Teeth are Stained and Damaged? 5 Reasons to Consider Dental Bonding

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If you have teeth that are damaged in some way, you may have many options for improving their appearance. One of the options we offer to patients at First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is called dental bonding. As your dentist in Sugar Land, TX, we think it’s important to offer this type of care to ensure that you have options when restoring your teeth. 

This important cosmetic dental procedure can help protect your teeth while improving their appearance. Dental bonding is a composite resin that attaches to the tooth enamel, creating a protective top layer on the front of your teeth. Below are some of the benefits of dental bonding. 

1. Dental Bonding Covers Up Stains

Are your teeth discolored in a way that can’t be improved with dental whitening? If so, then dental bonding can help. Dental bonding doesn’t just brighten your tooth enamel as dental whitening does. Dental bonding covers up the tooth enamel to hide problems like discolorations and stains. 

2. Dental Bonding Is Less Invasive Than Dental Veneers

Dental bonding works in a way that is similar to dental veneers. Dental veneers are basically covers that attach to the front of the teeth to hide cosmetic defects. However, dental veneers require the tooth enamel to be shaved down slightly to make space before the veneer can be attached. Dental bonding doesn’t need any changes to be made to the tooth at all. The composite resin can be attached without making space. 

3. Dental Bonding Can Add Length to Short Teeth

Are your teeth a little too short? Bonding can add length to short teeth to give them the appearance that you’ve been hoping for. 

4. Dental Bonding Can Cover Chips

Bonding can cover up chips and breaks in the tooth enamel that can be embarrassing. If your teeth have an uneven appearance, dental bonding can help.

5. Bonding Is Fast and Convenient

Unlike some cosmetic dentistry procedures that require more than one office visit, dental bonding can be completed in a single appointment. 

Are you interested in dental bonding in Sugar Land, TX? If so, the dental professionals at First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can help. We offer dental bonding, veneers and more. Call today to make your appointment.

 

Why Do I Keep Getting So Many Cavities?

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A cavity is a small pit in your tooth enamel caused by tooth decay. A cavity that goes untreated can lead to a very serious toothache, infection in the tooth, and even eventual tooth loss or extraction.

It’s important to get your cavities treated right away, and if you’re getting lots of cavities at one time, it’s helpful to identify the reason. Knowing what’s causing your cavities can help you stop cavities before they start. Your dentist in Sugar Land, TX, can help with this. 

What Causes Cavities?

Several factors can cause cavities. Many people get cavities when they have poor oral hygiene habits and consume a lot of sugary foods and beverages. Drinking soda and sugary coffees and eating sugary foods can all lead you to get cavities. Other factors that put you at high risk for cavities include:

  • Dry mouth. Saliva helps keep your teeth clean, so it can be easier to get cavities when you have a dry mouth. Some medications can cause dry mouth, which in turn causes cavities.
  • Age. Children are at high risk for cavities because they often have poor oral hygiene and eat a lot of sugary foods. Older adults are also at higher risk for cavities because they often have problems like dry mouth and receding gums, which can lead to cavities near the gum line. 
  • Lack of fluoride. Consuming fluoride can help strengthen your tooth enamel, but you’re at higher risk for cavities if you don’t consume enough fluoride.
  • Frequent snacking. Frequent snacking exposes your teeth to sugar throughout the day, which can be bad for your teeth.

What Can You Do About Cavities?

If you’re getting frequent cavities, talk to your dentist when you come in for a dental exam and cleaning in Sugar Land, TX. Your dentist can help you determine the potential reason you’re getting so many cavities.

Once the potential reason has been identified, your dentist can help you work through these problems to reduce your risk. Getting this kind of care is important for the health and wellness of your teeth and gums. Call First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today to make an appointment.

 

Why is My Tooth Feeling So Sensitive?  

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Tooth sensitivity can be uncomfortable, especially when it comes on suddenly and sharply. As your dentist in Sugarland, TX, we’re happy to help you understand why your teeth are feeling sensitive and what you can do about it. We provide a range of treatments to patients who have sensitive teeth, depending on what’s happening to make their teeth feel that way. Here’s what you need to know.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity happens when the layer just beneath the top layer of your tooth enamel is exposed. This primarily causes sensitivity to heat and cold temperatures. Tooth sensitivity can occur when your tooth enamel is worn down, or when it’s exposed through gum recession. People who grind their teeth often have tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can also occur when you crack your tooth or when you have a cavity.

What can you do about tooth sensitivity?

Many people get sensitive teeth as they age. This is common and relatively natural. However, sudden onset of tooth sensitivity can be a sign of a problem. In this case, it’s important to get an examination by the dentist. Your dentist can look for a crack, cavity, tooth decay and other potential causes.

If your tooth roots are exposed due to gum recession, this is likely the result of gum disease. Your dentist can help you treat your gum disease, which ultimately can stop the gum recession.

If you have ongoing tooth sensitivity due to bruxism (chronic teeth grinding), you can help solve this problem by wearing a night guard. Your dentist can help you identify the right night guard for your mouth.

Your dentist may also recommend toothpaste that helps diminish tooth sensitivity. Talk to your dentist to get the right brand for your teeth.

Have a sensitive tooth? Contact the dentist.

If you have sudden onset of tooth sensitivity, it may be time for a dental check up in Sugarland, TX. Your dentist can help you find out whether there’s a cause for concern, or if you just need to take toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Make an appointment with First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today.

 

How Can I Tell If My Tooth Is Cracked?

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A cracked tooth can be a serious problem, so catching it in the early stages is important. If you have a cracked tooth, seeing the dentist in Castle Rock, CO can help you get the treatment you need as soon as possible. Your dentist can help repair your tooth and determine whether you need intensive intervention to keep your teeth healthy.

Signs of a Cracked Tooth

If you have a cracked tooth, you’ll notice some of the following problems:

  • Intermittent pain, especially when biting down
  • Sensitivity to extreme temperatures
  • Sensitivity to sweet foods

You may also notice an actual crack in your tooth enamel. Some cracks are easily visible, and some cracks are not visible at all. Keep in mind that just because you don’t see a crack in your tooth, this doesn’t mean that a crack is not there. Your dentist can help you determine whether your problem is a cracked tooth or something with similar symptoms.

What Does It Mean if You Have a Cracked Tooth?

If you have a cracked tooth, you could be at risk for a problem like an infection. Bacteria that gets into your tooth via the crack can cause the pulp in the tooth to become infected. When this happens, this can create a dental emergency. An infected tooth is a very painful condition that can lead to a tooth extraction or loss of a permanent tooth if the problem is not resolved.

This is why it’s very important to see the dentist as soon as a crack in the tooth enamel has been identified. Even if you have not seen a crack in the tooth enamel, it’s important to visit the dentist if you have the symptoms. Your dentist can diagnose your condition and recommend treatment.

What Should You Do About Your Cracked Tooth?

A cracked tooth can be a serious problem. It needs attention right away to avoid a painful infection. If you have a cracked tooth, you may need dental bonding in Castle Rock, CO. Call First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today to make an appointment.

Can You Remove Tartar at Home?  

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Been a while since you’ve gone for a dental hygiene visit in Sugar Land, TX? If so, you may start to notice signs of tartar buildup on your teeth. This dense, hard material looks like you have something forming around your gum line. Can you remove it yourself? Should you? Below is a closer look.

First, what is tartar?

Tartar, which may also be referred to as calculus, is hardened plaque buildup. Plaque occurs as a result of bacteria interacting with starches and sugars in foods. If plaque is not properly removed with good hygiene habits and regular teeth cleanings at the dentist, the material hardens into tartar. Because tartar is basically hardened plaque, the best way to negate the problem is to follow a good oral hygiene routine and eat a nutritious diet that does not include a lot of starch or sugars.

Signs You Have Tartar Buildup on Your Teeth

Tartar is relatively easy to spot and feel on your teeth. Some signs of tartar buildup include:

  • Crusty areas on your teeth, usually around the gum line
  • Discoloration around the gum line
  • Recognizing spots where it looks like something is stuck to your teeth
  • Swollen, irritated gums
  • Gums pulling away from the base of the teeth

Why Tartar Buildup Should Be Removed by the Dentist

Plaque buildup is easy enough to remove with brushing, flossing, and even using a good mouthwash. However, once you have the hardened tartar on your teeth, it is not safe to remove the material on your own. The dentist uses a special drill that chips away the calculus, but they do so in a way that it does not put the enamel of your teeth at risk. Plus, it is not uncommon for tartar buildup to be below the gum line, which makes it even more tedious to remove safely. Trying to remove tartar at home with the wrong tools by scraping at your teeth can cause damage to your gums and possibly put affected teeth at risk of decay.

Reach Out to a Sugar Land, TX Dentist for Advice

Want to discuss tartar issues with a Sugar Land dentist? Reach out to us at First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule an appointment.