We have had patients ask us this question when we show them teeth that are beginning to chip.  The damage might be subtle now but it is a sign of bigger problems to come if the cause of the chipping is not addressed.  The bigger problem is it is a sign that the whole system of your joints, muscles, and teeth and not functioning in harmony.  You can’t talk, bite, or chew without moving your whole lower jaw.  Your lower jaw is part of your temporomandibular joint.  The whole system is ruled by your muscles.  So we can’t predictably fix any of your teeth without first knowing how the whole system of joints, muscles, and teeth are functioning.

When the system does not function in harmony, the following signs and symptoms appear:

• Worn, chipped, broken teeth
• Loose teeth
• Exposure of tooth layers and loss of enamel
• Tooth sensitivity
• Jaw pain
• Headache and facial pain
• Earache from joint damage or jaw muscle tension
• A scalloped tongue or irregular tongue edges
• Gum Recession

So while small chips, slightly mobile teeth, or a slight “tension headache” may not seem like a big deal, they are usually early warning signs of a bigger problem.  If this bigger problem is not addressed, then those “small chips” become broken teeth or teeth with significant wear that need restorative dentistry like crowns or veneers to replace the damage.  If the disharmony of the system is not addressed when those crowns or veneers are done, then they won’t last as long as they should either.  The slightly mobile teeth become loose teeth that lose bone and gum support around them.  The slight tension headache becomes more consistent headaches and muscle soreness… and so and so on.

So if you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms or have had dentistry done that didn’t last as long as it should, come visit us at our Buckhead dental office.  We can complete a thorough exam and make sure your whole system is functioning the way it should.  If it is not, we can deal with things conservatively as opposed to having to do a bunch of dentistry in the future as things breakdown.

Welcoming patients from Buckhead, Atlanta, Sandy Springs, and Dunwoody.

Root canal — two simple words that can invoke a whole lot of apprehension and sometimes even fear. But the truth is, if you’re experiencing tooth pain so severe that a root canal is needed, the procedure actually relieves the pain. But how do you know if the pain you have is root canal worthy? My Buckhead dental office is here to provide you with some of the top signs.

Signs

• Tooth Pain. Obviously tooth pain is the first possible sign you may need a root canal. However, what makes root canal-needing pain different from other type of pain is that it gets worse when eating, biting down, or with any pressure.  Also the pain may wake you up at night or the tooth may just start hurting on its own.
• Sensitivity. A lot of people have sensitive teeth. And just because you may have some sensitivity, especially with hot or cold food and drinks, doesn’t necessarily mean you need a root canal. However, those who do need a root canal have sensitivity that doesn’t go away once the hot or cold element is removed. The sensitivity pain lingers around for awhile.
• Gum Inflammation. It’s not only the tooth that shows symptoms. The gums nearby the painful tooth may also show signs of a needed root canal. Usually, the gums are painful, swollen, and may have a small, raised bump on them.

How is a Root Canal Done?

If you identify with the symptoms above and you’ve realized a root canal may be what you need, you probably want to know what it involves. First, prior to getting started, your Buckhead dentist will numb the area to ease any discomfort. Once that is activated, the process can begin.

• Make a tiny hole. This hole allows access to the inside of the tooth where all the stuff is located that’s causing so much pain.
• Clean the pulp chamber. The pulp chamber is the space inside a tooth that contains canals. These canals are basically tubes where the nerves, pulp, and blood vessels are kept. During a root canal, all of the contents of the canals are removed, making it impossible for the tooth to feel any pain.
• Seal it up. Now that the canals are empty, it’s necessary to fill them up. The canals are filled to seal out any bacteria from getting back in the roots. These teeth usually need to be restored with a crown to prevent them from breaking as a tooth becomes more brittle after having a root canal.

Whenever someone experiences tooth pain, it’s a sign that something isn’t right, and it’s important to seek the advice and treatment of a dentist as soon as possible. If you’re having tooth pain, and especially if you think a root canal is what you need, call my dental office in Buckhead to schedule an appointment. We’ll evaluate what’s going on and work with you to determine best treatment to help relieve the pain.

Accepting patients from Buckhead, Atlanta, and Sandy Springs.

Whether it’s one that fights sensitivity or one that whitens while it works to fight cavities, different toothpastes are appropriate for different people. But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which is right for your specific needs? The team at my dental office in Buckhead can help.

Is it Approved by the ADA?

Toothpastes make a lot of claims — to whiten brighter and faster, to ease sensitivity, to protect teeth better — but no matter the claim, if it doesn’t have the seal of approval by the American Dental Association (ADA), it may not work as advertised. Those toothpastes that earn the seal have been tested and their claims were supported as valid.

Looking to Whiten?

Everybody wants a bright, white smile. But daily habits, food, and drinks can all take a toll on teeth, causing them to become discolored. There are a variety of whitening toothpastes available that can remove stains and brighten a grin. Make sure you use one that has a mild abrasive that contains magnesium carbonate or calcium carbonate. If the toothpaste isn’t giving you the level of white you’re looking for, consider a professional whitening or veneers.

Want to Decrease Sensitivity?

Having sensitive teeth isn’t any fun and can be quite painful.  A toothpaste designed to desensitize may help ease discomfort. Look for a toothpaste that contains a desensitizer such as strontium chloride or potassium nitrate.

Need to Fight Off Tartar?

Tartar is tough, hardened material that sticks to teeth. We mean really sticks to teeth. In fact, the only way to remove it is by a dentist or hygienist. So while you can’t do much to get rid of tartar once it’s there besides keep your regular dental appointments, you can work to prevent it. A toothpaste that contains zinc citrate or pyrophosphates can keep plaque from hardening into tartar.

No matter what your specific dental needs may be, your dentist in Buckhead can help you find the toothpaste that’s best for you and your smile. Make sure you use that toothpaste to brush your teeth every day, twice a day to fight off decay that could lead to the need for a root canal, filling, crown, or sometimes, even an extraction.

If you’d like help figuring out which toothpaste is most appropriate for you, or it’s time for your next dental cleaning and exam, call my Buckhead dental office to schedule an appointment today.

Accepting patients from Buckhead, Atlanta, and Sandy Springs.

When we say “man,” we really do mean men. Guys. Dudes. Call them whatever you’d like, truth is, this blog is for them. We’re not trying to single out the male population, but statistically they’re less likely to regularly visit the dentist. At my dental office in Buckhead, we weren’t exactly sure why. Do they not see it as necessary? Is a fear of dentistry more prevalent in men?  Well, we’ve done some digging, and we’ve got a few reasons as to why men avoid dental appointments.

Survey Says…

The Academy of General Dentistry surveyed several dentists to gather their thoughts on why men tend to avoid dental visits, and the results are interesting.

• 45% believed men don’t see a need to visit the dentist
• 30% said men are embarrassed or afraid
• 18% said busy schedules limit their availability

Additionally, we found research that suggests men only see a dentist when there’s a problem, not for regular, preventive care (which may have actually prevented the problem in the first place). Also, pressure that society has put on men to always be tough may play a role in why some men avoid seeking medical advice, including dental care.

The Importance of Regular Dental Appointments

Whatever the reason may be that a man avoids the dentist, it’s crucial for him to know that yes, regular dental appointments are incredibly important. Appointments at least every six months can not only keep your mouth healthy, but your body healthy too. Many oral health problems affect whole-body health, which makes early diagnosis and treatment necessary. Maintaining regular visits with your Buckhead dentist can:

• Catch cavities when a filling is still an option, before the need for a root canal arises
• Diagnose and begin treatment on gum disease before it contributes to heart disease
• Identify oral cancer before it spreads to lips, cheeks, throat, and tongue

Regular visits aren’t just used for preventive reasons. If you’re unhappy with the way your smile looks, or are embarrassed by your teeth, we can help with that too. Cosmetic dentistry like bonding, whitening, and veneers can brighten the appearance of your teeth. Restorative dentistry like dental implants, dentures, and bridges can bring life back to your smile. Whatever your smile goals may be, we can help you get there.

If you’re a guy, or if you know one, who has been avoiding the dentist for awhile, call my Buckhead dental office to schedule an appointment today. No matter how long it’s been since your last visit to the dentist, we’ll be sure to work with you to keep you comfortable and get you and your smile back to health in no time.

Accepting patients from Buckhead, Atlanta, and Sandy Springs.

Have you ever had your grandmother tell you to “put your shoulders back, stand up straight, don’t slouch?” Well, at my dental office in Buckhead, we think you should listen grandma’s advice not only for your posture’s sake, but also for your oral and overall health.

Posture & Overall Health

Every part of the body is linked to another. So when one gets thrown out of its ideal position, the rest follow. For example, many of us sit or stand with our heads too far forward, throwing off the symmetry of the rest of the body, including the jaw, neck, and shoulders. This causes strain on muscles and forces the shoulders forward and the jaw backward. When this happens, the bite falls out of its ideal, comfortable positioning and result in several issues like TMJ disorder, broken or worn down teeth, and even migraines.

How to Know if Your Posture is Affecting Your Oral Health

Listen to your body. If you’re in pain, something isn’t right. If you start to have changes in muscle fatigue or soreness, there may be a problem. If you notice any of the signs below, it’s time to call your Buckhead dentist.

• Jaw or neck pain
• Headaches
• Ringing in the ears
• Unexplained worn teeth

Take the Test

If you aren’t sure how your posture is, take one of these easy tests to find out.

The Mirror Test – Use a full-length mirror to check out your own posture. Start facing the mirror and look for the following:

• Level shoulder height
• Even hips
• Front-facing kneecaps
• Parallel ankles

If you’re seeing all of those qualities, your posture is spot on.

The Wall Test – Stand with your back towards a wall and place your head against it. Move your heels about six inches apart and place your buttocks on the wall. Use your hand to check the distance between the wall and your neck, and the wall and your lower back. If the gap is about an inch or two, you’ve been listening to grandma and standing up straight.

If you think you may be suffering from a bad bite, whether caused by your posture or not, schedule an appointment at my Buckhead dental office. We’ll check it out and find the best solution to get you comfortable again.

Welcoming patients from Buckhead, Atlanta, and Sandy Springs.