What Is Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative Dentistry
If decayed, damaged, or missing teeth have taken a toll on your smile, ask about Restorative Dentistry. Damaged and missing teeth, can lead to oral health issues like bone loss, tooth decay, gum disease, and difficulty eating or speaking.
Restorative dentistry can help you regain the beautiful smile that you may have thought you had lost forever. Our state-of-the-art restoration treatments like crowns, bridges, and implants are some types of restorations that you might want to consider to enhance your smile.
If you’ve been searching Google for “dentist near me” to find a dentist to perform restorative dentistry, you’ll want someone who has training and experience in a wide range of restorative procedures, like the following:
Dental Crowns
Crowns are custom-fitted caps that closely resemble the look and feel of natural teeth, and are used in Restorative Dentistry. In short, they are placed over teeth that have become damaged or decayed, completely covering them up. Some common materials used in crowns include:
- Metal
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal
- All porcelain
Crowns are often used in cases where a larger filling would not make sense for the patient. There may be not enough tooth structure remaining to support a dental filling, whereas a crown will fit on and around such a tooth to provide additional strength and support.
Dental crowns are also commonly used if the patient needs a dental implant.
Dental Bridges
If you should experience tooth loss, you may benefit from a dental bridge. To receive a bridge, the teeth on each side of the empty space will have crowns placed upon them, as well as an artificial tooth affixed to the crowns.
When it comes to dental bridges, you have several treatment choices. This includes the traditional bridge, Cantilever bridge and Maryland bridge. When you meet with your dentist at your initial Restorative Dentistry consultation, they will lay out your treatment options and recommendations
Denture
A denture is simply a type of artificial tooth. A partial denture can be used to replace a single tooth. However, complete dentures are for those who require replacement for all of their teeth.
Although dentures do have their drawbacks, they can serve as an effective cosmetic replacement for teeth so that you can smile with confidence.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a great type of restoration for anyone who is missing just one tooth, or a few teeth. They are inserted right into the jawbone.
In short, each implant is made up of three parts. The first is a metal post that your dentist will implant into your jawbone. In a few months, after your jawbone has fused around this implant, you will return for another appointment to have a piece called an abutment placed. Next, a dental crown can be attached onto the abutment as the final piece of the entire structure, which will allow you to bite and chew normally.
Learn more about restorative dentistry with Pike District Smiles. Moreover, new patients are welcome. Book today!
Weekend Dentist: What Is a Dental Emergency?
Weekend Dentist
Weekend Dentist | Your child is involved in a collision while playing sports or riding a bike. Or you lose a filling or fracture a tooth. No matter the cause, dental emergencies can occur at any time. But it always seems to happen on a weekend, right? If you or a family member should ever have a dental emergency, you will need to know what to do until you can reach the dentist.
Missing Tooth
Having a tooth get knocked out is a frequent occurrence. Fortunately, most such teeth can be replaced if you reach your dentist or emergency dentist in time.
In the meantime:
- Pick up the knocked out tooth by touching only the crown, or chewing surface part of the tooth.
- Rinse it carefully with water and place it in a container of milk if available.
- Contact your dentist right away for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Bleeding Gums
Gums can bleed for a variety of reasons, and the cause of the bleeding will determine if it qualifies as a dental emergency or not.
If your gums typically bleed when you brush or floss, this could indicate the development of gum disease. Although you definitely want to get it checked out by your dentist, it can probably wait, as gum disease is a chronic infection.
On the other hand, if you suddenly experience bleeding gums after some type of trauma, like a vehicle accident or sports injury, you will definitely want to contact your dentist right away. They will want to have a look to ensure that your teeth are not severely damaged, risking an infection.
Severe Tooth Pain
If you have recently undergone a dental procedure, such as root canal therapy, it is not uncommon to experience some degree of discomfort or pain for awhile. Over-the-counter pain medication is usually sufficient to make you more comfortable. However, other types of tooth pain represent a dental emergency.
If you have suddenly developed sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures in your mouth, this is a cause for concern. Schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience. If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, this is always an emergency. Contact us as soon as possible so that we can provide prompt pain relief and take care of the underlying problem.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Although there is no such thing as perfect safety, there are a number of ways that you can prevent dental emergencies. Here are a few:
- Avoid chewing on extremely hard foods or ice.
- When playing sports, wearing a mouth guard.
- Keep up with your routine dental cleaning appointments.
If you would like to request additional information about dental emergencies, please reach out to us.
Dental Anxiety Bethesda: What Is Dental Anxiety?
Dental Anxiety Bethesda
Dental Anxiety Bethesda | Do you have anxiety or fears about visiting the dentist? Or maybe your children have fears surrounding their dental appointments. This is a very common feeling among a surprisingly large number of patients. And since receiving dental care is so important, you will need some information to help ease this anxiety.
To overcome dental anxiety Bethesda patients are provided with information and tips found below.
What triggers dental anxiety?
Some of the most common causes of dental anxiety include:
- Fear of needles. Some people just generally dislike needles, while others are very apprehensive of the idea of having injections within their mouth.
- The dental drill. This type of anxiety can be triggered by the noises and vibrations caused by the use of a dental drill, as well as being fearful about possible pain.
- Feeling embarrassed about the state of one’s teeth.
- Fears about sedation.
Let Your Dentist Know
Experiencing dental anxiety Bethesda is nothing to be embarrassed about, as this condition is shared by a great number of people. To manage your anxiety, it is important to inform your dental team so that we can help you relax while you receive needed dental care.
If you have a child with dental anxiety, it may be helpful to work with a pediatric dentist who has a specialty in treating young children. It is vitally important that kids visit the dentist regularly for routine dental exam and cleaning appointments so that they can prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Using Sedation
If you are extremely anxious about undergoing some type of dental procedure, you should know that sedation options are available. You may not even remember anything about your procedure afterwards if you have undergone some type of sedation.
Fear of Needles
It often helps to realize that your dentist will be using a numbing agent at the location of any injection. So you shouldn’t feel anything when actually receiving a needed injection.
It can also help to avoid looking at the needle as it goes into your mouth. Even if you rationally know that you will not experience any pain, your anxious mind can conjure up scenarios that create fear.
Being Embarrassed About Bad Teeth
Your dentist and dental team have seen every possible type of dental condition known to man. They deal with damaged teeth each and every day. It’s their job to help you with your oral health and your teeth.
More Tips on Dealing With Dental Anxiety
- Identify your fears and anxieties so that you can begin working toward a solution.
- Choose a caring dentist who listens to your concerns.
- Consider having your child visit a pediatric dentist if they have anxiety.
- Learn about mindfulness and breathing techniques.
The Bottom Line
Dealing with dental anxiety Bethesda is not impossible. You just need to be honest with yourself and identify some strategies that will help put you at ease when you are receiving needed dental care.
Don’t hesitate to be open about your fears and anxiety with your dentist and dental team. Dental anxiety is an extremely common condition that we are trained to deal with. Let us help you explore ways to put your mind at ease so that you can maintain the health and appearance of your teeth and smile.
Schedule A Consultation
If you’re someone who suffers from dental anxiety Bethesda, don’t delay schedule a consultation with us today. You can also contact our office 301-979-9071.
Family Dentist Bethesda: What Is Invisalign for Teens?
Family Dentist Bethesda
Family Dentist Bethesda | We were all teenagers once. And some of us have some decidedly unpleasant memories about having our teeth straightened using traditional metal braces. Although there have been some notable advances in this technology recently, such as a more streamlined appearance, many people prefer another treatment option.
In terms of treatments offered by a family dentist Bethesda teenagers now have a treatment option called Invisalign.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that involves the use of clear aligners made of strong plastic that shift your teeth into their proper positions over time. This treatment offers numerous advantages over traditional braces, including the following:
- Virtually undetectable aligners made from clear plastic
- Very comfortable treatment
- Removable
Periodically, you will be swapping out your current set of aligners for a new set, according to your individual treatment plan. Most people need a new set every two weeks.
One important aspect of Invisalign is that patient compliance is extremely important. Unlike traditional braces that only an orthodontist can remove. You can remove your aligners at any time. But it’s all too easy to lose sight and forget to replace your aligners. You need to be wearing them at least 22 hours a day to avoid having your treatment time unnecessarily lengthened.
What are some benefits of Invisalign?
One of the main benefits of Invisalign that appeals to teenagers is the virtual invisibility of the treatment. Teenagers are going through an awkward phase of life in which their appearance is extremely important to them. Loudly advertising the fact that they are straightening your teeth is not much fun.
Invisalign provides an unobtrusive treatment option so that you can go to school or other activities without the worry of teasing or bullying. You can take selfies, class photos, or prom pictures without being self-conscious about your appearance.
Invisalign Comfort
Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign is a very streamlined system. Your aligners will be fully custom to fit the unique contours of your teeth and mouth. The strong plastic has rounded edges. There are no brackets or wires to poke you or get caught on anything.
No Food Restrictions
One of the key selling points for Invisalign is the fact that there are no food restrictions whatsoever when you are wearing your aligners. Unlike traditional braces that restrict food choices like hard and sticky foods, you can eat whatever you like with Invisalign. You just remove your aligners when you want to eat or brush your teeth, and replace them when finished.
Let Us Hear From You
Would your teenager like to have their teeth straightened in a way that doesn’t get them noticed for the wrong reasons? Would they like to eat their favorite foods while straightening their teeth? If so, you should consider getting Invisalign. Please contact our family dentist Bethesda office today at 301-979-9071 to schedule a consultation at your convenience.
Rockville dentist: How To Care For Your Invisalign Aligners
How To Care For Your Invisalign Aligners
Rockville dentist | If you have embarked on the Invisalign orthodontic journey, you’ve been provided with a set of clear plastic aligners that will gently guide your teeth into perfection. Obtaining that perfect smile is not as easy as simply popping them into your mouth.
Now that you’ve received Invisalign from your Rockville dentist, therefore, it is extremely important that you care for your aligners so that you achieve optimal results and avoid having your aligners replaced.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic system that straightens teeth using plastic aligners. It offers the wearer an unobtrusive way of straightening their smile. The aligners are conveniently removable whenever you like, such as when you need to brush and floss your teeth. You can also remove them whenever you need to eat.
How does the system work?
About every two weeks, you will replace your current set of aligners with a new set to ensure that your teeth are continually being shifted into their correct positions.
However, be sure that you are keeping your aligners in your mouth for the prescribed amount of time, which is up to 22 hours a day. But, failing to do so could cause your treatment time to be delayed. Your Rockville dentist recommends.
Cleaning Your Aligners
In addition, caring for your aligners is not that difficult and just takes a few minutes. Try to develop the habit of cleaning them each time you brush. To clean your Invisalign aligners properly, you will need some toothpaste and a toothbrush. Commercially available toothpaste is often too abrasive. If you need suggestions, consult your Rockville dentist.
Here are the steps for cleaning your Invisalign aligners:
- Use lukewarm water to rinse your aligners.
- Put some toothpaste on your toothbrush and use small, circular motions. Brush the aligners inside and out.
- After thoroughly brushing the inside and outside of your aligners, rinse them using lukewarm water.
- After cleaning your aligners, place them back in your mouth or their storage container.
Proper Care
Furthermore, cleaning regularly is just one part of proper Invisalign care. But, you need to be cleaning your aligners each time you brush and floss your teeth.
Although your aligners are removable for eating, any food particles and plaque sticking to the aligners can cause tooth decay, so keep them as clean as you can.
Avoid using cleaning solutions that contain harsh ingredients that could cause the aligners to become corroded. Check with your Rockville dentist for recommendations.
Lastly, avoid soaking your aligners in mouthwash. The clear aligners are transparent and most mouthwashes are colored, which can stain your clear aligners.
In addition, another key point is that you should avoid rinsing your aligners in hot water. However, keep in mind that they are made of plastic, which can become warped by high temperatures.
Request More Information
Contact your Rockville dentist at 307-979-9071 if you would like to receive more information about how to care for your Invisalign aligners.
North Bethesda Dentist: What is Dental Anxiety?
North Bethesda Dentist
North Bethesda Dentist | Dental anxiety is a real thing for many people. It has no regard for age or social standing. It is estimated that anywhere from seven to 18% of the population experiences significant dental anxiety. Your North Bethesda dentist is trained to recognize dental anxiety and help patients become more comfortable when receiving needed dental care.
What is dental anxiety?
Dental anxiety is an experience in which a patient is extremely nervous when thinking of a dental visit to receive dental procedures or preventive care. It is basically a type of stress, fear, or panic that you feel when you enter a dental environment, or even thinking of such an environment.
A person experiencing dental anxiety may display a rapid pulse, sweating, upset stomach, and an overall feeling of dread when thinking of visiting the dentist office.
Dental anxiety is also known as dental phobia – a feeling of fear that can be caused by drills, needles, or thinking about a dental visit. It is not uncommon for those with dental anxiety to have had previous bad experiences, typically in childhood, that are causing their present fears of the dentist and the dental environment.
Symptoms of Dental Anxiety
Anxious patients can experience responses that are physical, emotional, behavioral and cognitive.
Such a patient believes that they are better off by delaying a visit to the dental office. In reality, they are making it more likely that they will need costly and uncomfortable dental work in the future.
A patient dealing with dental anxiety may experience any of the following:
- Sweating
- Rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations
- Fainting or low blood pressure
- Increased blood pressure
- Nausea
- Apparent distress or signs of panic
Dealing With Dental Anxiety
If you suffer from dental anxiety, don’t be embarrassed. As mentioned earlier, this is an extremely common feeling that is shared by many patients. One of the best ways to deal with dental anxiety is to be upfront about it. Your dental team is used to dealing with patients with dental anxiety. T hey definitely want to know about it if you are having these feelings so that your experience is as comfortable as possible.
Many patients with dental anxiety find that it helps to distract themselves during their dental appointments. You can use a stress ball or fidget spinner, for example. Many patients are helped by wearing headphones or earbuds. Listening to an audiobook or your favorite music can help cover up the sound of dental instruments. Just make sure that you select a volume that is not so high that you cannot communicate with your dental team.
Sedation
Another way to relieve dental anxiety is to have a medication prescribed for you. You can take either prior to your visit or during it.
Most dentists also offer nitrous oxide – a colorless, odorless gas that helps you relax. But wears off rapidly after the supplying mask has been removed.
For More Information
If you are anxious about an upcoming dental appointment, don’t be afraid to reach out to us and let us know. There is nothing unusual or abnormal about these kinds of feelings. Your friendly dental staff is here to assist you in ensuring that your visit with us is as comfortable as humanly possible.
Contact our North Bethesda dentist today at (301) 979-9071 to request more information.