4/20/2015 3:47:00 PM |
There are plenty of rumors surrounding
root canals, but the
procedure itself really isn’t as scary as it sounds. Modern technology has
allowed dental procedures to be performed in a way that ensures patient
comfort, and if you’re thinking you need a root canal, there are a few signs to
look out for.
Pain: If you are
experiencing light to extreme pain in your jaw while you eat, drink, or change
posture, this could be a sign of serious tooth decay. The pain can linger for
seconds or minutes and may occur randomly or due to a stimulus.
Gum tenderness: When
a tooth becomes infected, the gums may begin to swell around the tooth and
become tender. A pimple-like boil may also surface on the gums, which is a sign
of decay.
A root canal will be performed if your dentist determines
that the tooth can be saved. It’s always best to preserve the natural tooth,
and once the root canal is complete, your tooth will return to its original
strength and functionality.
If a root canal is a possibility for you, your dentist will
check the following:
X-rays: An x-ray
will be able to target problem teeth and show the extent of any damage. Your
dentist will use an x-rays to determine whether the tooth can be saved with a
root canal.
Darkened teeth or
nerve exposure: A tooth that has darkened in color is a sign that the
nerves of the tooth have been damaged. Damaged nerves will indicate that a root
canal is needed. Likewise, if the nerves of the tooth are exposed, the tissue is
beginning to degenerate and needs proper treatment.
Gum swelling: Your
dentist will check the gums for swelling, which will indicate whether a tooth
is infected. Your dentist will check the gums during an initial dental
examination.
Your dentist will also perform a number of tests to determine
whether you need a root canal procedure.
Call Us Today!
If you are experiencing dental pain, Drs. Jaime and Eliud
Villarreal provide
root canal therapy for patients in Rock Wall. Please contact
Lakeshore Dental for further information.
4/8/2015 3:04:00 PM |
When considering a cosmetic procedure, it is important to
know the differences between certain products. If you are interested in
veneers, you are probably curious about the difference between traditional
porcelain laminates and Lumineers. Both are capable of repairing tooth
imperfections as well as straightening or lengthening teeth, but the two
veneer-types definitely have their differences.
Lumineers are thinner: Lumineers are about the size of a contact
lens and are thinner than traditional veneers for the purpose of more seamless placement
and a natural look.
Traditional veneers
are better for extreme dental work: Patients who need extreme cosmetic
work, such as the closing of large gaps of space between teeth, benefit more
from traditional veneers due to the fact that they thicker and more durable.
Lumineers are
minimally invasive: Since Lumineers are made of thinner porcelain, they
require less preparation to the natural tooth before the veneers are applied.
This also means that Lumineers do not require temporaries during the waiting
period while they’re being crafted.
Traditional veneers
are more flexible: The flexibility of traditional veneers allows them to be
easily molded to precisely fit the structure of an individual smile. Patients
looking for instant-orthodontic work would benefit from a traditional veneer’s
ability to form to their smile.
Lumineers are
removable: Unlike traditional veneers (which are permanent) Lumineers can
be removed and re-applied over time, giving patients more options concerning
the structure of their smile. Lumineers can also be placed quickly – usually in
just two dental appointments.
Call Us Today!
The best way to determine which veneers will suit you the
best is to contact your dental health professional.
At Lakeshore Dental, we offer Lumineers veneers for patients
looking to improve their smiles. To find out whether Lumineers are right for
you, or to schedule a consultation with us in Rockwall, contact Drs. Jamie and
Eliud Villarreal today!
3/26/2015 9:50:00 AM |
Dentures are an affordable solution for replacing missing
teeth and have the ability to restore a natural smile’s original functionality.
However, adjusting to your new
dentures can be quite challenging and the
prosthetic can take some getting used to.
If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort from your new
dentures, it is important to contact your dentist right away. But if you’re
simply becoming accustomed to your new set of teeth, there are some things you
can do.
Practice in front of
a mirror: The biggest challenge denture wearers face when adjusting to
their dentures is speaking and smiling. It may be awkward to move your mouth in
certain positions, causing some slurred speech when pronouncing words. To help
with this, stand in front of a mirror and practice saying certain words along
with moving your mouth into those awkward positions. As you practice, you will
become more comfortable speaking with your new teeth.
Try a denture
adhesive: Since dentures simply rest atop the gum line, they can sometimes
slip out of place. To avoid any mishaps, try using a denture adhesive. The
cream is applied to the underside of the denture and helps keep dentures in
their proper place. The adhesive also acts as a sealant and keeps food
particles and debris at bay.
Chew small foods at
first: Chewing with new dentures can prove to be challenging. In order to
become more comfortable eating, start out with smaller, softer foods that are
easier to chew and then gradually work your way up to tougher foods. Eating
foods such as eggs and yogurt is a good start, but avoid sticky or crunchy
foods until you are completely comfortable.
Persevere: The
purpose of dentures is to function like natural teeth and in order to do that,
you have to practice and continually work toward becoming comfortable with your
false teeth. So don’t give up and be patient – in time, you will be smiling,
eating, and speaking just as you would with natural teeth.
Call Us Today!
12/11/2014 5:33:00 PM |
We're excited to announce the official launch of our Lakeshore Dental blog.
We'll be posting helpful dental tips, news from the dental
industry, news from our practice, and more about the latest in dentistry.
We built our practice on the notion that we're there for our
patients when they need us and we want our online presence to be a reflection
of that principle. We hope this blog provides an extra level of service to our
current and future patients.
If you would like to stay up to date on the latest from Lakeshore Dental, simply
click the RSS “Subscribe to feed” link located on our website and
subscribe. Our subscribers will be updated when we make a new blog post.
Here's to your best oral health ever!