Thursday, January 29, 2015

Sealants

Good oral hygiene is the first step to protecting your teeth and having less tooth decay, but sometimes it isn’t enough to have healthy teeth. Along with brushing and flossing twice a day and visiting our dental office every six months, we also provide dental sealants. They are especially useful for children who have their molars, which come in between 5 and 7 years of age, and again between 11 and 14 years of age.
 
Dental sealants protect the molars from cavities and tooth decay. The molars are most susceptible to cavities because they are chewed on most often, and decay because they are harder to reach with a toothbrush and dental floss. Dr. Christopher Emuedue can put a liquid sealant on these teeth that hardens and further protects to teeth from excessive decay. It can last about 10 years before needing to be applied again.
 
Patients of all ages visit us here at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX for dental sealants. It reduces the amount of work that needs to be done on the teeth over time and gives patients a healthy looking smile. Visit us online at www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com today to learn more about sealants or give us a call at 903-455-6701

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Your wisdom teeth are your last set of molars to emerge, and they usually come in when you are between 17 and 21 years old. Because these teeth can become impacted, which means they come in at an angle rather than straight through the gums, it is often necessary for them to be removed before they cause pain or crowd your other teeth. At our office in Greenville, TX, Dr. Christopher Emuedue can determine if your wisdom teeth need to be removed and extract them if they do.
 
If a wisdom tooth is impacted and can only emerge partially, it is possible for an operculum to form over the tooth. This flap of skin makes the molar extremely hard to clean, which means you are susceptible to an infection called periocoronitis.
 
When a wisdom tooth is in danger of causing such problems, either Dr. Emuedue will extract the tooth. Many times all four are removed at once. This is done either by using a local anesthetic to numb the area or a general anesthetic to sedate the patient. It depends on the preference of the doctor and patient, as well as how far the wisdom tooth has emerged. After an anesthetic is applied, the gum tissue over the wisdom tooth is cut and the tooth is loosened and pulled out. If necessary, the gums will be sutured.
 
After surgery, rest is required. You will also need to change the gauze applied to the incision every couple hours.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Snap-on Smile

If you’re looking to improve your teeth and increase your confidence, Snap-On Smile provides a way for you to makeover your smile without extensive dental procedures. This procedure can solve your teeth insecurities and help you feel great about the way you look in only two visits to our office in Greenville, TX.
 
Without having to undergo extensive dental work, you can snap on a new smile with a custom set of teeth that fit right over your existing ones, covering up stains, chips, cracks and any crooked or missing teeth. During the first visit, you and Dr. Christopher Emuedue will pick the shade and style of your new smile, and then he or she will take an impression of your teeth for proper fitting. Then the Snap-On Smile is made with a light and durable resin to create a set of teeth that are strong yet still thin enough to snap onto your smile. You need only wait three weeks between appointments, and when your new smile is snapped on, you will be able to leave our office with a grin you will love to show off.
 
With Snap-On Smile, you will be able to eat and drink normally, and the cosmetic device can easily be removed for cleaning your natural teeth, for participating in sporting events and for sleep. Snap-On Smile can last for three to five years with proper care.
 
Schedule an appointment with Greenville Family Dentistry by calling (903) 455-6701. For more information, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com.

Friday, January 9, 2015

Veneers

If there are aspects of your teeth that you’re unhappy with, you don’t have to live with them. Veneers are an effective method for reshaping and redesigning your entire smile in Greenville, TX. Whether your teeth have gaps, persistent stains, cracks, chips or other issues, these thin, ceramic or porcelain shells can cover the existing tooth structure in your mouth to give you a smile you will be proud to show off.
 
Having veneers placed usually only takes two to three visits to our office. During the first visit, you will be able to discuss the shape and look of the smile you want to accomplish with Dr. Christopher Emuedue, and then he will prepare your teeth. Once the enamel has been prepared, an impression will be taken of your mouth so that the veneers can be designed and fabricated to fit over your existing teeth.
 
Your second visit will be after your veneers have been completed, a process that can take up to two weeks. The veneers will then be bonded to your teeth to create an attractive smile that both looks good and feels natural. With proper home care and regular cleanings at Greenville Family Dentistry you can enjoy your new smile for 5 to 10 years, after which they should be replaced.
To schedule an appointment, call (903) 455-6701. For more information, visitwww.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com.

Friday, January 2, 2015

Scaling and Root Planing

If your teeth are sensitive or your gums bleed when you floss or brush, you might be suffering from gingivitis or gum disease. If you’re not taking care of your oral hygiene, the bacteria and plaque can advance to gum disease and it becomes more difficult to treat. While gum disease sounds like a scary thing, the good news is that there are treatment options available.
 
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. There are many different forms of periodontal disease but all of them can cause serious damage to the mouth. The mildest form of periodontal disease is gingivitis. Gingivitis causes the gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily. The biggest cause of gingivitis is lack of a regular oral hygiene regimen. Preventative measures, such as regular brushing and flossing, go a long way when it comes to preventing periodontal disease. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral health practices at home.
 
At Lewelling Dental Care, we offer a non-surgical, non-invasive option known as scaling and root planning for those who have gum disease. This deep cleaning procedure is a great alternative to surgical options. Scaling involves removing built-up plaque below the gum line using either manual scraping instruments or an ultrasonic tool. When we do your root planing, we essentially gently sand your teeth, removing rough spots on the tooth surfaces and roots, which tend to harbor bacteria.
 
If you fear that you might be suffering from gingivitis or gum disease, set up an appointment with one of our skilled dentists at our Greenville, TX dental practice so we can go over treatment options.