DENTAL CONCERNS

In the dental world, we often use the term “malocclusion” or “misalignment” to refer to crooked teeth. Misalignment or poorly spaced teeth can cause problems such as TMJ, decay (cavities), excessive wear and chipping of teeth, and many other problems that can cost you money down the road. Properly aligned teeth can save you the expense of costly dental procedures, and give you the confident smile you deserve. Invisalign® is a popular and effective solution that can correct crooked teeth and help improve bite misalignment.

Tooth pain can vary in terms of cause and severity, so it must be addressed on a case by case basis. If it is determined that the tooth pain is being caused by infection or decay, either a filling or root canal therapy will likely be recommended. Fillings are designed to address decay that has created holes—or cavities—in the tooth structure. Root canal therapy enables our dentists to gain access to the inner nerve chamber of the tooth in order to remove infected tissue and bacteria. Both procedures can usually be performed in one visit, and many patients report experiencing immediate relief once the infected tissue has been cleaned. Other possible causes of tooth pain include abscesses (pus-filled pockets that can occur within an infected tooth or along the gums or bone tissue), broken teeth, exposed nerves or dentin (the interior part of the tooth that is normally protected by the enamel), repetitive tooth grinding, and more. Our experienced team can help figure out what is causing your tooth pain and recommend the most appropriate treatment for resolving the issue efficiently and effectively.

Teeth wear naturally as we age. Grinding, clenching, misalignment, and other dental issues can cause teeth to wear prematurely. When teeth are worn down, not only does it affect the look of your smile, but problems such as sensitivity and chewing discomfort can occur. If you are concerned about tooth wear, the team at Innovative Dental is here to help! Options such as Invisalign®, crowns, and veneers can rejuvenate your smile, make you look years younger and help to prevent future damage. Contact Us to Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation Today!.

Dental anxiety is probably the top reason people avoid the dentist. However, small dental problems can quickly escalate into larger and more costly issues when regular dental exams and cleanings are avoided. At Professional Lane Dental, we understand that the dentist’s office can be an intimidating place and we have made every effort to change the way you view dental care. In addition to creating a welcoming office environment, we have also invested in dental technology designed to help make the patient experience as smooth, relaxing, and pain-free as possible.

Teeth wear naturally as we age. Grinding, clenching, misalignment, and other dental issues can cause teeth to wear prematurely. When teeth are worn down, not only does it affect the look of your smile, but problems such as sensitivity and chewing discomfort can occur. If you are concerned about tooth wear, the team at Innovative Dental is here to help! Options such as Invisalign®, crowns, and veneers can rejuvenate your smile, make you look years younger and help to prevent future damage. Contact Us to Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation Today!

In the past the solution to teeth with damaged roots or infection was extraction. Fortunately, these teeth can now often be saved by a root canal. When you have a toothache, it is just a powerful reminder that your teeth aren’t just hard pieces of enamel attached to the gums. They are actually intricately formed parts with layers of hard substances overlaying a delicate core. And, because teeth are not bones, they will not heal themselves. In the center of the tooth, lies a collection of nerves and blood vessels that provide nutrients and sensation to each tooth. Therefore, as long as the tooth stays healthy, you are rarely reminded of what a tooth actually is. Modern anesthetics provide powerful numbing for gentle removal of the inflamed nerve inside the tooth. The nerve canal undergoes disinfection and careful shaping, and a sealer fills the internal space. A filling or crown over the tooth helps return the tooth to its original condition.

If your gums are bleeding, visit our Dothan dentist office to have your teeth examined. At Professional Lane Dental we can examine you and determine whether they are bleeding due to simple irritation or if there is a greater health concern. You can schedule an appointment with our office by calling 334 792 0997. In the meantime, here is what you need to know about your gums. There are several ways to prevent gum disease and the symptoms that arise from it. If you have already experienced symptoms of bleeding or swollen gums, following these steps will still help you. However, it is wise to visit our office for an examination so that we can make customized treatment recommendations. In the meantime, you can manage your symptoms by doing the following –

There are several ways to prevent gum disease and the symptoms that arise from it. If you have already experienced symptoms of bleeding or swollen gums, following these steps will still help you. However, it is wise to visit our office for an examination so that we can make customized treatment recommendations. In the meantime, you can manage your symptoms by doing the following –

• Brush and floss regularly. Remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day and when you do, use a soft or electric toothbrush. Make sure that you are brushing food away from your gums and towards the center of your mouth. This is important to prevent plaque buildup at your gum line. Flossing should be at least once per day and you must make sure to go all the way down along the sides of your teeth.
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash. Another way to kill bacteria is to use an antiseptic mouthwash. This is an easy way to kill some of the bacteria that you have not been able to brush away and you may notice that your gums feel instantly better after using it.
• Have your teeth cleaned twice a year. At Professional Lane Dental, we encourage you to visit our dental office twice per year so that we can clean your teeth, removing plaque and tartar that was left behind from your daily brushing. This is your best defense against gum disease or even some of the subtle symptoms like bleeding and swelling.
• Stop smoking. More than bad for your lungs, using tobacco products is also bad for your oral health. Not only can it lead to oral cancer but it also increases your risk for gum disease.
• Schedule a deep cleaning. If you already have gum disease we may recommend that you have a deep cleaning or root planing and scaling procedure. This allows the dentist to remove tartar and plaque that has built up underneath the gum tissue. The procedure is typically completed in two to four appointments but it works incredibly well for removing the cause of the problem.

Bad breath or halitosis is one of the most common dental problems. It is also among the most distressing. Bad breath can be caused by several different factors, including:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Dry mouth
• Medication
• Infection
• Acid reflux
• Cancer

One or more of the foods you eat could also be the cause of your halitosis. Spices such as garlic and onion are common culprits.

Because the causes of bad breath are so varied, your dentist will do a complete assessment and prescribe a course of action that best suits your case.

Your teeth become sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks when the enamel is worn away and the dentin is exposed.

The dentin has tubes that lead to the nerve deeper inside the tooth. Hot or cold substances can travel along the tubes to the nerve and cause intense pain.

Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity, can be caused by tooth decay. Other possible causes include:

• Gum disease
• Root infection
• A cracked or broken tooth
• Worn-down crown or fillings
• Enamel erosion
• Receding gums

You could also have sensitive teeth because the enamel layer of your teeth is naturally thin.

There are kinds of toothpaste and mouthwashes meant specifically for use with sensitive teeth. Your dentist might also recommend a fluoride treatment, crown, gum graft, or a root canal. The chosen treatment depends on the severity of your case.

Receding gums can be caused by and can lead to other common dental problems. The condition can also lead to more serious issues, such as losing a tooth. This is because the condition exposes the delicate root of the tooth, making it susceptible to damage. Receding gums can be caused by a range of factors, including:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Brushing your teeth too hard
• High blood pressure
• Hormonal fluctuations in women
• Smoking

Your receding gums might also be genetic, that is, the condition runs in your family. Dental care for receding gums includes a thorough cleaning of your teeth by a dental professional. You may also be shown proper brushing techniques. Severe cases may need to be treated with a gum graft or other form of surgery.

Anyone can be affected by dry mouth. It is not a natural part of aging but it is more common among the elderly. Causes of dry mouth include cancer treatments, salivary gland disease, nerve damage, and diabetes. HIV/AIDs and certain medications can also bring on dry mouth and dry throat.

You can relieve dry mouth and dry throat by taking sips of water throughout the day. You should also avoid substances that are known to be drying. These include alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and sweets.

Tooth decay is also known as dental caries or dental cavities. It is the most common dental problem that dentists see in patients. Practically everyone, at some point in their life, has experienced tooth decay.

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria form a film, called plaque, on the surface of teeth. The bacteria produce acids from the sugars in food. The acids eat away at and permanently damage the enamel, or outer layer, of the tooth. The acids then start working on the softer dentin layer beneath the enamel.

This breakdown of the tooth can lead to cavities or holes in your teeth. It can also cause toothaches, including pain when you eat and drink hot, cold, or sweet things.

Other symptoms of tooth decay may include:

• Bad breath
• Black or brown spots on your teeth
• An unpleasant taste in your mouth

Dental care begins with assessing the extent of your tooth decay and recommending a course of action. This may include fillings, crowns, or a root canal. The option chosen may be extraction followed by dental implants or dentures.

You can help to prevent tooth decay with regular (twice daily) brushing and flossing. Also, get regular checkups from your dentist to have the plaque scraped from your teeth.