Home > Blog > Dental Care

Search for:

Categories

Archives

Dental Veneers Pros and Cons: How could it makeover your smile?

By | Date posted: | Last updated: June 13, 2022
Dental veneers pros and cons

If you have dreamt of that perfect smile, it is time to convert your dreams to reality. With dental veneers your smile makeover couldn’t be easier.

Simply put, veneers are thin molds that are adjusted to fit your teeth that bring about a better-looking smile. Veneers are customizable and are available in a wide range of size, shapes & colors. They work well for chipped & broken teeth as also for gaps in teeth, teeth that are oddly shaped, are discolored and more. They therefore solve a wide range of aesthetic issues. The fact, that the process is only minimally invasive & typically requires 2-3 visits to the dentist is a big reason behind their popularity.

Types of Dental Veneers

The main types of veneers available are as under:

Porcelain Veneers

Applied to your teeth using ultra violet light, they custom fit the shape of your teeth.

Composite Veneers

These are generally used to fix small dental issues such as chipped teeth or gaps within the teeth.

Instant Veneers

The big advantage that these veneers offer is that they are pre-made and can be applied instantly.

Pros & Cons of using Dental Veneers

Let us look at the many pros first that make veneers a go-to option for many.

Pros of Dental Veneers

Add to the aesthetic of your smile

They are the go-to option to have a smile makeover especially if you have chipped teeth, gap in the teeth, discolored teeth & more. Importantly they show results instantly. Unlike braces, for example or re-contouring that takes time, dental veneers offer a quick makeover. After the initial consultation and the first visit that involves preparation, it takes about 2 weeks before the permanent ones are put in place.

They help to correct crooked teeth

Crooked teeth or teeth that are too small, tend to benefit from veneers. They, therefore, are a great way to mask small dental cosmetic issues.

Add a layer of strength

Besides the fact that veneers correct cosmetic issues they also add strength to the teeth. Damaged dental enamel that has resulted from eating acidic food, brushing too hard or any other such reason, can benefit from dental veneers.

They are extremely convenient

Minimally invasive and the fact that they can be fitted in 1-2 visits makes them extremely convenient to use. Additionally, they do not call for much shaping of the natural teeth. The big advantage that they offer, therefore, is also that the tooth structure is preserved

They do not require high maintenance

Particularly porcelain veneers aren’t high on maintenance. The fact that they don’t stain easily and are resistant to discoloration makes them easy to use. Additionally with porcelain veneers it is easy to match them with the color of the natural teeth. That way they are inconspicuous & most people find them easy to carry. You need not be conscious of the fact that people are able to tell that you are wearing veneers.

You can customize them

The big advantage with dental veneers is that you can tailor your smile. Right from choosing the size, shape, color, margins, length & width of your teeth, you can choose it all. You could even have pictures of smiles to communicate to the dentist exactly what you are looking for.

Durability

With good oral hygiene and regular check ups, dental veneers can last years. Daily brushing & flossing are highly advisable so that there is no decay in the tooth behind the veneer. It is also important to limit consumption of tea, coffee, red wine to ensure you cause minimal staining.

Cons of Dental Veneers

While dental veneers come with a host of advantages, it is best to be aware of some cons that they have, before you proceed for treatment. Here is a quick look:

Cost

Cosmetic dentistry is typically not covered by private health insurance. Therefore, you need to be prepared to pay for them from your own pocket. Additionally, while porcelain veneers come with a wide range of advantages including their durability, their cost can sometimes get in the way. In such situations, composite resin veneers can serve as the cheaper alternative, although it needs some maintenance & is more prone to damage.

Irreversible

Putting dental veneers in place involves some amount of change in structure of your tooth. Before you go in for treatment, it is important to remember that unless you are opting for removable veneers, this process is irreversible.

Veneers are suitable only if you have a stable bite

In case you do not have a stable bite, the use of veneers is not recommended, as it is possible to break or crack your veneers. Before recommending veneers, an experienced dentist will therefore evaluate the health of your back teeth. In case there are any issues with your bite, they need to be resolved before you undertake the veneer treatment.

Additionally, veneers do not work on teeth that have large cavities or fractures. Similarly if the gum around the tooth is infected, veneers cannot be put.

You also usually cannot put veneers on the lower front teeth as if they tap or hit the top teeth, it causes the veneers to chip. Largely, therefore, veneers are suited for the upper front teeth that fall in your smile zone.

To sum up

While dental veneers are a great option for smile correction, it is important for you to know what to expect before you go in for the treatment. Done well, they can transform your smile extremely quickly and leave you looking radiant & feeling confident.

With years of experience in cosmetic dentistry, we offer you a hassle-free experience with your dental veneers. Our trained team will discuss the veneers that suit your bespoke requirements and ensure you are comfortable. Call us at 925 846 4491 or email us at office@dentaloasispleasanton.com and schedule your appointment now.

Composite Veneers Cosmetic Dentistry Services Dental Care Dental Care Services Dental Health Dental services Dental Veneers Dental Veneers Pros and Cons Dentist Family Dentistry Family Dentistry in Pleasanton Instant Veneers Oral Care Oral Health Porcelain Veneers Pros and Cons of Veneers on Teeth Regular Dental Checkups Veneers Dental Treatment

May is Save Your Tooth Month! Know the importance of preserving your natural teeth!

By | Date posted: | Last updated: May 20, 2022
Save Your Tooth Month

Every May we celebrate the importance of saving natural teeth! It is more important than ever to realize that nothing looks, feels, or acts like your natural teeth. In fact, teeth are one of the most important investments in life.

An AAE (American Association of Endodontists) survey revealed the following:

  • Millennials care about saving their natural teeth just as much as if not more than any other aspect of their body. 24% of millennials ranked their teeth as the number one thing they would save. This is as compared to baby boomers who ranked eyesight as number one.
  • 61% of women and 51% of men felt strongly that saving their natural teeth helps them feel better about themselves.
  • More than 95% of people said it is important to save your natural teeth.

On the other hand, research shows that as many as 178 million Americans have at least one tooth missing. Tooth loss cannot just affect psychological well-being, it can also lead to systemic diseases such as diabetes.

It is the habits that you create while you are young that determine whether you will be able to preserve this investment.

Top 5 reasons to save your natural teeth

Here are the top 5 reasons why you should save your natural teeth.

#1. They make you look beautiful

First things first! Natural teeth that are well-maintained are beautiful and make you look gorgeous. As they say, a smile is the prettiest thing you can wear! Those pearly white teeth can add to your confidence & beauty. In their absence not only do you experience physical issues, but it also impacts your psychological well-being. Thankfully, all you need to do to keep them looking sparkly is to brush them regularly with a fluoride toothpaste, floss and stick to regular visits to your dentist.

#2 Help enjoy your favorite food

Every tooth is uniquely formed to help you bite and chew your food. Crunching into those fresh fruits and vegetables is best done with your natural teeth. Unless you’re a perfect candidate for dental implants, you will find that things such as biting into a crispy apple, which you took for granted, now need tremendous care.

#3 Help in speech

Your teeth help you articulate your thoughts. In fact, you rely on your lips, tongue & teeth to help you form words together. Most sounds require your tongue to hit either your teeth or the roof of your mouth. With missing teeth, what is impacted is your ability to articulate well as also make certain sounds.

#4 Preserve your face structure

Natural teeth have roots that help anchor them into the jawbone. On chewing, the bone tissue is stimulated, and its shape and strength maintained. A replacement tooth cannot build bone. Additionally, anything that impacts your teeth such as grinding of teeth can impact not just the teeth but also the symmetry of the face.

#5 Offer better shock absorption

Natural teeth are known to have a periodontal ligament that acts as its shock absorbent system especially when you bite or chew. With dental implants this capability is lost. In fact, too much pressure in such cases can lead to bone loss.

When you are young, and your teeth and gums are problem free, you may not think much of these benefits. The fact, however, remains that neglecting your natural teeth can come with a lot of issues including but not limited to the fact that you would need to spend a lot of money on restoration and treatment over a period. The loss of natural teeth can also lead to:

  • Shifting among remaining teeth
  • Increased risk of decay if there has been shifting
  • Bone loss
  • Decrease in self-confidence, and more.

What is a natural restoration?

Should you face an issue with your teeth, the first line of action is a natural restoration that restores the natural health of your teeth. Some of the examples of natural restoration include:

  • Fillings
  • Crowns
  • Root canal treatment

However, it may be too late to save your natural tooth sometimes. This occurs when:

  • There is severe dental trauma.
  • Tooth decay is excessive.
  • If the oral cavity has been damaged.

In such cases the dentist would need to extract the natural tooth and replace it with a dental implant. Typically, the bone bonds with the implant and keeps it in place.

Tips for saving your teeth!

Prioritizing your dental health can go a long way in saving your natural teeth. Some of the tips for saving your teeth include:

  • Brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice daily.
  • Flossing your teeth regularly.
  • Scheduling six monthly dental appointments where your teeth can be cleaned, and any issues can be caught early.
  • Act immediately if you experience any pain or swelling. Seeing your dentist in time can ensure that the problem does not become bigger and more widespread.
  • If a tooth extraction is suggested, do check to see if a root canal treatment is a feasible alternative. Root canals are typically painless, they help in preservation of your natural teeth as also take away the risk of teeth shifting and bone loss. However, your dentist will be in the best position to suggest whether a root canal is a possibility, so you will need to go with the dentist’s recommendation.

To sum up

In the current times, the pandemic has caused a lot of people to put regular dental check-ups on the backburner. As the situation begins to ease, it is imperative that dental checkups be given the attention they deserve. This Save your Tooth Month, do ensure that you focus on saving your natural teeth! It is also time to raise awareness about tooth saving procedures such as root canal treatments! If you haven’t scheduled your dental appointment yet, this month is the opportune time! Here is to your oral health!

At Dental Oasis Family Dentistry, we do offer a full array of dental services including root canal, tooth whitening, Dentures, Tooth Extraction, & more to help you maintain healthy teeth. Call us on (925) 846-4491 or email us on office@dentaloasispleasanton.com to schedule a dental appointment.

Dental Appointment Dental Care Dental Care Services Dental Crowns Dental Health Dental services Dental Tips Family Dentist in Pleasanton Family Dentistry Natural Teeth Oral Care Oral Health Regular Dental Checkups Root Canal Treatment Save Your Natural Teeth Save Your Tooth Month Tooth Extraction

Top reasons why regular dental check-ups are important for your health!

By | Date posted: | Last updated: September 20, 2022
regular-dental-checkups

A bi-annual dental appointment may not be something that you look forward to, but its merits simply outweigh any dental anxiety that you may have. In fact, skipping these regular checkups can often lead to dire consequences. Here are some of the most important reasons to not miss that dental appointment:

1. Oral Cancer Detection

One of the biggest benefits of a regular dental check-up is the early detection of oral cancer. In turn, early detection ensures that the disease is treated before it becomes life-threatening. A qualified dentist can easily detect early signs and symptoms. The oral cancer detection check-up is non-invasive as well as pain free.

A screening exam typically involves an extra-oral exam of the head and neck as well as intra-oral exam of the lips, cheek, tongue, palate, gum tissues and floor of mouth. The dentist will look for any lumps, sores, discoloration and more. In case the dentist finds anything suspicious, they could refer you to an oral surgeon. Alternately they could also recommend a biopsy.

2. Plaque, Tartar, and Cavities

Even if you take pride in brushing your teeth and flossing regularly, the fact is that you could be missing out certain areas of the mouth. In turn, this leads to plaque build-up. The plaque can over a period solidify into tartar. With a regular dental check-up, you can have the tartar removed so that cavities aren’t formed in the teeth. In fact, regular cleaning can go a long way in keeping your teeth healthy.

3. Prevention of Gum Disease

Plaque and tartar build-up also lead to gum disease. In turn, it can cause swelling of gums, bleeding as well as soreness. It can also lead to breakdown of the gum tissue as well as of the bone that holds teeth in place. This results in tooth loosening and falling out. Allowing gum disease to progress could result in medication, deep cleaning and in extreme cases surgery. Regular dental checkups and cleaning therefore are an easy way to prevent gum disease from progressing.

4. X-Rays

What regular dental checkups can also include are x ray imaging of your teeth and jawbone. This facilitates diagnosis of issues that may not be visible to the naked eye. Some of these issues include:

  • Impacted teeth
  • Damage to jaw bone
  • Bone Decay
  • Cysts or tumours

5. Head, Neck, and Lymph Node Checks

Besides checking the mouth for any signs of oral cancer, regular dental check-ups also involve checking your neck, jaw as well as lymph nodes for any abnormalities. Swollen lymph nodes can often be early signs of diseases such as tuberculosis as well as cancer and hence early detection is key.

6. Damage caused by lifestyle or habits

Ever so often there could be damage to your teeth that might be a function of your habits or lifestyle. The following are some of the habits that can be harmful to your teeth:

  • Chewing of ice
  • Grinding teeth
  • Brushing too hard
  • Smoking
  • Excessive consumption of coffee or alcohol

Regular dental check-ups will ensure that the ill effects of any of these lifestyle issues are identified early and pointed out to you so that further damage can be prevented and any damage that has already been caused can be fixed.

What happens during a routine dental check-up?

A typical dental check-up includes the following activities:

  • Medical history including any changes in overall health and use of medicines.
  • A comprehensive oral exam.
  • X-Rays, if required.
  • Cleaning & polishing your teeth.
  • Prevention instructions, wherever required as well as education on proper dental hygiene.
  • Treatment options for any issues found. These might include referrals to other healthcare specialists, additional tests, advice for restoration work, and more.

Needless to mention that you should contact your dentist if you have any queries or concerns about your teeth. No issue is too insignificant to bring up; even if it does not have any health ramifications, it will surely bring you peace of mind to have it addressed.

To Sum Up

As the above reasons demonstrate, regular dental check-ups are absolutely worth it. Not only do they ensure that your teeth and gums are kept healthy, but they are also the key to your overall health. In fact, many times it is a regular dental checkup that has led patients to diagnosis of other diseases which if not caught in time could have been life threatening.

While skipping regular dental check-ups may not seem like a big deal, the long-term consequences can be quite severe. It is imperative, therefore, that you keep that appointment with your dentist. In fact, when you schedule a dental check-up twice a year, you get to know your dentist better and develop a relationship of trust. In fact, a relationship with your dentist allows him to know your special needs. With dental records available with him it is that much easier to track your oral health. What you get, therefore, is personalized care. For kids, early relationships ensure that dental anxieties are taken care of and dental check-ups become an intrinsic part of their adult life.

While twice a year appointments work for most people, you may need more frequent check-ups in the event you have a history of:

  • Gum disease
  • Plaque build up or cavities
  • Weak immune system
  • Stressful life events
  • Family history of oral cancer
  • If you consume tobacco

A dentist can offer you a visitation schedule that works well for your dental health.

However, you must ensure that you look after your teeth and gums in between dental visits. The following are some helpful hints:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day.
  • Ensure that you use toothpaste with fluoride.
  • Floss daily.
  • Ensure that you use mouthwash.

Here’s to not just your oral health, but to your overall health!

At Dental Oasis Family Dentistry, we offer regular dental check-up and services while maintaining a smile on your face and building honest and lasting professional relationships. Book your dental appointment with us and smile on your way to good oral health! You can also reach us via email at office@dentaloasispleasanton.com or call us on (925) 846-4491.

Dental Care Dental Care Services Dental Health Dental services Dental Tips Dental Visit Dentist Family Dentist in Pleasanton Family Dentistry Family Dentistry in Pleasanton Oral Care Oral Health Regular Dental Checkups Why Are Dental Checkups Important Why Dental Checkup Is Important Why Regular Dental Checkups Are Important

Raise the awareness of dental health wellness on this National Dental Care Month!

By | Date posted: | Last updated: September 20, 2022
national-dental-care-month

Come May & its time to celebrate National Dental Care Month. It is a fitting reminder for us to take care of our pearly whites. The fact is that dental health doesn’t just equal health of our teeth and gums but also has a far- reaching impact on our overall health. From affecting our heart health, blood pressure and even memory, its impact is all-pervasive.

National Dental Care Month

Dr. Tim Stirneman and Jim Wojdyla founded the National Dental Care Month in 2018 with the aim of improving awareness around preventive dental care as well as to encourage healthy dental hygiene. Largely the message is that a healthy mouth equals a healthy body.

Although we tend to learn about oral hygiene at an early age, the learning does not last us into adulthood.

Here is how can you participate in national dental care month?

The three important ways to participate in the National Dental Care month and importantly to spread awareness about the need for dental hygiene include:

1. Review your dental care habits

Ensure that you take a thorough stock of your dental hygiene regimen. This includes checking for the following facts:

  • Do you brush twice daily?
  • Is flossing daily a part of your regimen?
  • Do you use mouthwash?

It is important to remember that neglect can turn out to be extremely costly.

2. Schedule a visit with your dentist

This National Dental Care Month, schedule a visit with your dentist. Not just this month, ensure that regular dental appointments are part of your regimen. Bi-annual dental checkups help not just maintain a great smile but also promote overall health. A through regular dental check up every six months protects you not just from plaque & tartar but also screens you for diseases such as oral cancer. Catching & treating issues early gives you the necessary immunity from them becoming life threatening, expensive problems. While dental anxiety is a thing that could be preventing you from making the necessary appointment, please note that dentists go a long way in trying to alleviate your anxiety and ensuring that you are comfortable.

3. Use the hashtag #NationalDentalCareMonth & share it on social media.

It can go a long way in spreading awareness and ensuring many more people wake up to the need of taking care of their oral health.

Facts about dental and oral health

This National Dental Care Month, these statistics by the World Health Organization will set you thinking:

  • A whopping 60-90% of school children have at least one dental cavity.
  • When it comes to adults, the number is almost 100 per cent.
  • Around 15-20 percent of adults in the age group of 35-44 suffer from gum disease.
  • Around 30 percent of people in the 65-74 age group do not have any natural teeth.
  • The instances of oral cancel are on an increase. The prevalence in disadvantages population groups is even higher.

Here are some of the ways to avoid oral disease:

  • Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
  • Flossing once a day.
  • Eating a healthy diet.
  • Avoiding sugary products.
  • Avoiding tobacco products.
  • Drinking fluoridated water.
  • Seeking preventive professional dental care.

The major causes of oral diseases include the fact that the oral cavity collects bacteria. A diet that is high in sugar further creates conditions in which acid-producing bacteria can flourish. In turn, this acid dissolves the tooth enamel and causes dental cavities. Bacteria also causes plaque. The plaque further hardens into tartar. This inflames your gums & causes a condition known as gingivitis. High inflammation can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth. Advanced gum disease takes the form of periodontitis.

Some of the factors contributing to gingivitis & periodontitis include:

  • Poor oral hygiene habits
  • Smoking
  • Eating sugary food
  • Use of medication that reduces saliva in the mouth and lead to a condition called dry mouth
  • Certain infections such as HIV or AIDs
  • Genetics
  • The important bit is not to wait for any symptoms to appear to take corrective action. Going to the dentist twice a year will help them catch a problem before any painful symptoms appear.

However, if you do notice any of the following symptoms, do treat them as warning signs of dental health issues and do not delay seeing a dentist:

  • Sores or ulcers in the mouth that do not heal
  • Swollen gums
  • Bleeding from gums
  • Bad Breath
  • Increased sensitivity to hot & cold temperatures & food
  • Toothache
  • Receding gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Pain in chewing
  • Clicking of the jaw
  • Cracked teeth
  • Dry mouth

Additionally, if any of these symptoms are accompanied by high fever or swelling, you need to seek emergency dental care.

To Sum Up

As they say, prevention is much better than cure. This National Dental Care Month, therefore, remind yourself & everyone around you to take care of your oral health. The fact that the National Dental Care Month is celebrated just in time for a summer that brings with it vacations, reunions and more, makes it even more fitting!

Its about time you flaunt those pearly whites, something that will be made possible only with adequate dental care and timely, preventive visits to your dentist!

At Dental Oasis Family Dentistry, we offer regular dental check-up and services while maintaining a smile on your face and building honest and lasting professional relationships. Book your dental appointment with us and smile on your way to good oral health! You can also reach us via email at office@dentaloasispleasanton.com or call us on (925) 846-4491.

Dental Care Month Dental Care Services Dental Health Dental services Dental Tips Dental Visit Dentist Family Dentist in Pleasanton Family Dentistry Family Dentistry in Pleasanton National Dental Care Month Oral Care Oral Health Regular Dental Checkups