About Root Canals

Posted by

A tooth’s root canal serves a number of different functions, from stabilizing the tooth from within your jawbone to offering a pathway for your jawbone to feed the tooth necessary minerals and nutrients. When you need root canal therapy, it’s typically because the soft tissues connected to the root canals are infected with decay. If not treated, the infection will continue to cause more severe damage, including tooth loss. The most important thing patients should remember about root canals is that treating them when they’re infected is vital to preserving the health and integrity of your smile.

Tooth Decay and Root Canals

Tooth decay is a bacterial infection in your tooth’s structure, and its severe form is the reason why root canal therapy is needed. As bacteria spread, they consume your tooth, leaving cavities in their wake as they make their way toward your tooth’s center (pulp). If you don’t treat the cavity in time, the infection will kill the tissues in your pulp and can potentially spread through the connected root canals.

Root Canal Therapy

A dental filling is only an alternative to root canal treatment if your cavity is detected and treated before it reaches the pulp. Otherwise, we’ll have to remove the infected tissues and seal the roots to prevent further infection, thenreinforce the tooth with a dental filling and cap it with a custom-made dental crown. To minimize sensation, we’ll anesthetize the tooth and surrounding area, and if necessary, we can administer dental sedation to help you relax for the duration of your procedure. After your tooth is restored, you’ll no longer feel the pain of the infection, and can resume your normal routines with a healthier, more confident smile.  

ABOUT YOUR DENTIST IN GRAND PRAIRIE:

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.

filed under: Uncategorized

Important Reasons to Visit the Dentist

Posted by

Keeping a routine schedule of dental checkups and cleanings is important, as most patients realize, but the reasons why may be more than most people suspect. Maintaining clean and healthy teeth and gums requires regular care from your dentist, and holding off dental diseases has a serious impact on your overall wellbeing. Among the most important reasons to visit the dentist, therefore, is to stop poor oral health from affecting your systemic health in any of a number of ways.

WHY Dental Health is So Important

When you brush and floss your teeth, and when your dentist or hygienist cleans and polishes them, the target is the plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) that clings on and between your teeth. Inside of these films are hundreds of kinds of bacteria, several of which are responsible for developing most dental health issues. In cases where extreme tooth decay or gum disease occurs, the compromised, bleeding tissues can allow oral bacteria into your bloodstream. Because of this connection (known as the oral-systemic connection), poor oral health, and particularly the presence of inflammatory gum disease, has been linked to several chronic health conditions, including;
  • Inflammatory heart diseases, such as atherosclerosis (a disease of the arteries)
  • Respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Diabetes
  • Rheumatoid, or inflammatory, arthritis
  • And more

When to Visit the Dentist Ahead of Schedule

While maintaining a set schedule of dental visits is important, sometimes you might notice trouble and have to visit the dentist ahead of schedule. If you notice any of the following symptoms of dental trouble, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible;
  • Tooth sensitivity (regardless of its severity)
  • Tender gum tissues
  • Swollen and/or bleeding gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Bad breath that doesn’t improve
  • Dry mouth (decrease or cessation of saliva production)
  • Any other forms of dental discomfort

ABOUT YOUR DENTIST IN GRAND PRAIRIE:

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.

filed under: Uncategorized

Is There a Way to Make Teeth Stronger?

Posted by

Did you know that your teeth are the strongest parts of your body? Did you also know that, in some ways, they’re also the most vulnerable? Your teeth are unique in how they interact with the rest of your body, and in how they react when injured or afflicted with an infection (tooth decay). Understanding how and why they’re so exceptional can help you make your teeth stronger, and healthy enough to last a lifetime.  

Teeth Strength and Vulnerability

Several different things factor into the incredible strength of healthy teeth. For instance, they’re supported by roots that are deeply embedded within your jawbone, like the foundation of a tall building. Teeth are also coated and protected by a thin, but super-resilient, layer of enamel. Semi-translucent tooth enamel is semi-translucent, and made entirely of mineral crystals and proteins. While enamel is the strongest substance your body produces, it can grow weak when it’s exposed to acids, when poor hygiene allows bacteria to overwhelm your teeth, or when your teeth are subjected to constant undue pressure (i.e., chronically grinding your teeth).

Tips to Strengthen Teeth

So how do you stop enamel from growing weak? Organic acid is enamel’s greatest enemy, mainly because it’s the most persistent danger. Whenever you eat or drink, sugar and carbohydrates are converted into acid by the bacteria in your mouth. Along with any acids that your meals and beverage already contain, the bombardment saps your teeth of minerals and attacks their enamel. You can keep your teeth strong and resilient by;
  • Brushing and flossing at least twice every day to clean away acid-producing bacteria (found largely in dental plaque)
  • Drinking more water, which helps automatically neutralize acids
  • Consuming more dairy products, like milk, that contain a wealth of calcium, phosphate, an vitamin D (building blocks of tooth enamel)
  • Drinking less soda, which attacks your teeth on several fronts with its high sugar AND acid content

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.

filed under: Grand Prairie Dentist

“But I Don’t Remember Grinding My Teeth!”

Posted by

Your dentist tells you that it seems you’ve been grinding your teeth, but you don’t recall any specific instances of actually doing so. The problem with bruxism—the clinical name for destructive teeth-grinding—is that it’s most likely to occur in your sleep, so you’re bound to have no recollection of it. So how can your dentist tell? Usually by detecting the typical signs, like excessively worn teeth, during your routine dental checkup; making regular dental visits all the more important.

It’s More than a Habit

Habits are more like nervous tics than conditions, and with a little effort, most of them can be stopped. Bruxism, however, is more than habitually grinding your teeth when you’re nervous—it’s the unconscious, involuntary clenching of your jaw muscles that forces your teeth to rub aggressively against each other. The reasons behind bruxism differ from patient to patient, and might include;
·         Overwhelming stress
·         Jaw dysfunctions (TMJ disorders)
·         Asymmetrical bite (like crooked teeth, or an uneven jawbone)
·         Injury to the face, mouth, or jaw

How to Stop Grinding Your Teeth

Since the cause of your condition will differ from the causes of others, your treatment will have to be tailored to the specific condition driving your bruxism. For instance, crooked teeth can be straightened with discreet orthodontic treatment. For most patients, however, you can protect your teeth with a custom-designed mouthguard, or sleepguard, that you can wear at night to stop your teeth from grinding together. Even if the guard doesn’t cure your bruxism, it can prevent extensive tooth damage and help your jaw muscles relax until you receive successful treatment.

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.

filed under: Grand Prairie Dentist

Ways to Prevent Gum Disease and Tooth Loss

Posted by

Given the fact that it’s the leading cause of adult tooth loss in theUnited States, successfully preventing gum disease is one of the most effective ways of preserving your teeth. However, its prevalence belies the fact that gum disease prevention isn’t typically complex. The good news is that, even if it develops, the condition may be reversed if treated in its early stage (called gingivitis). To help you better prevent gum disease, or stop it in its tracks if it becomes an issue, we offer a few ways to prevent gum disease and the tooth loss that it can cause.

It’s All in Good Hygiene

Brushing and flossing

The most effective hygiene routines involve brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice every day, and after meals whenever you can. The bacteria (plaque) that lead to gum disease tend to gather along your gum line, so be sure to pay special attention to where your gums meet your teeth. Angle the brush to effectively clean plaque and food debris from your gum line, and floss carefully enough to avoid traumatizing your gums.
Invest in mouthwash

If you notice that your gums appear a little red andswollen, or they bleed when you brush your teeth, then ask us about prescribing a mouthwash to combat harmful oral bacteria. Prescription mouthwash is more potent than over-the-counter brands, and can provide increased protection against gingivitis, gum disease, bad breath, cavities, and other dental health issues.
Make your dental appointments a priority

Every six months, or sooner, you should visit our office fora routine dental checkup and cleaning. Postponing the appointment, or skipping it altogether, will allow plaque and oral bacteria more time to wreak havoc with your gums, increasing your chances of developing full-blown gum disease.

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.

filed under: Grand Prairie Dentist

Dental Implants—The Closest Thing to Natural Teeth

Posted by

As dentistry has advanced over the centuries, the methods and materials used to address tooth loss have become more and more realistic. The advent of dentures, partial dentures, dental bridges, and various forms of dental porcelain make for a wide variety of options when it comes to choosing the right replacement teeth. However, the most recent innovation—dental implants—hold the key to making your replacement teeth more realistic than ever before by reestablishing the roots of your lost teeth.  

Why Realism Matters to Replacement Teeth

In the past, realistic replacement teeth meant dentures and dental bridges that closely resembled the appearance of healthy, natural teeth. That realism is still accomplished today by using materials such as dental porcelain that mimic the texture, color, shade, and light-reflecting abilities of healthy teeth. Lifelike appearance means that your dental prosthetic will be nearly indistinguishable from your natural smile, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’ll function the same.
Besides the visible portion, called a crown, losing a tooth also means losing the root that supported it. Embedded in your jawbone, your teeth’s roots are the canals through which your jawbone sends them nutrients, and also act as anchors that secure your teeth as you bite and chew.  

How Dental Implants Work

Every time you bite and chew, your stimulated teeth roots tell your body that your jawbone needs a certain amount of minerals and nutrients to support your teeth. After losing the roots, your jawbone receives fewer nutrients, and the deficiency can’t be addressed with traditional dentures or dental bridges. Dental implants, which are small posts that are surgically inserted into your jawbone, provide root-like support for your replacement teeth, creating a realistic prosthesis complete with roots as well as crowns.

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.

filed under: Grand Prairie Dentist

Kids and Cavities

Posted by

As a parent, you worry about how well your kids take care of their teeth. You spent the better part of their early childhood teaching them to brush and floss, and you come up with innovative ways to excite them about visiting the dentist every six months. If they follow the tenets of good hygiene that you so diligently taught them, then your kids should be no more likely to develop cavities than the average adult. However, considering that over 90% of adults in the United States have had at least one cavity in their permanent teeth, those odds aren’t necessarily comforting.

The Nature of Cavities

The assumption that kids are more susceptible to cavities is a popular one, likely because of their lack of willpower when it comes to candy and other sugar-rich treats. As one of the most notorious instigators of tooth decay (along with starch and other carbohydrates), sugar feeds oral bacteria that convert it into acid. The acid immediately attacks the enamel that surrounds teeth, depleting the teeth of minerals in the process so that enamel can’t regain its composure. The more often teeth are exposed to acid, the more prone they’ll be to cavities as bacteria slip past weakened enamel and infect the main body of the tooth.

Cavity Prevention for Kids & Adults

Though everyone’s smile is different, and kids sometimes have particular dental needs, the principles of cavity prevention are the same for nearly everyone. Sugar-hungry bacteria accumulate on a daily basis, forming dental plaque as they gather, and controlling their numbers with daily hygiene is the key to preventing the damage they can cause. We advise patients of all ages to brush and floss their teeth at least twice every day, and after meals whenever possible. If you can’t brush after eating, then rinse your mouth with water to wash away food particles and neutralize bacterial acid. Dental sealants and fluoride treatments at our office can help fortify your and your children’s teeth against acid erosion and cavities if they’re especially weak and vulnerable.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE CHILDREN’S 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.

filed under: Children's Dentist

How You Care for Your Toothbrush Matters

Posted by

For many of us, it’s tough enough dedicating adequate time in our busy days to properly brushing and flossing our teeth. With such limited time, that attention might not always extend to how well you care for your toothbrush when you’re not using it. Unfortunately, improper care can render your toothbrush not only ineffective, but a liability to your dental health, increasing your risk of tooth damage and diseases stemming from poor hygiene.

When You’re Not Paying Attention

Most personal bathrooms include a toothbrush holder that keeps the occupants’ toothbrushes off of the counter, usually in an up-right position. Perhaps without realizing it, many people place their toothbrush holders dangerously close to the toilet, where countless colonies of germs congregate. If you prefer, you might store your toothbrush in its own personal holder, complete with a cap to conceal the brush entirely. However, storing a wet toothbrush in a concealed environment can facilitate the growth and accumulation of various bacteria and other microorganisms.

Toothbrush Care Techniques

·         After brushing your teeth, rinse the bristles thoroughly, passing a clean thumb or finger over them to dislodge food and bacterial particles.
·         Shake the brush and bristles, then place it in a holder as far from the toilet and bath tub as possible.
·         If you use an enclosed container, try to keep the cap slightly dislodged to allow the brush to air dry.
·         Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly before using it, as well, to make sure you don’t transfer unwanted microorganisms to your mouth.
·         Once you notice that your bristles are frayed, change your toothbrush for a new one. If three months pass and the bristles still seem strong, change it anyway to be on the safe side.

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.

filed under: Grand Prairie Dentist

Is There a Better Way to Floss?

Posted by

It should be ingrained into your dental hygiene routine so well that flossing is as natural as brushing your teeth. Unfortunately, for many people, it’s not, and for others, a cursory pass between a few teeth once in a while is all of the flossing they’ll commit to. However, if you’re among those who take their dental health seriously and you’re diligent about flossing, then you should know if there’s a better way to floss thoroughly without damaging your sensitive gums. To find out, compare your flossing techniques to our professional recommendations.

Tips for Effective Flossing Techniques

  • When it comes to flossing, length matters. Use at least 18” of floss to ensure that you have a fresh section each time you move between your teeth. Wrap the floss around each middle finger, and use your thumbs and index fingers to manipulate the strand.
  • Floss carefully between each tooth, bending the floss to the contours of each tooth’s side and carefully moving the floss up and down. Bend the floss to match the opposite tooth’s side and repeat, then carefully extract the floss, expose a clean section of it, and repeat for every crevice.
  • Don’t rush. Choose a time of day to floss when you know you’ll have the extra few minutes to devote to your hygiene. Taking your time will help ensure that you remove all of the food debris from between your teeth so they can’t feed the bacteria that live in your mouth.
  • Floss before brushing your teeth. The particles that you pick out from your teeth’s hiding spots can remain on your teeth and gums, defeating the purpose of flossing in the first place. Brushing afterwards will help remove the extracted food debris from the surfaces of your teeth.

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.

filed under: Grand Prairie Dentist

A Teeth-Whitening Test of Wits

Posted by

Whether one or two of your teeth are stained, or all of your teeth have just sort of lost their shiny hue, teeth-whitening might be heavy on your mind if you’re unhappy because of tooth discoloration. Despite the ease and convenience of the procedure, however, there are several things you should know about teeth-whitening before deciding if it’s the right option.

Questions About Teeth-whitening

1.) Will teeth-whitening treatment make my teeth sensitive?

a.) Never
b.) Always
c.) Sometimes, but only slightly

2.) What makes professional whitening better than over-the-counter whitening?

a.) Convenience
b.) Strength
c.) Both

3.) Is professional teeth-whitening guaranteed to work?

a.) Yes, because it’s stronger
b.) No, but it usually does
c.) It depends on the nature of your teeth stains

Answers

1.) Sometimes, but only slightly—tooth sensitivity is commonimmediately following a teeth-whitening treatment; however, it can be reduced with sensitivity toothpaste, and will usually dissipate quickly. Many patients experience no sensitivity at all.
2.) Both—professional teeth-whitening can be applied in two ways; either during a single, one-hour visit to our office, or for about half an hour every day (for two weeks) from the comfort of your home. Also, since results are significantly more satisfying, you won’t have to deal with the frustration of a failed OTC application.
3.) It depends—teeth-whitening is designed to erase external stains and brighten the outer layers of your teeth. If one or more teeth are discolored from within (intrinsic staining), then you may need a more involved improvement, like porcelain veneers. After a thorough examination, we’ll help you determine the cause of your teeth stains and the most effective method for treating them.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE COSMETIC 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.

filed under: Uncategorized