Dental Health

Full Mouth Reconstruction & Its Benefits!

The goal of full mouth reconstruction is to improve the way your teeth look, feel, and function. A healthy smile not only makes you feel better about yourself and boosts your confidence, but it also impacts the way others perceive you. You'll find that you will get more job offers, be taken more seriously in business meetings, and have a better chance of being promoted! Plus, a happy appearance helps increase your energy levels and can even help improve your overall health.

With today's technology and high-quality products, there are more options than ever before for replacing missing teeth. Depending on your individual needs, dentist-recommended procedures for full mouth reconstruction may include the following methods:

  • Dental Implants - An artificial tooth root made of titanium. When placed in your jawbone, the implant acts like a natural tooth root and provides support for a crown or bridge.

  • Bridge - A fixed dental restoration that spans from one healthy tooth to another with a gap in between like a real bridge.

  • Partial Dentures - A removable plastic and metal mouthpiece that is adapted to fit your mouth and provide support for teeth without roots (abutments).

  • Complete Dentures - A removable mouthpiece that is adapted to replace all of the teeth in your upper or lower arch.

  • Oral Surgery and Periodontal Surgery - If you have experienced trauma, infection, disease, or other disorder that has resulted in the loss of a healthy jawbone or gum tissue that supports the teeth, then surgery may be recommended. The goal here is to eliminate any pain or discomfort you may have and improve your oral health for better long-term health.

Who Needs A Full Mouth Reconstruction?

The majority of the time, people with several dental issues become the greatest candidates for complete mouth restoration. A few of these circumstances could be:

  • Missing teeth - The majority of missing teeth are generally replaced with dental implants, but full mouth reconstruction may be an option in some cases. This would involve the use of dental implants or partial dentures.

  • Badly Damaged Roots Or Root Canals - Sometimes, due to injury, an abscess (an area of infection) can form over the roots or root canals that have started to decay and rot away. If this is the case, full mouth reconstruction may be appropriate.

  • Wrong Size, Shape, Or Alignment Of Teeth - A full mouth reconstruction could be appropriate in some cases where an individual has teeth that are significantly out of alignment or not properly sized to fit in the mouth.

  • Inadequate Chewing Function - If your teeth aren't working correctly because they're too small or misshapen due to tooth decay, then a full mouth reconstruction may be recommended.

  • Crowded Teeth - There may be instances in which your teeth are too close together, the teeth have become misaligned, or a combination of these issues has been an issue for you. In these cases, a full mouth reconstruction may be appropriate.

Benefits Of Full Mouth Reconstruction

If you've suffered from a dental issue that has resulted in several teeth requiring replacement, then contact a dentist today to discuss the process of full mouth reconstruction. Not only can it vastly improve your health and appearance, but your energy levels and confidence will increase as well! The benefits of a full mouth reconstruction include the following:

  1. Rejuvenates Oral Health:

If you've had any dental issues, both cosmetic and functional, your oral health will improve after a full mouth reconstruction. Since teeth replacement is not a quick process, your new teeth will take some time to develop and harden to support the dental implants or bridges. As a result, you'll find that your gums will heal quickly and the oral cavity will become healthier as the tissue that supported your teeth re-grows.

2. Restores Beauty & Function of Your Smile:

After a full mouth reconstruction, you'll find that your oral health will be far better than it was before the dental replacements. You'll be able to chew food more efficiently and with less effort. Since you'll have a full set of teeth that are the right size and in the right place!

3. No-More Gum diseases:

Part of the reason why you may have such issues in your mouth is because of the bacteria that are housed in the pockets between your gum and tooth. If these pockets are large enough, then they can start to affect the way that you eat, speak, and feel. With a full mouth reconstruction, it will eliminate gum disease and reduce its occurrence.

4. Teeth Straightening:

Another great benefit of a full mouth reconstruction is that it can straighten the teeth in your mouth. If you've had missing teeth, then the permanent restorations are known to move, shrink, or shift out of place. With a full mouth reconstruction, your teeth will be in the proper alignment and position and won't shift as much when you eat or talk.

Conclusion 

Tooth loss can severely affect your appearance, but with a full mouth reconstruction or all on 4 implants, you will be able to start to feel better about yourself. The health benefits of the reconstruction process depend on the treatment plan that is recommended by your dentist. However, it is important to remember that a full mouth reconstruction takes time and commitment. You won't see results in a day or two, but with regular dental care and visits, you will notice a difference over time.

8 Tips To Choose The Best Pediatric Dentist in McKinney

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There are so many responsibilities that come with being a parent. You have to take care of several things, from their health to habits, behavior to language, and much more. Oral habits and maintaining oral hygiene in kids should be an important consideration for every parent as children's teeth are more prone to cavities and decay than adults. That's why every parent should take their child to a pediatric dentist as soon as their child turns one.

Pediatric dentistry is a dental field dedicated to taking care of kid's dental health and related issues. Residents of McKinney should consider Pediatric Dentistry MCK seriously in the early years of their child's life. Most parents take their kids to the dentist when their child experiences tooth pain. It makes more challenging for them to convince their child to visit a dentist nearby. Such kids won't even let the dentist look at the problem on their first visit.  In short, it is never too early to take your child to the dentist and make recommendations for better oral hygiene.

Every problem has a solution, and to deal with this kind of situation, you would need to consult an experienced pediatric dentist. A dentist practicing Pediatric Dentistry MCK from the past so many years knows the drill how to deal with such kids and situations. They have certification and training on how to deal with children, which may mean so much to the parents.

A pediatric dentist knows different procedures and techniques like conscious and deep sedation. Such procedures are commonly used while treating children with autism. If your child has ADS, you must take them to only pediatric dentists as these professionals are well up with the symptoms of the illness. They are also trained to manage such kids to complete necessary dental procedures.

So, the decision of choosing a dentist is vital in itself. You must make a wise selection based on the dentist's reputation and experience. Given below are some points to consider while choosing the right pediatric dentist for your child.

  1. Check out Their Qualification: You must choose a dentist who is specialized in pediatric dentistry MCK. Having such a professional by your side is always better; after all, it is about your child. If they are qualified and trained to deal with different dental conditions in kids, they know how to blend with kids and make them comfortable before and during the whole treatment.

  2. Consider Their Dental Experience: It would be helpful for any parent to find out someone experienced in this profession. It brings confidence and satisfaction to the parents that they don't have to worry about anything. An experienced professional knows how to handle difficult children. They can also efficiently deal with kids with autism and ASD. An experienced dentist keeps kids calm and easy throughout the checkup as well as treatment. It is part of their role and responsibility.

  3. Find Someone Nearby Your Location: While searching for a kid's dentist online, you must keep in mind that the dentist's office is near your home. The nearer the dentist's location, the better it is as you don't need to drive through the traffic for long to reach your dentists. It is necessary to consider if the treatment requires frequent visits. Moreover, longer distances to the dentist could prolong your child's anxiety, which could further lead to temper tantrums.  

  4. Make Sure They Have A License: A pediatric dentist must have a license permitting them to practice their profession in the state. Finding out about practicing in the local area is a good choice, especially if you want to take your child for treatment. In many clinics, you will find their certifications and license being displayed on the wall. There is nothing wrong with asking for the permit if you can't see them displayed anywhere in their office.

  5. They Must Have Well-Equipped Dental Clinic: Another important detail you must check is whether or not the clinic of the pediatric dentist is well-equipped with all necessary equipment and materials. In case a child needs to sedate, do they have a proper arrangement such as a papoose board, pulse oximeter, oxygen tank, and intubation sets. All the essential equipment should be available at the clinic. 

  6. Clinic Must-Have Kids-friendly Environment: Moreover, the office should have the proper staff to handle kids with several appointments or a rush in the clinic. Kids are usually scared of going to the dentist; that's why pediatric dentists create a welcoming and fun environment in their office. Having a vibrant and colorful office is essential for both the physical and psychological needs of the children. Such an atmosphere is a must in any children's clinic as it radiates a friendly tone. 

  7. Must-Have Staff With Excellent Management Skills: Sometimes, kids create chaos, especially those getting treatment inside. Those who are waiting for their turn and are in deep pain also create problems for others. Shouting and crying noises may make other kids feel nervous. They could be frightened by the whole scenario. Here comes the role of efficient and skilled staff. They are trained to deal with kids who are creating distress inside the clinic. They keep such kids busy or distracted through toys, games, and other ways. 

  8. Check If They Are Family Dental Clinic:  At Family Dental Clinic, patients are treated with care and comfort, especially when it comes to kids. Pediatric dentists always build good relationships with kids. This could only be possible if they are certified and trained to deal with kids. A family dental clinic generally comprises dedicated professionals who believe in making their patients comfortable and build lasting relationships. 

If you think you have found a pediatric dentist with all the qualities mentioned above, you should definitely visit them and get your child treated for dental problems. Valley Creek Dental Care is also one of the family dental clinics run by professionals who are specialized in Pediatric Dentistry MCK.

Dos and Don’ts of Wearing Invisalign Braces

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You might have got Invisalign because you always wanted to get that perfect smile. Though it is an expensive treatment to get perfect dental structure, there are so many things that you have to do to get quick results. Valley Creek Dental Care, one of the best Invisalign specialists in McKinney, has shared important information that every Invisalign user must know. We have also shared a few instructions and ways to keep your aligners in great condition. Here are some important dos and don’ts of wearing Invisalign and the best ways to keep them clean.

Dos of Invisalign

·         Wear Your Invisalign Aligners For 22 Hours Per Day: Many people questions about Invisalign’s results. The fact is that yes, they give desired results but only if you wear them continuously. They exert steady yet gentle pressure on the teeth to shift them into the place. If you don’t wear them at least 22 hours a day, you may not find the desired results. Experts recommend them wearing for at least 20 to 22 hours per day. You should take them out only when you are brushing your teeth, drinking, or eating.

·         Clean Your Invisalign Braces Regularly: If you don’t clean your aligners daily, plaque and bacteria will start accumulating on them as you wear them without cleaning. All you need to do is gently brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and then rinse them with lukewarm water. You have to repeat this procedure two times a day, i.e., in the morning and night. Always rinse them before you put them back into your mouth after meals. You can get cleaning products that are ideal for aligners. They are nice but not a necessity.

·         Brush Your Teeth After Eating Anything And Before Putting Your Aligners Back:  Aligners can easily trap any food debris and liquid. It will then sit against your teeth as saliva doesn’t flow freely. This could lead to tooth decay. If you really wish to keep your smile happy and healthy, brush your teeth or at least rinse your mouth after a meal or even if you drink anything for that matter. Make sure you do that before you put your aligners back after drinking or eating.

·         Soak Your Trays Everyday: To ensure that your aligner trays are as clean as possible, make sure you soak them in Invisalign cleaning crystals or a denture cleaner. Once soaking is done, clean them with a separate toothbrush to remove food particles or lingering plaque, if any. Rinse them again before you put them into your mouth.

·         Always Store Your Aligners In Invisalign Case: Make sure you store your Invisalign braces in the aligner case. This is the most important tip to consider. Since they are clear, they can be accidentally thrown away. Moreover, your pets could grab them and damage them such that you have to spend extra to get the new ones. This is going to be a costly affair.

Don’ts of Invisalign

·         Don’t Leave Your Aligners In The Open Air When You Are Not Using Them: Never leave your trays exposed to open air as it could lead to bacteria buildup. Moreover, you can easily lose open trays as they are transparent and cannot be seen easily. If in case you leave them out for a while, make sure you rinse them before you put them into your mouth. Soak them for a while in a suitable cleanser and then rinse them again if you think they look dirty.

·         Don’t Forget To Take Off Your Aligners While Eating And Drinking: Never eat and drink with Invisalign aligners except drinking plain water. These aligners cannot withstand the pressure of chewing food. Also, food and drinks can get trapped between your teeth and aligners. This will put you at risk for cavities but also stain your teeth. Drinking and eating with aligners on will also cause discoloration of trays. They will lose their transparency and become pale, which will look bad.

·         Never Expose Your Aligners To Heat: If you rinse your aligners in hot water, or drink a hot beverage while putting them on or leave them in a hot place, your aligners can wrap. This will affect the fitting of your trays which could ultimately impact your results. Make sure you keep them away from heat. If you are rinsing them, ensure that the water is lukewarm, not steaming hot. Always take them out of your mouth while drinking any hot beverage.

·         Never Ever Use Harsh Cleansers On Your Aligners: If you clean your aligners with toothpaste, it may scratch them. Scratches will make them more noticeable when you wear them. Avoid harsh soaps, chemicals, and colored products to wash and rinse your trays. These can damage them and even cause discoloration. They probably won’t look and taste great when you put them back in.

If you think you need more help on this, feel free to call us. We will be more than happy to help you with detailed information about Invisalign treatment and maintenance. Those who want to know more about Invisalign treatment can contact us for the same. 

Cavities In Kids: What Do You Need To Know To Prevent Another One In Future

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Tooth decay or cavity is the breakdown of a tooth's enamel, a hard outer surface present on a tooth. Tooth decay could lead to cavities, which means it could lead to holes in the teeth. This thing gets serious when your child gets cavities as it questions your care. It could be dreading news for you. Please don't blame yourself as it is not your fault at all. 

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that are formed when food containing carbohydrates is left on the teeth. It includes food items such as raisins, candy, milk, soda, fruit juices, cereals, and bread. Bacteria in your mouth convert leftover food residues inside your mouth into acid. The combination of food, bacteria, saliva, and acid forms a substance known as plague. Plaque sticks to the teeth, and with time acids forming inside your mouth will eat away the tooth enamel, resulting in cavities in your child's tooth.  

To get out of this problem and save the tooth from damage, you must consult pediatric dentistry McKinney. Find a reputable dentist and let him/her see the tooth to find your child's decaying tooth's exact situation.

What Are The Conditions That May Put Your Child At Risk Of Tooth Decay?

Though bacteria are present in every child’s mouth, it would not be wrong to say that every child is at risk for tooth decay. But the below conditions may put your child at high risk for it:

  • High levels of the bacteria that result in cavities

  • High sugar and starch diet

  • Limited or no fluoride water supply

  • Poor oral hygiene

  • Less saliva flow than normal

 What Are The Symptoms of Cavities in Children?

When a tooth develops decay and cavities, symptoms may vary from one child to the other. Here are some common ways:

  • You may witness white spots on the affected areas. These spots mean that the enamel of your child's tooth has started to break down. This may cause sensitivity in the teeth.

  • An early cavity may seem to be on the tooth. It will appear light brown in color.

  • With time, the cavity becomes deeper and turns a darker shade of brown or even black.

As already mentioned, the symptoms of tooth decay may vary from one child to another. Generally, cavities don't always cause symptoms. When you take your child to the dentist, he/she finds it. But if in case you child feels:

  • Pain in the area around the tooth

  • Experience sensitivity to certain food items such as hot or cold drinks, sweets, and others

Both situations confirm that your child has a cavity that needs proper treatment.

How To Diagnose Tooth Decay In A Child?

A specialist of pediatric dentistry McKinney can diagnose your child's tooth decay based on:

  • Understanding the complete history of your child

  • Proper examination of your child's mouth

  • Dental X-rays

How To Treat Tooth Decay In A Child?

Tooth decay treatment in children entirely depends on your child's age, symptoms, and general health. It also depends on the severity of the child's dental conditions.

In most cases, treatment necessitates removing the decayed part of the tooth, which is later replaced with a filling. Fillings are materials placed in the tooth to repair damage caused by tooth decay. These fillings are known as restorations. There are different types of fillings:

Direct restorations: In this type, the filling is directly placed into a prepared hole. The fillers used in this type of restoration are made out of silver, acrylic acids, fine glass powders, or resin. They are often tooth-colored. This type of restoration can be completed in a single visit

Indirect restorations: In this type of restoration, you need to visit your dentist more than once for treatment. This restoration includes veneers, crowns, inlays, onlays, and bridges. These are constructed with ceramics, composites, gold, or base metal alloys. All these materials look like natural tooth enamel.

Essential Points About Tooth Decay In Children

Tooth decay, as already mentioned, is the breakdown of tooth enamel. It could lead to holes in the teeth termed cavities.

  • Bacteria in the mouth cause tooth decay. These bacteria form a sticky substance known as plaque that can eat away your tooth's enamel.

  • Poor oral hygiene can also result in tooth decay.

  • A dentist can identify tooth decay through X-rays and an exam.

  • Treatment involves the removal of the decayed part of the tooth and replacing it with a filling.

How To Prevent Tooth Decay In A Child?

Check out some simple steps below to prevent tooth decay in your child:

  • Make sure you brush your child's teeth every day. Make it a routine to avoid cavities and the growth of bacteria in the mouth.

  • Brush the teeth, tongue, and gums twice a day. If your child brushes his or her teeth, keep a watch on them.

  • If your child is younger than 3 years old, use only a small amount of toothpaste.

  • Make sure your child eats a well-balanced diet. Keep a check on their sugar intake or snacks that are sticky such as candy, cookies, and cake.

  • For bedtime bottles using children, only put water in it. Formula or juice may lead to tooth decay.

Make sure you schedule routine dental cleanings and examinations for your child so that you will be aware of the status of your child's dental health.

Modern Dental Treatments and Technologies That Make Your Dentist Visit Awesome

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For most dental patients, visiting a dentist for a quick dental check-up is always a bit fearful and anxious. And for children and kids, it is no less than a nightmare. It is so because people have a perception that dental treatments are always very painful. Though it is true to some extent, but it is not the complete truth. 

These days, with the coming of modern dental treatments and technologies in modern dentistry, things have changed a lot. Now, a dentist visit is no longer painful and fearful. The dental treatments and technologies such as Invisalign, dental implants, sedation dentistry, and ozone therapy have made dentist visits comfortable and awesome for everyone. 

In this piece of writing, we will comprehensively discuss those modern dental treatments and technologies that have made dental processes less painful.  

Invisalign

Invisalign is a modernly developed and discovered teeth straightening technique. It is far better than traditional metal braces that used to be very uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Though metal braces are also used these days for teeth straightening, but Invisalign is more preferred by dentists and patients as well. 

An Invisalign treatment is a teeth-straightening treatment in which a patient wears a series of plastic-made customized clear aligners for a certain period of time (depending on the dental condition). The patient wears the aligners for at least 22 hours a day and interchanges them every two weeks. 

If we compare Invisalign with traditional metal braces, Invisalign is a more comfortable teeth-straightening treatment. 

Here are some of the top benefits of Invisalign. 

  • Easy to wear

  • Easy to put on teeth for 22 hours a day

  • Easily removable 

  • Easily interchangeable

  • Almost invisible to the third person (as Invisalign are transparent)

  • Faster healing process

  • Easy to wash and disinfect

  • Less pain in the initial stage and no pain after the initial stage

So, this is one of those dental treatments that changed your dentist visit experience a lot. Now, people usually don’t feel fear and pain while having teeth straightening treatment. 

Dental Veneers

Dental Veneers are another useful development of modern dentistry that have changed the experiences of dental patients a lot. They are thin, enamel-colored tooth shells, placed on the front teeth to give them a better shape and appearance. They are either made of porcelain or resin composite materials. 

They are the best treatment option for most cosmetic dental problems including paled and stained teeth, chipped teeth, broken teeth, and smaller-than-average teeth. 

They are more comfortable and effective than other types of cosmetic dental treatments. 

The significant benefits of dental veneers are:

  • They are strong and long-lasting tooth shells

  • They look completely natural

  • They don’t get paled and stained easily

  • They treat a number of cosmetic dental problems 

Dental Implants 

Dental Implants are a modern method of replacing a tooth or tooth root. It is an alternative to dentures, but it is far better than them. 

Basically, it forms the foundation for replacing damaged teeth from fixed or removable teeth. Dental implants are a safe, long-lasting solution for teeth replacement, and maybe the best way to get your beautiful smile back. 

They certainly changed the experience of dental patients for dentist visits for a quick dental check-up or taking a particular dental treatment.

Sedation Dentistry 

It is one of the most interesting developments of modern dentistry. It is a safe method to relax the dental patients so that they can enjoy their dental experience and forget about painful and fearful feelings. 

It involves certain safe medicines and therapies. 

Basically, dentists perform Sedation Dentistry in three effective methods that are:

Nitrous Oxide Sedation: In this Sedation Dentistry method, a dentist provides a type of inhalation therapy to the patient. It is also known as laughing gas. 

Oral Conscious Sedation: It involves a pill that provides a more profound level of calmness and deeper relaxation during dental treatment. 

NuCalm Technique: It involves a cutting-edge tool that helps dentists provide patients with deep relaxation using a revolutionary form of neuromuscular therapy. 

This is a modern dental technology that has certainly changed the dental treatment experiences of the patients. 

Ozone Therapy 

Ozone Therapy is a part of modern medicine. It is widely used in modern dentistry. It involves an energized form of oxygen that helps dentists to kill the germs and bacterias in patients’ mouths. It is completely safe and comfortable for the patients. 

DIAGNOdent  

DIAGNOdent is another amazing example of the excellence of modern dentistry. It is a small and portable laser device or tool, used for painlessly finding and treating the tiny imperfections in patients’ oral health. This is very effective especially for finding and treating cavities.

Isolite   

Isolite is a dental tool that helps patients comfortably fix their mouth in an open position and pillow their tongue. It helps patients to comfortably keep their mouth open for a longer time. It is really very useful. 

So, these are some of the top dental treatments and technologies of modern dentistry that have changed the whole scenario of visiting a dentist.