What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a gentle form of anesthesia that can help you relax during your dental visit. Along with your regular dental insurance plan, your dentist may decide to use a form of sedation dentistry to make your holidays more straightforward and more comfortable. You might even be able to get your fillings replaced while you’re under.

Why go through sedation dentistry?

Like many people, you’re probably tense and apprehensive about visiting the dentist. You might be worried that you won’t like the dentist or that you’ll have pain or anxiety during your visit. Sedation dentistry is the best option for people who have anxiety or fear about dental visits or a medical condition that affects their pressure or makes them nervous. Some people also have difficulty holding their drink or eating during dental visits or have trouble with other types of relaxation techniques.

The types of sedation dentistry

There are distinct types of sedation dentistry, and your dentist can help you determine which one is right for you. An initial consultation may include a discussion about your anxiety or fear, pain or sensitivity, or other limitations as far as dental work is concerned. Your dentist may also recommend a type of sedation dentistry right for you.

Your dentist may use local anesthetics to numb the area being worked on, or they may use intravenous drugs. An intravenous anesthetic is general anesthesia, which means you’re entirely unconscious and can’t feel any pain. Your dentist may use sedation dentistry and sleep aid, and anxiety medication to provide you with an ideal sedation experience.

The benefits of sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry is a good option for people apprehensive about visiting the dentist or who have anxiety related to dental visits. It’s also a good choice for people who have hardship with pain or stress.

Sedation dentistry is the best option for people who have anxiety or fear about visiting the dentist or have a medical condition that affects their pressure or makes them nervous. Your dentist may also recommend sedation dentistry if you have an eating or drinking problem or a limited time before your appointment and would prefer to be somewhere else. At the same time, your teeth are being worked on.

Toothache

Toothache is a sign of underlying severe dental problems, including cavities, infection, and tooth decay. If the toothache is accompanied by bleeding and swelling, it indicates that the periodontal disease is chronic. A wrong move often considered by many people is taking aspirin to relieve the pain. However, these painkillers will cause more harm than good as they are highly acidic. The high concentration of acid has the potential to erode the tooth enamel.

To help treat toothache, you should apply a cold press on the outside of your cheek. Next, you’ll need to visit our emergency dentist to help diagnose the dental issue.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

Notably, the teeth’ enamel is strong, thus preventing your teeth from breaking or chipping. Even when this is the case, breaking or chipping your tooth is possible. This can result from injury, accidental fall, or biting down on hard objects. Additionally, you’re susceptible to breakage or chips if you clench or bite your teeth. If this happens, ensure to rinse and preserve the teeth fragments and come with them for your appointment.

First, rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to treat a broken tooth. Secondly, use gauze to apply pressure on the bleeding areas. This will ensure that the bleeding stops. Third, use a cold press on your cheek or lips that cover the broken or cracked tooth. This will help you relieve the pain and reduce the swelling.

Lost Filling or Crown

Dental fillings and crowns are treatments used to restore the function of missing teeth due to tooth decay or cavities. Crowns might come off because of chewing on hard objects or other habits such as clenching and grinding. Another reason why dental crowns can come off is because of chewy and sticky foods.

It’s worth noting that when the dental crown falls off, the underlying tooth will be at risk of more damage. The good news is that the crown and filling can be fixed.

Knocked-Out or Lose Teeth

Loose or knocked-out teeth can result from oral trauma of any kind. They include accidental falls or sports injuries. To begin with, if you have a loose tooth, the wise thing to do is keep it in its socket. To do this, gently bite down the loose tooth to prevent it from falling out. You should first locate the missing tooth if you have a knocked-out tooth. Next is to take care of the tooth by holding it by the crown to prevent damaging the nerves. You’ll then need to rinse the tooth and either put it back in the socket or preserve it in a container of cold milk and carry it to your appointment.
Once you know the dental emergencies, the next thing will be to find a dentist for treatment. At Centreville Dentistry, our experts are ready to offer you the best dental care.

Your teeth and gums are part of your body, so dental checkups and general health go hand in hand. A dental exam can identify any problems with your teeth or gums before they get serious. Here are some reasons why you should see a dentist regularly:

Early detection of oral cancer

Preventive care helps to keep teeth healthy and strong. A great way to prevent cavities and gum disease is by getting good professional cleanings with a fluoride treatment to help strengthen the enamel. Fluoride strengthens the enamel on your teeth and helps prevent tooth decay from bacteria that collects from eating and drinking.

Preventative care for children

An early checkup and the use of fluoride strengthen the enamel on teeth and helps prevent cavities. The American Dental Association recommends dental screenings for kids at age two and again when children are about five years old, as well as twice-yearly beginning at age 6. Children should also have their teeth checked regularly as it can indicate potential problems with their teeth as they continue through childhood.

Prevention of gum disease

A good, professional cleaning with a fluoride treatment strengthens the enamel on your teeth and helps prevent cavities from bacteria that collect from eating and drinking. A great way to prevent gum disease is by getting professional cleanings, like a dental exam, with a fluoride treatment to help strengthen the enamel on your teeth.

General Health

A good, professional cleaning with a fluoride treatment strengthens the enamel on your teeth and helps prevent cavities. If you follow up visits with regular dental exams that are part of your general health routine, you can ensure that you remain healthy overall.

We all know how important a checkup is. And how often you need one.

Preventing tooth decay

Your dentist will want you to use an ADA-approved toothpaste to make sure it contains fluoride. Fluoride strengthens the enamel on your teeth and helps prevent decay. The dentist may also recommend you use an ADA-approved mouth rinse. It’s safe to swallow a tiny bit of the rinse as long as it has no sugar in it.

Dental checkups are very important in preventing diseases like gum disease, which can lead to tooth decay or cavities. Professional cleaning by your dentist, along with a fluoride treatment, will help you prevent cavities and other problems. You should also see your dentist at least twice a year for a complete exam and to check on gum health. Be sure to find out about your specific dentist’s cleaning and exam guidelines for children as well as adults.

If you’re like most people, you may be wondering how often you actually need a dental checkup. The answer? It depends on several factors including your age, overall health, and oral hygiene habits. Dr. Bill O’Donnell can help you create a personalized care plan that fits your needs so you can keep your smile healthy for years to come. Don’t wait – schedule a visit today!

Gingivitis is often the first stage of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease progresses as the gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces called pockets. These pockets collect more plaque and tartar, which leads to further gum recession and bone loss. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

If you have bleeding gums, it is important to see your dentist or dental hygienist as soon as possible. Bleeding gums are often the first symptom of periodontal disease, which is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss. However, by practicing good oral hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly, you can help to prevent and treat gingivitis and periodontal disease.  Here are five effective methods to stop bleeding gum:

Practice Good Oral Hygiene.

The best way to prevent and treat gingivitis is to practice good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash. Be sure to brush gently along the gum line and to use a toothbrush with soft bristles. You should also see your dentist or dental hygienist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.

Use a Fluoride Toothpaste.

Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. It can also help to reduce inflammation in the gums and stop bleeding. Be sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride and brush your teeth twice a day.

Rinse With a Saltwater Solution.

Saltwater has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums and reduce swelling. To make a saltwater solution, mix 1 teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Rinse your mouth with the solution for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Repeat 2-3 times per day.

Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash.

Antibacterial mouthwashes can help to kill bacteria in your mouth and reduce inflammation. Be sure to use a mouthwash that contains fluoride. Rinse your mouth with the mouthwash for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Repeat 2-3 times per day.

Eat a Healthy Diet.

Eating a healthy diet is important for overall health, including oral health. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to keep your gums healthy. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods can help to prevent cavities and tooth decay.

So there you have it – five ways to stop bleeding gums. Although we’d love for you to try all of them, pick the one or two that work best for you and your lifestyle and go from there. If you have any questions about how to implement these methods, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We would be more than happy to help get your oral health back on track!

When most people try to achieve white teeth, it is done in one of two ways: at home procedure or at the dental office. If you are currently debating between the two, hopefully the information below will help you decide.

At Home Teeth Whitening

If you are going to whiten your teeth at home, then the first hurdle you need to overcome is choosing between the endless array of whitening products on your store shelves. At home products usually come in the form of rinses, toothpaste, gel strips, and whitening trays. Between all of these options, the most effective ones are the whitening trays and gel strips because they remain on your teeth for a set amount of time. While buying an at-home kit may seem convenient and cost-effective, there are certainly a number of downsides.

The main disadvantage of using an at-home whitening kit is that you are not going to get professional results. Whitening kits are geared towards consumers, which mean that you will have difficulty attaining uniform and particularly bright results. Also, not every whitening kit is compatible with your teeth. The impact of a teeth whitening product can vary depending upon the acidity level of your mouth, how you apply the product, and the strength of the product itself. For the best results, you may just want to visit your dental office.

Whitening at Your Dentist’s Office

The fact of the matter is, getting your teeth whitened at your dental office is going to provide you with professional results. Dental office procedures usually entail custom-made trays that are designed to fit snuggly over your teeth so that every tooth is covered by the whitening solution.

The difference between the trays at your local office and those used at home is that the office trays use a much stronger version. As a result, you are bound to get whiter and brighter teeth at your dental office, as compared to at home. Another benefit of doing the procedure at your dental office is that it is oftentimes faster and less complicated than an at home process.

Dental technicians are trained to be time efficient, but to also provide you with high-quality and desirable result. If you have an issue with how your teeth are whitened, you can always mention it and have the office fix it.

Overall, between whitening your teeth at home or at your dentist’s office, the prime option is the latter. While a bit costlier, the results are well worth it. Best of all, office whitening procedures last much longer than the ones that you do on your own at home.

Dr. O’Donnell is a dentist in Centreville VA that provides teeth whitening to help patients achieve a whiter, brighter smile. Call today to schedule an appointment!

If you are also struggling with flossing your teeth, here are the 3 secrets that can help make your routine flossing simpler.

• Choose the right floss

One of the reasons why we tend to skip flossing is because we don’t like the feeling of having our gums bleed when we floss. Bleeding gums is normal for the initial days of flossing, it will also stop as your gums get accustomed to the floss. If your gums bleed every time you floss, then you might not have picked the right floss for you. There are different types of floss depending on which part of the dental cavity you are using them.  Waxy floss is best to use in the front teeth since it is durable enough to get into the tiny spaces in between the teeth without breaking. You can also use a non-waxed floss if you want to make sure that even the plaques from the hard to reach spaces in between your teeth are totally removed. Non-waxed are more prone to breakage yet it can also get into even tinier spaces in between the teeth.

• Floss gently

Your gums are made of soft tissues that can easily get injured so make sure to floss gently every time.  Rubbing too hard could remove the plaque but it can also damage your gum tissues resulting in bleeding and wearing out your tooth enamel. Constant aggressive flossing will cause trauma to your gums and may lead to serious gum diseases. To make your flossing simpler and less painful, move the floss in between your teeth slowly and gently paying more attention to the food particles that you want to remove without hurting your gums.

• Floss correctly

Like any other activities, there is a technique in making your routine flossing more comfortable and simpler. The proper way of flossing should not be painful. When flossing, hold your floss firmly and angle it away from your gumline while making sure that it can thoroughly clean the in between your teeth. Glide the floss back and forth and upward.

Lastly, floss daily. While flossing can be uncomfortable at first, the experience will get better each time. If it helps, you can try other flossing devices such as power flossing and water flossing. These two devices can clean your teeth as thoroughly as the traditional floss stick minus the poking and bleeding of the gums. To help you decide on which type of floss is best for your teeth, talk to your dentist about your flossing options.

Adding fluoride in the tap water has raised many controversies. Is fluoride really causing toxicity? Does fluoridated water cause you more harm than good? To help you answer these questions; let us delve into the myths and facts about fluoride.

Myth: Fluoridated water causes fluorosis and, worse, can cause cancer

Fact: It is true that fluoride can cause fluorosis, that is IF consumed in excessive amounts. The fluoride found in the tooth paste and in the water supply contains regulated amounts, therefore, it is safe and wouldn’t cause any toxicity such as fluorosis. In fact, the American Academy of Family Physicians has even endorsed it.

Myth: Exposure to fluoride lowers the IQ in children

Fact: This myth was rooted from a study published in the Environmental Health Perspectives stating that exposure of pregnant women to fluoride can lower the children’s IQ scores. However, it is important to note also that the study was done in Mexico wherein fluoride levels are naturally higher in the community water and the compound was even added with salt. The study conducted is not applicable to US water supply since the amount of fluoride added in the community water is regulated and in safe amounts.

Myth: Fluoride will only damage the teeth

Fact: The “damage” could be dental fluorosis which typically happens to young children that is being exposed to excessive amounts of fluoride. When this happens, the growing adult teeth of these children may have white spots. However, dental fluorosis can be easily treated with cosmetic dental procedures. Teeth cavities are more harmful and damaging than dental fluorosis which you will get if you wont get advantage from fluoride in toothpaste and fluoridated water.

Fluoride is an important component which helps strengthen your tooth enamel and decrease the risk of cavities by locking the calcium into your teeth.

Myth: Fluoride is dangerous to children

Fact: Another common misconception about fluoride is the belief that it is harmful to children. Truth is, anything that is in excess is dangerous. But with the regulated amount of fluoride in tap water in the US, no study had proved the link of fluoride to certain types of illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, kidney problems, arthritis, and others.

Many cases of fluoride toxicity were recorded annually though. However, it involves young children ingesting large amounts of toothpastes or mistakenly swallowed mouth rinse. Parents can take extra precautions to protect their children against fluoride toxicity by keeping their toothpaste and mouth rinse out of their children’s reach.

Myth: Fluoride is banned in many countries

Fact: No country has ever banned the use of fluoridated water. Only that some countries opt for the alternative treatment which is salt fluoridation. There are also some countries that use fluoridated milk as a way of promoting dental health.

A tooth or a part of it can be cracked because of several reasons such as dental injury, daily wear and tear, chewing on hard foods, teeth grinding, abrupt changes in the temperature inside the mouth, and old age.  The pressure brought by these conditions weakens the integrity of the tooth, resulting in a crack. If not treated right away, it can even lead to tooth loss.

What are the different types of a cracked tooth?

A cracked tooth doesn’t just dampen your smile, but it can also reach your dentin and cause more dental problems. A cracked tooth comes in different types such as the following:

1. Craze lines

Craze lines are very small cracks in the tooth enamel that may still be unnoticeable with visual observation. It typically has no symptoms either.

2. Fractured cusp

Fractured cusp usually happens in the chewing surface of the tooth and around a dental filling. It doesn’t show any symptoms either, as it still doesn’t affect the pulp of the tooth.

3. Cracked tooth

A cracked tooth is a vertical break that extends towards the tooth’s root and may even reach the gumline. It is important to have this treated to save the tooth before it could lead to tooth extraction.

4. Split tooth

The crack in a split tooth starts from the surface and travels down below the gum line. As the name implies, the crack has already progressed and split the tooth in two pieces.

5. Vertical root fracture

A vertical root fracture is a type of cracked tooth that begins in the root of the tooth and moves up towards the chewing surface. It doesn’t show any symptoms until it has affected the surrounding bones and gums.

What are the symptoms of a cracked tooth?

Though there are times when a cracked tooth does not show any symptoms, most individuals with a cracked tooth may experience the following:

• Pain when biting or chewing
• Tooth sensitivity
• Toothache that comes and goes
• Redness and swelling of the gums around the cracked tooth
• Moving teeth especially when chewing

If you experience these symptoms, you might like to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will be able to diagnose a cracked tooth through visual observation using a magnifying lens. You may be asked about your dental history, as well as let you chew hard foods and grind your teeth. A dental X-Ray may be required to determine the poor tooth pulp.

How is a cracked tooth treated?

Treatment for a cracked tooth depends on the severity of the condition. Most craze lines are generally harmless and don’t necessarily need treatment. However, with the other types of a cracked tooth, a treatment should be needed to prevent further problems.

Bonding is a dental procedure that uses a plastic resin to fill in the crack. It also uses a high-intensity curing light along with a special adhesive to restore the look and function of the tooth. Another dental treatment for a cracked tooth is the use of dental crowns. These are artificial caps made of porcelain or ceramic that are fitted over the damaged tooth. When the crack is extensive, your dentist may suggest root canal or tooth extraction. If you’re looking to fix your cracked tooth or teeth, contact us at Centreville Dentistry.

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Boost Your Confidence

If you are going to do well at your job, you need to feel confident. The more confident you are, the more conversations you will have with others and the more networking you will do. The more confident you are, the better that you will be at leading those who are working under you. If you are unhappy with your smile and you feel your teeth do not look right in your mouth, your confidence will suffer. If you feel good about your teeth because you have received good cosmetic dentistry services, you will feel more confident and better able to manage the work before you.

Cosmetic Dentistry Work Can Help People Trust You More

There are people who judge on appearances. Those people may not trust you fully if you have a visible dental issue. We are here to provide you with dental implants and other services so that your smile looks perfect. We want you to feel that everyone who sees you trusts you and that they believe in you and the work that you do.

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Help You Smile More

When you are missing a tooth or you are embarrassed about the color and condition of your teeth, you might hide your smile. This can cause you to look unfriendly and it can keep you from making the connections that you need to make to advance your career. When you have cosmetic dentistry work done, you can feel happy with your smile. You can then use your smile to show everyone what a likable person you are and to get more sales or be a better boss.

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Help You Stay Looking Young

You want people to trust that you will do good work. If you are looking to advance your career, you cannot have people thinking that you are too old to get a job done right. When you take care of your teeth through cosmetic dentistry work, you can stay young-looking and show that you are still capable of taking on all that you want to take on.

We are Here to Help Your Smile and Your Career

When you trust Centreville Dentistry with your teeth, you can receive the cosmetic services that you need to move forward in your career. We can help you change the look of your smile and feel better prepared for all of the work that is in front of you.

1. Traditional Metal

Traditional metal crowns are made of an acrylic core and an outer metal shell. About one inch long, the acrylic body is cemented onto the existing tooth to strengthen it. The metal shell is attached over the top of the acrylic center and fused with heat. The metal-based dental crown can be fabricated at home by your dentist or made beforehand by a lab. This allows for more-rapid service when needed. Traditional metal dental crowns come in different colors, which blend in better with your natural teeth. These crowns are less expensive and take longer to make than ceramic or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns due to the extra time it takes to prepare them before they are applied.

2. Ceramic Dental Crowns

Ceramic crowns seem to be more popular than ever. They are a more attractive option for many people who don’t want the metal on their teeth. Ceramic crowns are also lighter, which is especially important if you have a lot of teeth that need to have crowns put on them.

Ceramic crowns can be constructed, so they are strong enough to prevent cracking or chipping. Unlike porcelain fused to metal, ceramic crowns can wear down your tooth as they do not fit tightly against the tooth and gums as porcelain-fused-to-metal does. This means that there is a greater risk of decay with ceramic crowns compared to porcelain fused to metal.

Another downside with ceramic crowns is that they chip pretty easily when dropped, leading to loss of the tooth structure beneath it.

The benefits of a ceramic dental crown are that it has more color options and can be made thinner and less bulky than traditional metal ones for gum contouring.

3. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Dental Crowns

This type of crown is made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth. It also can be made with a metal cladding that matches the color of your teeth, or it can have an all-porcelain coating. Porcelain fused to metal crowns is one of the most popular types because they blend in well with your teeth, which means you can still smile confidently.

Conclusion

There are three different types to choose from when it comes to dental crowns Centreville Dentistry. Generally speaking, the type of crown you choose will depend on the condition of your tooth. If your tooth is healthy and needs to be restored, a porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crown may be the best option for you. However, if your tooth is severely damaged and needs to be replaced, a traditional metal dental crown will be the best choice for you. And finally, if your tooth has a root canal filling or a dental filling, a ceramic dental crown may be your best bet. In any case, if you are not sure which type of dental crown is right for you and your situation, talk about your options with one of our dentists.