Jan 7, 2017 | Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist, Uncategorized
Thanks to fluoridated water and better education, cavities in school-age children have actually declined. In adults, however, the incidence of tooth decay has risen. Understanding the cause of cavities and what you can do to protect your teeth will help keep your smile healthy for life.
What is tooth decay?
Caused by plaque and bacteria in your mouth, tooth decay destroys tooth enamel. When you consume sugary or starchy foods, these items provide a fertile breeding ground for cavity-causing bacteria. The acid produced by these bacteria eventually wears away the enamel and creates cavities.
Aren’t cavities mainly a problem for kids?
Though people tend to believe tooth decay impacts only children, adults over 50 often deal with this issue too. Changes in the mouth, certain medications, and problems like gum disease can make older adults more susceptible to cavities.
Do cavities in baby teeth really matter?
Yes. Not only do your child’s primary teeth serve as placeholders for permanent teeth, but they also help with speech development and chewing function. Care for your toddler’s teeth as you would permanent teeth, brushing and flossing frequently; however, don’t use fluoride toothpaste on children under two.
How do I prevent decay?
Follow these tips to help protect your teeth:
• Brush with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Eat a balanced diet
• Floss or use an interdental cleaner every day
• Limit snacks and choose healthy options
• Schedule routine cleanings and exams
• Talk with your dentist about use of supplemental fluoride and/or dental sealants
We care about your smile at Blackstone Dental Cavity Prevention
Sep 21, 2016 | Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist, Uncategorized
Dental x-rays are used to diagnose disease, imperfections, and injuries of your mouth. It can help identify issues with your teeth, gums, or bones. These special types of pictures allow your dentist to determine exactly what’s going on inside your mouth, and suggest the best treatment for you.
What is a dental x-ray?
X-rays use electromagnetic radiation to penetrate your body and create an image on film. Dense structures like fillings or metal restorations block the energy and appear white on film, while structures containing air look black on film. Teeth, tissue, and fluid appear in shades of gray. Your dentist is trained to view the x-ray film to identify the various structures and any potential concerns.
Are there different types?
There are various types of x-rays that your dentist may use. Some, like the bitewing, require you to bite on a paper tab while the x-ray is performed. A panoramic x-ray involves a machine that rotates externally around your head. It captures your jaws and teeth in one shot, and is ideal for planning dental implants, viewing wisdom teeth, and identifying jaw problems. Panoramic x-rays, however, are not the best option for detecting cavities.
What should I expect when getting a dental x-ray?
This test is performed at your dentist’s office, and no special preparation is required on your part. However, you should tell your dentist if you are pregnant so that radiation precautions may be taken or the x-ray may be postponed. X-rays do not cause pain or discomfort, and there is very little radiation exposure. Your dentist will cover your body with a lead apron, however, to reduce exposure.
What’s a digital x-ray?
Many dentists take x-rays using digital technology, which allows the image to travel through a computer. Digital x-rays transmit less radiation during the procedure than traditional x-rays.
Do you need dentist in Central Falls Rhode Island – click here to schedule a visit.
Sep 26, 2016 | Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist, Uncategorized
There’s no such thing as a good time to get a toothache, but it’s especially bothersome to come down with the pain when you can’t get in to see your dentist. So what should you do until you can get an appointment?
Have you quit smiling? Maybe it’s because you’re embarrassed that your teeth aren’t as white as you’d like. When your teeth become discolored, it can be a reason to hide them in embarrassment. Let’s find out some of the reasons why your teeth lose their luster.
Age
The color of your teeth and your age are directly related. Teeth darken from use and stain buildup. The older you get, the more stubborn the stains become. That means that teeth whitening results are less dramatic and immediate the older you are.
Original color
Each person starts with a natural color of their teeth, which changes over time. Staining is more evident on some tooth colors than others. Also, some original colors respond better to whitening procedures than others.
Genetic traits
Teeth have traits like how thin they are or how clear, or translucent, they are. These traits get more obvious as you age. Thin teeth, most often occurring on the front teeth, are more difficult to whiten. Thick, opaque teeth look lighter in color and respond better to whitening.
Damage to teeth
People who grind their teeth often develop minor cracks in their teeth. That can lead to teeth that are darker on the edges. Trauma to the teeth from injuries may create large cracks, which attract even bigger amounts of staining.
Diet
Consuming foods and drinks that are known to discolor teeth can cause considerable staining over time. Red wine, tea, cola, coffee, and berries are some of the major culprits. Also, acidic foods like citrus fruits can erode tooth enamel. This causes the yellow-colored dentin of your teeth to become more visible.
Smoking and drug use
Nicotine leaves a brown film on your teeth that soaks in and discolors them. Some drugs like tetracycline are known to stain teeth, and can be very difficult to remove.
Sep 7, 2016 | Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist, Uncategorized
A severely decayed or infected tooth can sometimes only be saved with root canal treatment. This type of procedure may be performed by some dentists, but others may refer patients to a specialist called an endodontist. This type of specialist focuses on restoring badly damaged teeth through root canal therapy.
The focus of root canal treatment is removing damaged or infected pulp from the tooth, which is located in its center. It can only be accessed by drilling or cutting into the tooth, and then the infection or decayed material is removed. The inside of the tooth is cleaned out, a filler is placed in the hollowed out area, and then a crown or cap is placed on the tooth to avoid further decay. This also restores the tooth’s function and appearance. Without root canal therapy, often the only alternative is to extract the tooth.
Root canal treatment has a reputation of being one of the most dreaded procedures in dentistry. The procedure has improved through the years, and another important aspect is the skill of the professional performing the root canal. This is where endodontists come into play, because they are specially trained and have a great deal of experience in root canal therapy. Endodontists go through an additional 2-3 years of special training and study, so they are highly qualified for even the most complicated cases. Anesthetic is used in nearly all root canals, so the treatment often ends up being similar to getting a regular filling. Minor pain may occur for a couple of days following treatment, but over-the-counter medications usually provide relief. In the end, when an endodontist has performed your root canal treatment, your tooth’s function will be restored after just a few days of recovery.
Contact our dental office in Central Falls Rhode Island if you need a root canal.
Jan 15, 2017 | Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist, Uncategorized
What you eat not only helps your body grow strong, but these choices also impact your oral health. A balanced diet will reduce the risks of cavities and promote gum health. Knowing which food and beverages to avoid will help you protect your gorgeous smile for a lifetime.
Refined sugar
Because the bacteria in your mouth can easily metabolize simple sugar, options such as sodas, sweet treats, and even carbohydrates like white breads can provide a great food source for these organisms. An increase in the bacteria in your mouth often leads to demineralization of tooth enamel, which makes you susceptible to tooth decay.
Acid foods
Too much wine, fruit juices, or citric fruits like oranges can wear away enamel and weaken teeth. Have a piece of cheese to counteract the effects of the acid.
Hard foods and snacks
Chewing certain candies, nuts, popcorn, and even ice can cause small fractures in your tooth that may eventually lead to more significant damage.
One-sided diets
If you opt for a “pasta only” or “grapefruit” diet, your body will only get limited nutrients. Without the right vitamins and minerals, your health may suffer, which could include trouble with your teeth.
Follow these tips to keep teeth healthy:
• Chew gum with Xylitol
• Choose healthy alternative
• Limit snacks between meals
• Rinse with water after you eat
• Try foods like carrots, celery, and apples, which are naturally abrasive and can help clean teeth
Jan 21, 2017 | Blackstone Dental Central Falls RI Dentist, Uncategorized
Crowns are used for restoring cracked, chipped, or worn-down teeth. A crown, also called a cap, covers a damaged tooth with an artificial material. It may save your existing tooth, instead of completely replacing the tooth. Your dentist will be able to tell you if a crown is right for you, but here are some answers to common questions to help you decide.
Why would I need a crown?
Crowns are most often used in the following situations:
• If a significant amount of decayed matter has been drilled out and filled, and the remaining enamel isn’t strong enough to support chewing or biting.
• If support is needed for a bridge.
• If a tooth is about to break.
• If a tooth is misshapen or badly discolored, crowns can improve appearance.
What does getting a crown involve?
Your dentist will numb the area, and trim off about 25% of the tooth. An impression will be made for use in creating a temporary crown in the dentist’s office and a permanent crown at a lab. A temporary crown is often used while the permanent one is being developed. Temporary crowns aren’t meant to last as long, so a permanent one needs to be placed that will be stronger and last longer. Once received, your dentist will place the crown to ensure proper fit. Then the crown will be cemented into your mouth.
What are crowns made of?
Temporary crowns are made in the dentist’s office with stainless steel or acrylics. Permanent crowns are made in a lab using resins, porcelain, metals, or combinations of these materials. Your dentist can make recommendation of the type of crown that would work best for you.
How long will crowns last?
Crowns typically last at least seven years, but in many cases they last much longer. Some last as much as forty years. To increase the life of your crown, you should practice good oral hygiene. Also, avoid chewing excessively hard foods because they can damage your crown.
