Author: sterlingdentalcenter_AdMIN

Do you find dental experts obnoxious when they talk about proper oral hygiene at every dental appointment? Unfortunately, many people do, even when it is meant to benefit their oral health. Good oral hygiene is the foundation of excellent oral health. No matter how many dental procedures you undergo, you can compromise their success by neglecting your oral hygiene. It may be why you need deep cleaning services like periodontal scaling.

What is Periodontal Scaling?

It is a procedure in dentistry performed during deep cleaning sessions. Scaling entails the process of removing tartar from the surfaces of the teeth. Tartar is a hard substance that forms when plaque hardens on teeth surfaces. If you neglect your oral hygiene long enough, it allows the food residues, saliva, and bacteria to combine and form a sticky substance called plaque. When plaque stays on teeth long enough, it solidifies and hardens into tartar. Removing tartar is a difficult process, best performed by our periodontal dentist in Irving, Texas.

What is the Step-By-Step Procedure for Getting Periodontal Scaling?

Here is the step-by-step process of getting periodontal scaling:

• A comprehensive dental exam is the initial step when you visit our dentist in Irving, TX for any treatment.
• The dentist must determine the suitability of scaling for your condition.
• Next, the dentists may choose to numb your mouth before the scaling process. It will alleviate any discomfort and sensitivity during dental work.
• The deep cleaning process begins when the dentist scrapes the plaque and tartar on the affected teeth’ surfaces.
• The dentist will be keen to remove the deposits from the large pockets that may have formed near the gum line.

How Does Periodontal Scaling Help Your Smile?

Scaling is the only way to successfully remove all calculus or tartar from your teeth’ surfaces. The last thing you want is an overgrowth of calculus in your mouth for a prolonged period. Technically, calculus contains infection-causing bacteria that introduce various infections in your oral cavity. Scaling removes the tartar to lower the risk of infection. Further, our dentist at 75061 considers scaling as part of periodontal disease treatment. Some of the consequences of neglecting periodontal scaling are:

1. Receding gums – occurs when gums pull away from your teeth.
2. Persistent bad breath
3. Weak, moving, and shaky teeth
4. Bone and tissue loss
5. Reddened and swollen gums
6. Bleeding gums
7. Advancing gum disease

What are the Benefits of Getting Periodontal Scaling?

To properly appreciate any dental procedure, you must evaluate its benefits to your oral health. Some of the benefits of getting periodontal scaling are:

1. Prevents the spread and advancement of gum disease by eradicating bacteria responsible for periodontal infections
2. Restores gum health
3. Prevents tooth loss by reinstating stability and support
4. Improves teeth color and general appearance by removing yellowed plaque and tartar
5. Lowers the risks of dental decay and tooth cavities
6. Improves breath by treating the underlying cause

What are the Aftercare Tips for Periodontal Scaling?

After your deep cleaning treatment, you cannot resume your initial poor oral habits. Besides, you must be more careful about your gum health since it will be sore immediately after treatment. Some tips after periodontal scaling are:

1. Saltwater rinse – gargle salt water to remove loose debris and destroy bacteria in your mouth.
2. Mind your tooth-brushing technique – do not be too aggressive as you can hurt your gums. It would help to choose a softer brush than the one you have.
3. Watch what you eat – spicy and salty foods will exacerbate discomfort in your gums. Mind your diet until your gums have healed well.
4. Use a water flosser – regular dental flossing will be uncomfortable immediately after treatment. Since you cannot skip flossing, switch to a water flosser to clean the areas between your teeth. If not, use wax-coated dental floss.
5. Visit your dentist regularly – do not neglect or undervalue your dental appointments just because your mouth feels clean.

Get Periodontal Scaling Near You

Ultimately, periodontal scaling is an attempt to better your oral hygiene. Routine dental exams and cleanings and daily mouth cleaning habits at home can help you avoid tartar buildup and the need for deep cleaning treatments. Are you looking to get periodontal disease treatment at 75061? Call us now or book an appointment with Sterling Dental Center to get periodontal scaling in Irving, TX!

Many people have at least one missing tooth. Dental implants are the perfect choice for replacing your missing or decayed teeth.

What are Mini Dental Implants?

Mini dental implants are the newer type of dental implant. They use a 1-piece screw smaller than three millimeters in diameter and more than 1/10 of an inch. Traditional implant screws are made of two pieces with a diameter of 3.25 to 5 millimeters.

Dental implants are ideal for people who can’t have traditional dental implants. However, they are only a good fit for some missing teeth. Read this guide to learn about the benefits of procedure and aftercare of many dental implants.

What is The Procedure for Getting Mini Dental Implants?

Your dentist at Sterling Dental Center will start the process by taking dental X-rays. The dental X-rays show our dentist in Irving, TX where the dental implants need to be placed.

Once the dental Xrays are complete, your dentist will:

• Administer a local anesthetic to you that helps numb your jaw and gums
• Drill a small hole in the jaw
• Place a small metal dental implant post into the drilled hole
• And secure the implant post
• Attach the new replacement tooth to the post
• Ensure that they properly place and secure the replacement tooth

Mini dental implants don’t need holes to be drilled since the trades of the screw grab onto the bone. There are also no stitches or sutures required for mini dental implants.

The steps of the procedure vary slightly depending on a person’s dental needs if one needs multiple mini dental implants, the dentist’s mate places all the posts before any replacement teeth are attached.

What are the Benefits of Mini Dental Implants?

Getting mini dental implants has many benefits, including:

1) Lower Cost

The cost of mini dental implants varies. They are less expensive than traditional implants.

2) Less Invasive Surgery

Your dentist can use localized anesthetic when replacing we need dental implants. This procedure is less invasive than traditional implants and is less painful.

3) It can be done without Bone Grafting

If you don’t have enough jaw mass to support traditional dental implants, you’ll need to have your bone grafted before dental implants can be placed. Bone grafting takes up to a year to fully heal. Using mini dental implants, you can avoid the need for bone grafts.

4) They Offer Faster Recovery Time

Our mini implant dentist in Irving, TX, uses small-size and minimally invasive procedures to insert mini dental implants, which means that you will recover more quickly.

5) Less Jaw Bone Density is Needed

Traditional dental implants need a certain amount of jawbone mass to support their size. Mini dental implants are smaller and don’t need as much jawbone mass. This makes them ideal for people with less jaw bone density from injury to decay or bone loss.

6) It’s Less Painful to Repair and Place

The small size of mini dental implants makes repairs and placements less painful than traditional implants.

7) They are more permanent than Dental Bridge Dentures

Dental bridges and dentures help people with tooth loss, but they are not supposed to be used as a substitute for permanent solutions such as mini dental implants.

8) Prevents Facial Collapse

A mini dental implant is inserted into the jawbone allowing your teeth jaw to maintain their previous size and placement.

What are the Aftercare Tips for Mini Dental Implants?

Here are the aftercare tips for mini dental implants:

• Don’t use straw speed or rinse for 24 hours after the procedure.
• Don’t disturb or touch the wound.
• Take prescribed antibiotics as directed.
• Avoid or limit physical activity for the first 24 hours.
• Take soft foods such as yogurt pudding, applesauce, or soup for the first week to let your gums heal fast.
• Ensure you keep your head elevated while you rest
• Don’t brush your teeth for the first 24 hours, and after resuming brushing, ensure you use a soft bristle toothbrush and brush gently.
• Please eyes on your cheeks for 20 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling

Everyone should take care of the mini dental implants the same way they take care of their natural teeth. Without proper dental hygiene, the implants can wear down or decay.

It’s essential to floss, brush, and visit your dentist regularly to ensure that your mini dental implants stay intact. If you take good care of them, those of you will last a lifetime.

Get Mini Dental Implants Near You

Are you looking to get mini implants near Garden Oaks, TX? Give us a call or schedule an appointment with Sterling Dental Center to get mini dental implants in Irving, TX 75061!

When you have a toothache, you probably will visit your general dentist. However, what happens when you have a tooth infection, you should visit an endodontist near you. Dentists are the most common type of healthcare professional that you will find in a dental office. They are responsible for diagnosing and treating dental problems. Endodontists, on the other hand, are specialists in root canal therapy. It is vital to know their differences when choosing a dental specialist.

What is a Dentist?

A dentist specializes in examining, diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and disorders affecting the teeth and other structures of the mouth. They are your primary dental provider and your first point of contact when you have a dental problem.

Dentists treat dental issues like toothaches by performing restorative or extraction surgeries if necessary. They also perform preventative dental care by providing yearly cleanings and regular checkups for early detection signs of disease onset, such as gum disease.

What is an Endodontist?

An endodontist is a specialist in the treatment of root canals. They’re also experts at treating dental pulp, the tissue inside your tooth that houses blood vessels and nerves.

Endodontist focuses on treating problems with these tissues deeper within your mouth rather than just cleaning out debris around it.

What are the Differences Between Dentists and Endodontists?

Dentists and endodontists are different in education, techniques, and treatment.

a) Education:

Both dentists and endodontists have to complete a four-year undergraduate degree.

However, endodontists get post-graduate training before they qualify to practice. They are trained in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and injuries of the teeth and their supporting structures.

b) Techniques Used:

The chief difference between a dentist and an endodontist, is that the former uses traditional methods such as drilling and filling. In contrast, the latter uses advanced tools to remove infected tissue around your teeth.

Endodontic specialists are dental professionals who specialize in the treatment of diseased or injured teeth. They use specialized equipment, like 3D scans, surgical microscopes, and ultrasonic instruments, to find the best way to complete endodontic procedures, such as root canal therapy. Without these tools, it can take a general dentist twice as long to complete a procedure as an endodontist.

c) Treatments Provided by Dentists:

1) Routine Dental Exams and Cleanings

A routine dental exam is a checkup that includes a visual inspection of your teeth, gums, and mouth. This can include taking x-rays of your mouth to look for cavities or other problems. Routine cleanings happen every six months unless there’s an issue with the health of your teeth.

2) Dental Sealants

Sealants are a dental treatment that protects your teeth and helps prevent decay. They can be applied on all teeth, but they’re most effective for those with cavities or decay. Our dentist in Irving, TX 75061 recommends dental sealants for children, but adults can also use them if they don’t have existing fillings.

3) Fluoride Applications

Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens teeth. It can be applied to teeth in the form of toothpaste or mouthwash, but it can also be applied to your teeth with fluoride varnish (a type of resin).

4) Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are made of porcelain, composite, or gold. They restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay or fracture.

5) Restorative Treatments

Restorative dental treatments are a set of procedures used to restore the form and function of teeth. Most restorative treatments are done to replace missing teeth, repair broken teeth, or improve the appearance of teeth. The most common treatments are bridges and implants.

d) Treatments Provided by Endodontists:

1) Root Canal

Endodontists specialize in treating problems with the pulp of teeth, including infection, inflammation, and decay. They also use a root canal to treat a tooth infected by bacteria or other pathogens. Root canal therapy is a surgical procedure that can restore the functionality of teeth to help them heal and protect your gums. A dentist will remove all infected pulp tissue, which is dead nerve tissue in the tooth’s root canal system (the innermost portion). The remaining diseased pulp tissue is then filled with a composite resin material and sealed with crowns or veneers for resistance against decay.

2) Endodontic Surgery

If a nonsurgical root canal is unsuccessful, our endodontist in Irving, TX may recommend surgery. Endodontic surgery can detect small fractures or hidden canals or remove calcium deposits.

Schedule an Appointment

Are you looking for an endodontist or a dentist in Irving, TX 75061? Call us or book an appointment with us at Sterling Dental Center for more information about various dental & endodontic procedures we provide!

What are Dental Veneers?

With chipped, misaligned, discolored, or gapped teeth, you receive help from dental veneers to change the looks of your smile. Dental veneers are slimy surfaces tooth-colored to match the appearance of your remaining teeth on the visible portion of your top front eight teeth to change their color, shape, size, and length. Veneers look like natural teeth because the materials helping make them include porcelain, composite resin, and laminates.

Procedure for Getting Dental Veneers

The procedure for getting dental veneers is relatively intensive or conservative, depending on the type of veneer you want to cover the dental imperfections mentioned above. For example, porcelain veneers require intensive preparation and waiting for at least three weeks before you can change the appearance of your teeth.

On the other hand, laminates have a waiting time of approximately two weeks after providing images of your teeth to the provider to have them customized by the manufacturer’s DenMat laboratories. However, if you choose to have composite resin veneers on a couple of teeth, the dentist improves their appearance in one visit because the procedure for having them on your teeth is not intensive and merely requires roughing your tooth surface with an etching solution before placing your veneers.

Types of Dental Veneers

You have options of using three different types of dental veneers from our cosmetic dentist in Irving, TX, 75061, to enhance the looks of your teeth. They are:

a) Porcelain Veneers

Alternatively called traditional veneers, porcelain surfaces have a natural-looking appearance after the placement on your teeth. However, you must endure an intensive procedure when receiving them to improve the looks of your teeth. The procedure of getting porcelain veneers near you involves:

• Two appointments with the cosmetic dentist providing them.
• The first appointment is for tooth preparation that requires enamel removal past the dentin to accommodate the porcelain surfaces.
• You must endure temporary acrylic veneers over your teeth while your permanent surfaces are fabricated in a dental laboratory.
• You must revisit the dentist after three weeks to have the porcelain surfaces bonded to your teeth after removing the acrylic veneers.
• Porcelain veneers are the most expensive but have stain-resistant features making them stand apart from the rest. With proper care, porcelain veneers last for over 15 years.

b) Composite Resin Veneers

If you want a cost-effective option to cover significant damage on your front teeth, you can choose composite resin veneers from the Irving provider because they have similar features as porcelain veneers. However, you must remember the following:

• Composite surfaces are neither durable nor stain resistant.
• While remaining cost-effective, they require replacements every five to seven years.
• The procedure to get them is conservative without needing tooth structure removal. The dentist applies an etching solution to your teeth to rough them before using the composite resin over your teeth and hardening it with UV light.

c) Laminates

Getting laminates to cover your dental flaws are most comfortable because of the following:

• Images of your teeth are all that are required for the dentist to have them customized by their manufacturers.
• Laminates are the most affordable but less durable than porcelain surfaces requiring replacements every five to seven years, like composite veneers.
• You require a second visit to the dentist after they receive your customized surfaces to have them bonded to your affected teeth.

Benefits of Dental Veneers

Whether you receive porcelain, composite resin, or laminates from dental veneers, the shells enhance the looks of your teeth in the following manner:

• These shells help cover gaps and spaces between your teeth.
• If you have misaligned teeth, veneers help correct or even change their shape.
• Veneers help cover chips or fractures in the teeth to improve their looks.
• Veneers provide a symmetrical smile by brightening teeth.
• Porcelain veneers have stain-resistant features, which are not available with composite resin and laminates that attract staining requiring you to limit practices like smoking and having pigmented foods and beverages.

Dental Veneers Aftercare Tips

Restoring your tooth damage by investing considerable sums and not adhering to the Irving dentist’s advice on caring for them would be a waste of time and money. Therefore you must care for your teeth appropriately to extend the longevity of the surfaces and avoid needing faster replacements than expected. Caring for your veneers is not challenging if you adopt the following routine:

• Brush your teeth with nonabrasive toothpaste as the dentist recommends, and floss them every day without exceptions.
• Refrain from indulging in detrimental mouth-related habits such as biting on hard foods, fingernails, and opening packages, and get remedies for teeth grinding because they can damage the surfaces.
• Getting six monthly dental exams and cleanings is also essential to ensure dental health and that the surfaces remain in optimal shape.
• Porcelain veneers are a semi-permanent solution to cover dental imperfections but need similar replacements if damaged. Alternatively, composite resin surfaces and laminates are reversible, helping you discard them if you don’t want them later. Therefore discuss with the Irving dentist before choosing an option to improve the looks of your teeth.

Get Tooth Veneers Near You

Advances in dentistry now make available several options to enhance your smile by changing the appearance of your teeth. Dental veneers are one option you can consider, besides several others, to achieve your goal. However, regardless of the type of veneer you choose, a discussion with the provider is essential for the betterment of your teeth and smile.

We at Sterling Dental Center provide different kinds of dental veneers to improve the looks of your smile. If you have damaged teeth, consult with our practice to get dental veneers in Irving, TX, and get the surfaces you need in one or two appointments.

What are Digital Dental X-Rays?

They are types of radiography imaging that use a modernized approach to capture images of internal oral features. Ideally, digital dental x-rays, employ digital x-ray sensors instead of photographic x-ray film, typical in traditional radiography imaging. The result of the digital sensors is enhanced computer images of various oral features.

Types of Digital Dental X-Rays

If you visit an x-ray dentist near you, you will learn that there are primarily two main types of x-ray. They are:

a) Intraoral X-rays

They are the most common types of x-rays that dentists use. These x-rays take images inside the mouth to show different aspects of teeth. The intraoral x-rays feature a few types, including:

-> Bitewing X-rays

They detect oral issues for the upper and lower teeth. They focus on the crown (top part of the tooth) to the supporting bone (around the gum line). Bitewing x-rays can diagnose problems with your tooth crown, ranging from damaged dental fillings to problematic crowns and veneers. Besides, they can also diagnose gum disease by highlighting changes in the jawbone’s thickness.

-> Periapical X-rays

Periapical x-rays detect oral issues in the root and surrounding bone structures. These x-rays specialize in the areas beyond the gum line, identifying problems where the tooth attaches to the jaw.

-> Occlusal X-rays

They detect oral problems on the entire tooth arc, whether the upper or lower jaw. These x-rays are suitable for diagnosing development and placement issues of teeth relative to jaw alignment.

b) Extraoral X-rays

Extraoral x-rays take images outside the oral cavity, focusing on the jaw and skull. The types of extraoral x-rays are:

-> Panoramic X-rays

It provides a panoramic view of all the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws in one x-ray. They help identify any eruption and developmental teeth, detecting impacted teeth.

-> Tomograms

Targets particular portions of the mouth that are otherwise difficult to see. The x-rays blur all surrounding features that may be blocking the view of the target oral feature.

-> MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

It is for soft-tissue evaluation, taking 3D images of the entire oral cavity, including the jaw and teeth.

-> Dental Computed Tomography (CT)

It takes 3D images of the bones of the face to identify problems such as fractures, cysts, and tumors.

-> Sialogram

Sialogram uses a dye to identify anomalies with the salivary glands, including Sjogren’s syndrome or blockages.

Common Problems That Can Be Identified by Dental X-Rays

Dental x-rays are great diagnostic tools that allow dental experts to evaluate your oral health intently before determining a prognosis for treatment. Usually, our Irving dentist will not recommend an x-ray unless it is necessary for your comprehensive dental exam. Some of the oral problems that x-rays can detect and diagnose are:

1. Dental Decay: sometimes a cavity is not openly visible when you open your mouth. X-rays help identify small areas of decay between teeth or beneath existing dental fillings.
2. Bone Loss: jawbone health is crucial for optimal oral functionality. X-rays can identify issues with your bone health regarding an underlying infection.
3. Tooth Health and Position: especially if you want to undergo treatment with dental crowns, dentures, implants, or bridges.
4. Infected Root Canal: causing nerve pain or abscessed tooth.
5. Gum Disease: especially when it begins to deteriorate the jawbone-s health.
6. Eruption Problems: an x-ray can help determine whether there is ample room for new teeth to erupt. It can also detect wisdom teeth eruption and identify any impacted teeth.

Who Need X-Rays?

Children and adults alike benefit from radiographic imaging for their oral cavities. It should be your dentist guiding you on when to take the imaging tests for your oral cavity. Generally, kids may need more x-rays than adults since they are more prone to dental cavities and infections. The stakes are higher during their cavity-prone ages of 6 to 14 years. However, adults too need digital imaging to seek relevant oral treatment and sustain good oral health. Some factors that may increase your need for x-rays are:

1. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
2. Having dry mouth syndrome – especially due to underlying conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome.
3. A high intake of sugary liquids and foods
4. Underlying health conditions that increase your risk of gum disease – like diabetes and obesity.

Visit an X-ray Dentist Near You

Are you looking for dental x-rays in Irving, TX? Call us now or book an appointment with us at Sterling Dental Center today!

If you have misaligned teeth and bites, getting them corrected by using orthodontic treatments is recommended by dentists to prevent infections like tooth decay and gum disease because you find it challenging to maintain appropriate oral hygiene. However, the term orthodontic treatment can concern you because traditional orthodontic therapy requires you to wear the ungainly looking metal brackets and wires in your mouth for three years or more to straighten teeth.

If you do not prefer a mouthful of metal to correct orthodontic issues, you can consider clear aligners to straighten teeth using a discreet alternative introduced in the late 90s by Invisalign, the best-known variety of clear aligner trays for straightening teeth.

Ever since Invisalign introduced the transparent aligner system, other competitors have not lagged and have introduced various versions of clear aligners customized according to patient requirements to straighten teeth discreetly. Therefore if you intend to correct the orthodontic problems affecting you discreetly, you will encounter challenges in selecting the best brand of transparent aligner system suited for your needs. Therefore a consultation with our dentist in Irving becomes necessary to determine which brand of clear aligners suits your requirements.

Choosing the Best Aligner System for Your Teeth

Choosing the best aligner system for your teeth is better achieved by consulting the dentist near you to determine the complexity of your orthodontic situation. Most clear aligner systems, including Invisalign, help treat mild to moderate orthodontic imperfections. However, if you have a complicated case of underbites, overbites, cross bites, open bites, crooked and crowded teeth, and significant spaces between teeth, our Irving dentist recommends you seek treatment from an orthodontist with traditional braces that help correct teeth imperfections and a misaligned jaw. Therefore the optimal technique when selecting transparent aligner systems is to consult with our Irving dentist before deciding on any brand suitable for you.

Benefits of Clear Aligner vs Invisalign

Transparent aligner systems offer similar benefits by helping treat mild to moderate orthodontic imperfections with your teeth. They also have many other benefits that make you prefer clear aligners to straighten your teeth over traditional orthodontic braces. Some benefits of clear aligners include the following:

• Dental-grade BPA-free plastic helps make all clear aligners, including Invisalign, considered the most established and trusted brand of teeth straightening trays. Other options besides Invisalign include ClearCorrect, SureSmile, and Six-Month Smiles. These plastic trays helped straighten teeth faster than traditional orthodontic braces.
• All clear aligner trays have removable features and require you to remove the aligners when eating foods or drinking beverages besides water to prevent discoloring the appliance. The removable feature is also beneficial because it helps you to maintain appropriate dental hygiene.
• No one realizes you are undergoing orthodontic treatment if you have clear aligners over your teeth. The custom trays explicitly customized for your mouth remain virtually invisible even when moving around in public or socializing with your friends and family members.
• The faster treatment enables you to have straighter teeth and a beautiful smile in double quick time, providing you the freedom from dental infections that confronted you earlier.
• Clear aligners do not require monthly adjustments or tightening, similar to traditional braces, because the aligners fit snugly over your teeth and are comfortably removable whenever you want. However, you must visit our Irving dentist every six to eight weeks to assess your progress and collect batches of aligners to continue your treatment. Therefore you save time and money on orthodontic visits during your treatment to straighten your teeth.

Downsides of Clear Aligners vs Invisalign

Transparent aligners systems are not as hunky-dory as they seem because they have some downsides, as described below:

• The clear aligners must stay over your teeth for approximately 22 hours or more, if possible, per day. Extending the time from the specified hours will also extend your treatment to leave you with crooked teeth longer.
• Compliance with the requirements of the transparent aligner system is essential to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions or slowing your treatment. Therefore if you forget to replace the aligners over your teeth after removing them for eating or brushing, expect to spend more time with the aligners than suggested by your dentist.
• Clear aligners are delivered to you in batches with instructions to replace every set over your teeth every fortnight.
• Eating foods like chewing gum, colored candy, or drinking beverages like coffee are not permitted clear aligners over your teeth for fear of discoloring them.

Therefore before considering transparent aligners systems, you must discuss your options and take into account the benefits and downsides to ensure you make an informed decision.

Price of Clear Aligners vs Invisalign

Different brands of clear aligners vary in price, with Invisalign costing between $ 3000-$ 8000. Alternative clear aligners have different prices, and our Irving dentist can guide you on their costs after your consultation to straighten teeth discreetly.

If you are cost-conscious, you can find clear aligners online without consulting dentists or orthodontists. However, these systems are unreliable and will likely fail to straighten your teeth as you desire. Therefore if you are investing in orthodontic treatment with a clear aligner system, you might as well put your money on a brand recommended by a qualified dental professional for the best results.

Visit a Cosmetic Dentist Near You

We at Sterling Dental Center provide clear aligners in Irving, TX to straighten teeth and can help you correct mild to moderate and some complicated orthodontic issues with transparent aligners. Contact our practice to determine whether you qualify for straightening teeth with the aligners to start your treatment with them in approximately three weeks.

A progressive tooth cavity can erode your tooth enamel, leaving a hole in your tooth. Therefore, looking for a dentist who can perform tooth filling near you is imperative in saving your tooth. This is because there are complications linked to an untreated cavity. In addition, your tooth is weakened by the hole, which increases the risk of your tooth breaking and chipping.

The good news is you can save your natural tooth by going to our dental clinic in Irving, TX 75061 so that the dentist can put a dental filling which involves the removal of the cavity that can spread to your healthy teeth and filling the gap created by the cavity.

We will help you know more about dental fillings and their benefits.

Dental Fillings Procedure

Dental fillings are used to fix broken or cracked teeth. When you go for dental fillings, the dentist will first examine the condition of your tooth and determine whether or not you are a good candidate for dental fillings. Once the dentist concludes that you require dental fillings, they will prepare you for the treatment.

First, the dentist will utilize anesthesia to numb the area they will be working on. After this, air abrasion equipment or laser is used to remove the decayed part of your tooth. The equipment that the dentist uses depends on their skill, which tool they are most comfortable with, and the level of decay.

The dentist will examine if there is any decay left, and after all, the decay has been removed, the dentist will clean the area to remove any debris left. A composite resin or glass ionomer may be used if the decay has spread near the tooth’s root. This is important in protecting the tooth’s nerve.

Once the tooth filling has been made, the dentist will install the filling on the hole and use a UV light to harden the filling. Any excess filling material is trimmed, and polishing is done to make the filling look better.

Types of Dental Fillings

Thanks to modern-day dentistry, several dental fillings can be fixed, depending on the patient’s needs.

1. Composite Dental Fillings

This type of filling is made from resin and plastic material. A composite dental filling is one of the most common options, as it can be made to match the patient’s existing teeth to make the dental filling less conspicuous.

The good thing about composite fillings is they can be placed during one visit and preserves the tooth structure as there is no corrosion.

On the downside, this type of filling is expensive and is not as strong as amalgam fillings.

2. Silver Amalgam Fillings

This is the most common dental filling. Although it is referred to as silver amalgam fillings, they are made from a combination of mercury, zinc, copper, tin, and silver. These filings are common as they are less costly, sturdy, and durable than other dental fillings.

3. Glass Ionomer Fillings

These fillings are fabricated from acrylic and glass. They are suitable for children whose teeth are still forming as they gradually release fluoride to protect the tooth from additional decay. Nevertheless, they are not as durable as composite fillings or as natural-looking.

4. Porcelain Dental Fillings

Porcelain fillings are used to make indirect restorations for on lays, inlays, veneers, and crowns. In addition, they can be combined with metal to create a metallic crown. The good thing about porcelain fillings is that they are suitable for allergic reaction patients.

Benefits of Dental Fillings

Below are the advantages of dental fillings:

• The main benefit of dental fillings is slowing the progression of decay.
• Tooth decay creates holes in your teeth, and through dental fillings, the dentist will remove all the decayed area and seal it to prevent the progression of the decay.
• On top of that, dental fillings strengthen fractured teeth. The dentist will use a white composite filling to make this possible.
• Another benefit of dental fillings is improving the structure of your tooth.
• Tooth decay leaves your tooth with a hole, and a filling is used to give your tooth the needed support.

Get Tooth Fillings Near You

Our teeth are prone to decay, especially when there are holes that can trap debris and food particles. Once you visit the Sterling Dental Center, the dentist will seal these holes to prevent the build of decay in these holes. Call us or book an appointment with us to get dental fillings in Irving, TX!

Teeth whitening has become incredibly popular among everyone looking to display brighter and brighter teeth to change the appearance of their smile and improve self-esteem. However, when looking for whitening treatments, you might not realize how different methods of teeth whitening products enhance the appearance of your smile. This article provides an overview of teeth whitening procedures and products to ensure you make an informed decision when whitening your teeth.

Different Types of Teeth Whitening Procedures & Products

Before you consider commercially available whitening products or alternatives, discuss teeth whitening with our dentist in Irving, TX 75061, to understand whether your teeth and gums are healthy to proceed with the teeth whitening process. If our dentist confirms your candidacy, you can decide which teeth whitening method you must choose:

1. In Office Bleaching

Our teeth bleaching dentist near you provides in-office bleaching treatments offering excellent results instantly. The process is performed in the dental office and completed in approximately 90 minutes. The dentist offered in-office teeth bleaching treatments are expensive but help you save time and deliver immediate results to make the option appealing.

2. Teeth Whitening Trays and Gel

Teeth whitening also offers teeth whitening trays with gel and instructions on how and when to use them to retain the teeth whitening results you achieved from the bleaching treatment. However, teeth whitening trays are slower than in-office treatments.

You can purchase teeth whitening trays customized by your dentist to fit your mouth precisely, costing more dollars than store-bought varieties. In addition, over-the-counter whitening trays and gel are also available to whiten your teeth from the comfort of your home. Unfortunately, store-bought whitening trays do not deliver faster results than dentist-provided whitening trays. Therefore you must decide whether you want to invest in low-quality products lacking the delivery mechanism to whiten your teeth quickly or invest in a customized therapy provided by your dentist to improve the appearance of your smile.

3. Teeth Whitening Strips

Visiting any drugstore in the market will give you access to hundreds of marketers promoting teeth whitening strips that they claim are easy to use, inexpensive, and deliver quick results. Unfortunately, teeth whitening strips require more time to whiten your teeth because of the low concentration of hydrogen peroxide ingredients they contain. Therefore you must prepare to work on your whitening efforts a little longer when receiving instant results.

4. Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

If you have extrinsic stains on your teeth, you could consider teeth whitening toothpaste readily available from supermarkets and drugstores. Teeth whitening toothpaste contains abrasive ingredients and polishing agents that are more effective than regular fluoride toothpaste in removing surface stains from your teeth. However, the toothpaste doesn’t bleach your teeth and requires use over an extended period before you witness results.

Besides the products and techniques mentioned above, the different remedies available on the market to whiten your teeth can confuse you with their claims and low prices. However, before you fall for any gimmicks, you help yourself by talking to our Irving dentist to understand whether you should consider them or seek teeth bleaching from a qualified dentist.

5. Alternative Teeth Whitening Remedies

The popularity of teeth whitening has encouraged many non-dental professionals to offer teeth bleaching at low prices. The professionals make similar claims as dentists do. Unfortunately, they do not use preventive measures to safeguard your mouth’s soft tissues and can create damage to your teeth, cheeks, and gums. Using a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide to bleach your teeth might even cause enamel damage and sensitivity, requiring you to seek treatments from emergency dentists, spending more money in the bargain merely because you considered saving money initially when you should have whitened your teeth from a qualified dentist.

New whitening products are introduced in the market regularly, including chewing gum, dental floss, and mouthwash. You can even purchase deodorants claiming they can whiten your teeth in a couple of days merely by spraying the contents onto your teeth. Unfortunately, while these products are new and available at low prices, evidence to prove they are authentic is not available.

If you are unaware of teeth whitening products and do not want in-office teeth whitening from your dentist, request a recommendation from the dental professional treating you on teeth whitening products available over-the-counter. As a resident of the United States, you must look for the Seal of acceptance of the American Dental Association on over-the-counter whitening products.

Visit a Dentist Near You

We at Sterling Dental Center provide safe and effective in-office teeth whitening in Irving, TX. Kindly schedule an appointment with our practice to receive professional in-office teeth whitening delivering results instantly or at-home whitening treatments and remedies to whiten your teeth.

Dental Crowns Explained

Tooth caps, alternatively called dental crowns, placed atop damaged teeth help protect and restore the shape of your teeth when fillings are inadequate to resolve the problem. Metals, porcelain, resin, and ceramics help make dental crowns. Crowns do not require special attention over time besides regular good oral hygiene.

Over time, your teeth sustain damage for various reasons, such as tooth decay, injuries, and regular overuse. The damage causes your teeth to lose shape and size. Dental crowns resemble tooth-shaped caps placed over the damaged tooth and fit like a snug hat restoring the tooth’s strength, appearance, size, and shape.

When Do Dental Crowns Become Necessary?

You might require a dental crown to protect a weak tooth from breaking apart or keeping it together if the tooth has broken parts. You can restore a broken tooth or one severely worn from use. Dental crowns help cover and support a tooth with extensive fillings without sufficient tooth structure. You can also cover a misshapen or severely discolored tooth.

Besides, the above dental crowns help hold dental bridges in place and cover dental implants if you have missing teeth. In addition, if you have recently undergone endodontic therapy to eradicate dental pulp infections within your tooth, the treatment renders your tooth fragile, needing a dental crown for protection.

Different Types and Materials of Dental Crowns

Different materials help make permanent dental crowns customized by a dental laboratory to match your surrounding teeth. The materials include:

Metals

Several metals are helpful for making dental crowns, including gold, nickel, palladium, and chromium. Metal crowns are durable because they rarely chip or break, last the longest, and do not require extensive tooth structure removal. Metals can also withstand the chewing and biting forces and are an excellent choice for molars.

Porcelain Fused to Metal

Matching porcelain fused to metal crowns is convenient with the color of the teeth neighboring the crown. These crowns have a natural tooth color. Unfortunately, the metal below the porcelain crown cap sometimes becomes visible as a dark line. The chances of the porcelain crown chipping, breaking, or wearing the teeth opposing the dental crown also exist. Porcelain fused to metal crowns is an excellent choice for the front and back teeth.

All Resin

Dental crowns fabricated from all resin are inexpensive compared to other types. Unfortunately, they tend to wear down with time and are likely to damage faster than porcelain fused to metal crowns.

All Porcelain Crowns

All porcelain crowns deliver the best color match than other varieties. They are also optimal if you have metal allergies but don’t have the strength like porcelain fused to metal crowns. However, these crowns are excellent for the front teeth.

The Procedure for Dental Crowns

You must schedule at least two visits to our crown dentist near you when preparing for a dental crown.

During your first visit, our dentist in 75061 examines the tooth needing the crown by taking x-rays of the tooth and bone surrounding it. If your tooth has decay, injury to the dental pulp, and risk of infections, our dentist might recommend root canal treatment before your dental crown procedure. However, if everything is acceptable, our dentist starts the process by numbing the tooth and the gums surrounding the area to file it down on the tops and sides to accommodate the dental crown.

After reshaping the tooth, dental crowns impressions the tooth receiving the crown besides the teeth above or below to ensure the crown doesn’t affect your bite. You receive an acrylic crown over the tooth, and the dental laboratory receives impressions to fabricate your customized restoration.

Our dentist calls you to revisit their practice after the dental laboratory returns your permanent restoration. During the second appointment, our dentist starts the procedure by removing the temporary acrylic crowns before checking the color and fit of the permanent cap. If the crown is acceptable, our dentist cements the crown over the damaged tooth.

The Lifespan of Dental Crowns

Five to 15 years is the average lifespan of dental crowns. How much wear and tear dental crown is exposed to determine its lifespan. Your dental hygiene and mouth-related habits also contribute to the lifespan of dental crowns. Therefore you must remain cautious not to use your teeth to chew ice, bite fingernails, and open packages or bottles.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Here are some advantages of dental crowns:

• Dental crowns don’t need special attention besides good oral hygiene.
• It helps if you remember you must protect the underlying tooth from decay and gum disease, especially around the area where the crown meets your gums. Therefore you must indulge in brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing them at least once, and getting six monthly dental exams and cleanings from our dentist.
• Dental crowns resemble your natural teeth and appear similar to them. Therefore, if you have tooth damage, you find it beneficial to get your tooth restored in a couple of meetings.

Visit a Crown Dentist Near You

Are you looking for dental crowns in Irving, TX? Give us a call or book an appointment with us at Sterling Dental Center today!

Our dentists near you at Sterling Dental Center encourage everyone to meet with their dentist twice a year for regular cleanings and exams. There’s a lot more to these appointments than just giving you a better-looking smile!

Our dentists in Irving, TX, can significantly reduce the bacteria, plaque, damage, and decay to your teeth and gums. Many patients aren’t aware that there are a variety of other medical issues that are linked to poor oral hygiene.

Bone loss, cancer, strokes, cardiovascular disease, and bruxism are a few of the main ailments that we aim to prevent. Brushing and flossing your teeth from home is a great way to do your part, but it’s not enough on its own.

Benefits of Going to the Dentist for Regular Teeth Cleaning

There are many benefits of going to the dentist near you for regular teeth cleaning:

• Our team at Sterling Dental Center is passionate about the ability of our dental hygienists to remove all the stains and discoloration on your teeth. This gives you a brighter, and more attractive smile.
• Going to the dentist for a thorough cleaning can help prevent gum disease. Gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss, so it’s best to stop it before it starts. Gum disease can also lead to deadly medical conditions, such as a heart attack or stroke.
• While it has a survival rate of 90%, oral cancer leads to one death every hour. Having an oral cancer screening at each of your appointments can detect this devastating disease. Our dentists will also be able to detect early signs of broken fillings, severe decay, fractures, and more.
• Many folks are surprised to hear that dental insurance plans can save you money in the long run. It’s best to take advantage of regularly scheduled cleanings and exams to save you money down the road.

Booking an Appointment

Sterling Dental Center accepts most major dental insurance plans and offers affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority, and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. Give us a call or book an appointment online today!