For years, dentists removed decay and filled teeth with amalgam metal fillings. These restorations would restore teeth, but over time, the fillings begin to darken and cast shadows over otherwise attractive smiles. As well, metal fillings can change shape or crack, which can cause other oral health concerns.
Don’t let old metal fillings steal your gorgeous smile. Because dental techniques and materials have continued to improve, patients have healthier, more attractive options to fill cavities and rejuvenate worn-down teeth. The first step involves an evaluation with your dentist and discussion of the best options for your case.
To repair damaged areas and revitalize your smile, your dentist may suggest:
Composite fillings – Made of resin material, composite fillings provide solid, aesthetically-pleasing repairs to teeth. Your dentist will color match the filling with your natural tooth so that the restoration blends in naturally. Not only do composite fillings look better than metal amalgams, but they improve your dental health because they allow for more conservative treatment, and they won’t crack or leak after an extended time period.
Inlays or Onlays – To strengthen teeth with larger areas of decay, the doctor may suggest an inlay or onlay. Usually, these restorations work well for the chewing areas on back teeth. Inlays and onlays are fabricated to cover a larger area than traditional fillings.
Porcelain Crowns – When a tooth has more damage than a filling, inlay, or onlay can cover, a porcelain crown is often the best option. Dental crowns, also called caps, cover the remaining tooth structure, improving functionality and creating stability.
As the holidays approach, people prepare to travel far and wide for gatherings with family and friends. Usually, this involves packing for the appropriate attire, loading up the car, making plane reservations, or finding accommodations for the family pet. Don’t let a toothache or broken bracket ruin your celebration.
Follow this advice to get your smile travel-ready:
• Prepare in advance – If you or your loved ones are due for a checkup, don’t put it off until after the trip. During this appointment, your dentist can evaluate your whole mouth and look for unseen issues, like a cavity, that could wreck your holiday plans.
• Plan accordingly – Any major dental work, like root canals, crowns, or placement of braces, should take place at least two weeks before your trip to allow plenty of time for healing or to address any issues. As well, recent dental work can be sensitive to air pressure changes from flying.
• Learn emergency protocol – Ask your dentist or orthodontist for basic instructions in case of an emergency. Even with careful planning, a chipped tooth, missing bracket, or lost filling could still occur. Knowing what steps to take in these situations will help you stay calm.
• Take supplies with you – Check online or ask your provider about where to purchase a dental emergency kit. These small, portable sets will contain items you need to treat a toothache or cover a broken orthodontic wire so that your ski holiday or trip to the Caribbean isn’t ruined.
Happy Holidays from the office of Dr. Yolanda Cruz Dentistry – Toronto Canada Dentist – Dental Travel Tips
A visit to the dentist involves X-rays, cleanings, and time in the dental chair with your mouth open. Most of the time, you can’t see what’s going on during the appointment. With intraoral cameras, patients can actually visualize some of what their doctors see. As well, these cameras provide dentists with detailed information about your mouth.
Designed as a wand with a camera at the end, this device takes photographs off your teeth. Intraoral cameras give dentists a non-invasive way to gather data about a patient’s oral health. For your safety, intraoral cameras come with plastic sleeves that work like the covers on a thermometer. Each one is discarded and a new one is used for every patient.
Because of the advanced technology, intraoral cameras enable dentists to focus in on certain areas of the mouth. For instance, your doctor can zero in on a specific tooth. If you have a problem tooth or gum line issue, the dentist can take pictures at each visit and then monitor the situation for any changes.
The images generated from the intraoral camera can be viewed on a monitor so that the dentist and patients can see the pictures. Patients are able to ask questions and doctors can provide very specific recommendations. With oral hygiene, for example, the dentist can point out how healthy the gums look as well as show a patient any signs of irritation. Dentists can show their young patients the exact spot of a cavity to help ease concerns or prepare them for the filling appointment.
Your smile is our priority at Dr. Yolanda Cruz Dentistry – Toronto Dental Office – Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
If you get a toothache, don’t just ignore the pain until it subsides. The pain you feel usually indicates some kind of problem. You can compromise the health of your tooth and your overall dental health by not seeking treatment. Let your dentist get to the root of the problem.
Common sources for tooth pain can include:
Decay – Often seen as a problem for kids, cavities can develop in people of all ages. Tooth decay happens when plaque, a sticky film cause by bacteria in your mouth, covers the teeth and weakens enamel. Your dentist will need to remove the decay and fill the tooth.
Abscessed Tooth – Caused by a bacterial infection, an abscess occurs in the tissue surrounding a tooth. Usually, a sac of pus forms at the site of the infection. Because the infection can spread if not treated, see your dentist right away if you suspect an abscessed tooth.
Gum Disease – Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease begins as mild swelling and bleeding. Without treatment, the condition can escalate, causing pain, gum recession, and even tooth loss.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) – Clenching your jaws and grinding your teeth is called bruxism. Many times, bruxism is a result of stress, a bad bite, or missing teeth. Having bruxism can lead to headaches, tooth pain, and soreness in your jaw.
Trauma – If your tooth sustains a severe injury, you can damage the pulp, which will kill off the nerve center and create intense pressure within the tooth. Usually, a root canal is needed to restore the tooth’s health and function.
Creating beautiful, healthy smiles at Dr. Yolanda Cruz Dentistry – Toronto Canada Dentist – Tooth Pain
If you are experiencing tingling in the extremities, neck pain, headaches, or pain in the jaw, you may suffer from TMJ dysfunction. Approximately 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ dysfunction, also called TMD; this problem occurs when the temporomandibular joints, or jaw joints, don’t work properly. These small, triangular joints allow you to open and close your mouth. Stress, illness, injury or bite changes can impact how well your jaw joints function. When the TMJ are out of sync, the muscles get fatigued and the nerves become irritated, which creates various unpleasant symptoms.
Common Signs of TMD include:
• Headaches
• Issues with balance
• Limited range of motion
• Popping and clicking in the jaw
• Ringing in the ears
• Uneven wear of your teeth
To give you a comfortable, healthy smile, the dentist will evaluate your whole mouth and determine the cause of your TMJ dysfunction. Once the doctor identifies the root issue, he or she can recommend therapy to alleviate your pain and rejuvenate your smile. Non-surgical TMJ treatment may involve an oral appliance to prevent clenching, strengthening exercises, or hot and cold compresses.
Designed specifically to address TMD symptoms, the NTI-tss is a small oral appliance that holds your bite in the correct position. Nearly invisible, this plastic device fits over the patient’s front teeth and is usually worn during sleep. By wearing the NTI-tss, you stop clenching and grinding your teeth, providing the pain relief you need.
Come visit us for your dental needs – Dr. Yolanda Cruz Dentistry – Toronto Canada Dentist – TMJ Treatment
Are you always saying no to ice cream and other frozen treats?
Do you eat soup at room temperature?
Is sugar too painful for you to bear?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have sensitive teeth. The sensations you feel are caused when dentin, an inner layer of the tooth, is exposed, stimulating the nerves and cells in teeth. Teeth sensitivity can occur for a variety of reasons, including gum disease, teeth grinding, brushing too hard, and enamel erosion. Dental work often makes teeth sensitive, but usually this sensation fades with time.
Having sensitive teeth can your life miserable. Even breathing in cold air can be difficult with sensitive teeth. Depending on the severity, symptoms can range from dull aches to shooting pains.
Although sensitive teeth can feel frustrating, you can take steps to minimize this discomfort. Follow these suggestions to reduce sensitivity:
- Practice good oral health care, remembering to brush twice a day and floss frequently
- Schedule checkups and cleanings every six months, more often if recommended by your dentist
- Switch from a hard-bristled toothbrush to one with soft bristles
- Select a toothpaste designed to desensitize teeth
- Limit your consumption of acidic foods and beverages such as citrus fruits, soft drinks, wine, and sports drinks
- Talk with your dentist about a mouth guard to prevent grinding and clenching
- Ask about fluoride gel applications
Call us to schedule a visit at Dr. Yolanda Cruz Dentistry – Toronto Dental Office – Cosmetic and Family Dentistry.
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