Importance of Regular Dental Visits

Going to the dentist is an important part of maintaining good oral health. Regular dental check-ups can help to prevent problems such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss, and can also detect and treat issues in their early stages when they are more easily treatable.

One of the primary reasons why going to the dentist is important is to prevent tooth decay. Cavities, or holes in the teeth, are caused by bacteria that produce acid, which eats away at the enamel of the teeth. If left untreated, cavities can cause toothache, infection, and eventually, tooth loss. Regular cleanings and check-ups can help to remove plaque and tartar, which harbor these bacteria, and detect any cavities that may be forming so they can be treated before they become more serious.

Another reason why going to the dentist is important is to prevent gum disease. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss if not treated. It is caused by a build-up of plaque, which hardens into tartar and irritates the gums, leading to inflammation and eventually, infection. Regular cleanings and check-ups can help to remove plaque and tartar and detect gum disease in its early stages when it is more easily treated.

In addition to preventing tooth decay and gum disease, going to the dentist can also help to detect and treat other oral health issues in their early stages. For example, oral cancer is a serious condition that can be difficult to treat if not detected early. Dentists are trained to look for signs of oral cancer during check-ups and can refer patients for further testing if necessary.

Another reason why going to the dentist is important is to maintain good oral hygiene. Proper oral hygiene involves brushing and flossing daily, as well as using mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen the breath. Dentists can provide guidance on the best oral hygiene practices and help to identify any areas that may be difficult to clean.

Finally, going to the dentist can help to improve overall health and well-being. Research has shown that there is a link between oral health and overall health. Poor oral health has been linked to a number of serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. By maintaining good oral health, you can help to reduce your risk of these and other health issues.

In conclusion, going to the dentist is an important part of maintaining good oral health. Regular check-ups and cleanings can help to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues, and can also detect and treat problems in their early stages. In addition, going to the dentist can help to improve overall health and well-being. It is recommended that adults visit the dentist at least twice a year for check-ups and cleanings.

 

source https://westcobbdentistry.com/importance-of-regular-dental-visits/

Crowns vs Veneers : Which Is Best for You?

Want to know what makes a veneer different from a crown? How can you tell which one is best for you?

If you want to fix your smile, you may already know that veneers and crowns are two popular options. You can get your confident smile back with either veneers or crowns, but which one is best for you? Both veneers and crowns can help you reach your dental goals, like making your teeth look straighter and whiter or protecting a damaged tooth.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about crowns and veneers so you can decide which one to talk to your dentist about.

What is a veneer?

Veneers could help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. This kind of tooth improvement is made to fit perfectly on your tooth and give you a beautiful smile. Patients usually want veneers for one or more of the following reasons:

• Close gaps.If you’ve always had a space between your teeth, you might want to find an easy way to close it. Whether you have just one gap or several, veneers can help make your teeth look better.

• Fix small misalignments. Small misalignments happen as we age and our teeth shift. If this problem has been bothering you, it may be time to look into fixing it with veneers.
• Whiten teeth. Who doesn’t want a brilliant, white smile? If traditional methods of whitening your teeth just don’t seem to cut it, or you want all your teeth to be an even shade of white, consider discussing veneers with your dentist.

• Cover up chips. Small chips in teeth can be embarrassing. While no one but you may notice them, they prevent you from having a smile you love. 

• Have a straight smile. Veneers might be a good option if you’ve always wanted straight teeth that create a winning smile.

What is a veneer, though? A veneer is a very thin layer of material (almost like a shell) that sticks to your teeth. It will cover the front of your tooth or teeth and protect them even more. It will also make your teeth look like they are straight and give you the smile you’ve always wanted.

Each veneer is made to fit your needs and will be the same color as the rest of your teeth so that it looks natural. This option is minimally invasive and is thought to be a permanent way to fix teeth, whether you want one veneer or a few. One of the most popular choices for patients is to replace the eight front teeth on the upper jaw. This creates a smile that is even and looks great.

Benefits of veneers

If you think veneers might be the right choice for you, there are many good things about them.

How to get a natural smile quickly and easily

With veneers, it’s easy to get the natural, even smile you’ve always wanted. They are cemented to your teeth and custom made so that they not only fit in your mouth perfectly, but they look and act just like real teeth. Your dentist will shape your veneers so that they look like they belong in your mouth. This will give you the confidence to smile again.

The procedure is minimally invasive

If you want to fix your teeth in a way that does as little damage as possible, veneers could be the answer. Your dentist will need to grind down a part of your tooth (we’ll talk more about this process later), and once the surface of your natural tooth is ready, your veneer will be glued on. After making a few small changes to make sure they fit and look the way you want, you’ll be ready to go.

They are permanent and stable

Veneers are a permanent way to fix minor problems with your teeth, like stains, chips, or gaps. This option for fixing a tooth is not only safe and stable, but it is also less likely to get stained than your natural teeth.

Are a good investment

Like many other ways to fix teeth, veneers are an investment in your oral health and your overall health. It’s important to feel good about yourself and love the way your smile looks, and veneers can give you a symmetrical, brilliant smile. Many people think that veneers are a good investment in their health because they can fix problems with their teeth that have been bothering them for years.

Are there any disadvantages to veneers?

Even though veneers have a lot of pros, we thought it might be helpful to tell you about a few cons so you can make a better decision.

• Porcelain veneers are permanent
• You may find that hot and cold foods and drinks hurt your teeth more.
• They are not a good way to fix teeth that are badly decayed.
• They are not always the best choice for teeth that have had fillings in between them in the past.
• Still have the potential to crack or chip.

How do you care for veneers?

Keeping your teeth healthy makes it easy to take care of veneers. Make sure you brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, and floss at least once a day. Make sure to use a mouthwash after you brush your teeth as well. It is important to get your teeth checked at least twice a year by your dentist.

It’s important to stay away from things like smoking, drinking drinks with a lot of sugar or carbonation, and snacking on carbs and sticky foods.

What is a crown?

A dental crown is one way to fix broken or decayed teeth. Unlike a veneer, a crown is made to cover and cap your whole tooth. You might find it helpful to think of them as a helmet for a tooth that is broken or decaying. When you get crowns, you protect your tooth from further damage and restore its shape so that you don’t lose the ability to bite down. Crowns are also an easy way to make your mouth look like it is balanced again, so you can smile with confidence again.

Because a crown covers your whole tooth, your dentist will need to file or grind down your tooth so that the crown fits tightly over it. If you need a crown because your teeth are decaying, your dentist will remove the decay to protect the tooth and make it fit better.

Many people need crowns to cover the whole tooth, but there are other options, like onlays or 34 crowns, that don’t cover the whole tooth. If your dentist tells you that you need this type of crown, you can expect to keep more of your natural tooth. This type of procedure results in a crown covering part of your tooth.

Benefits of crowns

If you think you might be interested in crowns, it’s important to know that they have a number of benefits.

Can save damaged teeth

Crowns are made to cover the whole tooth. This means that they may be the right choice for you if you have broken or decayed teeth. If your dentist thinks a crown is the best way to fix your broken tooth, they will file and clean the natural tooth to get it ready for the crown. After the crown is in place, you can eat and smile normally again.

The crown strengthens the tooth that was broken before and lets you use your mouth normally again.

Protect a dead or decaying tooth

If you have a tooth that is decaying, your dentist may decide that you need a crown after a root canal. A crown will protect what’s left of the tooth and keep bacteria from getting into the weak tooth. It will also keep the tooth from breaking.

Mostly permanent

When compared to fillings or onlays, crowns are also more likely to last a long time than fillings or onlays. Even though some crown materials may last longer than others, this type of tooth repair is thought to be stable and safe, and it will give you back your confidence and smile.

Are there any disadvantages to crowns?

Even if you think crowns might be the right choice for you, it’s still good to know what they can’t do.

• You may have to have more of your natural tooth taken out.
• Your teeth may become more sensitive to hot or cold food and drinks.
• Chips may mean you need more repairs, depending on the material.
• A dark line may appear at the gumline of porcelain that has been fused to metal over time.

How do you care for crowns?

If you brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and go to the dentist for checkups, you should be fine with a crown. But if you have porcelain crowns, you should be careful with hard foods so you don’t break them.

Care for a crown is almost the same as care for a veneer. They will never be as strong as your natural teeth were, so you need to be extra careful to eat soft foods and not use your teeth as tools.

How do you know if a veneer or a crown is best for you?

To figure out which one is best for you, you’ll need to talk to a dentist. With veneers, less of your natural tooth needs to be ground down. If you want your teeth to look better, this could be the best choice.

But if you need to protect and fix broken or decayed teeth, you might choose a crown because it can cover the whole tooth.

If you want to discuss these tooth restoration methods in more detail, contact the team at West Cobb Dentistry.

source https://westcobbdentistry.com/crowns-vs-veneers-which-is-best-for-you/

Questions About Dental Implants and Cleanings

​Most people can’t imagine what it would be like to lose their adult teeth. Unfortunately, this could happen. Whether you knock out a tooth by accident or need to have one pulled, it’s best to know what your options are. Crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants are some of the most common choices. Talking to your dentist is the best way to figure out which option will help your condition the most. Dental implants are usually the best choice, but it depends on the situation and your budget. Dental implants are a permanent way to replace missing teeth. They look like real teeth and can make your mouth work better. But you shouldn’t just forget about your dental implants.

Dental implants need to be cared for the same way you would your own teeth (because, in a sense, they are your teeth). If you take good care of them, they can last your whole life and have a 98 percent success rate.

Are Regular Cleanings Necessary with Dental Implants?

Dental implants still need to be cleaned by a dentist, no matter how many you have or how many teeth you still have. It’s normal to wonder why you need to go to the dentist if you have dental implants.
In reality, dental implants need to be cared for just like natural teeth. This means brushing, flossing, and putting mouthwash in your mouth. Also, it means getting regular checkups at the dentist. At the dentist, the hygienist will use different tools and a different cleaning plan. They won’t be looking for cavities. Instead, they will look at your gums for any signs of disease or Peri-implantitis, which is an infection of a dental implant.

What is Peri-implantitis?

Peri-implantitis is a disease that affects the tissues around dental implants. It causes inflammation in the Peri-implant connective tissue and the gradual loss of bone that holds the implant in place.

For good oral health, you need to clean your dental implants the same way you clean your natural teeth.

How Often Should You See a Dentist with Dental Implants?

The oral health of each patient is different, so the protocol for each will also be different. It all depends on their situation. Your dentist will tell you what to do and how long it will take. Most dentists recommend that people with dental implants get their teeth cleaned twice a year, or more often if there are problems.

Is A Dentist Necessary with A Removable Implant Prosthesis?

Absolutely. You can take out your prosthesis every day to brush it and keep it looking good, but you should still make an appointment every six months to have it cleaned by a professional and find out if the implants are still in good shape. Your dentist in Kennesaw, GA can also tell you if there are any snaps, clips, or attachments that could cause problems and need to be fixed.

A dentist will also take x-rays of your mouth to make sure that the implants are healthy and have enough bone to hold them in place.

Call West Cobb Dentistry today for all your teeth cleaning or dental implant needs! 

source https://westcobbdentistry.com/questions-about-dental-implants-and-cleanings/

Don’t Neglect Regular Cleanings with Dental Implants

Cleanings at the dentist every six months are important for keeping teeth healthy and free of disease. If you have dental implants instead of some of your teeth, you might think your dental hygienist doesn’t need to pay as much attention to them.

On the contrary, it’s important to clean around implants, and you need to pay even more attention to it. This is because of the way dental implants connect to the jaw and the materials they are made of.

The periodontal ligament holds natural teeth in place. It has tiny fibers that connect to the teeth on one side and the jawbone on the other. Through the rich network of blood vessels and collagen, the ligaments and gingival (gum) fibers, which are also attached to the tooth, help make the teeth less likely to get sick. On the other hand, dental implants are fixed right into the jawbone. The titanium becomes a part of the bone, which naturally grows around it. This gives the implant the strength it needs to stay in place. The implant doesn’t connect to the gum tissue and won’t have the same relationship with the periodontal ligament as natural teeth.

Bacterial plaque, which is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease, can build up just as easily on an implant crown as it can on a natural tooth. Plaque-caused infections can’t hurt the materials that make up an implant, but they can hurt the gums and bone that support it. In fact, because implants don’t have the gingival fibers and ligament attachments that protect against disease, an infection can quickly turn into peri-implantitis, which can cause bone and tissue loss and cause the implant to fall out.

Your hygienist knows how important it is to get rid of plaque and calculus (plaque that has hardened) around your dental implant. This is usually done with different plastic or resin tools that won’t scratch the highly polished surface of the implant. Scratches give bacteria a place to gather and make it harder to get rid of them. Also, if the hygienist uses ultrasonic equipment, which vibrates to loosen plaque, the hygienist will usually use nylon or plastic tips to protect the implant.

And don’t forget that your own personal hygiene habits are just as important with dental implants as they are with natural teeth. Plaque needs to be controlled at home and by your dentist for your dental implants to last as long as possible.

source https://westcobbdentistry.com/dont-neglect-regular-cleanings-with-dental-implants/

What is the Best Way to Whiten Teeth?

A brighter smile is just around the corner.

It can improve your mood, boost your immune system, and even make you look more attractive to other people if you smile a lot. If someone has stained teeth, they might hide their pearly whites. Whitening your teeth can make a big difference in how your smile looks and boost your self-esteem. There are many different ways to whiten your teeth to get the smile you want.

In-Office Whitening Treatment

People who get in-office whitening treatments get great results in a short amount of time. This treatment is only done by a dentist and you don’t have to do anything. For 30-60 minutes, a whitening solution will be put on the surface of your teeth by your dentist.

When your teeth are the right shade, your dentist will then rinse off the solution. Some people have sensitive teeth afterward, so your dentist may apply fluoride to the teeth after treatment to make the enamel more durable. If you want to get the color you want, it may take a while.

Using in-office whitening treatments can cost more than using in-home whitening kits, but many patients prefer this method because of the great results and how little effort the patient has to put into their own teeth.

Benefits of In-Office Whitening Treatments

• No work required from the patient
• Reliable treatments
• Quick results

Professional At-Home Whitening Kits

Another good way to get a whiter smile is to use professional at-home whitening treatments. This is what your dentist will do to make custom-fitting trays that will help you whiten your teeth. They will be ready in a few days, and you can pick them up then! People at the office will also give you a solution to whiten your teeth when you come in to pick up your trays. A member of the staff will show you how to use your whitening kit for the best results, and they will help you.

It’s also great that the trays can be reused. There are still trays if you want to whiten your teeth at some point, so you can still use them. When your dentist gives you more whitening solutions, all you have to do is ask for more syringes.

Benefits of Professional At-Home Whitening Kits

• Convenient, use on your own time!
• Reliable results
• Stronger whitening power than whitening strips

Teeth Whitening Strips

Over the last decade, teeth-whitening strips have become more popular. They can be found at most drug stores. They are easy to use and only need to be left on for 5-30 minutes at a time. They can be cheaper than other ways to whiten your teeth.

There are some downsides to whitening strips, but they are still good. It can hurt your teeth if you use the strips too much. White strip users are also more likely to have sensitive teeth and gums, which can be painful. They also use less effective ingredients than kits from the dentist’s office.

Benefits of Teeth Whitening Strips

• Affordable 
• Use on your own time 
• Available at drug stores

So Which Option is Best?

To be honest, I don’t know why so many things are available. What works for your friend may not work for you. Some things to think about are how much you want to spend, how quickly you want to see results, and how long you want the results to last.

The people at our office are here to help you figure out which teeth-whitening method is best for you. Call and schedule a consultation today!

Contact West Cobb Dentistry for the best cosmetic dentist in Cobb County, GA!

 

source https://westcobbdentistry.com/what-is-the-best-way-to-whiten-teeth/

What Causes Sensitive Teeth? Ouch!

Discover what causes tooth sensitivity, common treatments, and how to prevent it.

Don’t let nagging sensitive teeth ruin your enjoyment of a hot cocoa by the fire. Discover the root cause of dental sensitivity and how to treat it this winter.

Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity:

• Tooth Decay
• Tooth Fractures
• Gum Disease
• Teeth Grinding
• Enamel Erosion
• Exposed Tooth Roots

A lot of the time, tooth sensitivity is caused when the protective layers of the teeth wear away. The part of the tooth you can see, the crown, has a layer of enamel to keep it safe from harm. While the part of the tooth that is under the gums, the root, gets a layer of cementum to keep it safe from harm.

Dentin is a material that is less dense than enamel and centum. It has small hollow canals called dentin. They become worn down, allowing heat, cold, sweet, and acidic foods to reach the nerves inside the tooth, which can cause pain. When gums recede, they can also show the dentin, which can cause them to hurt. Treating someone with sensitivity is different based on what the cause of the sensitivity is.

Common Treatments for Tooth Sensitivity:

Desensitizing Toothpaste: These kinds of toothpaste have ingredients that protect tooth nerves from things like hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, which can hurt them. Toothpaste for sensitive teeth can be found in drug stores, or your dentist may give you a prescription for a specific type that you can buy at the store. To get the full benefits, some patients may need to use the toothpaste a few times before they see them.

Fluoride Treatment: Irritatants can’t get through strong enamel. Fluoride makes the enamel stronger, which makes it more resistant to damage. There are many ways to get fluoride, but in-office treatments are the best way to get it.

Dental Restoration: Dental restorations can help treat tooth sensitivity caused by decay or damage, and they can do this with them. After getting a crown, inlay, or filling, sensitivity usually goes away right away.

Gum Graft: When the gums fall away, the roots of the teeth can become visible. This can cause tooth sensitivity. If you lose your gums, they can’t grow back on their own. Dentists can place surgical gum grafts to protect the tooth roots and lessen the pain.

Root Canal: It is possible to get rid of sensitivity that has not been relieved by less invasive treatments. Root canals can do this. This treatment removes the tooth’s nerves and pulp, which means there will be no sensitivity.

Once enamel has worn down, it cannot be restored! Preventing tooth sensitivity is best accomplished by taking precautions to avoid wearing down the protective layers of the teeth. By brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and with relatively light pressure, these vital protective layers can be preserved.

It is critical to arrange an appointment with your dentist or inform them during your next scheduled visit if you are experiencing tooth discomfort. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatment alternatives that will allow you to continue eating all of your favorite foods without experiencing sensitivity.

Contact West Cobb Dentistry for the best restorative dentist in Cobb County, GA! 

 

source https://westcobbdentistry.com/what-causes-sensitive-teeth-ouch/

How to Choose A Good Toothbrush

Every three months, you should change your toothbrush. West Cobb Dentistry strongly advises replacing old toothbrushes, not only to keep them from hurting your mouth but also to keep them from hurting your whole body. Even though Periodontal Disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other things.

It’s easy to start the good habit of changing your toothbrush by throwing away your old toothbrush after you go on a trip, so do that.

Typical Recommendations

• Select soft bristles: Soft bristles are better for your gums and teeth in general. Many people don’t like brushes with medium or hard bristles, because they do more harm than good.
• Select rounded bristles: These words mean that each bristle tip should be “end-rounded,” with no rough edges. This means that each bristle must be smoothed out to avoid hurting gum tissue. This is not the same as the shapes or patterns on the brush head, which can be all kinds of weird and crazy.
  Brush Size: The head of your toothbrush should fit comfortably between your teeth and be able to reach all the surfaces of each tooth. This includes making sure it’s comfortable around your back teeth. If your current brush is causing you problems, it’s likely too big.
• Handle: Handle designs and shapes can be very different. Selecting a handle is all about what feels right to you. Because you should change your toothbrush every three months, you can play around a little to see what you like. This way, you can find what you like.
• Pattern and Shape: There are hundreds of different bristle shapes and patterns. There are many things that make one person’s mouth different from another’s, so even though they use the same type of toothbrush they will feel different. Because bristle patterns and shapes feel different to different people, choose the pattern that you like the best to make your hair look its best.
• Color: Neon green and pink dots or the face of your favorite movie character on your toothbrush aren’t bad. Go for what you like.

The way most people hold their toothbrushes is a little too rough. People at West Cobb Dentistry can help you change the way you grip your teeth. Your gums will be grateful. Schedule your dental checkup today! 

source https://westcobbdentistry.com/how-to-choose-a-good-toothbrush/

Start The New Year With A New Smile

Ready for a new start in the New Year? Improve the look of your teeth, and you’ll have more to smile about. If you think about wearing a mask for a long time, it might be scary. We know that COVID-19 precautions are likely to last for a long time.

If you want to learn how to improve your smile this year, West Cobb Dentistry is ready to help. Every time a patient comes in for the first time, they meet with the doctor. This way, the team can make recommendations that fit your needs and your budget. In-person, they’ll give you a written estimate of the cost of your treatment plan so you can plan for the future and keep your promise to yourself. They’ll also answer your questions so you can plan for the future and keep your promise to yourself.

A member of the team will help you learn more about cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as:

• Tooth-colored fillings
• Teeth whitening
• Veneers
• Crowns

Tooth Colored Fillings

It’s time to get rid of the metal fillings that show when you smile. Replacements for old metal fillings can be made with natural-colored materials that look like your teeth. This will help your smile look its best again. Composite materials, like resin, and lab-made porcelain inlays, onlays, and crowns are some of the materials that can be used.

Teeth Whitening

If you want to create a brighter, whiter smile, we can recommend the whitening treatment that is right for you.

Venners

To fill gaps between teeth, cover teeth that are stains, or fix teeth that are crooked, veneers may be the answer. These thin, tooth-colored shells are glued to the front of your teeth. They are made of ceramic or composite resin and look just like real teeth.

Crowns

If your dentist thinks a tooth needs more than veneers or enamel shaping, he or she can put crowns on it. The outer part of the tooth is cut off, and a crown is put on top of it. The crown can be made to match the shape and color of your teeth. It’s like giving your tooth a new start.

Schedule a meeting with the team at West Cobb Dentistry as soon as you’re ready to keep your promise. If you want to learn how to get a perfect smile, they’ll be happy to help you.

 

source https://westcobbdentistry.com/start-the-new-year-with-a-new-smile/