Grand Prairie Dentist Provides Professional Teeth Whitening

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Do you have a smile marred by dental discoloration? Embarrassing teeth stains can cause our smiles to lose their luster. Thankfully, at Pecan Tree Dental we offer an array of teeth whitening solutions to brighten your smile. In today’s blog, your GrandPrairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, explains how our whitening systems can erase stains and brighten your teeth.

What Causes Teeth Stains?

Did you know there are two types of teeth stains? Extrinsic teeth stains form on the surface of our teeth and are caused by the drinks and foods we consume, such as soda, coffee, red wine, and tea. Smoking also leads to extrinsic discoloration. Intrinsic stains occur when the tooth structure beneath the enamel becomes discolored, usually through trauma or the use of certain antibiotics, such as tetracycline.

Teeth Whitening

At Pecan Tree Dental, we offer two forms of teeth whitening. Zoom! whitening is performed in-office and brightens smiles by up to eight shades in under an hour. This form of teeth whitening works great for removing extrinsic stains. We also offer a convenient at-home whitening solution. Your Grand Prairie cosmetic dentist will create a custom-made whitening tray based on an impression of your teeth. Then, he will prescribe a special bleaching formula. Simply wear the gel-filled trays daily for the amount of time recommended. In about two weeks you can notice dramatic results. At-home whitening works great for extrinsic stains and some minor intrinsic stains.

Masking Permanent Stains

In order to brighten a smile with intrinsic discoloration, we offer the latest in cosmeticdentistry. Porcelain veneers and dental bonding both offer a solution for masking the appearance of intrinsic stains. Talk to Dr. Smith for more information.

Schedule a Visit with Your Grand Prairie Cosmetic Dentist

Do you want a brighter smile free of unsightly discoloration? Then talk to your Grand Prairie cosmetic dentist today to see if our teeth whitening procedures can improve the appearance of your smile. To schedule an appointment, contact our 75052 dental office today by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

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Grand Prairie Dentist Answers Your Questions About Dental Fillings

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Did you know that tooth enamel is the hardest substance n the human body? Despite this, over time our teeth may become damaged due to injury or advanced tooth decay. When this occurs, your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, may recommend a dental filling. A filling helps return your tooth to full function and appearance. In today’s blog, Dr. Smith answers a few commonly asked questions about dental fillings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Fillings

Question: How do I know if I need a dental filling?
Answer: There are multiple signs to watch for if you think you may be suffering from tooth decay and require a filling. Patients often report tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, frequent toothaches, swelling around the tooth, or pain when biting down or chewing. If you experience these symptoms, make an appointment with your Grand Prairie cosmetic dentist right away.
Question: What are amalgam fillings?
Answer: These are metal fillings composed of silver and a variety of other metals. Amalgam fillings are cheaper and durable than other alternatives, but contain trace amounts of mercury. Children and pregnant women should avoid receiving amalgam fillings.
Question: Will my fillings look natural?
Answer: Yes. In addition to amalgam fillings, we also offer composite fillings. These fillings contain no metal and blend seamlessly with your smile. As a result, composite fillings look completely natural.
Question: What can I do to prevent tooth decay?
Answer: In order to protect your smile, you should always attend a cleaning and a checkup once every six months. You should also practice good oral hygiene, brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once. These simple steps help cleanse the mouth of the harmful bacteria and stray food particles that may lead to tooth decay.

Schedule a Visit with Your Grand Prairie Cosmetic Dentist

Do suffer from chronic toothaches or tooth sensitivity? If so, you may be experiencing the symptoms of tooth decay. Talk to your Grand Prairie cosmetic dentist today to see if our dental fillings are the best method of treating your cavity. To schedule an appointment, contact our 75052 dental office today by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

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Grand Prairie Dentist: Try Our Cosmetic Dental Quiz

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Do you want a brighter smile? Do you feel embarrassed of your smile due to dental imperfections such as misalignment or unsightly gaps between teeth? At Pecan Tree Dental, we offer patients the latest in cosmetic dentistry. In today’s blog, your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, uses a fun and informative quiz to explain how our cosmetic procedures rejuvenate smiles.


Cosmetic Dentistry Quiz

1. True or False: Dr. Smith brightens smiles in under an hour.
2. True or False: Porcelain veneers address multiple dental imperfections.
3. True or False: Dr. Smith offers teeth whiteners you can use from home.
4. True or False: Lumineers enhance smiles without requiring the removal of tooth enamel.
5. True or False: Dental bonding restores damaged teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry Quiz Answer Key

1. True. With Zoom! Whitening, your Grand Prairie cosmetic dentist can whiten smiles with a special bleaching solution and powerful light in less than one hour.
2. True. Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain placed on a patient’s front teeth. Durable and stain resistant, porcelain veneers allow Dr. Smith to mask permanent stains, correct the appearance of misalignment, reshape damaged or malformed teeth, and close gaps between teeth.
3. True. Dr. Smith will use an impression of your smile to create a custom-made whitening tray. He will then prescribe a bleaching agent. Simply wear the gel-filled trays daily for the amount of time recommended by Dr. Smith and in as little time as two weeks, you can enjoy a gorgeous, stain-free smile.
4. True. Porcelain veneers require the removal of small layers of tooth enamel to make room for the veneers. Lumineers are ultra-thin and can be placed without removing enamel.
5. True. Dr. Smith applies several thin layers of the composite material, reshaping and sculpting the tooth as the boding agent cures. Dental bonding allows Dr. Smith to repair cracked or chipped teeth.

Schedule a Visit with Your Grand Prairie Cosmetic Dentist

Interested in improving the appearance and health of your smile with our innovative cosmetic dental procedures? Then talk to your Grand Prairie cosmetic dentist today. To schedule an appointment, contact our 75052 dental office today by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

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Grand Prairie Dentist Replaces Missing Teeth with State-of-the-Art Dental Implants

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When you lose a tooth, you may begin to feel self-conscious about your appearance. Often, people with missing teeth go to great lengths to hide their smile. Unfortunately, missing teeth affect more than just your appearance. In fact, losing just a single tooth may threaten the stability of your smile. At Pecan Tree Dental, we understand the importance of a whole and beautiful smile and offer the perfect solution: dental implants. In today’s blog, your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, explains how dental implants protect and preserve your smile.

Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth
What happens when you lose a permanent tooth? When an adult loses a tooth, the body responds by suspending the flow of vital nutrients to the surrounding jawbone. Deprived of essential doses of calcium and phosphorus, the bone starts to degrade. Loss of bone density increases the risk of further tooth loss and may alter your facial structure. Soon, patients can develop sunken cheeks, jowls, or a ptotic chin. In addition, the healthy teeth adjacent to the missing tooth may begin to drift towards the empty socket, causing unsightly misalignment.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are composed of biocompatible posts that your Grand Prairie dentist inserts into the jaw. The bone tissue bonds with the posts, anchoring them into place. An abutment is added to the top of the posts. The abutment attaches the custom-made dental crown to the implant post, returning your tooth to full function and appearance. Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth or even secure a full set of dentures.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer a host of benefits. First, the body accepts implants as natural teeth. As a result, the body resumes the flow of nutrients to the jawbone, preventing loss of bone density and preserving facial structure. Implants are also long lasting, on average a dental implant can provide 25 years of quality restoration. Furthermore, implants boast a staggering 95% success rate.
Schedule a Visit with Your Grand Prairie Dentist
Do you have one or more missing teeth? Interested in restoring your smile with innovative dental implants? Then talk to your Grand Prairie dentist today. To schedule an appointment, contact our 75052 dental office today by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

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Grand Prairie Dentist Answers FAQs About Children’s Dentistry

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Did you that over 20% of children between the ages of 5 and 11 suffer from untreated cavities? Few things brighten your day like your little ones’ smile. In order to keep their smile bright and beautiful, your children require routine dental care. At Pecan Tree Dental, we offer the latest in children’s dentistry to help our youngest patients maintain healthy smiles. In today’s blog, your GrandPrairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, answers a few common questions parents often ask regarding our children’s dentistry procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Children’s Dental Care

Question: Does Pecan Tree Dental offer a child-friendly atmosphere?
Answer: Yes. Dr. Smith and our staff strive to provide an environment in which your child feels relaxed and comfortable. In addition, we keep a box filled with fun toys and trinkets as a reward for our young patients following their appointment.
Question: When should my child see Dr. Smith?
Answer: The first dental visit should follow the eruption of the first baby tooth. This visit mainly lets Dr. Smith evaluate the state of your little one’s dental health. Starting around age three, your child should see your Grand Prairie children’s dentist once every six months. Routine visits not only allow Dr. Smith to watch for signs of burgeoning dental disorders, but also helps children become accustomed to visits the dentist.
Question: What are fluoride treatments?
Answer: Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, aiding in the prevention of cavities. For children with teeth especially vulnerable to decay, Dr. Smith may recommend a fluoride treatment.
Question: Can dental sealants help prevent tooth decay?
Answer: Yes. Dental sealants are thin layers of plastic material applied to the molars in the back of your child’s mouth. These teeth are often difficult for them to reach when brushing. Sealants keep food from adhering to the tooth’s surface or becoming stuck between teeth. Dental sealants help your child avoid tooth decay and the painful complications associated with it, such as toothaches.

Schedule a Visit with Your Grand Prairie Children’s Dentist

Did we answer all of your questions? If you have any further questions or concerns about our children’s dental procedures or would like to schedule a checkup, talk to your Grand Prairie children’s dentist today. To schedule an appointment, contact our 75052 dental office today by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

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Grand Prairie Family Dentist: How Your Pool Can Affect Your Teeth

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Do you spend time with your family enjoying your privately owned, backyard pool. If so, you may find the following information useful. Recent research has shown that improperly maintained pool water featuring an improper pH balance and chlorine level can actually contribute to enamel loss. Read below as your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, delves deeper into this research and tells you what you can do to prevent your pool from damaging your teeth.

Pool Water and Enamel Loss

 Recent research from NYU has drawn a correlation between improperly maintained pool water and enamel loss. This research stemmed from a single case in which a man suffered severe enamel loss and staining during a five-month period. The beginning of these symptoms coincided with a new exercise regimen he was beginning at the time. It involved 90 minutes of swimming in his privately owned pool. After trying and failing to find any other factors that could have contributed to such severe enamel loss and staining, the researchers found that the water in the man’s pool had an improper pH balance. They determined, therefore, that prolonged exposure to the improperly maintained water was the primary cause of his symptoms.

Pool Maintenance and Your Teeth

Enamel plays a very important role in the health of your teeth. It defends them against bacteria, helping to fight against decay. With less enamel, teeth are more vulnerable to decay and cavities are more likely. Therefore, with the results of the NYU study in mind, proper maintenance of your pool is very important and may be able to prevent similar enamel loss from occurring to you and your family. If you are unsure of how to maintain your pool, contact a professional in your area.

Schedule a Visit with Your Grand Prairie Family Dentist

To help keep your mouth in prime health, you should attend a dental visit every six months. During these visits, a hygienist can remove bacteria-ridden plaque and tartar from teeth and improve your oral health. To schedule an appointment, contact our 75052 dental office today by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

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Grand Prairie Dentist Challenges You to a Quiz on Homecare

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A large portion of general dentistry focuses on keeping teeth healthy and preventing tooth decay and gum disease. However, without proper homecare to protect teeth between dental visits, teeth will not remain healthy. Therefore, your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, has created this quiz so that you can put your knowledge of homecare to the test.

Take the Quiz

1.      True or False: You should brush your teeth as often as you are able.

2.      True or False: It is best to focus your attention on the top (biting) surface of teeth because that is where they come into contact with food.

3.      True or False: Brushing too forcefully can damage your teeth.

Check Your Answers

1.      False. You should brush teeth two or three times per day. If you brush more often than that, you may begin to expose your teeth to excessive abrasion, causing their enamel to wear away. With less enamel, teeth are more vulnerable to attack from bacteria, making tooth decay more likely.

2.      False. When brushing, you should make a concerted effort to clean all available surfaces of every tooth. Thus, be sure that you clean, the front, back, and top surfaces, and also take care to clean teeth near the gum line by angling your bristles toward it. By removing bacteria in this area, you can help prevent gum disease.

3.      True. Brushing teeth with too much force can strip them of their enamel. It can also damage the gums, irritating them and making them bleed. Therefore, when you brush, it is better to be thorough than to be forceful. Brush gently with some firmness, but don’t inflict damage on your mouth.

General Dentistry from Your Grand Prairie Dentist

Are you in need of a dental cleaning? Your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Smith, provides general dentistry services in addition to cosmetic and restorative services. If you would like to schedule an appointment, contact our 75052 dental office today by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

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Grand Prairie Dentist Explains When Dental Crowns Become Necessary

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Dental crowns are dental devices, made out of varying materials, that repair and reinforce teeth so that they become functional once again. Dental crowns can also improve the cosmetic appearance of damaged teeth. But when does a dental crown become necessary? Your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, discusses several situations that necessitate dental crowns below.

When It’s Time for a Dental Crown

1.      Significant tooth decay. Tooth decay can weaken a tooth, making structural damage in the form of a chip, crack, or break more likely. When a cavity makes a tooth susceptible to damage, the placement of a dental crown can help strengthen the tooth to prevent serious problems.

2.      A broken tooth. A broken tooth is in peril of developing an infection because bacteria have a far easier time accessing the innermost portion of the tooth called the pulp. A patient with a broken tooth will also experience serious discomfort, robbing the tooth of its function. By fitting the tooth with a dental crown, however, the tooth can be restored both cosmetically and functionally. With the crown in place, bacteria will be barred entrance to the tooth’s pulp, and the tooth will be able to bite and chew once again.

3.      Wear by bruxism. Bruxism (teeth grinding) often occurs during sleep so that people are unaware of the damage they are inflicting on their teeth. Over time, teeth may weaken and can eventually crack, chip, or break. In order to repair this damage, dental crowns must be fitted over top of the teeth so that they can be functional once again. However, once bruxism is discovered, a night guard may be worn to protect teeth from damage during the night.

Dental Crowns from Your Grand Prairie Dentist

If 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.

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Arlington Dentist Challenges Parents to a Quiz

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As a parent, you are faced with many responsibilities to ensure your child’s continuing health, safety, and happiness. Among those responsibilities are helping your child navigate oral health problems. To help you in your endeavor to keep your child’s mouth healthy, your Arlington dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, has created this quiz so that you can prepare yourself for many of the dental situations your child may face.

Take the Quiz

1.      True or False: Cavities do not require fillings if they are in baby teeth.

2.      True or False: A knocked-out tooth should be handled by the crown rather than the root.

3.      True or False: Teeth grinding does not often require treatment in children.

Check Your Answers

1.      False. All cavities require dental care. Although it may seem that a cavity in a baby tooth can go untreated because a secondary tooth is waiting to take its place, it’s not true. An untreated cavity can result in an infection capable of spreading into the rest of the mouth and the jawbone, resulting in serious oral health problems. Additionally, the infection can spread into the rest of the body and cause illness.

2.      True. The root of a knocked-out tooth needs to remain moist if the tooth is to be saved. Once a tooth has been knocked out, there is a window of about 30 minutes to an hour to save the tooth. The best chance of keeping the root moist is to rinse it clean with water and replace it in its socket before seeking emergencydental care.

3.      True. The forces generated by bruxism (teeth grinding) in children are not a sufficient threat to teeth to warrant treatment. The habit is very common in children, usually beginning at age three and ending around age six. However, if the habit lingers well past the age of six, or if your child complains of persistently sensitive teeth and a sore jaw, notify your Arlington family dentist, Dr. Smith.

Schedule a Visit with Your Arlington Family Dentist

Regular dental visits can help keep your child’s mouth healthy. If more than six months have passed since your child’s last dental visit, contactyour Arlington 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.

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Arlington Dentist: Does Vitamin D Fight Cavities?

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Nutrition is a major part of our health. If we put the right vitamins and nutrients into our bodies, we typically see an improvement in our health. But does the same hold true for the mouth? Researchers continue to debate whether or not vitamin D plays a role in preventing cavities, and below, your Arlington dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, sifts through the debate.

The Debate Over Vitamin D

The major sticking point in the debate over the cavity-fighting powers of vitamin D is the research itself. In a series of trials that span more than sixty years, researchers found that people with greater levels of vitamin D showed 50 percent less tooth decay than people with lower levels of vitamin D. However, while this result is quite promising and compelling, it is often disputed owing to the dated nature of the information, much of which was gathered about 50 years ago. Thus, the debate lives on and will likely continue until more current research becomes available.

However, it is important to keep in mind that vitamin D is a useful vitamin for your overall health. Thus, ensuring that you receive an adequate amount of the vitamin, if it does not help your mouth fight cavities, may yield other health benefits. Therefore, why not try adding some vitamin D to your diet? The research is just compelling enough to make it feel worthwhile.

Sources of Vitamin D

If you choose to add vitamin D to your diet, salmon and tuna are an excellent source of the vitamin. Additionally, sunlight encourages the synthesis of vitamin D, so spending some time outside may be beneficial. Just make sure if you are out in the sun that you wear sunscreen for protection.

Schedule a Visit with Your Arlington Dentist

Whether or not vitamin D can help fight cavities, it is no substitute for thorough homecare and regular dental visits. If more than six months have passed since your last dental cleaning, contact your Arlington dentist, Dr. Smith, today by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.

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