Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a colorless and odorless gas occasionally used for dental treatment. Now, while not everyone will be a candidate for nitrous oxide, this type of sedation dentistry has been known to help ease nervous or scared patients during procedures. If you have dental fear, you should talk with your dentist in Asheboro about nitrous oxide or other sedation dentistry options. 

Why is Nitrous Oxide Used? 

One situation when nitrous oxide may be used in dentistry is when a patient is scared of the dentist. Fear of the dentist is incredibly common in the United States, and about 36% of people in the United States have fear of getting dental treatment. But nitrous oxide can help a patient relax and stay calm throughout their visit. 

Nitrous oxide may also be used if a procedure will take a bit of time. Patients can become uncomfortable laying back in the dental chair with their mouths open for prolonged periods. This may cause them to become jittery, making it hard for your dentist in Asheboro to work. During these treatments such as a root canal or restorative dentistry, you may benefit from laughing gas or another form of sedation dentistry. 

What Are the Effects of Laughing Gas? 

Many dentists prefer nitrous oxide because the effects wear off quickly. In fact, your dentist will probably give you straight oxygen once treatment is done and you’ll be back to feeling like yourself in no time. Many patients can go right back to their day without downtime. However, it’s still wise to have someone drive you after your appointment. 

Patients may experience some side effects during or after using nitrous such as: 

• Shivering
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Nausea

These symptoms should be temporary and short-lived. To help avoid nausea, only eat a small meal or snack before your appointment.

Is Nitrous Oxide Safe? 

Controlled and monitored use of nitrous oxide is considered safe by the American Dental Association. In fact, patients who use nitrous oxide at their dental appointments are still conscious and can answer questions from their dentist in Asheboro. 

How is Laughing Gas Administered? 

Perhaps one of the best things about laughing gas is that there are no needles involved in administering it. The gas is administered through a small nose mask that allows you to simply breathe in the nitrous oxide and oxygen mixture. 

If you’ve been putting off routine dental care because of fear, or if you know you have a strong gag reflex or the need for a longer appointment, talk with your dentist about nitrous oxide or other types of sedation dentistry. Dental care, even bi-annual cleanings, x-rays, and checkups, shouldn’t be delayed. After all, preventive dentistry is the best way to avoid more complex treatment because it allows your team to catch problems early when they’re easier to treat. 

Some patients will go to great lengths to get an ideal smile, and it’s something that your dentist in Asheboro is happy to help with. There are plenty of different treatments available to transform any smile safely and effectively. But unfortunately, there are also plenty of dangerous social media trends claiming to easily, quickly, and affordably change the look of your teeth. These trends should be avoided at all costs to avoid damaging your teeth, sometimes permanently. 

Filing Your Teeth

One of the most dangerous social media trends involves people filing down their own teeth into teeny tiny pegs with the hope of topping them off with beautiful veneers. This is known as the “veneers check” trend, and it’s incredibly dangerous, not to mention probably very uncomfortable. The truth is, if you go to your dentist in Asheboro for veneers, they will not file your teeth into sharp points. There is no need to remove that much healthy tooth enamel for dental veneer treatment. Additionally, filing your own teeth can cause irreversible damage and may require unwanted dental restorations such as dentures. 

Do-It-Yourself Orthodontics

Everyone wants that perfectly straight smile, and sometimes orthodontic treatment such as braces or clear aligners will be used to achieve it. But another concerning trend on social media shows users taking regular household items to tighten gaps, shift the positioning of teeth, and to even simply appear as if they have braces. You will not get the results you’re looking for by doing this. In fact, you may cause additional problems such as more overcrowding, jaw pain, and perhaps even tooth loss. 

Creating Teeth Using Art Supplies

A dental crown is a custom-created solution to cap a tooth that has had a root canal or to top off a dental implant. It’s often made of high-quality porcelain so it’s impossible to tell a crown from your natural teeth. However, social media has shown thousands of people using arts and crafts supplies to create their own crowns, partial dentures, or to fill in chips or cracks. Nothing should be used in your mouth unless it’s safe, approved by your dentist, and placed by your dentist. 

At-Home Whitening

There are hundreds of at-home whitening products available over the counter. While these can be relatively inexpensive and typically safe, you should consult your dentist prior to using them. What’s even more important to note is that you should completely avoid any tooth-whitening trend that requires the mixing of ingredients found in your home. These concoctions are often very acidic and can quickly damage your teeth. 

The desire to achieve your version of the ideal smile can be achieved by talking with your dentist in Asheboro. Contact us today to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation and let’s find the best way to give you the best smile, safely. 

We always stress the importance of seeing your dentist in Asheboro at least twice a year to protect your teeth from decay, disease, and other tooth troubles. But what happens if you no longer have any natural teeth and wear a denture instead? Should you still visit your dentist regularly? Absolutely! The truth is, your dentist’s job goes beyond treating natural teeth.

Why Are Dental Appointments Important? 

Dental appointments every six months are important for many reasons such as catching tooth decay early. But denture-wears without the worry of decay can still benefit from these visits for a number of reasons. 

• Adjustments

Dentures may feel great when they’re new, but over time, they can loosen or the shape of the mouth can change and make dentures feel uncomfortable. Ill-fitting dentures can rub and cause sores or injuries to the gums. They need to be adjusted every so often to ensure they fit properly and are comfortable. Dentures that slip around or click should be a sign that it’s time to see your dentist in Asheboro. 

• Longer Lifespan

A high-quality denture that’s properly cared for should last between 7 to 10 years. However, dentures still need checkups to help prolong their lifespan. Unfortunately, dentures aren’t indestructible and can sustain wear and tear. At your dental appointments, your dentist will examine your denture and check for any damage that can be fixed quickly and easily. 

• Oral Health

Oral health includes more than just teeth, so even if you no longer have any natural teeth, it’s still important to see your dentist in Asheboro regularly. Denture-wearers can be at greater risk of gum disease than those with their natural teeth since dentures can harbor plaque, food particles, and bacteria which can sit on the gums all day and cause an infection. Gum disease can be treated successfully if caught early. But if left alone, gum disease can lead to other problems throughout the body such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. 

• Partial Dentures

Even if you still have some of your natural teeth but use a partial denture to replace only a couple of teeth, you can absolutely benefit from seeing the dentist twice a year. You see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings of your natural teeth as well as for checkups on your partial. Like full dentures, partial dentures can increase the risk of gum disease and decay in natural teeth. 

Both people with a full set of natural teeth and those who wear a denture as a replacement for natural teeth should see their dentist every six months. After all, prevention is the best way to keep serious problems from suddenly popping up. 

Do you hide your smile in pictures? Cover your mouth when you laugh? Avoid showing your teeth whenever or however you can? You’re not alone. More than 50% of Americans are insecure about their smile. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. Getting a smile that you love is possible with cosmetic dentistry from your dentist in Asheboro

• Dental Bonding

One of the fastest, and most popular, ways to improve your smile is through dental bonding. Cosmetic bonding can be done in as little as 30 to 60 minutes and can cover up small chips or cracks that may be keeping you from smiling. Your dentist in Asheboro will use a resin to reshape the size, shape, and even color of a tooth to create a natural and full smile.  

• Whitening

Another quick and affordable way to transform a smile is through teeth whitening. This treatment can brighten the shade of teeth from anywhere from two to nine shades whiter. But not all teeth bleaching products are the same. While you can buy whitening strips or trays on your own, we always recommend that you talk with your dentist before you decide. Not all stains can be removed through whitening treatments, so it’s important to share your concerns with your dentist before you invest in any product.

• Porcelain Veneers

Teeth that can’t be whitened through bleaching may benefit from porcelain veneers. This treatment does require your dentist to remove a small layer of your natural tooth, but the procedure is usually pain-free. Porcelain veneers are thin slices of porcelain that are custom-designed to blend into your natural teeth so nobody needs to know you’ve had the treatment. Not only can veneers cover up stains, but they can also cover chips and misaligned teeth. 

• Dental Crowns

Often referred to as caps, dental crowns toe the line between cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry, depending on what they’re used for. In the case of cosmetic purposes, crowns can change the appearance of individual teeth, including size or shape. Crowns are also custom-made so they’re unnoticeable in the smile. 

• Dental Implants

Another form of cosmetic dentistry that may be offered by your dentist in Asheboro and that can also be referred to as restorative dentistry is a dental implant. Dental implants are used as a permanent solution to missing teeth and will replace both the tooth’s root and the visual crown. This type of treatment is the most invasive of the options listed, but those who have the treatment say the process was worth it as it restored their smile. Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to decay or an accident, dental implants can help complete your smile. 

Nobody should live with a smile that they feel like they have to hide. If you find yourself shying away from smiling, we want to help. Call your dentist in Asheboro today to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation. 

There are certain foods that are almost guaranteed to get stuck in between your teeth. Things like seeds, broccoli, spinach, and meat products usually require a good flossing to remove all of the food particles left behind. But did you know that if you always get food stuck in between the same teeth you may have something called a food trap? Food traps can increase your risk of certain dental problems and are a concern for your dentist in Asheboro. 

What is a Food Trap? 

A food trap is essentially exactly what it sounds like – a gap in between teeth that allows food to collect and get stuck. Food from these gaps can be difficult to remove, even with floss, but it’s really important to remove food promptly before it has a chance to build up and cause problems.

Food Trap Problems

Areas of trapped food can be problematic and can lead to additional dental issues. You see, when there are food particles lingering around in the mouth, they can feed bacteria and allow them to thrive. The more bacteria the more likely it is that decay will form and you will get a cavity. But that’s not all. Food traps have also been known to cause gum disease and bad breath, or they can make an area of existing decay even worse. 

Causes of Food Traps

If you notice that food is getting stuck in between the same teeth every time or almost every time you eat, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist in Asheboro for an exam. They’ll take a look at the area to determine what may be causing the food trap and recommend the best treatment for you. Some of the most common causes of food traps are: 

• Gaps

Gaps between teeth that are too big are usually the main culprit behind a food trap. Your dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment or perhaps cosmetic dentistry to fill in the gaps. 

• Decay

Many times decay can’t be seen by the naked eye or even felt, but that doesn’t mean cavities aren’t there. Cavities cause a tiny hole to form in the tooth, making it a great place for food to hide. Your dentist in Asheboro will most likely place a dental filling to block up the hole. 

• Damaged Tooth

Similar to decay and cavities, a damaged tooth can provide a great little cave for food to get stuck. Damaged teeth can include broken or chipped teeth or an older dental restoration that needs to be replaced. 

• Gum Disease

Gum disease will cause small pockets to form under the gums and again give food a place to wedge into. Gum disease is a serious condition that requires early treatment so it doesn’t have a chance to progress. Advanced gum disease has been linked to tooth loss and well as whole-body issues like an increased risk of heart disease. 

Don’t assume that getting food stuck in between your teeth is normal. Make sure you talk with your dentist about any problems you’re experiencing so you can get the right treatment for yourself. 

Dentures can be a game-changer for many people. They can help restore appearance as well as confidence. Dentures can even help people enjoy the foods they were once unable to eat. Many patients find their dentures a comfortable solution to missing teeth, but there are times when a denture can start to feel uncomfortable. Here’s some advice from your dentist in Asheboro about what to do if your dentures don’t fit properly anymore. 

Step 1: See Your Dentist in Asheboro

First thing’s first, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist so they can take a look at how your denture fits and talk to you about any recommendations they have. Don’t try to adjust a denture on your own. You can easily damage the appliance and it can be more costly to replace. 

Step 2: Get Your Denture Relined

Next, it’s important to know that dentures probably won’t last forever without any adjustments. This is because things in our mouths such as gum tissue and the jawbone can change over time and can cause a once-perfect fit to feel off and uncomfortable. This is when a reline will come into play. 

Having your denture realigned can adjust the fit to match the changes that have occurred in your mouth, allowing for a proper fit once again. There are two types of relines – soft and hard. 

Soft Reline – This type of relining is usually completed in your dentist’s office and is usually a quick process. Your dentist will make adjustments using a liquid polymer and allow patient feedback right in the dental chair for a perfect fit. 

Hard Reline – A hard reline still requires a dental appointment and your dentist to examine the current fit. However, with this process, your dentist will take new impressions and send dentures out to a lab to be remade using the new ideal fit. 

Step 3: Consider Alternatives

While dentures are a great solution to replace missing teeth, there are other options available that can provide a permanent, and often more comfortable, fit. Dental implants in Asheboro can permanently replace not only the tooth but also the tooth’s roots. This provides a more stable base and continues to stimulate the jaw bone, keeping it stronger for longer. Additionally, dental implants eliminate the need for adhesives and overnight soaking. There are many different types of dental implants available including traditional implants to replace one or two missing teeth, mini implants, as well as implant-retained dentures that permanently affix a full denture on just a few implant posts. 

Living with a denture that doesn’t fit properly can be annoying and sometimes perhaps a bit painful. Don’t live with that discomfort, call your dentist in Asheboro to schedule a checkup and we’ll get you back to smiling confidently in no time. 

You’ve been having some tooth pain. You decided to finally make the call for a consultation with your dentist in Asheboro. Then you learn that your best treatment option is a dental treatment we’ve all heard of by now, and that’s a root canal. A million thoughts start racing through your mind:

• How long will my root canal take?
• How much will it cost?
• How bad is it going to hurt?

We’re here to soothe your anxiety and calm your fears because the tooth truth is that root canals aren’t really scary at all. 

Root Canals Get Rid of Pain

Instead of causing you more dental discomfort, think of your root canal as the solution that can get rid of:

• Pain when chewing or biting
• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
• Pimples on the gums
• Swollen or tender gums
• Discolored gums or teeth
• Chipped or cracked teet

In honor of Root Canal Awareness Week, which occurs each May, let’s praise this common dental procedure that happens over 41,000 times a day, according to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE). The AAE also says more than 15 million root canals are performed each year in the United States. 

Everything You Need to Know About Your Root Canal

Your dentist in Asheboro will recommend root canal therapy to repair and save a tooth that’s badly damaged, decayed, or infected. During the actual procedure, the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, removing the pulp and nerve. Your tooth is then sealed to avoid infection. You won’t feel pain, maybe just some pressure. Remember, root canals relieve your pain, not cause more. Sometimes patients experience tenderness in their gums following a root canal, but over-the-counter pain medications will certainly help. 

How Long Does Root Canal Treatment Take to Complete?

When you need a root canal to help heal your smile, how your treatment progresses will be personal to your needs and schedule. Generally speaking, root canals can take up to two appointments, ranging in length from 30 to 90 minutes. What determines how long your procedure will take is the severity of your individual case. The initial appointment is when we do the actual root canal, where all of the infected pulp is safely and effectively removed from your tooth. The second appointment is when your tooth will get a custom crown, matching the rest of your teeth for a seamless restoration.

More Facts You Never Knew About Root Canals

We hope you’re feeling a little bit better about the not-so-dreadful root canal procedure. As we talked about earlier, root canals are commonly thought to be the most painful kind of dental treatment. Also, a 2016 study found that root canal symptoms varied depending on the type of bacteria in the infection.

Don’t be afraid to see your dentist in Asheboro because you’re worried about having a root canal. Please schedule a consultation and talk with us! We have the technology and years of training that make the experience as comfortable and easy as we said it would be in this blog.