Baking Soda Boost: How Long Does it Take to Whiten Teeth?

When it comes to teeth bleaching, many people turn to baking soda. Baking soda is a natural bleaching agent used to remove stains from teeth. But, how long the baking soda takes to work depends on the severity of the stains. Generally, it takes about two weeks of daily use before you start seeing results.

If you’re looking for a quick fix, other options are available, such as professional teeth whitening in the Colony, TX, or take-home kits. However, these methods can be expensive and may not be covered by your dental insurance.

How Does Baking Soda Work to Whiten Teeth?

When mixed with water, baking soda forms a paste that can be applied to the teeth using a toothbrush. The baking soda’s abrasive action helps remove surface stains from the teeth, revealing the brighter, whiter underlying tooth enamel. It is important to brush regularly with baking soda to see the results. Aim to brush twice daily for two minutes each time for best results. Your teeth become noticeably brighter within a few weeks of regular brushing with baking soda.

Benefits of Using Baking Soda for Teeth Beaching

When it comes to teeth whitening, baking soda is a popular choice. That’s because it’s inexpensive to get your teeth looking their best. Plus, it’s a natural product with no harsh chemicals.

Some of the benefits of baking soda include the following:

  1. It’s gentle on your teeth. Baking soda is a natural product that is gentle on your teeth and won’t cause any sensitivity or irritation.
  2. It’s effective. Baking soda effectively removes stains and discoloration and leaves them looking brighter and whiter.
  3. It’s easy to use. You can easily find baking soda at your local grocery store; it only takes a few minutes to brush with it.
  4. It’s affordable. Baking soda is a very affordable option for teeth whitening, making it a great choice for those on a budget.

What Are the Risks of Using Baking Soda?

Baking soda is an abrasive and can damage tooth enamel if used too frequently. It can also irritate your gums.

If you have sensitive teeth, baking soda may not be your best choice. You should also talk to your dentist before using baking soda on your teeth, as they can advise you on whether it’s appropriate for your situation.

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How To Use Baking Soda To Whiten Teeth?

Baking soda is a great way to whiten your teeth. It is an effective way to clean your teeth and also helps to reduce tartar build-up.

Baking soda can be used in several ways for tooth whitening:

  1. Use it as an enamel cleaning agent by mixing it with water and brushing it on your teeth for 30 seconds before rinsing it with warm water. Repeat this process twice per day for two weeks until you see results.
  2. Use baking soda as a mouthwash by mixing it with water and swishing around for 30 seconds before spitting it out into the sink or toilet bowl (this is not recommended if you have braces). Repeat this process twice per day for two weeks until you see results.
  3. Mix equal parts baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and water in a glass container and swish around for 30 seconds before spitting.

How Fast Does Baking Soda Whiten Teeth?

It depends on the severity of the staining and how often you use baking soda. For minor stains, you may see results after just a few days. More severe stains could take up to two weeks to see noticeable results. However, if you continue using baking soda regularly, your teeth will eventually become noticeably brighter and whiter.

Alternatives to Baking Soda for Teeth Whitening

There are a few options available if you’re looking for an alternative to baking soda for teeth whitening. Hydrogen peroxide is popular, as it’s readily available and relatively inexpensive. You can also use lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, although these may be more irritating to your gums and teeth. Furthermore, you can opt for professional teeth whitening from a dentist in The Colony, TX.

Schedule an Appointment

Note that baking soda should not replace oral hygiene practices but can be used in addition to them for an improved smile. Visit Main Dentistry for more information and how to whiten the teeth.

Could Anxiety Be Causing Your Sleep Apnea? What to Know and How to Treat it?

Sleep is something that rejuvenates your whole body system and prepares you for the hustle of the day. Lack of sleep causes so many health issues in people. For example, they might not feel fresh after waking up in the morning and their ability to concentrate on things gets distorted.

There could be many possibilities that may cause sleep issues in humans. In many cases, anxiety is the cause of sleep apnea. There would be a long list of people interested in knowing how sleep apnea is related to anxiety. Let us discover that below, along with how to address this issue.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder where people have breathing problems. In this particular health issue, people wake up tired, sleepy, and irritated. In most cases, people suffer from obstructive sleep apnea due to throat muscles blocking – partially or entirely (in severe cases). The effects people have if they have sleep apnea are as follows:

  • Snoring.
  • Repeatedly waking up for no reason.
  • Gasping for breath.
  • Daytime grogginess.
  • Feeling tired.

If you feel any of the symptoms above-mentioned, you should go and get your health checked because undiagnosed apnea may cause many other serious health problems:

  • Heart failure.
  • Stress.
  • Headache.
  • Strokes.
  • And Coronary heart diseases.

Can Anxiety Cause Sleep Apnea?

The answer to the question is there for debate. But if we talk in general, patients with anxiety and depression are difficult to treat because they can cause uncontrolled sleep apnea.

We can’t say anxiety is a direct cause of sleep apnea. But it is responsible for causing a lack of sleep. There are many results of studies
available that show anxiety affects the quality of your sleep and the hours of your sleep. If you have anxiety, try to reduce your sleep apnea completely.

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Is Lack of Sleep Cause Anxiety?

Anxiety is the condition of constantly worrying and imagining things that do not happen in reality. If you have anxiety disorders, there is a 100% chance of turning the condition worse if you lack sleep.

Sleep apnea (which is known as lack of sleep) can cause anxiety. If there are issues already, they may get worse. So, lack of sleep is something that requires immediate attention and cure. In this particular health condition, whole brain processing becomes a mess. Your physical body will also not process efficiently.

One can use a sleep apnea dental appliance in The Colony to cure their condition. But before buying it, one should go to a professional to choose the right instrument according to their needs and requirements.

The Role of HealthCare Team in Treating Anxiety and Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is very hard to diagnose. If you have an undiagnosed, there might be a possibility for anxiety disorders, which will impact badly on your body and mind. If you feel any of the symptoms mentioned above, you might have this health issue. You should consult the related professionals as soon as possible. It’s because the later you will go to get treatment, the worse the situation will become.

Your healthcare team will work on your sleep patterns. If there is mild sleep apnea, they will only suggest lifestyle changes. But in case of severe ones, they will use a few devices to open clogged and closed airways.

After checking your condition, your healthcare team will make a particular treatment plan to combat the situation. As there is no sleep test or anything available to conclude sleep apnea, you must check your sleeping patterns.

Based on your sleep history and the discomforts you are dealing with currently, professionals will work on their treatment plan. Make sure you cooperate with your healthcare team. Doing this will help you to overcome the situation quickly and early.

Get Help from Our Team to Fight Your Anxiety Today

Both anxiety and sleep disorders are dangerous and can make your life miserable. If you are experiencing something wrong with your sleep and have doubts about having sleep apnea, immediately start searching for a professional dentist near me. He/she will evaluate your case and recommend you the best techniques to fight anxiety effectively.

After Your Tooth Extraction: Guidelines For A Successful Recovery

Your tooth can get damaged to an extent where the dentist in The Colony, TX, can recommend a tooth extraction. However, the truth is nobody fancies this procedure since it involves pulling out of the affected tooth, which can be painful. On top of that, tooth removal leaves you with a wound that takes time to heal. Keep reading to find out what to do when you have your tooth removed for a successful recovery.

What To Expect After Your Tooth Extraction?

You will recover from a tooth extraction procedure after a few days. However, there are things that you should tell your dentist before the extraction to ensure that you do not have any complications after the treatment. This includes telling the dentist if you have any medical condition, you take any medication and supplements. For example, you should notify the dentist if you have cirrhosis, an impaired immune system, or heart disease.

You will experience some discomfort and swelling after tooth removal. In addition, the healing timeline would vary with the type of tooth extracted and how the tooth was before removal: for instance if the affected tooth was in an awkward position.

It is essential to know that a wound from a wisdom tooth removal will take longer to heal. So, you can develop an infection from the left wound. This calls for proper care of your mouth after tooth removal. Here are tooth extraction aftercare tips.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

After tooth extraction in The Colony, TX, the dentist will advise you to stay from strenuous activities. This is because strenuous activities can cause post-operative bleeding, and this can lead to lots of discomforts. For example, you can skip the gym for the first 48 to 72 hours during the healing period. In addition, you should stay away from smoking as this can cause immense pain at the site the tooth was removed. Smoking can also slow the healing process, as cigarette toxins can also harm your oral cavity.

On top of that, you should take all medications as prescribed. The dentist will give you pain relievers and antibiotics to help you cope with the discomfort after tooth extraction and prevent infection. Some of the over-the-counter relievers that the dentist will recommend are ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

You should also keep the extraction site clean. Use an antimicrobial mouthwash for the first three days after an extraction. When cleaning the wound, use a light motion to prevent bleeding and irritating the area. Another thing to note is that you should not brush the wounded area. Wait until the dentist tells you that the wound has healed up nicely and it is safe to brush the area.

Additionally, avoid spitting or rinsing with force for the first 24 hours after tooth extraction. Avoiding spitting with force will ensure the clot stays intact. You should also avoid drinking from a straw for the first 24 hours. Drinking from a straw will prevent dislodging the blood clot, which can cause a dry socket: which is a painful condition.

What To Eat and Avoid After a Tooth Extraction?

For the first 24 hours, you should eat only soft foods and drinks. You can resume your normal diet gradually once the wound has healed up nicely. Dentists recommend sticking to easy-to-chew foods for the first few days. Such foods include pudding, Jell-O, and yogurt. Applesauce can also be good for your diet as it contains useful fibers. After the clot has formed well, you can eat mashed potatoes, pancakes, scrambled eggs, broth-based soups, and oatmeal. You should ensure that you eat your food when it is lukewarm and not hot.

Stay away from alcoholic drinks after getting your tooth removed. For the first week after tooth removal, you should avoid chewy, crunchy, brittle, and hard foods like popcorn, nuts, and crisps. It can also be difficult for you to chew meat after getting your tooth extracted.

When To See Your Dentist Again?

It is normal to feel some discomfort after tooth removal. Additionally, it is okay to experience swelling and bleeding after tooth extraction. Nevertheless, if the bleeding and pain worsen after having your tooth removed, you should call your dentist as soon as possible.

Other signs that you need to visit the dentist in Main Dentistry are:

  • Vomiting or nausea.
  • Symptoms of infection like chills and fever.
  • Excess swelling and redness.

Why Does My Dental Implant Hurt When I Chew & What Can I Do About It?

When getting dental implants in the Colony, TX, the provider opens up your gum tissue to drill one or more titanium posts beneath your gums to provide a permanent tooth root for a missing tooth. Getting dental implants requires surgery, indicating that you might experience pain for a few days after the implantation. However, dental implants are excellent solutions for replacing missing teeth that you can consider if you don’t favor alternatives like dentures or bridges.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are replacement solutions for missing teeth you can consider if you desire permanent replacements for the teeth you lost. Biocompatible titanium helps make dental implants surgically embedded deep into your jawbone to replace your lost tooth roots. Getting the implant is often at the center of a three-part process which includes tooth removal, implant placement, and attachment of replacement teeth. The procedures are spaced months apart.

After implant placement, you must wait for several months for the titanium post to integrate with your body in the process of osseointegration, requiring three to six months before undergoing another process for abutment attachment. You can have your artificial tooth or teeth a couple of weeks after abutment attachment because your dental prosthetics are custom created for your mouth to blend seamlessly with your remaining natural teeth.

Why Might My Dental Implant Hurt When I Chew?

Dental implants are safe and reliable to restore your smile and mouth functionality. It can last for decades with proper implant placement by the dentist in the Colony, TX, and oral hygiene. Dental implants have been successful by 98 percent over a decade.

During your recovery, you can expect some discomfort from the surgical process for implant placement. However, the dentist recommends pain relievers to ensure your comfort. However, if the pain lasts longer and a few days and worsens, you will require medical care.

Pain after Dental Implant Placement

You will likely feel acute pain as the anesthesia from the procedure wears off. The pain is localized at the plant site. You might also experience symptoms like bleeding at the surgical site, swelling around your gums and face, jaw pain, and minor bruising. However, the dentist suggests after-care instructions for the implant and your jawbone, besides medication to alleviate the discomfort. However, the pain shouldn’t continue beyond 3 to 5 days after implant placement.

The jaw stiffness, swelling, and bruising remain with you longer but should fade away in seven to ten days following the surgery. Unfortunately, if you develop throbbing pain beyond seven to ten days, it might indicate complications that need an assessment by the provider.

Common complications after dental implant placement are mentioned below for your reference.

  • Incision Line Opening: a common complication following implant placement is the tissue surrounding the titanium post opening after surgery. The opening of the incision will likely cause pain and irritation. Your oral surgeon might advise you to rinse with chlorhexidine mouthwash or take antibiotics to prevent infections. Unfortunately, if the pain doesn’t subside, you will need additional medical care.
  • Improper Implant Placement: discomfort or pain after implant placement indicates the titanium rod is not integrating with your jawbone as required. The implant might require removal and placement later.
  • Infection: infections can occur if your mouth bacteria enter the surgically impacted tissue to prevent it from healing. The surgical site might reopen or not recover as expected.

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Signs of Dental Implant Infections

If you experience symptoms besides pain, it might indicate post-operative complications. Therefore you must call your dentist if you experience fever, vomiting, worsening swelling and excessive bleeding that doesn’t subside after dental implant placement.

What Can I Do About It?

If you experience discomfort from dental implants when eating foods, do not contemplate why does my dental implant hurt when I chew because you don’t have the time to waste. Whether the pain starts a few days after implant placement or months or years, you need to contact the Colony provider to assess what’s wrong with the arrangement and decide on the optimal course of action. Persistent discomfort after implant placement isn’t expected unless the placement fails and needs retreatment.

Dental implant placements are successful. However, occasionally you can develop complications leading to implant failure. For example, implant failure might occur from improper placement, or you allow bacteria to accumulate in your mouth by neglecting proper dental hygiene. In addition, conditions like diabetes and smoking also result in implant failure making it essential for you to control diabetes and quit smoking to benefit your dental health.

If you develop complications with the soft tissue, the dentist can provide treatments to prevent additional problems. Unfortunately, you might need reconstruction surgery if the situation deteriorates your jawbone beneath the implant.

Temporary pain and discomfort are expected after dental implant placement. However, the pain is manageable and treatable medicines and will subside with time. Lingering pain worsening with time indicates complications and needs medical attention from the provider to ensure the safety of your mouth and the dental implant.

If you have developed pain after getting dental implants, visit Main Dentistry to discuss the problem. Besides giving you dental implants, this practice also treats complications arising from the placement or neglected dental hygiene habits to put your mouth and implants back in optimal shape.

The Battle of the Clear Aligners: Invisalign Vs. Candid

Invisalign VS. Candid

Invisalign is a popular brand of clear teeth aligners introduced in 1997. Its popularity has heightened over the years due to advancements in the beauty and cosmetic industry. It has provided many patients with an aesthetically-pleasing alternative for shifting teeth instead of getting metal braces.

Candid, a lot like Invisalign is a brand of clear teeth aligners that improves teeth’ alignment and positioning. The brand was launched sometime in 2017 to better service provision in orthodontic dentistry. The idea behind Candid aligners is to eliminate too many middlemen between the patient and access to orthodontic aligners for shifting teeth. Instead, it introduces a virtual approach to realigning teeth.

Similarities Between Invisalign and Candid

Unless you are keen to inquire, you will hardly notice the difference between Candid and Invisalign in The Colony, TX. Some of the areas they are similar are:

  1. Aesthetics – both teeth aligners are transparent, making them virtually invisible when you wear them. They allow you to flaunt your smile even as you undergo orthodontic treatment.
  2. Custom-made aligners – both Candid and Invisalign aligners are customized to fit your smile. Usually, the orthodontist will take impressions of your mouth to create a mold that helps customize your teeth aligners. The consequence is that your clear aligners will fit well, optimizing your comfort while moving your teeth.
  3. Removability – you have the freedom to eat whatever you want when you get Candid or Invisalign aligners since they are removable.
  4. Wear time – both teeth aligners require a wear time of about 20-22 hours daily. It allows them to apply continuous and controlled pressure on your teeth to cause necessary changes.
  5. You must wear retainers after your treatment – although different types of retainers may be used for Candid and Invisalign teeth aligners, you must get them to hold your teeth in place after you complete your treatment.

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Benefits of Invisalign

  1. They are ideal for correcting mild and moderate alignment issues – you do not need to get metal braces when Invisalign can get the job done quicker.
  2. They are popular clear aligners – therefore, their accessibility in different parts of the world is better than alternative clear aligners.
  3. Wide range of treatment. Invisalign teeth aligners can handle complex teeth alignment issues because Invisalign uses special elastics and attachments or buttons that assist in the shifting of teeth.

Benefits of Candid

  1. It works quickly – you will not have to endure long months of orthodontic treatment to achieve your desired smile.
  2. No monthly office visits are necessary – if you dread frequent dental visits, Candid teeth aligners are ideal. Instead of visiting us at Main Dentistry each month, you can rely on the CandidApp or CandidMonitoring™ telehealth platform to liaise with your orthodontist for remote monitoring in the comfort of your home.
  3. Flexibility and convenience – when you begin your orthodontic treatment with candid aligners in the Colony, TX, your orthodontist will simplify your treatment by sending your all of the aligner trays you will need throughout your treatment.
  4. Efficacy – Candid teeth aligners are cost and time effective. Since most of your orthodontic treatment occurs online, it saves time and money involved with typical orthodontic procedures.
  5. Candid is affordable – it costs about $4,600 to $6,000 to get treatment with Candid aligners.
  6. Whiter teeth during and after treatment – every Candid purchase comes with free whitening foam that can help maintain a white and bright smile. The better news is that the whitening foam also disinfects the aligners to keep your breath fresh.
  7. Wide range of treatment. CandidPro aligners can handle the same complex teeth alignment issues as other clear aligner brands because CandidPro also offers elastics and attachments that assist in the shifting of teeth.

Invisalign VS. Candid: Which is faster?

One of the main comparisons patients care for regarding clear aligners is their ability to realize desired results quickly. While both Invisalign and Candid are effective for moving teeth, dentists in the Colony, TX, agree that Candid aligners are faster than Invisalign. It should take 4 to 12 months to fix your smile with Candid aligners instead of 12 to 18 months with Invisalign. However, various factors weigh into the success and speed of your treatment, including the complexity of your malalignment.

The Dentist’s Tools: A Guide to What They Do and How They Work

Fear is crippling. Life is never enjoyable when fear is always looming over your head. Fear affects our ability to enjoy life, and at times we might miss out on things that can better our lives, such as receiving essential dental services near you.

Dental anxiety has many causes, but the main ones are the horror stories told about the dental chair. Some fear the dentist’s tools since they may seem or sound horrific. However, knowing more about the dental tools that The Colony dentist uses, some of the fear will vanish.

Without further ado, let’s peer into a guide to dentist’s tools.

The Dentist’s Tools: A Guide to What They Do and How They Work

The sound and sight of many dental tools may be enough to put many people off. But once you understand how these tools work and their purposes, you will come to realize that they are not as scary as you think.

There are various dental tools (that we will discuss in detail) that are used and range from simple mirrors to dental lasers, all with one specific goal – to enhance your smile.

Types of Dental Tools

A host of dental tools are necessary to ensure. From sterilization to treating patients, dentistry is all about using various instruments. With the latest dental technology, our dentist can meet all our patient’s dental needs. Here are the basic types or categories of instruments every dentist has, regardless of the speciality:

Dental Chairs

A dental chair is essential since it makes the patient and our dentist comfortable during treatment. If the chair is equipped with modern technologies, then there will be an increase in productivity and builds confidence in our patients.

A good dental chair has foot control, a backrest with a soft cushion, an easily accessible control panel to adjust the chair position and programmable sit positions.

Digital Radiography

Digital radiography is essential since it is among the main diagnostic tools that can help view a patient’s teeth and jaw. There are several types of dental digital radiography tools, such as intra-oral x-ray sensors, panoramic x-rays, cone beam systems, and cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT).

Dental Lasers

Dental lasers are a minimally invasive treatment that causes less pain and bleeding. They are used in treating tongue ties, reshaping overgrown gum tissue, tooth preparation for composite resin, and much more.

Sterilization Equipment

Infection control is vital in any dental practice. The dental sterilization equipment prevents any cross-contamination. Some tools used are sterilizers, autoclaves, dry heat sterilizers, washers, dryers, and chemical vapor sterilization.

Endodontic Equipment

Suppose you need a root canal. Specific tools are used to clean and shape the root canal. These tools can be dental pulp testers, apex locators, endodontic handpieces, etc.

Dental Handpieces

These are the common and essential tools in any dental practice. A handpiece is necessary for a routine dental cleaning and more complex surgical procedures. Some of the types of handpieces used are:

  • Laboratory handpieces
  • High-speed handpieces
  • Hygiene handpieces
  • Specialist surgical handpieces

Surgical Instruments

These are high-quality, user-friendly instruments that our dentist uses for simple and complex surgeries. Some of the surgical instruments are:

  • Elevators
  • Chisels
  • Osteotomes
  • Tissue forceps
  • Grafting instruments
  • Forceps

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How Do Dental Tools Work?

Most dental tools never sound friendly, but they are less scary when you know how they work. Let’s check the various tools and how they work.

Mouth Mirror

You most probably know this tool. The mirror allows our dentist to peer into every crevice and corner of your mouth. The mirror can also be used to move the tongue or other tissue aside to gain a better view.

Scaler

Periodontal disease is marked by the presence of tartar. A scaler is able to reach the hard-to-reach areas that a string of dental floss cannot. These days, dentists use ultrasonic scalers that remove the tartar without scraping the tooth.

Sickle Probe

It is also referred to as a dental explorer used to detect oral issues like cavities. It comes in various sizes but has hooks at the end.

Suction Device

Our dentist uses two types of suction devices; a low-level suction device is a saliva ejector that removes saliva and water from the mouth. The other type is the high-level suction, which removes tooth fragments, tartar, and old fillings.

Dental Drill

Most patients dread the drill. However, this tool is what removes tooth decay. Before our dentist uses the drill, you will receive local anesthesia.

Now that you are a bit acquainted with the different dental tools, you can contact us at Main Dentistry to schedule an appointment.

The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry: Laying Your Dental Worries to Rest

Believe it or not, not everyone you know is comfortable going to the dentist. In fact, some people might feel a bit queasy and uneasy about their upcoming dental appointments. This is because some people strongly believe that dental procedures are painful and can cause serious discomfort, no matter how simple.

Our dentist in The Colony, TX, has had patients skipping out on their regular dental checkups or even scheduled dental procedures such as extractions or cleaning because of this anxiety. This sense of fear of any dental procedure is known as dental anxiety.

Dental anxiety can negatively impact your oral health because it can restrict you from receiving dental care when you need it the most. It can cause you to skip out on scheduled dental appointments that would give room for dental issues to be caught in time before they cascade into major complications.

The terrific news is that you do not need to let dental anxiety govern your dental health, thanks to the availability of sedation dentistry. Our sedation dentist in The Colony, TX, can guarantee that you will be comfortable and pain-free during any dental procedures you must undergo. Clearly, there is nothing to fear.

But what exactly is sedation dentistry, and what is it about? Let’s take a look at it and what it involves.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry, in a nutshell, is the utilization of sedatives during dental procedures. These sedatives are administered before the procedures to ensure that patients stay calm, relaxed, or even pain-free during their dental processes.

The sedatives can be administered for different procedures ranging from simple dental cleaning to more complex dental surgeries and extractions. There are different types of sedatives available at our dentist near you. The type administered will depend on the procedure being undertaken, your anxiety level, and the procedure’s duration.

The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

There are several benefits that sedation dentistry offers, and these may include;

  • Dealing with Anxiety

Dental anxiety can be paralyzing. If you suffer from dental anxiety going to the dentist can be a nightmare; you always feel like any dental routine procedure can be painful and should be avoided.

Dental anxiety will make you skip out on your dental appointments jeopardizing your oral health all together. Sedation dentistry can help you stay calm and relaxed enough to receive the dental care you need to maintain your smile and oral health.

  • Pain-free and Comfortable Dental Procedures

Sedation dentistry can be applicable during dental procedures that might be invasive. Dental treatments such as root canals and extractions can be uncomfortable; however, thanks to sedation dentistry, you can undergo these invasive procedures with ease, comfort, and free of pain.

  • Multiple Dental Treatments Can Be Performed in a Single Appointment

Undergoing multiple dental treatments in a single dental appointment can be quite stressful but necessary in other instances. Sedation dentistry can allow you to undergo all these procedures calmly and stress-free in a single dental visit.

  • Dental Care for a Patient with Special Needs

Patients with special needs can have difficulty during dental appointments because they may not comprehend what is happening. Sedation dentistry allows our dentist near you to calm these patients down and to work on them without them being under stress or duress during the procedure.

Different Types of Sedation Used in Dentistry

There are different forms of sedation used in sedation dentistry, and they are utilized based on the type of procedure being performed, the procedure’s duration, and the patient’s anxiety level. Here are the forms of sedation that can be used;

  • Oral sedation – the anesthetic is administered orally and can elicit mild to moderate sedation depending on the dosage
  • Laughing gas- this is a form of mild sedation and is administered using a gas mask
  • IV Sedation- this is a form of moderate to deep sedation. It can be used to render you totally or partially unconscious depending on the dosage administered

How to Choose the Right Sedation Dentistry Option for You

If you suffer from dental anxiety and desire to sit through your dental appointments with no anxiety or fear, then we have you covered. Our sedation dentist in The Colony, TX, is experienced and certified, meaning you will be in good hands.

Contact us today at Main Dentistry for your anxiety-free dental treatment.

8 Tips for Ensuring Optimal Dental Health This Autumn

Autumn is here; it is time to take our hats, gloves, and coats out of storage. Unfortunately, with a lot of hot drinks and thanksgiving around the corner, autumn has a lot of traps for your oral health. Here are some tips that will help you maintain good oral health while enjoying the season.

Why is Autumn a Good Time to Focus on Dental Health?

The autumn season is packed with different things; schools are reopening, football seasons, parties, cooler days, thanksgiving, and so much more. But, for most people, it means that they will be busier hence less time outdoors or even visiting their dentist.

The more frequent events and gatherings may also increase food intake. With all this, maintaining one’s oral health may become challenging and hence may lead to dental health problems, including cavities and tooth decay.

At Main Dentistry, we strive to help you maintain and improve oral health while enjoying the seasons. The change in seasons changes your oral health care needs and trends. That’s why we have outlined some tips below to help you maintain your oral health during the autumn season.

Tips for Optimal Dental Health This Autumn

Some of the tips to help you improve and maintain your oral health this fall season includes:

  1. Regular Flossing and Brushing

Practicing good oral hygiene helps maintain the health and strength of your teeth and gums. Brush after every meal using a soft bristles brush and fluoride toothpaste. Do not forget to floss at least once a day.

  1. Moderate your coffee and tea intake

Coffee and tea are great beverages that are best enjoyed hot in autumn. However, tee beverages can stain your teeth. Instead of sacrificing your favorite drinks, your dentist may recommend that you opt for green that benefits your health.

  1. Avoid sticky candy

Sticky candy will cling to your teeth, creating a breeding ground for bacteria that may cause cavities. So instead of gummy bears, opt for dissolvable sweets.

  1. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking water will keep you hydrated and wash away any remaining food particles, candy, and sweets from your teeth. Instead of bottled water, switch to fluorinated tap water that can help prevent cavities.

  1. Protect your mouth with certain foods

Autumn is the season that rewards us with foods that help us maintain our oral health. Apples and pears, for instance, are nutritious and can help naturally clean the surface of your gums and teeth.

  1. Avoid Smoking

Smoking not only causes stains in your teeth but also weakens your immune system and increases the chances of oral cancer.

  1. Visit Your Family Dentist at The Colony, TX.

The best way to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy during autumn is to visit your dentist regularly. No matter the kind of dental problem you have, our dentist will help you.

Prevention is Key

The best prevention of your oral health starts at home. Preventive dental procedures also help in the early detection of dental problems that may be costly or time-consuming. You should not underestimate the importance of brushing and flossing. Still, other office treatments available at our preventive dentistry at The Colony, TX, are also important in preventing dental problems. They include:

  • Dental Sealants help prevent tooth decay. They are made from plastic and were created to interfere with plaque formation, which causes cavities in your teeth.
  • Night guards that protect against grinding and clenching your teeth at night. This can cause your teeth to crack, chip or break. We also have sports guards that protect your teeth in contact sports.
  • A professional dental cleaning thoroughly cleans your teeth and removes plaque, tartar, and apple fluoride treatment that will help strengthen your teeth.

What to Do If You Have Dental Health Concerns

If you have oral health concerns, the best thing to do is visit your dentist at The Colony, TX. During the consultation appointment, your dentist will explain how to maintain ideal dental health.

Your dentist may also perform other dental procedures like professional tooth cleaning to keep your teeth and gums healthy. They will also recommend specialists to perform additional procedures such as orthodontic or cosmetic dental procedures if required.

Smile Makeover – Release Your Healthy Smile with Us

Several dental problems can affect your smile. These dental problems include periodontitis, gum disease, gingivitis, and tooth crowding. However, this does not mean you cannot smile again with confidence. Thanks to modern dentistry, there are dental procedures that can revitalize your smile. These procedures include dental bonding, enamel shaping, teeth whitening, and gum reshaping. In addition to that, there are dental appliances that can improve your smile. They include braces, dental fillings, dentures, and dental bridges.

Let’s dive in and give you vital information about getting a smile makeover in colony, TX.

Who Is a Good Candidate for A Smile Makeover?

It is imperative to note that children rarely go through a smile makeover only when they have been involved in an accident or were born with a serious condition. This is because children’s teeth are not fully grown and therefore are prone to developmental problems.

For adults, any patient can go for a smile makeover as an adult’s teeth are fully grown; therefore, the makeover will not affect the nerves and roots of the teeth.

The dentist in the colony, TX, recommends that patients who want to improve their smile should have good overall health. This is essential as some of these dental procedures can put the patient’s health at risk. Health conditions like high blood pressure or heart complications are some of the illnesses that can hinder a successful smile makeover.

Patients with missing teeth are also good candidates for a smile makeover. The family dentist in the colony, TX, will be able to perform a smile makeover by installing artificial teeth to make your smile look better.

Furthermore, it is important to have healthy gums before the dentist can revitalize your smile. This is because gums are prone to dental diseases, so it is important that your gums are in good health to prevent gum infection as it can cause long-term damage to your teeth and overall health.

How Is a Smile Makeover Performed?

A cosmetic dentist usually performs this cosmetic procedure. First, you will book an appointment with the dentist so that you discuss your concerns and desires. After that, the dentist will give you all the options depending on your needs.

Problems that can be fixed with a smile makeover include misaligned teeth, discolored teeth, missing teeth, cracked teeth, and so forth.

Once the cosmetic dentist has determined what dental procedure to perform, they will notify you and begin working on your teeth. It is essential to note that every smile makeover is unique to the patient’s needs. Therefore, it can take you multiple dental visits so the dentist can complete the smile makeover.

What Are the Risks Associated with A Smile Makeover?

Although there are a lot of benefits associated with a smile makeover, there are complications you can experience after the treatment.

First, if you have undergone teeth whitening, this treatment can leave your teeth sensitive to hot and cold beverages. This sensitivity should reduce after a few days.

Dental appliances like dental veneers can lead to pain if they do not fit properly. Therefore, it is recommended to visit the dentist in The colony, TX, so that they can adjust your veneers to fit well.

Patients can go for a smile makeover just to have perfectly aligned teeth, which can cause unnecessary damage to perfectly healthy teeth. On top of that, dental procedures like getting dental bonding and veneers can affect natural-looking teeth.

What Are the Post-Operative Instructions Following A Smile Makeover?

The first guideline that every patient should follow after a smile makeover is brushing regularly. Maintaining good oral hygiene will ensure that you keep that healthy-looking smile.

Ice packs are essential after undergoing most dental procedures. This is because an ice pack helps to reduce inflammation and swelling around the area the dentist was working on.

Smoking is not advised whether or not you have undergone a smile make-over. This is because smoking damages your gums and stains your teeth.

A follow-up appointment is important in ensuring that your oral health is up to standards. Visit Main Dentistry, and our dentist will monitor your oral health to ensure your smile makeover lasts a lifetime.

Put an End to The TMJ Pain with Specialist TMJ Treatment

What Is TMJ Pain and What Are the Symptoms?

TMJ is an acronym for temporomandibular joint, a connective tissue that links the jawbone to the skull. The acronym also refers to the disorder that affects this connective tissue, making it dysfunctional. Therefore, TMJ points to the dysfunction of the connective tissue linking the jawbone to the skull.

Unfortunately, TMJ is a common problem in dentistry, affecting children and adults alike. Some of the pointers that you have TMJ disorders are:

  1. Jaw pain – especially when you chew
  2. Jaw lock – when the mouth keeps getting stuck in the open-mouth position, like when you yawn.
  3. Swollen and tender jaw
  4. Uneven bite
  5. Migraine headaches
  6. Ear pain
  7. Clicking sounds when you move your mouth

What Are the Causes of TMJ?

The causes of TMJ pain develop due to different reasons, including the following:

  1. Dental trauma – dental-related injuries or accidents are the most common causes of TMJ pain.
  2. Bruxism – is a condition featuring excessive teeth grinding. Teeth grinding places unwanted pressure on teeth and the jawbone, likely resulting in TMJ pain.
  3. Clenching – is common when you are stressed, anxious or depressed.
  4. Poor posture – your sleeping position can be the reason you have jaw pain. Sleeping on your side with an uncomfortable pillow can aggravate jaw pain.
  5. Underlying health problems – patients with bone-related health issues can suffer TMJ pain, for example, arthritis or bone cancer.

How is TMJ Treated?

TMJ treatment in Colony, TX, differs from one patient to another depending on the underlying cause of the condition. Some patients need medication, others lifestyle changes, and other drastic surgical measures. Visit us at Main Dentistry to determine the most suitable treatment for your condition. The common treatment approaches for TMJ are:

  1. Jaw exercises – your dentist in the Colony, TX, will recommend some jaw movements that will stretch, strengthen and relax the muscles while reducing the swelling in the connective tissue. Your dentist may also recommend massages for the jaw to complement the jaw exercises.
  2. Mouthguards – are protectors for the oral cavity. They cushion your teeth to reduce clenching, reducing the pressure you exert on your jawbone. Mouthguards are especially crucial for patients that partake in high-contact activities and sports.
  3. Changing sleeping position – your dentist may recommend replacing your pillow ad adopting a different sleeping posture to improve your TMJ symptoms.
  4. Compressions – hot or cold compressing can alleviate swelling and pain in your jawbone.
  5. Pain medication – ensure your dentist prescribes medicine suitable for pain management for your jaw instead of randomly purchasing over-the-counter pain relievers to suppress the pain.
  6. Injections – neurotoxin injections like Botox can relieve pain in your joint hence treating TMJ.
  7. Open-joint surgery – when the conservative approaches for treating TMJ pain do not work, your dentist will recommend surgery. The procedure will repair and restore the discs in the connective joint.

How Can I Find a Good TMJ Treatment Specialist?

Finding a good specialist for TMJ treatment is crucial if you want to treat the jaw pain permanently. Besides, TMJ causes various problems to your health, spreading the pain to your head and neck. Some tips for finding a good TMJ specialist are:

  1. Experience – find a dentist who has had several years of active practice in treating and managing TMJ. Besides, find out whether your dentist has up-to-date knowledge relevant for treating TMJ in modern dentistry.
  2. Individualized treatment options – TMJ affects patients differently. Therefore, you need a specialist that can tailor a treatment plan to your condition after a compressive evaluation of the cause of your TMJ pain.
  3. Get referrals – other patients who have had successful experiences with dentists can point you in the right direction.
  4. Trust your instincts – even though everyone praises that specialist, if something feels off to you are visiting, find a different one. It is crucial to pick a dental expert you feel comfortable around and trust their insights regarding your treatment.
  5. Versatile treatment options – TMJ has various management and treatment alternatives you can try. If your dentist can only offer a few, find one who can do more.
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