Enamel Erosion

Tooth enamel is the hard, outer surface of the teeth that protect against tooth decay and protect the nerves located underneath. Tooth enamel is considered the hardest mineral substance in the body, but this doesn’t mean that it’s indestructible. Regardless of strength, enamel can be eroded by sugars and harmful acids that attack the teeth when we consume food and beverages. Once enamel is gone, it won’t return, and Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry will need to take measures to restore it.

A common clue that enamel has eroded is increased sensitivity to taste, textures, and temperatures, as well as cracks, chips, or discoloration. Enamel erodes because of the food and beverages we eat, particularly, sugary, starchy, and acidic foods. This is why we encourage patients to put away the soda and sip on H2O because water cleans the mouth with every sip and protects enamel in the process. If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, Dr. Emuedue can suggest a few techniques to reduce the pain.

If you have questions or concerns regarding oral care or dental health, please give us a call.  To learn more about regular dental cleanings and all the services we provide at our practice, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.

Causes and Treatment for Sensitive Teeth

 

The good news is that sensitive teeth can be prevented by scheduling regular dental checkups at Greenville Family Dentistry, the bad news is that your teeth are likely unhealthy if they are already sensitive. You get sensitive teeth when your gums pull back and expose the surface beneath, called the dentin. This can happen if you brush too hard, develop gingivitis, grind your teeth or use tooth whitening products. 

In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth – the part above the gum line. Under the gum line a layer called cementum protects the tooth root. Under both of these layers is the dentin which is less dense than enamel and cementum and contains microscopic tubules. When dentin loses its protective covering, these tubules allow heat and cold or acidic and sticky foods to reach the nerves inside the tooth, resulting in hypersensitivity. The type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity, but practicing a good oral hygiene routine and brushing with a desensitizing American Dental Association (ADA) approved toothpaste should help reduce pain in the nerve. 

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, give us a call. For more information about oral health as well as the services we provide at the office, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.

The good news is that sensitive teeth can be prevented by scheduling regular dental checkups at Greenville Family Dentistry, the bad news is that your teeth are likely unhealthy if they are already sensitive. You get sensitive teeth when your gums pull back and expose the surface beneath, called the dentin. This can happen if you brush too hard, develop gingivitis, grind your teeth or use tooth whitening products.

In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth – the part above the gum line. Under the gum line, a layer called cementum protects the tooth root. Under both of these layers is the dentin which is less dense than enamel and cementum and contains microscopic tubules. When dentin loses its protective covering, these tubules allow heat and cold or acidic and sticky foods to reach the nerves inside the tooth, resulting in hypersensitivity. The type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity, but practicing a good oral hygiene routine and brushing with a desensitizing American Dental Association (ADA) approved toothpaste should help reduce pain in the nerve.

 

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, give us a call. For more information about oral health as well as the services we provide at the office, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.

 

Dentures

Missing teeth can interfere with your self-image and make you shy away from social situations. Missing teeth can also affect the structure of your face and interfere with proper speech. Dentures are one option for replacing lost teeth. Replacing missing teeth with dentures can improve your appearance, increase self-confidence and restore your ability to chew properly.

 

At Greenville Family Dentistry, we offer our patients options including full and partial dentures. Full dentures replace all the teeth in your mouth. If you opt for full dentures, any remaining natural teeth will be extracted. After the gums are given time to heal, the dentures are placed. This option is considered conventional dentures.

 

A second option to consider is immediate dentures. This involves extraction and immediate placement of the dentures. The gums heal while the dentures are worn. Dr. Christopher Emuedue DDS will discuss options and determine if you are a candidate for immediate dentures. In addition to full dentures, we also offer partial dentures for patients who have some healthy, natural teeth remaining.

 

Dentures may take some time to get used to, but can be a good choice in order to replace missing teeth. The experienced staff at Greenville Family Dentistry will educate you on how to take care of your dentures. Regular dental appointments are still essential in order to maintain proper oral health.

For more information on dentures or to schedule an appointment please call Greenville Family Dentistry at 903-455-6701.

Root Canals

Root Canals

While the thought of having a root canal usually fills patients with dread, it is a necessary procedure for those whose teeth become infected in the nerves. Besides causing pain, infections, if left untreated, can become abscesses, which are much more serious and result in a loss of bone mass in the jaw bone. Here at Greenville Family Dentistry, Dr. Christopher Emuedue can relieve your pain with a root canal.

 

Although root canals do not sound pleasant, they are well worth it to stop your pain and improve your oral health. While there may be a little soreness after the procedure, it is only temporary and usually nothing over-the-counter painkillers cannot take care of.

 

During a root canal, Dr. Emuedue removes the infection by applying a local anesthetic to the area and drilling into the tooth to create an opening in the canal. Then he is able to remove the infected tissue and clean the area. Once the infection has been removed, your tooth will be filled with gutta percha, a sealant, and then fitted with a crown to protect it from infection in the future. The crown also helps improve the appearance and strength of the tooth.

 

Once the procedure is complete, you will be able to eat without experiencing pain and sensitivity to heat, cold and pressure. If you’re in pain, you don’t need to suffer. Schedule an appointment with our office by calling 903-455-6701. For more information, visit www.GreenvilleFamilyDentistryTX.com.