4921 Goetz Drive, Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 632-4643
Dental Topics
ABRASION
Abrasion means to wear away or rub off. The enamel on the crown of the tooth and the dentin on the root surface can be damaged. Brushing with a hard bristle toothbrush and brushing improperly will cause the gum to recede and the softer root surface will be brushed away.
Using the proper type of toothbrush or a battery or rechargeable toothbrush correctly will prevent tooth abrasion.
Holding objects with your teeth will cause the teeth to wear and chip. Mouth piercing will cause these same problems.
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ABSCESSED TOOTH
An abscess is a bacterial infection of the nerve of a tooth. This bacteria comes from a large cavity, a cracked tooth, or an accident. To stop the discomfort and save the tooth endodontic therapy (Root Canal Therapy) must be done.
Symptoms of an abscessed tooth:
- Sensitive to hot
- Very sore tooth
- Awakens you during sleep
- Pimple on gum
- Swollen gum
- Loose tooth
- Severe toothache pain
An x-ray sometimes will confirm that a tooth is abscessed. If not treated, this bacterial infection can spread to other parts of your body.
Regular dental visits will aid in the keeping of your teeth for a lifetime.
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ATTRITION
Attrition means to wear away by friction. Tooth enamel is worn when patients grind their teeth. This tooth against tooth grinding is called Bruxism. This can occur during the day or night, either way most do not know they are doing this. This grinding (also called clenching) can happen to both men or women of all ages.
BAD BREATH (HALITOSIS)
Halitosis or Bad Breath is a bad taste or foul smell exhale of air. This is caused from the sulfides given off from colonizing bacteria in the mouth. The bacteria can be found anywhere in the mouth, throat, sinus, and even in the lungs.
Causation for Halitosis:
- Tooth Cavities
- Gum Disease
- Poor Hygiene
- Smelly foods
- Tobacco
- Sinus or Respiratory Infection
- Dry Mouth
Treatment includes:
- Professional Dental Cleaning and Exam
- Tongue Brushing
- Proper Brushing and Flossing after eating
- Prescription Mouth Rinses
Regular dental visits will aid in keeping a healthy fresh breath.
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BLEEDING GUMS
Gums bleed because of inflamation. This inflamation is the result of inadequate brushing and flossing. If left untreated, this will lead to Gum Disease. Remember bleeding gums is the start of something more serious.
Regular dental cleanings will aid in keeping healthy gums.
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BONDING
Bonding means to bind or fasten. By chemically bonding tooth color filling material to fill a gap, cover a stain, or improve the appearance of a tooth or teeth. This is a simple procedure that generally does not require anesthetic. The correct shade of bonding material is selected and then bonded to the tooth or teeth. Generally Bonding can be completed in one appointment.
Bonding is not permanent and may someday have to be replaced. They are durable, and will last many years, thus, giving you a long lasting, beautiful smile.
Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the keeping of your teeth for a lifetime.
BRIDGES
A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance and is an excellent way to replace missing teeth.
Porcelain fixed bridges are most popular because they resemble your natural teeth. The bridge consists of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
To brush a bridge is the same as your own teeth but flossing requires the use of a floss thread.
Regular dental visits will aid in the keeping of a dental bridge for a lifetime.
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BRUXISM/GRINDING TEETH
Bruxism is when you grind your teeth against each other teeth. People of all ages do this but mainly at night. Children will stop doing this when they start to lose their "baby teeth". Stress will cause most adults especially women to clench or grind their teeth while sleeping.
Causation of Bruxism or Grinding:
- Fractured, chipped, or worn teeth and fillings
- Cracked teeth
- Sensitive or sore teeth
- TMJ problems
- Temporomandibular Joint Discomfort
- Headaches/migraines
- Jaw popping
- Stuffy ear
- Stiff neck and or shoulders
Bruxism can be controlled while sleeping by wearing a Night Guard. This Night Guard will help with the symptoms of bruxism.
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CAVITIES/DECAY
Cavities start when food not removed from your teeth is colonized by the bacteria of your mouth. This is called plaque. The plaque releases an acid that attacks the enamel of the tooth. If not removed, the weakened enamel will break and the second layer of the tooth called dentin is exposed to the bacteria. The bacteria will attack this layer of dentin and a cavity has been formed.
Regular dental exams and cleanings will allow the dental team to check for cavities and take x-rays to find any hidden cavities.
A filling is required to stop the cavity from getting larger. If not, then a Crown will be needed. If a filling is still not placed then the tooth will Abscess and require Root Canal Therapy.
Fluoride will help slow or stop the development of cavities along with excellent home care and regular dental cleanings.
Regular dental visits will aid in keeping your teeth for a lifetime.
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CLEANING
Your regular scheduled visit is referred to as a cleaning. The technical term is oral prophylaxis which means prevention of oral disease. Professional dental cleanings are performed by a Registered Dental Hygienist. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:
- Removal of calculus (tartar) - Calculus is hardened plaque firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum and is the main cause of bone loss and gum disease.
- Removal of plaque - Plaque is a sticky film made of food, saliva, and living bacteria. The bacteria produces toxins that inflames the gums (this is the start of gum disease) and eats into the enamel of the teeth (start of a cavity).
- Teeth polishing - Removes stain and plaque and leaves the teeth very smooth so that plaque cannot form as easily.
- Topical Fluoride - Fluoride re-strengthens weakened enamel caused by plaque and to stop or slow the cavity process. Fluoride also decreases the sensitivity of teeth.
- Home Care - Your dentist or dental hygienist may give or recommend dental aids, especially for you to use to help prevent cavities and gum disease.
A registered Dental Hygienist cleans your teeth and checks for gum disease, apply fluoride and take x-rays.
Regular dental visits will aid in the keeping of your teeth for a lifetime.
CROWNS
The purpose of a crown is to restrengthen a weakened tooth by covering a portion or all of a tooth. Crowns make a tooth comfortable and useable. There are three choices of material to make a crown with: gold, tooth-colored porcelain and porcelain fused to metal.
When would you need a crown:
- Broken Tooth
- Broken Large Filling
- Cracked Tooth
- Root Canal Tooth
With proper care and regular dental visits, crowns will aid in the keeping of your teeth for a lifetime.
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DENTURES
Dentures mean you have lost all of your teeth but they can help you regain:
- Eating
- Speech
- Facial support
The upper denture fits and functions excellently. It is held in place by a created vacuum suction. The tissue is very thick and tough.
The lower denture just sits on the jawbone. The lip and tongue movement causes the lower denture to also move. The tissue over the jawbone is thin and tender. The lower denture is always a problem. With the new mini-implants, we can now stabilize the lower denture and make it very useful and comfortable.
Dentures are a very durable appliance and will last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear. Proper cleaning of your new denture will aid in the life of your dentures.
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DRY MOUTH
Xerostomia (dry mouth) is a condition in which the salivary glands decrease or stop saliva production. The causes are medical conditions, cancer treatment, or medications.
Dry Mouth may cause any or all of the following:
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Change in the taste of foods
- Speech difficulty
- Social anxiety from Bad Breath
- Sore throat, aphthous ulcers, and a burning sensation of the tongue
- Cheek, tongue, and lips stick to palate or teeth
- Rampant decay especially the roots
Treatment includes strict home care regimens with daily topical fluoride and prescribed saliva substitute (wetting solutions). Regular dental visits will aid in the keeping of your teeth for a lifetime.
EROSION
People who eat or suck on lemons will have a loss of enamel on the front teeth. This is from the strong citric acid. Bulimic cases will have enamel loss on the backside (or inside) of the front teeth. This is from the stomach acid.
Avoid sucking on citric fruits, sour candies, drinking citric juices and citric flavored soft drinks even diet.
Regular dental visits will aid in the keeping of your teeth for a lifetime.
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EXAM
A dental exam will be performed by your dentist on your first dental visit. At your regular dental visit your hygienist and dentist will perform the following:
- Listen - You tell us if you have any concerns about your oral health.
- Examination of teeth - All teeth will be checked for decay.
- Examination of gums - Check gums and bone for any signs of gum disease.
- Examination of existing restoration - check your current fillings, crowns, etc.
- Diagnostic X-rays - Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays help determine tooth and root position.
- Oral Cancer screening - Check the lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
Regular dental visits will aid in the keeping of your teeth for a lifetime.
EXTRACTION
To extract means to remove by effort. Simple extractions are done in our office on both children and adults. The more difficult extractions are referred to an Oral Surgeon. You are welcome to click on Dr. Steven R. Tucker link to learn more about oral surgery.
To help the patient we can provide Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, and a new anesthesia that is excellent and safe.
Care instructions and prescriptions will be given before leaving the office. A telephone call to check how well you are doing after the procedure will be done that day or next day.
Not all teeth need to be extracted but most extracted teeth need to be replaced.
Regular dental visits will aid in the keeping of your teeth for a lifetime.
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FILLINGS
To stop the developing cavity, the decay is removed and a filling is placed.
Tooth-colored fillings are used in the front and more visible back teeth. They are shaded to match your teeth.
FLUORIDE
Fluoride is a natural element that is found in the earth. It is at present the only product that will remineralize weakened enamel of teeth in both children and adults.
In the early 50's, a community was found to have the lowest cavity rate in all of the United States. They had natural fluoride in it's drinking water. Now, almost all communities have fluoride in it's drinking water.
Fluoride is in toothpaste and mouth rinses. The best fluoride is provided to you by your dental hygienist. All patients of any age benefit from fluoride by stopping cavities (tooth decay) and root decay. Fluoride will decrease tooth sensitivity to hot and cold.
Regular dental cleanings will aid in the keeping of your teeth for a lifetime.
GUM DISEASE
When the gums start Bleeding that is the beginning of Gum Disease. This is caused by not flossing to remove plaque in sulcus (pocket or space) between the teeth and gums. The plaque (food and bacteria) produces toxins that irritate the gums causing the gums to bleed.
Bleeding gums also called Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and at this stage, no damage has been done.
If not treated, tartar and plaque continue to build up, the gum begins to recede, the sulcus (pocket) deepens between the teeth and gums allowing tartar and plaque to reach the bone that supports the teeth. This will cause bone loss. This stage of gum disease is called Periodontitis.
Unless treated, the affected teeth will become loose and may have to be extracted.
Your Dental Hygienist will always examine your gums for any signs of Gum Disease.
Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will aid in the keeping of your teeth of a lifetime.
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GUM TREATMENT
When bleeding gums (Gingivitis) are detected early and no damage has occurred then one or two regular cleanings will be recommended. You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and have regular dental cleanings.
If the gum disease has progressed then a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planning (deep cleaning) will be recommended. In this procedure, plaque, tartar, bacteria, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum. This is called scaling. The root surfaces are then smoothed of tartar. This is called root planning. Both scaling and root planning are performed by a Dental Hygienist.
If the gum disease has developed into advanced Periodontitis, the patient will be referred to a Periodontist (a specialist of the gums and supporting bone).
The patient that does perfect homecare will always have a little buildup of plaques and tartar. That's why all patients should have regular dental cleanings performed by a Registered Dental Hygienist who inspects your gums and takes x-rays to evaluate the bone support of the teeth.
Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will aid in the keeping of your teeth for a lifetime.
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HOME CARE
Your teeth were meant to last a lifetime. Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving that goal. It starts at home by reducing the number of foods with sugar and correctly using the various dental aids that help control the plaque that causes dental diseases.
Tooth brushing - Brush your teeth before going to bed. Electric toothbrushes are excellent and easy to use.
Flossing - Daily flossing is a must. Flossing cleans in between the teeth and under the gums. Flossing prevents both cavities and gum disease by removing plaque. Using dental aids recommended by your dentist or hygienist will play an important role in good dental home care.
Regular dental visits will aid in the keeping of your teeth for a lifetime.
IMPLANTS
A dental Implant is a titanium post that has a fitted screw abutment. It is placed in the jaw bone in either the upper or lower. The implant can be used to replace one tooth or all of the teeth in either the upper or lower jaws.
The care for implants is the same as for crowns and bridges. There are no eating restrictions. They look like real teeth and in some cases even better.
A new mini-implant is now available to hold dentures and partials in place. For the patient who has lost a lot of bone in the lower jaw, these mini-implants are the answer to a whole new freedom to eat and talk comfortably.
Regular dental visits will aid in the keeping of your teeth for a lifetime.
MINI-IMPLANTS
For years, denture patients that had too much jaw bone loss could not wear their dentures. With these new mini-implants, that problem is no more. It takes one day to place the mini-implants for dentures.
These mini-implants are placed in the bone. The denture is then made to snap on to the implant. This helps hold the denture steady during all functions. Eating and talking becomes almost natural again.
MOUTH GUARD (Athletic Mouth Guard)
A custom lab fabricated mouth guard helps prevent broken or chipped teeth and provides some protection from concussions.
Mouth Guards are required in most all contact sports for all ages. There are other sports that have a higher accident rate than the "contact sports". It's that blow to the chin that causes the lower jaw to violently close against the upper jaw resulting in possible damage to the teeth. A lifetime memory.
A Mouth Guard can be made for children of any age and all adults. A custom made Mouth Guard is far more superior than a store bought.
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NIGHT GUARD
Bruxism occurs mostly during sleep. A custom-made Night Guard worn over the upper teeth while sleeping will prevent damage to the teeth and improve TMJ discomfort.
To make a Night Guard will require impressions of your teeth. Then a clear hard acrylic Night Guard is made to fit over your upper teeth only. It is then adjusted to your bite and worn while sleeping. Some patients who are suffering from severe TMJ discomfort may have to wear their Night Guard sometimes during the day.
Regular dental visits will aid in the keeping of your teeth for a lifetime.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
This is the safest way to relax any patient of any age. The effects are gone within two minutes after use. Its safe to drive yourself and doesn’t require assistance. By breathing through a nosepiece within one minute, you will become so relaxed that your anxiety will float away.
Orthodontics
Simpli5 Aligner Many adults and teenagers are eager to achieve beautiful smiles without wearing braces. Simpli5 is an invisible aligner system that corrects the imperfections for the front teeth that are visible when you smile. This Invisible Aligner System is the best solution for cases involving minor to moderate anterior crowding or spacing and for orthodontic relapse cases. Comfortable--Convenient--Fast
Retainers A retainer is a piece of plastic and metal that is custom-made that fits the top of the teeth and mouth. Using retainers we reposition misaligned upper and lower deciduous teeth. This sometimes prevents having to have full orthodontic braces later.
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PARTIAL DENTURES
When you have lost some of your natural teeth, a partial denture replaces the missing teeth. This helps to restore your eating and speaking abilities and makes life more comfortable.
Partial Dentures can be made for just one tooth or several teeth. The teeth are selected to match the existing teeth in color and shape. The partials can either have a metal support base or an all-acrylic base. Both will require some type of metal attachment to existing teeth for stability and support.
Partial Dentures are very durable and will last many years but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear. Proper cleaning of your new partial will aid in the life of your partial.
ROOT CANAL THERAPY
An abscessed tooth will need the bacterially infected nerve cleaned, sterilized, and filled. This procedure is called Root Canal.
Most patients think that this is painful, but due to new anesthesia and new technology, it can be performed pain-free. Sometimes your treatment may take one visit.
Now your tooth can be saved and not be extracted.
A tooth that has had a Root Canal will need a crown.
Regular dental visits will aid in the keeping of your teeth for a lifetime.
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SEALANTS
A child's permanent back molars contain fissures and pits where they eat. This is the area where children will form their first cavity.
A sealant can be placed on the child's first permanent molar that prevents that cavity from starting. Registered Dental Hygienist places the sealant after cleaning the teeth and before applying fluoride. It only takes about one minute to do one tooth. The eating surface is now smooth and easier to brush clean. The first and second molars should be treated after they have fully erupted.
Regular dental visits will aid in the keeping of your teeth for a lifetime.
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SEDATION DENTISTRY
Some patients are very anxious and stressed out about their dental visit. To help that patient, a prescription to relax you can be used the night before and during the appointment. Nitrous Oxide is also known as "laughing gas" is available to help some patients to relax just for that visit. Some patients just need a comfortable stress-free environment to relax. Whatever your level of anxiety, our office can help you achieve a comfortable relaxing visit.
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SLEEP APNEA
Sleep Apnea is a life-threatening problem. Most people are not aware they have sleep apnea. The brain is deprived of oxygen when a person's breathing is interrupted during sleep. People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times. This means the brain, and the rest of the body, may not get enough oxygen.
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SNORING
Snoring can mean you might have sleep apnea. The snoring sound is because of the restricted airway due to collapse of tissues and muscles. These soft tissues will vibrate when breathing creating the snoring sound.
Snore Guard mouthpiece will help keep the restricted passage open so breathing during sleep is successful. Snore Guard is similar to a mouth guard in size, shape, and fit. With a snore guard, patients can sleep better and feel better along with their sleep companion.
SORE/SENSITIVE TOOTH
Sometimes a tooth will become slightly sore or tender and maybe a little sensitive. This generally indicates that your teeth have worn a little (a natural event) and the biting pressure has changed. By adjusting the affected tooth or teeth changes the biting pressure and gives instant relief.
Don't ignore that sore or sensitive tooth because it will worsen. That extra biting pressure may cause the tooth to: crack, break, or abscess. People who do Bruxism will have sore/sensitive teeth more than others that don't.
When the gums recede either from improper brushing or natural aging, the exposed root surface can become sensitive especially to cold. There is a simple light-cured tooth-colored material that covers the sensitive area and stops the discomfort.
Regular dental visits will aid in the keeping of your teeth pain-free for a lifetime.
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TMJ/JAW PROBLEMS
TMJ means Temporomandibular joint. When that area of the face hurts it is called Temporomandibular Discomfort or TMD. All adults from age of 14 years and up can experience this discomfort, women more so than men.
There are multiple symptoms of TMD and people may have more than one symptom.
- Headaches - most common complaint
- Ear Discomfort - like "swimmer's earache"
- Muscles of Mastication Hurting - This is the most complicated discomfort to diagnose if it's muscle or tooth pain. It hurts when you eat or use your jaw. When you push on your jaw joint areas, you have facial pain and it feels like it could be either a tooth or muscle pain.
- Worn Teeth
- Broken/Fractured tooth
The cause of TMJ is stress.
The treatment for TMD is a Night Guard.This neuromuscular mouth appliance is sometimes covered by dental and/ or medical insurance.
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TOOTHACHE
A toothache means you either have a cavity, crack, or abscess tooth.
Don't wait, seek care immediately. The longer you wait the more costly it becomes and you may lose the tooth.
Regular dental visits will aid in the keeping of your teeth pain-free for a lifetime.
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VENEERS
Veneers are custom made by a professional dental laboratory. Veneers are thin porcelain that is bonded on the tooth. The veneers instantly can whiten your teeth, make uneven teeth look perfect, close gaps between teeth, balance the size of the front teeth, and repair damage from accidents and worn teeth.
It takes two appointments three weeks apart to complete. The thinnest amount of tooth is removed from the front and edge. This is replaced with the porcelain veneer shell. The new veneers feel much like your very own teeth but more beautiful.
Veneers are very durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long-lasting smile. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new veneers.
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WHITENING (BLEACHING)
Tooth Whitening is a simple treatment to change the color of natural tooth enamel. The whitening products bought in stores do not produce the desired effects. The whitening solution used in our practice is an FDA prescribed product and can only be used by a dentist.
Whitening is very safe. Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity to cold but these symptoms are temporary and disappear within 24 hours. Choose between in-office light-activated whitening for immediate results or at-home whitening for results within a week. Tooth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up may be needed every couple of years and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or red wine.
The benefits of having whiter teeth:
- 58% of job candidates were more likely to be hired
- 68% appeared more professional to others
- 64% appeared to be financially successful
With proper care and regular dental visits, your newly whiter teeth will last much longer.
X-RAYS
Dental radiographs (x-rays) are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide information not visible during a regular dental exam.
This information detects hidden problems areas that may go undetected.
X-rays may reveal:
- Abscesses
- Bone loss
- Decay between teeth
- Root Decay
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
- Developmental abnormalities
- Poor tooth and root positions
- Problems inside a tooth or below the gum
The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient's needs. A full mouth series of dental x-rays is usually performed every three to five years. Bitewing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at regular dental cleanings and are recommended once a year to detect new dental problems.
Digital radiography is essentially a filmless X-ray image capture, where digital x-ray sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film. Advantages include: time efficiency with immediate image preview, enhancement of images, and less radiation. The largest motivator for healthcare facilities to adopt Digital radiography has potential to reduce costs associated with processing, managing and storing films.
Regular dental visits will aid in the keeping your teeth for a lifetime.