Educational Articles
Find in-depth educational information on all aspects of dental care on the American Dental Association website.
Click here to learn more about Under Armour Performance Mouthwear on the Under Armour website.
Learn more about innovative restoration services from other dental patients on the CEREC website.
Signs of an Unhealthy Mouth
Signs of an unhealthy mouth are cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Cavities are the result of bacteria in the mouth ingesting sugar and producing acid, which then erodes tooth enamel. Fluoride, in proper dosage, has been shown to significantly reduce dental decay. Sealants also protect patients from tooth decay. Together, a balanced diet, daily use of fluoride, effective brushing, flossing, and sensible eating habits can reduce the risk of, or even prevent, infectious dental disease.
The American Dental Association says that over 75-80% of all adults have or will have some form of gum disease. Swollen and bleeding gums are early signs that your gums are infected with bacteria (Gingivitis). If nothing is done, the infection can spread. It can destroy the structures that support your teeth in your jawbone (Periodontal Disease). Signs of periodontal disease include bleeding gums, redness of gum tissue, swelling of gums around the teeth, breath odor, receding gums, and mobility of teeth.
Periodontal disease can go on for years without pain and without detection unless specific examination procedures are performed. Effective prevention and treatment is available, but the damage caused as the disease progresses is irreversible. The treatment of more severe cases of Periodontal Disease usually consists of a special cleaning with local anesthesia and sometimes gum surgery. At its later stages, your teeth can become so loose that they have to be extracted.
The Bonding Process
After treating the tooth surface, a puttylike bonding material is applied that is then sculpted, shaped, and colored to suit the patient's needs. A high-intensity light causes the plastic to harden after which the new surface is smoothed and polished.
While bonding is an affordable and commonly used restorative solution, the plastic resin used is not as strong as your tooth's natural enamel. Bonding will usually last for three to five years before needing further or more permanent repair, such as veneers.
Digital X-Rays:
Digital imaging enables us to capture dental x-rays or radiographs with various panoramic and traditional views of your mouth. By capturing digital x-rays, we are able to more efficiently examine your mouth and teeth, minimizing the time of your visit at the dentist. Click here to learn more about Digital X-Rays.
