How can we help you?
Choosing a dentist for your family's care is a big step, and we know you probably have a lot of questions about our office, dental care, and your own health in particular.
We've taken the time to collect some of the questions we hear most often. See if your question is answered here! If not – or if you'd like more information – give us a call at (561) 328-9050 to schedule an appointment at Groves Dental Care!
Other
There are multiple things that should be considered when looking for a great dentist for you and your family.
1. Look at Google reviews mainly: Make sure the dentist has more than 15-20 reviews and make sure the reviews are somehwhat recent (within 6 months to 1 year old)
2. Ask family, friends, and people in your local community: many times word of mouth can be a great way to determine reputation and legitimacy
3. Listen to your gut: Once you feel like you have done some research and feel confident about an office or place, make a consultation appointment and see how you feel after the consult
Many times, the only requirement to take into consideration before eating, is allowing the anesthetic to wear off. Otherwise, it is easy to bite your lips and cheeks without knowing it, which will cause some discomfort and bruising for several days to a week.
When extra care is needed
However, extra care should be taken with eating if you have had a tooth removed or a temporary prosthesis/ material placed in your mouth. These types of situations require some extra attention. Your dentist should give you these post-op instructions at the appointment.
Feel free to visit our post-procedure instructions section on the home page of our website if you want to see specific post-op instructions for certain procedures.
While every person’s body responds differently in different situations, a person who loses a tooth is much more susceptible to have a shifting tooth/teeth versus someone who has not lost a tooth.
If and when teeth do shift, they will generally drift forward towards the front of the mouth if there is space present as opposed to moving backwards in the mouth.
Shifting teeth can create a variety of issues including changes in bite, tilted teeth, loss of opposing teeth, food traps, and gum issues. Therefore, in most cases it is highly recommended to replace missing teeth whenever possible to avoid the potential for these issues.
Tooth Replacement Options
In many cases, your dentist can work with you to start a tooth replacement option right away if you need a tooth extraction as well, which can help to prevent these issues from ever forming. Whether you decide to go with a dental implant, bridge, or partial dentures, starting the process early is key!
Dental implants are one of the most popular choices available today as they are durable and comfortable. The process involves implanting a titanium post to replace the tooth root, and allowing that post to heal and bond to your jawbone. Once the healing process completes, you will have a full crown placed over the implant, and can use the tooth as normal. Dentures are another great choice, and we can help you work with partials if needed to replace just a couple of missing teeth.
Bridges are a third option, and another popular choice. A bridge works by seating partial crowns on either side of the missing tooth, over those existing teeth, and attaching a full crown in the middle for the missing tooth.
If you have any questions, or if you want to schedule an appointment to look at your options for tooth replacement, don't hesitate to contact our team today for more information!
Same Day Emergency Appointments
If you ever have trauma or an accident that involves your teeth or jaw, it would be in your best interest to go see your dentist to have him or her assess if there was any damage done.
Dental X-Rays for Emergencies
Sometimes trauma to your teeth can cause the nerve inside the tooth to die and become infected without you even knowing. Therefore, it is very important to have an x-ray taken in that area to assess the situation
You should go see your dentist ASAP especially if you notice teeth have chipped or broken, change in color, gums are bleeding, the area is sore, or teeth have actually moved.
What to Do if Your Tooth Falls Out
If a tooth/teeth have actually fallen out of your mouth, the best action to take is to put the tooth in milk and go see a dentist IMMEDIATELY because sometimes he or she can re-implant the tooth if you go see them within an hour or two.
If you think you are experiencing a dental emergency, or if you've experienced a break or crack, don't hesitate to give our office a call right away. We'll schedule an appointment for care right away!
Cosmetic Dentistry
Teeth Whitening will not damage your teeth because it is a reversible process. When whitening gel comes in contact with the outer layer of your teeth, it opens the little pores in your enamel known as rods and penetrates the enamel removing stains that have built up over time. This process is what causes your teeth to appear whiter and brighter after whitening. Whitening is reversible in the sense that the effect will fade over time which is why many people like to have custom whitening trays made, so they can routinely apply gel to the trays. This continual maintenance will keep a person's teeth looking whiter over time
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
There are two main agents that you will usually see in different whitening products, which are hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Both of these whitening agents work in the same way and there is not one that is better than the other. Carbamide Peroxide will usually be seen in higher percentages than hydrogen peroxide, but again this doesn't change the result or outcome. These differing percentages is just a result of the chemistry that goes into making them.
Teeth Whitening Side Effects
The most common post-op issue seen with whitening is tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity does not occur in everyone but if it does, the good news is that just like whitening, this is reversible as well. In addition, many whitening products now incorporate desensitizing agents in the gel in order to decrease the amount of sensitivity patients experience. Sensitivity has decreased tremendously since the desensitizing agents have been incorporated in the gels.
To conclude, whitening is very safe and one of the easiest and least invasive ways to brighten a patient's smile and increase their confidence and self-esteem.
If you would like to learn more about professional teeth whitening and the different options, call our office and schedule a consultation!
A dental veneer is a thin layer of material, most typically made of porcelain, that the cosmetic dentist lays on top of the front of the tooth. It creates the appearance of a perfectly shaped and beautifully white tooth. Across a full set of teeth, veneers can completely change the look of a patient's smile.
Veneers are bonded to the surface of the tooth, and a small amount of enamel is removed so that they can sit correctly. This makes the procedure permanent.
Custom Made Veneers for a Perfect Fit
Our cosmetic dentist in Loxahatchee, FL shapes and sizes each patient's veneers to fit their mouth, ensuring that the result looks like a perfect set of natural teeth.
Once the veneers are made, the dentist will bond them to the front surfaces of the teeth. By taking measurements in the patient's mouth and discussing the patient's preferred smile appearance, we can figure out how to shape the veneers to suit each individual smile.
Schedule a Consultation with Our Cosmetic Dentist in Loxahatchee!
Groves Dental Care has answers to your questions. If you want to know more about how dental veneers can reshape your smile, contact us today at (561) 328-9050 to schedule a time to meet with a dentist.
You shouldn’t eat or drink anything that will stain your teeth in the first 2-3 days after whitening. This includes red wine, tea, soda, blueberries, etc….
If you've been thinking about making cosmetic changes to your smile, let us know! We'd love to sit down with you and discuss your options.
We have multiple ways to improve the appearance of your smile, and choosing the one that's right for you will be a matter of taking into account several factors, including:
- What you'd like to change about your smile
- Your current level of oral health
- Your long-term goals
- Your budget
- Your habits and lifestyle
Professional Teeth Whitening in Loxahatchee, FL
One of the easiest ways to make a huge difference in the appearance of your smile is professional teeth whitening. This treatment can brighten your smile by several shades, and you can decide whether you'd like to have the convenience of in-office whitening or have custom trays made that will allow you to whiten at home on your own time. If the concerns you have go beyond whitening, there are other options available to transform you smile into something you will absolutely love. Some of these options include veneers and crowns. These options are not recommended for all patients. However, if you are a good candidate, these versatile treatments can completely transform your smile!
When we plan any course of treatment, even fillings or orthodontic care, we consider carefully the esthetic impact to your smile. We know that your smile is one of your most personal and valuable assets, and we take great care to make sure that it looks its best. The first step towards finding the right treatments for your needs is to schedule a consultation with our team. Give us a call today for more info!
Teeth whitening can cause some sensitivity that is reversible. If sensitivity occurs, it is best that you take skip a day or two in between whitening sessions in order to reduce the sensitivity.
This is best to do when using whitening strips or applying gel to custom whitening trays at home.
If whitening is being done in a dental office and it involves one appointment, then you should stop the whitening when you start to feel any initial sensitivity.
There are desensitizing gels that are sometimes incorporated into the whitening gel such as potassium nitrate. These type of gels can also be applied afterwards to help reduce any sensitivity.
Dental Implants
No, dental implants cannot get cavities. A good natural tooth is always the best type of tooth, but if a tooth is not save-able or has a poor prognosis (small chance of lasting any considerable amount of time) then an implant is the next best alternative. One of the main advantages of an implant is that because it is made out of titanium, it is impossible for it to get cavities.
However, implants are not immune to their own version of gum disease that could cause an implant to fail or be lost. This gum disease that occurs around an implant is called Peri-implantitis. This is typically characterized as an inflammation of the gums surrounding the implant, and can ultimately lead to tissue destruction.
As with all dental concerns, the best way to prevent Peri-implantitis is to keep up with your at-home dental care, and to visit a dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. Contact our office today if you'd like to learn more about the dental implant process, and to see if you are a candidate for this treatment option!
A dental implant is one of the most revolutionary advances in dentistry.
Imagine losing your natural tooth and wanting an option to replace it with something that is just as natural. Not only that, but imagine if it was impossible for this tooth to get a cavity!
Dental Implants in Loxahatchee, FL
A dental implant is, essentially, a replacement tooth. Unlike other options that are available to replace teeth, however, the dental implant actually replaces the root as well. This is a significant difference because it allows the implant to maintain your jawbone so it doesn't disappear over time like it normally does when you lose one or more teeth.
The main part of the implant is the titanium anchor that seamlessly integrates with your bone to hold the new tooth in place. Titanium is used because it is one of the most biocompatible metals on the planet; this means that there is an extremely low chance that your body would reject it.. Titanium is used in other medical applications as well, including artificial joints.
After an implant is placed
Once the implant is placed, time is allowed for it to heal and become integrated with the bone, making it a permanent part of your oral structure. This gives the implant long-term stability and security. When healing is complete, we will complete the implant with a restoration. Crowns are the most common restoration used and are ideal for replacing single teeth. If we need to replace multiple missing teeth, dental implants can be used to support a bridge or even a full denture. This gives both of these appliances improved stability and adds the bone-preservation qualities of a dental implant.
The first step is to get a consultation with an experienced team to find the best options for your needs. Give us a call today!
Invisalign
22 hours per day. Patients who do not follow this timeframe for wearing their trays will usually require more time for treatment than anticipated. The only times patients will remove their trays is when they are eating or brushing their teeth. If you are drinking anything other than water, you should remove your trays afterward and rinse them off with water to avoid staining trays and allowing possible sugars to sit on your teeth.
Orthodontic treatment can be performed on most patients regardless of their age. Certain risk factors may preclude one from being a candidate for orthodontic treatment including but not limited to periodontal disease, uncontrolled diabetes, poor oral hygiene, and smoking. Straighter teeth not only improve one’s smile but they also allow for easier and more effective home care, therefore extending the longevity of the teeth.
Invisalign Clear Aligners in Loxahatchee, FL
Patients who are determined to have straighter teeth, but absolutely refuse to have braces, may be good candidates for clear aligner therapy such as Invisalign. Clear trays that are basically not noticeable to the great majority of the public will slowly move your teeth over time to give you the straighter teeth you desire without having to involve braces. They also allow you to remove the trays while eating and while cleaning your teeth, which can make the process much easier.
Regardless of which orthodontic treatment you decide to go with, it's important that you work with a dentist who can help you find the best options to meet your needs. We want to ensure that your investment results in a healthier, happier smile that you love! Give Groves Dental Care a call at (561) 328-9050 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Elkhechen!
There isn’t really a right versus wrong answer here. Similar to selecting a toothpaste, this is a choice that is usually based on preference.
Fixed retainer
Patients who will be less compliant with putting something in their mouth every night before sleeping would likely benefit from having a fixed retainer. On the flip side, patients with poor compliance would also have a problem with having to use a floss threader everyday to clean underneath the fixed retainer.
Clear removable retainer
However, a clear removable retainer would be a great option for a patient who is willing to use the retainer every night, because they will also be able to brush and floss much easier without having the retainer in the way.
Invisalign braces are incredibly convenient for patients. One of the best aspects of Invisalign treatment for many patients is the ability to remove their Invisalign trays if needed. However, we do want to warn you that in order to provide the best results for you in the shortest amount of time, your Invisalign aligners must be worn with dedication. You should be wearing your Invisalign trays for at least 22 hours every day.
The only time patients should remove their Invisalign trays is when they are eating or for their oral hygiene routine (brushing and flossing their teeth).
If you have trouble remembering to put your Invisalign trays back in after a meal or brushing your teeth, try setting a reminder on your phone when you take the tray out or keep the tray near at hand so it doesn’t leave your sight. Do whatever you can to remind yourself and wearing your Invisalign braces will soon become a habit!
Arrange Invisalign Treatment in Loxahatchee, FL!
We enjoy helping patients straighten their teeth to create fantastic, healthy smiles at Groves Dental Care in Loxahatchee, FL. Our friendly, knowledgeable dentists, Dr. DeLuca, Dr. Herold, and Dr. Elkhechen, are all skilled dentists who can help you achieve your smile goals while maintaining excellent oral health.
Call our dental office today at (561) 328-9050 to schedule your consultation for Invisalign treatment or to ask any questions you may have about your dental care and treatment plan.
One of the reasons that Invisalign is such a popular treatment for tooth alignment is because most people will not even notice you are wearing the trays. This makes the treatment more appealing to adults in particular.
Getting straighter teeth isn't just about aesthetics either. When your teeth are properly aligned, they are easier to clean, both with at-home care and professional cleanings. Keeping your teeth clean from buildup is one of the best ways to prevent more serious issues from forming. Proper alignment also helps your dentist access your teeth and gums for exams and treatment as well, ensuring that you get all the care you need.
Whether you're looking to get a straighter smile that you love the look of, or if you're hoping to improve your oral health, Invisalign could be the right choice for you! Give us a call today to schedule a consultation with our team of experts to get started.
Sedation Dentistry
Anesthetic can take anywhere between 45 minutes and 2 hours to typically wear off depending on the type of anesthetic used and the amount used.
Some anesthetics have longer acting components where the numbing sensation can last between 5-8 hours. These longer acting anesthetics are typically only used for longer procedures that involve extensive surgery.
The important part to remember here is that, patients should not eat solid foods until the effects of the anesthetic have fully disappeared in order to avoid injuring or gnawing on their cheeks and/or lips and not realize it. Also, patients should avoid hot foods while they are numb because they cannot gauge how hot something is and therefore can easily burn themselves.
Some people cringe at the idea of going to the dentist. They may even go to great lengths to avoid routine checkups and teeth cleanings, despite the enormous health benefits.
We understand that many patients experience fear and anxiety while at the dentist. Our practice's mission is to provide the highest quality and most comfortable care possible, which is why we offer light sedation dental options to our patients in the West Palm Beach area.
Light sedation will relax the patient so that it will make the process of sitting in the dental chair much easier. The patient will stay conscious but calm for the duration of the exam, cleaning, or procedure.
Is Sedation Dentistry a Good Choice for Me?
Light conscious sedation is a good choice for reducing anxiety and making the dental experience more pleasant. Nitrous oxide has the added benefit of wearing off quickly, allowing patients to drive themselves home after the procedure.
If sedation dentistry sounds like it could improve your dental experience, consider talking to your dentist about the benefits.
Contact Our Loxahatchee Dentist Office to Learn More!
Grove Dental Care serves the greater West Palm Beach area, proudly providing our clients with expert-level dental care and compassionate treatment. Contact our dentist office at (561) 328-9050 to schedule a consultation to discuss sedation options with your Loxahatchee dentist and see how we can make visiting the dentist a pleasant experience.
Crowns and Bridges
Dental bridges and dental bonding are cosmetic treatments that conceal or correct dental issues in patients who want to improve their smiles. Bridges and bonds—together or separately—can fix speech issues, help contour face shape, give you a great smile, and enhance your ability to chew food
However, there are differences between these two great options.
Dental Bridges
A bridge replaces missing teeth. Bridges also maintain the shape of your face and reduce stress on your bite. A bridge can be attached to surrounding teeth to help keep it in place.
Because bridges rely on existing teeth, it’s important to see your dentist regularly after your bridge placement. Your dentist will help you maintain the health of surrounding teeth.
Dental Bonding
Dental Bonding repairs small chips, hides discoloration, and can enhance the appearance of crooked teeth. Dental bonding relies on tooth-colored filling that bonds with your tooth or teeth to enhance the appearance.
The white-colored filling, sometimes used to fill cavities, comes in a variety of shades to match your teeth and better conceal cosmetic issues.
Please contact our Loxahatchee, FL office if you would like to learn more about bridges and bonding.
Teeth with large fillings benefit from the placement of crowns, many times, because teeth with large fillings are usually weak teeth, develop fractures, and/or bacteria end up leaking below these fillings. These teeth have a high probability of fracturing with the potential of losing the tooth and/or may require Root canal therapy due to fractures or decay.
Preventive Dental Care
Toddlers should have all their baby teeth by two years of age. At this time it is appropriate to schedule an appointment with your dentist so that he or she can evaluate the child’s dentition for any abnormalities or cavities. Cavities in baby teeth can have irreversible negative effects on the underlying adult teeth and must be treated as soon as possible. Seeing the dentist at a young age also alleviates anxiety and fear for a child and allows for easier and calmer dental visits for the remainder of their lifetime.
As a new patient, usually a new set of xrays are needed in order for the dental team to properly assess your oral health and any conditions you may have. This is similar to having a blueprint before building a house. A blueprint is the roadmap to have the construction team build your house properly for you, much like xrays help the dental team do.
If a patient is having an emergency such as a severe toothache, we many times will just need to take one xray of that specific problem area in order to properly diagnose the situation
Existing patients will typically only require several maintenance xrays per year. If you are keeping up with your oral health care, you shouldn't need many additional xrays.
If you have further questions, or if you'd like to schedule an appointment with our team, contact us today!
Air-floss is not better than standard floss. Traditional string floss is more effective in removing plaque and debris than a burst of air. Air floss is a great alternative option for individuals suffering from arthritis or those who lack the dexterity to use standard floss.
Tips on how to floss
Flossing is an important part of your oral health! Making sure that you can get in and clean between the teeth, removing debris and buildup, helps to avoid tooth decay and gum disease over time. However you need to floss, making it a part of your daily routine is vital, along with regular professional cleanings twice a year.
Need to schedule a cleaning? Give our office a call today for more information!
Electric toothbrushes such as a Sonicare or Oral-B are very effective in plaque removal and keeping the oral cavity healthy in between dental cleanings. They also typically have built-in timers and shut off automatically after 2 minutes. Manual toothbrushes can be effective as well if used properly and for at least 2 minutes. However, studies show that 40-50% more plaque is removed with electric toothbrushes than with properly used manual brushes. Soft bristles are recommended for both manual and electric toothbrushes.
Shopping for toothpaste can be very overwhelming since there are so many brands and types available like sensitivity toothpaste, whitening toothpaste, strengthening toothpaste, etc. Whichever toothpaste you choose, be sure that it has fluoride in the active ingredients. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens the enamel and helps to prevent tooth decay as well as strengthening areas of the teeth that have started to decay.
If you think you might need a special kind of toothpaste, it's best to consult with your dentist or hygienist. We always want to make sure that you are making informed decisions about your at-home care to make sure you are preventing any serious issues that could arise. Questions? Give us a call now for more information!
Teeth with large fillings benefit from the placement of crowns, many times, because teeth with large fillings are usually weak teeth, develop fractures, and/or bacteria end up leaking below these fillings. These teeth have a high probability of fracturing with the potential of losing the tooth and/or may require Root canal therapy due to fractures or decay.
Dental x-rays help your dentist see areas of the gums and teeth that are otherwise not visible. This is the best way to help prevent issues from progressing too far, and it helps your dentist and staff to properly diagnose and treat dental concerns.
For most patients, getting x-rays done once per year is normal. However, if you undergo any more serious treatments, or if your dentist needs to monitor your condition, you may need more x-rays to help the process. For example, during a root canal treatment, your dentist may take several x-rays to ensure that your affected tooth is cleaned and filled properly, and they won't be able to fully evaluate this without an x-ray.
Problems that cannot be seen clinically in the mouth can many times be caught early with periodic x-rays, which leaves patients with better treatment options that lead to less time in the office and less cost. X-rays help to identify tooth decay like cavities, allowing your dentist to fill them before they become more serious decay.
If you have any questions, or if you'd like to schedule an exam with our team, don't hesitate to contact us todayfor more information!
Your tooth is actually made up of a number of layers.
The first, outermost, layer is the enamel. This is actually the hardest substance in your body, which makes sense since it exists to protect the interior of your tooth. The next layer down is the dentin. This part of your tooth is more porous and provides the main structure for the tooth. The innermost layer is the pulp. This area houses all the soft tissue of the tooth, such as nerves and blood vessels, and keeps your tooth healthy.
Smaller cavities that don't penetrate the enamel can't be felt because there is no stimulation occurring from the nerve to the enamel. Cavities that penetrate into the dentin may in some cases cause sensitivity, but will rarely cause pain since an infection has not yet occurred. However, many teeth don't experience pain at all, initially – even once the cavity reaches the nerve!
Why is there no pain with a tooth infection?
We know you may be wondering, "How can a tooth with an infected nerve not lead to pain?" Well, many times, patients only start to feel excruciating pain once the bacteria in the nerve travel all the way down to the end of the root, forming an abscess. At this point, the tooth is much more difficult to treat and anesthetize due to the abscess.
The main point to take away here is that routine maintenance appointments, along with any necessary x-rays, are the most certain way to avoid emergency type of tooth pain that can come out of nowhere.
If it has been awhile since you have been to the dentist or suspect that something may be going on with a tooth or teeth, make sure to see a dentist sooner rather than later. Small problems can turn into large problems without symptoms.Give us a call today!
It may sometimes feel like a nuisance to have to have your dentist do an examination once a year especially when your teeth are feeling fine. However, dental examinations in Loxahatchee can help you avoid more significant dental concerns in the future.
Did you know that your dentist is screening you for different treatment concerns during every examination? Conditions such as tooth decay, oral cancer, and gum disease are treated most effectively and with less expensive treatment procedures when you detect them early on. Early detection saves you time, money, and the stress of enduring more complicated procedures.
Your dental cleaning is also essential because it removes the plaque and bacteria buildup that causes many of these concerns. This is also your opportunity to connect with your resources – your dentist and hygienist – to ask the questions you’d like to about your smile and your dental health.
Dr. Elkhechen recommends that healthy patients visit every six months for cleanings in Loxahatchee, while patients managing gum disease may need three or four dental cleanings throughout the year to help them successfully control their condition. All patients should have a dental examination with their dentist one time per year.
If you have questions about the preventive schedule recommended for you, please call Groves Dental Care today for more information.
Periodontal Disease (Gum Therapy)
No, gum disease almost never hurts which is one of the reasons why patients who do not go to the dentist regularly end up losing their teeth.
Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory process that happens slowly over time.
Gum disease develops when plaque and tartar build up at and just beneath your gumline. The bacteria in the plaque and tartar irritate your gums and cause inflammation. This starts off a chain reaction that includes the bone and soft gum tissue pulling away from your teeth, destabilizing the foundation. If periodontal disease goes untreated, you will eventually lose your teeth.
The biggest problem with gum disease is that it rarely causes pain, so many people wind up having the disease without even realizing it. When this process is caught early on, it is easily reversible. If treatment is delayed, however, the condition becomes something that can be managed or treated but not cured.
The good news is that preventing gum disease doesn't have to be complicated. While some people are more prone to getting gum disease due to genetics or systemic conditions like diabetes, there are ways to greatly reduce the development of periodontal disease.
Brushing and flossing as directed by your dentist and hygienist will keep plaque and tartar build-up to a minimum, and twice-yearly cleanings will remove the remaining traces that tend to occur in hard-to-reach places. Being diligent about either your home care or your cleanings is not enough; both are necessary to prevent periodontal disease and other problems, like decay. If you develop periodontal disease, you will need more frequent maintenance cleanings, usually three to four per year, after your your disease has been initially treated with periodontal therapy.
Additionally, every cleaning and examination includes a screening for gum disease. Often, the first signs and symptoms are subtle, and they may go unnoticed by you. Your dentist and hygienist however, should know exactly what to look for, and thanks to technology like intraoral cameras, we can show you exactly what we see!
If you are concerned about your gum health, don't hesitate to call us today and we will help guide you through everything without any judgements!
Bad breath can be the result of a number of different factors.
Of course, eating strong- or pungent-smelling foods are likely to contribute to bad breath, but we're guessing this isn't the kind of bad breath you are talking about.
Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, is typically oral health related, and the distinctive odor is usually caused by a build-up of bacteria.
Bacteria can build up in your mouth for a number of reasons. The most common of these is periodontal disease. In this situation, your gums are actually infected by bacteria and recede from the roots of your teeth.
Another common culprit in bad breath is dry mouth. Dry mouth can occur for a variety of reasons. Older patients who may take many medications are at a higher risk of dry mouth due to the side effects. Surprisingly, mouthwashes with alcohol in them also contribute to dry mouth! We recommend using a mouthwash like ACT that doesn't have any alcohol. Tooth decay can also contribute to bad breath.
Treating Bad Breath
If you suspect or have even been told that you have bad breath, please call Groves Dental Care and schedule a consultation. Clearing up the problem could be as simple as a professional cleaning and improved home hygiene. We may also recommend periodontal therapy to help treat gum disease or certain treatments to help boost saliva production and reduce bacteria.
Flossing and tongue brushing are some of the simplest ways to get rid of bad breath. Flossing at least once a day before going to bed is recommended. Ideally, flossing after every meal would be beneficial, but we realize this may not be practical.
Many people have never been taught to brush their tongue. Ideally, this should be done in the morning after waking up and in the evening before going to bed. This is the time when most bacterial build-up occurs.
Cleaning your tongue is very important, and it's also easy to do with an instrument called a tongue scraper. These can be purchased at most stores, including Publix, Target, and CVS.
Give our office a call to schedule an appointment for a dental cleaning to get on the right track!
Tooth Extractions
No, in most cases it is NOT necessary to take antibiotics before removing an infected tooth. It was previously thought that taking an antibiotic before extracting an infected tooth was necessary to avoid any spreading of infection. However, it is now known that when the tooth is the source of the infection, you must remove the tooth in order for the infection to go away.
There are some instances where taking an antibiotic before extracting a tooth may be a great benefit or very important:
- Patients who require pre-medication based on the recommended guidelines
- Patients who have moderate to severe swelling involving multiple facial spaces which could spread further if the tooth is removed or patients who have swelling where they are very difficult to get fully numb due to the severity of the infection
- Patients who have Pericoronitis, which only comes into play when an upper wisdom tooth is compressing on the gum tissue that lays over the bottom wisdom tooth and causes significant inflammation
If you think it might be time to have a tooth extracted, the first step is to see an experienced dentist. Give us a call and we'll schedule a consultation to get started. We can evaluate your dental needs, and help you find the best treatment plan to meet all your needs.
There has been a long time debate in dentistry of whether or not wisdom teeth cause crowding. Some studies find that they do, while other studies find that they don’t. Some patients mention that they feel pressure from their wisdom teeth, while others don’t.
There is one thing that is certain with wisdom teeth. Unless wisdom teeth are fully erupted and the patient is able to reach all the way back and keep them very clean, they usually cause more problems than any possible benefit of keeping them.
Problems caused by wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth are very susceptible to decay, localized gum disease, creating food traps, bite issues, etc… due to their location in the mouth and the way with which many of them position themselves.
Therefore, in many cases it may make a lot of sense to remove them for a variety of other reasons not related to pressure. Regardless of the reason, if you think it might be time to have your wisdom teeth removed, call us today to get started. We'll help to evaluate your needs moving forward!
A dry socket can occur after a patient has a tooth removed, if the blood clot that forms in the socket gets dislodged, leaving the bone inside exposed. A dry socket can occur if there is excessive pressure created in the mouth such as with smoking, swishing, spitting, sucking through a straw, etc.
One of the most common instances of dry socket can be when wisdom teeth are removed. If you think you might be experiencing dry socket, the best thing to do is to call your dentist for further advice and care as needed.
If you have any questions, give us a call today for more information!
Dentures and Partials
Does tooth loss affect your smile's appearance or your ability to eat, chew, and speak comfortably? If you have missing teeth, snap-on dentures are a reliable tooth-replacement option that can restore your mouth's natural function and appearance.
Snap-On Dentures Are Versatile and Secure
Also known as overdentures or implant-supported dentures, snap-on dentures are a more versatile and stable alternative to traditional dentures. Instead of resting against the gums and remaining secure with sticky dental adhesive, snap-on dentures are supported by dental implants placed in the jaw.
With snap-on dentures, there is no need for sticky denture adhesives or the annoyance of denture slippage.
How Snap-On Dentures Work
Snap-on dentures have clips that you can snap or lock into place on the dental implants, hence their name. Because the dental implants are surgically placed in the jaw, they never move or shift in the mouth, and your teeth never fall out when snapped into position.
When dentures shift or slip in the mouth, the teeth can knock against each other, resulting in damage, breaks, or chips. Also, slippery dentures can rub against the gums, lips, and tongue, causing painful irritation to the mouth soft tissues.
Contact Us About Snap-On Dentures in Loxahatchee, FL!
Are you tired of unstable dentures that slip when you chew or socialize? Snap-on dentures are a more reliable and durable option for individuals who want to replace missing teeth and reclaim their oral health.
You can learn more about snap-on dentures by contacting our dental office today at (561) 328-9050. One of our friendly staff members can schedule an appointment so you can determine if snap-on dentures are fitting for you and your needs.
Upper dentures usually fit better and are more stable than lower dentures because patients usually get the benefit of having suction to help retain and stabilze the denture, whereas the lower denture has no chance of gaining suction. The anatomy of the bone structure of the upper and lower jaw are different.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Most composite resin tooth-colored fillings have a life span of about seven to twelve years. However, there are some things you can do at home to protect your investment in your smile and sometimes even extend the life of your fillings.
#1 Commit to an Excellent Home Care Routine
Daily brushing and flossing are the best ways to protect your dental health and smile. Keeping your mouth clean and bacteria-free guards against tooth decay that could break down your tooth enamel or impact the function of composite fillings.
#2 Visit Your Loxahatchee, FL, Dentist Every Six Months for Preventive Care
Routine visits to your dentist for teeth cleanings and exams are another important way you can protect your dental health. During your exam, your dentist will check your current dental restorations to ensure they're healthy and functioning correctly. They can tell you early on if your tooth-colored fillings are breaking down or need replacement before it becomes a more significant problem.
#3 Avoid Biting Into Hard or Sticky Foods
Biting directly into hard foods like an apple, for example, could cause a filling to break or fracture. Likewise, sticky foods like caramel or taffy might pull a filling out.
If you have questions or concerns about tooth-colored fillings in Loxahatchee, FL, contact Groves Dental Care at (561) 328-9050.
Teeth can become sensitive after fillings are done for a variety of reasons:
Sometimes the filling may be slightly too high which can cause sensitivity because you are biting harder than normal on it. Call your dentist and they should easily be able to take care of this for you
Deep cavities that are close to the nerve may become sensitive after a filling is placed. If your bite feels fine and everything else feels ok, then the tooth may just need some time to heal. It is always a good sign if the sensitivity begins to decrease after the first several days. If your sensitivity has not gotten better after 2 weeks, then you should call your dentist to have them take a look at it for you.
Sometimes, the nerve of a tooth can react negatively to a cavity that reaches close to it. Teeth where the sensitivity does not decrease after several weeks may require additional treatment to help relieve the symptoms