Is sensitivity a common problem for you? Usually, tooth sensitivity can be treated with a wide range of treatment options that can provide some relief. Unfortunately, tooth sensitivity is often misunderstood. Here are some common questions regarding tooth sensitivity:

When eating cold or hot foods, are people’s teeth supposed to hurt?

The problem is unlikely to be serious if the discomfort or pain lasts only for a few seconds after drinking a hot or cold beverage. The cause of tooth sensitivity in these cases is likely to be mild decay (cavities), a loose or lost filling, or minor gum recession. Although it makes sense to schedule a visit to your dentist as soon as possible, it does not require emergency dental care.

If the sensitivity lasts 30 seconds or more, the internal structure (pulp) of your tooth has likely been permanently damaged in these cases. This may be due to deep dental decay, a tooth fracture, an accident or trauma, or it may be the consequence of an infection. In any of these cases, it is best to schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible so that a thorough evaluation can be performed before the pain becomes unbearable.

Does sensitivity toothpaste work?

Desensitizing toothpaste contains compounds such as potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. These products work by preventing pain signals from traveling between the surface of your teeth and your inner nerves. It may take several uses of the toothpaste before you see a difference. For those with more severe and prolonged sensitivities, prescription-strength toothpaste may be helpful. Our dental team is happy to suggest products that may be helpful to you.

If you have sensitive teeth, should you refrain from drinking coffee or eating ice cream?

You are not restricted from eating and drinking your favorite foods. If you are experiencing pain, you should consult with your dentist to determine the cause. Depending on your condition, they may recommend a specific toothpaste or suggest other possible treatment options. Maintaining proper oral hygiene will help in the prevention of tooth sensitivity.

Does sensitivity cause tooth loss?

Sensitivity may be a precursor to tooth loss. A recession of the gum line, which exposes the roots of your teeth, may cause sensitivity in several teeth at the same time. Prolonged gum recession can result in tooth loss. Furthermore, decay can cause sensitive teeth and, in the long run, can lead to an infection in the gums or jaw that can spread to other parts of the head and neck. With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can keep your teeth and mouth healthy.

Depending on the cause of your tooth sensitivity, our dentist can treat the condition in various ways. One of the easiest ways to prevent sensitive teeth is to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. For more information, please contact our dental office to schedule an appointment.

When you have a canker sore, eating, drinking, and talking can be very uncomfortable and even painful. Maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine can also be challenging when you have a sore in your mouth. However, you must continue with your daily routine as part of your healing process. 

What is a canker sore?

Typically, canker sores are small, reddish lesions. They are located on your tongue, on the sides of your mouth, and at the base of your gums. In some cases, a sore may appear yellow or white in the center. In addition, you may feel a burning or tingling sensation a day or two before the sores appear.

A canker sore is different from a cold sore (also referred to as a fever blister). Cold sores usually appear on the outside of your lips or at the corners of your mouth.

Where do they come from?

Injuries are one of the most common causes of canker sores. This can be caused by biting your lip or cheek due to stress, an injury from sports, or even brushing vigorously. Some individuals are sensitive to toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate, which may result in sores. Certain foods may also cause canker sores. Sores are known to be triggered by foods such as chocolate, eggs, nuts, and spicy foods. Occasionally, an unbalanced diet may be to blame, especially when zinc or vitamin B-12 deficiency is the underlying cause.

Can you tell me what I can do?

Maintaining a healthy mouth is your best defense. Keeping your teeth clean means brushing twice a day and flossing every day. It may be tempting to avoid brushing your teeth when you have a mouth sore. However, this can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria. To help the healing process, keep your mouth clean and healthy. Alternatively, you can try a mouthwash formulated especially for mouth sores. There are also over-the-counter and prescription products you can use, such as Benzocaine, Fluocinonide, and hydrogen peroxide. You can also take nutritional supplements such as folic acid, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, or zinc. Consult our team if you are unsure or if the pain persists.

It is recommended to brush around sores gently but thoroughly. Most canker sores will heal within one week. Make an appointment with our dentist if you experience sores frequently or if they do not heal within one week. We will evaluate the severity of your sore and may recommend alternate treatments if necessary.

For more information, contact our office to schedule an appointment. We are committed to your oral health.

Usually, it starts innocently. After biting into a hard piece of candy, you realize there is one piece that won’t dissolve. You look at it, and you are overcome with fear when you see it is a chipped piece of a tooth. Fear not, this is very common and an extremely easy fix. 

Even though enamel is one of the hardest substances in the body, it has its limits. If you grind your teeth at night or chew on ice, you are always putting your teeth at risk. Chipped teeth are not a cause for alarm. By visiting a dentist, you can have your beautiful smile restored in the following ways:

Bonding

The bonding process can be very helpful in repairing chipped teeth as it has many structural uses. Bonding teeth is a simple procedure that doesn’t require numbing and can last anywhere between three and ten years. If the damage to your tooth is relatively minor and the chip in your tooth is subtle, this procedure may be appropriate. The bonding materials used are naturally matched to your teeth and can be designed to look just like natural teeth. Those around you will find it difficult to notice that you ever chipped a tooth, and your smile will appear as if it were brand new.

Dental Crown

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that can be placed over your tooth. Think of it as a hat that fits snugly over your teeth. Dentists commonly use porcelain or zirconia to make crowns that closely resemble your natural teeth. A crown restores the tooth’s shape, size, function, and appearance after it has been damaged. Crowns are cemented into place on the tooth and cover the visible portion of the tooth.

Porcelain Veneers

A porcelain veneer consists of several thin layers of ceramic and is commonly used to repair chipped teeth. As a replacement for the original enamel, they will be bonded to the teeth using a special adhesive. Porcelain veneers are also an excellent way to restore the appearance of healthy teeth and can last anywhere from ten to thirty years.

Today, there have been numerous advances in dentistry that allow a chipped tooth to be easily repaired. No one will ever know you had your teeth restored. Regardless of whether you need a complicated dental repair or just want to improve your smile, we are here for you. Please contact our dental office today to schedule an appointment.

It is common knowledge that many people don’t like going to the dentist, but waiting until you feel pain may be a bad idea. We all make time to clean out our homes, cars, garages, and closets twice a year. Your oral health should be part of your “to-do” list as well.

Maintaining regular appointments is essential

Routine examinations and cleanings are essential to maintaining optimal oral health. Regular dental visits are your best defense against tooth decay, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. Identifying and treating an oral infection as early as possible will have a positive effect and will make the treatment procedure less invasive. You should see your dentist regularly, twice a year. It is vital to your oral health to have your teeth cleaned and x-rayed to determine whether you have decay. It may be recommended that you get a fluoride treatment to help remineralize tooth enamel and prevent decay. Be sure to schedule an appointment with our dental office so we can help maintain your oral health.

Do you have a fear of dentists?

Many people are apprehensive about going to the dentist. In a study conducted in conjunction with the American Dental Association, the HDI institute identified several of these reasons for delaying dental treatment: anxiety, low perception of need, cost, and time. We could, however, be allowing more severe issues to develop if we allow these problems to keep us from seeking dental care.

Conditions that require a trip to the dentist.

The American Dental Association recommends cleanings and exams twice a year. You should also schedule an appointment if you suffer from any of the following conditions: 

• You’re experiencing facial, tooth, or mouth pain.
• Injuries to the mouth, teeth, or face.
• You have a condition that increases your risk of poor oral health, such as diabetes.
• You are expecting.
• Jaw pain or stiffness in the jaw.
• Bleeding, swollen, or red gums. 
• Recent dental work, such as fillings, crowns, implants, or root canals,
• Having difficulty eating or drinking due to pain or discomfort is a sign.
• Dry mouth that persists.
• The use of tobacco or smoking.
• Mouth sores that do not heal.
• You are concerned about your dental hygiene, or you have questions about it.

Maintaining good oral health is essential to your overall well-being. Problems with your teeth and gums can lead to serious health issues.

Our dentist can assist you in maintaining optimum oral health. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us. 

Our patients often ask us how to improve the appearance of stained teeth or how to close the gaps between their teeth. When it comes to improving your smile, veneers are an option you may consider. When deciding if veneers would be a good choice for you, consider the following factors:

Veneers: what is it?

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells placed over the front of the teeth to enhance their appearance. They can conceal stains, chips, and uneven surfaces of the teeth. Veneers are usually made of dental porcelain and are designed to cover teeth rather than replace them. 

How do veneers work?

Veneers can repair chipped or broken teeth, reduce noticeable gaps between teeth, or remove stains from teeth. When veneers are placed over your teeth, the structure of your teeth is not altered. The dentists carefully measure each tooth’s size to ensure a perfect fit. 

When choosing veneers, consider these factors:

• Veneers are affixed to the teeth and can only be removed by a dentist. Generally, veneers last between 15 and 20 years, although it is possible for them to last longer.
• With porcelain veneers, people often assume that whiter is better, but this is not always the case. You should choose a shade that looks natural.
• A veneer is similar to a tooth in that it can chip and crack, so people need to take precautions when wearing one. It is possible to use them for many years without much maintenance, but some considerations need to be made.
• There are some people who get veneers on all of their teeth, but it is not always necessary. There are times when just a few teeth require veneers.
• Porcelain veneers are generally preferred over resin veneers because they are more stain-resistant. Although proper oral hygiene is still necessary, these veneers are less likely to discolor.
• Right now, veneers are in great demand, but that does not mean that everyone can get them. A dentist must examine patients before approving them for veneers.
• Veneers and implants are two different things. A veneer is attached to the natural tooth, which acts as a base. The veneer is very thin, so it does not protrude.
• They are not covered by most insurance policies. Individuals are encouraged to contact their insurance provider to determine if this procedure is covered.

The use of veneers is a great way to correct minor tooth issues like discoloration, gaps, and misalignment. If you would like to know if you are a good candidate for veneers, contact our office to schedule an appointment. We can provide you with detailed information on how to obtain the smile you have always wanted.