Category: Dental

A family dentist provides comprehensive oral health care to children, young adults, and the elderly. Dentists focusing on family health care practice general dentistry offering a wide range of services that responds to varying dental issues in the family. Identifying the right dentist for the oral needs of your entire family can prove challenging especially if young children, physically challenged and elderly are part of the family. In this case, you need to ensure that the dentist has vast experience in dentistry hence having the ability that group of family members in need of extra attention. Identifying a dentist for family health care is economical as you do not have to pay for pediatric dental care elsewhere. It is recommended that you introduce each child to the family oral health service provider early enough to enhance trust.

What to consider for the right family dentist

In order to choose the right family dentist, it is important to consider some factors that form the criteria for you to follow. These factors include;

• Training– The level of training of a dentist is important as it shows that the practitioner has the required knowledge and skills to handle dental issues. Apart from having completed the dental school successfully, it is vital that the dentist attends continuous medical education that keeps him or her updated on the current trends in the dental field. Above all, the dentist should be approved by the medical and dentistry practitioners’ board in your respective state.
• Services offered– The ideal family dental provider should have the ability to offer a wide range of services. The dentist should provide the basic general dental services such as filling, teeth cleaning, root canal treatment, major restorative services and oral health education. Besides offering general dental care, the practitioner need to have skills to offer additional services such as cosmetic, restorative, sedative and orthodontics dentistry. This assures you that you do not have to seek for specialized services elsewhere once the need arises.
• Experience- Get information about the experience of the dentist by enquiring how long they been practicing dentistry. Also, get to know the variety of procedures the dentist often performs in the clinic with success. This helps you in choosing a skilled dentist for family oral health care.
• Personality– The personality of the dentist is important as the practitioner will be handling dental issues for all family members. A dentist who is gentle, welcoming, patient, respectful and possibly with a sense of humor is highly recommended for family oral health care. This is an individual with the ability to relate well with children, elderly physically challenged individuals present in the family. The personality of the dentist makes people at ease while dissolving fears associated with dental procedures that can be intrusive.
• Health insurance– It is advisable to identify a dentist for family oral health care practicing in a clinic where your health insurance is accepted. This helps in eliminating conflicts that may occur in claiming for refunds from your health insurance provider.

How to go about choosing the right family dentist
The following tips are important in certifying that the family dentist in question meets the criteria;

• Visit the target dentist– Before settling on a particular dentist for oral health care for the entire family, it is important to make a visit for routine checkup. During the visit, you get firsthand experience on the expertise and personality of the dentist. Also, ask the dentist general questions to know more about their practice. If possible be accompanied by a spouse, friend or a family member in order to evaluate the dentist together.
• Consult friends– If you have family friends getting services from the target dentist, it is important to ask about their experience with the particular dentist.
• Consult family doctor– A family physician can help in highlighting several pointers to a good dentist for family health care.

Consult family dentist in for comprehensive family dental care.

For appointments and inquiries about our veneers, Invisalign, dental implants, and other general and pediatric dentistry services, simply call 571-210-4747.  http://cosmosmilesdental.com and https://www.facebook.com/cosmosmiles/

Dental crowns are designed to suit individual size and shape of teeth. Wondering what is a dental crown? Well, it is a tooth shaped cap designed to protect the tooth while restoring its size, strength and shape. This cap is placed on the tooth and cemented right from the gum lining of the tooth. Crown application is one of teeth protective procedures performed in cosmetic dentistry. They are highly recommended to provide extra support for relatively damaged teeth or cover teeth with uneven sharp edges among other dental flaws. However, the crown should be chosen keenly in order to suit the color of the teeth for aesthetic purposes. Below are some facts about crowns that you need to know for an informed decision when speaking with your dental professional;

Benefits of dental crowns

Application of dental crowns on teeth with varying dental flaws brings both health and aesthetic benefits. When a crown procedure is performed, the affected teeth are restored and their appearance enhanced. Here are some reasons for considering this particular procedure;

• Weak tooth protection– The crown is placed on a tooth badly damaged by decay or by cracks. This protects the tooth from further weakening that can lead to breaking hence tooth loss.
• Protect the tooth after filling– A severely decayed tooth may require a large amount of filling to hold in place the remaining small piece. A crown is placed on the tooth after the filling procedure to secure it.
• To cover flawed teeth– crowns are applied to cover teeth with flaws such as unevenly shaped or severely stained teeth. In this case, the caps add aesthetic value giving an individual freedom to smile.
• Tooth protection after a major procedure– Application of crowns on teeth that have undergone major dental procedures is essential. Crown procedure is highly recommended after a tooth implant or root canal treatment among other major procedures.
• Hold a tooth bridge in place– A tooth bridge is prone to pressure from the neighboring teeth during the chewing process. A crown acts as a tooth bridge anchor, hence keeping it from moving.
• Child teeth protection– It is difficult for young children to maintain the required oral hygiene that may lead to massive teeth decay and other oral health issues. Crowns help in protecting the teeth from decay.

Types of dental crowns
Different types of dental crowns are available to suit the taste and financial muscle of every individual in need of the procedure. However, it is advisable to consult your dentist in order to make an informed decision. The following are the varieties for you to choose from;

• Metal crowns- Dental caps derived from metal materials such as gold and alloys are present in the clinics. Metal caps resist biting and chewing pressure hence lasting longer.
• Stainless steel crowns- These are prefabricated dental caps normally applied on the teeth as a temporary measure. They are the best choice for children waiting for the growth of permanent teeth.
• All resin crowns- They are less expensive but prone to cracking hence getting worn easily.
• Porcelain crowns- These dental caps are a right fit for people who are allergic to metallic materials.
• Milled crowns- They are produced using digital software and hardware. No impression is required for this type of crowns.

Side effects of dental crowns procedure
Just like any medical procedure, application of dental crowns has side effects. However, constant communication with your dentist helps in early detection of the risks and preventing or handling them effectively. One may experience the following risks;

• Tooth decay if the dental cap is not well cemented.
• Infection
• Shifting of the fixed crown
• Allergic reaction to the materials used to make the crown.

Dental Crowns are the effective, affordable and safe solution to your teeth problems.

For appointments and inquiries about our veneers, Invisalign, dental implants, and other general and pediatric dentistry services, simply call 571-210-4747.  http://cosmosmilesdental.com and https://www.facebook.com/cosmosmiles/

Dental bridges are among the restorative and cosmetic dental procedures performed by professional dentists. A dental bridge is applied between two crowns to fill the gap left by the missing teeth. Application of a dental bridge is a restorative solution that can last for up to fifteen years with proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. After the bridge application procedure, you may feel uncomfortable to chew. Once you are accustomed to the bridge, food chewing becomes easy just like when using natural tooth. The bridge blends well with the shape, size and color of the existing teeth enhancing your general appearance.

Varying types of dental bridges

Dental bridges are available in three major types. It is the responsibility of your dentist to advise you accordingly in order to make an informed choice on the best bridge type. It is advisable to make yourself available for all the scheduled appointments before, during and after the bridge application for the success of the procedure. Regardless of the type of the bridge being applied, you may need to make at least three visits to the dentist for the procedure to be complete. Major dental bridge types include;

• Cantilever dental bridges– Normally, a bridge depends on the adjacent teeth present on both sides for support. However, there are cases whereby the adjacent teeth are only present on one side of the lost tooth. In this case, a cantilever bridge is the best type to fill the gap.
• Resin-bonded dental bridges– This type of bridges are made of plastic teeth and gum material secured by a metal frame. The metal wings are fixed between the adjacent teeth present on both sides of the existing gap.
• Traditional dental bridges– These are the most common type of bridges made of metal fused porcelain or ceramic material. These bridges are long lasting as they are strong having high resistance to pressure and moderate trauma. The procedure of replacing a tooth with this type of bridges entails making a crown on either side of the missing tooth and a replacement tooth being placed in the gap.

Reasons to consider a dental bridge procedure
Though other replacement options for missing teeth are available, dental bridges are among the most popular solutions. Placing a dental bridge to fill the gap of a missing tooth comes with the following benefits;

• Best option for recessed jaw bone– Dental bridge procedure is the best option for individuals with recessed jaw bones. This is because no bone grafting is required prior to bridge application as may be necessary for other tooth replacement procedures.
• No risk of falling– A dental bridge is securely cemented in between the existing teeth on either side hence fitting permanently in the gap. This eliminates risks of the bridge falling out at awkward time and places leading to embarrassment.
• Natural feel– A tooth replacement bridge does not cause irritation and feels like a natural tooth. For those allergic to metal, the dentist helps in selecting the bridge type made of a metal free material to prevent allergy. The individual forgets that a foreign bridge has been added into their mouth barely two days after the procedure.
• Adds natural beauty– A bridge applied to replace a lost tooth blends well with the existing natural teeth having resemblance in terms of size, shape and color. In addition, the bridge closes the gap left by the missing tooth. This enhances the appearance of an individual giving confidence to smile and talk.

How to care for a tooth replacement bridge
Life of dental bridges can be prolonged by using the following care tips;

• Good oral hygiene as the decay of adjacent teeth may lead to removal of the bridge.
• Routine dental examinations
• Reduced consumption of sugary foodstuffs.

Dental bridges are a safe solution for missing teeth.

For appointments and inquiries about our veneers, Invisalign, dental implants, and other general and pediatric dentistry services, simply call 571-210-4747.  http://cosmosmilesdental.com and https://www.facebook.com/cosmosmiles/

Seeking to restore attractive smiles and social confidence in an individual. Though cosmetic dental procedures have restorative and preventive properties, they are basically done to enhance appearance of an individual. Remember that the personality of an individual is revealed first and foremost by the smile and their confidence in talking. If the teeth of an individual have flaws that one is uncomfortable about, a person may become shy to laugh, smile or talk in public. This lowers the individual’s self esteem and confidence. Cosmetic dentists have vast knowledge about the anatomy of the mouth, oral health issues that can lead to teeth damage and artistic eye to restore a beautiful smile in the affected individual.

Signs that you need to visit a cosmetic Dentist

You do not need to have pain in order to visit your local cosmetic dentist. If you have some teeth defects that you wish to hide, making you to laugh or smile while covering your mouth, it is time to schedule for an appointment with a cosmetic dentist. With the help of a dentist, you can get rid of the disturbing defect once and for all. Wondering whether you should visit a cosmetic dentist?

Here are some signs to look for;

• Cracked and chipped teeth– Cracked or chipped teeth distort the general shape of the teeth making you uncomfortable. In addition, the crack acts as an open door for bacteria to gain entry casing infection and consequently decay. It is advisable to visit cosmetic dentist for restoration procedure hence health and attractive appearance.
• Misaligned jaw or teeth– Misaligned jaw leads to crooked teeth that may lead to discomfort. The jaw and teeth can be straightened using some cosmetic procedures that are performed depending on the intensity of the issue.
• Missing teeth– Missing teeth can be caused by severe infection, accident or advanced age. It is possible to have the lost tooth replaced with a permanent or semi-permanent one that resembles the natural teeth.
• Severely or moderately stained teeth– Coffee drinking over a long period of time may lead to brown colored teeth. However, some teeth become yellow over time may be due to use of anti-biotic treatment or unknown cause, making one uncomfortable. By simply scheduling an appointment with a cosmetic dentist, you can have white teeth once again.
• Undesirable gaps between the teeth– Gaps in between the teeth may occur naturally possibly due to genetic makeup of an individual. These gaps can be filled using varying cosmetic dental procedures.

Types of cosmetic dental procedures

Restoration and preventive procedures performed in cosmetic dentistry helps in enhancing personal beauty. In order for a procedure to be successful, close collaboration between a cosmetic dentist and laboratory technician is essential. In addition, patient involvement in decision making is vital as an individual must like the makeover to be done to them through the procedure. Cosmetic procedures performed in this branch of dentistry include;

• Teeth whitening– This is a simple procedure performed to eliminate the stains present on the teeth. The dentist chooses the teeth whitening products to use depending on the nature of stains on particular patient’s teeth.
• Dental crowns application– Dental crowns are applied on the damaged teeth to restore the shape and size of the teeth hence good appearance. In most cases, porcelain crowns are applied.
• Veneer application– This is a cosmetic and restorative remedy for a cracked or chipped tooth. The dentist involves the patient in choosing the right material for the veneer that includes composite or porcelain.
• Dental implant– This procedure is essential for missing tooth replacement whereby the implant is fixed on a crown to make a complete tooth.

Dental cosmetic procedures performed by professionals. Call 571-210-4747.  http://cosmosmilesdental.com and https://www.facebook.com/cosmosmiles/