Posts Tagged “teeth whitening”

Important Things To Know About Dental Contouring

What is tooth contouring and reshaping?

 

Tooth reshaping, or contouring, is one of few instant treatments now available in cosmetic dentistry. Dental reshaping and contouring is a procedure to correct crooked teeth, chipped teeth, cracked teeth or even overlapping teeth in just one session.
The dental contouring procedure can even be a substitute for braces under certain circumstances. It is also a procedure of subtle changes. A few millimeters of reduction and a few millimeters of tooth-colored laminate can create a beautiful smile when performed by a cosmetic dentist, with no discomfort to you. Tooth reshaping, or dental contouring, is commonly used to alter the length, shape or position of your teeth.

Tooth contouring and reshaping (also known as dental contouring) is a dental procedure that helps correct chipped, cracked, or overlapping teeth. Usually categorized as cosmetic dentistry, tooth contouring and reshaping entails changing the length, shape, or position of the teeth.

Some cosmetic dentists make use of computer imaging to give patients an idea of the results prior to the tooth contouring and reshaping procedure. With the help of X-rays, the dentist determines the size and location of the pulp in the patient’s teeth, making sure that sufficient supporting bone exists between each tooth. Anesthesia is not always necessary, although many patients prefer localized novacaine.
Tooth reshaping, or tooth sculpting, is a safe and conservative way to improve your smile. Teeth may become weaker if large amounts of enamel are removed, tooth reshaping should be limited to minor changes or combined with veneers or bonding for the best smile.

  • Next the dentist marks the teeth with a pencil as part of the sculpting process. Using a sanding drill or laser, the dentist gradually removes small quantities of surface enamel to change the shape of the teeth. Abrasive strips rubbed across the tooth surface between each tooth help to reshape the sides of the teeth. Finally, the dentist smoothes and polishes the teeth. The entire tooth contouring and reshaping procedure may take up to 3 visits to complete. Bonding and veneers are two popular options for follow-up procedures to create the perfect smile. 
  • Tooth contouring and reshaping bears the risk of removing too much enamel, which could lead to breakage or tooth decay. Patients whose teeth were uneven due to bruxism (tooth grinding) often find the results of tooth contouring and reshaping to be short-lived since grinding can continue damaging the teeth further.

At the initial consultation, the dentist will examine your teeth and determine whether the defects that are present in your smile are sufficiently minor to be corrected using contouring and reshaping. He will also x-ray the teeth to make sure that they are healthy enough to undergo removal of a small amount of the surface enamel.

 

Tooth contouring and reshaping takes place generally in one visit to the dentist’s office, although a follow-up visit is sometimes necessary. Often the dentist will take a “before” photograph to use as a reference. Then, using various tools, the dentist carefully polishes off small areas of the tooth surface enamel and reforms the tooth into a more attractive shape. The edges of the newly shaped tooth are smoothed and polished, completing the procedure. An “after” photograph is made at this point so the differences can be easily seen. After contouring, the teeth are more uniform in shape and size making them appears less crowded and eye-catching imperfections are gone. The length of the procedure is dependent on the amount of changes that are being made to the teeth, but can run from under 30 minutes to over an hour.

 

Arlington Family Dentistry

 

3100 Matlock Rd
Suite #103
Arlington, TX 76015

(817) 259-1385

Maintain a Healthy White Teeth With Dental Cleaning

For starters maintaining a regular dental check up schedule will ensure that any potential dental issues are quickly identified and treated before they can turn into painful, and highly expensive, medicals issues that may require surgery or permanent treatment options.

The importance of the regular check-up ranges from preventing fatal conditions to maintaining healthy gum and teeth so they are working at their optimal level. On one end of the scale, regular dental visits will clear the patient of any potential oral cancers which are highly curable if caught early on. On a lesser scale but perhaps far more prevalent is gum disease, which is an infection of the gum tissue and the bone. This is also true of cavities and broken fillings which, if left untreated can result in root canals, gum surgery and removal of teeth.

Plaque that is not removed from your teeth and gums eventually hardens into tartar which can cause a variety of problems in your mouth including cavities and gum disease. While a large percentage of plaque can be removed by flossing and brushing, tartar can only be removed by using special dental tools and procedures. As tartar (also known as calculus) forms, it continues to attract more plaque which leads to the formation of more tartar. Calculus is typically removed by manual scaling of the teeth or by using an ultrasonic device. If tartar exists below the gum line, a deep periodontal cleaning known as scaling and root planing becomes necessary.

Once any existing plaque or tartar is removed from your teeth and gums, your teeth will be polished. Tooth polishing is usually accomplished either by spraying a high pressure mixture of water or baking soda paste onto your teeth or by using a rubber cup and polishing paste. Polishing not only leaves your teeth looking and feeling healthy, it also leaves you with a clean mouth and fresh breath.

A dental cleaning appointment also gives the dentist the opportunity to assess any treatments that may be necessary such as catching cavities when they are small or treating gum disease in the early stages so that it does not build into something serious. A professional cleaning appointment and dental checkup will include some or all of the following:

  • Plaque and tartar (calculus) removal
  • Tooth scaling and planings, if needed
  • Removing Stains 
  • Tooth polishing
  • Periodontal charting and cleaning
  • Checking for cavities and/or tooth fractures
  • Evaluating current restorations such as fillings, veneers, crowns, implants, bridges, inlays, onlays, etc. 
  • Early detection of mouth cancer
  • Microscopic Plaque Sample Analysis

A variety of substances pass over people’s teeth every day, some healthier than others. Whether you’re crunching on apples and sipping on water, or sucking hard candy and drinking sugary soda, keeping your teeth clean with twice-daily home cleanings and periodic visits to the dentist is an essential part of good health.

 

However there are certain conditions that require most frequent visit to the dentists including periodontal and gum disease, poor oral hygiene habits, high use of tobacco and alcohol, pregnancy, diabetes and certain medical conditions. These conditions leave the patient with a higher risk of gum disease, oral cancer and cavities so should visit their dentist on a more regular basis.

 

 

Ivy Rose Dentistry

Mansfield

2170 Matlock Rd, #100
Mansfield, TX 76063
Phone: 817.259.1365

Email: Patientsupport@ivyrosedds.com

Arlington

1024 West Mitchell St.
Arlington, TX 76013
Phone: 817.259.1364


Email: Patientsupport@ivyrosedds.com

Damon System Has Been Proven, Tested And Trusted By Many

The Damon system of orthodontics is one of four fixed, passive, self-ligating methods of correcting malocclusions.

Passive self-ligating systems use brackets that do not require elastic o-rings to hold the wires in place. By not using the elastic o-rings, the wires freely slide through the slots without friction, which necessitates new mechanics to use the system to move teeth. In addition, no o-rings means better oral hygiene, since they are a significant trap for oral bacteria. To hold the wires in place, the Damon System uses small sliding doors. The addition of ‘stops’ on the wires helps prevent the wire from becoming displaced from its intended location.

Achieving the best facial balance possible must be done in conjunction with conventional treatment goals. The Damon System offers a unique mechanical system of passive tubes that permits low forces to work in conjunction with the muscles of the face, tongue, bone and tissue. Low forces minimize discomfort and greatly increase the types of cases that can be treated to a symmetrical facial result without high-force expansion or extractions.

Clinical studies show that the Damon System provides more comfortable orthodontic treatment than traditional braces.5

Damon braces are made from a transparent ceramic material which has many advantages over earlier types of braces. In traditional methods, the metal brace is placed on the front surface of your teeth making it highly visible. With a Damon brace, although still visible, the ceramic material doesn’t stain easily and won’t show signs of wear and tear typical with several other types of ‘invisible’ brace. Whilst it’s possible to use several types of discreet braces, the Damon system corrects teeth faster and can be used on more severe cases where other, less visible braces, wouldn’t be suitable.
The Damon System utilises the latest technology and is designed to be an advanced, state-of-the-art orthodontic treatment. Therefore, you can expect to pay more than you would for traditional braces. For many people, that extra cost is justified by the reduced timescales and the time that they save in visits to their dentist.

 

Glovsky Orthodontics

754 S. Val Vista Dr., Suite 107
Gilbert, AZ 85296

Map & Directions

Phone: (480) 892-6200
Fax: (480) 632-0884
E-mail: drglovsky@yahoo.com

Seek Early Treatment For Every Childs Dental Needs

Orthodontists can today correct successfully the malocclusion problems regardless of the patient’s age. But that does not mean that the orthodontic treatment starting age does not matter. In fact it may play a significant role in the total time and expenses required for the completion of the orthodontic treatment. 

  • Orthodontic problems are usually apparent by the age of seven, when most of the adult front teeth have erupted. However, your dentist may detect an orthodontic problem earlier.
  • Early examination allows the orthodontist to detect and evaluate problems and to plan an appropriate treatment schedule.
  • Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing or make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. Early treatment may also achieve results that are not possible once the face and jaws have stopped growing.

The general categories of orthodontic devices (appliances) are functional and fixed.

Functional appliances use the muscle action from speaking, eating, and swallowing to create forces that move teeth and align the jaws. See a picture of a functional appliance .

  1. Some functional appliances are removable, while others are bonded to the teeth.
  2. A functional appliance may fit between the upper and lower teeth (a splint) or may span across the mouth between the molars, pressing the bone outward.Fixed orthodontic appliances are sets of wires and brackets cemented to the teeth. These are commonly called braces . Over a period of about 24 to 28 months, the wires are tightened and adjusted, gradually applying enough force to move the teeth (bone remodeling).
  3. Retainers are removable appliances made of molded plastic and wire. They hold the teeth in place after braces are taken off. If the teeth start to move back out of position, the orthodontist may bond a short retaining wire to the back of some teeth. This wire will hold the teeth in place.

The malocclusion treatments for children and adolescents are:

  1. Extraction (serial removal). Removing some baby teeth may ease severe crowding.
  2. Growth modification. This involves wearing fixed or functional appliances during the day and night to move the jaw into a better position.
  3. Fixed appliances (braces) gradually move the teeth. For children and teens, this treatment phase usually lasts about 24 months; for adults, about 28 months.
  4. Retainers. Retainers hold the teeth in place after orthodontic treatment. Some orthodontists recommend that retainers be worn for many years, because teeth have a natural tendency to drift out of place.
  5. Space maintainers, made of metal or plastic. Spacers keep the surrounding teeth from moving (drifting) into open spaces created when teeth are pulled or lost in an accident.

So, early on, get a Pediatric Dentist or Orthodontist to look examine your child. Most initial crowding problems manifest themselves around 7 years of age when the first permanent teeth are erupting. Good luck, just remember that orthodontics is a long-term proposition. Treatment often takes place over several years. After initial early treatment, you may only be wearing “braces” for 12 to 24 months, but you will wear a retainer once your braces are removed.

 

Reading Orthodontic Group

1268 Penn Avenue
Wyomissing, PA 19610
Phone: 610.374.4097
Fax: 610.372.8119

E-mail: braces@fantasticsmiles.com

Beyond White with Zoom

Posted by | April 27, 2013 | Cosmetic Dentistry

teethw-whitening1

As humans age their teeth tend to darken naturally. Besides nature, other factors discolor teeth—tobacco, coffee, and tea can all cause stains to deepen. In recent years many people have elected for professional teeth whitening. Correctly done, teeth whitening can be one of the safest cosmetic dental procedures. Dental patients in the U.S. and Australia request new Zoom Light-Activated Whitening System more than any other patented whitening. Zoom also offers Day White and Nite White, which are less expensive and which have less dramatic results than Zoom Light-Activated Whitening System.

 

Philips Oral Healthcare, founded in 1988, holds the patent for Zoom products. The Washington state company also has the patent for Sonicare, the popular high tech toothbrush. Dr. Bill Dorfman, the developer of Zoom Light-Activated Whitening System, introduced his amazing invention to the American public on the TV show Extreme Makeover. Since its introduction, over four million people, including many celebrities, have attested to Zoom’s efficacy.

 

After only about 45 minutes, a patient may see their teeth lightened eight shades or more. Such an achievement is due to the dynamics of Zoom Light-Activated Whitening System. This patented system combines whitening materials with blue LED technology, resulting in teeth that are 40 percent whiter than teeth lightened with whitening materials alone. Whitening materials commonly used for dental procedures often contain hydrogen peroxide or similar compounds.

 

This LED technology can also be used to perform a simulation before the procedure is actually carried out on the patient. A patient may take a photo of their smile or upload an existing picture onto her iPhone or iPod. They can then apply LED technology to the photo to determine which of the eight shades best flatters their complexion and hair color. After the patient chooses a shade, they can send the information over to their dentist.

 

Not only can the patient select a particular shade of white, but they can also choose the procedure’s level of intensity. The Wall Street Journal reports that a few patients complained of pain during the trial period of Zoom Light-Activated Whitening System, but there are few consumer complaints at the present time because the patient can instruct to dentist to “go easier.” Zoom technology has a 96 percent patient satisfaction rate.

zoom_thumb

Patients looking for a less costly procedure can choose either Day White, applied during daytime, or Nite White, applied at night. These Zoom products come in a mint flavor and combine remineralization materials, such as calcium phosphate and potassium phosphate, with whitening materials. Remineralization protects the teeth from enamel erosion. Loss of enamel is a common side effect of many teeth whitening procedures.

 

Throughout history, people have desired whiter smiles. People smile more if their teeth are aesthetically pleasing. A brighter smile is friendlier, and it draws attention away from cosmetic flaws such as double chins and facial wrinkles. Psychologists assert that self-confident smiles achieve confidence in both the person smiling and in the people around them. With the unique dynamics of blue LED technology and the use of proven whitening materials, Zoom Light-Activated Whitening System achieves smiles at their most brilliant.

 

Source: http://www.findmydentist.com/articles/all-about-teeth-whitening.html

INVISALIGN BRACES AND IT'S TREATMENT

Invisalign is one of the latest treatments being offered as a great alternate to braces. It is the latest approach adopted by dentists to straighten teeth. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made aligners that are created particularly for the patient according to his individual teeth shape. The aligner trays used in Invisalign are manufactured using a very smooth and invisible plastic that is quite comfortable to wear. The aligners used in Invisalign are to be worn permanently which help in gradually and very gently shifting the teeth back into their right place. The movements required varies from patient to patient and the dentist determines the duration of the Invisalign treatment after analyzing how good or bad his or her patient’s condition is.

These transparent aligners are most appropriate for dental Class I, mild crowding or minor malocclusions, problems that can be generally solved with a traditional retainer. It is difficult for Invisalign aligners to solve rotational issues of your teeth. It is very important that the patient follows the Invisalign treatment procedures and process. The aligners can be removed for eating and drinking, etc… but it is important to wear the aligners for at least 20 hours a day. Unlike traditional braces, most patients are actually motivated to wear this device because of its superior aesthetic. Easy daily oral hygiene can be accomplished with the removable aligners.

If a patient has a tough time, it is a good idea to seek help or a consultation from an orthodontist or experienced dentist (e.g. a dentist on invisalign.com. that is experienced when it comes to Invisalign) Generally, orthodontists and dentists that have taken extensive education or are certified to perform the Invisalign treatment can carry out more complex issues than the average dentist and can replace the transparent aligners with a brief period of traditional braces to either attain harder more drastic teeth movement or fixing the issues after the treatment is complete and a retainer must be worn.

Wearing your dental retainers after the completion of your Invisalign treatment will be just as important as your orthodontic treatment itself. Certainly, if you do not wear your retainer as your dentist instructs, it is possible, and even likely, that your teeth will begin to shift. In even a relatively short amount of time, enough relapse can occur that the resulting misalignment is not easy to correct. Whatever the time frame (weeks, months or years), not wearing their dental retainers is the main reason why you hear of patients having to have braces a second, or even a third time. More at Premier Orthodontics.

Oxnard

2100 Solar Dr, Suite 200
Oxnard, CA 93036
Tel: 805-205-9276
Fax: 805-981-7050

Carpinteria

5565 Carpinteria Avenue, Suite 26
Carpinteria, CA 93013
Tel: 805-758-6756
Fax: 805-566-0303

 

WHY DO WE NEED ROOT CANAL THERAPY

Many people have to undergo root canal therapy due to the death of the nerve, which is in the interior hollow portion of the tooth. The tooth is hollow when it erupts and contains nerve tissue, blood vessels and cells which deposit calcium on the inside of the pulp chamber and in the extension of the pulp chamber along the roots. A tooth can die for a number of reasons. One is deep decay, this is potentially the most serious as it can lead to infection and requires immediate treatment, combined with anti-biotics, to fight infection. A tooth that is subject to a heavy blow can die as a consequence, it is not infected;but, the body will send white blood cells to rid the tooth of dead or dying tissue. The end of the root will become engorged with blood causing an abscess which is painful.

A popular myth is that having a root canal procedure is a nightmare, in the sense that the overwhelming pain from the dying nerve, pulp or tooth itself can’t be resolved by any dental procedures. This has been disproved countless times by the patients themselves, a majority of which felt immediate relief at the time of the procedure. While others may feel discomfort afterwards, the reason for this is because of neglect of the pain that may have severed the damage on the pulp, nerve or cavity.

A root canal procedure may only mean one of four things:

  •  Tooth decay has obliterated the outer shell of the tooth (enamel), making its way into the dentin, and finally into the pulp itself. This causes severe, blistering pain that often leads to headaches and feverish attacks.
  •  The tooth has become infected and decayed largely because of negligent oral hygiene. This infection causes the secretion of abscess or pus inside the cavity, surrounded by inflamed tissue.
  •  The exposure of the nerves of the tooth, caused by unattended cracks, chipped portions and sills.
  •  Because of a past accident, the tooth, because of natural reasons (aging), trauma or outside exposure to the elements, ages quickly and is in the brink of death.

Root canal therapy is not a lifelong procedure. The therapy itself can be finished in one to three treatments, depending on the severity of the damage. An experienced dentist, specializing in root canal therapy, is called an endodontist. In order to fix this problem, the root canal will be performed by the dentist. The procedure begins with the dentist numbing the area before drilling a hole into the tooth. Then inside the tooth, the dentist will scrape away the dead pulp and the nerves. More at Ivy Rose Family Dentistry.

Ivy Rose Family Dentistry

Mansfield
2170 Matlock Rd, #100
Mansfield, TX 76063
Phone: 817.259.1365
Email: Patientsupport@ivyrosedds.com

Arlington
1024 West Mitchell St.
Arlington, TX 76013
Phone: 817.259.1364
Email: Patientsupport@ivyrosedds.com

 

THE SECRET OF WHITENING TEETH

Everyone wants to have a beautiful smile with gleaming white teeth and now, thanks to the invention of teeth whitening products, they can. There are all kinds of products, when it comes to achieving a brighter smile, out on the market and the important thing is to make sure to sit down with your dentist, or oral care professional, to see what they would recommend for you. You want to be sure that your teeth and gums are healthy before you apply any chemicals or whitening materials to your teeth and your dental care provider will be able to recommend specific whitening methods that would work the best for you. This is because your dentist or your hygienist understands the type of teeth you have and will be able to remove deeper stains to make the whitening process more effective.

A smile is an inexpensive way to change your looks. A great smile is perfected with an amazing set of white teeth. Aside from that, having stained or dark teeth can furthermore be very embarrassing. Smiling without inhibitions not only shows confidence but displays a genuine personality as well as a range of upbeat emotions. The real question is not about how to smile but how to get that admirable set of teeth that is ideal to have in order to attain an attractive smile.

Getting pearly white teeth is expensive. More often than not, it entails frequent visits to your dentist for what could be a complicated and/or long dental procedures or process. Aside from the usual grueling and time consuming dental sessions, there are also a wide array of products that you can use to improve your teeth. These products include toothpastes, mouthwashes and whitening strips. But then again, there is another teeth whitening product that stands out among the rest: a teeth whitening pen.

A teeth whitening pen is a cost-effective innovation in dental care. For one thing, it is very easy to use. You only have to rotate the bottom part of the pen to dispense the gel. What makes this certain gel remarkably effective is the essential component in it that makes teeth whiter: hydrogen peroxide. At lower concentrations, it is proven and tested to be safe and effective. The gel covers the teeth and starts dissolving any stain particle and formations.

Some people are advised by their dentists, especially those who have invested in professional teeth whitening procedures to use and apply products like gels and mousse to maintain the results. Some even use low formulation whitening gels and trays to eliminate staining pores that have lodged in the micro pores of the teeth especially those that can’t quit smoking and drinking coffee.

Aside from maintaining the whiteness of your teeth, there are also after care steps that you should take in order to prevent any discomfort. Don’t drink anything hot or cold for the next 24-48 hours, depending on the sensitivity of your teeth, after an in-chair teeth whitening procedure. Use desensitizing gels to lower any teeth sensitivity. Avoid eating acidic foods like citrus fruits and consuming acidic drinks. This should also be done while undergoing procedures using at home kits. And most of all, make it a habit to clean your teeth and use teeth whitening and cleaning products recommended by your dentist.

CONTACT US

Jeff C. Jenkins, D.D.S.
Richard Martin, D.D.S.

5601 Bridge St, Ste 480
Fort Worth, TX 76112
(817) 259-1371
(817) 937-4369 Fax

 

 

You already know what it means to be an orthodontist, but what about specializing in dentofacial orthopedics?  Specializing in dentofacial orthopedics is a special distinction earned by orthodontists who have received their orthodontic specialization in dental school, and have completed a two to three year orthodontic residency program.

Dentofacial orthopedics is the process of normalizing the growth of a patient’s bone structure and repairing any imbalances of the face and jaws. This process often involves a two-phase treatment and often begins when the patient is around 7 or 8 years old.

 

Dentofacial Orthopedics for Children

Children are often the best candidates for receiving dentofacial orthopedic therapy. Beginning at a young age, your orthodontist will examine and monitor your child’s growth to determine when treatment starting treatment will be most effective. If your child begins orthodontic treatment before all adult teeth have erupted, it is known as phase-one treatment. During phase-one treatment, your orthodontist will use treatments designed to correct your child’s jaw growth and make sure that the jaw bone is properly aligned before beginning the second phase of treatment, which usually involves braces to straighten the teeth.

 

Dentofacial Orthopedics for Adults

Dentofacial orthopedics is also used to treat adults; however, this process may involve surgery. In children, the jaw bones are still forming and have not completely hardened, making it easier for orthodontists to control bone growth and tooth movement. Adults, however, are no longer growing, and their jaw bones have hardened making it more of a challenge to adjust the bite and move teeth into proper alignment if the facial bones are misaligned.

Surgery may be used to adjust the jaw bone and establish the proper bite alignment before beginning a braces treatment. With dentofacial orthopedics, adults can still achieve the beautiful smile they’ve always wanted.

 

Essentially, while orthodontics entails the management of tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics involves the guidance of facial growth and development, which occurs largely during childhood. In both cases, appliances are frequently used the more familiar braces for orthodontics, and other specialized appliances like headgear and expanders depending on what facial abnormalities are present. Sometimes orthopedic treatment may precede conventional braces, but often the two are accomplished at the same time. So if your child gets braces and headgear, he’s undergoing orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics!

Because our doctors are skilled in both areas, they are able to diagnose any misalignments in the teeth and jaw as well as the facial structure, and can devise a treatment plan that integrates both orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatments.

 

Dentofacial Orthopedics For Adults and Children

 

To learn more about dentofacial orthopedics, and to find out if this type of treatment is right for you, please contact our practice and schedule an orthodontic consultation.

Oxnard

2100 Solar Dr, Suite 200
Oxnard, CA 93036

Tel: 805-205-9276
Fax: 805-981-7050

 _________________

Carpinteria

5565 Carpinteria Avenue, Suite 26
Carpinteria, CA 93013

Tel: 805-758-6756
Fax: 805-566-0303

______________________________ 

Thousand Oaks

179 Auburn Court, Suite 5
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

Tel: 805-585-3184
Fax: 805-496-1185

Have you ever wondered why the American Dental Association and your dentist recommend you come back every six months? It’s because regular dental visits are essential for the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums. And in between those examinations, it’s important that you work to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. If you need additional help, your dentist may even suggest more frequent visits.

Importance On Why Not to Dodge Your Dental Cleaning Appointment

What Goes On During A Regular Visit

  • Checking your teeth for tooth decay is just one part of a thorough dental examination. During your checkup appointment, your dentist (or dental hygienist) will likely evaluate the health of your gums, perform a head and neck examination (to look for anything out of the ordinary) and examine your mouth for any indications of oral cancer, diabetes or vitamin deficiencies. Don’t be surprised if your dentist also examines your face, bite, saliva and movement of your lower jaw joints (TMJs). Your dentist or dental hygienist will then clean your teeth and stress the importance of you maintaining good oral hygiene at home between visits.
  • Many dentists will pay special attention to plaque and tartar. This is because plaque and tartar can build up in a very short time if good oral hygiene is not practiced between visits. Food, beverages and tobacco can stain teeth as well. If not removed, soft plaque can harden on the teeth and irritate the gum tissue. If not treated, plaque can lead to gum disease.

 

During your regularly scheduled dental appointments, your dentist will likely look at your gums, mouth, tongue and throat. There are several routine parts to a dental examination.

The Head And Neck Examination

    • Your dentist will start off by:
      1. Examining your face
      2. Examining your neck
      3. Checking your lymph nodes
      4. Checking your lower jaw joints (TMJs)
      5. The Clinical Dental Examination
    • Next, your dentist assesses the state of your teeth and gums by:
      1. Examining the gums
      2. Looking for signs of gum disease
      3. Checking for loose teeth
      4. Looking at the tissues inside of your mouth
      5. Examining your tongue
      6. Checking your bite
      7. Looking for visual evidence of tooth decay
      8. Checking for broken teeth
      9. Checking for damaged fillings
      10. Looking for changes in the gums covering teeth
      11. Evaluating any dental appliance you have
      12. Checking the contact between your teeth
      13. Taking X-rays

The Dental Cleaning

    • During the final part of the dental visit, your dental professional cleans your mouth using these methods:
      1. Checking the cleanliness of your teeth and gums
      2. Removing any plaque and tartar
      3. Polishing your teeth
      4. Flossing between your teeth
      5. Reviewing recommended brushing and flossing techniques

 

Once your examination and cleaning have been performed, they’ll tell you about the health of your teeth and gums and then make any additional recommendations. It’s important that you see your dentist every six months and that they give you routine examination and cleaning. Remember, by seeing your dentist on a regular basis and following daily good oral hygiene practices at home, you are more likely to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Importance On Why Not to Dodge Your Dental Cleaning Appointment

 

If it’s been more than 6 months since your last check up and cleaning, call your dentist to schedule an appointment today!

CONTACT US:

 

Jeff C. Jenkins, D.D.S.

&
Richard Martin, D.D.S.

5601 Bridge St, Ste 480
Fort Worth, TX 76112
(817) 259-1371
(817) 937-4369 Fax