Understanding Single Tooth Dental Implants

For people with a single tooth missing or in need of replacement, a dental implant can be an excellent option. Dental implants replace both the tooth and the root, providing a long-term, permanent fix for a lost tooth. A dentist will evaluate a patient to see if they are a good candidate for a single tooth dental implant before moving forward with surgery.

How Dental Implants Work 

A dental implant uses a small piece of metal, most commonly titanium, to provide an anchor for the new tooth. After the root replacement has been installed and allowed to settle, the replacement tooth is affixed to the anchor. Because the root implant is set in the jaw bone, a dentist will evaluate a patient to make sure their gums are healthy enough to support the implant and ensure there is enough bone to hold the implant in place. For implants in the upper row of teeth, the dentist will also make sure the sinuses won't be affected by the implant.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer a number of advantages over other methods of tooth replacement. It is commonly used as an alternative to a bridge. Unlike a bridge, which is affixed to the neighboring teeth, an implant does not sacrifice the health of the other teeth. Bridges can cause the bone around the old tooth root to deteriorate around the empty space, but an implant fully replaces the tooth root, better preserving the overall bone health. Implants are also easier to care for than other tooth replacement options, keeping gums supported and healthy with regular brushing and flossing.

In most cases, a dentist with a general practice will only evaluate and assess whether a patient is a good candidate for dental implants before referring them to a specialist. At Storts Family Dentistry, however, the same experts who help patients with routine prevention and care can undertake the implant surgery, making it convenient for patients and their dental care providers. Our dentists and staff will help you at every step on the way to your new smile. To get started, contact us today.

Yes, They're Safe: Why Your Child's Dentist Recommends X-Rays

While the majority of parents would likely agree with the experts that dental care is a necessity, the issue of dental x-rays is sometimes more debated. Parents want to know: Are they safe? Are they necessary? These concerns are valid, and a dentist requesting to perform x-rays on a child should be prepared to explain the process, including the potential risks and benefits as relevant to the patient.

Understanding Radiation Exposure 

Generally speaking, the primary concern is exposure to radiation. While it is not possible to avoid all exposure, parents can rest assured that the level of exposure today is extremely small. As with so many other procedures in medical and dental care, the safety of x-rays has increased dramatically with the advancement of technology, especially digital imaging. According to a team of healthcare professionals at Columbia University, a person is exposed to about 360 units of radiation per year. A plane ride averages 5 units of exposure. A dental x-ray averages 2 to 3 units.

Still, no one wants his or her child to be exposed to more radiation than necessary. Dentists understand this and don't always recommend x-rays at every visit. Instead, there are two specific reasons they may be requested.

Diagnosing Problems

If a dentist notices recurring or frequent abnormalities at a child's dental care appointments, he or she may recommend an x-ray. In these cases, it may help diagnose and treat an issue that isn't visible to the naked eye. Some of the reasons an x-ray may be recommended include the following:

• Tooth decay
• Frequent cavities
• Swelling, bleeding, or sensitivity
• Unusual characteristics

Monitoring Development

For a child with a healthy mouth, dental x-rays may only be recommended once every year. The purpose of these x-rays is to monitor development and make sure everything is occurring under the gums as it should be, including the following:

• Proper tooth eruption and development
• Appropriate loosening of baby teeth
• Wisdom tooth development

As a whole, dental x-rays are extremely safe, even for children. X-rays are performed sparingly, and thanks to thyroid shields, aprons, and technology, the exposure to radiation is minimal. They are quick, easy, and indispensable to proper dental care.

Oral health maintenance that begins in childhood can help prevent a lifetime of future problems. Dental x-rays are no exception. Contact Storts Family Dentistry today in Ardmore to schedule your child's appointment.

What Can I Do About Gum Recession?

Gum recession is the term for the slow-moving process where the gum line gradually wears away or pulls back. As this happens, more of the tooth root is exposed, and pockets can form between the tooth and the gum. These pockets are breeding grounds for harmful bacteria that can cause irreparable damage to the supporting tissue and bone structures around the teeth. Ultimately, if left untreated, gum recession can cause tooth loss, which may necessitate dental implants. Regular dental care is essential to avoid these outcomes.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum recession is a very common problem in the United States and can be caused by a number of different factors. Periodontal disease is the main cause, as bacterial infections in the gums destroy the surrounding tissue, making the gum line more susceptible to further infection. In fact, almost half of adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease, according to the CDC.
Genetics also play a role, as roughly a third of all Americans may be predisposed to gum disease, no matter what level of dental care they take. In fact, people who are overly aggressive in their dental care may increase the risk of gum recession as hard brushing can wear away the gum line.

What Can Be Done to Treat Gum Recession?

While regular dental care can help avoid gum recession, some people may still find themselves showing symptoms. For mild gum recession, a dentist can deep-clean the affected area, removing plaque and tartar. During the deep cleaning, the dentist may also smooth out any exposed root surface, making it more difficult for bacteria to attach.
A dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to combat any bacteria that remain after the deep cleaning. In cases where these measures prove ineffective, it may be necessary to perform gum surgery. Surgical options include open gum scaling, where excess gum tissue is snugly folded back over the root, eliminating or minimizing the open pockets where bacteria can attach.

Reach out to Storts Family Dentistry to Keep Gums Healthy

If you begin noticing signs of gum recession, then you should seek proper dental care to help avoid the worst effects. The highly experienced dental professionals at Storts Family Dentistry have experience helping people practice good dental hygiene to offset gum recession and can assist you if you're already dealing with the problem. If you live in the Ardmore area, call 580-223-6720 or fill out our contact form to combat gum recession today.

Why Are My Teeth Suddenly More Sensitive?

Tooth sensitivity (also called dentin hypersensitivity) can occur without warning, and it affects a surprising number of Americans. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, tooth sensitivity is the most common complaint that dentists receive. A sudden onset of sensitive teeth can have a number of causes. Some of these causes can be treated at home, while others will require more in-depth dental care.

Why Does Tooth Sensitivity Occur Suddenly? 

Teeth are made of an outer layer of enamel and an inner layer of dentin. The enamel is a coating that protects the inside of the tooth. Dentin is a porous material, and if it is exposed, the hollow tubes can allow hot and cold food and beverages to come into contact with the nerve endings beneath the teeth. In severe cases, even breathing through the mouth will cause pain. Since enamel wears away slowly, it may take years for it to become thin enough to create sensitivity, even if it seems like the problem started overnight.

What Are the Causes of Tooth Sensitivity?

There are a few different reasons why enamel may wear away. Patients who brush their teeth too vigorously can brush away the enamel. Acidic foods and beverages, like coffee and candy, can also erode tooth enamel, especially when a person eats or drinks them excessively. Repeated exposure to stomach acid, such as with chronic acid reflux or in cases of bulimia, is also extremely damaging to enamel.

Other causes of tooth sensitivity include nerve exposure through tooth decay or damage. Gum disease can cause the gums to recede, exposing the nerve endings in the roots of the teeth, as well. The best way to prevent tooth sensitivity is with regular dental care, including brushing and flossing twice per day.

What Are the Treatment Options?

The most common treatment for tooth sensitivity is a desensitizing toothpaste used twice daily at home. A dentist will also usually recommend that the patient cut down on consuming acidic food and drinks—including every Southerner's favorite, sweet tea. Fluoride treatments may also help relieve pain from sensitivity. If the root of the problem is extensive tooth damage, however, patients will usually require in-office dental care. For instance, if the cause of tooth sensitivity is a cavity, a dentist will remove the decayed portion and may repair the tooth with a procedure such as dental bonding. Cracked or abscessed teeth may require a root canal.

For more information about dental care for tooth sensitivity, contact Storts Family Dentistry by calling (580) 223-6720 or filling out their contact form.

Dental Bonding: Questions and Answers

Patients experiencing cosmetic dental issues, such as chipped, cracked, or tooth decay, may pursue bonding to resolve the problems. This procedure may occur in conjunction with orthodontics treatment.

Overview

Applying a white composite resin to the surface of teeth covers damage and discoloration that could occur from some foods and beverages. Bonding is a simple treatment, and dentists usually do not need to administer anesthesia.

Procedure

For this orthodontics procedure, the dentist finds the correct shade to match existing color and then etches the tooth surface to make it slightly rough. After applying a conditioning liquid to the surface, the bonding material is molded and smoothed onto the tooth. A laser or UV light hardens the resin, and then the dentist performs final trimming and shaping, before polishing it to match the surrounding teeth.

The process for one tooth takes about 30 minutes. If a patient wants bonding performed on more than one tooth, multiple appointments may be necessary.

Finding a reliable dentist who performs dentistry services and orthodontics can help patients receive bonding treatments for their dental issue.

Invisalign or Traditional Braces, Which Is the Best Choice?

Most people recall the traditional metal braces that were most common years ago. They work well, but they come with a plethora of problems, including discomfort. They also make dental hygiene challenging as food particles get caught in the wires and may require yet another visit to the orthodontics specialist. However, traditional braces do cost less and move teeth into proper alignment over time.

However, there is an option that is just as effective, more comfortable, and nearly invisible. Invisalign braces gently move the teeth into proper alignment without wires. They are removable for hygienic purposes, which also allow you to eat whatever you want—a benefit that is not permitted with traditional metal braces.

According to an article in Medscape, recent studies show traditional braces require a longer duration of treatment by up to 2.5 months with longer, more frequent visits that are necessary for adjustments. Plus they often require more emergency visits to the orthodontics specialist. The initial cost for Invisalign braces is higher than the traditional alternative, but only the client and the dentist can decide what will work best.

Exciting Breakthroughs in Oral Cancer Prevention

The VELscope® Vx has been skyrocketing in the orthodontics world. It’s an improved and powerful device that is safe for examinations. This piece of technology can detect pre-cancers, cancers, and other oral diseases. The blue fluorescent light is the main source in making everything visible that the eye won’t be able to catch. Below are some of the major advantages you can expect from orthodontics who use the VELscope® Vx.

1. It uses noninvasive wavelengths to identify cellular, structural, or metabolic changes in the patient to alert the orthodontist to any diseases.

2. These high-tech examinations will not add any time to hygiene exams, as the average test lasts only two minutes.

3. It provides easy to see visual information for both the orthodontist and the patient so that they can make the most informed decision, together.

4. It’s instrumental in establishing lesion margins for later surgery.

5. It is one of the most important tools to quickly identify and stop oral cancer.

The VELscope® Vx has improved the way many orthodontics examine and check their patient's oral health.