Dental Blog

What You Need To Know About Dental Fillings

Posted on May 30, 2020 by admin

Dental fillings are the most common treatment for tooth decay. This restorative treatment is also used to repair minimal tooth damage on the surface of the tooth, such as chipped, worn, cracked, or broken teeth. Fillings require the dentist to remove the damaged portion of the tooth and then fill the cavity with dental material.

Most kinds of tooth damage that require dental fillings often result in tooth sensitivity, which can be considerably improved or completely eliminated following the successful placement of filling material. But depending on the severity of the tooth decay or damage, your dentist may recommend additional or alternative treatments such as:

Root canal – for abscessed, infected, or nerve damaged teeth
Dental crown – for teeth requiring more support than offered by a conventional filling
Dental implants or bridges – for cases that require tooth extraction to avoid leaving gaps in the mouth

There are different materials available for dental fillings, which are filled in one of two ways:

Method #1: Direct Filling

The fillings are placed directly into the damaged portion of the tooth after cleaning out the decay/area and shaping the cavity to hold the filling material. Materials such as amalgam or composite resin are then applied to the area using a bonding material. The material hardens quickly with the help of a special light. The fillings are applied in layers. The final layer is shaped to give it a natural look and feel.

Method #2: Indirect Filling

These procedure involves the placement of custom-made fillings that are made using a mold of the damaged tooth. Both procedures involve the use of a local anesthetic, though indirect fillings require at least two visits to the dentist.

Important consideration: Choosing the dental filling material

Allergic reactions to the different types of dental fillings are rare. These materials include:

Cast gold – a mixture of gold with silver, platinum, or palladium for best durability
Composite resin – tooth colored material for filling visible areas in the mouth
Amalgam – least expensive option for filling cavities in molars
Porcelain – tooth colored material that can be mixed with metal for superior strength
Glass ionomer – great for people at high risk of cavities

Depending on the type and location of the damaged tooth, your dentist will recommend the kind of filling that is best for you, though the final decision is yours.

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How To Determine If You Need A Root Canal

Posted on May 25, 2020 by admin

For patients with extensive tooth decay, a severely infected nerve chamber, or severe tooth damage caused by trauma, root canal treatment is usually the only way to save the tooth and avoid extraction. Root canals are important because they are responsible for saving millions of teeth every year. Here are some signs to look out for, to determine if you need a root canal.

1. A Chipped or Cracked Tooth

When you chip or crack your tooth, the space created allows bacteria to set in the inner areas of your tooth and gradually causes infection and decay.

2. Loose Tooth

If you are experiencing pain in a tooth that is also loose, it could be one of the signs that you need a root canal. The infection under the tooth causes damage to your bone, resulting in a loosening of your tooth.

3. Discoloration

While discoloration may be the result of a tooth stain, it’s can also be a clear sign that you might need a root canal. In many cases, discoloration or darkening of the teeth is a sign of tooth decay. If a single tooth starts to darken or a dark spot appears on one of your teeth, it may be a sign that there is a more serious problem.

4. Tooth and Gum Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a warning sign that the infection has reached the nerves inside of your tooth. While tooth sensitivity is also a sign of gingivitis, it’s also a sign of infection and decay that can only be resolved with a root canal. Once your tooth is infected, the infection will spread to surrounding areas, including your gums. This will cause sensitivity in both the tooth and gums. The pressure of chewing and biting will result in sensitivity and pain, as will eating hot and cold foods.

5. Swollen Gums

Swollen gums are one of the most common signs of needing a root canal. The infection in your tooth affects your gums, making them tender, red, and swollen. You may also notice your gums are quick to bleed during eating or brushing your teeth.

6. Drainage

Sometimes the infection inside the tooth drains into the gum, causing a bump called a periodontal abscess.

The symptoms of a periodontal abscess are:

Red, shiny, swollen gums

Bad breath

An unpleasant taste in your mouth

Swollen face, near the abscess

Sudden, throbbing pain that doesn’t get better

Pain while laying down

An abscess is a reason to seek dental help immediately because in some cases, an untreated abscess you may find it difficult to open your mouth or have trouble with breathing and swallowing.

7. Persistent Pain

Overall, the main sign of needing a root canal is persistent pain. The pain of an infected tooth can range from a dull ache to an intense and powerful throbbing that cannot be ignored.

Testing To See If A Root Canal Is Necessary:

If your dentist suspects tooth decay, he or she will use the following tests to determine if a root canal is necessary:

X-ray the area

Thermal testing to test nerve sensitivity

Electronic testing of the inner pulp

Tooth probing

Think you might need a root canal? Contact us here to schedule an appointment or speak to an expert.

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Cosmetic Dentistry Services Austin

Posted on April 29, 2020 by admin

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is dentistry aimed at creating a positive change to your teeth and to your smile, otherwise known as smile enhancement treatment. Cosmetic dentistry can have dramatic results on your overall appearance; even the smallest step can boost your confidence, self-esteem, and make you want to smile more. With modern advances in dentistry, cosmetic procedures can range from basic color correction to replacing missing teeth, and everything in between.

What Cosmetic Dentistry Services Do We Offer?

The cosmetic dentistry treatments currently provided by My Dentist in Austin include:

VENEERS

Dental veneers refer to ultra-thin sheets of medical-grade ceramic material that are cemented to the front surface of your teeth to correct a number of cosmetic dental problems, including cracked or chips, crooked teeth, severe stains, and even noticeable spaces between teeth. The thickness of each layer of veneers is customized to suit the specific needs of each tooth to give you a uniform look.

WHITENING

Teeth whitening is arguably the most common cosmetic dental procedure. It is also the simplest treatment with a number of options for in-office or at-home teeth bleaching. For instant results, you should consider in-office whitening options. Our dentist will start by cleaning your teeth to remove the plaque, calculus, and other debris on the surface of your teeth. Afterwards, they will be bleached to give you a lighter shade. You may also need an at-home bleaching kit to maintain your sparkling smile.

IMPLANTS

Implants are the best tooth replacement option that gives you a prosthetic tooth that is nearly as strong as your natural teeth. They can also be used together with dentures or bridges depending on the number of teeth that need replacing. Our dentist will place the implant (titanium screw) into your jawbone, and allow it to bond with the bone for a few month. Afterwards, the crown or denture can be placed.

CROWNS

Crowns or tooth caps are tooth-colored porcelain enclosures that are placed around badly broken or heavily filled teeth to restore their strength and appearance.

Schedule an Appointment

Please visit My Dentist in Austin to discuss the best cosmetic treatments for your case with our dentist. Call (512) 454-5219 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.

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Planning Your Child’s First Dental Visit

Posted on April 23, 2020 by admin

Your Child’s First Visit

Your child’s first visit can form the foundation of a healthy mouth and a dazzling smile. The first dental visit for children should provide a pleasant experience to prevent unnecessary fear or anxiety in subsequent visits.

Family dentistry is tailored for different age groups to deliver whatever makes you comfortable. For children, the first visit is about familiarizing them with the fun aspects of a dental office. The children may ride in the chair by themselves, on their parent’s lap, or with their sibling for maximum enjoyment.

Depending on the child’s temperament, we may proceed to counting their teeth or introducing them to the common dental tools. The dentist will still be able to assess the state of your child’s mouth and provide tips or instruction on how to provide optimal dental for your child.

Subsequent visits

Ideally, you should visit your family dentist every six months for professional cleaning and an oral exam. Annual visits may be sufficient for patients at low risk of plaque buildup and infections, while more regular visits may be necessary for people with chronic diseases, expectant mothers, and tobacco products users.

Also if you have a clear sign that your mouth needs attention, such as bleeding gums, a toothache, loose teeth, tooth sensitivity, or popping jaw, or if you have a cosmetic concern such as a chipped, broken, or stained tooth, don’t hesitate to visit your Shoal Creek family dentist for a consultation.

Make An Appointment

At My Dentist our goal is to provide exceptional, comprehensive dental care to our patients in a friendly and compassionate environment. Call (512) 454-5219 or email us here.

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Best Teeth Whitening In Austin

Posted on March 14, 2020 by admin

Teeth whitening or bleaching involves the use of simple and non-invasive treatments designed to change the color of your natural tooth enamel to give you a dazzling smile. Having white teeth is the leading aesthetic concern for most dental patients. Fortunately, there are multiple ways – including home and in-office – to whiten teeth, with varying degrees of effectiveness.

Teeth whitening options

The common options include:

Whitening toothpastes – Some toothpastes claim to have white teeth whitening effects, but it may take a very long time for you to realize any changes because the chemicals are only in contact with your teeth for a couple of minutes when brushing, after which you rinse them off completely.
Home kits – These methods comprise self-application whitening kits such as gels, strips, and tray-based systems. They give modest results, but the lack of supervision often causes improper or excess application that may lead to tooth enamel erosion and/or gum irritation. Users should follow the directions carefully for best results and to avert the side effects.
Professional whitening – In office treatments usually involve the application of stronger solutions of hydrogen peroxide compared to home whitening kits, but the patient wears a mouthguard to protect the gums. The dental professional may also use a special light or laser to quicken the treatment. These treatment produce instant whitening for beverage and tobacco stains. Other types of stains may require a combination of other treatments for complete whitening.

Final note

Tooth bleaching only works for natural teeth, and it’s not permanent. Artificial dental treatments, including crowns, fillings, and veneers are resistant to stains, which means that these won’t respond to the whitening agents. Moreover, you may need a touch-up every several years or sooner depending on your diet and lifestyle.

Visit a dental professional in Shoal Creek for a thorough examination and dental cleaning before using any whitening system.

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Full Service Dental Lab Austin

Posted on March 7, 2020 by admin

Full-Service Dental Lab

At My Dentist in Austin, we have access to comprehensive dental lab services to fabricate a wide range of custom dental removables including:

Full dentures – These are recommended for patients who don’t have any natural teeth in their upper or lower jaw. Dentures allow you to eat and speak properly while maintaining or even enhancing your facial structure.
Partial dentures – If you still have original teeth in between the gaps, then partial removables can help to restore the function and aesthetic of your mouth while preventing the remaining teeth from shifting. Options for partial dentures include TCS, Valplast, and Cast. Our flexible partials are made from nylon-based acrylic which is lightweight, flexible, durable, and highly biocompatible for a comfortable and long-lasting tooth replacement. With our cast partials, you don’t have to worry about aesthetics are the clasps are well hidden.
Sport mouth guards – These are for active people to protect their teeth from accidental damage while playing
Night Guards – If you clench and grind your teeth when asleep, these can help prevent excess teeth wear
Stay Plates – These are a temporary solution to prevent your teeth from moving or shifting as you wait for your dentures to be fabricated
Implant-supported dentures– For a more comfortable fit, you may consider a combination of implants and dentures to fill the gaps in your mouth. One or more implants may be placed to support the denture in place for a better fit.

Professional and Fast Delivery

Our dentist works with a highly skilled and professional dental team to carefully plan your customized treatment and deliver the best solution for your dental removable needs.

By working with dental labs that use advanced CAD/CAM digital technologies, we can provide our patients with highly precise custom-removables. By using a dental removable that is perfectly made for your mouth, you can enjoy long-term benefits without any issues. Moreover, you can improve your smile and regain your self-confidence.

By leveraging the newest dental technologies, we can consistently deliver high quality dentures, mouth guards, and other dental removables to successfully restore the function and aesthetic of your mouth.

With the leadership of our dentist, we take pride in having one of the lowest adjustment and remake rates in the industry. My Dentist in Austin has become synonymous with positive dental experiences for out patients, and positive morale for our team.

We understand how difficult it can be to find a reliable dentist who has both the skills and resources to deliver the most appropriate dental solution for your unique needs. From routine to complex dental issues involving removables, our dentist can handle them all, restoring confidence in your smile and oral function.

For conventional and digital fabrications for different dental removables, please contact My Dentist in Austin to discuss your unique dental needs with our dentist.

Make An Appointment

At My Dentist, our goal is to provide exceptional, comprehensive dental care to our patients in a friendly and compassionate environment. Call (512) 454-5219 today!

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What to Expect with Your First Visit to a Family Dentist in Austin TX

Posted on February 26, 2020 by admin

Visiting a family dentist is not only convenient but an excellent way to maintain your oral health for longterm care. Family dentistry offers patients the ability to see one dentist for all their family members’ dental care needs. This is essential when considering a dentist for your children because a family dentist understands the unique dental care necessary to treat your child.

Visiting Your Family Dentist

Depending on the child’s temperament, we may proceed to count their teeth or introducing them to the common dental tools. The dentist will still be able to assess the state of your child’s mouth and provide tips or instructions on how to provide optimal dental for your child.

To find out more about family dentistry, schedule your consultation with your dentist in Austin today!

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Invisalign Dentist Near Me, Austin TX

Posted on February 12, 2020 by admin

Invisalign is the latest orthodontic appliance to provide results discreetly and as effectively as traditional braces. By visiting an Invisalign dentist, you can determine if this unique teeth-straightening system is right for you.

Why Choose Invisalign?

Besides being the leader in non-visible teeth-straightening treatments, Invisalign offers an abundance of benefits that make it the favorite treatment for teenage and adult teeth-straightening.

Perfect teeth, faster: The average treatment period for an adult patient using Invisalign is twelve months, which is just one third of the time it would take to treat an adult using braces.
Streamlined Design: Goodbye to old and clunky, hello to sleek and fresh. With Invisalign, you’ll never feel the embarrassment of outdated teeth-straightening methods.
You’re in Charge: With the ability to remove your clear aligners at any moment, or leave them in for a virtually unnoticeable appeal, you’re in charge of your own comfort with Invisalign. With absolute freedom to remove when you want, you can skip out on issues other methods may pose. Chew gum, snack on buttery popcorn, and kiss fearlessly!
Convenience: There are kids to feed, plans to make, and jobs to be done. You’re busy—we get it. That’s why we offer a product made with acute attention to convenience. With a minimal time commitment of once-a-month office visits, Invisalign values your time.
Process Shows Progress: Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of Invisalign is that you can check on your progress whenever and wherever you want. Watch in motion as your teeth shift into a personal work of art.

Learn more about the advantages of Invisalign by scheduling your consultation with your orthodontist in Austin TX today!

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Full and Partial Dentures FAQ | Austin TX

Posted on January 21, 2020 by admin

What are full and partial dentures?

Dentures are artificial, custom-made teeth and gums designed to fill gaps in your mouth resulting from tooth loss or removal. They are not fixed permanently and can be taken out and put back into position for cleaning.

What are dentures made of?

Initially, dentures were made out of plastic or porcelain. Today, they are largely fabricated from a hard resin material. Though none of these materials are as tough as tooth enamel, proper care can help reduce the risk of chipping, cracking, and excessive wear, increasing their longevity.

What is the difference between full and partial dentures?

Full or complete dentures – replace all teeth in an arch
Partial dentures – replace some teeth

Dentures are custom-made to fit your own bite and smile, so they feel more or less like your natural teeth. They improve your chewing ability, eliminate speech problems associated with gaps in your mouth, and prevent the remaining natural teeth from shifting.

Who is a candidate for dentures?

Although dentures are mostly associated with senior citizens who have lost all their teeth, anyone can benefit from them, including victims of auto-collisions and people who require oral prosthetics due to a genetic disorder.

How can I schedule a consultation to learn more about full and partial dentures?

You can schedule a consultation with your dentist in Austin TX to learn more about dentures and find out if they are the right solution for restoring your smile. Your dental team will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure.

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What to Expect with Full Dentures in Austin TX

Posted on January 9, 2020 by admin

It is common to need to restore your smile as you age. Whether it is chipped or missing teeth, you can improve your oral health by visiting a cosmetic dentist near you. If you have numerous missing teeth or need to have teeth removed, your dentist may recommend full dentures to restore your smile.

The Treatment Process

Fabricating custom dentures takes several weeks and multiple appointments. Once our dentist determines that you are a good candidate for full dentures, he will proceed to:

Make impressions of jaw and assess the distance between your jaws and how they relate to one another
Create wax forms, models, and/or plastic patterns that represent the exact size, shape, and position of your custom denture. You will try out the models multiple times while evaluating the shape, fit, and color before the final denture is fabricated
Create the final denture and adjust as need be for a perfect fit

First-time denture wearers often claim that their new teeth set feels odd and loose at first. But as your tongue and cheek muscles get used to your new teeth, the fit will feel more comfortable and allow you to eat and talk normally. You may also experience some soreness, irritation, and excess salivation at first, but these problems should diminish with time as your mouth adjusts.

Schedule Your Consultation

Full dentures are an excellent teeth replacement solution and offer a variety of advantages for those who use the appliance to restore their smiles. To find out more about dentures and if they are right for your situation, contact your cosmetic dentist in Austin TX to schedule a consultation.

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