What You Need to Know About Scaling and Root Cleaning

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Your Sterling Heights dentist may recommend that you undergo deep teeth cleaning. This means that your teeth will be scaled and the roots will be planed. Deep cleaning is usually recommended when the dentist in Sterling Heights, MI finds that you have a chronic case of periodontal (gum) disease. Read on and discover more about scaling and root cleaning at Dental One Care.

When Deep Cleaning is Needed

As already mentioned, scaling and root cleaning is recommended for people that have been found with chronic gum disease. Bacterial activity causes significant gaps to develop between the gums and your teeth. Dr. Fardi Farhat explains that the size of these “gingival pockets” determines the extent to which periodontal disease has progressed (from gingivitis to moderate periodontal disease or even advanced periodontal disease).

Typically, regular brushing and flossing can avert periodontal disease, but when it develops and remains untreated, your teeth can start becoming loose, you may lose tissue and bone in the affected areas, and your teeth may start falling out or moving from their positions.

Causes of Chronic Gum Disease

The experts at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI, explain that chronic periodontal disease is commonly caused by insufficient oral hygiene. However, hormonal changes, family history, the process of aging, smoking, poor nutrition, and some other medical conditions can also trigger this condition.

Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Periodontal Disease

Deep spaces between the teeth and gums are a common symptom of chronic gum disease. Other symptoms include bad breath, bleeding gums, gum inflammation, changes to your bite, and shifting teeth in your mouth.

What Happens During Scaling and Planing?

Scaling and root planing is usually completed as an outpatient dental procedure once the dentist in Sterling Heights recommends this procedure for you. One or more visits may be needed, depending on how severe your condition is.

First, Dr. Farhat Fardi may administer a local anesthetic if the Sterling Heights dentist determines that an anesthetic is required. You can also talk to the Dental One Care professional about your pain management concerns so that the treatment is tailored to your needs. For example, a sedative may be administered if you suffer from dental anxiety.

Next, Dr. Farhat will scale your teeth. During this step of the procedure, the dentist in Sterling Heights will scrape plaque from the surface of your teeth and from the large gingival pockets.

After teeth scaling, root planing will be done. This involves using a tool to smoothen the roots of the teeth so that bacteria find it hard to become lodged there. Planing also makes it possible for the detached gums to reattach to the teeth.

Depending on how severe the chronic gum disease is, Dr. Fardi Farhat could recommend other treatments to ensure that all the bacteria in the areas that have been cleaned are killed. For example, antibiotics may be prescribed, or some medications may be administered in the gingival pockets directly to promote faster healing.

Benefits of Scaling and Planing

Scaling and root planing are regarded as the best remedy for chronic periodontal disease. This is because the procedure not only removes the plaque layers which harbor oral bacteria but also reduces the deep pockets which create room for any infection to progress and affect the inner sections of the teeth as well as the surrounding areas.

Are There Any Risks?

Scaling and root planing has been refined over time to reduce any potential risks. So, you need not worry that you will face any particularly serious risks when you undergo this dental procedure. One notable risk is the risk of infection since you may take more than a week to heal after the procedure.

To minimize this risk, Dr. Fardi Farhat may give you an antibiotic or special mouthwash to avert any infection risk you may face while you heal.

What to Expect After Scaling and Planing

You are most likely to be asked to return to Dental One Care so that Dr. Fardi Farhat can confirm that you are healing as expected. For some severe cases, more than one session of scaling and planing may be scheduled. So you’ll be told about the number of visits needed before the procedure commences.

If you were told that one visit is sufficient, another treatment session might be recommended. Only after the follow-up visit, the gingival pockets haven’t reduced to the desired level.

After the scaling and planing procedure, resume your normal oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing. However, the dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, who performed the procedure may recommend some changes or tweaks to these routines in order to deal with problem areas in your mouth. For example, Dr. Fardi Farhat may have observed that your front lower teeth appear to be at a higher risk of gum disease since you don’t brush them adequately. This will prompt the dentist to ask you to pay special attention to this section of your teeth so that the risk doesn’t manifest.

When to Contact Dental One Care

Contact Dr. Fardi Farhat at Dental One Care immediately if you feel severe pain after teeth scaling and planing. If healing takes longer than what was predicted, or you develop a fever, call Dental One Care immediately and have a professional assess your condition so that remedial action can be taken.

Scaling and root planing are routine procedures that shouldn’t cause you any worries. If you suspect that you could be having chronic periodontal disease, call for an appointment at Dental One Care and Dr. Fardi Farhat will determine whether scaling your teeth and planing their roots will be beneficial. Don’t let treatable conditions cost you your dental health when the experts at Dental One Care are just a call away!

 

Improve Your Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry

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Cosmetic dentistry has advanced so much that the options available to those who want to improve their smiles are so abundant that they may need help in selecting the procedure which is best suited for their needs. Here is a brief discussion of some of the cosmetic dental procedures offered at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights. Use this information to narrow down your options as you consider ways to fix any cosmetic defect you or a loved one has.

Teeth Whitening

As you grow older, the foods and drinks you consume, the medicines you take, and other factors take a toll on your teeth, thereby causing them to lose their natural bright color. When that happens, several options are available to you to restore your bright smile. For example, you can ask Dr. Fardi Farhat, a leading dentist in Sterling Heights, to prepare a customized teeth whitening tray which you can use at home to get rid of the stains in a gradual process. Alternatively, the experts at Dental One Care can perform in-office teeth whitening using a stronger bleaching agent than what is contained in at-home teeth whitening kits.

In-office teeth whitening may be more costly when compared to at-home teeth whitening, but you get quicker results, and the process is overseen by a professional. For instance, while at-home teeth whitening may take several weeks to show results, in-office whitening brings results immediately, and you walk out with brighter teeth.

Dental Veneers

You may have heard of veneers on furniture, haven’t you? Well, dental veneers also refer to thin materials that are placed on the front of your teeth for one or several reasons. For example, the veneer may be used to cover a permanently stained tooth, or it can be intended to improve the appearance of a poorly shaped tooth.

Veneers are mainly used to provide a temporary fix to cosmetic defects on the teeth which are visible when you smile or speak. You shouldn’t, therefore, consider them as a remedy for a defect affecting the teeth at the back of your mouth.

At least two visits are needed to get veneers. The first visit to Dental One Care caters for the initial consultation as well as taking an impression of the teeth upon which veneers will be placed. Color matching is also done during this visit. The second visit is for placing the veneers on the teeth once the external dental lab sends the completed restorations back to Dr. Fardi Farhat. Veneers are more complex and therefore, more expensive than dental bonding.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding entails placing tooth-colored resins on a tooth with a minor defect, such as a chip, discoloration, or poor shape. The resin bonds with the tooth under the influence of a special light. This simple procedure can be completed in one visit to Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, unlike veneers, which require several visits. However, the material used during bonding stains and cracks easily, so you want to take better care of the bonded tooth if you want to retain the bond for years.

Dental Crowns

As the name suggests, a dental crown covers your entire tooth in the same way that a cap does on one’s head. Crowns are the cosmetic restoration of choice when serious structural or cosmetic damage occurs. For example, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy may be so weak that only a crown will keep it together for years. Similarly, badly fractured teeth need crowns to retain their structural and aesthetic integrity.

The superior strength of crowns comes from the materials, such as porcelain, gold, and other metals, from which they are made. Crowns can be temporary or permanent. Temporary crowns are made from less durable materials since they aren’t intended to be used for long. Permanent crowns are usually fabricated by an external lab, so you use the temporary crown while you wait for the permanent one to be made. Crowns are more expensive than the cosmetic dentistry procedures described earlier, but they make up for that higher price tag by their durability.

Enamel Contouring and Shaping Procedures

If you want to make minor changes to the size, shape, and position of your teeth, then talk to the experts at Dental One Care. The Sterling Heights dentists will remove some enamel from the surface of your teeth in order to fix the defect which has you bothered. Many times, enamel shaping and contouring is done in combination with dental bonding since the removal of some enamel from your teeth can leave them weaker.

Dental Braces

Braces are primarily used to correct dental crowding, misalignment, bite problems, and jaw muscle issues. Traditionally, braces were composed of metal wires while today there are plastic nearly-invisible aligners used to move your teeth in a more discreet way. Some conditions, such as when you want to move back teeth with deep roots, are better handled by traditional metal braces while other cases, such as minor misalignment, can be fixed using clear braces. Talk to Dr. Fardi Farhat to find out if you qualify for the clear braces (Invisalign, for example). The correction of your dental defect usually takes several months as the braces are adjusted periodically while they slowly move the teeth to their new positions.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the most complex and expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures. It involves the surgical placement of a metal screw (usually titanium) in your jaw and letting that metal fuse with your jawbone before a component called an abutment is placed in the implant. The top part of a tooth replacement called a crown is attached to this abutment anchored in the implant. The entire process can take anywhere from three months to more than half a year, depending on how quickly your body can heal after each of the different steps of the procedure. Nearly everyone can get dental implants since some of the limiting factors, such as bone loss, can be corrected through other procedures (bone grafts, for example). We asked our friend, Dr. Matt Laurich, a dentist in Livonia, MI, about dental implants. Dr. Laurich says dental implants are one of the best cosmetic treatments you can choose from at the dentist because they basically pay for themselves since they last forever!

Many more cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as dental bridges and procedures to fix indentations in your gums, also exist. Talk to Dr. Fardi Farhat and an appropriate cosmetic dentistry procedure will be recommended to fix your specific condition. Why stay with an imperfect smile when solutions exist?

 

Do Adults Need Fluoride Treatments?

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Do Adults Need Fluoride Treatments?

It is a common perception that fluoride treatments are only for children. So, when the dentist recommends fluoride treatment to adult patients, a common reaction is, “Do I need to take the fluoride treatment?” This is because most insurance plans cover the cost of fluoride treatments for people up to the age of 18. In this article, Dr. Fardi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI answers, “Do adults need fluoride treatments?”

Is Fluoride Treatment Really Effective for Adults?

Research studies have shown that the topical application of fluoride by a dentist has a significant and positive impact. This is especially the case for adults who have a moderate to high risk of developing cavities.

Benefits of Fluoride Treatment in Different Conditions

Consider these circumstances when you’re debating a fluoride treatment from your dentist in Sterling Heights.  

  • There are many prescription medications that reduce the production of saliva in your mouth or create dryness in your mouth. This puts you at the risk of developing cavities. In such an instance, a fluoride treatment can help keep your teeth fight off cavities.
  • Many adults have gum recession, which leads to the exposure of your teeth’s roots. These softer areas are more susceptible to tooth decay. Through professional fluoride treatment, the protective layer of your teeth can be restored, saving your smile from decay.
  • Adults often undergo restorative dental treatments, such as crowns, and bridges etc. The fluoride treatments help protect and fill the restoration margins.
  • We asked out friend Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO about fluoride treatments for adults undergoing orthodontic treatments, such as braces. Dr. Dhoon says that the application of braces makes it difficult to maintain a healthy oral state. He recommended fluoride treatments so your teeth remain strong and free of cavities.
  • Having tooth restoration treatment places you at the higher risk of developing cavities. The fluoride treatments, in contrast, help prevent cavities in patients who are already vulnerable to cavities.
  • If you are not flossing your teeth daily, then you are unlikely to have optimal oral hygiene. With fluoride treatment that lack of flossing can be compensated and save your teeth from cavities and decay.
  • Fluoride is also helpful for people with sensitive teeth. It helps to re-mineralize the tooth enamel, thus reducing sensitivity.
  • Cancer patients who undertake radiation treatment can also take advantage of fluoride treatments offered at Dental One Care. Radiation treatment damages saliva glands, which significantly reduces the production of saliva in the mouth. This places patients at a higher risk of developing cavities. Fluoride treatments can rescue cancer patients from cavities.

If you too feel that you are suffering from any of those conditions, consider a fluoride treatment from Dental One Care. Dr. Farhat is an expert and professional dentist in Sterling Heights, MI. He will advise you after an oral examination whether or not you are the right candidate for fluoride treatment.

What Causes Sudden Dry Mouth

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Xerostomia or dry mouth syndrome can be caused by various conditions and factors. These include:

  • An autoimmune disease (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjogren’s Syndrome)
  • Sinus problems
  • An infection
  • Dehydration
  • Certain medications (antihistamines, anti-depression and anxiety pills, etc.)
  • Smoking

However, according to Sterling Heights dentist, Dr. Farhat, Owner of Dental 1 Care, there is another lesser known cause of xerostomia: salivary stones.

Salivary stones or sialolith are crystallized minerals that get lodged in your salivary gland ducts. They hinder or cause blockage to the discharge of your saliva, thereby causing the onset of sudden dry mouth syndrome.

Salivary stones are typically made up of salts contained in your saliva. These stones are often found and can cause blockage within your submandibular salivary gland, on the sides of your jaw in the back of your mouth.

Sometimes, the salivary stones may not cause symptoms because the blockage of saliva is minimal. Because of this, you won’t notice the dryness in your mouth.

When you do nothing to address this health problem, you will soon have difficulties swallowing and feel pain whenever you open your mouth. Your salivary gland will begin to swell painfully, too.

Most of the time, your pain and swelling symptoms from sialolith will worsen while you eat. These symptoms may slowly subside until your next meal. However, you will still feel that your mouth is dry.  

To naturally get rid of salivary stones, suck on a piece of lemon several times a day. The lemon will stimulate saliva production. Your saliva will then dislodge the crystals and free up the passageway. As a result, saliva will flow freely and resolve your dry mouth problem.

Other Risks of Dry Mouth Professionally Known as Xerostomia

Failing to address your xerostomia can cause certain dental issues. When your mouth is dry, your gums will not receive sufficient moisture to stay healthy. Tooth decay can then begin along the gum line.  If not treated immediately, your gums will reside and expose the dentine or layer of teeth below the gum line. This layer does not have the protective enamel and, as such, can be quickly attacked by dental caries.

Your lower front teeth, which are normally protected by saliva produced from underneath the tongue, will be prone to cavities, too, if you suffer from dry mouth.

In case chewing on lemon does not seem to alleviate the symptoms of xerostomia, consult your doctor immediately. If left untreated, saliva blockage by stones can cause an infection since bacteria can grow in a blocked duct filled with stagnant saliva. It can also cause the development of abscess and your salivary gland tissues being destroyed.

If you are suffering from chronic dry mouth we recommend visiting your Sterling Heights Dentist for regular dental exams and treatment.

 

What Are the 10 Benefits of Clean Teeth and Mouth?

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Your health plan is likely to include nutritious meals, exercise, and check-ups with your doctor. This plan, however, is lacking one crucial element: oral care. Visiting your Sterling Heights dentist regularly in addition to proper oral care will help you achieve the 10 benefits of clean teeth and mouth. 

The Link

Oral care is an essential part of your health because countless bacteria fill the mouth, some of which have a connection to gum disease. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, this disease could lead to several other diseases in the body, from diabetes to cardiovascular problems.

Clearly, looking after your overall health needs to include oral care. This could be as simple as brushing and flossing to clean teeth, and rinsing with mouthwash for fresh breath.

Apart from preventing diseases, here are the 10 benefits of clean teeth and mouth:

  1. You can maintain your ideal weight or lose the excess pounds.

It turns out that when you brush your teeth three times a day, for two minutes each time, you could burn 3,500 calories annually. It may not seem like much of a loss, but every little bit helps when you struggle to keep your ideal weight.

Burning calories is not the only reason good oral hygiene can help with your weight loss goals. There is also psychology behind the routine; after you brush and floss, you’re not likely to give in to the urge to snack.

  1. You don’t have to spend as much money on dental care.

With healthy teeth and gums, you don’t need to worry about spending money on cosmetic treatment. You don’t need to undergo complex procedures and visit your dentist in Sterling Heights multiple times in a single month. At most, your dental care spending would be for the twice-a-year visit and professional teeth cleaning.

  1. You’ll smile more often, which opens up more opportunities.

A smile indicates confidence, and confidence, for many, indicates success. People naturally gravitate towards people who are ready to smile because it means warmth and trustworthiness. This attraction could open up opportunities that improve your professional and social life.

  1. You sustain an intimate relationship.

Having good, clean teeth means you also have fresher breath. This could mean more intimate moments with your loved one. For people in long-term relationships, greater intimacy can bolster deeper connections.

  1. You ensure cognitive function and health.

Researchers have linked long-term gum disease with Alzheimer’s. From an American Dental Association-released study to medical teams in Taiwan, various research groups have found a connection between periodontal inflammation and a higher risk of lower cognitive function.

  1. You’ll perform better in tests.

The Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry reports that adults with gingivitis, in comparison to people with healthy gums, tend to do poorly on memory tests.

  1. You ensure a healthy baby.

Healthy teeth gums could help you carry a baby to term. There is a relationship between gum disease and the incidence of low-birth-weight infants.

  1. You prevent sexual problems.

A study shows that 79 percent of men who had erectile dysfunction also had gum disease. Oral bacteria and tartar could enter the bloodstream, which could interfere with blood flow.

  1. You maintain or develop self-confidence.

With healthy teeth and gums, you’re likely to have a better self-image.

  1. You retain your natural teeth even as you age.

Finally, losing teeth is part of life. But you don’t need to lose too much that you end up with no natural teeth when you retire.

Schedule a cleaning appointment with Dr. Farhat today.

Be sure to read more articles on our blog to learn more oral health tips.

What Happens During A Teeth Cleaning?

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Most people are afraid of teeth cleanings because of the strange noises, prodding, and occasional jaw discomfort. But despite this, a teeth cleaning process is painless and simple.  

Being aware of what happens during a teeth cleaning process will help ease your stress. Also, this will allow you to enjoy the results better.

Here’s is a step-by-step guide to the teeth cleaning process:

Step 1: A Physical Exam of the Mouth

Before the cleaning process begins, a dentist in Sterling Heights will perform a physical examination of your entire mouth. Your teeth and gums will be checked for any signs of potential concerns like gingivitis. Once a problem is detected, it will be evaluated to ensure that it is okay to proceed.

Step 2: Plaque and Tartar Removal

Your dentist will remove plaque and tartar between your teeth and around your gum line using a scaler. It is normal for you to hear scraping when this is being performed. If you have more tartar in your mouth, more time will be spent to scrape it all.

Remember that tartar can only be removed through professional teeth cleanings at the dental office. Thus, if this step is your least favorite part of this dental procedure, you need to brush and floss often to prevent the buildup of tartar.

Step 3: Gritty Toothpaste Cleaning

Once your teeth are tartar-free, it will be brushed with a high-powered electric brush. Although the grinding noise that this brush emits is scary, Dr. Farhat says that this is the best way to get a deep clean. Also, this will eradicate the remaining tartar.

The toothpaste your dentist uses is like your regular toothpaste, but this has a gritty consistency. When done by a professional, this teeth polishing procedure can be done safely for at least twice a year. Avoid brushing your teeth too harshly at home because it will wear down your enamel.

Step 4: Flossing

Flossing on a daily basis is highly recommended, but nothing beats a professional flossing session. A Sterling Heights dentist can get deep between your teeth and figure out any trouble spots where you may bleed at the gums. Also, this will remove any leftover plaque from earlier during the plaque and tartar removal step.

Step 5: Rinsing and Fluoride Treatment

Rinsing is important to remove any debris. So your dentist will give a rinse that has liquid fluoride.

After that, a protectant will be applied to your teeth to help fight against cavities. A foamy gel or a sticky paste will be placed in a mouthpiece that fits perfectly on your teeth, which will be left on your teeth for a minute. Apart from that, a fluoride varnish will also be painted on your teeth. This will harden once it comes in contact with your saliva so you can drink and eat immediately after.

Regular teeth cleanings are crucial to prevent any dental problem. By being aware of what is happening during this process, you will feel more relaxed and comfortable. In fact, this might even cause you to look forward to these dental appointments.

How Often Should You Get Professional Dental Cleanings?

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Getting professional teeth cleaning services is important because this will reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities. But do you know how often you should schedule for professional dental cleanings?

Basically, you must have your teeth professionally cleaned as frequently as Dr. Farhat suggests. Oftentimes, this will depend on your commitment to maintaining a good oral hygiene and on the health of your teeth and gums.

Is Annual Teeth Cleaning Enough?

When determining how often you must have professional teeth cleaning, there are several factors that come into play. These include your routine oral hygiene, health history and lifestyle.

There are those who only need an annual dental cleaning, also known as periodontal maintenance, while others may need to undergo cleaning more often than that.

If your teeth and gums are healthy and you do not have risk factors for developing gingivitis or gum disease, you may only need professional dental cleanings once a year. But even if you only receive an annual dental cleaning, a Sterling Heights Dentists, emphasizes the importance of visiting Dr. Farhat once every six months.

During your visit, Dr. Farhat will use professional tools to remove plaque, bacteria and tartar from your teeth and gums to prevent tooth decay, gum disease and even tooth loss. These tools are capable of removing any plaque buildup that proper brushing and flossing cannot remove.

Why You May Need More Dental Cleanings

If you commit to keeping your teeth healthy and strong, or if you have gum disease, you can benefit from frequent dental cleanings.

There are cases wherein Dr. Farhat may recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned every month for a span of six months, then once every three months afterwards. The duration and frequency of this aggressive treatment varies. This usually depends on the level of your commitment to achieving a beautiful smile or on the severity of your gum disease.

But when you already have a history of gum disease, you may be advised to get your teeth cleaned more often in order to prevent its reoccurrence. Moreover, if you suffer from diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions, frequent professional dental cleanings might be necessary.

Aside from that, you might need dental cleanings more frequently if you smoke. Smoking will stain your teeth permanently as well as create tooth and gum problems.

Dr. Farhat will evaluate your gums and teeth. In addition, he as establish your risk factors for developing gingivitis in order to determine how often you should get your teeth professionally cleaned. From there, work out a schedule to visit Dental One Care for cleanings. You may also be provided with tips to maintain the benefits of a professional dental cleaning between your visits.

When Do I Get Dental X-Rays?

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Dental X-rays help dental professionals like Dr. Farhart, visualize the problems and diseases of the teeth and their surrounding tissues. Moreover, they help the dentist determine and treat any dental problem early in their development. As such, they help you save money and prevent any unnecessary discomfort.

Problems that dental X-rays can detect include tooth decay that is not visible with an oral exam, bone loss, abscess, and other developmental abnormalities like cysts and tumors. For children, dental X-rays are used to watch for decay, to determine if there is sufficient space in the mouth for all incoming teeth, and to check for impacted teeth.

How Often Should Your Teeth Be X-Rayed?

Most people ask, “When do I get dental X-rays? How often should my teeth be X-rayed?” Reputable dental professionals say that the frequency of getting dental X-rays will depend on your dental and medical history, along with your current condition. There are some people who need X-rays every six months while others may only need to get X-rays every two to three years.

If you are a new patient, our Dental One Care team might take X-rays as part of the initial dental exam. This will help establish a baseline record from which to compare the changes that might happen over time.

The American Dental Association or ADA provided X-Ray recommendations:

  • Before taking any X-rays, dentists must always perform a clinical examination as well as evaluate the oral and medical history of the patient.
  • If you have a history of periodontal problems or extensive decay, Dr. Farhat will take more X-rays of your teeth.
  • Children usually need more X-rays than adults because of their developing teeth and jaws.

Even if you do not need frequent dental X-rays, you should still see Farhat regularly for routine oral check-ups.

How to Keep X-Rays to a Minimum

  • Practice good oral care – Always maintain good dental health with a routine of proper brushing and flossing. Also, see Farhat on a regular basis for check-ups and cleaning.
  • Talk to Dr. Farhat – If you have concerns about how frequently X-rays should be taken, discuss all of them with Dr. Farhat. You can be provided with suggestions about how to go longer between radiation exposures without compromising your oral health.
  • Bring your most recent X-rays each time you change Dr. Farhat.

Dental X-rays are necessary because they can identify problems that can’t be detected through a simple dental examination. This way, these dental issues won’t become worse and more difficult to treat. But make sure that before having X-rays, Dr. Farhat provides you with a valid clinical reason.

Contact our office today to make an appointment.

Drinking Tap Water May Help Your Teeth

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Drinking Tap Water May Help You At The Dentist

When tooth decay is left untreated, it can cause infections and pain that will hinder speaking, eating, learning, and playing.

With the controlled addition of fluoride compound to the public water supplies, a study published in the January/February 2010 issue of General Dentistry says that this is a cost-effective way to fight tooth decay and prevent cavities. Indeed, drinking tap water may help at the dentist.

Fluoride and Your Teeth

Fluoride will make your entire tooth surface more resistant to decay. Also, it promotes remineralization, which is crucial for repairing early decay. Water fluoridation is considered to be the best source of fluoride.

Tap water has been treated with fluoride in order to prevent cavities. Water fluoridation can prevent at least 25% of tooth decay both in children and adults. While teeth are erupting under the gums, the fluoride will strengthen tooth enamel. This way, it becomes stronger and more resistant to cavities. And when the teeth erupt, fluoride will rebuild weakened tooth enamel.

Also, it can reverse early signs of tooth decay. Whenever you use fluoride dental products, you are giving your mouth a topical benefit since the fluoride is directly applied to your teeth’s surface.

In the US, more than 144 million residents in over 10,000 communities are drinking fluoridated tap water. And this can provide an automatic defense against the unsafe ingredients causing preventable oral health disease.

Rather than drilling holes in order to fix cavities, dentists prefer educating the public about tips for preventing tooth decay. A Sterling Heights dentist further emphasized that drinking tap water is safe; it is the most effective way of receiving fluoride. Also, this is more affordable than going to your dentist for a filling.

Varnish is also an effective source of fluoride. Applied by your dentist, varnish is among the most concentrated products today. This product has sodium fluoride that will adhere to your tooth surfaces when there is saliva, thus giving an excellent fluoride treatment.

By keeping fluoride in your mouth, its ability to prevent demineralization will be enhanced. Varnishes are better choices for this purpose as opposed to fluoridated toothpaste or drinking water. Typically, fluoridated varnishes are for those who do not receive sufficient fluoride from tap water, toothpaste, and other sources.

Fluoride can be found in salt products, specialty milk, gum, mouthwash, and toothpaste. However, the fluoride that the fluoridated water and varnish methods have can help reduce cavities by over 30%. If you suspect that you have a cavity, you need to visit your dentist now to prevent further damage to your teeth and mouth.

I Think I Have A Cavity But It Doesn’t Hurt

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I Think I Have A Cavity But It Doesn’t Hurt

Most people think that all dental cavities cause pain. Dr Fadi Farhat, a leading Sterling Heights dentist, says that there is no truth to this notion. You can have a dental cavity but not feel any pain or discomfort at all.

The Tooth Decay Process

A small cavity in the tooth indicates the early stages of tooth decay. At this point, your tooth will not hurt. This is because the cavity is only found on the enamel, the hardest portion of the tooth. Since this part is hard and it does not contain any nerve endings, decay in this area does not cause pain.

If nothing is done to treat the tooth, the cavity will affect the next layer, the dentin. The dentin is not as tough as the enamel but it does not contain any nerve endings as well. As such, dental caries found on the dentin will not cause any pain or discomfort either.

Dealing with Cavities

Your dentist is the best person who can ascertain if you have any cavities or not. Regardless of the size of the cavity and even if it still located on the enamel or dentin, you need to get the right dental treatment immediately.

Your dentist will be able to detect cavities through two ways:

  • X-ray. Small cavities and some medium-sized ones, which are often painless, may only be visible through an X-ray or under high magnification.
  • Physical or clinical check-up. Your dentist will place a pointed dental instrument (an explorer) into the suspected area. If the explorer sticks in or penetrates the area, there is a cavity already present.

Keep in mind that if a cavity is left untreated, it will grow bigger and make its way to the nerve inside the tooth. At this point, you will start suffering from a severe, recurring toothache. If you don’t get the appropriate treatment, it can cause other dental issues and even tooth loss.

The bottom line is, if your dentist tells you that you have a cavity, don’t wait until it becomes painful before you have it treated. The best time to have a cavity removed or treated is when it is still in its early stages.

If you wait until you start feeling pain, you will end up getting a surgical procedure such as root canal therapy or tooth extraction as treatment. To avoid suffering from severe toothaches and the hassles of undergoing an invasive and expensive dental procedure, have your cavities treated immediately as soon as they appear.

Contact Us: 586 274 2800

Take a moment and browse our website and you will find valuable and informative material about the dental services we offer.

Our website also provides you with information about our dental professional team, office hours, insurance plans, appointment procedures, directions to our office and other valuable information.