional whitening processes performed at your dentist’s office, which can give a quick and dramatic improvement to discolored teeth.
Misaligned teeth are another problem that a smile makeover addresses. Traditional metal braces are one option for straightening your teeth and correcting your bite, but Invisalign is a newer innovation that has become popular. This involves wearing a series of clear plastic aligners that have been created just for you. Invisalign achieves the same goal as traditional braces, but with the benefit of being nearly invisible because they are transparent.
If your teeth have imperfections like chips, cracks, or severe staining, dental veneers can be a great way to makeover your smile. Veneers are thin porcelain covers permanently placed onto the front surfaces of your teeth to hide the problems and instantly provide a beautiful look.
When any of your teeth are completely missing, implants can be used to replace teeth instead of the older choice of dentures. Titanium implants are surgically placed into your jawbone, which allows the implant to attach to your jaw and provide a secure and natural tooth replacement. Implants are often preferred over dentures because they are very secure and comfortable.
Smile makeovers present many options for transforming your current look to a whole new one. Cosmetic dentists can help you identify just what makes you unhappy about your smile, and offer choices for changing it into the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.
Cosmetic Dentist Central Falls RI
Jul 28, 2016 | Blog
Tooth pain can be one of the most uncomfortable types of pain there is. It can make your whole jaw and head ache, interfere with eating, and cause your teeth to be more sensitive. One common reason for a toothache is your wisdom teeth, which are the molars in the very back of your mouth that develop last. Sometimes they don’t even erupt, but they can still be there under your gums causing trouble.
If you experience pain related to wisdom teeth, here are some suggestions.
Make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible. This way you can find out for sure if your wisdom teeth are to blame for your pain, and decide the best treatment plan for your situation. A dentist examination, which may include x-rays, is the best way to determine exactly what’s going on with your teeth. You may not even be able to see your wisdom teeth, but they might be growing improperly under your gums. Often, wisdom teeth need to be extracted to avoid continued pain or worsening condition. Luckily, wisdom teeth extraction is a common procedure that your dentist or oral surgeon is very familiar with, and can provide you with great treatment that will end up relieving your pain.
While waiting for your dental appointment, try applying an over-the-counter numbing gel such as Oragel. This may help relieve your pain at least for a short time. Also, taking non-prescription pain medicines should help. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are both good choices to try, especially to subdue the pain when you want to sleep.
Remember that prevention is often the best way to avoid dental pain. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss every day. See your dentist regularly for checkups, because problems with wisdom teeth can sometimes be spotted before you ever begin to feel any pain associated with them. This allows you to deal with the problem before you have to endure a toothache.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Central Falls RI
Aug 7, 2016 | Blog
When you are missing teeth, your quality of life can suffer. Many people change their diets because of difficulty eating, and they often restrict social activities because they feel embarrassed. Your oral health may also decline. To restore your smile, your dentist may suggest either dentures or dental implants. Both options have pros and cons. After a complete evaluation of your case, your dentist can explain the options and help you select the best choice to revitalize your mouth.
Why Dentures?
For many years, dentures were the standard choice offered to patients who had missing teeth. When you lose all your teeth, your dentist can design a complete denture for the top, bottom, or on both arches. A partial denture clips onto remaining teeth and fills the gap caused when you have one or more missing teeth between existing permanent teeth.
Modern advances have made it possible to create dentures that look and feel more like your original smile. Getting used to dentures, however, make take several months as your mouth adjusts to the prosthetics. Periodically, you will return to the dentist’s office so that he or she can check the fit and tweak the appliance as needed.
Choosing Dental Implants
Considered the closest replacement to natural teeth, dental implants can revive the health and beauty of your smile. Made from biocompatible titanium, implants serve as artificial tooth roots that a skilled surgeon positions into your jawbone. After your mouth heals and the bone attaches to the implants, your dentist will place a permanent crown on each implant, giving you a complete smile.
Implants can replace one or more missing teeth. Because they are permanently placed in your mouth, they offer unmatched stability. As well, they look and feel like your original teeth. Your dentist will assess your mouth and make sure you have enough bone mass and healthy tissue to support the implants long-term. For patients who can’t handle full implants, mini-dental implants are an option. These small posts are inserted into the jaw bone and function as anchors to hold the denture in place.
Cosmetic Dentist Central Falls RI
Aug 14, 2016 | Blog
If missing teeth have compromised your smile and oral health, dentures can help. Unfortunately, many people have misconceptions about dentures so they live with incomplete smiles. Separating the reality from common myths can help you make the best decision for your dental health.
Myth: Dentures will last forever
Fact: Though your prosthetic teeth are designed to withstand normal wear, they can get damaged if they are dropped, left to dry out, or placed in hot water. With time, dentures can change in appearance or function.
Myth: People can tell when you wear dentures, which is embarrassing
Fact: Usually, the signs of dentures, like slippage, odors, or stains, occur because of poor maintenance. Cleaning your prosthetic and storing it as recommended will help your dentures function properly.
Myth: With dentures, you can’t eat or speak normally
Fact: Although you can’t eat everything you want, most denture wearers can eat a healthy, balanced diet. If you experience persistent speech or eating problems, contact your dentist.
Myth: I can fix the dentures myself
Fact: You might be handy with cars or electronics, but don’t attempt to adjust your dentures because you can cause damage and possibly ruin your dental appliance.
Myth: You don’t have to visit the dentist if you have dentures
Fact: Not only does your mouth still need attention, but your dentures require care too. When you visit the dentist, your doctor will check your mouth for signs of oral cancer and other conditions that can show symptoms in the mouth, such as diabetes. Your dentist will also examine your dentures to make sure nothing is loose and that the prosthetic is in good shape.
Cosmetic Dentist Central Falls RI
Aug 21, 2016 | Blog
With little improvement in the economy, reduced wages, job loss, and health care costs on the rise, people are cutting expenses wherever they can. Often, people start by forging dental appointments. Other times, dental visits are seen as optional and fall off the list of priorities.
Before you cancel your next appointment, think about the importance of dental care:
- You can save time and money. Everyone has heard the old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Keeping regular checkups on the calendar allows your dentist to monitor your oral health and catch a small problem, such as a cavity, before it turns into a larger issue, like a root canal.
- Dental visits can improve your appearance. If you want to maintain a vibrant smile, regular appointments can help. A professional cleaning and polishing will remove build up, allowing your smile to really sparkle.
- Routine checkups keep your oral health in good shape. Gum disease, tooth decay, and TMD can compromise your dental health. Without treatment, these issues can wreak havoc on your mouth and cause serious damage. At your regular appointment, your dentist will discuss options to address any problems and protect your smile long-term.
- Your dentist can detect other health problems. In many cases, your mouth shows signs of overall health issues. For example, X-rays of your teeth can indicate the development of osteoporosis, a condition that causes weakening and brittleness in bones.
Cosmetic Dental Office Central Falls RI
