Dental blog | Dental 1 Care a Sterling Heights MI Dentist

Getting Rid of Calculus Build Up

September 18, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Many people use the word calculus or tartar and plaque as though they mean the same thing. While these names refer to similar things, they are different but all can be due to several dental health problems, like gum infections and tooth decay. It is important to learn what these substances are and discover the simple steps that we, at Dental One Care, recommend you use to get rid of plaque and tartar.

Plaque and Tartar: How They Differ

Plaque refers to a biofilm of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Or, to put it more bluntly, plaque is a bunch of bacteria grouped together on the surface of your teeth.

While that description may gross you out, plaque formation is a natural process that happens in everyone’s mouth. In fact, Dr. Fadi Farhart explains that as soon as you finish brushing your teeth, the process through which plaque forms starts taking place.

The saliva that forms in your mouth has glycoproteins that protect your teeth. However, those same glycoproteins also provide a surface on which oral bacteria can stick to creating a biofilm of bacteria starting to form on your teeth.

The oxygen in your mouth then allows the population of bacteria to grow rapidly, and plaque is the result.

If you look at your teeth in the mirror, the yellow, black or orange tint you may see on some parts of your teeth is plaque.

Once you have plaque, the stage is set for tartar or calculus to form as well, unless you take steps to halt that process.

Tartar is plaque that stays long enough on your teeth until it hardens. A combination of saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) causes the hardening of the bacterial biofilm (plaque) due to the minerals contained in these fluids (saliva and GCF).

Because saliva is crucial to the formation of tartar, tartar tends to form in the areas of your mouth where plenty of salivae is present, like around your molars and incisors. Calculus can also form on the gum line of all your teeth since saliva collects and sits there for a while.

Since tartar is plaque that has hardened, there is no difference between the appearance of plaque and tartar.

Why It Is Important to Remove Plaque and Tartar

From a cosmetic point of view, tartar and plaque are gross, and that alone is enough to emphasize why it is important to remove these buildups from your teeth.

However, more importantly, plaque and tartar increase your risk for cavities. Sterling Heights Dentist, Dr. Fadi Farhart, explains that the longer plaque and tartar stay on your teeth, the greater the chance that oral bacteria will damage your teeth and cause cavities.

Our team at Dental One Care also caution that as plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, you could suffer worse problems, like tooth infections, and you could ultimately lose the affected teeth.

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Plaque and Calculus from Teeth

Brushing and flossing help remove plaque and calculus on an ongoing basis, but despite your best efforts at these oral hygiene routines, plaque and tartar will still form on your teeth. Here are some home remedies that you can use to complement brushing and flossing as plaque-fighting measures:

Get anti-tartar toothpaste. Check for toothpaste that is specifically formulated to help users fight the accumulation of plaque and tartar on their teeth. Ask Dr. Fadi Farhart for advice on the appropriate anti-tartar toothpaste.
Tap the powers of baking soda. You can also remove plaque and tartar at home by brushing your teeth using a mixture of baking soda, a bit of salt and water. Dr. Kristina Neda at Thorough Dent Smiles in Georgetown, Kentucky, explains that this mixture helps in two key ways. First, the baking soda scrubs the plaque and tartar off your teeth. Secondly, baking soda is anti-microbial, so it will kill the bacteria responsible for the formation of plaque and tartar.
Use orange peels. Get an orange peel and gently rub its inner surface against your teeth. This will kill the bacteria causing plaque and calculus to buildup on your teeth.
Chew raw vegetables. A dentist in Parker, CO, Dr. Christopher Green, recommends chewing raw vegetables as a way of removing plaque from their teeth. The fibers in the vegetables clean the teeth and remove accumulations of plaque.
Use mouthwash. It is advised to rinse your mouth with mouthwash on a daily basis. Dr. Farhart says doing this kills the bacteria in your mouth and reduces the rate at which plaque forms. Additionally, using mouthwash also helps you clean the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth.

Get Your Teeth Cleaned Professionally

The DIY measures above can help rid your teeth of tartar and plaque, but they can only go so far. The best way to get rid of all the plaque and calculus is by visiting Dental One Care so a member of our team can provide teeth cleaning services using the best tools for the job, like special brushes and scrapers. Getting your teeth professionally cleaned once every six months will keep you safe from the problems that could result from plaque and calculus.

What to Expect for Root Canal

September 12, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Many of us dread hearing the word root canal. Many wonder what to expect for root canal treatment. When you think of the procedure to correct a root canal, pain may come to mind. However, though a certain level of discomfort is expected, excessive pain is not normal.

Lucky for us, modern technology now allows us to save our natural tooth while going through the procedure in a typically pain-free and easy manner. The use of anesthetics makes this procedure of root canals a lot more safe and quick.

However, to avoid letting the tooth get to an extreme, it is advised to seek professional help in the event of a toothache. Also, stay on top of your check-ups and teeth cleanings. At Dental One Care, we recommend a check-up before an infection has spread throughout the root system.

Fast facts on pain after a root canal:

Our tooth is preserved while only the diseased tissue is treated
Prior to the procedure, an anesthetic is given to the patient. Therefore, the pain is decreased to levels equivalent to that of a basic filling.
In the case of failure, redoing a root canal can help in fixing the problem

How much pain is normal?

A slight feeling of tenderness or sensitivity is expected for a few days. The reasons for this are:

Tissues around your gums remain swollen and inflamed. Although the nerve root may have been removed, there may still be small nerves in ligaments that surround the tooth.
Dental instruments may have irritated the area surrounding the tooth, which will cause some tenderness.
The tooth can experience pain and soreness if the case of a filling is too high or even slightly higher than the surrounding teeth.

In most scenarios, the sensitivity and possible discomfort that you may experience from the root canal is expected to go away in a week or two at most.

If you are experiencing persisting pain and extreme levels of discomfort, it is important to contact us immediately, and Dr. Fadi Farhart will meet with you as soon as possible.

The reason why pain may still persist could be due to some of the following reasons:

A leakage in the restoration
Unhygienic dental conditions and poor oral health
Tooth cracking or breaking down
The existence of an extra canal that goes unnoticed by the endodontist
Error made by the dentist or endodontist

Managing root canal pain at home

We asked our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown, Kentucky, about managing root canal pain at home. Dr. Neda suggests using over the counter prescription for pain management can be sufficient for relieving discomfort after the procedure. Also, don’t forget to practice good oral hygiene by flossing and brushing regularly.

How is a root canal performed?

First, an endodontist takes an X-ray of the tooth before the procedure. Next, a local anesthetic is given to numb the gum area where an opening is made to access the structure inside. A rubber-like substance is used to fill the root canal, called gutta-percha, which is then sealed within the tooth. Then, a temporary filling is placed to protect the insides during the healing process.

7 Fastest Ways to Heal After Tooth Extraction

September 10, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

The professionals at Dental One Care will do everything in their power to save your natural tooth, but extracting that tooth may be inevitable in some situations. If there is ever a need to extract one or more of your natural teeth, implement the following suggestions so that you can heal quickly from the procedure. In this article, Dr. Fardi Farhat shares the fastest ways to heal after tooth extraction.

Allow a Clot to Form

Clots are the body’s natural way of stopping bleeding, and this same mechanism is helpful when you have just had a tooth extracted. The dentist who performs the extraction at Laurich Dentistry will ask you to bite gently on a piece of gauze once the tooth is out. That gauze can be removed and replaced with another, but whatever you do, don’t remove the gauze until at least four hours after your tooth extraction surgery. In that time, a clot will form inside the socket of the tooth that was just removed, and the healing process will start.

Manage Your Pain

Once the dentists in Sterling Heights, MI Dental One Care extracts your tooth, you will be given some pain medication. Make sure that you follow the instructions given by Dr. Fadi Farhart so that the pain is managed effectively.

If you still feel some pain even while on the medication, dentists in Sterling Heights, MI, recommend that you use an ice pack placed outside your mouth on the side with the pain. Don’t leave this ice pack in place for more than ten minutes, but you can repeat the process of using it as many times as you want throughout the day.

Minimize Physical Activity

Any physically demanding activity, such as exercising or lifting heavy objects, can open the wound at the tooth extraction site and cause fresh bleeding. For this reason, Dr. Fadi Farhart recommends that you avoid strenuous physical activity for a few days so that you can heal quickly.

Be Careful What You Eat

Nutrition plays a key role in your recovery after a tooth extraction, but you have to be selective with what you eat, at least during the first few days. For example, hot food and drinks are a no-go because these can melt the clot in the socket. Also, opt for softer foods that will not require a lot of chewing. As you chew, use the other side of your mouth, furthest from the extraction site. Some foods that Dr. Fadi Farhart recommends are mashed potatoes, soup, and applesauce. Keep in touch with your dentist in Sterling Heights so that he or she can recommend when you can eat normally again.

Adjust Your Sleeping Position

If you aren’t careful with how you sleep, you have a higher chance of bleeding at the tooth extraction site. Dr. Farhart advises patients who have just had teeth extractions to elevate their heads on pillows while they sleep. This will help prevent bleeding at the extraction site.

Take Care of Your Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene deserves extra attention after tooth extraction surgery because, at this time, you face a higher risk of developing infections. Dentists at Thorough Dent Smiles in Georgetown, KY, recommend the perfect oral health care routine, including brushing and flossing but avoiding the tooth extraction site. A warm, saltwater solution is also useful when rinsing your mouth because it will kill bacteria. While you heal, resist from using mouthwash because it may be too harsh on the tooth extraction site.

Be Keen on Infections

As already mentioned, you face a higher risk of developing an infection in your mouth when healing after tooth extraction. Therefore, you need to be alert for any signs of infection so that prompt action can be taken before the healing process is compromised. Some of the warning signs that Dr. Fadi Farhart says you should be on the lookout for are fever, excessive swelling, a discharge from the extraction site, and nausea. Contact Dental One Care immediately if you experience any of those signs.

The extraction site should heal in less than a week, and the gum tissue will take a few weeks to heal fully if nothing interferes with the healing process. To increase the chance of a smooth recovery, implement all the tips above and any recommendations given to you by the experts at Dental One Care.

Overcoming Your Fear of the Dentist

September 4, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Have you ever been too scared to go to your dentist? Understanding where your fear comes from can help you overcome your fear. Experiencing a phobia for absolutely anything can hinder your functionality. In the case of oral care, our dental health can immensely suffer at the cost of your fears.

Undesired experiences and troublesome results can be some of the few reasons as to why you may be afraid of going back to your dentist. Try not to panic and worry. You will not benefit you in any way and may lead to severe pain instead. No one wants to inflict upon themselves irreversible damage and so, seeking dental help is our best and only option.

Dental Advances

Over the years, dental technology and dental treatments have evolved. At Dental One Care, we are increasingly aware and are equipped to cater to our patients’ anxiety. We’ve designed our offices to be a welcoming and calm environment. Additionally, the technology we use will help you feel calm and at ease. Rest assured, you will feel right at home.

Coping With and Easing Your Fear of the Dentist

We asked our friend Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown, Kentucky, for tips on overcoming your dental phobia. Together, Dr. Fardi Farhat and Dr. Neda recommend the following tips:

Have a discussion with your Sterling Height dentist and share your concerns. Working together in easing your worries can make you feel more relaxed at Dental One Care.
Consider taking upon the approach of relaxation techniques that help soothe the nerves.
Try music for distraction as well as blocking out sounds that may cause you to panic
Come up with a signal for your Sterling Heights dentist to stop or resume in the case of worry, panic or discomfort.

Talk to Your Sterling Heights Dentist

If you are a patient in Sterling Heights, MI, and you are feeling overwhelmed or a sense of panic at the dentist, let our Dental One Care team know. Your comfort and safety is always our number one priority. For more information about our dental services or overcoming your fear of the dentist, contact Dr. Fardi Farhat at Dental One Care today.

Top Causes of Tooth Decay

August 30, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

The best form of treatment is prevention. However, when dental treatment is necessary, you can depend on Sterling Heights dentist, the well-trained staff to make dental care more comfortable for you in a state of the art environment. Tooth decay is one of the most common dental problems in the world and often becomes the catalyst for other forms of dental problems. In this article, Dr. Fardi Farhat explores the top causes for tooth decay

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay, also known as a cavity, occurs when the acid made by bacteria present in your mouth starts eating away at your teeth. Initially, the decay is unnoticeable on the enamel (the outer layer of the teeth) and then slowly moves to the Dentin (middle layer), and finally to the pulp, where the highly sensitive blood vessels and nerves are located. In order to understand how to prevent it, we must first understand what causes tooth decay.

What causes tooth decay?

Tooth decay is a gradual process which starts with demineralization (loss of tooth minerals) and goes on all the way to form a cavity. It occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) are stuck in the teeth in places from where they are not completely removed through brushing and flossing. Some of the major causes of tooth decay are:

Poor oral hygiene: Lack of brushing allows the buildup of plaque, which then attacks the tooth enamel. Oral hygiene is not limited to just brushing, though. You should make flossing, mouth wash, and brushing your tongue a part of your oral hygiene routine too.

Sweet/sugary foods: Bacteria feeds and thrives on sugar, enabling it to make the harmful acid that starts the process of tooth decay.

Tooth grinding: Excessive tooth grinding, mostly done unknowingly during sleep, damages the enamel, thus opening the way for tooth decay.

Acidic foods: Drinks like soda and fruit juice are also known culprits behind the breaking down of enamel and thus tooth decay.

Dry mouth: Saliva in your mouth helps wash away the food residues and thus preventing the food particles from being trapped in the teeth. Therefore, a dry mouth becomes more vulnerable to tooth decay.

Early signs and symptoms of tooth decay

As mentioned earlier, tooth decay has several steps involved in the process, and if the treatment begins in the earlier stages, it will be easier and quicker to get rid of the problem. Contact your Sterling Heights dentist as soon as you notice any of the following symptoms:

Toothache
Stains/spots on your teeth
Noticeable hole/pits in the affected tooth
Tooth sensitivity

However, often, these symptoms can go unnoticed and are only identifiable through X-rays. Therefore it is crucial to visit your Sterling Heights dentist for regular checkups in order to avoid unnecessary pain and trouble.

Prevention of tooth decay

Tooth decay can be prevented by enacting a proper and effective oral hygiene routine. Follow the steps below for optimal oral health:

Brushing your teeth: You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, preferably with a fluoride toothpaste. Ideally, you should be brushing your teeth after every meal.
Dental floss: It is recommended to floss your teeth at least once a day, in addition to brushing.
Limit sugary foods and drinks: It has already been established that bacteria and sugary foods are the best of friends. Thus a decrease in their intake amounts to a decrease in chances of tooth decay.
Regular dentist visits: Following the steps above does not guarantee prevention of tooth decay, as sometimes the plaque cannot be cleaned with brushing and floss, and requires removal by your Sterling Heights dentist.

Treatment of Tooth Decay

Treatment of tooth decay depends upon the severity of the decay:

Fluoride treatment: This is an early-stage treatment where fluoride restores enamel, preventing further decay.
Tooth Fillings: The decay is removed by a drill, and then filled with a substance like silver, composite resin, or gold.
Crowns: For a severe cavity, a custom fit cap replaces the natural crown of the tooth after removing the decay.
Root canal: When the decay has reached the pulp of the tooth and affected the nerves, a root canal is performed to save the tooth.

Myths About Oral Cancer

August 28, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

6 Myths About Oral Cancer

Does the mention of oral cancer, bring up any particular images or memories in your mind in the same way that other cancers, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer, do? If you don’t think oral cancer is serious cancer, then take a moment and think about the fact that one person dies of oral cancer in the U.S. every hour. That is a whopping 24 people every single day! You can now see how important it is for everyone to get accurate information about this form of cancer so that as many people as possible can be saved from its clutches. Here are some myths about oral cancer that should not detract from your understanding of this condition.

Myth #1: Younger People Cannot Get Oral Cancer

Many people believe that they are too young to suffer from oral cancer. This dangerous myth prevents them from taking the steps that they need to take to detect the disease early enough for successful treatment.

The fact is that while oral cancer is more common among older people, it can affect people of any age, including children and young adults. Dr. Fardi Farhat insists that the best way to be certain that you don’t have oral cancer is to under regular screening for the disease.

Myth #2: Only Smokers Suffer from Oral Cancer

We asked our friend, Dr. Chris Green, a dentist in Parker, CO, about oral cancer. Dr. Green explains smokers are indeed at a heightened risk of acquiring oral cancer, but many other risk factors predispose non-smokers to this cancer. For example, a family history (a child, parent, or sibling suffering from the disease) of oral cancer increases the risk that someone will also have this disease even if they don’t smoke. So, don’t think that you are immune from oral cancer simply because you don’t smoke. See a dentist in Sterling Heights for regular oral cancer screening so that you can be sure that you don’t have the disease.

Myth #3: You Don’t Need to Be Concerned About Oral Cancer If You Don’t Have Pain

It is also wrong to believe that you don’t need to be concerned about oral cancer if you aren’t experiencing any pain.

Pain may be a symptom in some cancers, including oral cancer, but pain alone (or its absence) cannot be relied upon as an indicator of whether someone has oral cancer or not. Some oral cancer lesions don’t cause any pain, so the disease may progress undetected if you are waiting for the pain in order to take action.

The best way to know for sure that you don’t have oral cancer is to undergo oral cancer screening each time you visit Dental One Care for your dental checkup every six months.

Myth #4: Stress Causes Oral Cancer

While everyone could do with a little less stress, the high levels of stress today cannot be blamed for the oral cancer cases we see. Dr. Fardi Farhat emphatically states that to date, no direct link has been found between stress and the development of oral cancer.

However, stress has been linked to other health challenges, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and insomnia. This could probably be the reason why some people have mistakenly linked stress to oral cancer.

Myth #5: You Will Get Oral Cancer If It Runs In Your Family

While dentists in Sterling Heights, MI will tell you that one of the known risk factors for oral cancer is a family history of the disease, this factor doesn’t on its own determine whether someone will get the disease. Several factors, such as one’s diet, alcohol, smoking, exposure to HPV or HIV, often combine to trigger the onset of the disease. It is worth repeating here that having a family history of oral cancer, or any other cancer for that matter, isn’t the only predictor of one’s chances of getting the disease.

Myth #6: Oral Cancer Isn’t Dangerous

When one compares oral cancer to other forms of cancer, such as breast cancer and cancerous brain tumors, one can see that oral cancer isn’t as aggressive as those other cancers. However, Dr. Fardi Farhat stresses that oral cancer is also dangerous as exemplified by the statistic mentioned at the beginning of this blog post that oral cancer kills at least one American every hour. You should, therefore, avoid taking this cancer lightly under the mistaken belief that it isn’t dangerous. Get screened at Dental One Care and start treatment early if you are found to have the disease.

As you can see, it may sometimes be hard to separate fact from myth if you don’t talk to a professional about what you hear or think. It is therefore advisable to visit Dental One Care regularly and put any query you may have about oral cancer to Dr. Fardi Farhat. The Sterling Heights dentist will give you the accurate information that you need, as well as screen you for the disease. Fortunately, chances are high for a complete cure if the disease is caught early, so don’t hesitate to undergo regular screening.

Ways to Prevent Cavities

August 26, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

While no one deliberately sets out to develop a cavity in their teeth, millions are diagnosed and treated for cavities each year. The problem is that some people seek help when the cavities have become very deep and caused additional dental problems, such as gum disease and dental abscesses. It is therefore apparent that the best course of action to take is to follow a preventive path so that you reduce your likelihood of damaging your teeth. Here are some measures that the dental professionals at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights recommend to ward off cavities.

Regular Brushing

The easiest and arguably most effective way to prevent cavities is by brushing your teeth as recommended by Dr. Fardi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI. Brushing your teeth twice a day will prevent plaque from forming on the teeth. In turn, this will reduce the chance that oral bacteria will breed on and damage your teeth (resulting in cavities). To ensure that you never miss to brush your teeth, develop a habit of keeping a tube of toothpaste and a toothbrush in your bag.

Use the Right Toothpaste

Look at the different types and brands of toothpaste offered at your local convenience store. To get the best toothpaste, narrow down your requirements to the basics. For example, look for a toothpaste that contains fluoride since fluoride has been documented to have cavity-fighting abilities. Secondly, check for the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval. Such a quality mark is an indicator that the toothpaste has been tested and was found to help maintain your dental health.

Floss Daily and Use Mouthwash

We asked our friend, Dr. Matt Laurich, a dentist in Canton, MI, about ways to prevent cavities. Dr. Laurich says flossing daily and using mouthwash is just as important as brushing your teeth. Brushing your teeth may, on its own, not be sufficient to keep your teeth safe from cavities. This is because you may not reach all parts of your teeth as you brush. Those hard-to-reach areas of your teeth, such as within the space between two teeth. This is where using mouthwash and flossing comes in. Dental floss and mouthwash complement brushing beautifully because they clean where the toothbrush hasn’t reached. So, make sure that you use mouthwash daily, and also floss once each day to keep your teeth clean and free from cavities.

Don’t Miss Regular Dental Visits

Seeing a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI regularly is one of the ways through which you can prevent cavities. Generally speaking, it is advisable to see a dentist every six months for a dental cleaning, a checkup, and possibly dental polishing. However, Dr. Fardi Farhat hastens to add that the recommended interval between routine dental visits will be tweaked based on your specific circumstances. For instance, a person with a higher risk of cavities (someone suffering from dry mouth, for example) may be advised to visit a dentist once every three or four months. Visit Dental One Care you will stand a higher chance of preventing cavities or getting prompt treatment when cavities are discovered during a dental exam.

Consider Dental Sealants

You may not be aware of it, but the surface of your teeth isn’t exactly smooth. Teeth have tiny pores that can trap food particles and harbor bacteria. As this bacteria feeds, it secretes acids that corrode tooth surfaces and create cavities.

One way that dentists recommend to prevent cavities is by applying dental sealants to the teeth, so that food particles and bacteria are prevented from accessing the tiny holes on the teeth. When dental sealants are well cared for, they can work effectively for even ten years, and this added protection will shield you from cavities as well as preserve your teeth from discoloration.

Stay Hydrated

Taking enough water each day is good for your dental health in several ways. First, you will be able to produce enough saliva to keep your mouth free from the bacteria that can cause cavities. Secondly, as you take the water, any food particles and bacteria present in the oral cavity will be flushed down your stomach. Most municipalities add fluoride to the water supply, and this helps to kill oral bacteria while also strengthening the enamel on your teeth. In short, take as much water as you can and your overall health, including your dental health, will be better.

Keep Sugar-Free Gum Close

The experts at Dental One Care also recommend that you chew sugar-free gum if you like chewing gum. This gum will stimulate the production of saliva in your mouth and will also dislodge any food particles that may be stuck on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. The increased saliva production and the removal of food particles aids your fight in keeping cavities at bay.

Quit Smoking

Smoking interferes with the chemical balance in the mouth. This habit also makes it harder for blood to flow through the vessels in your gums. Meaning, that your defenses against cavity-causing bacteria are compromised. Smoking also predisposes people to different forms of cancer, such as oral cancer and lung cancer. Dentists in Sterling Heights reveal that when you stop smoking, you significantly reduce your chance of not only cavities but other dental health problems like tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and infections.

Adjust Your Diet

You can also prevent cavities by minimizing the amount of sugary foods and drinks that you consume. Dr. Fardi Farhat singles out fizzy drinks, cakes, fruit juice, alcohol, and other processed foods as examples of food items which will increase your risk of cavities.

You should increase your intake of dental-friendly food items like fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, unsweetened tea, and unsweetened coffee so that your body can get the nutrients that it needs to fight oral bacteria and keep your teeth strong.

You can never let your guard down during the fight against cavities because any mistake you make will set the cavity-forming process in motion. With Dental One Care as your ally in this fight, you can be sure that everything possible will be done to protect you against this threat. If you suspect that you have cavities, call Dr. Fardi Farhat today, and the dentist in Sterling Heights will provide the necessary treatment.

When to Visit the Dentist About Tooth Pain

August 23, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

You may be suffering from a toothache if you feel any sharp pain or even a dull ache in or around your tooth. A wide variety of underlying causes can trigger such toothaches, and those factors could cause a nerve to send pain signals to your brain. Some types of toothaches, such as transient pain, can be dealt with at home, but there are cases of tooth pain that require you to see Dr. Fardi Farhat at Dental One Care for professional diagnosis and treatment. This article explores some of the circumstances under which you should see a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, immediately.

When Pain Persists

When your toothache is persistent (goes on for several days, for example), the pulp of your tooth may have been affected. This explains why you could be feeling pain even when you haven’t done anything, such as taking a hot beverage, to trigger than pain.

Contact Dental One Care so that the Sterling Heights dentist can examine you and treat the underlying cause of the persistent tooth pain before the problem gets worse.

Increasing Inflammation

Inflammation is a normal response of the body to an infection that it is grappling with. Inflammation is usually characterized by redness, tenderness, and some swelling of the affected area.

If your tooth pain is accompanied by worsening inflammation, it is time to see Dr. Fardi Farhat for help. That increasing inflammation may be an indicator that the gum or tooth infection has spread to the pulp of your tooth, and the sooner the dentist in Sterling Heights, MI gets to the bottom of it, the better.

Swelling Around the Face or Jaw

You should also see a Sterling Heights dentist if you are experiencing tooth pain, which is accompanied by visible swelling around your jaw or face. This symptom indicates that you may be suffering from an acute tooth or gum infection and that infection can easily spread to other parts of the body and cause additional problems. Getting prompt treatment at Dental One Care can save you from the pain, in addition to preventing additional dental problems.

Bleeding Gums

On its own, pain is an indicator that something is amiss with your health. When tooth pain is accompanied by bleeding around the gums, then you need to see your local dentist in Sterling Heights ASAP.

The pain and bleeding gums may be symptoms of advanced periodontal disease. You may also be suffering from an infection which your body has been unable to deal with on its own. Whatever it is, a dental care professional will diagnose it and administer the correct treatment so that you can be free from the pain and the underlying cause bringing that pain.

Fever and an Earache

It is also possible to have tooth pain that is accompanied by earache and fever. Depending on the tooth affected, any pain you experience can also manifest in another area other than around that tooth. For example, when the last molar is infected, chances are you will feel an earache on that same side of your face.

Tooth pain, an earache, and fever usually indicate that a dental problem is getting worse and is becoming systemic. So, the sooner you consult Dr. Fardi Farhat about the problem, the easier it will be to address the root cause of these seemingly unrelated symptoms.

You Suffered Trauma to the Face or Mouth

If you recently had a nasty fall or took a blow to the face or mouth and you are now experiencing tooth pain, see a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI immediately. Trauma to the face or mouth may cause damage to the teeth in a way that isn’t immediately apparent. So, when you develop tooth pain afterward, the damage may be coming to the fore. Seek professional help at Dental One Care and the Sterling Heights dentist may be able to save your tooth if the damage from the trauma wasn’t excessive.

As anyone who has experienced dental pain will tell you, this isn’t an experience that one would wish to undergo again. The best way to limit the likelihood that you will experience tooth pain is by taking preventive steps, such as brushing and flossing daily, wearing a mouth guard if you play contact sports and getting prompt help as soon as you notice anything amiss in your dental health. When problems are caught early, they will be treated before they progress to a level where they cause excruciating tooth pain. Contact Dental One Care if you ever experience tooth pain and our experienced team will provide the care you need to feel normal again.

11 Tips for Invisalign Patients

August 21, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Because Invisalign aligners are worn for up to 22 hours each day, it isn’t uncommon for patients to be concerned about the way their day-to-day lives will be affected by this treatment. Dr. Fardi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI has compiled the following tips and tricks to help each patient get the very best from Invisalign while minimizing the inconveniences associated with wearing the aligners.

Switch Aligners While Going to Bed

The highest degree of soreness, tenderness or even pain tends to be felt by Invisalign patients when they have just switched from one aligner to another.

While this soreness or tenderness is unavoidable, Dr. Fardi Farhat recommends that patients switch aligners just before going to bed rather than in the morning. This timing is advisable because the adjustment to the new aligner will happen while you sleep and the soreness will be no more (or will be considerably lessened) by the time you wake up.

Make Cold Compresses Your Friend

The tip above will address the worst of the discomfort that you feel each time you start using a new Invisalign aligner, but some residual soreness or tenderness may carry over into the next day or two. For such situations, a cold compress placed outside the mouth will go a long way towards alleviating the discomfort.

Mind What You Eat

We asked our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown, KY, to share her tips for Invisalign patients. Dr. Neda explains that just like any cosmetic dentistry treatment, you’ll need to be mindful of what you eat. When you feel sore as a result of wearing Invisalign aligners for the first time, one of the worst things that you can do is to eat foods that are chewy, crunchy or crispy. This is because such foods will place an added strain on your teeth and gums, and this is not what you want.

Dr. Fardi Farhat recommends that you refrain from consuming crunchy, crispy or chewy foods while wearing Invisalign aligners so that you don’t strain your teeth unnecessarily.

Adopt the Right Sleeping Position

In the beginning, patients may notice that they produce a larger volume of saliva when they wear Invisalign aligners for the first time. This excessive production of saliva will gradually reduce as your oral structures become accustomed to the aligners.

Before that normalization happens, it is wise to prop up your head and lie on your back while you sleep. This will reduce how much saliva you produce while you sleep and it will prevent drooling.

Breathe Through the Nose

The excess production of saliva that happens in the first few days when you start wearing Invisalign aligners can cause this saliva to flow out of your mouth if your mouth stays open while you sleep.

One way to prevent this flow of saliva is by keeping your mouth closed and only breathe through your nose. If you breathe through the mouth by default, talk to your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI and you will get advice on which specialist to see so that you don’t suffer avoidable inconveniences while wearing Invisalign aligners.

Always Have an Aligners Case

As Dr. Fardi Farhat will tell you before you get your set of Invisalign aligners, you should remove these aligners each time you are going to eat or chew anything and put the aligner back in your mouth after brushing or cleaning the teeth and gums after eating.

The ability to remove your Invisalign aligners periodically carries a risk that the aligners will be lost or damaged during the time that they are out of your mouth. To prevent such an eventuality, it is advisable to have a case in which you can place your aligners at all times. Talk to a Sterling Heights dentist for advice on which case to acquire if you currently don’t have one.

Avoid Hot or Pigmented Beverages

You can take drinks while wearing an Invisalign aligner. However, caution should be taken when taking pigmented beverages, such as coffee, because these may stain the clear aligners.

In the same vein, avoid taking hot drinks while an aligner is in your mouth. The hot drink will warp the aligner and your treatment may be compromised. This is not to say that you shouldn’t drink anything hot. Instead, be aware of the risk and remove the aligner before consuming the hot or pigmented drink.

Don’t Worry When Kissing

You can kiss your partner while having an Invisalign aligner in your mouth. However, you are also free to first remove the aligners before you kiss if this will make you more comfortable. Note that colored lipstick and lip-gloss will stain your clear aligners, so keep the aligner out of your mouth if this risk of staining is present when you kiss.

And the Photo Shoot!

The shiny aligners will make your smile bright in photos, and this is a good thing because any imperfections in your teeth will be masked. However, when the camera is focused on your face or mouth, the clear aligners may be visible, so you may need to get creative and avoid these kinds of photos as much as you can if you are concerned that people will know that you wear aligners.

In the long run, you will develop healthy dental habits as a result of the little adjustments that you make to your lifestyle while you wear Invisalign aligners. These good habits will serve your dental health in good stead, so embrace those changes as lifelong habits. If you still have questions about Invisalign aligners, or indeed about any aspect of your dental health, give us a call at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights. Dr. Fardi Farhat and the entire team will gladly address your concerns and give you the care you need to get your dental health back.

How to Choose a Dental Crown

August 19, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

If you have just undergone a root canal, or your tooth was extensively damaged due to physical trauma, or you lost a tooth and want to replace it with an implant-supported restoration, your Sterling Heights dentist may recommend that you have a crown placed. One of the major decisions that you will have to make subsequent to deciding to get a crown is choosing the material from which that crown can be fabricated. The experts at Dental One Care recommend that you read this blog to the end so that you can have the information you need to make the best choice when faced with that question.

Gold Crowns

In the past, gold was the most common material from which dental crowns were made. Today, this material is no longer as popular because of the prohibitive cost of gold. For example, an ounce of gold can cost upwards of $1,300! Another reason why gold crowns aren’t as common is that these crowns aren’t esthetically pleasing since they don’t resemble natural teeth.

However, gold is an excellent choice if the crown will be placed in a part of the mouth that isn’t visible when you smile, such as at the back of your mouth. Dr. Fardi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI explains that gold is a very good choice for a crown because it has a long track record of not causing any reactions or sensitivities when it is placed in the mouth.

Additionally, the Sterling Heights dentist says gold crowns are very strong and will easily take in stride all the bite forces exerted upon them while you chew. This is the primary reason why these crowns have been known to last for 40 or more years.

Another reason why you should consider gold crowns is that preparing your tooth for this type of crown doesn’t involve removing a lot of enamel from the tooth. This minimal preparation is important because you will be less likely to develop sensitivity to temperature extremes or pressure. If you can afford the cost, a gold crown would, therefore, be the best option for you.

Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns

If a pure gold crown is out of reach for you, porcelain fused to metal crown can be a good way to enjoy the strength of gold without incurring the high cost of pure gold crowns. For PFM crowns, the substructure or core is made from gold or any other precious or semi-precious metal. These include platinum and palladium. The exterior or visible part of this crown is made from porcelain.

Dr. Fardi Farhat reveals that PFM crowns usually have a metal rim that is visible at the bottom of the crown. This rim can eventually show through when your gums recede, and this can detract from the visual appeal of the crown.

In terms of durability, PFM crowns can last between 7 and 12 years, so you can see how superior gold crowns are on durability alone.

Stainless Steel Crowns

Sterling Heights dentists may recommend a stainless steel crown, but these tend to be temporary. This explains why children whose milk teeth have decayed extensively or those that are too weak to support a filling are treated with stainless steel crowns.

This crown covers the entire tooth, just as crowns typically do. As the milk or baby tooth grows, the stainless steel crown grows with it and will come off once that baby tooth makes way for the permanent tooth.

Note that stainless steel crowns aren’t aesthetically appealing, but you can contact Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI and talk to Dr. Fardi Farhat about other options that are more esthetic for your kid.

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are also referred to as all-ceramic dental crowns. These crowns are the most common these days because they look like natural teeth and a casual observer cannot know that you have a crown in your mouth.

Porcelain crowns are also suitable for teeth in any part of your mouth, so there are no limitations on where they can be placed. They are popular because they don’t cause users to develop tooth sensitivity as is the case when you have crowns made from metal. Porcelain also doesn’t trigger any sensitivities, so they are good for people who have a history of reacting to metal crowns.

Types of Porcelain Crowns

When you visit Dental One Care for porcelain crowns, Dr. Fardi Farhat will assess you and select from one of two types of these crowns. The first is the e.Max porcelain crown. This crown can be made and placed on the same day when you visit, and it forms a very strong bond with your tooth.

The second type of porcelain crown is one made from Zirconia. This is the strongest type of porcelain used to make dental crowns and advancements in dental technology have made it possible to make this crown virtually identical to natural teeth. However, Zirconia crowns don’t bond as strongly with the tooth as is the case with e.Max porcelain crowns.

What You Need to Know About Porcelain Crowns

There are a few downsides that you need to know about all types of porcelain dental crowns. First, these crowns will crack or break more easily when compared to other types of crowns. Secondly, these crowns can accelerate the rate at which the opposing teeth wear out due to the contact between the porcelain and the natural teeth. Furthermore, preparing a tooth for a porcelain crown requires the removal of a significant amount of enamel, unlike what happens for gold crowns, for example.

In terms of durability, porcelain crowns last anywhere between 5 and 10 years. As already mentioned, the care you provide for these crowns will protect them from fracturing or cracking, and this will be beneficial to their durability.

Note that because people are different, a dental crown material that is appropriate for one person may not be advisable for another person. For this reason, it is better for you to visit Dental One Care in Sterling Heights so that Dr. Fardi Farhat can examine you, take your medical history and then recommend the most appropriate dental crown material for your needs.