Technological advancements have led to a variety of new tools and techniques in the field of dentistry. One of these advancements is the use of lasers for various treatments. Our dentist uses DIAGNOdent, a special tool that helps detect cavities at very early stages.
The Importance of Early Cavity Detection
Tooth decay can be difficult to detect. This is one reason why regular visits to your dentist are so important. By the time you are aware of a cavity, chances are good that it has progressed to a point where extensive treatment will be necessary. This could involve a large filling, a crown, or even a root canal or removal of the tooth.
Fortunately, your dentist has many ways to detect cavities before they exhibit definite symptoms. They have special tools with which they probe the surfaces of the teeth, feeling for soft spots where decay has begun. They use X-rays to produce clear images of the tooth that show decay clearly as darker areas on the image. And many dentists now use lasers to detect early decay.
How DIAGNOdent Works
DIAGNOdent uses a laser to examine your teeth and find areas where decay has set in. The laser is carefully calibrated to fluoresce when it encounters decayed tissue, allowing the dentist to see even very small, very early signs of developing decay. When problems are detected at these very early stages, they can be treated with much less invasive methods, greatly decreasing the likelihood that you will have to undergo a procedure such as a crown, root canal or extraction. Early detection also allows the dentist to use treatments that will preserve a much larger percentage of your original tooth. For example, a small cavity, detected in very early stages, might require only a small filling, maintaining the majority of the original tooth structure.
To find out more about how DIAGNOdent works and how it can help you receive more effective, less invasive treatment for dental decay, please contact our Arlington TX office at 817-465-0355 to make an appointment.
TMJ disorder is a common issue involving a problem with the alignment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint is located where the lower jaw, or mandible, meets the skull at the temporal bone. Several facial and cranial nerves pass through this area, so when the joint is misaligned, a variety of symptoms can result.
Treatment for TMJ can help reduce or eliminate the nagging symptoms of this complex disorder.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder has a spectrum of symptoms, sometimes making it difficult to diagnose. Among the symptoms are:
- Headaches
- Earaches
- Popping of the jaw
- Neck, shoulder and upper back discomfort
Many of these issues could stem from other causes, so it is important to be sure you get an accurate diagnosis. Your dentist will be able to rule out some causes of these symptoms, but you might also wish to consult with your doctor to rule out others.
Once other possible causes for your symptoms are ruled out, your dentist can discuss possible options to treat TMJ disorder.
Treatment Options for TMJ
Your dentist can help you determine the best treatment option for your TMJ based upon the root cause of the problem. Causes of TMJ can include:
- Misaligned bite
- Stress
- Teeth grinding and clenching
If your bite is misaligned, an effective TMJ treatment involves completely relaxing the jaw to determine its normal at-rest state. Then treatment focuses on ensuring the jaw remains in the correct position. This can be accomplished with orthodontic treatment or placement of crowns or veneers.
TMJ can also be treated with orthotics that reduce the stress of grinding, or with stress elimination and/or management techniques. In rare cases, TMJ requires surgery. This is usually only necessary if the joint has been damaged or the bone worn down.
Treatment for TMJ can help reduce or eliminate the nagging symptoms of this complex disorder. If you have suffered with any of the symptoms above, and have been unable to attribute these symptoms to another cause, please contact the office of Dr. Daniel C. Bush, serving Arlington TX, at 817-465-0355 for a consultation.
With dental veneers, you can achieve a perfect smile without extensive orthodontic treatment or more invasive procedures such as dental crowns. Veneers can correct a wide range of cosmetic issues, and give you a natural look virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. If you’re considering veneers in Arlington TX, our cosmetic dentist can help you decide if veneers are right for you.
Advantages and Qualities of Dental Veneers
Veneers offer a number of advantages over alternate cosmetic dentistry treatments. Veneers are very thin and require only minor alterations to the teeth before they are set into place. Cosmetic crowns, by contrast, require more extensive reshaping to the tooth. Veneers are made of porcelain, which is semi-transparent just like natural tooth enamel. This means the veneers reflect light in the same way as enamel, giving them a natural luster. Veneers are carefully color-matched to your teeth, and are custom-made so their shape is consistent and contributes to a perfect smile.
Veneers are placed in a simple, two-step procedure. First, the teeth are prepared and molds are made. Temporary veneers protect your teeth until the final, custom-made veneers arrive from an off-site lab. The permanent veneers are attached to your tooth surfaces with a special bonding agent. The delicate porcelain veneers bond to your teeth, making them strong and durable.
Cosmetic Issues Veneers Can Correct
Veneers are a versatile cosmetic dentistry solution that can be used to treat a number of imperfections in your smile.
Some issues often treated with veneers include:
- Discoloration that cannot be treated with whitening
- Minor misalignment or gaps
- Cracks, pits or chips in the teeth
Rather than undergoing months of orthodontic treatment, you can see improvement in your smile almost immediately. To find out if your smile could benefit from dental veneers, contact the office of Dr. Daniel C. Bush at 817-465-0355 to schedule a consultation.
Although many people would prefer to avoid having a root canal procedure, in most cases it is the best or even the only way to save a tooth that has been severely damaged or decayed. If you believe you might need a root canal in the Arlington area, let our dental team help you make the best decision for you and your tooth.
The goal of the root canal procedure is to remove infected tissue, eliminate discomfort, and preserve the affected tooth.
Why Would I Need a Root Canal?
The root canal is actually a chamber inside the tooth that houses the main tooth nerve as well as the tooth pulp. Infection in this area affects the pulp and the nerve, leading to extreme sensitivity, toothache, or other uncomfortable symptoms.
A root canal is usually necessary when a tooth is seriously infected, severely decayed, or damaged due to trauma. Usually the tooth is experiencing extreme discomfort, and the damage is such that the only alternative to the root canal procedure is to remove the tooth.
How a Root Canal Procedure is Performed
Once your dentist has determined a root canal is necessary, he will discuss your options with you so that you can make the final decision. The actual procedure is performed under local anesthetic. The dentist makes a small hole in the tooth, then, with a variety of different-sized tools, removes the infected tissue from the root canal area of the tooth, including the tooth nerve and the pulp.
After the root canal area has been completely cleared, it is thoroughly disinfected, and the empty area is refilled with a sterile sealing agent and the hole is repaired with a filling. The tooth is then prepared for a crown. The crown is placed over the tooth to ensure it remains stable and can withstand biting and chewing pressures.
The goal of the root canal procedure is to remove infected tissue, eliminate discomfort, and preserve the affected tooth. If you feel you might need a root canal, please contact our office for an appointment.
Many people only think of going to their dentist in Arlington when they have a problem such as a toothache or a broken tooth. However, preventive dental care can help you catch any potential problems early – or possibly avoid them completely.
After all, a healthy mouth is a key part of having a healthy body. And tooth and gum disease can contribute to more than just oral problems – they can potentially contribute to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems and pregnancy issues.
Twice yearly visits to the dentist are standard recommendations for preventive care; if you have gingivitis or gum disease, your dentist may recommend a more frequent treatment schedule. But why go visit the dentist when nothing’s wrong? Having a preventive check-up, cleaning and periodic x-rays help reduce the natural buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth. If left untreated, over time, plaque and tartar can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
By far, the most important way to take charge of your oral health is regular brushing and flossing. By brushing and flossing at least twice a day, you can make sure that food particles and bacteria don’t remain on your teeth which can eventually lead to tooth decay. Additionally, when you regularly floss and brush, you stimulate your gums to help avoid gingivitis or gum disease from forming.
Your dentist or dental hygienist can show you the correct way to brush and floss your teeth, as well as what type of toothbrush to use. In general:
- Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle
- Using a circular motion, move your brush back and forth across your teeth.
- Be sure to brush the front, back, sides and tops of all your teeth.
- Also be sure to brush your gums and your tongue to get rid of any bacteria.
- Remember to replace your toothbrush every couple of months so it doesn’t wear out.
Regular preventive care visits to your dentist can help you maintain your oral health, as well as your general health. Let us help keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy now – and in the future. Call the office of Dr. Daniel C. Bush at 817-465-0355 to schedule your next exam.
Many patients suffering from tooth loss are turning to dental implants in Arlington TX 76015 . Whether you are missing one or more of your teeth, dental implants allow our implant dentist to fully restore the functionality of your teeth and give you the smile you’ve always wanted.
Dental implants, the preferred tooth replacement solution, offer several advantages over dentures.
Here’s how the process works:
- Small titanium posts are bonded to your jaw bone.
- It will take anywhere from three to six months for the posts to anchor and heal in your jaw.
- Once the anchor post is healed, your implant dentist will create a temporary crown.
- And finally, your dentist will replace the temporary crown with a permanent implant tooth.
Dental Implants vs. Dentures
Dental implants, the preferred tooth replacement solution, offer several advantages over dentures. With dentures, you must endure custom fittings and always worry about slippage, discomfort and whether or not you can eat certain foods because of the dentures. Plus, when you’re missing teeth, you want replacement teeth that look as close to your natural teeth as possible. This is why considering dental implants may be the best choice.
The most important things to consider is preventing bone loss. Single and multiple dental implants can help prevent loss if your tooth has been extracted or lost. In fact, the dental implant helps support your jaw bone. Without it, lost teeth can impact your facial features causing a hollow look.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you’re interested in dental implants, it’s vital to be in good general and oral health. You’ll need to have sufficient bone in your jaw to support the implant, as well as healthy gums.
Your dentist can advise you on the best choices available for a successful dental implant experience. Contact our experienced implant dentistry team to discuss your treatment needs, your goals, and how we can make your dreams of a beautiful, healthy smile come true.
Have you always wanted to improve your smile? Dr. Daniel C. Bush, your cosmetic dentist serving Arlington, can help transform your smile – often in as little as one visit.
On your first visit to your cosmetic dentist, you’ll discuss your goals and your dentist will create a personalized plan to create your new, dazzling smile. Depending on your needs, there are a number of different cosmetic dentistry services that your dentist may recommend. They include:
Veneers. Dental veneers are a quick, easy way to customize your smile by covering up stained and chipped teeth, as well as those that are worn down or crooked. Dental veneers are made of ultra-thin material, such as porcelain, and are placed over your existing teeth. Because they’re stain resistant and are long-lasting, dental veneers are a terrific cosmetic dentistry choice.
Teeth whitening. Over the years, drinking coffee and tea, colas or red wine, or smoking tobacco can leave unsightly stains on your teeth’s enamel. Your cosmetic dentist has several in-office teeth whitening procedures to give you a dazzling bright, white smile in as little as an hour. There are also take-home tooth whitening systems available to help you keep your smile sparkling.
Dental implants. If you have missing teeth, dental implants can make you want to smile wide again. With dental implants, small titanium posts are placed into the jawbone where your teeth are missing. Then porcelain crowns are placed over the titanium posts. The look is so natural that no one will know you have implants.
Whatever your goals, Dr. Bush will discuss with you your options and thoroughly explain your treatment plan. For the smile of your dreams, call 817-465-0355 to schedule a consultation today.
