2 Tips For Affording A Root Scaling Without Dental Insurance
If you have extreme gum disease, then a regular dentist cleaning will not get rid of the bacteria and plaque buildup around your gums. Your dentist will often refer you to a periodontist. The periodontist has a number of methods that they regularly use to treat severe gum disease, and a root scaling is one of them. During a root scaling, your teeth will be scrubbed and scraped in order to completely clean around your gum line. Since this procedure is more specialized, it often costs more than a standard cleaning. This can be a bit difficult to pay for all at once if you do not have dental insurance. Luckily, there are a few tips that you can use to help pay for a root scaling without dental insurance. Talk to Your Periodontist about a Payment Plan Before the Procedure Begins Since your root scaling is not done by your dentist, your periodontist may end up billing you for this procedure. Therefore, it is important to speak to your periodontist beforehand about a payment plan. A payment plan will allow you to pay back the total payment in smaller installments. This is extremely helpful if you do not have all of the money saved up for the procedure. Consider Applying for Medicaid Medicaid is designed to provide health services to individuals and families that are currently low-income. Therefore, the Medicaid program often covers specialized dental treatments like a root scaling. If you have trouble affording dental insurance on your own, then you may be able to qualify for Medicaid. The requirements from each state vary; however, each state does require that your income falls below a certain threshold. It is important that you apply for Medicaid before receiving your root scaling. It is difficult to get past treatments covered, even if you did not have any coverage when the treatments were performed. Therefore, you will end up paying for this out of your own pocket. You can find out more information about the Medicaid program by visiting a local Medicaid office in your county. A root scaling is often a necessity if you are looking start off fresh with healthy teeth and gums. Do not allow financial setbacks get in the way of achieving a healthy mouth. Use these tips and talk to a periodontist office like Cumberland Periodontal Associate about any payment options they may have available to...
read moreTwo Reasons Why You Should Choose a Root Canal over Tooth Extraction
If you’re experiencing issues such as extreme tooth sensitivity or tenderness, it’s easy to think that the answer is to have the tooth extracted. However, a better answer may be to get a root canal. During a root canal, the pulp that is hidden deep within the tooth is taken out. Learning more about the benefits of root canals can help you see why getting one is a superior alternative to tooth extraction. Root Canals Preserve Your Natural Teeth The main reason why root canals are such a good choice is that they help to preserve your natural teeth. There is simply no substitute for keeping the teeth that grow out of your gums in your mouth. Although you can certainly get bridge work done or have a dental implant inserted into your mouth, there are downsides to these procedures. For one thing, they can be quite expensive. The average cost for a dental implant is four thousand dollars. Some dental insurance companies won’t cover this expense because it is seen as purely cosmetic. You may have to pull money out of your own pocket to pay for the implant, and that is for a single tooth. In addition, if you get a replacement tooth, there will likely be a period of adjustment that will need to take place. You’ll have to become accustomed to chewing and speaking with the new teeth. Since they aren’t native to your mouth, you may find it difficult to “feel” the teeth and know how to work with them. Root canals help you avoid these issues. The sensitive pulp and tissue within the tooth will be removed so that you’re able to eat the foods that you love without feeling discomfort. Root Canals Help to Preserve the Shape of Your Face Whether you know it or not, your teeth play a vital role in preserving your facial profile. If you lose teeth, your face may take on a sunken appearance that may make you look much different. Rather than have your teeth taken out, opt for a root canal. You’ll be able to keep the teeth that you were born with so that your face can continue to look the way that it always has. Getting a root canal could be the dental key that you’ve been looking for. If you’re experiencing teeth issues, contact a dentist such as Gary B. Wiest, DMD today so you can have this procedure done as soon as...
read more5 Ways You’re Hurting Your Teeth
Even if you brush and floss your teeth daily and visit the dentist every six months, you could still be doing things that could damage your teeth. Your teeth are strong, but they can still endure harm. It is very important to pay attention to your daily habits and make sure they are not damaging your pearly whites. Here are five ways you could be hurting your teeth. Brushing with Too Much Force There is no need to brush your teeth with as much force as possible. In fact, aggressive brushing can wear down the enamel and make your teeth more sensitive. You will want to avoid this by brushing your teeth in gentle circular motions with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Chewing on Ice Do you ever like to chew on the leftover ice from your drink? If so, you could do some serious damage to your teeth. The hard texture of ice can cause chips and cracks in your teeth. Grinding Your Teeth Teeth-grinding is a terrible habit to have and can eventually wear down the enamel of your teeth. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to stop this habit. If you think you are grinding your teeth because of stress, do some stress-relieving activities throughout the day, such as meditation or yoga. If you tend to grind your teeth while you sleep, you may have to wear a custom mouth guard. Ask your dentist about getting one during your next appointment. Putting Non-Food Items in Your Mouth Nonedible items are not meant to be in your mouth, so you should keep them out of there. If you chew on a pen or try to rip off a clothing tag with your teeth, you can damage the enamel of your teeth. Eating Sugary Treats Eating sweet treats too frequently does not just hurt your waistline; it can also damage your teeth. Sugar lingers on the surfaces of your teeth for a while and can attract bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Keep your teeth in good shape by limiting the number of sweets you eat. Make sure to wash your mouth out with water when you do eat something sweet. As you can see, there are quite a few things that can hurt your pearly whites. If you avoid these habits, you can keep your teeth healthy for a long time. If you have dental issues despite following these tips, be sure to see a dentist in a timely manner. Click to read more about the kinds of services dentists often...
read more2 Tips To Protect Your Flexible Dentures From Developing Premature Stains
When wearing flexible dentures, the fit is almost so seamless that the dentures quickly feel like they are your natural teeth. Like your natural teeth, flexible dentures are susceptible to developing stains if they are not properly cared for. Poor maintenance can end up stripping the polish that protects your flexible dentures. Once the polish goes, your dentures will easily soak up stains from the foods and beverages you consume. In order to get the staining removed, you may need to get the dentures replaced entirely. This process can be expensive. Fortunately, there are a few tips that you can use to keep your flexible dentures from developing stains. Avoid Using a Hard-Bristled Toothbrush Hard-bristled toothbrushes can be too aggressive on normal teeth, and, as a result, they can also have bad consequences when used on dentures. Hard-bristled toothbrushes are usually only recommended for removing extreme plaque and bacteria buildup from the tooth surface. When used as a regular cleaning method, a hard-bristled brush will scratch the surface of your dentures. When you consume dark beverages or other everyday foods, the coloring will seep into the scratches and permanently stain the dentures. The scratches can be repaired by your dentist, but the stains will usually remain. In order to avoid this, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your dentures. In addition, you can use a denture brush that is specifically designed to clean denture surfaces. This will help to prevent any damage while maintaining clean dentures. Get Your Dentures Polished Regularly Every time people go to the dentist for their regular dental checkup, the dentist will clean their teeth and finish it off with a polish. The polish adds luster back to natural teeth, but also acts as a protective barrier. A similar method is used with dentures. When your flexible dentures are first constructed, they will be polished in order to protect the surface of the dentures from staining and scratches. Once the polish is stripped off, your flexible dentures are more vulnerable to developing imperfections. You can avoid this by getting your dentures polished regularly. This will help to reinforce any weak spots of the existing polish and will protect your teeth from future stains. Dealing with early issues with denture staining can ruin the overall look of your new smile. Therefore, use these tips to help protect your flexible dentures from developing premature stains. Click here to learn more about cosmetic...
read moreUpgrade Your Smile: Discover How To Deal With Discoloration And A Missing Tooth
While watching your favorite television shows or browsing the internet, do you often wish you had the same smile as some of your favorite celebrities? It is not impossible to have beautiful teeth. Even if you have a missing tooth and are dealing with discoloration, there are some ways to enhance your smile so that it looks flawless. Whiten Your Teeth at Home or in the Dental Office If you have noticed some discoloration and are unhappy about it, whitening options are available. There are natural ways to whiten your teeth using products you may already have at home. In fact, these are a few of the natural remedies worth trying: Brush with a blend of crushed organic strawberries and baking soda Brush with a turmeric powder and coconut oil paste Rinse your mouth with pure organic coconut oil for 10 minutes daily While home remedies are often effective, you may not want to wait several weeks to see the results. In that case, going to the dental office for a whitening session is best. The dentist may use a hydrogen peroxide gel combined with the LED whitening light on your teeth to remove several stains within minutes. Replace Extremely Damaged or Missing Teeth You should meet with a dentist to take care of a damaged or missing tooth. If you have a missing tooth, you might have thought you would have to just deal with it or get dentures. However, the dentist can take an advanced approach by replacing a missing or severely damaged tooth with a dental implant. The dental implant procedure is often completed in these steps: Consultation with the dentist to examine the structure of the bones inside your mouth, along with checking out the condition of the teeth to make sure you are a good fit for this procedure. Dental surgery to remove the dead root from beneath the surface of the gums and to insert a strong metal rod in its place. The rod becomes the man-made root that will hold the implant in place. Healing time period where you will need to allow the incision to heal while the artificial root begins to attach itself to the bone. The healing time period may last about 6-12 weeks or longer if necessary. While your incision is healing and the bonding of the rod and bone takes place, the dentist will spend time in the lab developing a crown that looks just right with your other teeth. Placement of the permanent crown takes place in the office. The final step only takes a few minutes. Once these steps are completed, the missing tooth you once had will no longer be a problem and you will get to smile confidently with a full set of beautiful teeth. For more information, contact John P Poovey DMD PC or a similar dental...
read more4 Tips For Maintaining A Bright Smile After A Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment
While there are many over-the-counter products that can be used to help whiten teeth, when you want a bright white smile fast your best bet is to have your teeth professionally whitened by your dentist. A professional teeth whitening treatment can have amazing results, but it is typically more expensive than using teeth whitening products from a drug store. Use the following tips to help protect your investment and maintain your beautiful white smile: Avoid Consuming Staining Food and Beverages After having your teeth professionally whitened, it is in your best interest to avoid food and drinks that can cause discoloration or stain on your teeth. Problem items include things like coffee, tea, dark colored soda, red wine, tomato sauce and paste, balsamic vinegar, blueberries, soy sauce, and hard candies that contain dyes. Start Drinking Through a Straw While it is easy to recommend avoiding certain staining beverages, some people are not willing to completely give up caffeinated beverages or an occasional glass of red wine. If you want to consume beverages that stain teeth every once in a while, protect your newly whitened smile by drinking through a straw. Using a straw will ensure that staining beverages don’t come in contact with your front teeth, which can help prevent any surface staining or discoloration. Clean Your Mouth Regularly Ideally, you should brush your teeth after eating or drinking anything if you’re serious about maintaining the brightness of your newly whitened teeth. In the event that you don’t have a toothbrush and toothpaste handy, or don’t have time to brush, make it a point to thoroughly rinse your mouth with water after a meal or consuming a beverage to remove debris from the surface of your teeth and help prevent staining compounds from sitting on the surface of your teeth. Invest in Teeth Whitening Products After you have your teeth professionally whitened by your dentist, over-the-counter teeth whitening products, such as whitening toothpaste and whitening mouth rinses, are an easy and affordable way to maintain your beautiful smile. Before purchasing any over-the-counter teeth whitening products, consult your dentist. He or she may be able to recommend the best brands and advise you on how to use them. Some people may experience some tooth sensitivity after a professional teeth whitening treatment; if your teeth feel sensitive, consider waiting a few days after the procedure before you start to use any type of teeth whitening product. For more information, visit websites like...
read more2 Homemade Antibacterial Rinses To Prevent Periapical Periodontitis
Periapical periodontitis is a form of extreme gum disease that develops around the root of your tooth. This occurs when bacteria are able to penetrate your dental pulp. Bacteria often seep into your dental pulp by way of a cavity that was left untreated. When periapical periodontitis occurs, you will need to see a dentist in order to get the bacteria fully removed from your tooth. This procedure is often time-consuming and intensive. As a result, it is important to prevent periapical periodontitis from forming. Early signs of periapical periodontitis include anything from bleeding to inflammation around the root of your tooth. Fortunately, there are a few antibacterial rinses that you can use in order to prevent periapical periodontitis from fully forming. Grapefruit Seed Extract Rinse Grapefruit is not only enjoyed as a snack, but the fruit also contains antiviral properties that are used to fight off infections and bacteria. More specifically, grapefruit seed extract is used as a natural remedy to remove toxins and promote healing. A powerful bacteria-fighting rinse can be created using the extract. Fill a medium sized cup with hot water and add a spoonful of grapefruit seed extract to the mixture. Use the spoon to mix the contents of the cup. Once the mixture cools, direct the rinse around your gum line using your cheeks. Concentrate in the grooves of your teeth and hold it in your mouth for at least a minute. Spit out the mixture and repeat the process to ensure that all of the bacteria has been removed. Goldenseal Rinse Goldenseal is frequently used as an ointment to treat skin infections. The herb contains antibacterial properties that work to fight infection. Goldenseal can also be used in your oral health care routine to get rid of bad bacteria and plaque buildup. Place a handful of the herb in a small pot of water. Cover the pot and allow it to boil. Add a few slices of lime to the pot in order to counteract the herb’s bitter taste. Once it boils, remove the pot and allow the mixture to cool. Gargle with the rinse and work it around the roof of your mouth as well as your gum line. Keep the rinse in your mouth for several minutes, then use warm water to remove it. Getting rid of periapical periodontitis can quickly turn into an uphill battle. Therefore, use these antibacterial rinses to prevent the disease from forming. Talk to a dentist, like Preferred Family Dental, for more...
read morePorcelain Veneers: How Can They Improve Your Smile?
How do you feel when you smile? The answer should be “happy.” However, even if you have healthy teeth, they may not have the most symmetrical of appearances. Life happens, and perhaps that’s showing up in your teeth. Porcelain veneers could vastly improve the look of your smile. Cosmetic dentists remove a minute amount of the tooth’s surface then affix a thin layer of dental ceramic to your teeth. If you have cosmetic worries about your smile, consider having porcelain veneers applied. Discoloration One of the most common uses for porcelain veneers is to mask discolored teeth. Discoloration occurs in teeth for a variety of reasons. Drinking beverages such as coffee or wine are a prime culprit, as is smoking. If you ever took tetracycline, your teeth may have a grayish undercast. Sometimes teeth just become yellow with age. Cosmetic dentists can the porcelain veneer to replace the outer surface of your teeth, transforming discoloration to an attractive, lifelike white. Shape Problems Porcelain veneers enhance your smile cosmetically by masking minor to moderate dental imperfections. According to Web MD, cosmetic dentists regularly use porcelain veneers to improve the shape of teeth. For example, some teeth naturally have bulges in them. Veneers can cover the bulges, resulting in a smooth surface. Veneers can also be used if teeth have been chipped or slightly cracked. They won’t fix teeth that are broken, though – a full crown is needed for that. However, the two processes can be combined. Mis-Sized Teeth Another version of the shape problem is teeth that are the wrong size. It’s all about proportion – the teeth should be proportional to your lips and the amount of gum showing in your smile. However, sometimes teeth don’t grown in proportionally, or they can become worn down, especially if you grind your teeth in sleep. Cosmetic dentists can apply veneers that slightly lengthen the teeth. As with chipped or cracked teeth, though, the veneers can only correct minor issues. If there’s too much of a disparity in size, a crown is more advisable. Alignment or Spacing Problems Just as veneers can slightly lengthen teeth, they can also widen teeth to get rid of gaps. If there are big gaps, though, braces are probably necessary. Likewise, porcelain veneers can mask slightly crooked teeth in the same way they solve bulges or craters. The cosmetic dentist can reduce the part of the tooth that is sticking out before applying the veneer. Again, this is only possible if the crookedness is slight. Be happy about your smile by improving its appearance with porcelain veneers. Talk to a dentist, like Ginger Scoggins DDS, for...
read moreBack to School Dental Tips for Elementary School Children
It takes creativity and ingenuity to get young children interested in dental hygiene. This is especially true for children who are elementary-school age. Teach them early how important it is to protect their teeth. Getting kids to practice good dental hygiene can be hard when they start school because you won’t be around to encourage healthy eating choices or brushing after snacks and meals. These tips will help you encourage healthy dental habits that will stick with your children throughout school. #1: Make Brushing Teeth Fun With young children, it’s important to make mundane activities, like teeth brushing and flossing, fun. Do things that will get them interested and engaged. One idea is to create an activity that is only done when it’s time to brush teeth. Have a dance party as they brush or find a fun video that runs for as long as you want them to stick with it, say two minutes. Turn it into a friendly competition if they have siblings. Engage them in a fun way, all the while ensuring their teeth are getting clean. #2: Pack Healthy Lunches If you want to make sure your elementary school student is taking care of his or her teeth, make sure you know what they are eating during the school day. School lunches are not always the most nutritious and can be filled with cavity-causing sugars. In order to protect your child’s dental health, pack a lunch with nutritious foods that create a balanced diet. Pack fruits for desserts instead of sugary treats and candies. #3: Set an Example Kids are impressionable, in particular young ones. They’ll copy their parents, especially when it looks like what they’re doing is fun. Set a good example for them. Surround them with good influences that will encourage healthy habits like brushing their teeth and flossing regularly. Make it a family affair; brush and floss your teeth with them. It will become a special activity that you do together. Don’t be shy about being silly and having fun. Instilling Good Dental Habits Children should be introduced to a healthy lifestyle at an early age. It builds good habits for their later years. Not only will everyone have a beautiful smile, but it will also promote and safeguard good health. If you ever need further assistance or have questions, you can always contact local dental clinics such as Sun Dental &...
read more3 Issues That A Cosmetic Dentist Can Correct
If you have some issues with the aesthetic integrity of your smile, a cosmetic dentist might be able to help you out. Whether your smile is a bit too gummy, or you believe your teeth look too large, or you’re suffering from quickly yellowing teeth, a cosmetic dentist can help you out with these issues. Throughout the course of this brief guide, you will learn about a few issues that a cosmetic dentist can correct. Toothy or Gummy Smiles If you believe that your smile is a bit too gummy or that your teeth look too large, a cosmetic dentist can help you out with this issue. Gum contouring is a process that will either raise your gums upwards, which will give you the appearance of a more toothy smile – one that corrects the issue of having a gummy smile – or it can thin out the gums and spread them over your teeth. This will correct the issue of believing your teeth are too large. Gingivectomy is a surgical procedure that can remove excess gum tissue, which can work towards solving the issue of having a gummy smile. Yellowing Teeth There are a number of things that can cause your teeth to change color – usually they will take on a grey or yellowish hue. Smoking and simply aging are two of the primary issues that cause the issue. One of the easiest ways that a cosmetic dentist can correct this issue is through the process of teeth whitening. This is a relatively simple, on the spot procedure in which you will bite down on a contoured container, which contains a solution that will ensure a white smile. For more serious coloration issues, a cosmetic dentist will often times employ a bleach solution. Chipped and Missing Teeth If you have an issue with one or more of your teeth being chipped, one of the best solutions that a cosmetic dentist can employ is the use of inlays and onlays. Inlays operate much like fillings do, but are generally a bit tighter and can approximate the look of a natural tooth to a much greater degree. Onlays are usually constructed of porcelain or composite resin and fit over the damaged tooth. If you suffer from any of these matters, it is recommended that you speak to a local cosmetic dentist at your convenience. For more information, visit http://www.fortcollinsdentist.com or a similar...
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