The advent of digital dental radiography has revolutionized dentistry and has dramatically improved the ability of dentists the diagnose and management of dental disorders.

Dental X-rays use controlled pulses of radiation to create images of the internal structures of the jaw and mouth. It is also known as a dental radiograph.

Digital dental X-rays can help spot trouble early enough in your mouth, teeth, gums, and jaw. Treating problems before they get serious can save money, pain, and sometimes even your life.

Why Are Dental X-Rays Performed?

Factors affecting how often you get dental X-rays may include:

• Age
• Current oral health
• Symptoms of oral disease
• History of gum disease (gingivitis) or tooth decay.

Dental X-rays are typically performed yearly. They can happen more often if your dentist is tracking the progress of a dental problem or treatment. Children may need to have dental X-rays more often than adults because there might need to monitor the growth of their adult teeth. This is particularly important because it can help the dentist determine if baby teeth need to be pulled to prevent complications, such as adult teeth growing behind baby teeth.

You don’t need to too far to get dental treatments. There are several dentists in Pearland performing digital X-rays in Pearland. You can easily walk in to see a dentist near you.

Types Of Digital Dental Radiographs.

Digital dental radiographs can either be taken inside (intraoral) or outside (extraoral) the mouth. Intraoral X-rays are the most commonly taken dental X-ray, providing remarkable detail and are used widely. Extraoral X-rays are not used to identify individual tooth problems but to detect impacted teeth, monitor jaw growth and development, and identify potential problems between teeth, jaws, temporomandibular joints (TMJ), or other facial bones.

Types of intraoral X-rays include:

Bitewing X-rays: are taken with the patient biting down on the film, showing details of the upper and lower teeth in one area of the mouth and are used to detect decay between teeth and changes in bone density caused by gum disease, as well as to determine the fit of dental crowns or restorations, and the marginal integrity of tooth fillings.

Periapical (limited) X-rays show the whole tooth from the crown to beyond the root tips to the supporting bone in one area of either the upper or lower jaw. Periapical X-rays are used to detect root structure and surrounding bone structure abnormalities and treat conditions such as periodontitis, advanced gum disease, and detecting endodontic lesions (abscess).

Types of extraoral X-rays include:

Panoramic X-rays: requires a machine that rotates around the head, shows the entire mouth, including all the teeth in the upper and lower arch, in one image. Panoramic X-rays are used to plan treatment for dental implants, detect impacted wisdom teeth and jaw problems, and diagnose bony tumors and cysts. They are used for forensic and legal purposes to identify otherwise unrecognizable bodies after fires, crashes, or other fatalities.

Multi-slice computed tomography (MCT) shows a particular layer or “slice” of the mouth while blurring all other layers. This type of X-ray is useful for examining structures that are difficult to see clearly.

Cephalometric projections, which show the entire head, help examine teeth to a patient’s jaw and profile. Orthodontists, specialists in aligning and straightening teeth, use cephalometric projections to develop their treatment plans.

Benefits of Digital Dental Radiography.

Digital dental radiographs have proven to be of immense benefits as compared to traditional dental X-rays. Some of these include:

Digital radiographs reveal small hidden areas of decay between teeth or below existing restorations (fillings), bone infections, gum (periodontal) disease, abscesses or cysts, developmental abnormalities, and tumors that cannot be detected with only a visual dental examination.

Early detection and treatment of dental problems can save time, money, and discomfort.

Digital dental images can be stored easily in electronic patient records and sent quickly electronically to insurance companies, referring dentists or consultants, often eliminating or reducing treatment disruption and leading to faster dental insurance reimbursements.

Disadvantages of Digital Dental Radiographs.

Cost is the major drawback of dental radiographs. Digital radiograph start-up costs are expensive for dentists, with conservative estimates ranging from $11,000 to $15,000 for a wired sensor system to $20,000 to $50,000 for a wireless system.

Schedule an Appointment

Still confused about the purpose of digital dental x-ray? Call us now to book an appointment with our dentist near you. We also cater to patients from communities like Shadow Creek Ranch, Almeada Heights, Orchard Grove, Morningside Place, Brookside Village, Pearland, Autumnjoy Drive, Mustang Ridge, and surrounding areas.

Are you searching for a missing tooth replacement and want to have a permanent solution in your mouth? You won’t find any solution better than dental implants to replace the missing tooth. However, before you proceed any further and discuss dental implants with the dentist near you, please learn about the dental implant procedure and what you can expect from this blog.

Dental implants are incredibly popular in the US, with approximately 3 million people having them. More people are currently turning towards implants than traditional dentures and bridges for replacing missing teeth. If you have prepared yourself to get dental implants as a lost tooth replacement, please consider this guide to learn about dental implant surgery and what you can expect.

When you decide to get dental implants, you look to replace the missing tooth roots with titanium posts. The titanium post is similar to screws for artificial teeth. You begin the dental implant procedure by going through the following steps.

Evaluation

The tooth implants dentist performs a comprehensive examination to determine the condition of your jawbone and the optimal dental implant procedure. The evaluation includes x-rays, taking impressions, and matching the color of your teeth to make your artificial tooth appear natural. You can decide how many teeth you want to have replaced with dental implants, but it may require additional planning with periodontists depending on your oral health.

Tooth Extraction

If you still have a tooth that needs replacing, your dentist will extract it before performing any dental work. You can have the extraction immediately before dental implant insertion. The extraction site is allowed to heal before you can have the dental implant inserted into your jawbone.

Dental Implant Placement

Dental implants in Pearland, TX, provide traditional dental implants inserted into your jawbone after giving you anesthesia for pain management. If you are anxious about the procedure, you can discuss full sedation with the dentist to manage anxiety. However, the implant placement is completed in one visit, and the dentist permits you to return home and wait for the healing process to complete.

What Happens after Implant Placement Surgery?

After implant placement surgery, you can expect some discomfort, including bruising on your gums, swelling on the cheeks, bleeding, and pain at the implant site. Dentists prescribe or recommend over-the-counter painkillers for you to manage the discomfort. Ice packs are recommended to control the swelling on your cheeks.

Eating hard foods is challenging immediately after implant placement. You must stock up with soft foods for nourishment after the surgery. Please do not stock up on tobacco or cigarettes because the tobacco chemicals can hamper the healing process. You must maintain good oral hygiene habits to protect the implant. It includes brushing daily and flossing without exceptions.

Abutment Placement

After your implant is stable, the dentist places an abutment over the implanted post. The abutment connects the implant to your artificial tooth. Placing the abutment requires another surgery and healing for a couple of weeks before you can have a customized dental crown on the implant.

Adding The Permanent Crown

After your gums have healed entirely, the dentist takes impressions of the implant to prepare your artificial tooth with a customized dental crown. You have the option of choosing a removable or permanent implant. The permanent crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory and requires a couple of weeks before you can have it attached to the dental implant. As you complete the dental implant procedure by having the dental crown, the dentist provides instructions on caring for your implants after undergoing a lengthy process.

Dental implants are excellent replacements for missing teeth. Implants don’t attract tooth decay or cavities, and the information is likely to delight you. Caring for dental implants is not challenging because you merely need to maintain excellent oral hygiene brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once, and visiting your dentist every six months.

Dental visits are essential if you have dental implants in your mouth. Plaque buildup happens continuously on your teeth and below the gum line, and plaque does not differentiate between natural and artificial teeth. Plaque hardens into tartar to cause gum disease. You may express delight with information you are no longer susceptible to cavities. However, allow gum disease to fester in your mouth, and you compromise the implants placed in your jawbone and below the gum line. Therefore do not avoid dental visits for cleanings and exams that help eliminate plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, keeping you free from gum disease.

Besides the minor aberration, so long as you maintain your oral hygiene appropriately, you can continue enjoying the dental implants for a lifetime. Still confuses about dental implants? Call us now to book an appointment with our dentist near you and learn more about dental implants in Pearland, TX. Our dentist also cater to patients residing in Pearland, Shadow Creek Ranch, Almeada Heights, Brunswick Meadows, Brookside Village, Morgan Road, Cascade Falls Lane, Westenfeld, and surrounding locations.

The regular use of teeth is bound to cause deterioration in the structure and texture. Apart from chewing food, teeth help to speak distinctly and in boosting self-confidence. Modern dentistry has advanced miles, and restoration of worn-out teeth is easy. A dentist near you can provide you restorative dentistry options to set right a worn-out tooth.

Inlays and Onlays

In dentistry, both dental Inlays and Onlays are forms of indirect restoration of teeth prepared outside the oral cavity and are cemented as a single solid piece to match the size of existing teeth or oral cavity.

Of late, the customary dental procedure involved getting dental fillings or crowns to fill in dental cavities or dental decay. Crowns are used to fill in smaller holes or hollow spaces, while crowns are used to support bigger or deeper fractures in the teeth. There might be a situation when the dental filling is not sufficient to cover up the cavity, or the crown is too big to cover the hollow space. Inlays and Onlays find application in such places.

What are Dental Inlays?

Dental inlays are a new generation option to restorative dentistry. Dental inlays are pre-molded dental fillings that are placed inside the grooves or hollow cavities of the teeth. Besides being a painless and non-invasive treatment, dental inlays can be fitted in a short period and do not need much aftercare.

Inlays are administered under the influence of local anesthesia, and the dentist numbs the affected area to minimize the chances of pain. The cavities are removed, and the hollow cavity is cleaned thoroughly. An impression of the teeth’s top area is taken to prepare customized inlays in a dental laboratory.

Dental inlays are made from composite resin or porcelain that resembles natural teeth. More durable than customary dental fillings, the inlays are almost an invisible form of restorative dentistry and are inexpensive than other forms of restorative dentistry.

Dental Onlays

Onlays are similar to the inlays in filling up cavities, but onlays extend to the chewing surface of the back of the teeth. Onlays were previously made from gold. Still, modern-day Onlays are made from ceramics or porcelain. Onlays can fill up large cavities or grooves on the chewing surface for a single or more teeth cusps. Onlays are raised above the gums and are custom-made as per the structure of your dental network.

Onlays last between ten to fifteen years and are durable than most other dental restorative processes. Onlays are beneficial when a tooth is too damaged to be filled by dental filling and not damaged enough to be repaired by a crown.

The procedure of administering onlays is done under the influence of local anesthesia. The decayed debris is removed from the hollow cavities of the affected tooth. A temporary onlay is placed after taking an impression of your teeth so that the onlay fits correctly. The dentist’s second visit is made to replace the temporary onlay with the permanent one, which provides a better fit.

When to Choose an Inlay?

Even if you maintain rigorous oral health and attend the dentist regularly, damage to the teeth might occur. Dentists are the best person to guide you with restorative processes. Dental inlays are recommended when:

• The level of injury that does not allow good scrapping or removal of enamel to support a crown.
• The damage is extensive, and a large dental filling might adversely affect the adjacent teeth.
• A fractured, damaged, or decayed tooth that does not affect the cusp of the teeth.

When to Choose a Dental Onlay?

Onlays can be a substitute for dental crowns and can be used for these reasons:

• To form a protective covering for dental implants.
• To improve the aesthetic value of otherwise yellow or stained teeth.
• To replace a knocked-out tooth.
• To ensure that dental bridges do not slip.
• To provide structural support to a weak tooth.

Dental Office for Inlays and Onlays

Pearly Whites of Pearland provides a new patient special package at $49, including comprehensive dental examination and x-rays to determine cavities. Pearland dentist offers top-notch dental care, and all our staff is fluent in English and Spanish to enable you to converse smoothly. You may book an appointment online or call us to schedule one too.

We also welcome patients from the nearby communities like Shadow Creek Ranch, Almeada Heights, Morningside Place, Brookside Village, Pearland, Trinity Rose Lane, and Clubhouse Drive.

It is everyone’s desire and wish to have appealing white and bright teeth. Having white bright teeth not only makes the smile approachable but also creates an appearance of healthy oral condition. Stained teeth can be corrected through teeth whitening. Teeth whitening involve the bleaching of the surface of the teeth to increase the level of brightness of the teeth. You can have your teeth whitened at our dental clinic Pearly Whites of Pearland, or do it by yourself using a kit at home. Both options use peroxide based bleaching agents. However, the concentrations vary.

In office tooth whitening

This process involves the application of the bleach at the dentist’s office. The in-office procedure involves bleaching using between 15% and 43% peroxide, which is the highest concentration of the two options. The in-office whitening provides better results and is applied over a short period. You can get your teeth eight times whiter from the application of the bleach in the office at the highest levels of concentrations. Having the bleaching done at the office allows you the advantage of using implements such as heat, light, or both to seed up the process and increase the level of intensity of the whiteness. However, you will have to pay higher for the service compared to what it would have cost to buy the kit and apply it at home.

At home bleaching options

You can choose various options for this option. You can purchase a kit of tooth whitening strips and gels that you can apply directly to your teeth using a brush once or twice a day for approximately two weeks. However, the effect will last for a number of months before the effect is gradually lost. Then there is the tray based tooth-bleaching option whereby a mouth guard wit peroxide-based bleaching gel or place is applied to the teeth. The procedure should be done with the gel applied for a number of hours in a day for four weeks to realize the maximum effect. There is also the tooth whitening toothpaste that compared to the normal toothpaste is mildly abrasive. It also  contains chemicals that increase the intensity of the scrubbing and changing of the color of the teeth.

Keeping teeth white

After the teeth has been whitened, it is important to maintain the oral care that prevents the teeth from discoloring of the teeth and the stains that cause the damage. Firstly, oral hygiene should be maintained. Brush your teeth regularly as required and floss your teeth when you need to. Then there are the kind of foods that should be avoided or moderated. Black tea and coffee, wines, carbonated drinks, sports drinks, berries and colored foods , and sauces are the main culprits that cause discoloration of the teeth.

Should you talk to your dentist?

Tooth bleaching comes with a number of side effects such as increased level of sensitivity of the teeth. You may also feel uncomfortable after having your teeth bleached. In addition, the gums should be protected from the chemical effect of the applied bleaching agents. These are some of the issues that one should expect that should push you to discuss issues with a dentist. Having the counsel of a dentist is important because you get a professional perspective of the effects of the bleaching on your general dental health and any ways to ensure that other aspects of your dental health are protected.

You should also know that tooth whitening is more effective on people with yellow teeth and less effective when you have brown teeth. It is only through the counsel of the dentist that you would understand that you do not need to have additional application if you have brown teeth to realize the results that you probably desire.

It is important and necessary that you see a dentist even if you are doing the whitening from home. To reach your dentist search dentist near me on the web and with the dentist near me search you will be able to access Teeth Whitening in Pearland, TX from a teeth-bleaching dentist. You will benefit from the various advantages that come with Teeth Whitening in Pearland, TX from a teeth bleaching dentist because of the professional teeth whitening care that comes with the professional teeth whitening dentists.

Call us now to schedule a consultation with our teeth bleaching dentist near you. We also cater to patients residing in surrounding areas like Shadow Creek Ranch, Almeada Heights, Morningside Place, Brookside Village, Pearland, Fresno, Ryan Acres, and Westenfeld.

Have you been looking for a way to improve the shade of your teeth because they appear brown or dirty? Teeth whitening procedures performed by dentists are the solution you need. It involves methods that improve the shade of your teeth surface without the extraction of any teeth. There is no addition of materials to cover the existing teeth, instead, it only elevates your teeth’ shade.

Your teeth can become colored through persistent smoking, an assemblage of tartar on the teeth, staining of the teeth by certain foods and drinks, the process of aging, and the consumption of certain medications. Your dentist is a professional who is in the perfect position to deduce the method which could be adopted in bringing about your teeth being whiter. Teeth bleaching is one of the most extensively used methods which could be considered in whitening teeth. Another method is laser or power whitening. This method takes only about an hour and gives rise to the shade of the teeth being about five to six times lighter.

The cost of making your teeth shade whiter differs among several localities. At 15050 Hooper Rd Houston, TX 77047, you can make inquiries about the expenses involved. Laser whitening is less cost-effective than the popular bleaching process. Your teeth could maintain its whiteness for about three years if it is well managed. As a person who has undergone the process, try as much as possible to stay away from smoking and taking foods and drinks that smudge the teeth.

There are other means of whitening your teeth but in-office whitening at your dentist’s is best. Beauticians carry out cosmetic teeth whitening procedure which is illegal in some countries. Some people use home whitening kits which could put them at risk for some side effects.

The Techniques Involved In Whitening Your Teeth

Bleaching the teeth is done with a bleaching gel and mouthguard. The mouth guard is made by obtaining an outline of your teeth. The gel is normally used for about two to four weeks. The major composition of the gel is hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The teeth shade becomes brighter when oxygen counters the teeth’ enamel.

Light stimulated whitening also called laser whitening is another choice. A bleach is placed on the teeth and then, the laser light is directed towards them to initiate the whitening process. An elastic material is used to protect the teeth before the gel is applied.

Some bleaching gels can last up to 8 hours on the teeth so that the entire whitening procedure lasts only about a week. These services are offered at 2305 Delta Bridge Dr. Pearland, TX 77584.

Using A Home Whitening Kit And Patronizing Local Beauticians

A dentist is the primary medical personnel meant to apply any form of bleach on the teeth. Home whitening kits have strips and paint-on whiteners. Some of these kits could have bleaches with high acidic content which can damage the teeth and gums. In Europe, kits mustn’t have more than 0.1 % of peroxide, but in places where higher concentrations are permitted, the practice of self whitening is prominent. In cosmetic dentistry, some are recommended to remove stains and prolong the durability of the whitened teeth. The bleaches are only effective on the teak and not artificial teeth. Make appointments at 10922 Broadway St Pearland, TX 77584 for the best treatment available. For the treatment to be effective, the dentists determine the type, position, and amount of blemish. Other stain removal methods include dental microabrasion and the use of rinses and baking soda.

Problems With The Use Of Bleaches

Irritations to the mucous membrane, return of the teeth to their former shade, over bleaching, damage to the teeth enamel and dentine are all risks of teeth whitening. These problems are more likely to come up when the process is done at home or by a local beautician. Hence, supervised bleaching by your dentist is the best way to avoid these unnecessary risks.

If you are planning for teeth whitening in Pearland, TX, call us now to book an appointment with our dentist near you. We also welcome patients from Shadow Creek Ranch, Almeada Heights, Mcintyre Acres, Westenfeld, Brookside Village, and nearby communities.

Root canals contain pulp that nourishes the enamel and root nerves for sensitivity. When you have tooth decay, it might progress and infect the root canal contents if left untreated. If the root canal contents are infected, you might be at risk of complications, such as gum disease, tooth loss and jawbone infection.

To treat the infection in the root canal, your Pearland dentist might recommend root canal treatment.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is not a treatment procedure but part of the tooth that contains nerves for sensitivity and tissue that facilitates the teeth’ nourishment. On the other hand, root canal or endodontic therapy is the procedure that your dentist uses to reduce pain and prevent complications by removing the root canal contents.

Some signs might indicate an infected root canal, which includes:

• Persistent toothache and sometimes swelling
• Sensitivity to heat and cold, exceptionally sharp pains when you eat ice cream or drink hot beverages
• Pain when you eat or touch your tooth
• Cracked or chipped tooth
• Loose tooth

Why Do You Need Pulp and Root Nerves Removed?

According to the American Dental Association, you should consider endodontic therapy for reasons such as damaged pulp and nerves. When you have extensive tooth decay, the bacteria migrate into the root canal and damages its contents. Therefore, to prevent further complications and save your tooth, root canal therapy would be necessary.

Steps of a Root Canal Treatment Procedure

Endodontic therapy has three steps and might take up to three dental appointments. Below are the steps:

Consultation and Cleaning

When you have an infected root canal, the dentist will first examine your teeth jaw and gums to check for the infection’s progression. Leaving a tooth untreated can have a significant impact on the neighbouring teeth, gums and jaw. Therefore, your dentist might use dental x-rays to check for any other signs of root canal infections.

After developing a treatment plan, the dentist will drill an access hole through the tooth and remove the infected pulp and root nerves. During the procedure, the dentist might use local anaesthesia to prevent pain. However, the root nerves might be dead. Therefore, you are not likely to experience pain.

Filling the Root Canal

After removing the root canal contents, the dentist will use small files to eliminate any debris and use an irrigating solution to eliminate bacteria from the root canal. If you are at risk of another infection, your dentist might fill the root canal with medications to stop any signs of infection. Your dentist will then fill the tooth with gutta-percha and seal the access hole.

Adding a Tooth Restoration

After the root canal therapy, the tooth becomes weak. Therefore, the dentist might recommend a dental crown to cover it or a tooth filling. Our dentist in Pearland, TX, will place the dental restoration during the third dental appointment.

During the procedure, the dentist will prepare your tooth first and place the dental crown. Since the pulp is not present to nourish the tooth, the dental crown will reinforce the weak enamel.

Is Endodontic Therapy Painful?

Most people shake in fear when they hear root canal therapy. However, the root canal procedure is painless. Most of the time, root nerves are already damaged. Therefore, you are not likely to experience pain. Also, your dentist might recommend local anaesthesia to reduce discomfort during the root canal therapy.</p

Complications Associated With Root Canal Therapy

Just like any other dental procedure, you might experience complications. However, the risk of complications during endodontic treatments is rare. Some of the complications associated with the treatments include:

• Undetected infected root canals
• A root canal that is not correctly sealed, increasing the risk of infection
• The tooth’s root might crack, perforating the root canal

Preventing Root Canal Infections

At Pearly Whites of Pearland, we believe prevention is better than cure. Therefore, to prevent infections in the root canal, you can consider the following:

• Brushing your teeth before going to bed and one more time during the day
• Floss your teeth at least once a day
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings
• Avoid eating sugary and sticky foods and instead, eat foods rich in calcium and use fluoride products
• Use a suitable toothpaste and replace it regularly

Schedule a Consultation

Do you still have some questions related to the root canal treatment? Call us now to schedule a consultation with our dentist near you. We also cater to patients residing in Almeada Heights, Brookside Village, Morningside Place, Fresno, Shadow Creek Ranch, Meadowglen Drive, Creekstone Drive and in nearby communities.

What is Gum Disease and How It Develops?

It is an infection of your tissues that hold your teeth in place. Plaque is the common cause of gum disease.

Plaque is a sticky layer on your teeth in which bacteria thrive. The thin film of bacteria continues to form if you have poor oral dental hygiene. As plaque builds up, it hardens to tartar. You may develop an infection if the tartar extends below your gum line. If you don’t seek dental intervention, the condition can cause the gums to separate from the teeth. The tooth can become loose and unstable, eventually leading to tooth loss.

What are the Symptoms?

At Pearly Whites of Pearland dental clinic, we highly advocate for preventative dentistry. It’s better to find and treat a dental problem before it gets serious. Take note if you notice the following symptoms of periodontal disease:

• Red swollen gums. It’s one of the earliest signs that your gum needs medical attention. Your gums become inflamed along the gum line. Still, the gums may feel tender or painful and bleed easily during brushing and flossing.
• Bad breath. Your mouth is home to bacteria. The bacteria emit toxins that may irritate the gums and teeth. The toxins have an awful smell. The foul odor can be an indication that you need gum disease treatment.
• Gum recession or gums are getting smaller. If your teeth look longer than usual, chances are your gums are shrinking. Gum recession occurs when your margin tissue surrounding the teeth wears away, exposing the tooth’s roots.
• Sensitive teeth. If the teeth are sensitive to hot or cold foods or drinks, it may be a sign that the gums have receded and exposed your dentin. Dentin is the delicate part of the tooth.
• Teeth are shifting. If your smile looks different and your bite feels uncomfortable, chances are your teeth have moved. Periodontal disease attacks the bones that hold the teeth in place, loosening, or moving them. That’s why your smile and bite may feel different.

How to Treat Gum Disease?

If you experience any of the signs previously mentioned, visit us with immediate effect. Our Pearland dentist will do a dental oral exam to determine what’s affected and develop a personalized gum disease treatment plan. Below are treatment options available:

1. Deep cleaning.

Our dentist will use cleaning equipment such as a scaler to scrape off tartar below and above the gum line. If need be, the dentist will perform root planing. We will smoothen the rough surfaces of the roots of the tooth. The process helps the gums to reattach to the teeth.

2. Medication.

As part of the treatment plan, we prescribe medications to treat gum disease such as;

• Antibiotic gel. After the deep cleaning, you apply the gel on the gum pockets to control infection.
• Antiseptic chip. You insert the chip into the gum pockets. The medication is released slowly over time to reduce the pocket size and get rid of bacteria.
• Enzyme suppressant. Our dental team will give you a tablet after deep cleaning to block particular enzymes in your mouth from breaking down gum tissue.
• Oral antibiotics. Our Pearland dentist will prescribe antibiotics to treat severe gum disease. You can take the capsules or tablets orally.

3. Surgery

If gum disease is advanced and deep cleaning can’t address the whole problem, our dentist may recommend surgery such as:

• Flap surgery. Our surgeon lifts the gum to remove the tartar underneath the gum line. Next, the dentist stitches the gum back in place. We ensure the gum is tight around the tooth to hinder more tartar from forming.
• Gum graft surgery. Our dentist gets tissue from the part of the mouth. Next, we cover the exposed tooth roots to prevent bone loss or decay. The surgery prevents tooth sensitivity once the dentin is covered.
• Bone graft. We use a fragment of your bone, donated or synthetic, to replace destroyed bone by gum disease. The graft aids in the regrowth of a new bone and restores teeth stability.
• Soft tissue graft. If you have thin gums or empty spaces due to gum recession, this process is ideal for you. We get a graft tissue from the roof of your mouth, stitch it in place on the affected areas (on the thin gums or the empty spaces).

Take Away

Gum disease may progress painlessly, producing apparent symptoms that you can easily go unnoticed. Therefore, it’s crucial to honor your scheduled visits at Pearly Whites of Pearland dental clinic. Our dentist will perform oral exams and cleaning. Call us right away to book an appointment with our dentist near you and learn more about the gum disease treatment. We also welcome patients residing in Shadow Creek Ranch, Almeada Heights, Morningside Place, Brookside Village, Ryan Acres, Pearland, Westenfeld, and surrounding locations.

Keeping patients calm and relaxed during any dental procedure is important. It gives the dentist enough time to work on the patient. Sedation is what makes all this happen. It helps patients relax and get through any dental procedure. Sedation has many benefits in both pediatric and general dentistry.

Patients with dental anxiety or phobia can benefit from sedation. Dental anxiety or phobia can have a serious effect on a patient’s dental health. Patients with these issues will avoid a dentist. This puts them at risk of developing infections. This article has information about sedation that will help you.

Sedation Explained

Sedation refers to reducing your irritability using sedative drugs. We do this to facilitate dental procedures that can cause pain and discomfort. Dentists can administer these drugs in several ways. Sedatives can be administered orally, through IV, or through an injection in the muscle.

Several factors can determine the mode of administration. For instance, the type of procedure can influence the mode of administering the sedative. Talk to our Pearland dentist about sedation if you have an upcoming dental procedure.

What are The Benefits of Sedation?

Sedation dentistry is important in most dental procedures. Most patients have dental anxiety, and sedation helps reduce it. Here are the benefits of sedation in dentistry.

Helps Prevent Dental Anxiety and Phobia

Past unpleasant dental experiences can make patients keep off the dentist’s office. Through sedation, patients will have a little memory of what happened. This helps prevent dental anxiety and phobia. If you are afraid of visiting the dentist, sedation will help you.

Eases The Treatment

Our dentist will find it easier to treat you when you are sedated. You will be relaxed, and our dentist near you will have ample time treating you. This is because the focus will only be on treating you and ensuring optimal dental health.

Reduces Number of Dental Visits

Since sedation ensures ease of treatment, we can do more treatments in a few visits. This will reduce the number of time you will need to visit our clinic. We can complete those procedures that take several visits to in a single visit.

Levels Of Sedation

Sedation works by depressing your Central Nervous System to reduce the awareness of your surroundings. There are four levels of sedation. These are minimal sedation, moderate sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia.

Minimal Sedation

This is the level of sedation where sedatives minimally depress your Central nervous system. When in minimal sedation, you will be able to breathe and respond to verbal instructions. Most of your cognitive abilities will be impaired, but cardiovascular functions will not be affected. Minimal oral sedation is the level we use for patients with dental anxiety.

Moderate Sedation

Here patients will remain awake and can follow the dentist’s directions. Patients will remember less of the procedure when in moderate sedation. We use it on patients with a history of dental anxiety or phobia. In moderate sedation, we don’t have to intervene to maintain a patent airway.

Deep Sedation

In this level of sedation, you will lose consciousness, and arousing you won’t be easy. You can, however, respond to repeated stimulation. Here you will require assistance to maintain a patent airway. Your cardiovascular functions may be affected.

General Anesthesia

When at this level, you cannot be aroused even by pain stimulation. You also won’t be able to maintain your ventilator functions. Assistance is often required in maintaining a patent airway. The cardiovascular functions are also impaired during general anesthesia.

Sedation Dentistry Safety

There are some risks when it comes to sedation. If you don’t have any underlying conditions, you qualify for sedation. Obese patients and those with sleep apnea should always talk to their dentist before sedation. Such patients can easily develop complications during sedation. The dentist will go over your medical records before sedating you.

Pearly White of Pearland

If you have dental anxiety, you should visit our clinic for any dental procedure. We make use of sedative dentistry to calm you down during dental procedures. Our team of professional will help you through the entire process. Call us now to book an appoitment with our dentist near you. You can also visit our dental clinic if you are living in Central Southwest, Minnetex, Brookside Village, Pearland, Lawson Drive, Westenfeld, Mcintyre Acres, Indigo Bay Drive, and in nearby locations.

For ages, traditional braces have been one of the most widely used teeth-straightening methods in orthodontic treatment. Although these dental gadgets are known to be reliable and effective, they have their downsides as well. For instance, most of the adults and teenagers who have used them reported that the metallic braces made them self-conscious on matters relating to their general appearance. Fortunately, today’s technology has helped dental experts develop other modern alternatives that provide better subtlety results at a shorter time.

An example of such treatment is the use of Six Month Smiles®. This type of braces is almost similar to the regular traditional braces only that it has been modified with some key differences to help patients straighten their teeth quickly and more discreetly. One example of its outstanding features is its ability to straighten teeth without using metallic parts. Instead, it has adopted the use of clear brackets that come with tooth-colored wires to make the treatment cosmetically pleasing for the user. Although the average treatment timeframe for most people takes six months, yours could range between four to nine months, depending on your case’s severity.

Dental Problems Addressed by Six Month Smiles®

Six Month Smiles® is used to correct similar dental issues that are solved by full braces or other orthodontic procedures. Such oral problems include:

• Crowded teeth
• Crossbites
• Overbites
• Underbites
• Mild rotations
• Extensive gaps found between teeth

Generally, these devices will restore misaligned or crowded teeth. They are mostly used on teeth located at the mouth’s front, which are usually visible when one smiles. As long as your dental problem is not severe or doesn’t involve your molars, you are likely to enjoy the results of using these braces.

You can get your Six Month Smiles® braces from their providers who are closest to you. At Pearly Whites of Pearland dental clinic, evaluations are conducted to see what is the best fit for the patient’s condition. Feel free to visit our Pearland dentist for an assessment to see whether or not you are a perfect candidate.

Who Is the Perfect Candidate?

A patient may be the right candidate for this treatment if he/she has some of the qualities below:

• Has desire for a discreet teeth-straightening treatment
• Has mild or moderately crowded teeth
• Needs an expedited restorative option that comes with comfort and efficacy

How Effective Are These Gadgets When It Comes to Fixing Overbites?

Overbites refer to the overlapping of a person’s upper dental with respect to their lower teeth. The defect can be inherited or can be as a result of jaw malformation due to extended use of a pacifier, thumb sucking, or bottle-feeding during childhood. Adults can also develop an overbite if they have a habit of chewing cigars, ice, or fingernails. TMJ dysfunction and teeth grinding are also some of the causes of an overbite.

When it comes to the treatment of overbites, there are several options available, although not all will have satisfying results. This is because overbites are easily treated when caught early. For instance, if a dentist discovers that a child has an overbite during a routine checkup, the situation will be quickly reversed because the kid’s jaws are not yet fully developed. The use of metal braces will correct the defect.

The fully-developed adult jaws make it extremely difficult for braces to correct overbites, and it may take between one or two years for Six Month Smiles® to correct overbites and have satisfying results.

Another factor that determines the treatment approach for overbites is the cause for the overbite. If the issue results from skeletal problems, then jaw surgery might have to be scheduled as the adult jaws are not flexible anymore. In other cases, some of the patient’s teeth have to be extracted before the braces are positioned to encourage the remaining teeth to move into their normal position.

The good news is all misalignment issues are treatable, but the treatment may not be as effective for adults as it would be for teens and children. Dental experts recommend early booking of dental checkups for children as this facilitates early detection of overbite issues hence preventing such problems when they grow.

Book a Consultation

Call us now to book a consultation with our trusted dentist near you at Pearly Whites of Pearland. Our dentist also welcome patients residing in Shadow Creek Ranch, Blue Bonnet Acres, Brunswick Lakes, Thomson Street, Almeda, Quiet Trace Lane, Fieldstone Drive, Trinity Rose Lane, and in nearby areas.

Dental crowns or Bridges are both dental devices fixed on the existing teeth and are different from full or partial dentures. Dental Bridges and crowns are only removable by a dentist and are restorative dental treatments beneficial for repairing existing teeth or replacing lost teeth. Dental bridges restore a patient’s confidence and their ability to bite and chew normally.

Having gaps between your teeth or teeth with extensive fillings can impact your self-confidence. You could be conscious of smiling or laughing before your friends or family members because of missing teeth or extensively damaged teeth. Dental crowns or dental bridges are an excellent solution to overcome the problems you encounter because your teeth are restored to their former glory when you decide to have them in your mouth. Both become permanent fixtures in your mouth, merely needing brushing and flossing like your natural teeth.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns can entirely encase a damaged or eroded tooth restoring its strength, improving its appearance and shape to all of you to bite and chew without difficulty. Dental crowns are beneficial for teeth with sufficient structure remaining to work with.

Ceramic or porcelain is used for making dental crowns allowing the dental laboratory to shade the crown to suit the color of your teeth. Crowns are also fabricated from acrylic, metal alloys, gold or porcelain bonded to metal to ensure the tooth’s strength is not compromised while matching its color to your existing teeth.

But Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are suitable for replacing a missing tooth or teeth using the neighboring teeth to support the replacement tooth. Bridges generally consist of three or more crowns attached lineally. Two crowns on the outer side are secured over the teeth on either side of the gap created by the missing tooth. The crown that fills the opening is called the Pontic.

Replacing missing teeth with dental bridges ensure the neighboring teeth don’t shift and try to fill the vacant space to prevent problems with your bite. Your facial structure is also preserved by filling the gaps created by the missing teeth.

Are You Suitable for Dental Crowns or Bridges?

Your specific situation determines whether a dental crown or bridge is suited for your requirements. Dental crowns are suitable to restore extensively damaged teeth, which could be due to tooth decay, injuries, extensive fillings, root canal therapy, and others. Dental crowns encase the entire tooth offering it the protection needed to prevent further damage. The most common uses of dental crowns are the following:

• Crowns are an excellent choice for affected teeth with extensive fillings.
• Crowns can cover discolored, misshapen, fractured, and teeth that have undergone root canal treatment.
• Crowns protect a weak tooth, are used for dental implants, and to attach bridges.

If you have missing teeth, you need a dental bridge to replace the teeth you lost. Bridges are useful for replacing one or several missing teeth, close a gap when your teeth have disintegrated to need an extraction, and prevent your existing teeth from shifting out of position into the vacant space left by the missing teeth.

Bridges and crowns are designed for different purposes. You can get pertinent information on which one is suitable for you when you consult with the Pearland dentist, who routinely offers Pearly Whites of Pearland. The dentist examines your mouth to evaluate whether you need dental crowns or Bridges before recommending either option as suited for your requirements.

Are Dental Bridges and Crowns Durable?

Dental restorations like crowns and bridges last for a lifetime if you practice excellent dental hygiene. Studies have revealed dental bridges and crowns can last between 15 to 30 years when cared for appropriately.

Pearly whites of Pearland provides instructions on how to maintain your dental restorations in appropriate condition by using special techniques when brushing and flossing. It is incredibly essential for you to follow the instructions of the dentist to ensure you don’t like tooth decay or periodontal disease to affect you. Visiting the Pearland dentist twice a year for examinations and cleanings helps increase dental restorations’ longevity. Adhering to the dentist’s advice makes it easier for you to care for the crowns or Bridges besides your existing teeth. However, you can rest assured the restorations will remain in your mouth until you forget you even have them.

Feel free to call our dentist near you at Pearly Whites of Pearland, to book an appointment. We also cater to patients living in Holloway Heights, Beltway Business Park, Swift Creek Drive, Ivory Terrace Lane, Hillhouse Road, Sunrise Meadow Drive, Cascade Falls Lane, Wickwood Drive, and in nearby communities.