Your Dental Health
Presented by
Woody Domingoes, D.M.D. and
Maria Valdes-Domingoes, D.M.D.
Service With A Smile
By maintaining good oral-health practices at home and scheduling regular office visits, most patients can avoid many common dental problems. Daily brushing and flossing, and the application of sealants, can help youngsters avoid tooth decay. Adults can avert their most common problem, gum disease, with regular professional care. In cases where tooth loss, breakage, or misalignment does occur, the dentist is expert in a variety of advanced restoration and replacement techniques. In addition, there are a number of cosmetic procedures, including tooth whitening, veneers, and bonding, that effectively remedy chipped, discolored, and gapped teeth. The more patients know about dental health, the better their smiles. In the weeks and months ahead, this column will address all aspects of dental care.
Our entire staff is pleased to welcome you to our column. When was the last time you had a complete dental exam? At our practice, we make a thorough evaluation of existing and potential problems. Nothing is more economical than regular checkups. We are constantly updating our knowledge and expertise through continuing education in order to provide you with a dental experience on the cutting edge. Call us today to schedule a convenient appointment for the highest-quality dental care.
P.S. Flossing is every bit as important as daily brushing in fighting plaque buildup and tooth decay.
Your Dental Health
Presented by
Woody Domingoes, D.M.D. and
Maria Valdes-Domingoes, D.M.D.
Pocket Primer
Gum disease results from accumulations of bacteria-laden plaque and tartar that cause infections in pockets in the collar of gum tissue that surrounds the teeth. Most of these bacteria are anaerobic, meaning that they can thrive without oxygen beneath the gumline. In the early stages of gum disease (gingivitis), the infections may be adequately treated with professional cleaning and conscientious home care. However, if the disease is allowed to progress to a more advanced stage (periodontitis), more aggressive remedial measures may be called for. Scaling and root planning is the procedure by which surfaces of the tooth roots are planed with scraping instruments until tartar is removed and tooth surfaces are sufficiently smooth for gum tissue to adhere to them.
Most people do not experience any pain due to gum disease and therefore it often goes unnoticed. It is important to have regular dental checkups, including a periodontal examination. Flossing daily and brushing after meals will reduce the risk of developing plaque. At our practice, you can be sure that you will never be advised of, or supplied with, treatment that you don’t want or need. We take the time to answer all of your questions and explore every possible option. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
P.S. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to loosening, and loss, of teeth.
Your Dental Health
Presented by
Woody Domingoes, D.M.D. and
Maria Valdes-Domingoes, D.M.D.
Root Cause
The reason that so many patients regard root canal (endodontic) treatment as painful is that they confuse the condition that makes treatment necessary the condition that makes treatment necessary with the treatment itself. If dental decay is not dealt with promptly, bacteria may infect tooth pulp. This inflammation or infection can, in turn, lead to an abscess if left untreated. Symptoms include aching or throbbing pain in the tooth. At this point, endodontic treatment is indicated. This procedure, which relieves painful symptoms, involves removal of the nerve and vascular tissue (pulp) from the root and pulp chamber, as well as any associated decayed tooth structure. After the inside of the tooth is carefully shaped and cleaned, it is filled, sealed, and ready for a crown.
Modern root canal therapy can usually be performed with little or no discomfort. At our practice, our experienced dental and support staff takes pride in providing the most comprehensive care possible for all members of your family in a relaxed, comfortable setting. Remember, when you look good, you feel good. We have the technology that can give you’re a confident and beautiful smile. When you come to visit us, you can expect the highest level of restorative dentistry available. Call us today for and appointment.
P.S. Root canal treatment spares a tooth with an abscessed root from extraction.
Your Dental Health
Presented by
Woody Domingoes, D.M.D. and
Maria Valdes-Domingoes, D.M.D.
Sufficient Bone For An Implant?
One of the primary requirements for successful dental implant surgery is a sufficient amount of bone to accommodate the titanium implant. In most cases, bone will usually fill in the socket left by an extraction within three months. However, if the walls of the socket are particularly thin, there may not be enough bone to accept the implant. This is particularly true of the upper and lower front teeth, where there may be only a thin ridge of bone (unlike the wide area of jawbone at the back of the mouth, where the molars reside). If so, a bone graft can be placed in the socket to help the body fill the hole left by the tooth root with bone.
Almost any adult in reasonably good health is a candidate for dental implants. We invite you to come see us for all of your dental needs. Good experience with dentistry is based on making the right choice in a family dentist and in taking the right steps to keep dental costs at a minimum through self-care at home between visits. At our practice, we strive to teach good oral hygiene. In the long run you will have better dental health and, of course, spend far fewer dollars. Please call us today to schedule an appointment. We’re currently accepting new patients.
P.S. A bone graft may also be recommended for patients who lost teeth many years ago and do not have enough bone left for an implant.