Grand Prairie Implant Dentist Discusses Dental Implants and the Jawbone

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Because they are used to replace missing teeth, we often think of dental implants as they relate to teeth. However, dental implants can have a dramatic effect on the jawbone and vice versa. Read below as your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, examines the relationship between dental implants and the jawbone.

Tooth Loss and the Jawbone

Did you know that your jawbone relies on your teeth? Bone cells require stimulation in order for bones to maintain a proper density. When density is lost, a bone can weaken and become brittle. Therefore, the role that teeth play in transferring the stimulating forces created by chewing is an important one, and when a tooth falls out, it is cause for concern because the bone cells in the area of the lost tooth are left without stimulation. Following tooth loss, the jawbone may weaken and become unhealthy, unless dental implants step in, that is.

Dental Implants and the Jawbone

When a dental implant is placed, it is surgically inserted into the jawbone. Once in position, the bone will heal around the post of the implant, securing it so that it can anchor a prosthetic tooth or teeth in place. In addition to providing stability, however, the post also acts to transfer the forces of biting and chewing to the bone cells, thereby increasing bone density.

However, the jawbone can affect dental implants just as much as they can affect the jawbone. In order for a dental implant to succeed, there must be enough healthy bone available to support the implant. If there is not sufficient bone, the implant will fail. However, in cases where the bone is not healthy enough to support a dental implant, bone grafting may provide the necessary bone tissue to allow the placement of a dental implant.

Schedule a Visit with Your Grand Prairie Implant Dentist

Are you interested in a dental implant restoration? Contact our 75052 dental office today to schedule an appointment or a consultation with your Grand Prairie implant dentist, Dr. Smith, by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

filed under: Dental implants, Dentist, General Dentistry, Grand Prairie Dentist

Grand Prairie Dentist Quizzes You on Dental Implants

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If you’ve looked into dental restorations, you’ve probably come across dental implants. Information about these restorative marvels floods the internet, making them one of the most talked about features of modern dentistry. But just how much do you know about dental implants? Take the following quiz from your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, and find out.

Take the Quiz

1.      True or False: Anyone can receive dental implants.

2.      True or False: Dental implants have a more natural feel than other restorations because they mimic a tooth’s structure.

3.      True or False: Dental implants can help improve jawbone health.

Check Your Answers

1.      False. Candidacy for dental implants is based largely on the amount of healthy bone available in the jaw. If the bone is brittle, it may not support a dental implant. In cases like these, bone grafting is sometimes an option to provide adequate bone tissue to support the implant.

2.      True. Other restorations rely on nearby teeth or suction in order to remain stationary in the mouth. Dental implants, however, have a titanium post that fuses with the jawbone. The post acts like a tooth’s root, anchoring the restoration in place and giving it a natural and stable feel that closely replicates that of a living tooth.

3.      True. Bone cells require stimulation in order to maintain proper bone density. For the jawbone, this stimulation comes in the form of biting and chewing forces that are transmitted to the bone cells through teeth’s roots. Unfortunately, when a tooth is lost, the bone cells beneath the tooth no longer receive stimulation, unless a dental implant is placed, that is. Because an implant’s post resides in the jawbone, it can transmit the stimulating forces to the bone cells, improving bone health.

Schedule a Visit with Your Grand Prairie Dentist

Have you considered dental implants to replace your missing tooth or teeth? If so, contact our 75052 dental office to schedule an appointment or a consultation with your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Smith, today by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

filed under: Dental implants, Dentist, General Dentistry, Grand Prairie Dentist

Grand Prairie Dentist Compares Dentures and Implant Dentures

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Do you find yourself struggling with your dentures on a daily basis? If so, dental implants may be able to transform your life. To illustrate just how transformative implant dentures can be, your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, has created two portraits to compare living with standard dentures to living with implant dentures.

Life with Standard Dentures

A morning with standard dentures may begin with a soft meal. After all, meals that are too tough can cause the dentures to slide all over the place and irritate the mouth. The conversation during breakfast may be halting and difficult. Speaking can be frustrating if the dentures won’t stay steady. Slurring and mumbling are likely to be commonplace as you fight to keep the dentures still and avoid an embarrassing slip. In addition to being soft, breakfast may be a bit bland, lacking a lot of taste, and so even before you step foot out of your door, you may find yourself frustrated.

Life with Implant Dentures

The same scenario can be transformed with the simple addition of dental implants. No longer is breakfast limited to soft food, and no longer is the mouth likely to feel irritated from the friction of sliding dentures. Conversation is likely to be better as well as the dental implants will hold the dentures steady and allow the facial muscles to relax, promoting clearer speech.

In addition, implant dentures also encourage an improved sense of taste. They do so because they, unlike standard dentures, which rely on suction to remain stable, can leave the palate uncovered, thereby restoring the sense of taste. Finally, implant dentures eliminate embarrassing slips. The dentures are anchored into the jawbone by titanium implants, so they are unable to slip or slide.

Schedule a Visit with Your Grand Prairie Dentist

If you are tired of struggling with your dentures, implant dentures can transform your life. Contact our 75052 dental office to schedule an appointment or a consultation with your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Smith, today by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

filed under: Dentist, General Dentistry, Grand Prairie Dentist

Grand Prairie Cosmetic Dentist Quizzes You on Several Cosmetic Treatments

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How do you feel about your smile when you look in the mirror? If you are not happy with what you see, have you thought about taking action? There are a variety of cosmetic treatments that can alter the appearance of your teeth to create a smile you can wear with pride. To help you learn about these treatments, your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, has created the following quiz. Try the questions and see what you find out about cosmetic dentistry.

Take the Quiz

1.      True or False: A “gummy smile” cannot be altered.

2.      True or False: Porcelain veneers are sometimes the best option for stained teeth.

3.      True or False: The shape of a tooth cannot be altered.

Check Your Answers

1.      False. A “gummy smile” refers to a smile in which the ratio of teeth to gums leans too far toward the gums, detracting from the smile’s cosmetic appeal. If you are unhappy with your smile for this reason, you can opt for gum contouring, a procedure which uses a soft-tissue laser to remove excess gum tissue and reveal more of your teeth.

2.      True. Not all teeth stains are the same, and one type cannot be removed by teeth whitening treatment. This type of stain is called an intrinsic stain because it occurs within the tooth itself, where whitening agents cannot reach it. For this reason, porcelain veneers, which can mask the stains, are a better option for intrinsic stains.

3.      False. If your teeth are jagged or misshapen, their shapes can be altered by two procedures: contouring and bonding. Contouring removes small amounts of enamel to alter the shape of a tooth, while bonding applies a composite resin to the tooth to add to its shape. Both treatments produce small changes that can improve the appearance of teeth dramatically.

Schedule a Visit with Your Grand Prairie Cosmetic Dentist

If you are unhappy with your smile, don’t wait any longer to take action. Contact our 75052 dental office to schedule an appointment or a consultation with your Grand Prairie cosmetic dentist, Dr. Smith, today by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

filed under: Cosmetic Dentist, Dentist, General Dentistry, Grand Prairie Dentist

Grand Prairie Family Dentist Shares Summer Tips for You and Your Family

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Summer is in full swing, and as you and your family make the most of the sunshine, there are a couple of things that you may want to keep in mind to ensure the continuing oral health of you and your loved ones. To learn more, read the summer tips below from your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith.

Protect Your Loved Ones’ Smiles This Summer with These Tips

·         Take precautions for the sun. Summer is a time when we can go out and enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer, including sunshine. Unfortunately, too much exposure to sunshine can cause serious health concerns like skin cancer. Therefore, it is important to protect yourself and your loved ones when you venture outdoors this summer by applying sunscreen frequently. It is also imperative that you do not forget to protect your lips, which can develop oral cancer from too much exposure to UV rays. Therefore, look for a lip balm with UV protection and make sure the entire family is safe from harmful rays.

·         Limit ice cream consumption. It’s no wonder that July has been named National Ice Cream Month as few things go together better than hot summer days and ice cream. However, as you enjoy the festivities and treats of summer, it is important to consume sweets like ice cream in moderation. Sweets typically contain high levels of sugar, which can feed harmful bacteria in the mouth, allowing them to produce an acid that can cause tooth decay. Therefore, monitor ice cream consumption and consider opting for sugar-free or reduced-sugar options.

Schedule a Visit with Your Grand Prairie Family Dentist

The summer season can be a great time to schedule dental appointments for the whole family. If you and your children are due for dental cleanings, don’t delay. Contact our 75052 dental office to schedule an appointment or a consultation with your Grand Prairie family dentist, Dr. Smith, today by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

filed under: Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentistry, Grand Prairie Dentist

Grand Prairie Dentist Offers Dazzling Smiles in 45 Minutes

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Is your smile radiant? If it isn’t, the full effect may be lost behind a dull color. White, brilliant smiles stand out and deliver serious impact. They also lend to a more attractive appearance and greater self-confidence, so if you are unhappy with the color of your smile, you might consider professional teeth whitening from your GrandPrairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith. Read below as he discusses the benefits of the Zoom Whitening procedure below.

Three Benefits of Zoom Whitening

1.      It is fast. On average, receiving Zoom Whiteningfrom your Grand Prairie cosmetic dentist, Dr. Smith, takes about 45 minutes. During the treatment period, Dr. Smith will first cover your gums and lips to protect them during the procedure. He will then apply a special whitening gel to your teeth, which he will activate with light. After 3 or 4 whitening cycles of about 15 minutes, the treatment will be complete, and your teeth may be as many as 8 shades lighter.

2.      The results are instant. The whitening toothpastes and strips that you buy in stores offer non-dramatic results. In addition to whitening teeth only a couple of shades, the whitening process may take a very long time. The opposite is true of Zoom Whitening. The results produced by this speedy treatment are visible immediately afterwards.

3.      It can improve your confidence. Research supports the idea that smiles correlate with happiness and confidence. A lot of evidence also exists to back up the idea that smiles can affect the feelings and moods of others. A smile, therefore, is a useful asset to have, and if you are pleased with the appearance and color of your teeth, you are likely to feel confident in your smile and in life.

Schedule a Visit with Your Grand Prairie Cosmetic Dentist

Have yellow teeth dulled the impact of your smile? You can change this unhappy fact in just 45 minutes. Schedule an appointment or a consultation to discuss Zoom Whiteningwith your Grand Prairie cosmetic dentist, Dr. Smith, today by calling 972-262-5111. Our 75052 dental office welcomes patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

filed under: General Dentistry, Grand Prairie Dentist

Grand Prairie Dentist Discusses Teeth Whitening and Stain Types

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Do you cringe when you look in the mirror and see yellow teeth? Are you tired of hiding your dull smile? If so, teeth whitening treatment may be right for you. But did you know that the effectiveness of teeth whitening depends upon the type of stains that afflict teeth? Read below as your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, differentiates between two types of stains and tells you which cosmetic procedures work best for each stain type.

Intrinsic Stains vs. Extrinsic Stains

Teeth stains are often differentiated into two categories based on their location in the tooth. These two categories are intrinsic stains and extrinsic stains. Intrinsic stains exist inside the tooth and are often caused by overexposure to fluoride, some medications, and trauma to teeth. Extrinsic stains occur on the outside of teeth, and they are typically caused by overexposure to dark pigments like those found in coffee, tea, red wine, and soda.

Cosmetic Treatments vs. Stain Types

Of these two types of stains, teeth whitening treatment is effective against only one: extrinsic stains. The reason that teeth whitening treatment is ineffective against intrinsic stains is that the whitening agents used in the whitening treatment are unable to reach the stains deep within the teeth. Therefore, when it comes to intrinsic stains, other cosmetic treatments are necessary. Two treatments that are effective against intrinsic stains are veneers and dental bonding. Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that attach to the front surface of teeth. Dental bonding, on the other hand, uses a tooth-colored composite resin (the same material used in white fillings) to create a new and unstained surface on teeth. Both of these treatments cover or mask the stains rather than remove them, but the end result is a stain-free, brilliant smile that patients can wear with pride.

Teeth Whitening Treatment from Your Grand Prairie Cosmetic Dentist

Do you want a smile that makes you stand out? Contact your Grand Prairie cosmetic dentist, Dr. Smith, today by calling 972-262-5111. Our 75052 dental office welcomes patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

filed under: Dentist, Grand Prairie Dentist

Grand Prairie Dentist Challenges You to a Quiz about Dental Crowns

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Do you know when a dental crown becomes necessary? Did you know that there are several types of dental crowns? Take the following quiz from your Grand Prairie dentist and test your knowledge of dental crowns.

Test Your Knowledge

1.      True or False: PFM (Porcelain-fused-to-metal) crowns offer the best cosmetic results of any type of dental crown.

2.      True or False: Bruxism (teeth grinding) can damage teeth so that they need dental crowns.

3.      True or False: PFM crowns offer superior strength to all-porcelain crowns.

Check Your Answers

1.      False. All-porcelain crowns offer superior cosmetic results to PFM crowns because PFM crowns are made up of an under layer of metal to which is attached an outer layer of porcelain. While the outer layer of porcelain does add a nice cosmetic touch, the under layer of metal does not allow PFM crowns to achieve the same level of translucence exhibited by teeth and all-porcelain crowns. The under layer may also become exposed over time, resulting in a black line at the base of the crown.

2.      True. Bruxism subjects teeth to powerful forces and can wear them down over time. Initially, teeth may lose only enamel. However, enamel loss can weaken teeth, making structural damage more likely. Should teeth suffer structural damage in the form of a crack, chip, or break, a dental crown is necessary to repair the damage and restore the function of the tooth or teeth.

3.      True. The metal under layer of a PFM crown lends it superior strength. Because PFM crowns are stronger than all-metal crowns, they are often used in the back of the mouth, where the forces of biting and chewing are greater and teeth are less visible.

Dental Crowns from Your Grand Prairie Dentist

Do you have a damaged tooth that needs to be repaired? Contact your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Smith, today at 972-262-5111 to schedule an appointment or a consultation. Located in the 75052 area, we welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

filed under: Dentist, Grand Prairie Dentist

Grand Prairie Dentist Explains When Porcelain Veneers Are Preferable to Teeth Whitening

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Do you have dull or yellow teeth that rob your smile of its luster? If so, you have probably looked into teeth whitening treatment. But did you know that teeth whitening treatment, while effective in most cases, is not recommended or able to remove one type of stain? To learn more about this stain type and why porcelain veneers offer a more effective solution for it, read the explanation below from your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith.

A Closer Look at Stain Types and Whitening

Teeth stains can be categorized into two general stain types: intrinsic stains and extrinsic stains. The characteristic that separates these two stain types is location. Intrinsic stains exist within teeth, while extrinsic stains occur on the outer surface of teeth, and location is ultimate reason why teeth whitening treatment is ineffective against intrinsic stains. Because intrinsic stains exist within teeth, the whitening agents used in professional teeth whitening are unable to reach the stains and are, therefore, unsuccessful in removing them. Extrinsic stains, on the other hand, are easily reachable by the whitening agents and can be removed.

Porcelain Veneers and Intrinsic Stains

Because teeth whitening is unable to remove intrinsic stains, cosmetic dentistry must turn elsewhere if it is to improve the appearance of teeth that have sustained these stains, and it has. Porcelain veneers are generally recommended as a solution to intrinsic stains, and they are very effective because the veneers do not seek to remove the stains, but to mask them instead. Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that adhere to the front surface of teeth to cover cosmetic blights. They are also strong and stain-resistant, meaning that they create a durable, new smile that patients can show off for years to come.

Porcelain Veneers from Your Grand Prairie Dentist

Do you want to transform your smile? Contact our 75052 dental office to schedule an appointment or a consultation with your GrandPrairie cosmetic dentist, Dr. Smith, today by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

filed under: Dentist, General Dentistry, Grand Prairie Dentist

Grand Prairie Dentist: Four Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth

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Do you grind your teeth? Are you sure? Oftentimes, teeth grinding, or bruxism, occurs during the night, when people are completely unaware of the damage they are inflicting on their teeth. There are, however, a few symptoms that may reveal whether or not bruxism is occurring. To learn more about these symptoms, consult the following list provided by your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith.

Four Symptoms of Bruxism

1.      Sensitive teeth. Sensitivities in teeth can be a very big clue that bruxism is occurring during the night, especially if teeth are sensitive in the morning and if the sensitivities are recurring. The strain that bruxism places on teeth is significant and often creates soreness or tenderness.

2.      A sore jaw. Teeth are not the only things subjected to strain. The jaw also feels the forces of bruxism, and oftentimes, a sore jaw will develop if bruxism becomes a habit. This soreness is sometimes accompanied by a popping or clicking noise when the mouth is opened and closed.

3.      Visible wear on teeth. Over time, bruxism can strip teeth of their enamel and actually wear down teeth. When this situation occurs, the wear will become visible, and a dental professional will be able to see the damage.

4.      Frequent headaches. Over a prolonged period of time, the forces of bruxism can cause what is known as a TMJ disorder. The TMJs are the jaw joints responsible for opening and closing the mouth, and when they develop a disorder, the symptoms can be seriously debilitating. Some of these symptoms include frequent headaches, migraines, facial pain, earaches, jaw pain, and a locked jaw. Thus, if you notice that you are suffering from frequent headaches, the culprit could be bruxism.

Schedule a Dental Visit with Your Grand Prairie Dentist

If you grind your teeth, it is important that you receive treatment for your bruxism. Contact our 75052 dental office to schedule an appointment or a consultation with your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Smith, today by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

filed under: Dentist, General Dentistry, Grand Prairie Dentist