CareCredit
We are pleased to partner with CareCredit to offer affordable monthly payments to patients with more extensive treatment needs. CareCredit is third-party financing that helps patients fit their dentistry comfortably into their budgets, and they even offer some interest-free options for patients who qualify. It's quick and simple to apply for CareCredit online or in our dental office, and you'll receive a quick response so you can proceed with the treatment you need when you need it most.
Women have hormonal changes as they reach puberty; during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause; and from oral contraceptives. Hormonal changes, especially those occurring during the teenage and childbearing years, increase the harmful effect that bacterial dental plaque can have on the gums.
During menopause, increased sensitivity, altered taste sensations ,or a reduction in saliva can occur. A decrease in saliva is associated with increased tooth decay. Regular dental visits, good hygiene, and a balanced diet are essential for women at any stage of life and especially during periods of hormonal changes.
Dental x-rays (digital or conventional) are extremely helpful in detecting diseases of the teeth, surrounding gum tissue, and bone. They can reveal small cavities between the teeth that cannot be seen visually. Infections in the bone, abscesses, cysts, and other abnormalities can be detected with x-rays. However, the new computer-based digital x-rays reveal more diagnostic information than film-based images, at one-tenth the x-ray absorption, with amazing clarity. Our office prefers digital x-rays because of these benefits for our patients
The quick answer is "yes."
The more appropriate answer would be that it depends on the desired results and the situation. This is a common mistake made by both patients and dentists. The smile usually does not show “just four or six teeth.” More often than not, the smile shows anywhere from eight to twelve teeth. Depending on the situation and the outcome desired, this is often the amount of teeth needed to allow such a transformation. This is where additional training and knowledge of “smile design” is so important. Imagine having four or six beautiful teeth and the rest not so beautiful! Prior to any smile enhancement being performed, simply pick up a mirror, smile, and count!
If you are experiencing pain when you chew, or pain that increases with pressure and decreases with release, this may indicate a cracked tooth. A number of different situations can lead to cracked teeth. For instance:
- A large filling could weaken the supporting walls of thetooth.
- You might experience trauma.
- You may have developed extensive wear caused by clenching and grinding your teeth.
- You might have bitten into something hard, like ice or an olive pit.
Full coverage placement of a crown restoration is often indicated to encircle the tooth and prevent the flexing of these walls that is causing the pain. If the crack runs toward the nerve of the tooth, root canal therapy may be needed. If you find yourself avoiding an area or chewing only on one side, let your dentist know.