Dental Checkups and Cleanings

Regular cleanings are an important part of maintaining your dental hygiene.  Not not only for better oral health but there is also substantial evidence that inflammation in the oral cavity doesn’t affect only the oral cavity but the rest of the body as well. Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even Alzheimer's have all been shown to have an association with poor oral health.

 

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Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are painted onto the chewing surface of the molars shortly after their eruption to act as a barrier to prevent cavities. They are applied once and last for many years. 

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Custom-fitted Sports & Night Guards

Both are designed to protect your teeth from damage. Sports guards provide protection during athletic activities while night guards alleviate damage to natural teeth from grinding while sleeping. Nightguards also protect restored teeth, ceramic crowns, and implants from harmful grinding forces. 

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Sensitivity Prevention and Treatment

The source of tooth sensitivity can vary from exposed roots to dental decay, to a cracked tooth or lost filling. Regardless of the cause, if you have ongoing pain it’s time to see a dentist for assessment.

 

Possible causes of pain/sensitivity and their management:

Mild/moderate sensitivity to cold or sweets

• Possible problem: This generally does not signal a serious problem, unless the sensitivity remains for an extended period of time. It may be caused by minor decay, a loose filling, or by minimal gum recession that exposes small areas of the root surface (the most common reason).

• What to do: The first step is to rule out the possibility of a cavity or crack. If the sensitivity is due to an exposed root surface, the dentist can apply a variety of materials to help reduce sensitivity. The dentist can also seal the exposed root with filling or bonding material. These go hand in hand with some lifestyle changes like using a soft bristle brush and brushing with an up-and-down motion, never side-to-side, which wears away exposed root surfaces. 

 

Sharp pain when biting down on food

• Possible problem: Decay, a loose filling, or a crack in the tooth. It’s also possible there is damage to the tooth pulp.

• What to do: Get the matter evaluated by the dentist.

 

Lingering sharp pain 

• Possible problem: It’s likely that the tooth pulp has been irreversibly damaged by deep decay or physical trauma.

• What to do: See the dentist as soon as possible to save the tooth.

 

Dull pain in the jaw and joints after waking up

• Possible problem: Grinding of teeth, known as bruxism, can cause this type of ache. 

• What to do: Consult with a dentist about using a custom-made nightguard.

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