Does Your Tooth Need To Be Crowned?

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If so, do you know what that means? What is a dental crown? Crowning a tooth is a common dental procedure. Dental crowns are also referred to as caps because your dentist is putting a protective cap over your tooth. There are different materials to choose from when getting a tooth crowned: porcelain, metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and zirconia. The material used is usually determined by where the crown is going to be placed. Today we discuss the steps involved when your tooth needs to be crowned. 

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Shiver Me Timbers – A Night of Pirate Music!

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pirateshipFind yourself looking for something exciting to do in Grand Prairie that the whole family can enjoy? Happen to have a penchant for pirate talk and the glorious life of sailing the high seas? Well, even if you’re only a mild pirate enthusiast, a night full of seafaring tunes is sure to put you and your friends in a good mood. Jump on board and enjoy a night full of not only local music, but also some inspiring poetry brought to you by the Seadog Slam.

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Flossing: Make the Most of It

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flossingwomanHave you been flossing for most of your life and simply assume you have been doing a wonderful job? Are you a recent convert who has realized that dental floss protects your smile from gum disease and tooth decay? Whatever your stance, we applaud your efforts in maintaining a healthy mouth. However, we also encourage you to consider the following tips for ensuring you’re making the most of this dental hygiene essential. By making even a few minor changes, you may see exceptional improvements in the look, feel, and long-term health of your smile.

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Quiz: How Do I Stop Snoring?

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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.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea Quiz

1. True or False: Snoring is a warning sign of OSA (obstructive sleep apnea).
2. True or False: Sleep apnea occurs when patients stop breathing during sleep.
3. True or False: We can screen patients for OSA.
4. True or False: With a SomnoMed appliance, we can treat sleep apnea.

Answer Key

1. True. In addition, patients may also notice daytime drowsiness, even though they slept the night before. Patients often wake up gasping for air or choking and may be irritable and having trouble focusing at work or school.
2. True. The throat tissues will become overly relaxed and obstruct airflow. The patient stops breathing, depriving the brain of oxygen. The patient wakes to resume breathing, but will have no memory of waking. This can happen hundreds of times in a single night. Without treatment, sleep apnea can increase the risk of depression, high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
3. True. We will ask a series of questions and exam your mouth and throat. In some cases, we may request a formal sleep study. After a diagnosis, we can assess the cause and severity of your sleep disorder, recommending the most appropriate treatment options.
4. True. An oral appliance worn during sleep, this device keeps the airways open to ensure easy breathing and reduced OSA symptoms.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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The Truth About Common Porcelain Veneer Myths

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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: 

Myth: Your Smile Will Look Artificial

Truth: Your smile will look natural. This is partly due to the fact that we will work one-on-one with you to create veneers that beautifully complement your other facial features. The most important fact? Just like your teeth are created out of translucent tissue layers, veneers are created out of thin layers of translucent porcelain. The final effect looks just like a natural tooth for a believable, gorgeous finish. 


Myth: Veneers Won’t Last Very Long

Truth: When you hear the word “porcelain” or “ceramic” you probably equate these terms with fragility. Fortunately, veneers may last quite a long time because of their durability. Care for them like your own teeth. Just don’t use abrasive toothpaste. You can even eat and drink what you would like – veneers have stain-resisting power. 


Myth: Veneers Are Not Cost-Effective

Truth: Porcelain veneers often require a greater initial investment compared to other cosmetic treatments. However, they do the work of several treatments, such as teeth whitening, dental bonding, and orthodontics. They also allow you to improve the size and shape of your teeth, which you may not achieve with other solutions. Even better? They provide fixed, long-lasting improvement, which means they offer a lasting, cost-effective solution.


ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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Do You Love the Music of Johnny Mercer?

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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 Is It?

The Carolyn Lee Jones Sings the Music of Johnny Mercer event is a live evening performance of Johnny Mercer’s music.

When Is It?

This musical event will occur as follows:
Date: January 13, 2015
Time: 7:30pm

Where Is It?

Carolyn Lee Jones will be singing at the Uptown theater, located at 120 E. Main Street, Grand Prairie, TX 75050

How Much Are Tickets?

Tickets cost $30 per person at the door or $25 in advance.

Who May I Contact?

You may contact the group by calling 1-800-547-4697 or email

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST: 

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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What Does Saliva Do for Your Dental Health?

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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.

Saliva vs. Oral Bacteria

Though experts have identified over 600 kinds of oral bacteria in a healthy human mouth, there are still hundreds that are more difficult to classify, for various reasons. One of those reasons is that oral bacteria are largely anaerobic, meaning they can grow weak and die when exposed to too much oxygen. Since oxygen is a building block of water, saliva acts as a natural rinse against oral bacteria, helping to stop dental plaque formation. As a neutral substance, saliva also helps protect your dental health from the acids produced oral bacteria, which can weaken teeth and lead to tooth decay.

Tips to Keep Saliva Flowing

  • Drink plenty of water. Keeping your body hydrated will promote a healthy flow of saliva, but sugary and carbonated drinks can inhibit saliva flow and strengthen oral bacteria.
  • Brush and floss often. Plaque and bacteria develop constantly, and removing them before they become too strong will boost your saliva’s effectiveness as a defense mechanism.
  • Visit your dentist regularly. Many different issues can lead to or increase your risks of dry mouth—a severe decrease or lack of saliva production.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!

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

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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.

To Do, and Not To Do

DO—Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once to help control plaque buildup, which contains bacteria that can damage your teeth and gums.
DON’T—Scrub too harshly, as you may be tempted to do if your teeth are especially grimy. Unlike a marble countertop, scrubbing harshly does not clean your teeth better. On the contrary, you may end up rubbing your teeth enamel clean off of your teeth, leaving them more vulnerable to bacteria and decay.
DO—Visit your dentist at least once every six months for a comprehensive dental checkup and cleaning. Your visits should occur sooner if you are at an increased risk of dental issues, or if you’ve recently undergone dental treatment.
DON’T—neglect to visit your dentist just because you feel like your hygiene is superb, or because your teeth appear squeaky clean and healthy. Tooth decay and gum disease do not always exhibit noticeable signs when they first develop. Detecting them early often depends on a strict adherence to your dental checkup schedule.
DO—refrain from snacking excessively on sugary products to help reduce your risk of cavities.
DON’T—fall into a false sense of security simply because you’ve cut candy from your diet. The germs that convert sugar into tooth-eroding acid convert other fermentable carbohydrates, as well.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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What Is Tooth Decay?

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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.

What Causes Teeth to Decay?

A common cause of tooth decay is lack of proper dental hygiene. If you don’t brush or floss your teeth, plaque and bacteria are not removed and remain on your teeth until damage is prevalent. Foods or drinks that are high in sugar and carbohydrates can lead to decay, as these fuel bacteria within the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, you may experience a lack in saliva. This can be harmful as saliva cleans the teeth by washing away food particles and bacteria within the mouth.  

How to Stop Tooth Decay in its Tracks

Tooth decay is not something you have to live with forever. Minor cases can be prevented through regular dental hygiene, along with dental checkups and cleanings. A dental filling may be necessary if a cavity has formed and affects the dentin. If the center, or pulp, of your tooth becomes infected, then a root canal treatment will be needed to rid the tooth of any infected tissue. If a tooth is severely damaged, then it may need to be extracted and replaced with a dental bridge or implant. 

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE RESTORATIVE DENTIST:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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