Is Deep Dental Cleaning Necessary?

You may think deep cleaning is something you must do yourself carefully. However, it is a procedure that needs to be performed by a dentist or a dental hygienist. This procedure may become necessary for those who have gum disease or periodontal disease. A deep cleaning may also be recommended if the person hasn’t had a regular dental checkup for a long while. In this blog, we will learn about deep dental cleaning and whether it is a necessity. 

What Is Deep Teeth Cleaning?

Dental professionals call it by the name gum scaling and root planing. It is a dental procedure in which not only the teeth and gums are cleaned but also down to the roots. It differs from a standard dental cleaning during regular dental checkups. In a standard dental cleaning, the dentist will clean the teeth’ front, back and sides above the gumline. In deep teeth cleaning, the same processes are performed. But in addition to it, the dentist also cleans the root of the tooth below the gum line to remove the plaque and tartar that has accumulated over time between the root of the teeth and gums. The presence of gum disease makes the space between the teeth and gums open up, leading to the accumulation of plaque and tartar. 

Deep cleaning usually requires two visits. During the first appointment, gum scaling will be performed, and in the second appointment, root planing will be performed. The dentist may administer local anesthesia to numb the mouth during both of these procedures. You will have to go for follow-up visits to ensure the healing process is taking place properly, as expected. 

Is a Thorough Cleaning Required?

The dentist may recommend deep teeth cleaning depending on your oral health. The dentist will examine your teeth and gums if the dentist finds out that the gum disease has progressed beyond a point or if gingivitis has led to the pulling away from the teeth. Gingivitis can create pockets or spaces that are more than five millimeters deep, and deep teeth cleaning is prescribed as a procedure that is done right before the need for periodontal surgery. Gingivitis, if left untreated, could affect the bone and supporting structures of the teeth and cause tooth loss. Deep teeth cleaning is crucial in limiting the progression of gingivitis gum disease.

How Is Deep Cleaning Carried Out?

The deep teeth cleaning process is carried out in two stages. The first stage is gum or periodontal scaling and the second stage is root planing. The dentist may use either electric or ultrasonic instruments or a manual scaling tool. The dentist may even use a combination of both tools. The first visit is for the scaling of teeth, whereas the second visit is for root planing. During the teeth scaling, tartar and plaque are removed from below the gum line. However, in the root planing procedure, the tooth’s root is cleaned and smoothened. Thus the gums can be reattached to the tooth, and the size of the pockets can be reduced, thus limiting the possibility of unhealthy plaque build-up. A scaling instrument is used for removing plaque and tartar from the roots of the teeth. Thus deep cleaning plays a crucial role in preventing gum diseases from worsening and avoids the need for surgery or any other extensive dental procedures. 

What Happens After a Deep Cleaning Procedure?

It would be best if you were extra careful with your teeth and gums. It would be best if you tried to keep them as clean as possible. Do not forget to take any medications as prescribed by the dentist. You should always remember that extensive treatment may be required if deep cleaning cannot reverse the course of gingivitis progression.

Summary

Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best way to avoid deep teeth cleaning procedures. Brushing twice a day, flossing regularly and going for regular dental checkups at least twice a year can prevent you from getting affected with cavities, gum disease or periodontal disease etc. Consult the dentist for any questions regarding the importance of deep teeth cleaning, and make sure you attend follow-up appointments to enjoy healthy teeth and gums.    

8 Crucial Benefits of Replacing Teeth with Dental Implants

Having missing teeth can be a traumatic experience for many. A missing tooth can transform your facial aesthetics and significantly impact your self-esteem and confidence. Leaving the gap left by missing teeth untreated can also lead to drifting adjacent teeth. It can also impact our chewing, speaking, and eating abilities. Finding a tooth replacement is the only way to restore the functionality of the teeth. Even though various tooth restoration options, such as dental bridges, dentures, and crowns, are available, dental implants are the most popular among all.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a prosthetic replacement for a missing tooth. Implants can be used for replacing not only a single tooth but also several adjacent teeth and a row of missing teeth in a jaw. In the implant process, an artificial tooth root is inserted into the jaw bone, and a dental crown will be anchored above the implant to replace the area of missing teeth. The amount of bone available plays an important role in deciding the number of implants that can be placed.

Why are they a popular option for teeth replacement?

  • With implants, patients can experience predictable outcomes such as restoring the functionality of the teeth, retrieving the chewing ability and speech ability, and improving the overall facial aesthetics. Furthermore, it gives patients the confidence to smile and engage in social activities.
  • Implants also protect the remaining healthy bone after a tooth extraction procedure is completed.
  • It preserves the adjacent teeth since tooth preparation is not required for dental implants.
  • It is also resistant to cavities since implants do not decay, similar to natural teeth.

What is the best time for dental implants?

You need to consult a dentist providing dental implant services to know whether you are eligible for dental implants or not. Still, you may be a good candidate for dental implants if you have one or more missing teeth. If you presently have a dental bridge needing replacement, you could be eligible for dental implants. If you currently have dentures slipping too often, it may be the best time for dental implants. Furthermore, dental implants are an ideal replacement for your missing teeth if you are experiencing bite problems or pain due to a missing tooth.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

  • Dental implants resemble, feel and function like a natural tooth. 
  • If maintained properly, dental implants can prove to be long-lasting and reliable.
  • Dental implants that are properly taken care of have high success rates compared to other conventional forms of tooth restoration options. Implants can be successful, especially for people in good health.
  • The implants are anchored in the jawbone, similar to your natural teeth. Concerning time, implants will be able to preserve the jawbone and thus significantly minimizing bone resorption. You can also eat the food of your choice and can speak clearly with dental implants. 
  • There is no need to prepare the adjacent teeth similar to what is being done in other tooth restoration options. Thus the adjacent teeth are preserved with the help of dental implants.
  • Implants are a permanent tooth restoration option as opposed to a removable prosthesis.
  • Dental implants are cost-effective.
  • Dental implants increase the confidence and self-esteem of the person who has suffered from low self-esteem due to missing teeth earlier.

What are the do’s and don’t after dental implants?

The Do’s

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once after meals.
  • Make use of a soft-bristled toothbrush specifically designed for cleaning the implant teeth. 
  • Make use of unwaxed floss to reduce the possibility of gingivitis and bleeding.
  • Do not eat sugary snacks, which may result in the formation of plaque.
  • Ensure that fruits and vegetables are sliced into smaller pieces before beginning to eat so that the strength of the implanted teeth can be protected.
  • Schedule regular dental visits for detailed examination and cleanings. 

The Don’ts

  • You should not suck through straws right after surgery.
  • Avoid smoking since it can cause various types of dental problems.
  • Do not open packs, cans, or bottles using the implant teeth.
  • Avoid hard or crunchy foods immediately after the completion of surgery.
  • Avoid sugary, sticky, and gummy foods. 

Dental implants not only replace your missing teeth but also restores the functionality of your teeth. It helps you to smile confidently, chew smoothly, and speak properly.

Why Should You Prefer In-Office Teeth Whitening?

Your teeth may get stained or discolored due to various reasons. Drinking certain beverages and smoking make your teeth look stained and dull. Similarly, excessive chewing can lead to minor cracks in the enamel of your teeth over time. The leftover food in your mouth may accumulate within these cracks and could stain the surface of your teeth. Modern dentistry has many treatment methods for resolving staining or discoloration of the teeth.

Therefore, you need not worry about having low self-esteem or confidence because of your unattractive teeth. In-office professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment method performed by a qualified dentist in Kingwood for whitening your teeth. This blog will discuss why you should prefer in-office teeth whitening and not over-the-counter teeth whitening kits. 

In-Office Teeth Whitening Is Performed By A Qualified Dentist

By going for in-office teeth whitening, your teeth are safe in the hands of a qualified professional Kingwood dentist who has the right expertise and knowledge about whitening your teeth. However, by going for teeth whitening kits available from stores, the risk is all yours, and you may not know the proper way of using or applying them. Damage to the teeth may occur if you do not do the teeth bleaching process as instructed. 

Dentists Can Help Determine Whether Teeth Whitening Is Right For You Or Not

The dentist in Kingwood will determine whether you are eligible for teeth whitening or not before going ahead with the procedure. Not everyone is eligible for teeth whitening. Some dental issues suggest that teeth whitening may put their dental health at risk. By relying on over-the-counter teeth whitening kits, you may not be aware of its compatibility in whitening your teeth and the risk involved. For example, people who already have veneers, dentures and crowns may not see any difference even after teeth whitening. By consulting a professional dentist for teeth whitening, they may be able to determine the proper procedure for you. They may be able to maintain the correct evenness and natural shade of whiteness in the teeth. 

Quick And Effective Results

Time is yet another advantage of a dentist’s professional in-office teeth whitening. It is because at-home teeth whitening kits may take days, weeks, or even months to see a small amount of difference in the shades of your teeth. However, you can achieve better results within a few hours of treatment by a Kingwood dentist. So if you want to have your teeth whitened for a special event, then professional in-office teeth whitening will be the best for you. 

In-office teeth whitening by a dentist is pain-free but also safe and risk-free. By going to a dentist, you can be relaxed knowing that you are in the right hands and that they know what to do and how to do the procedure. If you want to remove stains from your teeth or experience whiter teeth shades, schedule an appointment with the best dentist in Kingwood providing affordable yet top-notch teeth whitening treatment.

Why are in-office teeth whitening reliable, efficient, and effective?

Professional teeth whitening is becoming an ultimate choice for people having stained or discolored teeth. Even though there are over-the-counter teeth whitening kits available in the market, none can provide quick and instant results as the in-office teeth whitening from a dental office does. You can experience whitening effects instantly compared to at-home teeth whitening kits that produce results after several days, weeks, or even months. In addition, you can be confident that your teeth whitening Kingwood process is taken care of by a qualified and certified dentist who knows what to do and how to do it. Usually, a change in the color of the teeth can be witnessed within one hour of the teeth whitening procedure. However, more dental visits may be required if the patient is looking for optimal whiteness for their teeth. 

Reasons for Stains In Teeth

Teeth can become stained due to a wide variety of reasons. Tea, coffee, and acidic beverages such as soda can easily cause stains on the teeth. Smoking can also cause the teeth to become yellowish in appearance. The teeth can naturally become darker as we age. Even the presence of any infections or disease can cause discoloration of the teeth. Teeth whitening is an ideal solution for people with stained teeth due to any of the problems mentioned above. 

Dentist Will Check Your Eligibility First

Even if you go to a dental office to undergo teeth whitening, the dentist will determine whether you are eligible for the treatment or not. For example, the whitening of a tooth may look unnatural, especially if the person has already undergone tooth-colored fillings. At times, the dentist determines that a professional dental cleaning may be all that is required to make your teeth look clean and bright. During the dental cleaning process, the dentist removes the plaque and tartar that have accumulated between the teeth and gum line, thus making your teeth clean and healthy. 

The Procedure

After making the teeth clean and if teeth whitening Kingwood is still required for you, the dentist will show you different shades of whiteness that can be achieved using the teeth whitening procedure. The dentist will determine, along with you, the best shade of white that is proper for you. Before beginning the teeth whitening procedure, the dentist will polish the teeth to ensure the stains on the tooth surface are removed. The teeth that will be whitened will be isolated using a thin sheet of latex or a special gel that provides a seal around the teeth. The tooth whitener or bleaching gel is then applied to the teeth in the right proportion and under a controlled environment so that the soft tissues are not damaged. It is then left for achieving the desired results. The dentist will use a laser or light source to activate the bleaching agent. 

By undergoing teeth whitening Kingwood treatment, you can have a white shade of teeth for a long time. It can also boost a person’s self-esteem. Schedule an appointment with your nearest cosmetic dentist in Kingwood to determine whether teeth whitening is right for you.

Preventative Dental Treatment in Kingwood

For healthy teeth and a beautiful smile, preventative care is essential. Instruction, treatment, and proper oral hygiene routine are part of preventive dental treatments. Cavities, enamel wear, and gingivitis are all prevented with these procedures. Schedule an appointment with a Kingwood dentist. 

Dental Treatments for Preventive Care

A Comprehensive Oral Exam: 

The dentist will perform a comprehensive oral examination during your dental appointment, which may include any of the following:

Oral Cancer Screening:

The dentist will look for signs of oral cancer in the areas of your neck, lips, tongue, face, throat, gums, and tissues.

X-rays (radiographs) diagnose tumors, cysts, decay, and bone loss. Dentists also use X-rays to locate roots and teeth during surgeries.

Gum disease examination:

Your dentist may perform a periodontal disease examination on the gums and bones surrounding your teeth.

Recent restorations will also be examined for possible defects if you have had fillings, crowns, or implants.

Cleansing and Oral Hygiene

Dental cleaning is usually included as part of preventative dental treatment.

Plaque is a slimy, pale film of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. The bacteria are toxic, and unless they are removed, they can lead to cavities and gum inflammation.

Tartar removal:

Tartar is a calcified plaque that forms on the tooth’s surface. It usually develops beneath or above the gum line and can only be removed using specialized dental tools.

Teeth polishing:

When performed by a qualified dentist, polishing removes stains and plaque from the teeth, making them appear cleaner.

Dental Sealants 

Dental sealants can help protect your teeth from decay if they are applied correctly. A dental sealant is a thin sheet of plastic applied to the grooves of the teeth, most commonly the back teeth, because they are used for chewing. The sealant protects food debris and bacteria that cause tooth cavities.

The dentist will use air abrasion to remove stains to clean your teeth thoroughly. It only takes 30 minutes to an hour to apply dental sealants. After that, the teeth’s surface will be abraded to ensure that the sealant adheres well to it.

The sealant will be applied to the grooves after drying the teeth’ surface. The dentist will then harden the sealant, fusing it solidly to the teeth for maximum protection, using a laser or ultraviolet light. When the sealant passes the dentist’s final examination, the procedure is complete.

Education on Home Care

Preventing oral health issues necessitates at-home care. Your health depends on your oral health. The Kingwood dentist will discuss what oral hygiene measures you should take at home during your appointments.

Treatment of Fluoride

Fluoride is a cost-effective way to keep your teeth and gums healthy in the future, avoiding costly procedures. Fluoride strengthens teeth by remineralizing deteriorated areas of the enamel. Prevent tooth decay; it also prevents bacteria from producing acids.

Fluoride treatment can be completed in just one dental visit.

Please contact our dental office in Kingwood, TX, if you have any additional questions or concerns, and our Kingwood staff will be happy to assist you.

Dentures: Definition & Benefits

Dentures may be the best solution if you have missing teeth. They can assist you in regaining your confidence and feeling at ease in social situations. Continue reading to learn more! All of your inquiries about dentures have been answered by our dentists at Floss Dental Of Kingwood.

What Are Dentures?

Before moving on to the next step, we need to determine which Kingwood dentist made your dentures. As quickly as possible, get your dentures! The majority of these are false teeth used to fill up gaps caused by tooth loss. They are put into your mouth and are attached to a metal frame. They help you regain your old functionality and get back to your routine. They resemble your actual teeth in appearance and feel. As a result, these appliances are both cost-effective and functional.

Benefits Of Dentures

Dentures give many dental health benefits. For a better understanding, your dentist in Kingwood has listed them underneath.

Better Quality Of Life

Periodontitis is one of the primary causes of tooth loss and poor overall health in the elderly. The advantages of dentures do not end there. When you wear dentures made of high-quality materials manufactured by skilled dental care professionals, you can reduce inflammation while alleviating the irritation of poorly fitting or constructed dentures. You’ll be able to live a happier, more vibrant life with increased chewing comfort and oral health.

Better Dental Health

A lack of teeth can cause many oral health issues. Dentures can help you lower your chance of developing dental problems like gum disease. To protect their jawbone against tooth loss, many patients choose implant-supported dentures.

Helps Look Younger

Dentures can help keep the shape of your face and prevent sagging cheeks and lips. They keep your face looking full and give you a natural-looking smile. Dentures from your Kingwood dentist can fill in the gaps and give you a huge smile you’ve always wanted, whether you’re missing a few teeth or a complete arch.

No Problems While Eating Or Speaking

Speaking and eating can be challenging when teeth are absent. You won’t have to worry about speech difficulties with high-quality dentures, and you’ll be able to talk freely. You won’t have to worry about your dentures sliding or slipping out while eating your favorite dishes. Consult your dentist in Kingwood for more information.

Easy To Take Care Of

Dentures are relatively simple to clean. It is recommended to brush them every day, soak them overnight, and remove and clean them after each meal. These three suggestions can help keep your dentures in good condition for many years.

Improved Confidence

Self-esteem might be harmed by tooth loss. On the other hand, natural-looking dentures can help you reclaim a gorgeous smile that you want to show off! If you didn’t have to settle for a self-conscious smile, that would be ideal.

We hope this blog has helped you to learn more about dentures. Get in touch with us at Floss Dental for the best dentures in Kingwood, TX.

Is Oral Sedation Effective During Dental Treatments?

Managing patients who are nervous about their dental visit is a big challenge and so using sedation in this situation can be very successful. Several drugs are used in the sedation method which is found to be effective in treating anxiety in older patients. In Dentistry, the use of oral sedation is very common.

The oral sedation dentistry process involves taking sedative drugs through oral passage. Oral sedation also helps to make local anesthesia more effective. Doctors use this process to improve the dental experience of a patient and also to reduce patient anxiety.

The sedation cycle is successful for patients as it makes the patient cooperative and comfortable. The technique is also very useful in older patients, as diagnosis and clinical process management for older adults is very important in dentistry.

How effective is it?

Normally, many people avoid going to dentists in fear of pain and therefore, oral sedation helps people get the treatment without any trouble. This includes using oral pills that will ultimately help the patients relax in the dentistry.

In dentistry, oral sedation procedure is very effective in making the patient feel relaxed and in increasing the patient’s cooperation. Evidence has also shown that the procedure is very successful in patients with autism, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other conditions of this type. Oral sedation is affordable for both the patient and the doctors when compared with other sedation forms.

Things you should know

The active oral sedation strategy requires the use of more than one oral sedative to induce a relaxed state of the patient’s central nervous system. For dentistry, several oral sedation strategies are available to help the dentists make direct contact with the patients throughout the sedation cycle.

The sedation procedure can affect people who use other medications for health conditions, but it is successful for the vast majority of patients who are afraid to visit the doctors. The sedation process is widely accepted among patients, as it helps to reduce the passing time sensation.

In case the doctors are trying to manage a complicated and critical condition during the very first sitting, this is very helpful. This method is also very successful because they help to prevent tooth muscle stiffening or sore formation due to sitting for a prolonged period of time. However, it is necessary to regulate the sedatives taken by the patients, so that there is no risk of side effects at the sedation bond.

You wouldn’t want to choose just any dentist for oral sedation given the possible side effects and not every dentist is approved for sedation in the first place. Thus, to get an authorized sedation dentist near you in Kingwood TX, tap here.

Why You Should Choose A Dentist For Your Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most common procedures in cosmetic dentistry today. But why do so many patients still choose a dentist for their teeth whitening when they can easily purchase over-the-counter whitening products and whiten their teeth at the comfort of their home?

The answer is simple: a dentist’s supervision brings about a lot of added perks that make professional teeth whitening produce unmatched results. There are whitening kits at the counter in all forms- from toothpaste to gels but the solution used by a dentist can only be found in his clinic.

Thus, without further ado, the following are 4 reasons to choose professional teeth whitening over over-the-counter whitening kits:

1. Faster results

This may come as a shocker but it’s true! You must be aware that the teeth whitening products that you buy over the counter take weeks and sometimes months to whiten your teeth. However, a dentist can whiten your teeth in HOURS! To be precise, it usually takes 2 hours for a dentist to whiten your teeth.

2. Better results

Often, commercial whitening products leave behind white spots on your teeth. With a dentist taking care of your teeth whitening, you don’t have to worry about that and to top that off, you get a consistent white set of teeth. Furthermore, professional teeth whitening can produce shades that are much whiter than those produced by over-the-counter whitening products.

3. Expert supervision

Why do people choose restaurants? Because the food is better. How is the food made better? The food is made better by experienced chefs, the specific use of spices, and professional equipment. That’s exactly how you can get better teeth whitening at the dentist’s clinic than what you’d get at home.

It is for this same reason why your teeth whitening process would be absolutely safe, which brings us to the next point.

4. Safety

There are numerous cases of teeth whitening disasters that you can read on the internet. Infections and allergies have sometimes made permanent damage to a consumer’s facial features. These are not issues at all when you choose a professional dentist for your teeth whitening.

But how can you trust a dentist to be reliable enough? So, let’s choose a dentist who is a member of the ADA. How? Click here to get the best dentist near you in Kingwood TX for teeth whitening.

Are Dental Implants Worth It?

You may know by now that dental implants are one of the more expensive dental procedures in dentistry. However, dental implants are worth it. This is reflected by how increasingly popular dental implants are becoming. Each year, 500,00 people get dental implants in the USA alone.

Why are dental implants becoming so popular, though? The main reasons why dental implants are becoming so much popular owing to their benefits. Dental implants have an upper hand over other dental restorations in every aspect.

If you’re one of those concerned patients wondering if dental implants are worth it, these following benefits of dental implants would help you make your mind:

Strength

Dental implants are made of titanium. Titanium is the strongest alloy in the world. This is why dental implants are the strongest dental restoration for a missing tooth.

Naturalistic

Dental implants look and feel completely natural. They perfectly resemble your natural teeth and feel completely natural once they’ve healed. You’d rather forget that you have a missing natural tooth!

Low-key maintenance

Dental implants do not require too much aftercare. Once you get them, you can just brush and floss them just as you would with your natural teeth. This is one of the major reasons why in the long run, dental implants prove to be less expensive as compared to dentures.

Permanence 

Dental implants can last a lifetime. It’s a permanent restoration solution to a missing tooth. As a matter of fact, dental implants can stop the bone recession and make your surrounding teeth last longer as well!

Better oral health

Dental implants, unlike your natural teeth, are immune to cavities. Furthermore, dental implants can even stop cavities from spreading from one tooth to the other, by acting as an immune barrier.

The rare complications that arise from dental implants are due to unhealthy gums and insufficient jawbone to support the implants. Only the best dentist would have a thorough consultation with you regarding these factors before proceeding with dental implants. You can get the best dental implants dentist in Kingwood TX near you!

Common Signs That You Need A Root Canal

A root canal treatment is related to a condition called ‘pulpitis’. Pulpitis is a condition in which the pulp of a tooth, which is the innermost layer of a tooth beneath the enamel and the dentin, gets infected.

This infection is caused by a bacterial infection that has been either unnoticed or left untreated for too long. Over time, the infection has penetrated the enamel and the dentin to infect the pulp of the tooth.

An infection like dental caries or decay that occur on the surface of the tooth can be easy to cure. However, since pulpitis occurs deep within the tooth, a surgical procedure like a root canal is necessary. The following are the 7 signs that you need a root canal treatment.

1. A toothache that keeps getting worse 

When you have pulpitis, you’re bound to experience a lot of pain due to the underlying infection. The bacteria feast within your tooth, to cause a lot of damage and decay within. You’d experience that only particular toothaches regularly and severely. However, toothaches can occur due to several reasons and you should rather look for the other symptoms alongside it to suspect pulpitis.

2. Fever 

Toothache with fever is not very usual. You get a fever when your body raises its temperature to fight off infections. Thus, if you have a toothache and a fever, you’d better look for a dentist near you, today!

3. Swollen lymph nodes 

Lymph nodes release lymphatic fluids that fight off bacteria and viruses from the body. With an infection as severe as pulpitis, these lymph nodes become hyperactive and subsequently swell up.

4. Bad breath (Halitosis)

If you brush and floss your teeth daily and still have bad breath, you should be considered. The foul smell comes from the bacteria within your mouth. Thus, when you have washed and rinsed your mouth thoroughly and still have bad breath, it may be because the bacteria is within your tooth.

This is also why you may experience a persistent bad taste in your mouth.

5. Bleeding gums 

This is a sign of severe pulpitis that has already surpassed its limits. Did you spit and spot blood in it and have no idea where the blood came from? Or are your gums bleeding and you don’t know why? Either way, it means something is really wrong and you must waste no time in contacting your dentist.

6. Increased sensitivity in a specific tooth

Since the pulp of the tooth is infected, it damages the nerve endings, thereby weakening them. These weakened nerves become more susceptible to heat, cold, touch or even anything sweet.

Root canal treatment is the most viable cure to an infected pulp. Having gone through the signs, if you still suspect that you have pulpitis, get a dental consultation for a root canal treatment, today. In Kingwood TX, you can get the best endodontist in town for your root canal treatment.