Thursday 27 December 2012

Arlington Cosmetic Dentistry: The Wonderful Benefits of Dental Implants, PART 2

This two-part article series takes a look at the benefits of dental implants over traditional tooth replacement technologies, namely, removable partial and full dentures.

Welcome back to our two-part article series on Arlington cosmetic dentistry and the many wonderful benefits of dental implants. In our previous post, the cosmetic dentist in Arlington spoke about the aesthetic and functional differences between dental implants and older, more traditional tooth replacement methods, namely removable dentures. Now, the focus of this Arlington cosmetic dentistry article shall shift to the everyday conveniences of dental implants and how they really can promote the quality of life for those that wear them.

Arlington Cosmetic Dentistry: The Conveniences Afforded by Dental Implants

Arlington cosmetic dentistry

“There’s no debate about it,” say experts in Arlington cosmetic dentistry. “Dentures are just plain inconvenient to have!” They require removal after meals for cleaning and need to sit in a glass of solution overnight. They also have a nasty habit of slipping around in your mouth while you’re talking or eating. “Nearly all denture-wearers have something bad to say about them, whether it’s the pain and discomfort they cause or the repeated expenses they incur,” says the cosmetic dentist in Arlington.

The Difference with Dental Implants:

  • Dental implants do no not shift or move around. They are anchored in the jaw bone.
  • These Arlington cosmetic dentistry devices are cleaned just like natural teeth: with regular brushing and flossing.
  • Dental implants do not require refitting like dentures do. According to the cosmetic dentist in Arlington, they can last up to 20, 30 years and even longer without restoration or replacement.
  • They do not impede taste ability or sensation and they also don’t trigger the gag reflex, as dentures tend do.
  • Arlington cosmetic dentistry implants do not require a consistent investment in messy adhesives, anesthetic gels, cleaning pastes and other denture care products.
  • Arlington cosmetic dentistry implants do not typically cause any pain or discomfort in the mouth. They feel more like natural teeth than any other teeth replacement hardware.
  • “Implants don’t harbor food debris and bacteria like dentures do, so they won’t cause bad breath,” says the cosmetic dentist in Arlington.

In addition to all of these points, or perhaps because of them, dental implants promote self-confidence in the social and professional environment. “The patients who wear implant-supported bridges are happier and healthier. They can do more, eat more and generally have a totally different lease on life,” says the cosmetic dentist in Arlington. “If you didn’t have to remove your teeth for cleaning, cope with constant pain and discomfort and could actually taste your food properly, so would you!”

Arlington Cosmetic Dentistry: A Final Note on Dental Implants

Cosmetic dentist Arlington

Dental implants are recommended by Arlington cosmetic dentistry professionals for many reasons. For one, they are aesthetically and functionally superior to older, more archaic tooth replacement hardware, such as dentures. But they are also far more comfortable, long-lasting and convenient. The combination of all these benefits has made dental implants the favorite of both Arlington cosmetic dentistry professionals and patients alike. But if you thought the story ended here, think again. According to the cosmetic dentist in Arlington, dental implants also promote excellent jaw bone health, preserving bite strength and optimal youthful smile aesthetics!

Just another reason to veer from the choices made by your parents and grandparents!

Sunday 23 December 2012

The Wonderful Benefits of Dental Implants in Arlington, PART 1

This two-part article series takes a look at the benefits of dental implants over traditional tooth replacement technologies, namely, removable partial and full dentures.

If you have lost all of your teeth or are about to, then perhaps now is the best time to stray from the course set by your parents and grandparents as far as teeth replacement hardware is concerned. It’s true: removable dentures have been around for many centuries and have been the teeth replacement choice of millions upon millions of people. But this is the 21st century, and cosmetic dentistry in Arlington has been keeping up with the rest of medical science’s incredible technological and procedural developments. Nowadays, the very best and most sophisticated solution to edentulism (toothlessness) and near-edentulism is dental implants in Arlington!

Dental Implants in Arlington: A Brief Description

Dental implants Arlington

Most people have some kind of idea what dental implants in Arlington are. They are used to replace missing teeth and consist of a titanium screw to which a durable and aesthetic artificial tooth crown is placed. But unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants in Arlington replace both the missing tooth crown AND its root. And it is this rather simple difference that has put dental implants ahead of the other tooth replacement techniques offered by cosmetic dentistry in Arlington.

The Benefits of Dental Implants in Arlington

Dental implants in Arlington offer the full suite of benefits and advantages when compared with archaic technologies such as dentures:

The Aesthetics of Dental Implants in Arlington ~

Because they are not fixed in the mouth, dentures rely on their bulkiness to prevent them from slipping around and falling out. This bulkiness is not only the cause of much discomfort and even gagging, it also pushes on the lips from inside the mouth, resulting in a thin, pinched and aged oral appearance. Dental implants, on the other hand, are always recommended by experts in cosmetic dentistry in Arlington for their aesthetically superior results. Implants, which gain all their support from the underlying jaw bone – just like natural teeth - can be used to support a customized prosthetic dental bridge. Because this bridge is supported entirely by the dental implants, it doesn’t need to be bulky and so is far slimmer and more graceful in construction. This makes for a more natural, youthful and attractive smile!

The Functionality of Dental Implants in Arlington ~

Another reason dental implants are so recommended by experts in cosmetic dentistry in Arlington is because of their functional superiority. A person with natural teeth can bite down with a force of approximately 200 pounds. Your average denture-wearer can bite down with a force of 50 pounds. After 15 years of denture-wearing, this further reduces to a shocking 6 pounds as a result of a deterioration of jaw bone health. With such a weak bite, it’s no wonder why so many elderly people suffer from malnutrition!

Dental implants in Arlington enable patients to bite down with a natural force for three reasons:

  • Their “roots” are constructed from the exceptionally hard metal titanium,
  • Their “crowns” are fabricated from durable and strong porcelain material, and
  • Dental implants in Arlington are supported entirely by the underlying jaw bone, which enables them to function just as well as natural teeth.

What does this mean for the patient? You can eat whatever you want, of course! Dental implants in Arlington enable patients to eat all the foods they like without worrying about hurting their gums or damaging their teeth.

Cosmetic dentistry Arlington

Dental Implants in Arlington: Stay Tuned

To read more about the fantastic benefits and advantages of dental implants, stay tuned for the second installment of this two-part series on cosmetic dentistry in Arlington.

Monday 17 December 2012

The Dentist in Arlington: For Your Oral Health and Smile Aesthetics, PART 2

This two part article series discusses the four pillars of good dental health care: (1) preventative, (2) restorative, (3) periodontal health and (4) cosmetic dentistry.

Welcome back to our two-part series on Arlington family dentistry and understanding the four fundamental spheres of modern dental health care. In our previous article post, the dentist in Arlington provided a brief overview of the preventative measures and the various restorative and corrective procedures and treatments that are generally offered. In this article post, we shall move on to discussing the importance of good periodontal care and then the incredible solutions provided by modern cosmetic procedures.

The Dentist in Arlington: Periodontal Health Care

Dentist Arlington

When you brush your teeth (hopefully at least twice a day and for two minutes at a time), the focus is primarily on scrubbing those pearly whites. Few people think of brushing their teeth as looking after their gums… and yet, the gums are just as important a part of your home oral hygiene routine as your teeth are! “Periodontal healthcare is fundamental to the preservation of long term oral health and smile aesthetics,” says the dentist in Arlington.

According to Arlington family dentistry statistics, as many as 80% of all people present with some form or stage of periodontal infection or disease. “The problem is that oral bacterial infections of the gums (peri – ‘around’; dontal – the ‘teeth’) in the initial stages tend to present with symptoms that can quite easily be ignored,” says the dentist in Arlington. These symptoms might include one or more of the following:

  • Gum inflammation and swelling
  • Bleeding gums when brushing or eating hard and crunchy foods
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Visible deposits of plaque and tartar on the teeth and around the gum margins
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Loose teeth

It’s only when oral lesions and tooth loss become a problem that patients decide to finally seek the attention of the dentist in Arlington. Periodontal healthcare is concerned with the treatment of bacterial infection of the gums surrounding the teeth; a condition that is generally a result of smoking, poor oral hygiene, certain medications and/or one’s genetic heritage. By keeping the gums and the gingival sulci clear of infection, the dentist in Arlington will not only help you improve markedly upon the longevity of a your beautiful smile, but your general health too!

Arlington Family Dentistry: Cosmetic Procedures for Great Smile Aesthetics

Arlington family dentistry

While it is the priority of the dentist in Arlington to maintain an exceptional standard of oral health and hygiene, they also offer a variety of procedures and treatments designed to exclusively improve upon the natural beauty of one’s smile! You may have a perfectly healthy set of teeth, but, due to genetics or a lifelong love of coffee, your pearly whites may be a more undesirable shade of yellow. A dulled smile can quite easily be treated by the dentist in Arlington with tooth whitening or bleaching treatment, while porcelain veneers or bonding can be used to address more severe cases of tooth discoloration and unevenness. Dental crowns are also used in Arlington family dentistry to reshape teeth that have become very worn down and/or broken, giving patients a dazzlingly healthy smile worthy of the red carpet.

A Final Note from the Dentist in Arlington

No matter what your oral problem, ailment or complaint, establishing and maintaining a lifelong relationship with the dentist in Arlington will ensure that you keep your smile healthy and looking beautiful for life!

Thursday 13 December 2012

Arlington family dentistry: For Your Oral Health and Smile Aesthetics, PART 1

This two part article series discusses the four pillars of good dental health care: (1) preventative, (2) restorative, (3) periodontal health and (4) cosmetic dentistry.

It is truly breath-taking to consider the feats modern Arlington family dentistry is capable of nowadays. With the ceaseless advancement of engineering, technology and medical science, the dentist in Arlington TX is capable of achieving fantastic results in patients presenting with the full suite of oral problems and complaints; whether these problems affect one’s bite functionality, oral health or the cosmetic appearance of one’s smile.

A few decades ago, a visit to the dentist was organized out of sheer necessity and even then the solutions provided were crude to say the least. You had to be lucky or incredibly genetically gifted to make it to 50 with all of your original adult teeth left! Nowadays, with the sophisticated solutions provided by the field of Arlington family dentistry, there is no reason why you can’t make it to your late adulthood with your original smile still looking as healthy and as beautiful as ever!

In this two-part article series, we shall be taking a look at the four pillars of great Arlington family dentistry: Preventative care, restorative care, periodontal healthcare and cosmetic procedures.

Arlington Family Dentistry: Preventative Care

Arlington family dentistry

One of the key focuses of Arlington family dentistry is preventative oral healthcare. The last thing a patient would like to do is lose one or more teeth before they realize that they actually have a problem, which is why the dentist in Arlington TX recommends professional check-ups and cleanings once every six months. By booking and keeping those regular appointments, patients can maintain a high standard of oral health and hygiene. Furthermore, through the early diagnosis and treatment of existing and potential oral health problems, such as isolated tooth decay, a cavity, a mild gum infection or impacted wisdom teeth, Arlington family dentistry can effectively prevent patients from requiring far more invasive and expensive corrective procedures in the future! Remember: “Regular preventative oral healthcare is necessary right from early childhood,” says the dentist in Arlington TX.

Arlington Family Dentistry: Corrective and Restorative Procedures

Dentist Arlington TX

Arlington family dentistry offers a wide array of procedures, treatments and surgeries that are designed to correct existing problems concerning the health of the teeth and gums. These might include root canal therapy, dental crowns, fillings, inlays and onlays, bridges and the placement of dental implants.

The dentist in Arlington TX also offers dental solutions for patients that do not have correct teeth and/or jaw alignment. Orthodontic braces can be used to straighten the teeth in the mouth, not only achieving far better smile aesthetics, but also addressing problems related to over-crowding in the dental arch. Arlington family dentistry also encompasses jaw surgery, which can drastically improve upon a patient’s appearance, bite functionality, comfort and quality of life.

Whether a patient was born with a malformation, jaw misalignment or facial asymmetry, or has developed decay, infection or disease, Arlington family dentistry provides a number of corrective and restorative solutions.

Arlington Family Dentistry: Stay Tuned for Part 2

To read about the next two fundamental spheres of what the dentist in Arlington TX does, stay tuned for the second installment of this two-part article series.

Monday 3 December 2012

The Three Health Benefits of Arlington Dental Implants, PART 2

This two-part article series explains the three ways dental implants benefit both your short and long term oral health: by (1) preventing bacterial infection, (2) restoring dental stability and (3) promoting good jaw bone health.

Welcome back to our two-part article series on the short and long-term health benefits of Arlington dental implants. In the first installment, we discussed the first two major benefits with the Arlington Texas dentist:

(1) Arlington dental implants minimize the risk of bacterial infection attacking the fleshy socket left bare by the missing tooth.

(2) Arlington dental implants restore stability to the entire dental arch by supporting the teeth adjacent to the gap. This prevents the teeth from migrating and, in a sort of domino effect, passing the instability onto their neighbors.

Now, let’s take a look at the remaining benefit of Arlington dental implants, which just so happens to be one of their most important and defining advantages over all other teeth replacement technology…

3. Arlington Dental Implants Promote Jaw Bone Health

Arlington dental

Take a look at the above picture of the jaw bone. Beneath the gum line, you will see the long structure of the tooth roots embedded in the jaw bone. Did you know that the tooth roots play an essential role in keeping the hard tissue in the jaw alive and healthy? “Every time you eat, the forces caused by chewing, grinding and biting are transmitted via the roots of your teeth into your jaw bone,” explains the Arlington Texas dentist. “This stimulation essentially works to exercise the hard tissue, keeping it strong."

“What happens to your jaw bone when teeth go missing and are left without replacement by Arlington dental implants is the same thing that happens to your muscles when you don’t exercise,” says the Arlington Texas dentist. “It atrophies and begins to waste away, getting slimmer and slimmer. It’s this remodeling process that results in the sunken and pinched facial appearance we typically associate with elderly denture wearers,” explains the Arlington Texas dentist.

Arlington Texas dentist

Arlington dental implants provide a far more sophisticated solution to missing teeth than other dental technologies because they replace both the tooth root and the crown, whereas bridges and dentures only replace the visible portion of the tooth. By replacing this essential source of stimulation, Arlington dental implants keep the jaw bone ‘exercised’ and healthy. “Remember,” says the Arlington Texas dentist, “even a single missing tooth can result in localized atrophication. This is why it’s so important to seek immediate treatment with Arlington dental implants.”

Other Benefits of Arlington Dental Implants

Arlington dental

So, the Arlington Texas dentist has covered the three main health benefits of dental implants. Now we would like to leave you with some of the other main advantages of this ingenious tooth replacement technology:

  • Arlington dental implants look like natural, healthy teeth.
  • They facilitate a powerful bite, enabling you to resume your normal diet.
  • They feel natural and not like something foreign or plastic, like dental bridges and dentures tend to.
  • Arlington dental implants can last 20, 30 years and more if cared for properly.
  • They are cleaned and maintained just like regular teeth.
  • They are fixed and non-removable, so patients need not worry about any of the challenges and problems generally caused by dentures.
  • Arlington dental implants provide a cost-effective and typically, a one-time solution to the loss of single, multiple or even total tooth loss.

Monday 26 November 2012

The Three Health Benefits of Dental Implants in Arlington, PART 1

This two-part article series explains the three ways dental implants benefit both your short and long term oral health: by (1) preventing bacterial infection, (2) restoring dental stability and (3) promoting good jaw bone health.

Dental implants in Arlington are recognized by dentists and oral surgeons around the world to be the best and most sophisticated technology for the replacement of missing or irreparably damaged or decayed teeth. This is not only because they are carefully fabricated to be virtually indistinguishable in appearance from a patient’s remaining healthy natural teeth, nor is it because they support a strong bite function, enabling patients to eat all the foods they love. While the functionality, aesthetics and comfortable fit of dental implants in Arlington are fundamental to their success as a tooth replacement technology, the Arlington dentist recommends them for their various short and long-term oral health benefits.

In this two-part article series, we shall be discussing these various benefits with a qualified and experienced Arlington dentist. Armed with this information about dental implants in Arlington, it is hoped that you will go on to make the best possible decision regarding your oral healthcare in the unfortunate event that you lose one of your natural teeth.

1. Dental Implants in Arlington Minimize the Risk of Bacterial Infection

Dental implants Arlington
“When a natural tooth is lost and left without replacement, the remaining tooth socket is left completely vulnerable,” explains the Arlington dentist. “Food debris and bacteria easily get stuck in the socket and because it’s deep and probably still quite tender, it is impossible for a patient to keep entirely clean.”

“The consequence of leaving a tooth socket bare is an increased risk of bacterial infection. Also, because of its proximity to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap, there is a risk of this infection spreading and compromising the health of the entire dental arch,” says the Arlington dentist. “This is why we always recommend immediate tooth replacement with dental implants in Arlington.”

By filling in the exposed tooth socket, dental implants in Arlington effectively prevent food and bacteria from collecting in this natural fleshy trap, thus minimizing your risk of infection.

2. Dental Implants in Arlington Restore Stability to the Dental Arch

Arlington dentist
“All it takes is one missing tooth to upset the stability of the entire dental arch,” says the Arlington dentist. “Each tooth in your mouth, to some extent, depends on its neighbors for support and stability.” So, when one tooth falls out or is extracted by the dentist and left without replacement by, for example, dental implants in Arlington, the adjacent teeth will begin to migrate to fill in the gap. As each tooth moves, its adjacent teeth will also become unstable.

“Many patients experience a loosening of all their teeth after only losing one or two,” says the Arlington dentist. “Dental implants in Arlington restore stability and support where necessary, which prevents migration of the adjacent teeth, thus maintaining great oral health and bite function.”

The Health Benefits of Dental Implants in Arlington: Stay Tuned

To read about the remaining health benefit of dental implants in Arlington, stay tuned for the second installment of this article series.

Friday 16 November 2012

What Your Pearly Whites Tell the Dentist in Arlington TX About Your Lifestyle, PART 2

This two-part article series explains what the health of your teeth and gums can tell a dental healthcare professional about your lifestyle and the bad habits you may have.

Welcome back to the second installment of this two-part article series on the toll unhealthy lifestyles take upon the health of your teeth and gums. In our previous article post, the dentist in Arlington TX discussed teeth grinding, unhealthy eating and addiction: three traps people who hit it hard at work frequently fall into. In this article, we shall look at the dangers faced by those who hit it hard after hours…

2. Hitting it Hard After Hours

Dentist Arlington TX

There is nothing better than loosening the tie, sitting back with a bunch of friends and knocking back a couple of beers, or cosmopolitans or whatever your poison may be. “Alcohol is a fantastic social lubricant and, because it acts as a central nervous system depressant, serves to relax one,” explains the dentist in Arlington TX. It’s then not hard to understand why a beer (or three) is especially welcome after a long and stressful day at the office!

It’s when alcohol becomes synonymous with ‘unwinding’ that lifestyles go from balanced to seriously compromised. “There’s nothing wrong with having the occasional drink with friends,” says the dentist in Arlington TX. “But most people don’t know when to draw the line. Alcohol becomes a coping mechanism; a way to escape and even a form of rebellion when one spends their entire day in a highly demanding and stressful work environment.”

Dentist in Arlington TX: Excessive Drinking

Dentist in Arlington TX

“For many reasons, heavy drinking has a terrible impact upon oral health and hygiene,” say the dentist in Arlington TX. “Most alcoholic beverages contain a lot of sugar and are very acidic. The sugar encourages oral bacteria to flourish, while the acid softens your dental enamel, leaving it more vulnerable to decay and cavity-formation.”

In addition to this, alcohol causes ‘dry mouth’. “The enzymes in your saliva act as a natural defense against bacteria,” explains dentist Arlington TX. “Xerostomia or ‘dry mouth’ impedes the healthy production of saliva, which leaves your teeth and gums incredibly vulnerable to decay.”

Dentist in Arlington TX: Bad Habits and Poor Oral Hygiene

It’s not only the direct impact hard drinking has upon your oral health. Hitting it hard after hours is also linked with other bad habits, such as smoking, poor oral hygiene and unhealthy eating. “If you stagger home at 5am, chances are you’re going to skip brushing and flossing and go straight to bed with a half-eaten bag of chips still clutched tightly in your one hand,” says the dentist in Arlington TX.

Dentist Arlington TX

Drug abuse is also a problem amongst people who hit the pubs and clubs after hours.

The Dentist in Arlington TX: Achieving the Ideal Balance

There nothing wrong with having the occasional party. In fact, it’s essential for your overall health, even if you do find yourself getting a little tipsy. The socializing, dancing and unwinding serves to de-stress, lower blood pressure and increase ‘happy’ hormones. But, as with everything in life, we need to establish a healthy balance. “Hitting it hard at work is fine if you swap the nicotine and caffeine with a solid gym session,” says the dentist in Arlington TX. “The latter is a far more effective stress reliever anyway.”

Dentist in Arlington TX

Look after yourself well and you will find that your general and oral health will reflect your lifestyle. “What this means,” says the dentist in Arlington TX, “is more energy, greater emotional vitality, a stronger mind and… a beautiful award-winning smile!”

Thursday 15 November 2012

What Your Pearly Whites Tell the Arlington Texas Dentist about Your Lifestyle, PART 1

This two-part article series explains what the health of your teeth and gums can tell a dental healthcare professional about your lifestyle and the bad habits you may have.

Whether you’re hitting it hard at work, or hitting it hard after hours (or both), an unbalanced lifestyle can take a visible toll on your oral health. In this two-part article series, the Arlington Texas dentist discusses some of the consequences unhealthy living has on the quality of your smile…

1. Hitting it Hard at Work

Arlington Texas Dentist

The human lifestyle has moved out of the forests and plains and into the concrete jungle. When intellect is pitted against intellect, it takes a lot of time, effort and hard work to get to the top of your game, whatever your ‘game’ may be. “Nowadays, most of us spend eight or more hours draped over our computers, leaving us precious little time to do those essential activities that keep us strong and healthy, both physically and mentally,” says the Arlington Texas dentist. These include:
  • Eating properly and regularly
  • Getting a good night’s rest
  • Exercising
  • Socializing with friends
  • Spending time with family
  • Pursuing a hobby
The results of a life spent rushing from one appointment to the next vary depending upon the individual. But without the time we need to recharge our batteries, the common denominator ends up being stress. And stress, as the Arlington Texas dentist will tell you, wrecks your teeth!

Arlington Texas Dentist: Your Arlington Dental Health and Teeth-Grinding, or ‘Bruxism’

Arlington dental

“Teeth grinding and jaw clenching are unconscious expressions of stress and anxiety,” explains the Arlington Texas dentist. “They also occur most frequently at night, when you’re asleep, so you might not even be aware that you do it.”

The Arlington Texas dentist can generally tell from the excessive wear on the biting surface of your molars if you are a teeth grinder. They can also tell by the presence of fracturing in your dental enamel. The short of it is that teeth grinding, which is believed to be caused by stress, absolutely wrecks your Arlington dental health.

Arlington Texas Dentist: Your Arlington Dental Health and Poor Eating Habits

Arlington Texas Dentist

“A stressful lifestyle can also have a deleterious impact upon your eating patterns, as well as the quality of what you eat,” explains the Arlington Texas dentist. If you’re incredibly busy during the day, you may find yourself grabbing what you can for lunch and unfortunately the most accessible food is, as the name suggests, ‘fast food’. “It’s much easier to grab a hot dog from a food vendor than it is to spend 20 minutes packing your own healthy lunch at home,” says the Arlington Texas dentist. “And if you don’t have the time to get lunch, energy drinks and sugar-packed snacks will fill in the gaps!”

The result of all this is an unhealthy, unbalanced and irregular diet. “Your Arlington dental health depends as much upon nutrition as the rest of your body,” explains the Arlington Texas dentist. “Not only will this kind of diet take a toll on your immune system, but the high sugar and acidic content of fast foods, sugared beverages and energy snacks and drinks will increase your risk of cavities and tooth decay.”

Arlington Texas Dentist: Your Arlington Dental Health and Addiction

Arlington dental

“Last, but certainly not least, stressful lifestyles tend to culture addictions,” explains the Arlington Texas dentist. Most people rely on coping mechanisms to deal with stress. They provide a mental vacation from the incredibly difficult tasks at hand. For the smoker, a cigarette break provides seven delicious minutes of peace and quiet. For the 12-a-day coffee drinker, caffeine provides the nervous energy they need to meet their deadlines.

Then there are the more dangerous addictions: prescription pain-killers and sedatives to numb the brain against constant anxiety. “Highly educated people can even turn to illegal drugs to help them cope with stress, however false this coping may be: crystal meth, cocaine and heroin,” says the Arlington Texas dentist.

All of these addictions, one way or the other, ruin your teeth and lead to the development of diseases like gingivitis, periodontitis and even oral cancer.

For More on Your Arlington Dental Health, Stay Tuned:

People hitting it hard at work need to find a healthy balance and they need to prioritize what’s important; their health,” stresses the Arlington Texas dentist.

But this isn’t where things end. When the sun goes down, people who hit it hard at work tend to swing violently to the other end of the spectrum, hitting it hard after hours…

Stay tuned for the second installment of this article series!

Friday 9 November 2012

Arlington TX Dentist Talks about the Top Four Causes of Tooth Loss, PART 1

This two-part article series explains the four main causes of tooth loss: accidental trauma, tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease and, interestingly enough, tooth loss to begin with!

Arlington TX dentist

You can’t imagine what it’s like to lose a permanent tooth until one of your pearly whites actually falls out your mouth or is extracted by your Arlington TX dentist. Unfortunately, too many people have become acquainted with this feeling; According to the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, approximately 70% of all Americans between the ages of 35 and 44 have lost at least one of their original adult teeth! The initial shock and anxiety caused by losing a tooth has as much to do with a concern for your smile aesthetics as it does the cost and trouble involved in fixing it. Any Arlington TX dentist (and anyone who’s lost a tooth) will explain to you that prevention is ALWAYS better than cure, especially when it comes to tooth loss. This is because your teeth are irreplaceable and no fancy modern technology - even Arlington dental implants - can rival your own biological technology.

In this two-part article series, the Arlington TX dentist shall be discussing the four main reasons teeth become irreparably damaged and either fall out by themselves or need to be extracted: (1) accidental trauma, (2) tooth decay, (3) periodontal (gum) disease and curiously enough (4) tooth loss to begin with!

1. Arlington Dental Disasters: Accidental trauma

Arlington dental

Contact sports involve all kinds of physical risks. Professional and amateur players alike regularly walk (or hobble) away from the field or court with serious injuries. Whether you play basketball, rugby, baseball, tennis or something a little more obvious like boxing, if there are balls, fists and feet flying around, you should have a mouth guard custom fabricated for you by your Arlington TX dentist and you should wear it at all times. “All it takes is an accidental fist to the face or a stray tennis racquet to the teeth and in a single second, your smile can be irreparably altered,” says the Arlington TX dentist.

“Hundreds of millions of teeth are lost or severely damaged every year as a result of accidental trauma. While most accidents aren’t ‘planned’, you can certainly exercise the correct amount of caution to either help prevent them or mitigate the damage done by them,” explains the Arlington TX dentist. The message here is to be careful, tread cautiously and wear a mouth guard if you play sports. Take care of yourself.

2. Arlington Dental Disasters: Tooth decay

Arlington TX dentist

The next major cause of tooth loss is decay. “Your mouth, no matter how good you are about keeping your teeth clean, is teeming with opportunistic bacteria,” says the Arlington TX dentist. “If you don’t brush and floss regularly and if you don’t see your Arlington dental health care professional twice a year, you are leaving your teeth highly vulnerable to oral bacteria.”

“Bacteria feast upon the sugary residues left in your mouth after eating and drinking,” explains the Arlington TX dentist. “Just like any other organism that eats, they produce waste products and this excrement is very acidic. By neglecting to brush and floss your teeth, you give bacteria a chance to establish vast colonies in the natural creases of your gums and teeth,” says the Arlington TX dentist. Eventually, bacterial acidic waste will erode away your dental enamel forming cavities which provide even greater shelter for bacteria.

Without treatment by the Arlington TX dentist, cavities eventually deepen, allowing bacteria a direct pathway into the heart of the tooth. Once the pulp chamber becomes infected, the tooth will need to be sterilized via a root canal procedure. The vast majority of Arlington dental patients, however, opt to simply have the decayed, problematic tooth extracted.

Arlington dental

“Preventing decay requires high standards of oral hygiene and regular attention from an Arlington TX dentist. You should also minimize your intake of sugar and lead a healthy lifestyle,” advise Arlington dental health care professionals.

For More on Your Arlington Dental Health, Stay Tuned for the Second Installment of This Two-Part Series!

Thursday 1 November 2012

Dentist in Arlington TX Recommends “All-on-4” Surgical Protocol for Fixed Oral Rehabilitation, PART 4

This four-part article series takes a comprehensive look at the modern dental implant protocol able to give edentulous and near-edentulous patients a brand new set of fixed and non-removable teeth in as little as a single day.

Welcome to the final installment of our four-part article series on “All-on-4” dental implants. So far, the dentist in Arlington TX has discussed how this technique for oral rehabilitation works and how the solutions it provides compare with those of removable dentures. In this final part of the series, the dentist in Arlington TX will describe how the “All-on-4” dental implant protocol is able to provide patients with a brand new set of teeth in as little as a single day, with a single surgery. It all begins with the design of the technique…

Dentist in Arlington TX: The Innovation of “All-on-4” Implants

Dentist Arlington

In 1993, European implantologist Dr. Paulo Malo innovated a surgical technique that overcame one of the largest hurdles in oral rehabilitation using dental implants: bone grafting surgery. You see, people who have been living without teeth for many, many years (or with dentures) frequently present with a lack of bone volume in the jaw. This is caused by atrophication of the hard tissue, which wastes away without the stimulation provided by the tooth roots. So, when these patients come to the dentist in Arlington TX for help, depending upon the degree of bone loss in the jaw, they may not be considered candidates for dental implants.

In these cases, the dentist in Arlington TX may recommend bone grafting surgery, which augments the existing bone and encourages the growth of new and healthy hard tissue in the jaw. The problem with this step towards oral rehabilitation is that it is invasive and incredibly painful for the patient to go through. It’s also expensive and requires months of healing before the jaw is ready to accept dental implants, explains the dentist in Arlington TX. The need for bone grafting surgery represented a hurdle in one’s journey towards having a full set of beautiful and functional teeth again. But with the advent of “All-on-4” dental implants, the dentist in Arlington TX is almost always able to skip this procedure entirely.

Dentist in Arlington TX: How the “All-on-4” Avoids Bone Grafting

Dentist Arlington TX

Dr. Paulo Malo specifically designed the “All-on-4” technique to avoid the need for bone grafting entirely. This was done through the placement and angulation of four dental implants in the jaw:

• Two dental implants are placed by the dentist in Arlington TX in the front portion of the jaw, where the bone naturally exists in a greater volume and is more resistant to atrophy.

• Another two (longer) dental implants are placed towards the back of the jaw, in the region of the second and third molars. These implants are inserted at a very precise angle, which enables them to reap maximum support from the underlying jaw bone, explains the dentist in Arlington TX. This angulation also ensures that they avoid damaging vital structures, such as the nerve canal in the lower jaw and the sinus cavity in the upper jaw.

Together, these four dental implants provide ample support for a fully customized prosthetic dental bridge. Because only four dental implants are placed per jaw, the entire procedure can be completed in a single day, with a single surgery, explains the dentist in Arlington TX. And it is this unprecedented treatment time that has earned “All-on-4” dental implants ‘breakthrough’ status in the fields of implantology and fixed oral rehabilitation!

A Final Note from the Dentist in Arlington TX

Removable dentures are no longer the best and most sophisticated solution to edentulism and near-edentulism. Whether you already wear dentures or are facing an immediate future of them, dental implants provide a much more comprehensive and long term answer; one that doesn’t cost you in your quality of life. Speak to your dentist in Arlington TX about the sophisticated solutions provided by the “All-on-4” protocol!

Wednesday 17 October 2012

Dentist in Arlington TX Recommends “All-on-4” Surgical Protocol for Fixed Oral Rehabilitation, PART 3

This four-part article series takes a comprehensive look at the modern dental implant protocol able to give edentulous and near-edentulous patients a brand new set of fixed and non-removable teeth in as little as a single day.

Welcome back to our four-part article series on dental implants and how they offer an incredibly sophisticated, comprehensive and long-term solution to missing teeth. In our previous article post, the second installment of the series, the dentist in Arlington TX explained how the “All-on-4” dental implant protocol worked, as well as some of the key differences between it and traditional dental implant techniques. In this article, the third installment of the series, the dentist in Arlington will move on to explain how oral rehabilitation with the “All-on-4” affords edentulous (not having a single original tooth left) and near-edentulous patients a much higher quality of life.

Key Differences between “All-on-4” Implants and Removable Dentures

Dentist Arlington

In our previous article post, the dentist in Arlington TX explained how the “All-on-4” technique worked. Essentially, to recap, it involves the placement of four dental implants in the jaw, which are subsequently used to support a fully customized and non-removable prosthetic dental bridge. The dental implants, explains the dentist in Arlington, provide all the support this bridge needs to function like a natural set of teeth; for eating, smiling and speaking. Many of the differences between the “All-on-4” and removable dentures arise from the fact that the former is permanently fixed in the mouth with dental implants, which are in turn ‘anchored’ in the jaw, whereas dentures are loose and rely on the gum-covered jaw bone ridge for support. Consequently:

  • Removable dentures can shift around and fall out, causing acute social embarrassment and difficulty eating.
  • Removable dentures exert pressure on the gums, causing inflammation, irritation, pain and discomfort for the patient. In fact, says the dentist in Arlington TX, after a few years of denture-wearing, the majority of patients prefer to eat without their teeth! This is a direct failure of the technology.
  • Removable dentures require patients to buy adhesives and anesthetic gels to combat the above-mentioned problems. This is a repeated investment they will be required to make for a lifetime, or as long as they wear dentures, explains the dentist in Arlington.
  • Removable dentures rely on their bulk to keep them stable. This can cause a number of problems for the patient, says the dentist in Arlington. It pushes on the lips from the inside causing unnatural (and aged) smile aesthetics. The bulkiness of dentures can also trigger the gag reflex and impede a patient’s ability to taste and enjoy their food properly, says the dentist in Arlington.
  • Dentures can harbor food and bacteria causing bad breath and poor oral hygiene.
  • Removable dentures compromise 75% of your bite functionality, says the dentist in Arlington TX! After 15 years of wearing dentures, patients lose 97% of their bite strength, which not only limits their diet severely, but also causes malnutrition in the elderly.
Because the bridge used in the “All-on-4” is supported by dental implants:

  • It cannot shift around or fall out.
  • It does not cause any pain, discomfort or inflammation of the underlying soft tissue.
  • It feels entirely comfortable to eat with, says the dentist in Arlington TX.
  • It does not require patients to constantly stock anesthetic gels and adhesives.
  • The construction of the bridge is much slimmer and so it doesn’t tend to cause problems such as gagging and taste impediment, explains the dentist in Arlington.
  • The “All-on-4” promotes the health of the underlying jaw bone and relies upon this hard tissue for all the support necessary for eating (as is the case with natural teeth.) As such, explains the dentist in Arlington TX, the “All-on-4” bridge supports a strong and fully functional bite, enabling patients to eat a balanced healthy diet without compromise.
  • Owing to the slim construction of the “All-on-4” bridge and its tight fit against the gums, it cannot harbor food and bacteria.

Dentist Arlington TX

Dentist in Arlington TX: Stay Tuned

To find out how the “All-on-4” dental implant technique is capable of providing patients with a brand new set of teeth in as little as a single day, with a single surgery, stay tuned for the final installment of this four-part article series.

Wednesday 10 October 2012

Arlington Dental Groups Recommend “All-on-4” Surgical Protocol for Fixed Oral Rehabilitation, PART 2

This four-part article series takes a comprehensive look at the modern dental implant protocol able to give edentulous and near-edentulous patients a brand new set of fixed and non-removable teeth in as little as a single day.

Welcome back to our four-part article series on dental implants and why they are, for those who have lost one or more or even all of their teeth, the clear choice in Arlington. In our previous introductory post, we began discussing why removable dentures, which have long been the main teeth replacement solution for edentulous (toothless) and near-edentulous patients, cannot rival modern dental implant protocols provided by Arlington dental groups. In this article, the second installment of the series, Arlington dental group professionals shall take a much closer look at the revolutionary “All-on-4” dental implant technique, explain how it works and why it offers far more sophisticated and long term solutions to missing teeth than dentures.

Arlington dental group

Arlington Dental Groups: What are “All-on-4” Dental Implants?

The “All-on-4” is a dental implant protocol that involves the affixing of a fully customized prosthetic dental bridge to the abutments of, as the name suggests, four dental implants per jaw. What this essentially means, explain professionals in the Arlington dental group, is that all you need are four dental implants per jaw in order to have a complete set of immediately functional and attractive teeth fixed in your mouth. Better yet, these teeth are non-removable, are looked after just like natural teeth and don’t cause any of the pain, discomfort and endless challenges that removable dentures do. This really makes the “All-on-4” the clear choice in Arlington for those who have either already lost all of their original adult teeth to periodontal (gum) disease, or who are about to.

Arlington Dental Groups: What If I’ve Been Told I’m Not a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Many long-time denture-wearers are told by Arlington dental group practitioners that they are not candidates for dental implants. But there is a distinction to be made between traditional dental implant protocols and the “All-on-4” technique. The problem arises from a lack of sufficient bone volume, explain Arlington dental group professionals. Denture-wearers and those who have lived without teeth for many, many years undergo substantial changes to their jaw bone. Without natural tooth roots to keep the jaw alive and stimulated, this hard tissue atrophies and wastes away, just like unexercised muscle tissue, explain professionals in Arlington dental groups. Dentures only replace the visible part of your teeth, but don’t do anything to stimulate the underlying jaw bone. Dental implants replace both the crowns of the teeth and the roots, which is why dentists, when it comes to tooth replacement, consider them to be the clear choice in Arlington.

Arlington Dental Groups and the “All-on-4” Avoiding Bone Grafting Surgery

Clear choice Arlington

After many, many years of edentulism, your jaw bone may have lost too much volume to support dental implants placed using traditional surgical methods. But the “All-on-4” protocol was specifically designed to avoid the need for bone grafting surgery, which would be the next step in oral rehabilitation if your jaw had indeed wasted away, explain professionals in Arlington dental groups. Through the careful placement and precise angulation of only four dental implants in regions of the jaw bone that naturally contain a greater volume of atrophy-resistant bone tissue, professionals in Arlington dental groups can find sufficient support for a prosthetic dental bridge (see image above). The benefits of this are numerous and make dental implants the clear choice in Arlington:

  • It allows the dentist to skip the need for bone grafting surgery, which is an invasive procedure and very painful for the patient, explain Arlington dental group professionals.
  • It saves patients the massive expense of having multiple surgeries, numerous implants placed and all that time spent in recovery.
  • Arlington dental group practitioners can complete oral rehabilitation in a single day with as little as a single surgery and only four dental implants.
  • Patients are literally able to save tens of thousands of dollars on getting a brand new set of teeth placed, making the “All-on-4” your clear choice in Arlington!

Your Clear Choice in Arlington Group: Stay Tuned

To find out how the solutions provided by the modern dental implant protocol, the “All-on-4” technique compare to removable dentures, stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series.

Monday 1 October 2012

“All-on-4” Implant Dentistry in Arlington: Surgical Protocol for Fixed Oral Rehabilitation, PART 1

This four-part article series takes a comprehensive look at the modern dental implant protocol able to give edentulous and near-edentulous patients a brand new set of fixed and non-removable teeth in as little as a single day.

Implant dentistry in Arlington as we know it today is a field that was conceived in the 1950’s with the discovery of titanium’s biological compatibility with bone tissue. Dental implants went on to become popular in the 1980’s, offering people presenting with single, multiple and even total tooth loss a much better and long term alternative to dental bridges and removable dentures. It was only in 1993 that implant dentistry in Arlington underwent another massive leap with the advent of a surgical protocol that was better able to treat edentulous patients (not having a single original adult tooth left) and near-edentulous patients. In this four-part article series, we shall be taking a comprehensive look at the surgical protocol used to provide sophisticated and long term teeth replacement solutions to patients in desperate need of a new set of teeth. Removable dentures used to be the only option for these people, say professionals in implant dentistry in Arlington.

Now dental implants are the clear choice in Arlington!

Implant dentistry Arlington

Implant Dentistry in Arlington: Statistics of Edentulism in the United States

According to the Center for Disease Control, almost 30% of American adults over the age of 65 don’t have a single original tooth left. Not one. And this is almost always due to dental decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Before the availability of teeth replacement technologies offered by implant dentistry in Arlington, the people facing these kinds of crippling challenges would either have removable dentures placed, or somehow adapt to a life without teeth. However, when you consider the challenges, impediments and repeat expenses this archaic technology comes hand-in-hand with, it’s no wonder that dentists in Arlington and around the world recommend dental implants as the edentulous patient’s clear choice in Arlington.

Implant Dentistry in Arlington: Why Removable Dentures Just Won’t Cut It

A significant portion of patients who have already lost all of their teeth or who are facing an immediate future of edentulism opt for removable dentures as their tooth replacement technology. This is such a pity because these patients just don’t understand the crippling challenges, lifestyle impediments and repeated costs they are signing up for, explain professionals in implant dentistry in Arlington. Removable dentures were, at one time, the most sophisticated solutions dentists could offer toothless patients. But nowadays, with the sophisticated surgical protocols offered by implant dentistry in Arlington, fixed oral rehabilitation is available to one and all. We shall be exploring the benefits and advantages of these protocols over traditional approaches to edentulism (namely, dentures) in a later installment of this article series. But before we can explain why dental implants are the clear choice in Arlington, we need to take a look at how these modern techniques work and how the advent of the “All-on-4” technique revolutionized the field of implant dentistry in Arlington.

Implant dentistry Arlington

Implant Dentistry in Arlington: Stay Tuned

To find out how the modern dental implant protocol, the “All-on-4” technique, works and how it offers far superior solutions to edentulism than removable dentures, stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part article series. Dental implants, whether you have lost one tooth or all of them, are the clear choice in Arlington!

Wednesday 26 September 2012

Dentists in Arlington Texas: Your Frequently Asked Questions Answered! PART 4

This four-part article series answers the questions frequently asked by patients interested in cosmetically improving the symmetry, color or shape of their teeth.

In our previous three article posts, dentists in Arlington Texas have answered questions focusing on cosmetic procedures ranging from teeth whitening and ceramic crowns to crown lengthening, porcelain veneers and the link between cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry. In this article, the final installment of the series, we shall focus on FAQs about dental implants in Arlington. This tooth replacement technology is a great example of how the line between cosmetic and general dentistry can, at times, cease to exist altogether!

FAQ: If I’ve lost a couple of teeth over the years, what teeth replacement technology is most recommended by dentists in Arlington Texas?

Dentists Arlington Texas

Answer: Whether you have lost one, many or all of your teeth – and in most cases, regardless of the cause - dentists in Arlington Texas will time and again recommend dental implants. They are the most sophisticated, comprehensive and long-term solution to missing teeth that, unlike any other dental technology, supports a healthy jaw bone.

FAQ: Dental implants in Arlington may be the way to go, but doesn’t it hurt terribly to have them placed?

Answer: It is one of the most unfortunate misconceptions amongst patients that dental implant surgery is acutely painful, say dentists in Arlington Texas. The use of sophisticated computer imaging software enables dentists to perform implant procedures using minimal incisions and sutures, which is the primary source of post-operative pain. Furthermore, you will not be operated upon without the use of local or, in more complex cases of teeth replacement, general anesthesia, assure dentists in Arlington Texas. Patients even have the option to take a sedative prior to the procedure, so that your experience will be as pain and anxiety-free as possible. Sure, it would hurt if you had to place dental implants in Arlington without the benefit of all our modern technologies; protocols and analgesic medications, but then so would getting a filling!

FAQ: What’s the lifespan of dental implants in Arlington? Will they ever require replacement?

Answer: Dental implants in Arlington have a remarkable life span. If placed by qualified and experienced dentists in Arlington Texas and if cared for properly by you, the patient, your new teeth can last several decades, which is longer than any other teeth replacement technology. In fact, some patients have had their dental implants in for as long as 30 years with no sign of failure or need for restoration. Make sure you maintain a high standard of oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly and there’s no reason why you can’t keep a dental implant for just as long, advises dentists in Arlington Texas.

FAQ: I currently wear dentures and was told a few years ago that I’m not a candidate for dental implants because my jaw bone is too thin. Can dentists in Arlington Texas recommend anything else? I hate dentures!

Dental Implants Arlington

Answer: They certainly can! Modern dental implant protocols enable skilled dentists in Arlington Texas to provide edentulous (toothless) and near edentulous patients with a brand new set of non-removable teeth that look, function and feel like natural teeth. Best of all, with ‘All-on-4’ dental implants in Arlington, they can almost always do this with a single surgery, in a single day! The bone in your jaw requires stimulation or ‘exercise’ in order to remain alive and vital, explain dentists in Arlington Texas. In a healthy jaw, this stimulation is provided by the tooth roots, which transmit the forces associated with biting, chewing and grinding into this hard tissue.

When all the teeth are lost, so too is this stimulation and, as a result, the jaw bone begins to atrophy, explain dentists in Arlington Texas. This can compromise a patient’s candidacy for dental implants in the long run, especially if they have been wearing dentures for many, many years. However, new and advanced dental implant protocols are able to overcome this traditional challenge and almost always without the need for bone grafting surgery first, say dentists in Arlington Texas. If you are interested in having a full set of permanent teeth placed, then speak to your dentist about the ‘All-on-4’ dental implant protocol.

Sunday 23 September 2012

Arlington Cosmetic Dentistry: Your Frequently Asked Questions Answered! PART 3

This four-part article series answers the questions frequently asked by patients interested in cosmetically improving the symmetry, color or shape of their teeth.

Welcome back to this, the third installment of a four-part article FAQ series on Arlington cosmetic dentistry. So far, we have answered some of your pressing questions concerning ceramic crowns, dental whitening and veneers. In this article, we shall continue addressing more of the questions frequently asked by patients who feel that their teeth and/or gums could benefit from the procedures or treatments offered by Arlington cosmetic dentistry.


Arlington cosmetic dentistry

FAQ: Why pay more money for a professional teeth whitening treatment when there are plenty over-the-counter products to choose from?

Answer: You need only check out the dental hygiene and healthcare aisle of the supermarket to appreciate the sheer diversity of teeth whitening products on the market. And with so many to choose from, why would you spend that little extra money on having a professional Arlington cosmetic dentistry treatment done? The answer is very simple: the concentration of bleaching agent (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) in these over-the-counter products is legally restricted. This is to protect the companies that manufacture these products against liability cases involving customers that have accidentally overused the product and have damaged their teeth and/or gums.

Professionals in Arlington cosmetic dentistry use whitening gels that contain a much higher percentage of the bleaching agent, but because they are qualified and experienced at administering such treatment, they can do so completely safely and with minimal side-effects. The bottom line is that a professional Arlington cosmetic dentistry teeth whitening treatment is going to give you much better, faster and more natural results than any over-the-counter product.

FAQ: What causes teeth staining in the first place and how can I prevent stains from re-accumulating after a teeth whitening treatment?


Arlington cosmetic dentist

Answer: Our teeth become stained from the foods we eat and the liquids we drink, say professionals in Arlington cosmetic dentistry. Certain substances, such as coffee, tea, red wine, dark berries, beetroot and dark sodas contribute to dental discoloration, especially if consumed frequently over many years. While many of these indulgences aren’t bad for you, avoiding gradual tooth discoloration or preserving the results of a dental whitening treatment will require you to limit your intake of substances such as coffee, tea and red wine. Tobacco smoking is also one of the top tooth staining offenders, say professionals in Arlington cosmetic dentistry, so you should kick that habit… but that goes for many more reasons than just your smile aesthetics.

FAQ: My gums have grown right over the crowns of my teeth making them look short and stubby. What Arlington cosmetic dentistry procedure would it require to make them look normal again?

Answer: If the gums have grown abnormally over the crowns of your teeth, it could be because they have swollen in response to infection. You could have gingivitis, in which case professionals in Arlington cosmetic dentistry would either take the necessary steps to treat you for a gingival bacterial infection, or they would refer you to a periodontists; a gum specialist. If a little extra gum tissue is something you were born with, or something you’ve had for as long as you can remember, then there is a very straight-forward Arlington cosmetic dentistry procedure that could improve your smile aesthetics. It’s called ‘crown lengthening’ and it involves the removal of a thin strip of excess tissue at the gum line in order to reveal a greater and more natural-looking portion of the underlying tooth crown (see image below).


Arlington cosmetic dentistry

Arlington Cosmetic Dentistry: Stay Tuned
To read some final FAQ on Arlington cosmetic dentistry, stay tuned for the last installment of this four-part article series!

Tuesday 11 September 2012

The Cosmetic Dentist in Arlington: Your Frequently Asked Questions Answered! PART 2

This four-part article series answers the questions frequently asked by patients interested in cosmetically improving the symmetry, color or shape of their teeth.


Back to find out more about what the cosmetic dentist in Arlington can do for your smile? In this article, the second installment of our four-part series, we shall continue answering more of the questions frequently asked by patients who feel that their teeth and/or gums could benefit from the procedures or treatments offered by the cosmetic dentist in Arlington.

Cosmetic dentist Arlington

FAQ: My teeth are healthy, but they aren’t shaped nicely. Their edges are and always have been somewhat jagged, making my smile unattractive. What would the cosmetic dentist in Arlington recommend?

Answer: Not everyone is born with perfectly straight and even teeth. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that your teeth are unhealthy, or unhealthier than someone who does have beautiful teeth, it can affect the quality of your smile. If the crowns of your teeth are jagged and uneven, as opposed to smooth and straight, you could be considered a candidate for dental veneers, says the cosmetic dentist in Arlington. A veneer is a wafer-thin shell of ceramic material that is custom made to fit the shape of your teeth; jagged edges, chips, cracks and all! During its fabrication, the veneer is made to fill out these imperfections in the tooth structure. Once the cosmetic dentist in Arlington has bonded the veneer to the front of the tooth or teeth requiring restoration (using very hard cement), the result will be a perfectly even and straight tooth! Catherine Zeta-Jones’ smile is a great example of the wonders porcelain veneers are capable of.

Dentist Arlington

The cosmetic dentist in Arlington also uses porcelain veneers to:

• Make short stubby teeth appear longer,
• Camouflage heavy discoloration and staining of the dental enamel,
• Fill in chips and cracks in the tooth structure, and
• Fill in large spaces between teeth.

FAQ: One of my teeth was quite badly damaged in a car accident. I’m scared that the cosmetic dentist in Arlington will want to pull the tooth. Are there any other treatment options?

Answer: It is always the priority of the cosmetic dentist in Arlington to preserve your natural teeth rather than just pull them and replace them with a bridge or a dental implant. No amount of fancy or sophisticated technology can rival the durability and resilience of your own pearly whites! The only circumstance under which the cosmetic dentist in Arlington will recommend the extraction of the tooth is if he or she simply cannot save it. There are, thankfully, many things the dentist can do to rescue a heavily damaged tooth.

First of all, X-rays will be taken to help cosmetic dentist in Arlington diagnose the extent of the damage done to the tooth. If the pulp chamber has become infected, he or she will need to extract the nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue that make up the insides of your tooth before sterilizing and filling it with cement. This is essentially a root canal procedure and will be performed under a local anesthetic. The cosmetic dentist in Arlington will then remove the affected and/or decayed portion of the hard tooth structure, file the remaining tooth down to a nub and use molds of your teeth to have a ceramic tooth crown made for you (see image below).

Cosmetic dentist

FAQ: My teeth have become quite badly discolored. What procedures are offered by professionals in cosmetic dentistry in Arlington?

Answer: If a standard teeth whitening or deep bleaching treatments are insufficient to remove staining and discoloration, you could have porcelain veneers placed on your teeth. These, explains the cosmetic dentist in Arlington, are wonderful restorations for hiding the damage done to the dental enamel as a result of years’ worth of heavy smoking, coffee-drinking and other deleterious habits.

Cosmetic Dentist in Arlington: Stay Tuned
   
To read more FAQs from the cosmetic dentist in Arlington, stay tuned for the third installment of this four-part article series!