What Happens if You Don’t Repair a Chipped Tooth?

May 30, 2024  |  by admin  |  Blog
What Happens if You Don’t Repair a Chipped Tooth?

So, what happens if you don’t repair a chipped tooth? A little chip on a tooth may not seem like a big deal, especially if it is a molar that no one can see. Smaller chips are usually not problematic unless they are sharp, then they could possibly cut your mouth. However, if your chipped tooth is significant enough, it could lead to more serious problems such as pain, hot/cold sensitivity, bad breath, swollen glands, and even infected roots.

  1. Sharp edges can cut your cheek, tongue, and gums
  2. Deep chips can impact the root of the tooth, leading to potential infections or tooth aches
  3. Deep chips can cause tooth decay resulting in sensitivity and bad breath
  4. Chips of all sizes can grow bigger and cause larger issues resulting in the need for root canals or extractions

When do you need to repair a Chipped tooth?

You should always visit the dentist when you chip a tooth. For minor chips, you typically won’t need a major repair. More often than not, your dentist in Hoover Alabama can just file the chipped tooth or fill it with a dermal bond so it looks normal again. However, more significant cracks can require more extensive dental work.

If a chip is significant enough, it can damage the pulp that is inside the tooth. The dental pulp is the center of your tooth, made up of living tissue, blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.

Damage to the pulp can be extremely painful and, if untreated, can become infected. If this happens, you could be in for more extensive dental work.

Call the staff at Sampson Dentistry in Hoover Alabama to have your crack tooth fixed.

Why Should I Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings?

May 23, 2024  |  by admin  |  Blog
Be sure to schedule regular dental appointments with Sampson Dentistry to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Regular dental cleanings are an essential part of maintaining good oral health. Here are some reasons why you should schedule regular dental cleanings:

  1. Prevent Tooth Decay: Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth. If left untreated, this can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Dental cleanings remove this buildup and prevent tooth decay.
  2. Prevent Gum Disease: Gum disease is a common problem that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Regular cleanings can help prevent gum disease by removing plaque and tartar buildup from your gums.
  3. Early Detection of Dental Problems: During a dental cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will also check for any signs of dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
  4. Freshen Your Breath: Bad breath can be caused by bacteria in your mouth. Regular cleanings remove the bacteria and leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
  5. Save Money: Regular dental cleanings can help prevent dental problems that require expensive treatments such as root canals, fillings, or extractions. By investing in regular cleanings, you can save money on future dental treatments.

So why should I schedule regular dental cleanings? In summary, regular dental cleanings are essential to maintaining good oral health, preventing dental problems, and saving money in the long run. Be sure to schedule regular dental appointments with Sampson Dentistry to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

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Flossing in the Shower

May 20, 2024  |  by admin  |  Blog
Flossing in the Shower

One of the biggest struggles I face as a dentist is the daily battle to convince people that they need to floss. I tell patients that if they are not flossing, then about 40% of their teeth surfaces are not getting cleaned.  Flossing in the shower can be an easy remedy.

I tell them that bacteria are just continually sitting there breeding, eating, and growing. I tell them about the cavities, periodontal disease, bad breath, and systemic complications that not flossing leads to. Rarely does this pleading make a difference.

People know they need to floss more and they know the reasons why; they just aren’t doing it. Why? It’s mostly because they haven’t taken the time to make it a habit. Will power alone will only get people to floss regularly for a very short period of time. They have to form a habit, so it becomes a natural part of their daily routine.

So what do I suggest? Well, here’s one idea:

Flossing In The Shower.

Here are a few reasons why:

  1. Showering is most likely a natural part of your daily routine. By flossing in the shower you can “piggyback” onto this already natural habit in order to develop a new one.
  1. By sitting a floss package in your shower it will stay visible and remind you that it needs to be done.
  1. People often feel that they do not have time to floss. I can relate to this. However, people rarely feel rushed in the shower. If you don’t feel rushed, you are more likely to do the things you need to do.

I know it sounds kind of goofy, but give it a try. The result could literally be life-changing.

Technology Has Revolutionized General Dentistry Services

May 15, 2024  |  by admin  |  Blog
General Dentistry Services Hoover Alabama

General dentistry services are instrumental in promoting oral health and technology has revolutionized general dentistry services. The facilities that offer these services are keen on ensuring that they provide high-quality services to their customers. They do this by investing in advanced equipment and technologies.

Below Are Some technological Advances That Has Revolutionized Dental Care.

Instant Dental Results

Patients suffering from missing, damaged, or broken teeth used to have to make countless trips to the dentist and suffer through numerous painful injections. The recovery period after treatment was long and unpleasant. With new technologies, such as crown printing and 3D imaging, dentists are now able to perform same-day procedures.

Some of the facilities have invested in computer-aided design and computer aided manufacturing technology (CAD-CAM) that captures and reproduces a 3D image of the damaged tooth and prints a perfect match in minutes. Messy impressions and temporary crowns are being phased out as a result of this technology.

Interactive Dental Treatment Options

Patients are able to see everything that the doctor is doing during the procedure, through advanced intra-oral cameras. This small device also enables dentists to examine teeth in detail to recommend the most appropriate treatment. In addition, the camera pinpoints the specific areas one should focus on when brushing, thereby promoting overall oral hygiene.

No More Dental Pain

Many people fear going to checkups due to anticipated pain. Laser procedures have changed that fear by allowing personnel to conduct procedures, such as tooth extraction, painlessly. For example, the CO2 dental laser equipment allows experts in this field to work on soft and hard tissues without exposing the patients to excruciating pain.

Technology Has Revolutionized General Dentistry Services

Technology Has Revolutionized General Dentistry Services

Safer and Faster Dental Diagnoses

X-rays diagnose various oral health conditions after and more efficently. Unfortunately, research studies have proven that traditional x-rays expose individuals to high levels of radiation, which can lead to other complications. On the flip side, modern digital x-rays machines have made the diagnostic process easier and safer.  Experts offer comprehensive treatment through a computer system for analyses in minutes. Concisely, digital x-rays provide more comfort and reduce a patient’s exposure to radiation by up to 90 percent.

Increase Profits and Reduce Overhead Dental Costs

Health care facilities save money and time by investing in modern practice management systems. New programs also allow an office to capture and update a patient’s information and records automatically. New management systems streamline these processes, thereby reducing overhead costs and increasing profits.

Regular Dental Care Is Critical To Your Overall Health

May 8, 2024  |  by admin  |  Blog
Regular Dental Care Is Critical To Your Overall Health

Regular dental care is critical to your overall health of your gums and teeth. What you may not know is that your dentist can also spot signs of non-dental medical issues in your mouth during an exam. Some of the diseases and conditions that exhibit signs within your mouth include diabetes, infections, stress and poor nutrition just to name a few.

Diabetes

A few of the signs that can indicate a diagnosis of diabetes include loose teeth, dry mouth, and receding, dry, and bleeding gums. Poor immunity and an inability to fight disease effectively also make it much more challenging for wounds and gum line infections to heal in diabetic patients. Bleeding gums don’t always mean that you have diabetes; this problem can also come from gingivitis and other gum diseases.

Infections

Dentist are trained to spot troubling signs of infection in your mouth.  They might prescribe some antibiotics to fight the problem. A few signs of infection include severe pain, swelling and redness around the affected area. Infections can spread to other parts of the body, so it’s critical to treat it right away.

Stress

Grinding your teeth can do serious damage to your pearly whites. So a dentist will often recommend a customized night guard for protection. It’s also smart to seek counseling, make lifestyle changes, or look for other ways to reduce your stress.

Poor Nutrition

A dental professional knows what signs to look for, such as dry mouth, bleeding gums, and erosion on the insides of the front teeth. Stomach acid is hard on the enamel that covers your teeth.  So forced vomiting can wear away that protective enamel and cause increased sensitivity.

Regular Dental Care Is Critical To Your Overall HealthRegular Dental Care Is Critical To Your Overall Health

 

Will I Have Allergic Reaction to Invisalign – Hoover AL Dental

May 3, 2024  |  by admin  |  Blog
Will I Have Allergic Reaction to Invisalign?

Are you considering Invisalign® as a way to straighten your teeth?  Here’s everything you need to know about whether – will i have allergic reaction to Invisalign®.

What’s Invisalign®?

Invisalign® is a product designed as an alternative to braces. Your dentist will take measurements of your teeth. Then, he or she will create Invisalign® molds that fit over your teeth. These molds are almost invisible, which is part of their appeal.

Will I Have Allergic Reaction to Invisalign – Hoover AL Dental

Will I Have Allergic Reaction to Invisalign - Hoover AL Dental

Is an Allergic Reaction to Invisalign® Possible?

The answer is yes, but the reality is that it’s extremely unlikely. Like most rare allergic reactions, only a small subset of the population will experience even mild irritation. For most people, Invisalign® will do nothing other than straighten your teeth.

How Does the Trigger Work?

When you have a plastic allergy, any contact you make will trigger a reaction. The point of Invisalign® is that it’s plastic and not metal. That allows it to appear transparent, hiding the fact that you wear braces. Since the aligner trays go on top of your teeth, they’re in constant contact with the interior parts of your mouth. Your tongue, gums, and teeth are all subject to irritation from the plastic allergy.

How Serious Are the Reactions?

If you are one of the unlucky few to experience an allergic reaction, you’re most likely to notice in small ways. Your mouth will feel more sensitive than normal. Your teeth, gums, and tongue will tingle or itch. You also might suffer twinges of pain. Anyone who suffers from a more extreme reaction should speak with a dentist immediately. Reactions are almost always mild. If you’re suffering more, something else is probably the cause.

In the rarest exceptions where an extreme plastic allergy occurs, tell your dentist immediately. The signs of an extreme allergy include breathing issues, hyperventilation troubles, and chest pain.

You’ll need medical attention. Your dentist will also probably suggest that you stop using Invisalign®.

Hoover Dental X-Rays

April 30, 2024  |  by admin  |  Blog
Why are dental x-rays important

Hoover Dental X-rays are a crucial part of diagnosis and treatment in oral health.  Dental x-rays allow a dentist to view structures that are not visible to the naked eye.  This could be, because they are between teeth, under soft tissue, or within the bone.  Having  x-rays taking, some conditions can be detected or diagnosed.

Hoover Dental x-rays help check for:

What about the radiation?

In addition, with advancements in technology, especially digital systems, x-rays require very low dose radiation.  A typical dental x-raytaken digitally exposes a patient to less than 0.5 mrem.

Finally, to put things in perspective, an average resident of the U.S. receives over 360 mrem every year from background sources. This comes from all over the place: outer space, radioactive materials in the earth, small amounts of radioactive material in foods and products that we use, even over people. Variances in lifestyle likewise cause variances in each individual’s total exposure. For example: an individual who flies often is exposed to more background radiation than someone who does not.

Why are dental x-rays important

You should always limit x-ray radiation exposure, when possible. Dental x-rays are very low dose and are crucial for proper diagnosis. By being proactive, x-rays can detect much of the oral cavity in your mouth.

Cross-bite Correction and Treatment Options

April 28, 2024  |  by admin  |  Blog
Cross-bite Correction and Treatment Options Hoover Alabama

If you are like most people you may not have a full understanding of what a crossbite is until you or a family member is diagnosed with one. Good new! cross-bite correction and treatment options are available.

Basically, there are two types of cross-bites and both of them can lead to jaw pain, TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction), and other issues such as receding gums and loose teeth. These side effects are not things that anyone wants to deal with, but the good news is that crossbites are treatable. There are cross-bite correction and treatment options available amd we’re here to help you understand a few of your options.

What Exactly is a Cross-bite?

The official clinical definition of a cross-bite is  “an abnormal relation of one or more teeth of one arch to the opposing tooth or teeth of the other arch, caused by deviation of tooth position or abnormal jaw position.”

In everyday language, a crossbite occurs when there is a misalignment of your upper teeth in relation to your lower teeth.

Cross-bites can be hereditary, but they can also be situational. Cross-bites that occur in children can stem from the permanent teeth growing in before all baby teeth have fallen out. If this occurs, the new teeth that come in can’t grow in place properly which results in misalignment issues.

Most of the time however, crossbites stem from genetics. If your parents had issues with their bites, chances are they could have passed this down to you.

Cross-bite Correction and Treatment Options

Here is a quick list of treatment options that are available to correct crossbites. This list is by no means intended to be a recommendation of how to address your child’s cross-bite or your own. It is just a list of options that are generally available for the treatment of cross-bites. Each individual case is different and requires an examination in order to determine the best course of action.

Cross-bite Correction and Treatment Options– Maxillary Expander
– Removable expander
– Braces
– Surgery in extreme cases

The best place to start is by talking to your dentist about cross-bite correction and treatment options available to you or your child.

Does Soda and Juice Affect Toddler’s Teeth

April 18, 2024  |  by admin  |  Blog
Does Soda and Juice Affect Toddler’s Teeth

Tooth decay is a dental health issue that affect children. One of the biggest culprits of tooth decay in young kids come from many of the drinks that we give them. Does soda and juice affect toddler’s teeth?

The World Health Organization (WHO) advises limiting sugar to only 10% of a toddler’s daily caloric intake. At three years old, daily caloric intake is roughly 1,100 calories. That equates to only 5.5 teaspoons of added sugar a day. Most sodas and juices contain nearly triple that amount in a single serving!

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Does Brushing Teeth After Drinking Soda Help Avoid Tooth Decay?

Brushing your toddler’s teeth after consuming soda or juice can help to rid the mouth of the acid causing bacteria. However, doctors recommend to wait at least 30 to 60 minutes after consuming sugary drinks. It is recommended to swish the mouth out with water. This can be done immediately after consuming a sugary drink.

How Does Sugar Decay Teeth?

Before you completely ditch all forms of sugar, it is important to understand how sugar affects tooth enamel. Sugar alone is not the issue. What does cause the damage is acid.

When bacteria in your toddler’s mouth use sugar as their food source to break down into energy, acids are released. This acid then begins to break down the enamel and remove important minerals from your toddler’s teeth. The end result… tooth decay, rot, cavities, toothaches, and tooth sensitivity.

How Can My Toddler Avoid Tooth Decay?

The obvious answer is to avoid sugary substances. However, the occasional sugary treat is okay. A fun way to get your toddler to drink more water is by adding fruit. Fruit infused water provides a delicious flavor without adding refined sugars and other harmful ingredients.

Why Children Need Cavities Filled

April 16, 2024  |  by admin  |  Blog
Why Children Need Cavities Filled?

Oral hygiene is important as soon as a baby’s teeth begin to come in, and teaching oral hygiene should begin at a young age. This is why children need cavities filled in Hoover Alabama.

Why Children Need Cavities Filled?

Though children are using a set of teeth they will eventually lose, that set of teeth needs to survive until the adult teeth guide them out of the gums, which helps ensure the adult teeth grow in correctly and with enough room.  

Baby Teeth Get Fillings

To preserve your child’s oral health, your dentist will choose to drill out the cavities in baby teeth.

The primary teeth help the adult teeth to come in properly, so losing primary teeth before they’re ready to come out isn’t good for your child’s permanent teeth.

Filling for Tooth Decay

As with adult teeth, baby teeth fillings are made out of either white composite or metal. The other filling and crown materials, like gold and ceramic, are rarely as fillings for children.

Metal fillings are a popular choice because they take less time to put in. Also, because they’re less expensive than composite fillings.

Why Children Need Cavities Filled in Hoover Alabama

Though your kid might not like the look of a metal filling, choosing a cost-effective option for a tooth that will eventually fall out is usually the smart move. Your dental insurance may also dictate what kind of fillings your child can get.

Your dentist will drill the tooth decay from your child’s baby teeth as necessary. Depending on how much damage the cavity has caused, the dentist will then fill the tooth or create a crown.

Kids should continue using good oral hygiene when caring for fillings or crowns.