Teeth Cleaning
What is a teeth cleaning?

A professional teeth cleaning is done by the hygienist at a dentist’s office. The hygienist uses tools to remove tartar from your teeth — both above and below where the gum meets the tooth.

Why are teeth cleanings necessary?

Teeth cleanings are good practice in preventing diseases in the rest of the body like heart disease, dementia, and complications of diabetes. Another proactive result of regular teeth cleansing is prevention of tooth loss. The mouth is an area that is completely different from the entire body, and it takes quite a beating from the food we eat and the talking we do all day long.

What to expect during the cleaning process:

The hygienist should explain what work is being done, why it is being done, and why your teeth may be sensitive or why your gums are bleeding. You can ask for a mirror or camera which will allow you to watch your hygienist working, which will give you a better understanding of what is being done to your teeth. It’s one thing to hear your hygienist say, “You really need to pay more attention to your back molars.” But it’s quite another thing to actually see your hygienist scraping tartar from your back molars so you can follow up with proper brushing and flossing at home.

What do I do after a teeth cleaning?

Patients should follow up with these critical steps after receiving a dental cleaning: brushing and flossing after meals or at least twice per day, eating a diet rich in vegetables, making an appointment for every three months if you have gum disease or every six months if you do not have gum disease and are just maintaining good oral health.

Cosmetic Procedures
What is a cosmetic procedure?

Cosmetic dentistry refers to any dental work that improves the appearance of a person’s teeth, gums, or bite.

Why are cosmetic procedures necessary?

The condition of your teeth and your desired results will determine which cosmetic procedures are best for you. Your dentist can answer your questions and make recommendations on how best to improve your smile.

What procedure is right for me?

The condition of your teeth and your desired results will determine which cosmetic procedures are best for you. Your dentist can answer your questions and make recommendations on how best to improve your smile.

Crown and Bridges
What are Crowns and Bridges?

A crown is a restoration that covers (or “caps”) a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size, which can strengthen and improve the appearance of the tooth.Crowns are necessary when a tooth has been damaged significantly and cannot be adequately restored with a filling. A crown can protect a weak tooth from fracturing;it also can prevent a cracked tooth from further damage.

A fixed bridge is a dental appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth—thus “bridging” the space between the two adjacent natural teeth or implants. Bridges are made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. A traditional fixed bridge consists of a false tooth or teeth fused between two crowns, or caps, that are cemented on the surrounding, or abutment, teeth. An implant bridge is fastened to two or more implants that are submerged in the bone tissue. Bridges are sometimes called “fixed partial dentures.” However, unlike removable partial dentures, bridges cannot be removed by the patient.

Why are Crowns and Bridges necessary?

A crown is used for cracked or fracturing teeth, or discolored/ misshapen teeth.

Bridges are used if you are missing any teeth, the resulting space could cause speech or chewing problems. Missing teeth also can cause your remaining teeth to move out of position. This repositioning can make you more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease, which can cause further tooth loss. A fixed bridge can replace those missing teeth, correcting your bite, and improving your chewing and speech abilities. A bridge also can help to maintain the natural shape of your face.

What to expect?

Fabrication of a crown (a type of dental restoration) usually requires two dental visits. The first visit involves an examination of the tooth to determine how it should be restored and preparation of the tooth for the restoration; this visit may include a core build-up (sometimes requiring a post), fabrication of a temporary crown, and making an impression to be sent to the laboratory. The second visit usually involves delivery of the final restoration, which has been fabricated in the laboratory. In some offices that have access to specialized equipment, the dentist may be able to perform the entire crown procedure in the same day.

There are several steps required and several dental visits needed in order for your dentist to create a bridge that meets both your functional and esthetic needs. The total treatment time for a bridge is usually two to four weeks, depending on the type of bridge you receive.

What do I do after getting Crowns or Bridges?

To prevent damaging or fracturing the crown, avoid chewing extremely hard foods and ice. You also should avoid grinding or clenching your teeth. In addition to brushing twice a day and visiting your dentist regularly, cleaning between your teeth is essential if you have crowns. Use floss or interdental cleaners (specially shaped brushes and sticks) to remove plaque from the crown area where the gum meets the tooth. This process helps to prevent both dental decay and gum disease.

The success of a bridge depends on its foundation—the abutment teeth or implants—so it’s vital for patients with bridges to maintain their oral health. If you have a bridge, it’s more important than ever to brush for two minutes, twice a day and to see your dentist every six months. Your dentist also might recommend that you use floss threaders to reach the spaces between the bridge and the adjacent teeth and gums. With proper care, your fixed bridge should last as long as eight to 10 years, or even longer. To learn more about bridges and to determine if a bridge is right for you, talk to your general dentist today

Dental Implant Restorations
What are dental implant restorations?

A dental implant is a post, usually made of titanium, which serves as a substitute for a natural tooth’s root. The implant is placed in the jawbone so that it may fuse with the natural bone to become a sturdy foundation for a replacement tooth. Implants can be used to replace individual teeth or to support a bridge or denture containing multiple teeth.

Why are implant restorations necessary?

Dental implants can be provided to most patients who are missing teeth due to decay, disease, injury, or other medical conditions. You also may be a candidate for a dental implant if you can’t wear dentures or find them uncomfortable, or if you don’t want to sacrifice existing tooth structure to support a dental bridge.

Since surgery is required, implant patients must be in good general health, with healthy gums and adequate bone structure. If an implant site lacks the ad-equate structure, a dentist may be able to perform procedures to improve it.

Implants are not for everyone, however. Chronic conditions like bruxism, diabetes, or leukemia may interfere with healing after implant surgery, so the success rate decreases for patients with these conditions. This also is the case for patients taking bisphosphonates for osteoporosis. Additionally, those who drink alcohol or use tobacco may not be good candidates for implants. Your dentist will take into consideration your medical and dental history when deciding if implants are right for you.

What to expect?

Most patients will adjust to implants immediately. Some people may feel slight discomfort or notice differences in their chewing or speech, but these symptoms are usually temporary.

What do I do after getting implant restorations?

Although an implant’s success rate depends on its purpose and location in the mouth—as well as the patient’s overall health—a major reason some implants fail is poor hygiene. It’s important to brush implants at least twice a day, as well as to floss in between them. Additionally, as many as four dental cleanings per year may be necessary to maintain gum health. Your dentist will give you specific instructions on caring for your implants. Talk to your general dentist to find out whether dental implants are right for you.

Gum Disease Treatment
What is gum disease?

Periodontal disease, better known as gum disease, is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting your teeth. It develops when plaque accumulates along your gum line, causing your gums to become inflamed. Healthy gums appear coral pink and firm and form a sharp point where they meet your tooth. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. In this stage, the gums redden, swell, and bleed easily, although there is usually little to no discomfort with gingivitis.

Why is treatment necessary?

People with gum disease may be more likely to develop heart disease or have difficulty controlling their blood sugar, and pregnant women with gum disease are more likely than those with healthy gums to deliver preterm, low birth-weight babies.

What to expect?

In the early stages of gum disease, most treatments involve a special cleaning by your dentist, referred to as scaling and root planing. Scaling involves scraping off the tartar from above and below your gum line. Root planing gets rid of rough spots on your tooth root where germs gather, and helps remove bacteria from your mouth. Your dentist also may prescribe special mouthwashes or topical treatments. Lasers also can be used to provide fast and minimally-invasive gum disease treatment. More advanced cases may require surgical treatment to remove the infected gum tissue or teeth.

What do I do after gum disease treatment?

Removing plaque through daily brushing and flossing and visiting your dentist twice a year for cleanings are the best ways to minimize your risk of gum disease. You also can lower your risk by maintaining a healthy diet and abstaining from cigarette and tobacco use.

Mouthguards
What are mouthguards?

A mouthguard is a flexible appliance that is worn during athletic and recreational activities to prevent injuries to your mouth and face, such as split lips, broken teeth, and jaw fractures.

How are they made?

Mouthguards are made from a mold of your teeth to ensure a perfect and safe fit.

Nutrition Counseling
What is nutrition counseling?

We are here to serve you and your family! Talk to us about any dental health and nutritional questions you have!

What does my nutrition have to do with my teeth?

Tooth decay and cavities are caused by acid that is produced by interactions between oral bacteria and food deposits left on your teeth. Certain foods—especially sugary, starchy, and sticky snacks—are linked to higher levels of such acid- causing bacteria. Additionally, poor nutrition can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to other health problems, including gum disease.

Oral Surgery
Does Gentle Dental Care perform oral surgery?

It depends on the surgery! Gentle Dental Care wants the best for its customers, so if we believe your surgery out of our reach, we will be happy to recommend you to an oral surgeon.

Partial Dentures

What are partial dentures?

Those who have some natural teeth remaining may consider a partial denture, which can fill in the space created by missing teeth and prevent other teeth from changing position. This type of denture usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, which is held in place by a metal framework and clasps, or natural-looking connectors called precision attachments.

What to expect?

Your dentures may feel awkward and loose for a few weeks as your cheek and tongue muscles learn to keep them in place. Your speech may be temporarily affected, and saliva flow may increase for a short time. It’s also normal to experience some minor irritation and soreness. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, however, these problems should subside. If they persist, talk to your dentist.

What do I do after getting partial dentures?

Dentures should be brushed every day to remove food particles and plaque, and to prevent staining. After rinsing the appliance, gently brush all of its surfaces using a soft-bristle toothbrush and nonabrasive denture cleaner (not toothpaste).

When you’re not wearing your dentures, keep them in a safe place and soak them in water to keep them from losing their shape. If you use a denture adhesive, make sure to follow all of the product’s usage instructions carefully.

Before inserting your dentures, brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft-bristled brush to stimulate tissue circulation and remove plaque. In addition to maintaining good oral hygiene, you should continue to see your dentist for follow-up appointments and regular checkups. If you encounter any problems with your dentures’ fit or they become damaged, contact your dentist.

 

Restorative Care
*Sorry, we are working to bring you more information about this service. Please check back soon for more information!*

Call or stop by Gentle Dental Care’s Office and pick up information on restorative care, along with the other services we provide!

(660)582-8516

Root Canal Therapy
What is a root canal?

Nerves enter at the tip of the tooth’s roots and run through the center of the tooth in small, thin root canals, which join up in the pulp chamber. Each tooth has at least one root canal but may contain more.

Why is root canal therapy necessary?

Injury or trauma to a tooth may cause the pulp to become inflamed or infected; eventually, the pulp may die. Damaged or dead pulp leads to increased blood flow and cellular activity, creating pressure inside the tooth that cannot be relieved. This may result in pain when biting down or chewing with the affected tooth, or when consuming hot or cold drinks. Without treatment, the infection may spread, the bone around the tooth may degenerate, and the tooth may fall out.

What to expect during canal therapy?

Root canal therapy is a procedure to remove damaged or dead pulp. After the pulp chamber and root canal are cleaned out and reshaped, the canal is filled with a rubber-like substance called gutta percha to prevent recontamination, and the tooth is permanently sealed. Treatment usually involves one to three appointments. After cleaning and reshaping, the dentist may seal the tooth with a temporary crown, leave it open to drain, or fill the canals, depending on the tooth’s condition. A topical medication also may be applied in the area to fight bacteria. Temporary fillings will be removed on subsequent visits. If the tooth is still weak after the pulp chamber and canal are filled, a metal or fiber-reinforced resin Post may be used to reinforce the tooth. Finally, the area is permanently sealed, and a gold, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or ceramic crown usually is placed over the tooth to reinforce its structure and improve its appearance.

What do I do after Canal Therapy?

Tissue inflammation in the area may cause some discomfort. This usually can be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers. Aftercare includes maintaining regular visits with your dentist, brushing for two minutes twice a day, flossing once a day, and avoiding chewing hard foods with the treated tooth.

Sealants
What are sealants?

Dental sealants are made of plastic and are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent decay. The plastic fits into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of teeth. The sealants protect tooth enamel from the bacteria and acids that cause decay

Why are sealants necessary?

While brushing and flossing help to remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth, toothbrush bristles often can’t reach into the teeth’s depressions and grooves. Sealants protect those areas and prevent food and bacteria from getting in.

What to expect during sealants?

Your dentist can apply sealants easily, and it takes only a few minutes to seal each tooth. The dentist first cleans the teeth that will be sealed, which may require the use of a dental drill to open the grooves of the teeth and determine if decay is present. Then he or she will roughen the chewing surfaces with an acid solution, which will help the sealant stick to the teeth. The dentist then “paints” the sealant on the tooth. It bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. Sometimes your dentist will use a special curing light to help the sealant harden.

What do I do after sealants?

As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and usually last several years before a reapplication is needed. The risk of decay decreases significantly after sealant application. During your regular dental visits, your dentist will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them when necessary.

Temporomandibular
Why is temporomandibular disorder therapy necessary?

In more severe cases, your dentist may recommend physical therapy (exercises to strengthen the jaw muscles), appliance therapy (a splint, mouthguard, or bite plate), or medication (stronger pain relievers, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, or antianxiety drugs).

Many TMD cases can be handled with simple lifestyle modifications, including:

• Avoiding chewing gum and biting your nails

• Taking non-aspirin pain relievers or using heat packs to manage pain

• Eating soft foods

• Practicing relaxation or stress relief techniques

If these fail your doctor may suggest more advanced therapy.

What do I do after temporomandibular disorder therapy?

TMD is often a cyclical condition that can recur during times of stress. If you have this disorder, see your dentist for regular checkups so that he or she can monitor your symptoms and manage your care.

Tobacco Cessation Counseling
What is tobacco cessation counseling?

Quitting tobacco is difficult because all forms of it—cigarettes, cigars, and spit (chewing) tobacco—contain nicotine and nicotine are the agents in tobacco that’s capable of causing addiction or dependence. Dentists and dental professionals can help their patients quit once and for all.

Wanting more information? Contact Gentle Dental Care to start your Tobacco Cessation Counseling today!