Gingivitis, a term for inflammation of the gums, is one of the first signs of an oral health problem. It is stage one of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease – a condition that can affect your overall health. Healthy oral hygiene habits and regular visits to your dentist can help prevent or even reverse gingivitis.
Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen gums, bad breath, and increased sensitivity of the teeth. When gingivitis progresses to the more serious periodontal disease, the patient may experience shifting of the teeth, tooth loss, or the formation of abscessed teeth.
Gingivitis has been connected to higher incidences of heart disease and stroke. This may be caused by the high bacteria levels in the mouth circulating to other areas of the body. It may also be caused by the inflammation of the gums leading to inflammation of other areas in the body, such as the heart.
Gingivitis, a term for inflammation of the gums, is one of the first signs of an oral health problem.
Diabetes has also been linked to gingivitis. High glucose levels in the blood caused by the disorder may be the link between the two conditions. Patients with diabetes must be diligent with their oral hygiene and visits to the dentist.
Pregnant women who suffer from gum disease are three to five times more likely to have a preterm birth than women with healthy gums. A preterm birth is one where the baby is born before 37 weeks of gestation, and can cause a number of health problems for the child. Pregnant women should brush and floss daily, and call their dentist immediately upon noticing signs of gingivitis.
Once you are diagnosed with gingivitis, the dentist may treat the condition through plaque removal, the prescription of antibacterial mouth rinses, and increased cleanings. Catching the condition early and treating it as soon as possible will prevent its progression to more serious oral conditions, which in turn can help prevent possibly life-threatening health conditions.
For more information and to schedule your next exam in Arlington TX, contact the office of Dr. Daniel C. Bush today.
Digital radiography uses digital x-ray sensors to create images, instead of the traditional film method. While traditional x-rays could give the dentist a clear image of the patient’s teeth and jawbone, the newer technology of digital x-rays offers a safer and more convenient option.
With digital x-rays, the dentist uses a digital sensor instead of a biteplate to capture the images he wants. This system exposes the patient to significantly less radiation than traditional film x-rays. Once the image has been captured, they are immediately uploaded to the technician’s computer.
Digital x-ray images are sharper and more detailed than traditional x-ray images, making diagnosis faster and more accurate. The images develop faster, as well, since there’s no regular film to develop – along with being exposed to less radiation, you’re also exposed to less time at the dentist’s office.
In addition to the safety features, digital x-rays are also more convenient. The images are stored on the office’s computer, so your dental care team can easily pull up all the images taken of your teeth to monitor progress over time.
If you ever move, change dentists, or need to see a specialist, transfer of your records becomes instantaneous. Your dental office can simply transfer the images to the new office or specialist electronically, eliminating transfer time and the need for you to drive to the office to pick up your records.
As an added benefit, digital x-rays require no paper waste or film waste, since it is an entirely computer-based imagery system. This lessens the environmental impact of your dental care.
When combined with the convenience, increased accuracy and diagnostic potential, digital x-rays are an effective and important tool for your regular dental treatment.
To learn more and to schedule your next exam, contact the office of Dr. Daniel C. Bush, serving Arlington TX, at 817-465-0355 today.
When you lose teeth, they aren’t the only things you may miss. You may also miss your smile, your confidence, and your self-image. There are several available options for repairing a smile that has been altered because of tooth loss. Dental implants are a permanent, low maintenance solution.
Dental implants are posts that act as artificial tooth roots. The implant dentist will place the implant into the socket of the tooth you have lost, where it will fuse with the surrounding jawbone. An artificial tooth that has been color-matched to blend with your other teeth will be placed over the post, resulting in a replacement tooth that looks and feels real!
Another advantage of dental implants is that they are more comfortable than other tooth replacement options.
If you have lost multiple teeth, dental implants can be used to support bridgework, or to support dentures. Unlike regular bridges, dental implants do not require a permanent alteration of surrounding teeth for support.
Another advantage of dental implants is that they are more comfortable than other tooth replacement options. For example, they won’t slide out when you’re talking or trying to eat, like some dentures will (and you don’t have to bother with messy denture adhesives, either). Dental implants look and feel just like a natural tooth.
Regular good oral hygiene will help ensure that the implants last for decades. Twice daily tooth brushing, daily flossing, and regular visits to the dentist will keep the implants clean and free of debris. The dental visits will also allow your oral healthcare team to check the implants.
Avoid smoking or using other tobacco products during and after the implant procedure – they can cause receding gums and even implant failure during the healing process. For non-smokers who are already in good health and practice good oral hygiene habits, dental implants can have a success rate of up to 98 percent.
Contact the Arlington TX office of Dr. Daniel C. Bush to see if you are a candidate for dental implants.
The dental habits that children develop as young people will shape the course of their dental history into adulthood. Their dental needs begin before they even have visible teeth. Their needs include check-ups at the dentist, and lessons in personal dental hygiene.
When your child is just a baby, run a damp washcloth over his or her gums before the teeth begin to emerge. This will help remove sugars and bacteria from formula or breast milk, which can lead to infections in the gums. Once the baby’s teeth begin coming in, avoid putting the baby to sleep with a bottle – a practice that can cause milk or juice to collect around the teeth, eating at the enamel.
Children also need regular visits to the dentist, with the first visit occurring by the time the child turns 12 months old. The dentist will be able to detect any issues with the forming teeth, and will show you how to properly brush and floss the child’s teeth. A child’s baby teeth should all be in by the time he is 2 ½, at which point the dentist will possibly start fluoride treatments to harden the tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
You should begin flossing your child’s teeth as soon as they have two teeth that are touching. Brush the child’s teeth twice a day until they are old enough to hold the toothbrush themselves and brush effectively. You can begin using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste when the child is between 2 and 3 years old- just make sure they spit it out and don’t swallow it.
Along with brushing, flossing and regular visits to the dentist’s, children’s teeth also require certain dietary standards. Avoid giving children sticky sweets, soda, or other unhealthy, sugary snacks. These can lead to cavities. Continue taking the child to the dentist for routine cleanings and check-ups every 3 to 6 months. The dentist may also recommend a check-up at the orthodontist, to correct any issues with permanent teeth or jaw alignment.
To schedule your child’s first exam in Arlington, contact the office of Dr. Daniel C. Bush at 817-465-0355 today.
One of the fastest and easiest ways to increase your confidence is through an at-home teeth whitening system. Having a brighter smile will encourage you to smile bigger and more often. While many grocery stores and drug stores offer over-the-counter teeth whitening systems, it is best to purchase one from a cosmetic dentist whom you trust.
Always follow the cosmetic dentist’s instructions about how to use the teeth whitening trays and how long to leave them in place.
The efficacy of a teeth whitening system will depend on the original color of your teeth and the nature of any stains. If your teeth are simply yellow-gold because of regular staining over the course of your lifetime, a regular treatment should be all that is required. If your teeth have tetracycline stains or are stained gray, you may need to treat your teeth with the system for a longer period of time.
Always follow the cosmetic dentist’s instructions about how to use the teeth whitening trays and how long to leave them in place. After the treatment, keep the trays in a place where you can easily find them again. At-home teeth whitening treatments (and all other treatments, including ones performed in the dentist’s office) are not permanent and will need routine touch-ups. In general, you will need to touch-up your treatment every six to twelve months. The touch-ups typically take one or two nights.
One easy way to remember to do your teeth whitening touch-ups is to simply request free touch-up product when you come into our office for your six-month dental check-up. Once you whiten your teeth with our products, make the treatment last as long as possible by avoiding dark teas, wines and coffee. Maintain good dental hygiene by brushing at least twice a day to remove foods and liquids that might stain your teeth.
Our products are only available from dental professionals, so you can rest assured that you are getting the highest quality, safest, most cutting-edge system available. Contact the office of Dr. Daniel C. Bush, serving Arlington TX, and ask us about our effective dental whitening products.
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.
