Do I Need to Replace a Missing Tooth?

May 10, 2023 | by James Sampson | Blog

If you’ve lost a tooth, especially one that’s not visible to others when you speak or smile, you may be thinking that you can slide by without replacing it. Sure, it will feel weird for a while, but you’ll get used it — or will you? Do I Need to Replace a Missing Tooth?

Not replacing a missing tooth can have serious physical and mental consequences. The replacement process is not as difficult as you might think and will pay off in the long run.

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Consequences of Not Replacing a Missing Tooth

Having a missing tooth can lead to long-term problems inside and outside your mouth.

Over time, the teeth next to the missing tooth will shift toward each other in an attempt to fill in the gap. This leads to a condition called malocclusion, which means the teeth are not aligned properly.

Malocclusion can cause serious problems like an overbite or crossbite that result in extra strain on the jaw, difficulty chewing, and even an increased risk for tooth decay. The treatment for this larger issue is braces or even surgery, which will likely end up being more expensive than a single tooth replacement would be.

The increase in tooth decay will also lead to problems with other teeth.

Missing teeth can result in not chewing your food properly (consciously or unconsciously). Not chewing your food properly can lead to digestive issues like acid reflux and malnutrition from nutrients not being absorbed properly in the digestive tract. While it may seem like a back molar hidden from view that does not need to be replaced, remember that those teeth are essential for proper chewing and digestion.

Missing teeth can also cause bone loss along the jawline, which leads to a sagging appearance around the mouth. The bone tissue no longer receives support from the tooth, so it weakens over time. Sagging faces are common among people who wear dentures. While it may be inevitable for some, you can do something about it before the sagging begins.

Restoring Your Smile

Replacing a missing tooth is no longer the ordeal it was in your parents’ generation.

The most common treatment is a dental implant. Implants consist of a titanium post covered by a crown or denture.

The dental implant process typically takes about three months from start to finish. The implant and temporary crown can be applied on the same day, allowing you to return to normal activities while the permanent crown is made.

The end result is a tooth that looks and feels just like the one you lost. Financing options are available to ensure that you can restore a broken smile without breaking the bank.

A dental implant is a smart investment of time and money. Given the serious consequences associated with not replacing a missing tooth. Consult with your local dentist!

Hoover Laser Dentistry

April 23, 2023 | by James Sampson | Blog

Especially relevant, what is laser dentistry? Most noteworthy, Hoover laser dentistry is a minimally invasive option when you’re facing gum surgery, cavity treatment, or other oral issues. As a result, discuss your laser surgery options with one Sampson Dentistry today.

What is Laser Dentistry? Overview

Furthermore, Dentists use lasers in a variety of procedures involving the inside of the mouth, to remove overgrown tissue, reshape the gums, or to whiten teeth.

What Can Laser Dentistry Treat?

Almost all issues laser dentistry treats are related to the gums. Including:

Canker sore and cold sore treatments.
Root canal infections.
Gum disease.
Removing gum inflammation.
Gum reshaping.
Biopsies.
Exposing wisdom teeth.
Removing throat tissue that causes sleep apnea.
Regenerating damaged nerves.
Removing benign oral tumours.

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

In addition, laser dentistry helps with reducing discomfort and expediting healing time for patients. Furthermore, dentists choose laser dentistry because of distinct benefits that make the procedures go more smoothly. Furthermore, you typically will not experience pain and discomfort associated with scalpel surgery because your post-op irritation is likely to be minor.

Most noteworthy, Hoover laser dentistry is a convenient solution to many oral and dental problems, whether serious in nature or simply cosmetic.

If Sick, Should I Visit My Hoover AL Dentist?

April 15, 2023 | by James Sampson | Blog

If sick, should I visit my Hoover AL dentist? You know how long it takes to get a dental appointment sometimes. That’s why you hate the idea of cancelling. You hate the idea of cancelling a dental appointment, so here’s a guide on whether or not you should go to the dentist when you’re sick.

If your options are keeping the appointment or rescheduling, what’s better for you, the workers in the dentist’s office, and the other patients? Here’s a guide on whether you should go to the dentist when you’re sick.

The Basics of Cancelling a Dentist’s Appointment

You should never cancel an appointment unless you have a good reason. After all, you’ve scheduled office time with a health care professional and they’ve reserved that time for you. While many offices can and will be understanding if you need to cancel, your cancellation can hurt their bottom line, which is why many dentists charge cancellation fees.

How Sick Are You?

If Sick, Should I Visit My Hoover AL Dentist?

Since you’re quite possibly on the hook for a cancellation fee, your instinct is probably to go. While other issues will impact your decision, the first thing to decide is how sick you are. Something like a headache isn’t contagious. Your ability to sit through a dental appointment is a matter of pain tolerance.

One other issue to consider is how often you get headaches, though. If you experience a lot of them, you should know how to manage the pain by now. If headaches are a rare occurrence, having a bad one is enough to reschedule to a day when you feel better.

The type of ailment, depending on your symptoms, can greatly affect your appointment. You must evaluate the severity of your sickness, and the level ofpain and discomfort. Patients who are unable to sit still through an appointment should consider rescheduling.

Technology Has Revolutionized General Dentistry Services

March 4, 2023 | by James Sampson | Blog

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

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

February 28, 2023 | by James Sampson | Blog

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 Health

Will I Have Allergic Reaction to Invisalign – Hoover AL Dental

February 23, 2023 | by James Sampson | Blog

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

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®.

Which Toothpaste Is Best – Hoover AL Dental

February 2, 2023 | by James Sampson | Blog

Which Toothpaste Is Best?

Fluoride is a key components of toothpaste. So, which toothpaste is best? Therefore, with that in mind, you can pick the brand that’s right for you. If you’re a smoker or coffee drinker, you should choose a product with the highest amount of fluoride.

If you’re someone with yellow teeth, you’ll want a brand with a higher number of silicates. A product that includes whitening will gradually alter the shade from yellow back to white.

If cavities are a big issue, you want a product with special cavity-fighting power. If you have a plaque problem, you can prevent tartar buildup with toothpastes that are specifically formulated to fight tartar.

Moreover, if you have sensitive gums and/or teeth, the best product is one that treats the underlying problem of sensitivity. Simply consider your needs and then mix and match from the options above.

The Importance of Fluoride

Any good toothpaste will include other components to make it more effective. Fluoride is the most important one. In fact, it’s the primary reason tooth decay and cavities have declined dramatically over the past 50 years.

This naturally occurring mineral protects your teeth when you eat. Every food you consume leaves trace elements of sugar and starch on your teeth.

Fluoride counters this problem in two ways. It strengthens tooth enamel, the protective layer on the outside of your teeth, and that added strength makes your teeth less susceptible to chipping and cracking.

When you consume items that stain your teeth such as coffee, cigarettes, wine, tea, and sugary drinks, the enamel weakens. Fluoride counters this issue, although you should still brush your teeth more often if you smoke or consume any of those products.

Fluoride also fights off previous damage by reversing the process of tooth decay. For these two reasons, when you shop for toothpaste, you should pick one with fluoride.

Protecting Your Child’s Teeth With Mouthguards – Hoover AL Dentist

January 30, 2023 | by James Sampson | Blog

One of the most common sports injuries in Hoover Alabama, and the one with the biggest bill, is damaged teeth. Protecting your child’s teeth with mouthguards during sports is one of the best investments a parent in Hoover AL could make.

Protecting Your Child’s Teeth With Mouthguards – Hoover AL Dentist

Mouthguards are a thick plastic protective devices shaped like a dental tray, that form to the shape of your child’s mouth.

A mouthguard creates a barrier between the upper and lower teeth to prevent them from crashing together during impact, as well as protecting the teeth from impact.

Your local Hoover Alabama dental clinic will recommend a mouthguard be worn during high impact sports. With the possibility of costly dental bills, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Mouthguards are specifically for playing sports, ranging in price, comfort level, and level of protection.

Custom-fit mouthguards (professionally made in your local Hoover, AL dental office)

Custom-fitted mouthguards are the best option for optimal comfort, protection, and durability. Your local Hoover Alabama dentist will professionally custom-fit a mouthguard for your child.

If you are considering a custom-fit mouthguard for your child, take into consideration their age. Mouthguards are not long-term investments. Your child may grow to quickly and require a replacement within a year or two.

So with the balance between safety and affordability on your mind, you might be hesitant to get one at all. And additionally, if your child is prone to, or has had concussions, a custom made mouthguard is vital to provide extra protection which may help to prevent further concussions.

In conclusion, there are many factors to consider when choosing a mouthguard for your child. These are; level of impact involved in the sport your child plays, the expense, comfort and best suited material for your child.

It is always best to have a conversation with your local Hoover Alabama dentist about your options. Sampson Dentistry can provide advice in regards to protective mouthguards tailored to you and your child’s specific needs.

Choosing A Pediatric Dentist In Hoover AL

December 21, 2022 | by James Sampson | Blog

Nothing is more important than your children’s dental care. Choosing a pediatric dentist in Hoover, AL to provide quality dental care is a big decision. You can rest assure that our staff will earn your trust when it comes to taking care of your child’s teeth with a caring and nurturing dentist. At Sampson Dentistry we try to make a visit more enjoyable for kids. We will provide tremendous dental care while calming your child. Our dental staff strives to eliminate the negative stigma of a trip to the dentist office.

Why Choose Sampson Dentistry To Provide Dental Treatment To Your Child?

Sampson Dentistry has over 2 decades in treating children for dental work. Our staff will handle basic dental care for children from infancy until they’re adults. We consider ourselves as experts in teaching parents about how to help kids break bad habits like thumb-sucking and pacifier dependency.

Basic tasks include teeth cleanings and fluoride treatments. At Sampson Dentistry, we provide recommendations about diet and nutrition, pointing out foods that are likeliest to strip the enamel off of teeth. That’s a dangerous practice that impairs the long-term development of permanent teeth.

Choosing A Pediatric Dentist In Hoover, AL

Choose Sampson Dentistry in Hoover Alabama when it comes to providing quality dental work for your children.

Why Children Need Cavities Filled

December 15, 2022 | by James Sampson | Blog

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.

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.