Causes of Tooth Discomfort

Sensitivity often occurs when the dentin, or the underlying layer of your teeth, is exposed.  This allows food, drink or air to travel through the exposed dentin and down to the nerve in the center of the tooth, resulting in pain.  There are a number of factors that lead to irritated or sensitive teeth, such as:

• Improper brushing techniques: Using a hard bristle toothbrush or brushing too hard can wear down the enamel, which protects the dentin.
• Receding gums:  Improper brushing technique, and gum disease (periodontitis) can cause gums to pull away from the teeth and lead to sensitive exposed root surfaces.
• Teeth grinding or clenching jaws: Also known as bruxism, tooth grinding can fracture and wear away the enamel, exposing the  more sensitive dentin layer. In addition, the excessive forces applied to the tooth can inflame the nerve inside.
• Acidic foods: Citrus fruits, vegetables high in acids and tea can eat away at the tooth’s enamel.
• Trauma: Injuries or cracked teeth allow bacteria to attach to teeth and creep into the pulp, causing inflammation.
• Broken or damaged fillings or crowns
• Cavities

Treatment of Sensitive Teeth

Fortunately, there are many forms of treatments to reduce or prevent sensitive teeth. Some simple changes can make a big difference right away, like replacing your toothbrush with a soft bristle or an electric toothbrush. This helps control the pressure applied to teeth while you brush. Switching to desensitizing toothpaste can numb the pain, and fluoride mouthwash can help to protect tooth enamel. It’s also critical to practice good oral hygiene and attend regular dental visits with Dr. Kana and Dr. Patel.

Dr. Kana,  Dr. Patel and the dental professionals at The Dental Depot of Highland Village will conduct a thorough exam to determine the exact cause of your sensitive teeth and help you decide on a treatment plan. You don’t have to live with constant pain! Call us today to schedule an appointment at 972-966-1234.

Like adults, bacteria can grow in your child’s mouth and can progress into decay even before the first tooth erupts. Decay leads to cavities, and in severe cases of decay, such as abscesses and infection, your child could lose his baby teeth too early. From there, the effects are like a snowball quickly gathering speed. The gaps in your child’s mouth that are not yet supposed to be there can cause shifting of the other teeth, creating the future need of orthodontics, including space maintainers, braces and other appliances.

Head off future problems by practicing good dental hygiene. Wipe your baby’s gums after each feeding with a soft cloth, and teach your child how to brush at a young age, and then make sure he brushes every day. Even the best students sometimes run into trouble, but the good news is that consistent professional dental care can prevent future health issues. Bringing the family in for their checkups with Dr. Kana or Dr. Patel, routine cleanings with our Hygienists, x-rays and preventive treatments, such as sealants, can keep your child’s mouth healthy and pain-free. A healthy mouth leads to a happy kid, and in turn, happy parents! If you are ready to schedule your child’s first cleaning at The Dental Depot of Highland Village, please give us a call at 972-966-1234.

How it works

Two or more dental implants are inserted into precise areas of the jawbone. The bone is allowed to heal around the implant and an abutment, or attachment, is connected to the implant. The removable denture could then be snapped securely onto the abutment, sort of like a button, keeping the denture from slipping and moving around.
Benefits of Implant Supported Dentures
 Because they won’t move, studies show that implant supported dentures improve your chewing ability and help you speak more clearly.
 Implant Supported Denture wearers may be able to eat more types of food.
 Denture implants feel more comfortable and look more like natural teeth.
 One of the most compelling arguments for denture implants is the prevention of facial collapse, which occurs during the bone resorption process. When a tooth is missing or has been extracted, your body resorbs part of the jaw bone in order to use those minerals in other places in your body.

If you’re looking for a permanent solution to tooth loss, Dr. Kana, Dr. Patel and The Dental Depot of Highland Villages dental team can evaluate whether you would be a good candidate for implant supported dentures. Continued studies show success rates for denture implants are very high, and implant dentures could last a lifetime with proper care. Visit The Dental Depot of Highland Village to more about gaining back your confidence and restoring your smile.

Screening for Oral Cancer

Some harmless mouth sores, cuts, or lumps can mimic the appearance of pre-cancerous cells, but here are some things to clue the dentist in to something more serious:
 Unusual white or red spots or thickened lumps on the lips, tongue, gum, or palate
 Bleeding sores that won’t heal
 Discoloration of oral tissues
 A change in the way the teeth fit together
 Tenderness or numbness inside the mouth
 Irritation, hoarseness, difficulty with swallowing or chewing that doesn’t resolve within two weeks
The risk for oral cancer increases with tobacco or alcohol use, prolonged sun exposure on the lips and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Studies have shown that HPV can prompt changes to lesions in the back of palate or tip of the tongue.

Prevention

Knowing the risk factors and having regular dental visits are crucial in the fight against oral cancer. Dr. Kana, Dr. Patel and the Hygienist of The Dental Depot of Highland Village employ the most advanced procedures to ensure your oral health and well-being. Call today at 972-966-1234 to schedule your first visit or to check when you last came in for your recare appointment.

We know you have a choice when choosing a dentist or orthodontist in Highland Village/Flower Mound and we thank you for making Dental Depot your partner in good oral health!

If you have diabetes, make sure you take very good care of your mouth. Diabetes puts a person more at risk for mouth infections, especially gum (periodontal) disease. Gum disease can damage the gum and bone that hold your teeth in place and may lead to painful chewing problems. Some people with serious gum disease even lose their teeth. Gum disease may also make it hard to control your blood glucose (blood sugar). Dry mouth and a fungal infection called thrush are two other problems diabetes can cause. Dry mouth happens when you do not produce enough saliva, the fluid that keeps your mouth wet. Diabetes may also cause the glucose level in your saliva to increase. Together, these problems may lead to painful white patches in your mouth, which are caused by thrush.

By controlling your blood glucose, brushing and flossing every day, and visiting a dentist regularly, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy and even prevent periodontal (gum) disease. Also, if your diabetes is not under control, you are more likely to develop problems in your mouth.

Here are a few helpful hints:

1. Control your blood glucose

2. Brush and floss daily

3. Visit your dentist regularly, I recommend Dental Depot, and be sure to tell them that you have diabetes

4. If you have dentures and are experiencing problems tell your dentist

5. Other than the dangers we all know about, smoking makes gum disease worse. Save yourself the trouble and just quit smoking.

Be sure to check your mouth regularly for any problems. If you find any bleeding, dryness, soreness, white patches, or an abnormal bad taste, see your dentist for further action.

For more information on the subject please check out these websites:

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-dental-care-diabetes

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes/DA00013

http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/oral-health-and-hygiene/

Diabetic or not, I hope all my friends out there take good care of themselves and their smiles. As we all know, “A Great Smile will Take You a Long Way!”

We know you have a choice when choosing a dentist or orthodontist in Highland Village/Flower Mound and we thank you for making Dental Depot your partner in good oral health!

To curb a fear of something, one must understand it. So, what is a root canal? Simply put, a root canal is a treatment to repair and save a badly decayed or infected tooth. A root canal procedure involves removing the nerve and pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and finally sealing the inside of the tooth. Think of it simply as a filling inside the tooth instead of on top of the tooth. Without treatment, the tissue around the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.

The term “root canal” actually refers to the natural cavity within the center of the tooth. The soft area within the root canal is called the pulp or pulp chamber. The tooth’s nerve is also within the root canal.

Why does pulp and nerve need to be removed?

When a tooth’s pulp or nerve is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begins to grow within the tooth. The bacteria, along with other decayed debris, can cause an infection, or even an abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus filled pocket that forms at the ends of the tooth’s roots. In addition to an abscess, an infection in a root canal can also cause:

1. Swelling in the gums, and even spreading to the face, neck, or head.
2. Bone loss around the tip of the root.
3. A hole can be created in the side of the tooth with drainage leaking into the gums and even through the cheek into the skin.

What causes pulp or nerve damage in the first place?

The nerve and/or pulp can become inflamed, irritated, and infected due to several things. The most common causes are deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a single tooth, large fillings, a crack/chip in the tooth, or trauma to the face.

How do you know you need a root canal?

Some of the common signs that a root canal procedure may be needed are:

- Severe toothache when chewing or applying pressure.
- Extended sensitivity or pain to hot or cold temperatures.
- A darkening of the tooth, discoloration.
- Swelling and/or tenderness in the nearby gums.
- A reoccurring pimple on the gums.

How much pain is involved?

Root canals have a long standing reputation of being very painful, but actually most patients compare it to a filling, which is minimal pain.

For a few days after the procedure there may be sensitivity due to natural tissue inflammation, especially if there was pain and infection before the procedure. Most patients control this with simple over-the-counter medications and prescribed antibiotics. Most return to normal activities the next day.

Are there any alternatives?

Saving the natural teeth is always the best option, if possible. The only alternative is to extract the tooth and replace it with either a bridge, implant, or a removable denture to restore chewing function and prevent other teeth from shifting. These alternatives are not only more expensive, but also require more treatment time and additional procedures to adjacent teeth and supporting tissues.

Prevention

Prevention is very simple in theory; brush twice a day, floss at least once a day, and see your dentist regularly. Also, when playing sports, remember to where a mouth guard to avoid trauma.

I hope you never need a root canal procedure, but if you do, remember it is nothing to fear. We are here for you.

We know you have a choice when choosing a dentist or orthodontist in Highland Village/Flower Mound and we thank you for making Dental Depot your partner in good oral health!

—Wikipedia

Often incorrectly called TMJ, temporomandibular joint disorder is basically the swelling of the temporomandibular joint.

Where is the TMJ?

Put your fingers just in front of your ears and clench your teeth, then open your mouth wide. The movement you feel is the TMJ.

How does the TMJ work?

Every time you bite down you put force on both the object between your teeth and the joint. Using physics, it can be explained like this: the jaw is the lever and the TMJ is the fulcrum. Because the forces of chewing need to be distributed over a wide surface, to avoid injury, more force is applied to the TMJ than to the object being chewed. This is possible thanks to the cartilage between the bones, which provides a smooth surface for the joint to freely slide with little friction.

What are some signs or symptoms of TMJD?

• Biting or chewing difficulty or discomfort
• Clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening and closing the mouth
• Dull, aching pain in the face
• Earache, especially in the morning
• Headache, especially in the morning
• Hearing loss
• Migraine, especially in the morning
• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Reduced ability to open and close the mouth
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Dizziness
• Tinnitus (hearing things that are not there)

I know earache seems a little strange for a jaw disorder, but because of the location of the TMJ, the pain can often be mistaken for an earache.

What are some causes of TMJD?

There are many factors that place strain on the TMJ. Here are a few of them:

• Bruxism (repetitive unconscious clenching or grinding of the teeth, often at night)
• Trauma
• Misalignment of the top and bottom teeth due to restorative procedures
• Jaw thrusting
• Excessive gum chewing or nail biting
• Size of food bites
• Lack of overbite

Treatment

Make an appointment with your dentist, at Dental Depot of course. Be sure to explain to the dentist all of the symptoms you are experiencing so they can make an accurate diagnosis.

How can I relieve the pain until I can see a dentist?

The best thing to do is take the recommended dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) at the recommended increments until you can get a dental appointment. Remember, at Dental Depot emergencies are always seen the same day. Also, not only are we open during normal business hours, but also Saturdays 8:00AM-12:ooPM.

If after reading this you think you may have TMJD, please make an appointment over the phone, or in the case of an emergency just come in to an office. We would love to help.

We know you have a choice when choosing a dentist or orthodontist in Highland Village/Flower Mound and we thank you for making Dental Depot your partner in good oral health!