Dental Cleaning Archives | Sterling Heights Dentist, Dr. Farhat of Dental 1 Care

Do’s and Don’ts After a Dental Cleaning

May 13, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Getting dental fillings is quite common, but some patients may not know what they should or should not do after they leave the dental office with a new filling. In this blog post, our experts at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI, share some do’s and don’ts after a dental cleaning to help you achieve optimal oral health.

Pain After Getting a Filling

Dr. Fadi Farhat, the best dentist in Sterling Heights MI, has found that many people who experience pain after getting a filling do so because that filling was placed too high. If you notice that the filling isn’t at the same level as your other teeth when you speak, chew or move your jaw, contact Dental One Care so that the filling can be reshaped or filed down. Otherwise, high fillings don’t only cause pain but also have a higher risk of cracking.

Pain in Nearby Teeth

After getting a dental filling, you may feel some pain in the nearby teeth. This is normal and doesn’t in any way indicate that those nearby teeth have a problem. In most cases, Dr. Fadi Farhat says that such pain is the result of signals being sent by the tooth with the filling. This pain subsides typically overnight, so you should only be concerned if it exceeds this duration.

Sensitivity After Getting a Dental Filling

You are also likely to experience some sensitivity to hot or cold within the first three weeks after getting a dental filling at Dental One Care. This sensitivity is especially likely if the cavity was deep. To deal with the sensitivity, Dr. Fadi Farhat may recommend that you use a desensitizing toothpaste. It is also helpful for you to avoid consuming very hot or cold substances within those first couple of weeks until you get used to the filling.

Toothache After the Procedure

It isn’t normal to experience a toothache after getting a dental filling. If you do, contact Dr. Fadi Farhat at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI. Our friend Dr. Beth Herko, a dentist in New Providence, NJ, says that the toothache may indicate that the decay was so pronounced that it had reached the dental pulp, so a root canal may be necessary to address the issue.

Dealing with Future Cavities

It is possible to develop other cavities on the same tooth that has a filling or on the other teeth in your mouth. If you ever develop signs, such as tooth sensitivity, contact Dr. Fadi Farhat so that he can assess your condition and determine whether dental fillings are the best option for you, or other dental filling alternatives would be a better choice in the circumstances.

What to Eat After Getting a Filling

Depending on what type of filling you got, Dr. Fadi Farhat will recommend what or when to eat after the procedure. For example, you may eat immediately if a composite filling was used. This is because such fillings are cured using a special light, so there is no risk if you eat shortly after getting the filling.

However, metal fillings don’t harden as fast, so you may have to wait for about 24 hours before you can safely eat solid food. Regardless of the filling you get, wait until the anesthetic wears off before you eat. Otherwise, you could hurt yourself if you try to eat before the local anesthetic has worn off.

Foods to Avoid After the Procedure

Dental One Care strongly recommends that you avoid eating any chewy, hard, or sticky foods for 24 hours. Staying away from cold and hot foods may also be advisable if you experience tooth sensitivity after the dental filling procedure.

OTC Painkillers

You may also have to use an over-the-counter pain medication, such as Ibuprofen if you experience slight discomfort or pain after getting a dental filling. However, if the pain is severe or persists, bring it to the attention of Dr. Fafdi Farhat for an appropriate remedy.

Do you suspect that you have dental cavities or you were recently diagnosed with this problem? Contact Dental One Care if you live in Sterling Heights, MI. Our highly skilled and experienced professionals will recommend the best remedy to fix the problem before it gets worse and requires more invasive treatment.

How to Prepare for a Dental Cleaning

May 7, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

How to Prepare for a Dental Cleaning with Your Sterling Heights Dentist

You may think that it is unnecessary to plan or prep yourself before you go for a routine dental cleaning at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI. Still, you will be surprised at how a little preparation will go a long way. In this article, How to Prepare for a Dental Cleaning, Dr. Fadi Farhat recommends that you take before you come in for your dental cleaning.

Delay Teeth Whitening

Some people may whiten their teeth just before they visit their dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, for their routine dental cleaning. However, doing this isn’t advisable for two main reasons.

First, the professionals at Dental One Care say that many teeth whitening products make teeth sensitive, and this can predispose you to feel a lot of discomforts while your teeth are being cleaned by a professional shortly after you whitened those teeth.

Secondly, when you whiten your teeth before they have been cleaned by a professional, the chance of success is limited. So, it is better to hold off on whitening your teeth until the cleaning is done.

Take Notes

Undergoing dental cleaning at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI, provides an excellent opportunity to ask the hygienist or dentist any question about your dental health. For example, if you feel some tooth sensitivity when you brush, let your dentist know during your dental visit. They will give you some easy tips and tricks so to improve your tooth sensitivity.

Don’t Be Overenthusiastic When Brushing

It is common for some patients to pay extra attention and brush vigorously just before their dental cleaning. While brushing like crazy isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it can deny your dentist the opportunity to identify problem areas. When those problem areas aren’t identified, you will go home and return to your normal brushing technique, and the problem areas may develop dental issues. So, Dr. Fadi Farhat suggests that you brush as you normally do.

Reschedule If You Are Sick

Professional dental cleanings often involve removing plaque and tartar (the hardened or calcified plaque) from beneath the gum line. This activity can give some bacteria a chance to enter the bloodstream. The body usually deals with that bacteria so that it doesn’t cause you any problems.

However, your immune system may be weak if you undergo the cleaning when you are sick, so there is a chance that the oral bacteria that enter your bloodstream during the cleaning can compromise your health further. Dr. Fadi Farhat, therefore, says that it is best to wait until you feel better before you come in for a dental cleaning at Dental One Care.

Be Truthful

It is easy to bend the truth when you visit your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, for a dental cleaning. For example, some people may lie about how often they brush each day. Our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, says that withholding information or telling lies can be counterproductive because the recommendations that Dr. Fadi Farhat makes may be affected by the inaccurate information you have provided. For example, the dentist in Sterling Heights may recommend a mouthwash with a higher concentration of antimicrobial agents. On the other hand, regular brushing could have been sufficient.

Tips for Brushing Habits

February 20, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

It’s a common fact that every person should brush their teeth every morning and night, but there are a few more things that must be done in order to keep your mouth healthy. As a matter of fact, you might have some bad habits that you think is beneficial for your mouth.

It’s never too late to start taking good care of your oral health. To start, check out the list below of common habits that might be causing harm to your teeth and gums.

You Brush Too Hard

Of course, you put a little force when you brush your teeth; how else are you supposed to get the plaque and food residue off your teeth? However, applying excessive force when you brush can irritate your gums and damage your teeth. Too much force can even lead to scratches and infections if done often.

It may come as a surprise but plaque is loose and soft which makes it easy to remove from your teeth. It only becomes harder to remove when it turns into tartar. Even if you put excessive force into brushing, it still won’t be removed. The only way to remove would be to get a teeth cleaning service by a dentist. And besides plaque wouldn’t even form on your teeth if you brush two times a day every day.

You Share Your Toothbrush

If you are willing to use your partner’s toothbrush when you cannot find yours then you are not alone. Most couples do not think there is anything wrong with it. All in all, it’s almost disgusting to share your toothbrush with someone else. Even though at first it may not seem that bad but sharing your toothbrush can result in different types of germs transferring into another person’s mouth which can become a serious problem.

You might notice yourself getting sick more frequently than normal since the flu virus can stay on a surface for several hours, which is, in this case, the toothbrush. The bacteria can even lead to cavities which are also very contagious. Your partner might not even know they have a cavity; hence you are putting the health of your mouth at risk.

You Keep Using the Same Toothbrush For Too Long

Here is a fact that not too many people know about; your toothbrush needs to be changed every three to four months

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you change your toothbrush at the start of every season. That is because your toothbrush accumulates germs over time and the bristles of your toothbrush also start to fray or break with extended use. These older bristles will not clean your teeth the way they are meant to, which will allow plaque to form. This can harm your teeth and gums if the plaque turns into tartar, which will then require a professional orthodontist to perform a dental cleaning session. If you are wondering where to go to do that if in case tartar has formed on the surface your teeth or you just want to get your teeth shining white, then you should visit Dr. Fardi Farhat. In Sterling Heights, MI. Dr. Fardi Farhat combines his years of experience with his skills to guarantee that the client is fully satisfied.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

January 17, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Tooth discoloration can affect you in many ways, like making you self-conscious about your smile. As a result, your social interactions and other aspects of your life can take a hit. But what causes teeth to become discolored? Read on and discover some of the common causes of tooth discoloration and the common remedies that dentists in Sterling Heights MI recommend.

Causes of Tooth Discoloration

Pigmented Foods and Drinks. Some vegetables, fruits, and drinks like coffee, red wine and soda can stain your teeth if you consume them frequently.

Tobacco Products. People who consume various tobacco products, such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco, face a high risk of developing tooth discoloration. This is due to the chemical compounds found in tobacco, according to orthodontists in Sterling Heights, MI.

Poor Dental Hygiene. When you aren’t as vigilant about maintaining oral hygiene by flossing and brushing, you are likely to develop dental stains. This is because plaque will readily harden on your teeth and form calculus. Poor oral hygiene also allows pigmented foods and drinks to stay in contact with your teeth for long, resulting in stains.

Some Medications. Medications, such as some antibiotics, high blood pressure medication and antihistamines can also stain your teeth. This effect is particularly pronounced when kids whose teeth are still developing take those drugs.

Age. As one grows older, the enamel on the teeth gets eroded leaving dentin closer to the surface of the teeth. Dentin is closer to brown or yellow in color, so when it is exposed, your teeth will look discolored.

Genetics. Some people are naturally endowed with tooth enamel that is thicker or whiter than that of others. Your discolored teeth may have nothing to do with your oral care habits, the foods and drinks you consume or any medication you are currently taking.

Environmental Factors. You may also develop stains on your teeth if you live in an area with high concentrations of fluoride in the water supply or when you take large amounts of fluoride as a supplement. Fluoride rinses and treatments can also eventually cause tooth discoloration.

Trauma. Dr. Lyons, an orthodontist in El Dorado Hills CA, has encountered numerous cases of people with discolored teeth resulting from trauma, such as accidents during contact sports. Kids whose teeth are still developing can also get stains due to a fall that affects the enamel.

How to Prevent Tooth Discoloration

As the discussion above shows, many of the causes of teeth discoloration are within your control. Therefore, you can prevent this cosmetic dental problem by making simple lifestyle changes. For example, make sure that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. You should also control or drop habits like cigarette smoking that increase your risk for tooth discoloration. Having teeth cleaning services every six months by a professional at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights MI will also avert tooth discoloration.

Treatment Options for Tooth Discoloration

If you already have stains on your teeth, talk to a dentist in Sterling Heights MI about the applicable treatment options. He or she will recommend the most appropriate from the following remedies;

Improving your flossing and brushing techniques.
Limiting your consumption of drinks and foods that stain your teeth.
Getting dental veneers.
Undergoing dental bonding.
Undergoing teeth whitening (using OTC whitening products, in-office teeth whitening or at-home teeth whitening trays made by your dentist in Sterling Heights MI).

Don’t let discolored teeth affect the quality of your life. Contact us at Dental One Care if you live in Sterling Heights MI and we will give you our considered opinion about how you can treat the discoloration and avoid the recurrence of dental stains.

Teeth Cleanings Before the Holidays

December 11, 2019 by Claire Leave a Comment

The holidays are just around the corner! While you may be excited about holiday activities, now is the time to have your teeth cleaned by a professional at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI. Keep reading to discover why right before the holidays is the best time to get your teeth cleaned professionally.

The Importance of Regular Teeth Cleanings

Dentists in Sterling Heights MI recommend that you get teeth cleaning services by a professional at least once every six months. These cleanings come with several advantages, such as checking for gum disease.

Dr. Fardi Farhat, an orthodontist in Sterling Heights, MI, adds that regular cleanings at Dental One Care help get rid of plaque and calculus. Not all plaque and calculus can be removed during your oral hygiene activities at home. The plaque that forms beneath the gum line is particularly problematic because it can cause dental infections leading to tooth loss.

Regular dental cleanings at Dental One Care also provide an opportunity for our team to give you advice on various issues related to your dental health. This is especially important with the upcoming holidays, likely putting your dental health at risk.

The Teeth Cleaning Process

When you visit Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI, to have your teeth cleaned, the hygienist will start with examining your gums and teeth using an overhead light. If the hygienist observes anything of concern, he or she will bring it to the attention of Dr. Fardi Farhat.

Once the inspection is completed, the hygienist will use special tools to brush and floss your teeth. The cleaning agent used during this process is stronger than the toothpaste you use at home, so your teeth will be cleaned thoroughly.

Any stains on your teeth will also be removed during this teeth whitening unless they are intrinsic stains that cannot be removed by abrasive tools or agents.

For people with dentures, the dental cleaning process at Dental One Care will involve cleaning and adjusting those dentures. By the end, the dentures will be clean and fit properly.

When necessary, a fluoride treatment will be administered to give your teeth added protection against cavities and tooth decay.

If you have other dental work, like dental crowns or fillings, the hygienist in Sterling Heights will polish that dental work.

Educational Instructions During Teeth Cleaning

Your dental hygienist at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights MI will also give you some educational information relevant to your dental health. This could include the following categories of information;

Nutritional Advice. This advice will be given to you to ensure that you avoid excessive holiday treats and drinks that could be detrimental to your dental health. Getting more of the foods and drinks that are beneficial to your dental and overall health is more important.

Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques. The hygienist may have noticed that certain parts of your teeth aren’t being cleaned appropriately as you brush and floss. Thus, he or she may advise you on how to improve your technique. An improved technique will help clean all the surfaces of the teeth adequately.

Counseling on Tobacco Use. If you are a smoker or use other forms of tobacco (snuff, for example), the educational instructions that you receive may include counseling about the dental risks associated with this habit.

Dental Evaluation

Once the hygienist finishes, Dr. Fardi Farhat will come and evaluate your teeth. He will identify cavities and any other dental problems you may be having. The Sterling Heights MI dentist will then suggest a follow-up visit to monitor any potential problems. He may schedule a visit to treat the problem found.

When the dental cleaning process finishes, you are free to go and start enjoying the holidays! Keep in mind all the advice given regarding how to safeguard your teeth from all the holiday sweets and delicacies. After the holidays, pay Dental One Care a visit so that Dr. Fardi Farhat can assess and fix any damage your teeth sustained during the holidays before the problems worsen.

How Often Should I Visit The Dentist?

October 2, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Not everyone loves going to see a dentist, but these visits are necessary to maintain peak dental health. So, how often should you visit the dentist? The answer to that question depends on your overall health and the recommendation by Dr. Fardi Farhat, Sterling Heights, MI dentist, after assessing your dental health, as explained below.

Why Getting Professional Teeth Cleanings Is Necessary

One of the major reasons why you should visit Dental One Care in Sterling Heights is for your professional teeth cleaning. This cleaning is necessary because regardless of how vigilant you are in brushing and flossing your teeth, plaque and tartar will gradually accumulate on your teeth, especially on and beneath your gumline.

If the plaque and tartar aren’t removed periodically, you will develop cavities as a result of the bacteria build up on your teeth. Getting your teeth cleaned professionally by Dr. Fardi Farhat and our team at Dental One Care is, therefore, the best way to prevent cavities and gum disease.

Frequency of Dental Visits

Visiting the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning is a standard rule of thumb. Many health insurance companies cover your dental cleaning and checkup visit every six months.

However, some people face a higher risk of developing cavities and suffering from gum disease. Dr. Fardi Farhat recommends that these people come in for dental cleanings more often than twice a year. The following questions can help you to determine whether you are one of those people who need more frequent visits to Dental One Care in Sterling Heights;

Do you use fluoride-free toothpaste or drink water?
Do you have a sweet tooth or snack a lot?
Do you avoid flossing daily?
Do you find it hard to brush your teeth twice each day?
Are you more likely to visit a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI when you have a dental problem rather than going there for a checkup?
Does Dr. Fardi Farhat recommend fillings during each visit you make?
Do you have a lot of early cavities that are being watched by the experts at Dental One Care?
Do you currently have a dental device, such as dentures or braces?
Do you suffer from a chronic health condition, such as diabetes?
Were you diagnosed with dry mouth or think you have dry mouth?

If you responded in the affirmative to most of the questions above, you may need to see Dr. Fardi Farhat more frequently for cleanings and checkups so that any dental health problem you develop can be caught early.

In addition to the professional cleaning that you will get, our dentist in Sterling Heights, MI may also administer a fluoride treatment in order to reduce your risk of suffering from cavities or losing any of your natural teeth.

The Link Between Your Dental Health and Your Overall Health

Our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, explains that individuals who suffer from chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, are more likely to suffer from gum disease. For this reason, these people can benefit from more frequent visits to Dental One Care so that gum disease can be prevented or caught early.

Additionally, people who are on blood-thinning medication, as well as those taking infusions to combat osteoporosis, should also see the Sterling Heights dentist more frequently. This is because it is difficult to extract a tooth if someone is taking these medications, so the best approach is to put emphasis on preventive dental care to avert the need for extractions or other dental care procedures.

If you suffer from bleeding gums, see Dr. Fardi Farhat more frequently so that the periodontal disease causing this symptom can be managed properly before it causes you to lose your teeth.

Also, if you are a parent, you should set the right example for your kids by visiting Dental One Care frequently. Bring your kids with you, even if they don’t need any dental work or a checkup done. The fact that they see you going to Dr. Fardi Farhat in Sterling Heights, MI will teach them to value getting professional dental care on a regular basis and that habit will stay with them for the rest of their lives. That is how you can protect the smiles of your family members, and Dental One Care is here to support you in this regard.

What You Need to Know About Scaling and Root Cleaning

July 23, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

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

June 28, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

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?

December 26, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

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

June 13, 2018 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

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.