How Spring Allergies Affect Teeth

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Budding trees and colorful flowers make spring come alive, but, for seasonal allergy sufferers, allergies reawaken as well. 
While people commonly think of symptoms like sneezing and watery eyes, your allergies could be the root cause of your dental pain as well. Sinus problems often manifest as tooth pain with the beginning of pollen season. 

 Allergic Rhinitis – The Reason for the Sneezing This Season

This common condition affects roughly 20 percent of the population. Simply put, it’s an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, Eustachian tubes, middle ear, sinuses, and throat. All the usual symptoms come out, including:

  • Sneezing 
  •  Itchy eyes, nose, ears, or palate 
  •  Runny nose
  • Congestion

But dental pain, especially of the upper or lower back teeth, also may indicate a spring allergy. Ask yourself these questions if you think your tooth pain and allergies may be related:

  • Does standing on your toes and powerfully dropping your heels cause your teeth to hurt?
  • Does walking down stairs hurt?
  • If you change the position of head, tilting it back and forth, does it hurt your teeth?

How to Alleviate Allergy-Induced tooth pain?

Start with the basics. Take an antihistamine plus ibuprofen for a day to see if it helps. If you have congestion as well, add a decongestant to the combo. 
Allergies stress out your immune system, so look for ways to boost it with proper nutrition. Look for foods that deliver stress-fighting antioxidants without increasing your mucus levels, such as leafy green, blueberries and other fruits and vegetables. 

Stay hydrated to flush your system of foreign irritants, thin out mucus, and support sinus drainage. Bacteria flourish when your mouth is dry, so this also helps keep your mouth clean. Remember, alcohol and caffeinated beverages actually dehydrate you, so stick to water and non-sugary drinks.

Some people have great success with Neti, or sinus, pots, a natural remedy that involves flushing salt water through your sinuses. For the best chance of success, use Himalayan salt, consider the purest source with the most vital minerals. 

About Us:

Grand Prairie dentist Dr. Quinn J. Smith received hi
s undergraduate degree from Boise State University in Boise, Idaho and went on to attend and graduate from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in Louisville, Ky.  Dr. Smith considers Pecan Tree Dental his home away from home, and his patients and staff his extended family. He strives to put each patient at ease with his sincere, friendly chair-side manner and honest treatment approach.Visit Pecan Tree Dental at 775 W. Westchester Pkwy, Suite 101, in Grand Prairie, TX, 75052 or call 972-262-5111.

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What Does Your Toothache Mean?

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Are you experiencing a toothache? Do you know why you have a toothache? Have you been examined by a dentist? Discomfort and pain from a toothache could lead to a variety of oral conditions. A toothache can vary from moderate discomfort to sever pain. Also, the intensity of pain could indicate the level of invasive treatment needed to correct the condition. The pain will not dissipate over time, and the proactive action is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Smith in Grand Prairie, TX for oral diagnosis and treatment.

How Your Teeth Are Structured

First Layer:
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body. It’s strength derives from the tightly packed calcium and phosphate crystals, creating a compound called calcium-phosphate. Once developed, enamel is not considered a live tissue. The enamel protects the second layer of the tooth called the dentin. 

Second Layer:
The dentin is a softer substance similar to bone. It is compressible and sensitive. Miniature tubules connect the dentin to the nerve inside the tooth core called the pulp. Dentin is a live tissue, unlike enamel. 

Third Layer:
The tooth core (pulp chamber) is the housing for nerves and blood vessels. Nutrients are supplied to the teeth through the pulp. The nerves and blood vessels are connected to the surrounding soft tissues at the roots tip.

How Infection Affects Your Teeth
Most commonly, oral infection appears in two different forms. The first is tooth decay, and the second is gum disease.

The presence of tooth decay causes sensitivity due to the erosion of teeth. Bacterial plaque feed on sugar and starches and produced acid, demineralizing, or leeching the minerals, from your teeth, potentially resulting in cavities. The ongoing process of demineralization can lead to cavities that, left untreated, may extend from the enamel into the tooth’s core. 

Gum disease (periodontal disease) causes the deterioration of gums. Infection eats away the bond between teeth and gums, working its way down the tooth instead of through the tooth. Receding gums, bleeding, and pus are all symptoms of gum disease; However, symptoms rarely show in the early stages. Gum disease affects 80% of people and is the leading cause of tooth loss in US adults.

Dr. Smith and the team at Pecan Tree Dental advise you to schedule an appointment if your toothache is a consistent pain for more than a few days and if the pain becomes unbearable, affecting your daily life. 

About Your Grand Prairie Dentist 
Dr. Quinn Smith and our team at Pecan Tree Dental are committed to serve you above all expectations. Call and schedule an appointment today if your toothache persists for more than a few days: (972) 262-5111

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Implant Dentures: Securing Your Smile

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Do you wear dentures dentures? Do your dentures slip or feel loose? How often do you remove them, or find yourself putting them back in? Dr. Quinn Smith offers a way to secure your dentures permanently with the support of dental implants. If you are searching for an alternative to your standard dentures, implant denturesmay be a viable option to restoring your smile. The process of securing your dentures involves integrating implants into your jawbone, attaching abutments to the implants, and then securing your dentures to the abutments once your jawbone has fully healed. Although the entire procedure can take multiple visits to complete, Dr. Smith is confident you will enjoy the results and benefits of implant-secured dentures.

How Are the Dentures Secured?

Integration:

Surgically inserting dental implants into your jaw bone is the first step of rebuilding your smile. If your jawbone is healthy and strong enough, a series of titanium implants, shaped similar to your teeth’s roots, will be placed into your bone.
However, if there are any concerns with the integrity of your jaw bone, Dr. Smith may suggest bone grafting, which borrows bone from another source in your body, or from a donor source, to increase the strength and density of your jaw bone.
Once the integrity of your jaw bone is strong enough to support your dental implants, Dr. Smith will insert the prosthetic teeth roots.
After the implants are inserted, your jawbone will require 4-6 months to heal and properly fuse to the titanium implants. During this time, temporary teeth can be worn over the implant sites until healing/fusion is complete.
Abutment:
Once the jawbone has bonded with the titanium cylinder, Dr. Smith will attach an abutment, an added extension, to the implant, which is the second step of this procedure. The abutment is the small connective unit that protrudes above the gum line and allows Dr. Smith to attach your dentures to your implants.
Dentures:
After your implants are inserted, your jawbone has healed, and the abutments are secured in place, Dr. Smith will adjust your custom-made dentures to ensure the optimal fit, and then secure them to the implants’connective abutments. of denture slippage.

Benefits of Implant Dentures

When your dentures are secured by implants, instead of the frequent application of adhesives, they are more stable and more comfortable than standard dentures.
Your chewing and biting function will feel more natural than standard dentures
Implant dentures replace lost teeth roots, which helps preserve your jawbone’s integrity in the long run. Standard dentures do not replace the missing roots, and jaw bone resorption (deterioration) can occur from the lack of root stimulation when you bite and chew.
With improved stability and security, you can eat a wider variety of foods than you could with your standard dentures. .

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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A Guide to Dental Implant Surgery

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Dental implants are small, titanium roots that can be surgically inserted into your jawbone, creating a veritable root foundation for your dental crown, bridge, or denture. If you’ve lost one or more teeth to damage or disease, then Dr. Smith may recommend dental implants as a lifelike and long-lasting tooth replacement option. As with any surgery, you feel slightly anxious about undergoing the outpatient surgery, but knowing what to expect before and after will help ease your mind, and your apprehension, about the procedure.  Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, takes our patients’ dental and overall well-being very seriously, and will walk you through to ensure you fully understand the entire process.

Steps to Dental Implant Surgery and Restoration

•                    If you’ve still retained the tooth and it needs to be replaced, then Dr. Smith will extract the tooth and prepare the surrounding tissues and jawbone for surgery
•                    According to the precise measurements and surgery guide he creates for your smile, Dr. Smith will carefully insert the titanium post into your jawbone.
•                    Following the surgery, you may experience swelling, discomfort, or minor bleeding at the implant site, which should abate after a few days. If discomfort continues, Dr. Smith will thoroughly examine your mouth and the implant site to ensure that you are healing well.
•                    After the implant is inserted, healing may take 4-6 months, during which time your jawbone will fuse to the implant’s titanium surface (a process known as osseointegration).
•                    After this connection has successfully formed between the implant and the bone, Dr. Smith can attach abutment to the top of it, which will protrude slightly from the gum line to secure the implant’s restoration.
•                    When the abutments are secured and your jawbone has fully healed, Dr. Smith can place your lifelike dental crown on top of the implant’s connective abutment, creating a root-and-crown replica of the tooth you lost.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE COSMETIC DENTIST:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, cosmetic, restorative, and implant 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’re a new or returning patient, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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What Can Your Cosmetic Dentist Do for You?

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Even perfectly healthy teeth can seem otherwise due to common cosmetic blemishes, like teeth stains. When you’re not as meticulous as you should be about cleaning your teeth, stains can become more apparent, and might often indicate an underlying tooth infection. By focusing on the aesthetic aspects of your smile, your Grand Prairie cosmetic dentist can help you erase cosmetic blemishes so that your smile’s health and beauty are apparent.

Your Choice of Smile Enhancements

Whether you wish to change the color, size, shape, or alignment of your teeth, Dr. Quinn Smith can customize a smile makeover plan designed to fit your specific needs. Some of the most common cosmetic treatments we offer and the issues they can address include;
Professional Teeth Whitening
Teeth stains are the most common smile complaint among adults, and can appear even if you diligently brush and floss your teeth every day. Professional teeth whitening can erase stubborn teeth stains, allowing your teeth’s natural beauty to shine through. Depending on your preferences, Dr. Smith may recommend in-office whitening, which can be completed during a single visit, or a custom-made take-home kit that allows you whiten your teeth on your own time.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is another name for the application of tooth-colored composite resin; a mixture of acrylic polymers and ceramic particles that closely mimics your natural tooth’s color and appearance. Composite resin can conceal severe stains that don’t respond to teeth whitening, and help improve teeth with chipped and jagged edges. Dental bonding can also be employed as an alternative to metal fillings, providing discreet and more effective restorations for cavity-infected teeth. Since it can be bonded to your tooth’s structure, resin creates a more effective seal against oral bacteria, reducing the risk of tooth decay infecting your tooth again.
Porcelain Veneers
When teeth whitening and dental bonding don’t suffice, Dr. Smith may recommend veneers made from lifelike dental porcelain. Veneers are wafer-thin shells that are hand-crafted to the exact specifications of each tooth, and the porcelain is tinted and layered to mimic the color and shine of natural, healthy teeth. By covering the front surfaces of your teeth, porcelain veneers can address a wide range of cosmetic issues, and may be used for one or several teeth at a time.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE COSMETIC DENTIST:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and cosmetic 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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Why a Dentist is Important to Your Family

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An important factor in teaching your children to take goodcare of their dental health is taking them to visit the dentist. Like their parents, children over the age of three should attend regular dental checkups and cleanings at least once every six months as part of a good dental hygiene routine. If children develop cavities, or require orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth, then they’ll need to visit the dentist more often to restore their good dental health. What sets a family dentist apart from a run-of-the-mill general dentist is his ability to successfully address the issues specific to each member of your family, regardless of their age and specific dental needs.

Keep Your Smiles Clean, at Home and at the Office

You’ve been brushing and flossing your teeth all on your own for most of your life, and you teach your children to do the same based on the same principles you’ve learned. These principles have remained largely unchanged since you were a child, but with modern dentistry’s advancing technology, more effective methods exist of keeping your family’s smiles clean and healthy. Besides thoroughly cleaning your teeth at your dental checkups, our caring and compassionate hygienists will also work with you and your family to optimize your home hygiene’s effectiveness.

Provide More than Routine Dentistry

Patients who have a strong apprehension about undergoing dental treatment (dental phobia), or who need an especially complex restorative treatment (like dental implants) require more consideration than others. As a family dentist, Dr. Quinn understands that dentistry can induce anxiety in some patients; but he also knows that receiving treatment in a prompt fashion is often vital to a procedure’s success. To reduce anxiety and help patients receive the care they need, Dr. Quinn offers a variety of sedation dentistry techniques, including oral sedation, nitrous oxide, and in rare cases, intravenous (IV) sedation by a licensed anesthesiologist.

About Your Grand Prairie Family 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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Dental Crown or Porcelain Veneer—Which is Better?

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Porcelain dental crowns and porcelain dental veneers have a lot in common. They’re both made from porcelain, for instance, and both are among the most common and successful cosmetic dental treatments. Crowns and veneers also share a number of differences, such as size and application, that make one treatment preferable to the other in any given situation. While both crowns and veneers can achieve the same end result—seamlessly enhancing your smile’s appearance—the improvement only works if the appropriate treatment is used.

The Beauty of Dental Porcelain

Dental porcelain, or ceramic, is popular for its ability to closely mimic the intricacies of a tooth’s appearance. Besides matching your tooth’s color, dental porcelain is semi-translucent and layered to reflect light the way natural tooth enamel does. When crafted from porcelain, both dental crowns and veneers can create lifelike results that improve your smile’sappeal without making your cosmetic treatment stand out.

Cosmetic vs. Restorative

One of the more prominent differences between dental crowns and veneers is the nature of their construction. A dental crown, or cap, covers the entire top portion of your tooth (also called a crown), while a veneer is bonded only to a tooth’s front surface. Though veneers can cover minor toothcracks and chips their purpose is solely cosmetic, and veneers aren’t recommended for more extensive dental damage. By contrast, a dental crown can protect a tooth from further injury as well restore the tooth’s outward beauty.

Evaluate the Extent of Damage

Placing porcelain veneers is often referred to as an “instant smile makeover” because they can address a multitude of teeth at the same time. By its very nature, a dental crown can only address a single tooth at a time. If your cosmetic issues extend beyond a single tooth, then Dr. Smith may recommend porcelain veneers over dental crowns to minimize the amount of tooth preparation needed.

About Your Grand Prairie Dentist: 

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, cosmetic, restorative, and implant 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’re a new or returning patient, 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 a White Dental Filling?

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When you smile or speak animatedly, you show more than just your teeth; you also show all of the dental work present in your mouth. For many people, this means the metal of one or more fillings flashing against the pearly white color of the teeth around them. For many others, however, their dental fillings aren’t noticeable, since they’re made from tooth-colored composite resin instead of conventional metal amalgam. Often referred to as white fillings, the resin restorations can offer a more discreet and secure solution to treating infectious tooth decay.

Composite Resin vs. Metal Amalgam

How do white fillings compare to their older, metal counterparts?

Durability

Naturally, metal fillings can withstand a greater amount of pressure than composite resin, which is a mixture of acrylic and glass-like particles. Because of this, Dr. Smith may sometimes recommend amalgam fillingsto restore back teeth, or molars. Nevertheless, white fillings can be bonded to your tooth’s structure, improving the tooth’s structural integrity by holding the tooth together.

Aesthetics

As their name suggests, white dental fillings can be custom tinted to match the specific color and shade of your teeth, making them invisible once they’ve been placed and polished. The cosmetic appeal of dental resin is so effective that it can be used as a purely cosmetic dental treatment, known as dental bonding, to improve a tooth’s appearance. Severe tooth stains, chipped or uneven tooth edges, or teeth that appear too short can usually be corrected with a cosmetic dental bonding.

Longevity

While all dental fillings are built to last, metal fillings are better suited for handling larger amounts of pressure for longer periods of time. Unfortunately, metal fillings may fail due to shrinkage or expansion in cold or hot temperatures (respectively). The longevity of metal and white fillings is different for each patient and depends on a number of factors, including how well you care for them, but most of them can last up to 15-20 years before needing replacement.

About Your Grand Prairie Dentist: 

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, cosmetic, restorative, and implant 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’re a new or returning patient, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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Spring Cleaning for Your Teeth

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Even though you sweep, mop, and wipe down your house every day, it can still benefit from a more comprehensive cleaning (spring cleaning!) every once in a while. Likewise, brushing your teeth every day keeps them reasonably clean, but you can’t effectively prevent dental health issues without periodic professional care. As a vital part of a good dental hygiene routine, professional exams and teeth cleaningappointment are like hiring professionals to do your spring cleaning for you. 

Value of Timing

Dental plaque is the “dirt and dust” that gathers on your teeth (actually, it’s a biofilm made from bacteria and food particles), and your toothbrush and floss are your broom and duster. Clever though the similarities are, there are significant difference between the dirt on your floors and the plaque on your teeth. For instance, if you leave plaque alone, it will harden into tartar, which you can’t remove with toothpaste and water. Another difference is that, while accumulated dirt might gross you out, accumulated bacterial plaque can infect to your teeth and gums if not removed promptly.

As the Days Go By

Experts have identified close to 1,000 different kinds of bacteria in the human mouth, and there are many more that have yet to be classified. Of those that are known, most oral bacteria are harmless, but a few generate toxins that attack your gums, and acids that destroy your teeth’s protective enamel. The substances they produce aren’t much of a threat when you can control the bacteria population in your mouth. However, once plaque becomes tartar, the bacteria it protects can remain in your mouth, and their chronic presence can lead to destructive gum disease and tooth decay.

Passing Inspection

A dental checkup and teeth cleaning visit comprises two vital aspects; thorough cleaning and comprehensive examination. The earliest signs of cavity and gingivitis development are often unnoticeable to the naked eye. Using advanced diagnostic equipment, like digital X-rays, Dr. Smith can check for inconspicuous symptoms and intervene with a preventive treatment, if necessary. Afterwards, one of our talented dental hygienists will carefully clean the plaque and tartar from every surface of your teeth, including just underneath your gum line, if necessary.

About Your Grand Prairie Family Dentist: 

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, cosmetic, restorative, and implant 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’re a new or returning patient, 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 Really Need Mouthwash?

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According to advertisements, mouthwash is an essential part of a good daily hygiene routine, and is necessary to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar. What you might not find in an ad, probably due to time and space restrictions, is what plaque and tartar are made of, or how mouthwash alone can’t do much against their buildup. Still, your toothbrush and floss can only do so much, and the right mouthwash can prove invaluable to keeping your teeth and gums clean, when used properly. 

What Can Plaque and Tartar Do?

The point of mouthwash, and of good hygiene, for that matter, is to stop the over-600 kinds of bacteria in your mouth from overwhelming your teeth and gums. If they do, these microbes can infect your teeth with decay (leading to cavities) or slowly destroy the gums that surround them. Some germs even release sulfur gases that can persistently foul your breath. In fact, many of the most common dental issues originate with improper hygiene practices that allow bacteria to settle into your oral tissues. When plaque remains for more than 48 hours, it calcifies into tartar, which is too stubborn for a toothbrush, floss, or mouthwash to remove.

What Can Mouthwash Do?

For the best results, Dr. Smith advises carefully brushing your teeth twice or more every day, and flossing at least once. Removing plaque from your teeth inhibits bacteria’s ability to stick to them, and reduces your risks of developing a dental disease, or embarrassing bad breath. As a liquid, mouthwash can help rinse away particles of food and spots of bacteria from places you can’t reach. Then again, so can water.
The benefit of mouthwash is what it contains, which usually includes antimicrobial agents that can boost your fight against harmful oral bacteria. Many also have fluoride to strengthen weakened tooth enamel and reduce the risk of cavities, as well as odor neutralizers that chemically eradicate malodorous sulfur compounds.

About Your Grand Prairie Family Dentist: 

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, cosmetic, restorative, and implant 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’re a new or returning patient, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

filed under: Family Dentist