Struggling with Dental Problems? Here Are Your Solutions

Many people are afraid of visiting the dentist; however, most of these fears are based upon old concepts of dentistry. There are several methods that are used these days to lessen pain and discomfort.

For children, family dentists and pediatric dentists are specially trained to put children’s fears at ease. Consider these solutions to the most common dental issues.

Bad Breath

Most people that suffer from halitosis do so because of a dental condition. Bad breath can be caused by a dry mouth, gum disease, cavities, bacteria on the tongue and other issues. Many people opt for mouthwash and mints, but these solutions are short-lived.

Visiting a dentist can help to get at the root of the problem to effectively treat it.

Teeth Whitening

Among one of the most sought-after procedures is teeth whitening. Teeth can incur intrinsic and extrinsic stains.

Extrinsic stains can be relatively easy to remedy with at-home methods of teeth whitening; however, this depends on their severity. Intrinsic stains can be especially difficult to impossible to whiten without the help of a dentist.

Because of years of staining, it can be difficult to ascertain whether stains are intrinsic or extrinsic. A dentist will know for sure. With a dentist, teeth whitening can occur effectively in less than an hour. It can take weeks of at-home methods to accomplish what a dentist can do in an hour.

Tooth Decay

Many people get cavities. However, very few people know that everyone gets cavities at different rates.

Some people have thicker saliva than others. While remaining hydrated affects how thick saliva is, it is not the only reason. People have different saliva because of genetics. The thicker the saliva, the more likely a person is to develop plaque and tartar.


Some people can get by with brushing twice a day while others have to brush more frequently. To be safe, brush three times a day. Floss frequently too. Visit a dentist to fill cavities before they get worse.

Tooth Erosion

Another downside to trying at-home methods of teeth whitening is tooth erosion. However, there are other causes of tooth erosion.

Anytime anyone drinks or eats something acidic, it eats at the outer portion of the teeth. People end up experiencing a greater amount of sensitivity and incur other problems, such as teeth stains and cavities.

Swish water around the mouth after eating and drinking. Avoid brushing or flossing immediately after eating or drinking to prevent further erosion.

Less-than-perfect Smiles

Some people are troubled by their smiles. Whether their teeth are crooked or are otherwise unsightly, there are methods for correcting a less-than-perfect smile.

Visiting an orthodontist can help to align teeth; however, many people opt for veneers. Cosmetic dentists frequently help people with full or partial veneers. Veneers are placed on the exterior of the teeth and can help adjust the appearance of teeth that are discolored, missing or are out of place.

Once dental problems are addressed, maintaining a healthy mouth becomes the priority. Do this by regularly visiting a dentist, drinking plenty of water, chewing sugarless gum, brushing two to three times a day and flossing the same amount or as needed. Problems can be easily fixed these days, but it’s far better to prevent problems from occurring.

If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care. Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal. Call today for an appointment. Visit http://www.mychandlerdentists.com/.

Healthy Teeth Equals Healthy Heart

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Your oral health can play a significant part in the overall health of your body and, in particular, your heart health. 

A number of studies indicate that poor dental hygiene can be associated with a number of health conditions. 

The link between poor dental hygiene and heart disease has been confirmed a number of times. Family dentists can help to ensure your overall health through good dental hygiene. 

If you want to maintain a healthy heart throughout your life, commit to daily dental care and seeing your dentist regularly.

Bacteria and Your Heart Health

Studies suggest that bacteria from the mouth can move into the bloodstream and cause changes in C-reactive protein, a marker associated with inflammation of the blood vessels. This inflammation can increase the risk for heart disease and stroke. 

Evidence indicates that this bacterium is linked to endocarditis, an infection of the lining of the heart muscle, and other health problems. Rigorous dental hygiene can help to reduce the amount of bacteria that enters the bloodstream to prevent these health issues.

Gum Disease and Your Heart

The neglect of dental hygiene often lead to periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease. Some studies indicate that missing teeth and gum disease are linked to coronary artery disease, stroke and clogged arteries in the legs. Taking care of your teeth daily can help to reduce the risk of gum disease and associated health problems.

Healthy Eating

Bacteria are not the only enemy of heart health. Eating a healthy diet is a critical factor in keeping your heart healthy. Unfortunately; loose or missing teeth can interfere with eating, and this, in turn, can affect your nutrition and your overall health. 

Cosmetic dentists can help to restore teeth, so that you can eat foods that improve your health, in addition to improving your appearance. Nutrition experts recommend eating the following foods to maintain heart health:

• Low-fat protein sources, such as chicken, turkey, fish and eggs.
• Low-fat dairy products, such as fat-free milk, low-fat yogurt and low-fat cheeses
• Legumes, such as beans, lentils and peas
• Increased amounts of vegetables of all kinds
• Increased amounts of fruit, fresh or canned in juice or water
• Nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, almonds, and soybeans.
• Reduced salt soups and prepared foods.
• Heart-healthy oils, such as olive oil, coconut oil, canola oil, and peanut oil.
• Margarine that is trans-fat-free or cholesterol-lowering.
• Whole-grain breads, pasta and quinoa.

Maintaining Oral Health For General Health

Experts recommend a number of actions to ensure that your good oral hygiene contributes to the health of your heart, including:

• Daily tooth brushing, at least twice each day
• Floss your teeth every day
• Ensure that your diet includes heart healthy foods and avoid in-between snacks.
• Replace toothbrushes every three months
• Get regular dental checkups
• Have your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis

Keeping your heart healthy does not happen by accident; it is accomplished by active steps that reduce risks and increase overall health. Talk to your dentist about ways to keep your heart healthy and strong through good dental hygiene.

If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care. Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal. Call today for an appointment. Visit http://www.mychandlerdentists.com/.

Shumway Dental Care

3150 S Gilbert Rd Suite 1

Chandler, AZ 85286

(480) 659-7800

shumwaydentalcare@gmail.com 

Simple Pointers on Using a Mouth Rinse

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Oral health is crucial to a healthy and happy life. There are many times that people could have made a phenomenal first impression but failed, and all because of a smile that is unworthy of their great personality and talent.

However, this can be fixed, and simply; so, by rinsing with an antiseptic regularly. While it is true that some have let their oral health decline to the point that their family dentists are referring them to cosmetic dentists, most can forgo this step if they follow these simple tips:

For Adults

Healthy adults need to remember that rinsing in the evening is crucial, and especially after a meal that leaves food in one's teeth, such as corn. Corn breaks down into sugar, and sugar will lead to tooth decay. By getting to it early, one's teeth and gums will remain strong.

Also, let us not forget that a good oral rinse (or gargle) is important for fresh breath. For those who are single (and for those who want to keep the romance in their committed relationships) stinky breath is a major turn-off.

In fact, it is such a big deal that several films cannot help but advocate for adults - particularly men - to maintain this habit. One such flick is the upcoming title "The Red Canoe," starring Garett Metcalf, a romantic-comedy-drama about a young man who inherits his father's handmade canoe, and so much more!

For Kids

Kids can follow the same rules as adults when it comes to their hygiene, but it is important to make sure they use lower strength of a stringent mouthwash. For one, the classic Listerine will not only run the risk of turning them off from ever wanting to use it ever again, it can also be too harsh for their mouths and stomachs.

Just like regular flossing and brushing, a good rinse should be part of a child's daily routine. One proponent of this is New York City businessman, David Katz. Mr. Katz noticed while studying for his undergraduate degree that many of his classmates had not adopted this simple habit, resulting in their breath being the equivalent of a City Sewer line. The result was that a disproportionate number of them had already had a root canal. Prior to this, he thought that only the elderly underwent such procedures.

For Diabetics

Diabetics are at a higher risk for gum disease. Because of this, they must be extra diligent. Just as they need to avoid sugar for the good of their overall health, they must also realize that their healthy habits need to extend to what many consider to be a personal hygiene matter.

Naturally, diabetics also want fresh breath and a great smile, but this goes beyond vanity, because poor oral health has a correlational effect on one's coronary, circulatory, and other systems.

The key takeaways are as follows: everyone has different needs, but everyone should be taking their oral health seriously. The approach changes with age and other factors, but the need remains throughout for good daily habits.

If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care. Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal. Call today for an appointment. Visit http://mychandlerdentists.com/.

DIY Remedies for Simple Dental Issues

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Dental issues can strike when least expected. For instance, it can be late at night on a weekend and can't reach your dentist right away, and you have an excruciating toothache, or your gums are bleeding. While it may seem strange, these things do happen and are rather common dental emergencies.

In most cases, however, you don't have to cut your vacation short, or seek for an ambulance to rush you to a dental clinic. 

There are things you can do when you can't reach family dentists that will help you manage the dental problem before you can arrange to see your dentist. 

Here are some do-it-yourself home remedies you can apply to relieve common dental issues:

1. Dab some clove oil onto your aching tooth

Food particles, bacteria, and naturally occurring acid accumulate with time and form a sticky film called plaque that coats your teeth. The acid in the plaque gradually eat away the enamel and eventually cause cavities. If the decay has reached the nerves of the tooth, the pain is always very excruciating.

Toothache may also arise due to a tooth filling that has become loose, a pocket of infection that has affected the gum line, also known as an abscess, or a sinus. You can relieve the pain by using some clove oil. What you need to do is dab the clove oil directly to the affected part or in the cavity. Clove oil is known to have bacteria-fighting properties and a numbing effect that can relieve the pain.

2. Use hydrogen peroxide solution to kill bacteria

Bacteria encourage tooth decay. Using hydrogen peroxide solution to fight bacteria can reduce pain and offer temporary relief in the event you are having a toothache that is accompanied by foul taste in the mouth, or fever. However, just like other home remedies, it may only be a stopgap measure intended to provide relief as you wait to see family dentists. This solution is only for rinsing your mouth— you shouldn't swallow, but spit it out.

3. Oil Swishing  to reduce cavities and bleeding gums

This is an old age practice capable of reducing cavities and bleeding gums including bad breath. Oil pulling helps clean your mouth and eliminate harmful bacteria that contribute too many kinds of dental problems like cavities or tooth decay.

A tablespoon of sesame oil or coconut oil can be used in this case. You only need to swish gently the oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes and spit it out. You may want to use salty water because it provides more antibacterial action; doing this every morning on an empty stomach can help fight bacteria and relieve simple dental issues.

4. Pepper and salt for extreme sensitivity

There is nothing as disturbing as an extremely sensitive tooth. It is an awful experience because you cannot take something hot or cold. When you mix salt and pepper, it offers a great way to calm down the extreme sensitivity since it has antibacterial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

You can deal with simple dental issues using do-it-yourself remedies, and remember that an ounce of prevention coupled with a little forethought can be regarded as worth a pound of cure. When you do a better job of managing conditions in your mouth, you are likely to have less dental emergencies. Always consider visiting family or cosmetic dentists to address the cause of the dental problems you're having. Dental care is important to your health.

 If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care. Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal. Call today for an appointment. Visit http://mychandlerdentists.com/.

Treating Gum Problems

Treating Gum Problems from Kay Frenzer-Zeeh

If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care. Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal. Call today for an appointment. Visit http://shumwaydental.com/.

Tooth-Friendly Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid

Taking daily care of your teeth includes more than just brushing and flossing. The foods you eat can also have an effect on dental health. 

Family dentists often recommend foods that have a beneficial effect on overall health and the health of your teeth. Other foods can have a detrimental effect on tooth enamel and should be consumed with caution.

Foods That Aid Dental Health

If you want stronger, healthier teeth, make sure your diet includes these foods:

• Milk and cheese – Dairy foods provide calcium in your diet, which helps to form new bone cells in the body. Include some milk and cheese every day to ensure that you get enough of this tooth-strengthening mineral.
• Crunchy fruits – Apples and pears produce nutrients with a bit of satisfying crunch. These fruits have a high water content, which helps to dilute the sugar that they also contain.
• Raw carrots and celery – These vegetables are not just healthy snacks for weight management; they are also rich in nutrients and also increase the amount of saliva in the mouth, which helps to clean off teeth.
• Nuts and seeds – These foods are high in nutrients and are good for overall health. In addition, cashews have strong antimicrobial properties, which can help to prevent the bacteria that cause cavities in teeth.
• Raw onion – Go ahead and enjoy that raw onion on your burger. Onions have been found to be a powerful anti-bacterial, which can help to prevent cavities from developing on your teeth.

Foods To Avoid

Some common foods can damage your teeth and should only be consumed in limited amounts:

• Coffee – Cosmetic dentists often tell their patients to limit the amount of coffee they consume to avoid the inevitable staining that occurs. If you can’t do without your morning cup, brush well after drinking it or rinse with clear water.
• Citrus fruits – Grapefruit juice, orange juice and lemon juice are all highly acidic and can damage tooth enamel. Although the vitamin C these fruits provide are important, you should take measures to minimize the damaging effects of the acid they contain. Ensure that you brush after eating citrus fruits or drinking citrus juices. If you cannot conveniently brush, rinse your mouth well with plain water to reduce the effect of the acids.
• Sticky candy – Family dentists have traditionally warned patients to avoid candy, but some types of candy can be especially damaging. Sticky candy like caramels, taffy or Jujyfruit
• Wine – That traditional beverage with fine dining can have a detrimental effect on tooth enamel. Wine is highly acidic and can leave your teeth vulnerable to staining from other foods. Both white and red wine can damage teeth. If you must indulge, follow up the wine with a thorough water rinsing.
• Soft drinks/sports drinks – Soft drinks leave a thin film of sugar on teeth that are the perfect medium for growing bacteria. Even sports drinks can have an acidic effect on teeth that can damage tooth enamel.

The appearance and health of teeth are important matters for everyone. By choosing the right foods for your diet, you can ensure that you are taking the best actions to keep your teeth in top condition.

If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care. Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal. Call today for an appointment. Visit http://shumwaydental.com/.

How Good Dental Hygiene Can Save Your Teeth

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When you think about having good oral hygiene, there's much more to it than a pretty smile and the ability to savor a hearty meal. Research has shown that bad oral health can lead to some fairly serious health issues you may not think are related, such as heart disease. 

Despite this, we often fail to give oral hygiene the proper attention it deserves, even with our extensive health care plans. We forgo brushing as often as we should, we don't floss, and find up another reason why this month isn't a good time to see the dentist.

But not caring for your mouth is dangerous. Even deadly. And that's not an exaggeration. What you don't realize is what happens at the gum line that sets off a chain of events that can cause some very serious issues, like stroke, miscarriage, memory loss, and even a heart attack. When it comes to keeping yourself safe and healthy, proper oral health is one we can control, but the one area we neglect the most.

It Begins With The Gums

Right after you finish brushing your teeth, the process begins of plaque buildup begins. It coats the surface of the teeth and is easily removed again the next time you brush. The problem is after only about a day's time, the plaque buildup begins to harden thanks to the minerals in your saliva. It builds on and in between teeth and in the gum pockets. In a few short weeks, that soft substance becomes like cement and can only be removed by a dentist.

Your mouth is also teeming with bacteria. Even a healthy one, no matter how hard we try. The issue is bacteria loves plaque because it provides them a perfect environment to colonize and grow in numbers. They love to feast on various starches and sugars in food, fermenting them in a way that forms an acid that damages teeth and causes erosion, decay, and eventually cavities.

If you're not constantly taking care of your teeth and the plaque and tartar buildup isn't removed, the bacteria begins to grow in the area known as the periodontal which is at the gum line and between teeth. As the bacteria grows, it begins to cause a mild case of gingivitis, which makes the gums swell up and bleed. And the longer the bacteria has to grow, the worse the situation becomes, giving way to full periodontitis. The gums become full of pus as the tissues pull away from the teeth and exposing the bone. That leads to more rot and disease until the tooth no longer can stay anchored in the mouth.

Your body has a wonderful way of attacking and removing infections. It whips out all its weaponry to fight off anything that invades your body to make you sick. In the case of having poor dental hygiene, your body is constantly under attack and works overtime to try and heal the disease. Working in a constant defensive state, you don't get a chance to properly recover. That ensures that there is a leakage of bacteria into the bloodstream and ultimately makes you sick.

This is why it's important to visit one of many amazing family dentists for regular check ups and to remove the hardened plaque from our teeth. Be sure to brush and floss regularly. If you're someone who has already suffered loss of teeth due to periodontitis, there are many cosmetic dentists available to fix your mouth upright and correct damage already done. There's no excuse for bad oral health. These issues are all completely treatable and reversible to help save your teeth and your smile.           

If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care. Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal. Call today for an appointment. Visit http://shumwaydental.com/.

Using Fixed Bridges to Restore Your Smile and Replace Your Missing Teeth

Are you missing a tooth? Are your teeth damaged? Do you feel embarrassed about your smile? With these dental appliances, you don’t have to shy away and hide any longer. Replace your missing teeth and restore your smile. Ask your family dentist about fixed dental bridges.

These dental appliances are often used to fix damaged or broken pearly whites. At most, they are the options used to replace a lost or missing tooth. Made of tooth-colored porcelain, they are designed to look like your natural teeth. If you have given it some thought, go ahead and try them.

In addition replacing lost teeth, here are some of the wonderful, smile-enhancing dental health benefits of having fixed bridges:

• They can be used to cover a dental implant.
• Got noticeable gaps or spaces in between teeth? They are perfect at filling those in.
• Do you have cracks or chips on your teeth? Dental bridges can do the trick.
• They are perfect at covering a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment.
• Do you have discolored teeth? Bridges will take care of that.
• You can fix a poorly shaped tooth using these dental appliances.

Have you ever wondered why they are called “bridges”? Just like the one that we use to cross over water in order to move from one body of land to another, these dental appliances have the same function; they fill in the gap or space created.

They look a bit like crowns that are placed on spaces in between two or more teeth. After the placement procedure is done, many patients have reported that they have regained their ability to speak, chew, or open their mouth properly. It has also helped maintain the shape and structure of their faces. These dental fixtures have also stopped the remaining teeth from drifting apart and out of position.

There are at least three types of bridges. You can ask your family dentist about these:

• Traditional: It is the most common of the three types and is often made of porcelain or ceramics.
• Cantilever: This, however, is not highly recommended to be placed at the back of the mouth where it is prone to damaging the other teeth due to the overwhelming force it exerts.
• Maryland Bonded: These are usually made of porcelain or are supported by a metal or porcelain framework.

The cost of getting these dental fittings will depend largely on the type or procedure performed. In many cases, they are covered by medical or health insurance.

If you are faced with the aforementioned oral health issues, these dental fixtures can greatly alleviate the functional and aesthetic problems. What’s more, bridges can last from 5 to 15 years, on the average. But that is not to say that this period cannot be extended. With strict adherence to check up schedules and observance of good dental hygiene, it is not unusual to prolong their useful life.

Are you planning to have bridges fitted? It might just be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make for your oral health. If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care. Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal. Call today for an appointment. Visit http://shumwaydental.com/.

Electric Toothbrush VS Manual Toothbrush

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How do you think an electric toothbrush stands up to its conventional counterpart? We've gathered the thoughts from experts to find out which one is better: the good, old-fashioned or the state-of-the-art.

The electric type is becoming widely used and popular these days. Family dentist and manufacturers say this advanced variety offers superior and exceptional dental cleaning. But how does it really compare to manual toothbrushing?

The goal in using a toothbrush is to get rid of the plaque as well as stimulate the gums, this was explained by John Ictech-Cassis, DDS, DMD. He is a clinical associate professor at the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. When asked about his thoughts between the better of the two, he said, "Most toothbrushes will keep the teeth clean if you know how to use them."

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What Is Involved in Having My Teeth Professionally Cleaned?

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Everyone knows that brushing and flossing at least twice daily is vital for good dental health. Unfortunately, even the most diligent brushing and flossing is incapable of keeping your teeth clean and healthy over time. This is why family dentists and cosmetic dentists alike recommend a professional teeth cleaning at least once every six months in addition to regular self-care through brushing and flossing.

Even when you brush your teeth every morning and every night, a regular toothbrush is not able to remove all the plaque that forms on your teeth during the day and at night while you sleep. The plaque you are unable to remove builds up, and over time it mineralizes, meaning it hardens. When plaque mineralizes and hardens, it turns into a substance called tartar. In addition to being very unsightly, tartar is downright impossible to remove with regular brushing and like plaque, it builds up over time without professional cleanings.

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What are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?

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Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, affects a number of adults to varying degrees. Depending on the progression of the disease, one may notice inflamed gums that make teeth sensitive to temperatures and pressure, ultimately weakening the support of teeth and may lead to their loss. 

Family dentists go to great lengths to educate patients of all ages on the importance of oral hygiene to prevent such ravages to oral health, neglect of which may require the attention of cosmetic dentists to repair the damage.

Who Gets Gum Disease and How?

For many, the first time they feel symptoms of gum disease is usually once it had progressed significantly. This usually comes after ignoring milder states of periodontal infections such as gingivitis. This is almost always the direct effect or improper hygiene practices that allows plaque to build up along the gumline. This accumulation of bacteria applies itself as a film that traps in food and foreign agents that harden to become tartar. At this point, only a professional cleaning can address what brushing could have avoided.

Who is Most at Risk?

Obviously the unhygienic are most susceptible for contracting gum disease and oral infections. There are developmental changes, such as puberty and menopause that can increase the probability of developing gum disease. There are some with medical conditions that make them more prone to all kinds of infections and disease. But there are also lifestyle choices and habits that increase the likelihood of contraction.

Smokers of cigarettes are exposed to carcinogens that can contribute to tartar build, and regular smokers are at higher risk for treatment due to lower immunities to combat infection. Those with Type-2 or Adult Onset Diabetes regularly develop infections that can lead up to gum disease, if this coupled with a high sugar and/or carbohydrate diet, contributing additives to plaque are introduced.

What are Signs of Gum Disease?

As with all infections, the body communicates that something is wrong as fast as possible. Most people don't recognize these warning signs, increasing the chance of irreparable damage, discomfort, and pain.

For many, the symptoms are the same. One will experience foul breath, swollen and inflamed gums, tenderness, bleeding, discomfort when eating and drinking, increased sensitivity, and discoloration of teeth. While any one of these symptoms may not be indicative of gum disease, several of them warrant immediate attention from a dentist.

How is Gum Disease Treated?

As with other visits to the dentist, there will be a recounting of medical history to assess the past health of the patient. This will be followed up by an examination to determine the extent of the infection and the state of the gums and teeth. There are many treatment options that are readily available to dentists, and the method chosen depends on the patient and their condition. Irrespective of the method of treatment, the patient will be expected to reevaluate their method of oral hygiene to prevent a second infection.

In addition to this change in lifestyle and daily routine, most dentists will encourage regular visits and deep cleanings to remove tartar that may have been missed in the months prior.

If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care. Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal. Call today for an appointment. Visit http://shumwaydental.com/.

Restorative Dentistry – A Guide to Dental Inlays and Onlays

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Dental inlays and onlays are dental restorations that many patients find preferable to traditional fillings and crowns. Those who favor them feel that they provide a more secure, precise, and longer-lasting solution to cavities, tooth decay, and chipped teeth.

The difference between an inlay and an onlay versus a traditional filling is how it is shaped and fitted into the tooth. Whereas a filling is molded directly into the tooth cavity where it subsequently solidifies, inlays and onlays are molded into shape in a dental lab and then fitted to the damaged tooth by family dentists or cosmetic dentists.

When the restoration is made to the middle of the tooth, it is classified as an "inlay," as opposed to an "onlay" which is used to repair tooth damage that involves a "cusp," or protruding point.

Therefore, inlays are most often used in place of dental fillings for cavities, and onlays are an alternative to dental crowns.

Why choose dental inlays and onlays over their more traditional and common alternatives? There are several reasons:

Preserving Your Teeth: Because all the work on an inlay or onlay is done in a lab and the result is inserted into the tooth only after it is completed, as much as possible of your natural tooth material is preserved. When you have a filling or get a crown made, the dentist has to sand down and chip away at even more of your tooth before he even gets to work on the restorative process.

More Durable Material: Resin-based tooth fillings and traditional crowns are known for wearing away, breaking down, chipping, and cracking over time. How many times have you known someone who had to go in for an unexpected dental procedure because his crown popped off or broke? It happens constantly. Inlays and onlays often fit better and require less material, and the material that is used is stronger and more durable.

A Better Fit: Traditional fillings that harden after the procedure have a reputation for shrinking over time. This can open up new cavities which will necessitate additional filling material. Likewise, full crowns can be bulky and uncomfortable when fitted onto your tooth. Inlays and onlays use the minimum amount of material necessary, and that material is immutable in shape and size, meaning it won't wear away or erode and leave you open for new decay.

Less Discoloration: It should be noted that fillings have come a long way from the ostentatious, shiny gold material that was used for decades. The resin used in modern fillings is formulated to be the same color as your tooth, so after the filling is inserted and it solidifies, no one will notice it is there unless they look extremely closely. However, over time, this material is much more susceptible to discoloration than is your natural tooth enamel. Inlays and onlays, on the other hand, possess the same protective qualities against discoloration that your teeth do. That means as long as you take the proper measures to keep your teeth white and free from stains, your inlays or onlays will uphold their white coloring as well.

If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care. Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal. Call today for an appointment. Visit http://shumwaydental.com/.

Dental X-Rays Are Safer Than They Used to Be

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One of the most important tools family dentists use is the dental x-ray. X-rays allow dentists to determine conditions that may not be evident during visual examination. Hidden conditions, such as root disease, impacted teeth and problems of the jaw can be found. Problems that may affect successful rejuvenation of teeth can be detected by cosmetic dentists. Today, both x-ray equipment and techniques have been refined to a high level of precision that makes them safer than ever.

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How Does a Dentist Determine if Someone is a Dental Implant Candidate?

Dental implants have revolutionized tooth replacement for those who have lost teeth due to disease or injury. However, a number of factors affect whether dental implants are recommended for your individual needs. Family dentists can do a preliminary assessment of whether you would be a good candidate for dental implants.

General Health

Cosmetic dentists generally assess the overall health of patients before they begin any kind of dental procedure. These questions allow the dental professional to ascertain whether any issue exists that could affect tooth health, gum condition or the treatment itself. Getting dental implants require that you be in good general health and not have any medical problem that might affect the procedures necessary to place the implants and heal gum tissues.

Condition of the Bones

The condition of the bones that make up the tooth socket also has an important bearing on the ability to hold an implant. Bone density can be reduced by age or tooth loss. If you do not have enough bone to hold an implant, your dentist may have to graft on new bone. This process can add additional time to the implant process, but it will ensure that the implant holds securely.

Gum Disease

If you have long-standing, untreated gum disease, you should not get dental implants. Implants require healthy tissue to form around the implant after placement. You should first get the gum condition treated, and then talk to your dental professional about receiving implants.

Existing Systemic Disease

If you have been diagnosed with certain systemic diseases, they may affect your ability to achieve success with dental implants. Family dentists may inquire whether you have diabetes, leukemia or cancer, which can all affect the ability of the tissues to heal around the implant. If you have received radiation for cancer, it may also affect healing. Also, individuals with connective tissue disease, hemophilia and immune system disorders are not good candidates for dental implants.

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Pregnancy

Most dental experts believe that it is better to wait until after the birth before doing implant treatment. Diagnostic and antibiotic treatments that normally occur during implant procedures may have a detrimental impact on the fetus. It is much safer to wait until after the birth before proceeding with implant treatment.

Smoking and Alcoholism

People who smoke have reduced circulation to the mouth tissues, which can affect healing when placing implants. You can help to ensure success with your implants by quitting smoking before your treatments begin. Similarly, excessive use of alcohol or drugscan also affect the ability of tissues to heal properly. Getting treatment for this condition before treatment will help to achieve a successful outcome with the implants.

Motivated To Care For the Implants

In many ways, the same care the patient must do to preserve their natural teeth is required to care for dental implants. Daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular visits to the dentists, are required to ensure that the gums remain healthy and the implants remain stable. If implants become damaged, the patient must have them repaired or replaced.

Most patients find that dental implants are good replacements for natural teeth. Your dentist will provide a thorough evaluation of your dental and overall health to ensure a successful implant experience.

If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care. Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal. Call today for an appointment. Visit http://shumwaydental.com/.