The Veneers Process

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Dental veneers are custom-made shells placed on the front surface of your teeth. They improve the appearance of your teeth. Veneers can be made from composite materials or from porcelain. Veneers are mostly used for cosmetic purposes to mask minor chips, cracks, and stains on teeth. However, they also serve a functional role when treating periodontal disease. Read on and learn more about these restorations.

Dental Veneer Cost

Our team at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights MI explain that the cost of your dental veneers will depend on the specific type of veneer that you select as discussed below;

Direct/Composite Veneers. Direct veneers are applied by painting a composite coating onto the prepared tooth surface. This type of veneer typically costs about $250 per tooth and the procedure can be completed in one visit. Composite veneers last for about five to seven years before needing to be replaced.

Indirect/Porcelain Veneers. Indirect veneers are usually made at an external lab, so the procedure normally requires you to make two visits to the dentist. The process of getting these veneers is more demanding, so they tend to be significantly more costly than direct veneers. For example, porcelain veneers may cost about $1,000 for each tooth. Porcelain veneers have a superior service life since they can last between ten and fifteen years, or even more depending on how well you take care of them.

Steps When Getting Dental Veneers

As already mentioned, direct veneers can be placed in one appointment while indirect or porcelain veneers require two visits. These are the general steps to getting porcelain or ceramic veneers.

  • Dental Health Assessment

This usually happens during the first visit when you go to the dentist in Sterling Heights MI. During this step, the dentist will examine you and even take dental x-rays to ascertain that you don’t have any underlying dental health problem that needs to be addressed before the veneers are placed.

  • Shade Selection

Once the Sterling Heights dentist finds you a suitable candidate for veneers, he or she will select the most appropriate shade under natural light. This is done to ensure that once the veneers are placed, they will be indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

  • Tooth Preparation

Tooth preparation entails shaving off a tiny amount of tooth enamel from the front surface of the tooth. This is in order to create space for the veneer. The purpose of this step is to ensure that the restored tooth will not appear to be larger or thicker than the surrounding untreated ones. This preparation may be done after a local anesthetic is applied to keep the process as pain-free as possible.

  • Taking Dental Impressions

The dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will then get a mold or impression of your tooth. This mold, together with the shade selected, will be sent to the lab that will make the veneer. In a week or two, the external lab will send back the custom veneer and your dentist will notify you to come for the final placement.

  • Temporary Veneer Placement

Your dentist in Sterling Heights will place temporary veneers on the teeth that have been prepped. These temporaries protect the teeth from damage and preserve the prepared surfaces until the permanent veneer is placed. 

  • Permanent Veneer Placement

This happens during your second visit to Dental One Care approximately one or two weeks after the first visit when the previous steps were completed. During this step, your dentist will remove the temporary veneers, clean your teeth thoroughly and etch the tooth so that the adhesive substance attaching the veneer to the tooth works. If the dentist is satisfied that the shade and dimensions of the permanent veneer, he or she will attach that veneer to your tooth. The dentist will then use a special light to expedite the curing process of the adhesive.

  • Preservation

This step involves coming to Dental One Care for a follow-up visit during which the dentist checks the veneers to confirm that everything is as it should be. Several weeks after the veneers were placed, you will have a follow-up appointment.  

All that you need to do after your dentist gives you the all-clear when you go for the follow-up visit is to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing as recommended. You should also seek teeth cleaning services by our professionals every six months. The benefits of veneers include masking the discolorations and closing minor gaps between the teeth. Remember, getting dental veneers is an irreversible process. Make sure to discuss all non-invasive options with an expert at Dental One Care and act on their recommendation.

The Pros and Cons of an Electric Toothbrush

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You may be wondering whether it makes sense for you to switch to using an electric toothbrush or you should just stick it out with the good old manual toothbrush. Read on and discover some of the pros and cons of electric toothbrushes. Use this information to make an informed decision on whether you should start using these devices, or not.

The Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes

More Thorough Brushing

One of the biggest benefits of electric toothbrushes is that they can brush the surfaces of your teeth more thoroughly and faster than if you were brushing with a manual toothbrush. For example, a person typically makes about 300 strokes each minute while brushing using a manual toothbrush. An electric toothbrush takes brushing to a whole new level because some models can make more than 10,000 strokes each minute. This higher number of strokes ensures that your teeth will be cleaner if you use an electric toothbrush.

Reduced Risk of Serious Health Complications

We asked our friend, Dr. Dennis Laurich, a dentist in Farmington Hills, MI, about the benefits of electric toothbrushes. Dr. Dennis explained that the benefits of using an electric toothbrush go beyond just your oral health. Research has shown that using an electric toothbrush consistently can reduce plaque formation by at least 21 percent. Remember that plaque allows oral bacteria to breed rapidly and eventually leak into your bloodstream, causing serious health complications like stroke and heart disease. Using an electric toothbrush, therefore, reduces the likelihood that you will suffer from those potentially life-threatening conditions whose origins can be traced to oral bacteria.

Reduced Medical Bills

Imagine how you much you would spend if the valves of your heart were compromised by bacteria that has migrated from your mouth after gum disease was left untreated for long. With healthcare as expensive as it is in the U.S., you can be ruined financially if such an emergency finds you without medical insurance. Fortunately, using an electric toothbrush can forestall many of those costly health complications.

Ideal for the Infirm

Another benefit of electric toothbrushes is that they can take the hassle out of brushing for individuals who have various complications, such as arthritis, that prevent them from using their hands effectively. In fact, the experts at Dental One Care routinely advise the elderly and other people who can’t use their hands properly to switch to electric toothbrushes.

Suitable for Individuals with Braces

Electric toothbrushes are a godsend to people who wear orthodontic devices, such as braces. Dentists in Sterling Heights frequently encounter various oral diseases among people who wear braces because the wires of those devices prevent the individuals from brushing and flossing effectively. With an electric toothbrush, you can say bye to improper oral hygiene because the electric toothbrush will reach all those places behind and around the wires of your braces. Consequently, you will be less likely to suffer from the opportunistic oral infections that result from poor brushing.

The Drawbacks of Electric Toothbrushes

High Initial Cost

One of the most glaring drawbacks of electric toothbrushes is that they are quite pricy when compared to manual toothbrushes. For example, while you can easily buy a manual toothbrush for less than a dollar, the least expensive electric toothbrushes may cost a hundred dollars. You also need to budget for the regular electric brush head replacements that will further dent your finances.

They Are Less Portable

It is easy to slip a manual toothbrush into your purse or any other container, but electric toothbrushes are bigger and cannot be transported as easily. This can create serious inconveniences to you if you travel frequently.

They Aren’t Readily Available

Speaking of traveling, it may be hard for you to find electric toothbrush heads that are compatible with the model of electric toothbrush that you own. Similarly, you may not be able to find electric toothbrushes in any convenience store that you walk into when the need to buy one arises, such as when you realize that you forgot to pack your electric toothbrush before you traveled. This lack of easy access to the devices may deter many people from switching to electric toothbrushes.

As you can see, electric toothbrushes have pros and cons that you need to think about carefully before you make the decision to switch to using these devices. Contact Dr. Farhat at Dental One Care for some professional advice on your oral health.

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.

When Should My Child Start Seeing a Dentist?

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When Should My Child Start Seeing a Dentist?

When a child is born, there are numerous questions that parents ponder about. When should my child start seeing a dentist? Is definitely one of the most important questions parents ask.

It is recommended that the first visit should be a little after the first tooth starts to show, generally six months after. You may think that it doesn’t make sense to go this early. However, for your child to have the proper checkup and good oral hygiene throughout, the sooner you take them the better. Taking them from an early age will also get your child accustomed to going to the dentist and slowly rid any anxiety they may have about visits to the dentist.

Preparing Your Child For The Visit

Taking a child to the dentist isn’t an easy task. Especially, when it comes to toddlers. It may be hard to explain to them exactly where you are taking them or what is going on. Which results in them usually being fussy throughout the visit and possibly afterward also. However, you can be prepared at your end beforehand. Speak to a family dentist in Sterling Heights, MI and discuss with them what to expect. Be sure to take with you all your child’s medical record.

What Typically Happens During The First Visit at Sterling Heights, MI Dentist?

The first visit to the dentist is usually an introductory session in which Dr. Farhat will examine your child and gets acquainted with them. This allows your child to get comfortable with the environment. If the child is non-cooperative or too fussy then the dentist may recommend rescheduling the session. The last thing they want is for your child to associate their practice with the feeling of discomfort in any way.

The initial few visits are short, usually lasting 15-30 minutes. If your child is old enough to understand what is going on then visits can be smoother. You can discuss with them beforehand what is going to happen so they are more comfortable. Usually for toddlers, one of the parents is asked to hold the child while they are being examined.

Family dentists say that the first visit varies depending on the age of the child, but generally consists of:

  • A complete oral examination which includes the examination of teeth, gums, jaw, and oral tissues
  • If any plaque is present at the time then a gentle cleaning is performed to remove plaque and polish the teeth
  • An X-ray
  • A demonstration for the parents on how to properly brush their child’s teeth
  • An assessment of the amount of fluoride that the child may need

If you have any questions or concerns then you can ask the dentist at any point during the visit.

How Often Should My Child Visit The Dentist?

For both children and adults, it is recommended that they visit a dentist every 6 months. This will help them maintain a good oral hygiene regimen.

What Can I Do At Home For Good Oral Health Of My Child?

It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure their child gets the proper oral care when they are young. Since the child can’t take care of it by themselves. A parent should do the following:

  • After feeding, clean their gum with a soft, damp cloth.
  • As their teeth start to develop and come, make sure to brush them. You can find brushes designed for toddlers that use soft bristles. You can start brushing with just water at first and then consult a doctor as they turn 2 to see if you can use toothpaste or not.
  • The action of sucking tends to lead to misalignment of the teeth and can even cause decay especially if your child is constantly sucking on a baby bottle. It is recommended that you closely monitor your child and don’t allow them to excessively suck on bottles and pacifiers. Also, don’t give them any bottles to drink from as they are going to sleep at any point of the day.
  • It is important to brush their teeth at night, as the flow of saliva is high at that time of the day. If not cleaned there is a higher chance that the child may develop a cavity in their teeth.
  • Brush with your child, the best way to show them the importance of brushing their teeth is to do it with them.

How Dental Bridges Benefit Patients

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How Dental Bridges Benefit Patients

Not smiling because of a gap or missing tooth in your mouth can really bring your confidence down. The loss of a tooth isn’t just a cosmetic problem. It can also lead to discomfort and other problems.

The most common solution to the loss of a tooth is a dental bridge. Dr. Farhat will help explain exactly what a dental bridge and the how dental bridges benefit patients.

What is a dental bridge?

When you’ve lost a tooth or have a gap between your two teeth a dental bridge is placed to fill that gap. The reason it is called a dental bridge is that it forms a bridge between the gap with a replacement tooth. The bridge looks like a real tooth, so your smile will look good as new.

Overall, there are four types of bridges that can be fitted to your mouth. The dentist determines the best fit based on the situation. The most commonly used dental bridge is fitted with crowns on both sides of the gap.

The second type of dental bridge is the cantilever bridge, which is used when there is only one tooth next to missing tooth. The crown is placed to one side of the tooth to secure the bridge.

The third type of dental bridge is Maryland bridges, which require a metal framework or porcelain to hold the bridge in place. While this works great, the false tooth position isn’t as strong as it is when it’s cemented in. That is why this particular bridge is not recommended for teeth that exert force while chewing.

The last type of dental bridge is known as the implant-supported bridge. These dental bridges are used when multiple teeth are missing. The teeth are held with dental implants that attach securely to your jawbone for stability. A dental implant is placed for each missing tooth.

How does the procedure occur?

The procedure for fitting a dental bridge is not considered a surgery, which means you will not be sedated when you get your dental bridge. But if you are feeling nervous about the getting dental bridges, you can request to have your dentist sedates you. Your dentist will numb the area where the dental bridge will be.

Before the procedure starts, your dentist will take measurements of the gap so there’s a perfect fit. At times, your dentist may put a crown in the patient’s mouth so they don’t feel discomfort while they wait for the bridge to be made. Once it is made, cement is applied and the bridge is placed.

Will I feel pain during the procedure?

Thanks to the local anesthetic, you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. But the procedure does take a few hours which means that your mouth will have to remain open. Some patients do experience pain or soreness in their jaw but it isn’t anything too painful and can easily be resolved with the help of painkillers.

Recovering from the procedure

Since dental bridges are artificial, there’s not necessarily a set healing time. So as soon as you leave the dentist’s office you can usually eat whatever you want. It may feel a bit weird having the bridge at first but you’ll get used to it over time.

What are the benefits of a dental bridge?

Dr. Ben Kacos agrees that there are numerous benefits to dental bridges.

  • A Beautiful smile: The dental bridge removes any gaps in your smile, making it as if you never lost a tooth.
  • Eating habit back to normal: Bridges allows you to eat without any pain, which means you no longer have to worry about feeling pain in your gums or jaw.
  • Improves speech impediment: After losing a tooth, many people have trouble speaking. A dental bridge will most likely eliminate the speech impediment that occurs after a loss of a tooth.

Losing a tooth isn’t the end of the world. Luckily there are different types of dental bridge options that can help fill the gap. Just make sure you approach reliable dentists in Sterling Heights, MI to have this cosmetic dentistry procedure done. Going to someone you trust will give you ease of mind and more confidence that you will have your perfect smile back.

Do Adults Need Fluoride Treatments?

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Professional associations, like the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend the use of toothpaste with fluoride as soon as a child’s first tooth erupts.

Fluoride helps fortify the teeth of young children which can be vulnerable to tooth decay brought about by bacteria, acids and sugars in their teeth.

The use of this mineral can minimize damage on the teeth of children and even reverse some of the damage brought about by the onset of tooth decay.

But do adults need fluoride treatments?

What the pros say

According to Dr. Farhat, a trusted dentist in Sterling Heights, some adults can benefit from fluoride treatments.

Ideally, you should get your fluoride from a variety of sources, including your diet, your water, and dental products like toothpastes and rinses. However, your dentist may recommend products with stronger concentrations or a fluoride treatment, depending on your needs.

Who can benefit from fluoride treatments?

An example of people who can immensely benefit from fluoride treatments would be those who have a moderate to high risk of getting dental cavities.

You may also need to get a fluoride treatment if you are taking medications which alter the flow of saliva in your mouth. When the flow of saliva in your mouth is substantially reduced, your mouth becomes drier and puts you at a higher risk of getting cavities.

If you have not been taking good care of your teeth, getting a fluoride treatment can help undo some of the damage caused by poor oral hygiene practices like irregular toothbrushing and flossing.

Finally, if you are about to undergo radiation treatment for cancer, ask your Sterling Heights dentist about the benefits of fluoride treatments and whether they would be good for you. Radiation can wreak havoc on your salivary glands, adversely affecting the flow of saliva in your mouth.

If you are planning on getting braces or restorations like dental crowns, your dentist may also recommend that you undergo fluoride treatments. Fluoride can help strengthen your teeth, thus ensuring that you get more value out of the specific dental treatment you are planning on getting.

Patients suffering from gum recession should also seriously consider getting fluoride treatments. Gum recessions create gaps between the teeth and gum, exposing the teeth’s root surface. This can leave the teeth more vulnerable to decay.

Not sure if you need a fluoride treatment? Dr. Farhat will gladly answer your questions and determine if you need one.

To learn more interesting facts about your oral health, visit our blog. 

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.

Why Say No To Fruit Juice Before Age 1

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If the labels claim no added sugar, 100% juice, and all natural, it may be tempting to think that juice is an excellent nutritional choice for your little ones. As a result, most parents buy gallons of it each year, school cafeterias serve juice, and daycare centers stock juice boxes to meet the USDA daily fruit requirements.

But based on the American Academy of Pediatrics or AAP, drinking plenty of juice won’t do your child any good.

AAP issued a new policy statement advising parents and caregivers to limit juice consumption among children — to just say no to fruit juice before age 1. Also, you should limit your child’s juice consumption after age 1.

Why Say No To Fruit Juice Before Age 1

Early childhood caries have become a huge concern, apart from obesity in children. As per the new recommendations, 100% juice can be a part of your child’s diet but must be limited to 4 ounces a day from ages 1 to 3, 4-6 ounces a day for kids who are 6 years old, and 8 ounces a day until the age of 18. For children under a year old, juice is absolutely unnecessary.

Even when the juice has no added sugar, the higher concentration of sugars that are naturally found in fruits may lead to tooth decay. Serving juice may be easy and fast, but it is not best for your little ones.

If your child can already eat solid foods, fruit is the best way to go since it provides fiber, makes them feel fuller, and has fewer calories. But if your child consumes juice, make sure that they drink it within the suggested limits, and only with a snack or meal.

Water and milk are the preferred liquids for your child. But if you are looking for an alternative like almond or soy milk, make sure that it has no added sugar.

It is crucial for children to learn and practice healthy eating habits while they are still young. These include developing a taste for vegetables and whole fruits instead of juice. Moreover, teach them to drink from regular cups and not from sippy cups or cups with a cover and an opening or spout.

A Sterling Heights dentist and other dental professionals emphasize that sippy cups will affect the teeth of your kids. When their teeth are exposed to liquids aside from water and milk for a prolonged period of time, it promotes tooth decay. Another huge concern is that the calories of juice can significantly contribute to unnecessary weight gain. For more tips on family dental care visit our dental blog. 

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.

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