Dental Fillings 101

Finding out that you have a cavity is never what you hope for when you visit us, of course, but you happen to be in luck. Addressing tooth decay is a simple procedure that typically yields beautiful results. You can quickly find yourself smiling again and in complete comfort, thanks to the many benefits of dental fillings. While you know that a filling is the right course of action for a cavity, do you know why? And how much do you know about your options? To clear up any confusion you may have, and to give you the confidence you need to feel good about your upcoming appointment, we have covered the basics with the following (but please remember – we always encourage you to voice your questions and concerns when you visit us):

Quiz: How Do I Stop Snoring?

Does your significant other frequently complain about your snoring? Do you wonder what you can do to stop snoring? In many cases, this could be a warning sign of a serious sleep disorder. In order to obtain better rest, we offer a number of solutions. Find out what you can do to enjoy deep, fuller rest.

The Truth About Common Porcelain Veneer Myths

If you start talking to friends or looking online for more information about improving your smile, chances are you will cross paths with veneers. While you may know that porcelain veneers offer patients a dramatic transformation that leads to a stunning smile, you may not have a solid grasp on the details. In these cases, we find that patients often come to us with a mind full of myths that they have picked up from some not-so-reliable sources. To set your heart at rest and give you the confidence to say yes to a more beautiful smile, we have decided to debunk the following common myths associated with this cosmetic treatment: 

Do You Love the Music of Johnny Mercer?

Do you find yourself humming “Moon River” to yourself when you’re lost in thought? Whether you are a long-standing fan or a new Huckleberry friend to Johnny Mercer, his standards offer beloved American songs – many from Broadway productions – that the whole family can enjoy. Come enjoy his hits from the 30s through the 50s as performed by talented vocalist Carolyn Lee Jones.

What Does Saliva Do for Your Dental Health?

Your saliva is made almost entirely of water—over 98% of it, to be more precise. Along with its other ingredients, the high water content makes your saliva an important defense mechanism against the harmful bacteria found in dental plaque. Besides preparing your food for digestion by making it easier to bite and chew, a healthy flow of saliva is also vital to maintaining your dental health.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Good Dental Hygiene

Hopefully, you know by now that brushing and flossing your teeth, as well as visiting your dentist at least once every six months for an exam and cleaning, are the main tenets of what you should do to keep your mouth healthy. However, good dental health is as much about what you don’t do as it is what you do. To help make sure that you’re making the most of a good dental hygiene routine, we explain a few important do’s and don’ts in proper dental health management.

What Is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay occurs when plaque is allowed to buildup and cling to the tooth enamel. If plaque is not removed, it can combine with bacteria found in your mouth, forming acids that erode the enamel. Over time, the enamel becomes weak and a hole, or cavity, develops. Once a cavity forms, the layer underneath the enamel (dentin) becomes exposed and is susceptible to the spread of further decay. When bacteria are allowed access to the interior of your tooth, professional treatment may be necessary.

Is Gum Disease Present? Learn How to Treat It

For a large majority of people, gum disease is, or someday will be, a significant threat to their oral health. However, with consistently good hygiene and professional care, it doesn’t have to be a destructive influence. Gum disease is a progressive issue that, while common, is also highly preventable, and highly treatable if it is allowed to develop. While prevention is typically the same (daily brushing and flossing, along with routine checkups and cleanings), the secret of how to treat gum disease depends on how severe your condition is allowed to become.

How Teeth Whitening Can Improve Your Smile

Throughout your life, you may notice that some things begin to fade; memories, hobbies, interests, and even the color of your teeth. When the outer layer of a tooth (enamel) changes in color, it is known as extrinsic staining, and can typically be resolved with a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment. If staining goes beyond the tooth enamel and affects the layer underneath (dentin), it is known as intrinsic discoloration. This eliminates the possibility of a simple teeth whitening procedure, and further examination will be necessary.

Tooth Decay and How It Develops

The causes of tooth decay are numerous, but can usually be narrowed down to a handful of factors. A lack of proper preventive dentistry, too much of the wrong kinds of foods, and too much time in-between dental checkups are just some of the reasons tooth decay happens.

Dental Plaque and How it Develops

Anyone who has seen a mouthwash commercial has heard the term “plaque,” but how many really know what plaque is? Many people tend to think that brushing once or twice a day, along with some occasional flossing, will be enough to keep dental plaque away. However, is this enough to keep you from having to visit the dentist every six months? The answers may surprise you.

What's Causing My Toothache?

Aching in or around a tooth is caused by a nerve becoming irritated. A hit to the face, tooth decay, gum disease, and excessive plaque buildup are only some ways that toothaches may occur. In some instances, pain outside of the dental area can travel to the mouth, simulating tooth pain. Such issues can include problems with the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint or TMJ) or ears. Not all toothaches require a dental visit, as there are some at-home remedies for toothaches.

How Confident is Your Smile?

Smiling isn’t just a way to showcase your teeth. In addition to numerous studies, you may already instinctively know that smiling helps improve your interactions with others, and helps you appear more confident and approachable. When you aren’t happy with your smile, however, you might not show it often, and therefore won’t realize the benefits it can offer. The art of cosmetic dentistry can help improve the appearance of your teeth and gums so you can once again enjoy a confident smile, and all that it has to offer.

How Cranberries Can Help Fight Tooth Decay

The fall season brings a lot of reasons to celebrate, but Thanksgiving is perhaps the most celebrated and widely-known fall holiday. Though the reason for its popularity lies mostly in the food, the delights of Thanksgiving dinner feed more than just your palate and belly. They also feed the biological reactions of the bacteria that live in your mouth--such as those that produce acids that destroy your teeth’s protective enamel. According to research, however, you might find a powerful ally in one of the more commonly-used Thanksgiving foods, cranberries, which can help fight tooth decay at a molecular level.

Light Up Your Winter

It’s that time again! You know, time to bundle up with friends and loved ones, pile into the car with a thermos of hot cocoa, and drive through the Prairie Lights holiday light park, where the sparkling light displays dazzle against the night sky. Four million lights that cover an area of an approximate two-mile journey, that is. What better way to get into the festive spirit for the upcoming holiday season?

Dental Anxiety? Rest Easy with Sedation

Do you find that you avoid visits to the dentist because you suffer from dental anxiety? You may feel like you’re the only one, but you are actually one of millions who puts off a trip to your friendly dental office. Yes, even patients who have had good experiences fall victim to nervousness that keeps them from receiving the dental care necessary for maintaining optimal oral health. Consider the following answers to some frequently asked questions regarding sedation if you think it may work for you.

Are You Ready to Fix That Chipped Tooth?

Sometimes, a chipped tooth can add character to a smile, but if you don’t fix it, then the damage could eventually become much more than just a unique expression. If it’s bad enough, the blemish can weaken your tooth’s structure, making it more likely to crack or break. If it’s just a minor chip, then the normal wear and tear from biting and chewing might take a while to make it worse, but it will still take more of a toll than it does on your healthy, whole teeth. When you’re ready to fix your chipped tooth, we can help you decide on an appropriate, non-invasive restoration that will fill in your smile without standing out from it.

How Fluoride Helps Prevent Cavities

Though many people are familiar with the advice that fluoride can help prevent cavities, not everyone understands how, or why it’s important. If you don’t, then you might skip checking if a certain toothpaste contains the mineral before you buy it, or you might not understand the significance if your dentist recommends a topical fluoride treatment. To clarify, we explain just how fluoride helps prevent cavities, and why it’s become a staple of effective dental hygiene.

Your Dentist’s Warnings About Snoring

Your dentist warns you about a lot of things. Not brushing and flossing enough, eating too much too often, and skipping your dental checkups are among the more common warnings. What you might not realize, however, is that if your dentist knew you snore, you may also be warned about the dangers of not having your condition checked out and treated. As a general dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith has helped many patients stop snoring through customized dental treatment, usually in the form of an appliance that helps keep your airway clear while you sleep.

Common Questions About Dental Emergencies

Though you might never experience a dental emergency, chances are you might at least have a fright or two. For instance, if you bite down hard enough on a popcorn kernel to make your tooth hurt, or if you notice blood when you brush and floss your teeth. If it is an emergency, however, then seeking appropriate treatment from your emergency dentist could be vital to saving your dental health. To help you recognize when it’s time to seek treatment immediately, we answer a few common questions about dental emergencies, and what to do if the time comes.