SERVICE WITH A SMILE

By maintaining good oral-health practices at home and scheduling regular office visits, most patients can avoid many common dental problems. Daily brushing and flossing, and the application of sealants, can help youngsters avoid tooth decay. Adults can avert their most common problem, gum disease, with regular professional care. In cases where tooth loss, breakage, or misalignment does occur, the dentist is expert in a variety of advanced restoration and replacement techniques. In addition, there are a number of cosmetic procedures, including tooth whitening, veneers, and bonding, that effectively remedy chipped, discolored, and gapped teeth. The more patients know about dental health, the better their smiles. In the weeks and months ahead, this column will address all aspects of dental care.

Welcome to our new column. It is our pleasure to welcome you to ANNA DENTAL! When you visit our office your comfort is our top priority. Our entire team is dedicated to providing you with the personalized, high quality dental care that you deserve. Whether you are visiting us for a simple cleaning, or whether you are here to experience all that modern dentistry has to offer, we are here to serve you. For more information, please call (972) 924-2452. Our office is conveniently located at 701 W. White St., Suite 2, Anna.

P.S. Flossing is every bit as important as daily brushing in fighting plaque buildup and tooth decay.

GOOD REASONS TO SMILE

If you doubt the importance of a bright smile, there is research to show the effect that your smile can have. For instance, one study concerned with uncovering the subliminal effect of smiling reveals that, within just four milliseconds, those greeted with smiles experience a mini emotional high before they even consciously register the image. And, as you might have noticed, when you smile, you are likely to get one in return. Moreover, different cultures read smiling faces differently. While people in some parts of the world tend to focus on the eyes of a smiling person, we in this country focus on mouths. These are good reasons to pay special attention to the health of our teeth and gums.

Even if you brush and floss regularly, you may face certain oral health issues as an adult. Luckily, your dentist can help you meet most of these challenges quite successfully. Keep in mind that the health of your gums can also affect your overall health. Recent studies have shown a possible link between gum disease and other diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and a possible link to premature births. To schedule a consultation, please call ANNA DENTAL at (972) 924-2452. We are conveniently located at 701 W. White St., Suite 2, Anna. Happy Thanksgiving!

P.S. If you are self-conscious about your smile, you owe it to yourself to discuss various cosmetic treatments that can brighten your teeth and effectively eliminate tooth and gum imperfections.

BUILDING BRIDGES

Patients in need of replacing one or more permanent teeth lost to decay or extraction may opt for the type of permanent tooth restoration known as a “bridge.” As its name implies, a bridge spans the gap left by missing teeth and fills it with replacement teeth (pontics) that are anchored in place to natural teeth or dental implants on either side. The anchor teeth (abutments) not only prevent teeth adjacent and in opposition to the gap from shifting out of place, they also carry the pressure caused by chewing. Bridges, which are composed of gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of materials, generally cost less than other forms of tooth replacement and usually require two visits to complete.

Bridges typically last five to seven years. A major reason bridges fail is that new cavities develop on the supporting teeth. Cavities occur because of poor oral hygiene. With proper hygiene, which includes flossing your teeth under the bridge, they will last longer. To schedule an appointment, please call ANNA DENTAL at (972) 924-2452. Our office is conveniently located at 701 W. White St., Suite 2, Anna. A trip to the dentist may be one of your most important appointments! We stress preventive dentistry by teaching patients good oral hygiene habits.

P.S. A “cantilever” bridge supports the replacement tooth from only one side and is used when abutment teeth are located on just one side of the gap left by a missing tooth.

IS ARTHRITIS LINKED WITH GUM DISEASE?

 Those who suffer from the pain, stiffness, and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) should know that they may be at increased risk for gum disease. Research shows that people with RA are eight times more likely than others to have gum disease. Although no direct link has been proven, the association should prompt those with RA to pay special attention to their oral health. In its earliest stages, “gingivitis” (gum inflammation) causes gums to become swollen and bleed easily. At this point, a thorough cleaning by the hygienist and proper attention to brushing and flossing at home can help prevent gum disease from progressing. Otherwise, a more serious form of gum disease, “periodontitis,” can lead to bone and tooth loss.

You can prevent periodontal disease by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly. Most people should see the dentist about once every six months. But if you already have gum disease you should visit more often. To schedule a consultation, please call ANNA DENTAL at (972) 924-2452. Patients actually enjoy visiting our office because we provide them with a comfortable place to come to for quality dental work. We are conveniently located at 701 W. White St., Suite 2, Anna.

P.S. Periodontitis can be effectively treated with a procedure known as “scaling and root planing,” which involves removing tartar and plaque from beneath the gum line.