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

Do I Need a Dental Crown?

April 18, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Do I Need a Dental Crown?

You may be wondering why some people have dental crowns. Dental One Care is here to give you all the information that you need in order to understand why or when you should ask your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI for these dental restorations. Crowns are some form of dental “cap” that is placed on a tooth for different reasons explained below.

Reasons Why Dental Crowns Are Placed

Cosmetic Purposes of Dental Crowns

Covering Crooked Teeth: A dental crown may be placed on one of your teeth in order to cover that unsightly, crooked tooth at the front of your mouth.
Masking Stained Teeth: Dr. Farhat says that you can also have a dental crown placed if your tooth is so badly stained that no form of teeth whitening treatment can restore its brightness.

Functional Purposes of Dental Crowns

Supporting Weakened Teeth: Your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI may recommend crowns in order to support the teeth that have been weakened for different reasons, such as severe decay or cracks resulting from a previous accident. Root canal therapy also weakens teeth, so the Sterling Heights dentist may place a temporary crown on the affected tooth until it is stronger.
Single Tooth Restorations: Crowns are also ideal for single tooth restorations, i.e. when you lose a tooth and replace its root with an implant. In this case, the crown will form the upper part of the dental restoration.

Heavily Filled Teeth: Teeth that have decayed seriously may be filled heavily in order to restore functionality to them. In this case, your teeth can be covered with a crown in order to give them structural strength after the heavy filling.

Are All Dental Crowns Permanent?

In terms of lifespan, dental crowns can be divided into temporary and permanent crowns as explained below.

Temporary Crowns: These crowns aren’t intended to stay on your teeth for long. For example, the dentist in Sterling Heights, MI may place a temporary crown on your tooth while you wait for the permanent one to be made by a dental lab. These temporary crowns are usually made from aluminum, steel or composites. The crowns can be made at Dental One Care or they may be prefabricated and kept at the dental office for any patient who needs them.
Permanent Crowns: Permanent crowns are designed to last for several years once they are installed. These crowns are usually made in a dental lab.

The Pros and Cons of Different Dental Crown Materials

We asked our friend, Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO about the pros and cons of different dental crown materials. Dr. Dhoon says temporary crowns are generally made from less expensive materials while permanent crowns are usually made from stronger materials that tend to be more expensive. He says to keep in mind that each material has its own benefits and potential drawbacks as the discussion below shows.

The Pros and Cons of Metallic Dental Crowns

The Advantages: First, metallic crowns are thin, so less enamel will be removed from your natural tooth during the preparation stage prior to placing the crown. Secondly, metallic crowns are durable and that is why they are the materials of choice when permanent crowns are being fabricated. Thirdly, Dr. Farhat reveals that metallic crowns are very strong which makes them suitable for placing on teeth that undergo a lot of stress while you chew. Examples of metals used to make crowns include gold alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, and cobalt-chromium alloys.
The Downsides: Sterling Heights dentists explain that metallic crowns aren’t suitable for all patients due to the allergic reactions that they may trigger some individuals. Secondly, metallic crowns have a distinctive color that makes the crown to be conspicuous if placed on a front tooth.

The Pros and Cons of Resin Dental Crowns

The Advantages: Crowns fabricated from resins are affordable when compared to those made from alternative materials. Secondly, resin dental crowns are easy to make, so most dentists can fabricate them in their offices while a client is still in the dental chair.
The Downsides: Resin crowns wear out quickly, so they aren’t a good option when you want permanent crowns. Additionally, resin crowns can easily crack or fracture, so extreme care needs to be taken to safeguard them.

The Pros and Cons of Purely Ceramic Dental Crowns

Purely ceramic crowns are made from either porcelain or ceramic without being mixed with any other material.

The Advantages: These crowns are highly sought after because they are indistinguishable from natural teeth in appearance. Secondly, ceramic crowns are so stable that it is nearly impossible to develop an allergic reaction to them.
The Drawbacks: Experts at Dental One Care caution that people should seek professional advice before opting for ceramic crowns since this material isn’t very strong. Additionally, the ceramic crowns have a tendency to cause the corresponding teeth in the other jaw to wear out quickly. This doesn’t happen when you have resin or metallic crowns.

The Pros and Cons of Crowns Made from a Combination of Metal and Porcelain

It is also possible for you to get crowns made from porcelain that has been fused to metal.

The Advantages: You get the best of both worlds when you opt for crowns made from porcelain fused to metal. For example, you get the strength of metal as well as the visual appeal of porcelain crowns.
The Drawbacks: Sometimes, the porcelain outer layer of the crowns may chip or crack. Also, as your gums recede, the metallic section of the crown may show through.

Steps Taken to Place Your Dental Crowns

Tooth Preparation: This first step entails cleaning your tooth thoroughly. Some enamel may also be removed from the tooth’s surface in order to create space for the crown.
Taking Tooth Impressions: Once the tooth is prepared, the dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will take impressions of the tooth so that a custom crown can be made. You may be given a temporary crown you need more than one visit or if the permanent crown is going to be made by an off-site lab.
Crown Installation: This may be during the same visit or during your second visit at Dental One Care. In this phase, Dr. Farhat places and fuses the crown on the tooth after confirming that the appearance and fit.

Do you think that dental crowns can be beneficial to your dental health or esthetics? Contact Dental One Care today for an appointment so that one of our experts can discuss your needs and recommend the best course of action.

How to Reduce Your Dental Anxiety

April 16, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Are you one of the millions of Americans who tense up and become anxious at the mere thought of going to the dentist? Dental anxiety can originate in childhood and can develop it as an adult. Whatever the roots of your anxiety are, it is helpful to address this issue before it worsens and stands in the way of getting the professional dental help that you need. Read on and discover what you can do about this condition.

Signs of Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety takes many forms, but it generally begins as a sense of panic each time you think about visiting the dentist. Some people find it hard to sleep once they contemplate going to the dentist, and some may even fail to function normally at work once their mind is taken up by their upcoming dental appointment. Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, explains that dental anxiety can be attributed to one or two factors.

First, people with dental anxiety have real or imagined fears about the pain they will experience as a dental procedure is being done.

Secondly, one may develop dental anxiety as a result of the lack of control that exists while they are sitting in the dental chair and a procedure is being done.

In both these scenarios, the anxiety can be lessened by taking a few simple steps.

Acknowledge and Communicate About Your Anxiety

No problem can ever be solved if you don’t realize there’s a problem and that you need help to fix the problem.

So, if you have dental anxiety you should admit to it. Once you do that, you can inform Dr. Farhat, a dentist at Dental One Care, about your situation. That way you will be able to talk about your anxiety and address your fears head-on.

This will save you from procrastinating or avoiding your Sterling Heights dentist altogether.

If you go to a dental office that doesn’t seem to understand your anxiety, then you switch dentists. Switch to Dental One Care where your anxiety will be treated with the seriousness it deserves.

How Your Dentist Can Help

Your dentist in Sterling Heights can do several things to help you overcome your dental anxiety. However, this will depend on the level of anxiety you have and the specific remedies that you respond to.

For example, Dr. Farhat may keep giving you periodic updates about each upcoming step during your treatment so that the fear of the unknown can be eliminated.

Alternatively, your Sterling Heights dentist can pause periodically during your cleaning or treatment so that you can take a breather and calm down your nerves.

Other patients often find it easier to describe the signs they exhibit when dental anxiety is getting worse. Knowing such signs helps the dentist to know when to give the patient a break before the dental anxiety reaches an overwhelming level.

Involve a Trusted Friend or Family Member

The dentist isn’t the only resource that you can utilize in your bid to banish dental anxiety. We asked our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about dental anxiety. Dr. Kacos explained that many patients who suffer from dental anxiety often overcome it when they discuss the condition with a friend, colleague or family member.

The involvement of another person helps the patients to realize that undergoing a dental procedure isn’t as bad as they had made it out to be. Talking also enables them to realize that they aren’t alone in that situation.

Additionally, you can also ask your friend or family member to accompany you during your dental visits. The support of that person will ease you out of the dental anxiety, or at least lessen it.

Dentists Have Other Options

When the alternatives above fail to address your dental anxiety, then Dr. Farhat may opt to give you some form of sedative to calm you down during a visit. For example, he may give you an oral sedative about an hour before you are due to undergo a dental procedure. Laughing gas, moderate sedation, deep sedation or even general anesthesia can even be considered if your dental anxiety is severe. So, your dental health is not doomed because of your dental anxiety. Contact Dental One Care today and schedule an appointment so that you find out how Dr. Farhat can help your specific case of dental anxiety.

Common Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments

February 18, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

6 Common Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments

Cosmetic dentistry refers to the professional dental care that specializes in improving the appearance of your teeth, mouth, and smile. These procedures are usually elective (optional), but some cosmetic dental procedures can improve the function of your dental structures. The range of cosmetic dental procedures varies from the simple to the complex procedures as the examples below.

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding is commonly referred to as just “bonding.” This cosmetic dentistry procedure is recommended for individuals who have suffered decay, damage or discoloration to their teeth. Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will apply the composite material after drilling out the damaged or decayed sections of your teeth. He will sculpt that composite material so that it looks like a natural tooth. The tooth will then be cured using intense light so that it hardens and performs like your other teeth. Bonding is an inexpensive procedure suitable for people with decayed, cracked, chipped or worn down tooth edges.

Dental Veneers

These are fabricated from medical-grade ceramic materials, such as porcelain. They are customized for each patient and look realistic after the placement process. Dental veneers resolve a variety of cosmetic issues, such as gaps between teeth, chipped teeth, and crooked or damaged teeth. Dr. Farhat uses a strong dental adhesive to attach the veneer to the front surface of the affected tooth. This cosmetic dentistry procedure is relatively expensive.

Teeth Whitening

We asked our friend, Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO, about the most common cosmetic dentistry treatment. Dr. Dhoon says that teeth whitening is by far the most common cosmetic dentistry procedure out there. Your smile can vastly improve just by a simple teeth whitening session. This procedure can be done at home or at the dentist’s office. The cosmetic dentistry procedure should be done once all the plaque and tartar has been removed from your teeth. The bleaching agent used can then act upon the teeth surfaces to get rid of the stains affecting the color of your teeth. The experts at Dental One Care always select the most appropriate teeth whitening products and methods so that you get the results you want. For example, a bride who has a wedding in a few days may require a different approach to another person who doesn’t have an urgent event for which they want whiter teeth.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are the “caps” placed on damaged or worn teeth to preserve their appearance and function. Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI likes to call them a blend of cosmetic and restorative dental work because the crowns will make you look better while easing functionality in the affected teeth. However, these durable cosmetic or restorative devices may not be recommended for teeth in certain parts of the mouth. Such as areas where the bite force exerted is significant since the crowns will be damaged quickly under that pressure.

Dental Implants

This is one of the most expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures. It is an invasive procedure through which a dental implant is placed in the jaw to serve as the root of a missing tooth. After a healing process of up to six months, a crown is placed on this implant so that you can use that restoration in the same way as you would use your natural tooth. The implant fuses with the bone to make the crown very firm. While the implant may last a lifetime, the crown placed on the implant will need to be replaced after ten or more years.

Dental Shaping

This is an exacting cosmetic procedure in which a Sterling Heights dentist files the misshapen tooth using an electric tool. This is so that what is left has a shape that is aesthetically pleasing and matches the rest of your teeth. The main downside of tooth reshaping is that the procedure removes enamel from your teeth. So, this can eventually trigger problems, such as sensitivity, later on.

Visit Dental One Care if you need cosmetic dentistry in Sterling Heights. Dr. Farhat and his team will discuss all the options available and recommend what’s best for you. Did you undergo a cosmetic dentistry procedure elsewhere and issues have developed? No problem, Dental One Care can help!

How Often Should I Get an Oral Cancer Screening?

December 24, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

How often should I get an oral cancer screening?

Many people know how important it is to get an oral cancer screening done on a regular basis. When you visit a dentist in Sterling Heights, you’re usually worried about cavities. What you may not know is that cavities are not the most harmful issue your dentist can diagnose. Actually, many people start developing oral cancer without realizing it until their dentist detects it during a routine oral examination. So, how often should I get an oral cancer screening?

Detection of Oral Cancer

Unfortunately, oral cancer is not like other dental problems, which reveal their symptoms right away. Oral cancer is a condition which does not display any symptoms until the issue has progressed. If the disease is detected at an early stage, it is possible to treat it. So, going for routine oral checkups and screening is highly recommended to detect oral cancer at an early stage.

Now the question arises how often should I get oral cancer screening?

The frequency of Oral Cancer Screening

There are different opinions regarding the frequency of oral cancer screening. On average it is recommended that you should undergo screening for oral cancer at least once a year. This exclusive examination for oral cancer will help the dentist in early detection of oral cancer symptoms if any. The sooner oral cancer is detected, the better are your chances of treating it. Additionally, you can also benefit from routine visits to Sterling Heights, MI Dentist.

Cancer Risk Factors

While it is essential that you take the screening for oral cancer at least once a year, this duration varies from person to person depending upon certain risk factors. For people who have a family history of cancer, or use tobacco or smoke, they need more frequent oral screening sessions at Dental One Care. Other examples of cancer risk factors include the use of alcohol, exposure to HPV, sun rays, diet, and gender as well as age.

We asked our friend, Dr. Cody Cowen, a dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, about his protocol for oral cancer screenings. He said that you should get oral cancer screening even if these risk factors are not present. Dr. Cowen says that the real danger lies in those symptoms of oral cancer which do not manifest at an early stage or are difficult to detect without proper oral screening.

Quick Screening Procedure

The check-up procedure for cancer oral screening is quick and easy. In a typical cancer screening procedure, Dr. Fadi Farhat will have you swish a special fluid in your mouth. Then he’ll use a flashlight to examine the inside of your mouth. The dentist might also feel along your mouth and throat to identify any symptoms. The results of the procedure are quickly provided. So, there is nothing to be afraid of if you go for an oral cancer screening.

Who Should Undergo Oral Cancer Screening?

Regardless of your age, family history, gender, and other risk factors, oral cancer screening are essential for everyone at least once a year. There’s still a chance of being diagnosed with oral cancer, so don’t take the risk and get your oral cancer screening!

Tips to Protect Your Smile During the Holidays

December 19, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Tips to Protect Your Smile During the Holidays

The holiday bells have started to ring. It is a calling to indulge in sweet treats and pleasures. We all love to eat lots of irresistible sweet delights during the holiday season. But have you ever thought about how it could affect your beautiful smile?

Eating too many sweet, decadent desserts, sticky and crunchy snacks can affect your oral health if you do not take appropriate precautionary measures to protect them.

Here are some easy tips to protect your smile during the holidays. Follow these tips from Dr. Farhat, your local dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, and you will surely have healthy teeth to show off this holiday season.

Keep Desserts Simple and Single

It is a wonderful time for candies and mouth-watering desserts when you get to have all sorts of candies around you. Dr. Farhat from Dental One Care that nonstop sweets buffet can wreak havoc on your teeth. Take a single sweet at a time and brush immediate to keep your teeth sparkling and free of harmful bacteria.

Avoid Unnecessary Snacking for Good Oral Health

Avoid taking junk, crunchy and sticky snacks when you are outside shopping or relaxing on your couch. These stick to your teeth and become a cause of bacterial growth in your mouth if you don’t brush properly afterward.

Follow Your Oral Hygiene Routine

Do not compromise your brushing routine during the holidays. Your holiday schedule can upset your brushing routine, but try to ardently stick to it. Keep a brush and small-sized toothpaste in your purse or car wherever you go. If it’s not possible to brush your teeth after every meal, take sugarless chewing gums which increase the production of saliva in your mouth. This helps remove the food bits and more.

Stick to your Dental Appointment with Your Sterling Heights Dentist

If you have your dental examination due during the holidays with a Sterling Heights, MI Dentist, stick to it. It will help detect any problems before they aggravate due to the excessive consumption of sweets and junk food in the holiday season. Give yourself a motivational boost to attend the appointment by considering it as a celebration of your good oral regime.

Use Baking Soda to Brush Your Teeth

Keep a small jar beside your toothpaste filled with baking soda. Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda on your toothpaste when you apply it on your brush. Regular use of soda will help dissolve any remaining particles and teeth stains. Use it once a week otherwise, it can dissolve your tooth enamel.

Try to Eat Calcium and Fiber-rich Foods

We asked our friend Dr. Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO for his diet recommendations during the holidays. Dr. Dhoon said to try and include calcium and fiber-rich foods in your holiday diet. Make different salads with green leafy vegetables, apples, bananas, beans, and other fruits and vegetables. This will not just make your holiday meal table colorful, but will also help keep your teeth healthy.

Be Prepared

If you plan to travel during the holidays, keep a dental floss, teeth gauze and some pain-relieving medications in your bag. This will help you deal effectively with any minor dental issues if any arise.

What is TMJ Disorder?

December 17, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

There can be different reasons for tooth pain, such as a cavity in your tooth or gum pain or gum disease. It can also be due to some other medical condition, such as a sinus infection. You may also experience dental problems due to stress. Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, explains everything you need to know about TMJ disorder.

What is TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorder?

If you remain under too much stress or experience anxiety to the extent that you frequently clench or grind your teeth hard, you are highly likely to develop TMJ disorder, also known as Temporomandibular joint disorder. TMJ is a condition caused by the tension in the Temporomandibular joint that joins your lower jaw to your skull and allows you to open and close your mouth.

TMJ disorder leads to conditions which are responsible for causing pain in, around the jaw and its nearby muscles. When you clench or grind your teeth with force, it exerts additional pressure on the jaw muscles and causes inflammation. The problems with TMJ can adversely affect your speaking, eating, chewing and swallowing capabilities. It can even affect your abilities to make expressions.

TMJ Disorder Symptoms

One of the most commonly experienced symptoms of TMJ disorder is a pain in the jaw and mouth. It is a dull pain felt in the joint of your jaw or by your ears. Some people do not experience pain but have jaw dysfunction. Other commonly experienced symptoms may include any of the following:

Pain and strain in the neck and shoulders
Migraines or chronic headaches
Stiffness of jaw muscles
Limited jaw movement or jaw locking
Painful jaw joint clicking or popping when you close or open the mouth
Pain in the ear or ringing/pressure in the ears
Decreased hearing
Dizziness and vision problems
Sensitive teeth

Causes of TMJ disorder

In addition to stressful teeth clenching and grinding, TMJ disorder can be caused by other issues, such as injury to the jaw area, arthritis, some type of dental treatments, your hormones or genes, and infection in the TMJ etc.

Treatment for TMJ disorder

Most of the common problems related to jaw joints and muscles are temporary. They last for just a few weeks or months if you follow simple care guidelines. Try using hot and cold compresses, over-the-counter medicines etc. Usually, these remedies provide some relief.

We asked our friend, Dr. Cody Cowen, a dentist in Baton Rouge, LA to share helpful tips for TMJ treatment. Dr. Cowen recommended that anyone suffering from TMJ disorder should try jaw strengthening exercises and physiotherapy. He says that strengthening the jaw muscles will make everyday tasks like eating, talking and laughing less painful.

You should be cautious while undergoing TMJ treatment and make sure it is irreversible. It should not cause permanent transformations in your biting, jaw or teeth. Some examples of these reversible treatments are the following:

Over-the-counter medicines
Jaw exercises and physiotherapy
Prescription medicines
Use of splints for stabilization, such as mouthguard or nightguard. These are the most commonly used treatments that give effective relief from excruciating jaw pain.

There are also irreversible TMJ treatments which can make the problem worse for example:

Adjusting your bite by teeth grinding
Extensive dental treatment
Use of splint for mandibular repositioning
Use of orthodontics
Surgical treatment, including jaw joints part replacement

What is a Dead Tooth?

September 19, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

What is a Dead Tooth?

What is a dead tooth and what can you do about it?

A tooth is considered dead when there is no more blood flowing into its most vital parts: the nerves and blood vessels, connective tissue and nerves that make up its pulp.

A dead tooth won’t necessarily rest in peace. In some cases, it can haunt you – as it can cause the following issues:

Pain: The site can still harbor bacteria, causing pus buildup. This buildup, coupled with the remaining dead nerves, can place pressure on the periodontal membrane.
Infection: The situation above can lead to infection and inflammation. Left untreated, the bacterial infection can spread to nearby teeth. It can also penetrate deeper into the root and jawbone.
Abscess: Our friends at Laurich Dentistry said that the infection can turn into an abscess, causing swelling, immense pain, bad taste and bad odor in the mouth. Pimples on the gums and side of the mouth can also most likely occur.
Complications: Infection in the teeth, especially when left unattended, leads to other dental problems. Complications can affect not just the mouth but also other parts of the body.
Discoloration: The enamel of a dead tooth can darken, turning yellow, gray and eventually black over time.

What to do if a tooth dies

If you suspect your tooth is dying or dead, go to your dentist in Sterling Heights immediately. Pay the visit even if you are not experiencing pain. Immediate detection and treatment are important as these will protect the site from further infection.

Your dentist will check the site and may use an X-ray to further investigate its current state. Depending on the extent of the damage, your dentist may recommend either root canal or extraction.

Root canal therapy is often the first option as its objective is to save the tooth. The procedure will allow your dentist to remove all decaying and remaining pulp and clear all infection within and around the tooth.

After the tooth’s interior has been cleaned and disinfected, the site will be filled and sealed. To improve the tooth’s aesthetics, whitening treatment, crowns or veneers are usually recommended.

Meanwhile, if the entire tooth structure cannot be saved, then tooth extraction will be the only solution. The extracted tooth can be replaced with a fixed bridge, implant or denture.

Preventing the death of a tooth

The most common causes of tooth death are tooth decay and physical trauma.

To prevent tooth decay, establishing good dental habits is of utmost importance. Commit to lifelong dental care including practicing proper brushing and flossing, avoiding smoking, alcohol and too many sweets, and visiting your dentist regularly.

To prevent injuries in the mouth, the use of mouthguards when playing highly active sports is a must. If the trauma is a result of an accident or an unexpected incident, then make sure to call your trusted Sterling Heights dentist immediately to increase the chances of saving the tooth.

The Oral Health Benefits of Kissing

July 23, 2018 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Explore the Health Benefits of Kissing

Great news for couples and, well… motivation for single people actively looking for their significant other: The oral health benefits of kissing extend way beyond the pleasure centers of the human brain.

What, exactly, does this mean? Kissing, like all other things you do, affects your overall health and well-being.

In fact, your Dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, is on hand to help you (and the rest of us mere mortals) understand and appreciate the fine art of kissing.

The Oral Health Benefits of Kissing

Of course, as already previously mentioned, kissing is a pleasurable way of expressing affection and love for your significant other. It’s a great way to bond with each other, and to start and end the day for married couples, and those who are seriously dating.

But did you know about the actual health (physical and emotional) benefits of kissing? If not, well, here they are:

It’s a light workout on its own. Though it may never take the place of your daily jog or Zumba workout, a passionate kiss can burn about 8-16 calories. Not too bad for a kiss, right?

It helps reduce hypertension. Dilated blood vessels mean lower blood pressure – and that’s exactly what kissing does. So if you are hypertensive, make sure you get your daily dose of it!

Kissing helps fight cavities.

Kissing activates saliva production in your mouth, thereby helping wash away plaque or clean up your teeth to a certain degree. However, be sure your partner doesn’t have dental issues since cavity-causing bacteria can also be transmitted through saliva. So, the next time you have the opportunity to kiss your partner, just tell them your Sterling Heights Dentist recommended it.

It also alleviates minor aches and pains. Do you have a headache or are you suffering from cramps? Kiss! Mainly due to its blood dilation effects, kissing can provide headache relief as well as make you (temporarily) forget about those pesky menstrual cramps!

Kissing tones the muscles in the facial area. Toning facial muscles means that kissing gives your face, neck and jaw the “exercise” they need to shape up and tone your face. That’s one beauty-related benefit right there… much like face yoga!

Kissing instantly makes you feel better. Remember that thing about kissing activating the pleasure center in the human brain? Well, kissing leads to the release of the so-called “happy hormones” – a heady cocktail made of oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine – essential for your happiness and helpful in strengthening your personal relationships. And yes, of course it follows that kissing relieves stress. Isn’t that great?

Kissing gives a healthy boost of confidence. A good kissing session can instantly make you look great and feel good about yourself. That is why they say married men who passionately kiss (or get a kiss from) their wives before heading to work actually earn more money – and there’s actually a study that proves this.

If you can think of a better way to improve your mood and fight cavities at the same time, we would love to hear about it! As always, we are here to support your dental health needs in Sterling Heights MI. Contact us for your next cleaning to keep your mouth kissing friendly!

How To Diagnose A Toothache

June 6, 2018 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Are you currently suffering from a toothache?

Does it hurt in a certain spot every time you chew?

Dental 1 Care Owner, and Sterling Heights Dentist, Dr. Fadi Farhat gives us a simple guide to the common types of dental pain. Before you call a Dentist discover the cause of your toothache.

Keeping up with regular dental examinations is crucial to keeping your teeth and mouth strong and healthy. By maintaining a healthy daily dental routine, you will less likely suffer from a toothache.
A persistent toothache can be annoying, distracting, and debilitating. Calling your Sterling Heights Dentist and scheduling a dental exam is your first step if you are suffering from a toothache. Besides, only your dentists can help you. You may take pain medications to alleviate the pain, but this won’t fix the problem.

Self-Diagnosing Tooth Pain

Self-diagnosis is for short-term purposes only. This is often done to get some information about your condition until you get to your dentist. This means that you must not take any information you randomly find online.

Gathering as much information as you can through self-diagnosis can help you deal with your appointment with less anxiety and fear. Also, this will give you an idea of what to expect during your dental visit. Our Dental Blog has many of articles that cover common causes of tooth pain, as well as tips to overcome dental anxiety.

Types of Dental Pain

Knowing the different types of toothache will help you describe the pain to your dentist. Also, this will help you find temporary relief while you are waiting for your appointment.

Dull Nagging Toothache – This is the most common type of dental pain. Usually, it goes away after taking over-the-counter medications. This can be caused by tooth decay or nerve damage so you must immediately consult your dentist.

Intermittent Sharp Jabbing Tooth Pain – This toothache is less of a pain and more of an irregular stabbing or jabbing sensation with one or more teeth. Pain is often felt in response to a stimulus. This can be caused by an abscess, crack or cavity.

Extreme Throbbing Tooth Pain – If you are experiencing this kind of dental pain, you must ring the emergency number of your dentist and schedule an immediate appointment. This is important when you see your face is swollen since this means that you have developed an abscess or an infection.

Sharp Tooth Sensitivity – This type of toothache is felt only when your tooth is exposed to changes in temperature. Stabbing pain can be caused by an abscess, a cavity, rough brushing or gum recession.

Pain at the Back of Your Jaw – This type of toothache is usually an indication of an impacted wisdom tooth. It is crucial for you to have this examined because it can cause more pain later on when left untreated.

Tooth Pain Only When Eating – This is commonly caused by a dental fracture or tooth decay. You need to schedule a dental appointment as soon as you can. Pain can be relieved by taking some painkillers.

How to Handle to a Toothache

Knowing how to diagnose your toothache will help you respond properly. When your toothache is intermittent, you might not need an immediate dental examination. Still, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI emphasizes that you need to schedule a dental appointment in the future. On the other hand, if you have an intense and persistent pain, you must be examined by your dentist right away.

Should I Get Dental Implants?

May 16, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

When you lose a tooth, the remaining teeth will move into space where your lost tooth previously was. This can create a host of problems.

This is why it is crucial for you to find the right tooth replacement option. One such option you might want to seriously consider would be dental implants. You’re probably wondering “Should I get dental implants?” or “Are dental implants worth it?”

Anatomy of dental implants

In order to better answer that question, it is worthwhile to have some understanding of what implants are.

An implant is comprised of three main parts: the post, abutment, and the tooth restoration.

The implant looks and functions like a screw. It is usually made of titanium and is implanted beneath the jawbone.

Once the implant is installed by Dr. Farhat, the abutment is then installed. This will be followed by the installation of the tooth restoration.

Advantages of dental implants

One of the key advantages of dental implants over other tooth replacement options is that these can help prevent the deterioration of your jawbone.

Dental implants help ensure that your jawbone is stimulated despite the lack of a tooth root. In turn, keeping your jawbone healthy can prevent your face from looking sunken and your lips from looking too thin.

Dental implants can also prevent some of the problems associated with wearing dentures. These include mouth sores, poor fit, and dietary restrictions.

Finally, dental implants have been around and have been modernized with the advent of new technologies.

Today, dentists like Dr. Farhat can show their patients the outcome they can expect from the procedure. But apart from that, regarding longevity and overall value, implants are considered by many experts as superior over other tooth replacement options.

Should I get dental implants?

Wel, if there is one major caveat that you should know about dental implants, it is the fact that it may not be suitable for everyone.

In order to be considered an ideal candidate for dental implants, your Sterling Heights dentist will need to take a few crucial factors into consideration.

First, you should have healthy gums. That means that if you have gum disease, you might need to consider other tooth replacement options.

Patients who want to get dental implants should also possess good bone density. Remember, the implants will be anchored to the jawbone.

The whole process of installing dental implants can take several months or even up to a year. If you do not have the patience to go through such a long process, then dental implants may not be for you.

Finally, there are some patients that are ruled out from getting implants due to their conditions. These include smokers and people who are suffering from diseases that affect their bodies’ ability to heal.