General Dentistry - Mesquite Dental

August 29, 2023December 6, 2022 by Admin

Plaque is a sticky bacteria that forms on our teeth. This bacteria attaches to surfaces in the mouth and forms a film on the teeth. In order to keep your teeth and mouth heathy this plaque should be removed regularly. If plaque is not removed the bacteria can accumulate from saliva. The plaque then forms a hard substance that can be white or yellow, and this is called tartar. Plaque and tartar bacteria can damage tooth enamel and lead to cavities.

Tartar builds up along the gum line or in between teeth. Brushing and flossing regularly can help to remove plaque and tartar, but visiting our office for your regular cleaning can ensure all of the buildup is completely removed. If tartar is not removed, over time this could lead to gum disease.

How Can I Prevent Tartar Buildup?

Practicing good oral hygiene habits at home can help prevent plaque and tartar from forming. Gum disease can be prevented by brushing and flossing. We also recommend an antiseptic mouthwash, and regular cleanings in our office to ensure your teeth and mouth are tartar free.

If tartar is not removed it can collect between the gum and teeth and cause periodontitis. This can damage the tissue and bone that holds your teeth in place. Gum disease can cause other more serious health problems if not addressed such as heart disease.

How Can I Manage Plaque and Tartar?

Plaque forms every night and the bacteria feeds on carbs and sugars. The acids can damage your enamel. If you practice good oral hygiene and limit foods and drinks with sugar you can stay on top of plaque and tartar. Visiting our office twice a year for your exam and cleaning can help remove any buildup, and keep your teeth and mouth looking and feeling great.

Are you Interested in Scheduling Your Next Dental Cleaning?

We encourage all patients to visit our office twice a year for their dental exam and cleaning. Our highly skilled staff clean and remove the plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. We care about your health and ensure you receive the highest level of care. Keeping your teeth and mouth healthy is important, and practicing good oral hygiene habits at home can help prevent tooth decay.

If you are interested in scheduling your dental exam and cleaning, contact our office and our friendly staff members will be happy to assist you!

August 29, 2023October 15, 2022 by Admin

Dental mouthguards may be worn to prevent patients from grinding or clenching their teeth. They arealso used to help with sleep apnea symptoms, and to protect teeth from injury during sports. At ourpractice, we work with patients who have concerns about protecting their teeth, and part of ourevaluation process is to determine if patients may benefit from a mouthguard.

As with any device, it is important to understand how to keep your mouthguard clean aftereach use.Taking care of your mouthguard is important to ensure the guard continues to protect your teethproperly. We recommend if patients use a mouthguard to add the cleaning process to your daily oralhygiene routine at home.

How to Care For Your Mouthguard At Home Daily

Rinse your mouthguard immediately after each use with warm water. This helps to loosen upany bacteria or plaque that may have built up while wearing the device.
Gently brush your mouthguard using a toothbrush. A separate toothbrush can be used for thisprocess if you prefer to not use the brush used for your teeth.
Do not use toothpaste to brush your mouthguard as this can be too abrasive,and could damagethe mouthguard.
Set the clean mouthguard on a clean surface and allow it todry completely. If you do not letyour mouthguard dry completely bacteria growth may occur. Typically, the drying process takesbetween 15-30 minutes.
Once the mouthguard is dry store the guard in a case toprotectit from any damage. It may bebest to store the mouthguard outside of the bathroom toensurethe humidity or steam doesnot cause the mouthguard to warp over time.

When Should I Deep Clean My Mouthguard?

We recommend patients should deep clean their mouthguard at least once a week. Patients canuse adenture cleaner from your local pharmacy, mouthwash mixed with water, or mix vinegar and hydrogenperoxide together. Place the mouthguard in a bowl,and let it soak in the mixture of your choice for atleast 30 minutes.

Once the mouthguard has soaked you can remove it, and allow it to dry completely before placing itback in the case. Cleaning the mouthguard case is also important. Cases can be hand washed everycouple of days to remove any bacteria that has collected over time. We recommend mouthguard casesbe replaced every 6-12 months.

When you visit our office always bring your mouthguard and case. This gives our doctor the ability toinspect your mouthguard, andensure the guard still fits properly. Our team can also help you clean theguard if necessary during your appointment. Taking care of your mouthguard is easy if you incorporatethe cleaning process into your oral hygiene routine at home.

Looking to Find a Dentistin Xto See if You Can Benefit From a Mouthguard?

If you are looking for dental restoration options, and are interested in finding out if you can benefit froma mouthguard, call our office to schedule a consultation. Our evaluation process can help answer anyquestions you may have, and we can listen to your concerns to determineif a mouthguard is right foryou.

At our practice, we welcome all new patients, and provide a comfortable and relaxing experience whenyou visit our office. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation, and our friendly staff will behappy to assist you!

August 26, 2021June 15, 2021 by Admin

Infections can be serious, and it is always important for patients to know when to call their dentist. Infections should always be treated right away to avoid complications, or other issues from developing. If you have a toothache and throbbing pain that does not go away, the infection could spread to other places in the body. At Mesquite Dental & Implant Center, we are equipped to handle any dental emergency, and offer flexible hours to accommodate our patients.

What Are Symptoms of a Tooth Infection?

Throbbing pain that does not subside
Pain in your jaw, neck, or ear
Sensitivity when you place pressure on the area
Pain that gets worse when you are lying down
Swelling around the jaw or mouth
Tender lymph nodes
Bad breath or odd taste in the mouth
Fever

Knowing these signs can help treat an infection before it spreads and becomes more serious. Never hesitate to call your dentist when you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. At Mesquite Dental & Implant Center, we put our patients’ health first, and provide exceptional care you can trust. Our team is trained to handle any emergency, and we will work to relieve your pain and keep you comfortable.

What Happens If the Infection Spreads?

There is little chance that a tooth infection will spread to other parts of the body. Patients that have any of the below symptoms should call our office right away. Infections that spread can be life threatening and should be taken seriously.

Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Headache
Change in vision
Difficulty breathing
Confusion
Swelling around the face or mouth

Pain that does not subside

What Treatment Is Available?

The treatment provided will depend on the severity of the infection. If an abscess is present, we will identify the location of the abscess, and determine how far the infection has spread. Root canal treatment may be necessary to treat an abscess if it is located inside the tooth. If root canal therapy is not enough, our doctor can perform an apicoectomy to open up the gum area near the root, and remove the infected tissue.

Other treatments may involve prescribing antibiotics to treat the infection and stop it from spreading. Our team will monitor your progress on the antibiotics to ensure they are working. If necessary, the type of antibiotics used may need to be changed, and a hospital stay may be required.

Sepsis can occur when an infection spreads, and the immune system overreacts to an infection in your blood. If this is left untreated, sepsis can lead to septic shock which can cause organ failure, or even death. Patients that have sepsis will need to be hospitalized and given special intravenous treatment.

Treating an infection is extremely important to avoid complications like sepsis. We encourage you to contact our office if you experience any sign of an infection. Let our team help relieve your pain, and get you on the road to recovery.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you think you may have an infection, we encourage you to contact our office right away. To schedule your appointment, please contact Mesquite Dental & Implant Center, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

October 15, 2022June 1, 2021 by Admin

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem, and many patients encounter pain or discomfort when they eat certain foods that are hot or cold. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, around 40 million adults suffer from sensitivity. Usually, the pain is temporary and can be treated to improve, but not cure the condition.

At Mesquite Dental & Implant Center, we provide many general dentistry services including treatment for patients that suffer from sensitivity. We strive to provide quality dental care in a caring and friendly environment, where patients can relax during their treatment. We welcome new patients to our practice, and look forward to you joining our dental family.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can happen suddenly, and to anyone. Typically, symptoms of sensitivity include a sudden sharp pain when your teeth are exposed to cold, hot, or acidic foods. Tooth sensitivity can also come after you brush or floss your teeth. Teeth whitening can cause sensitivity after treatment, so patients should consider this when they are deciding to start a whitening regimen.

Our teeth are protected by enamel, and underneath the enamel is a layer of dentin. Dentin is soft, and if the enamel on your teeth is worn down, or your gums have receded the dentin can become exposed. Dentin can be exposed from cavities or cracks in your teeth. The dentin is connected to the nerve area, and this is what can cause pain or sensitive teeth.

Other Actions That Can Cause Sensitivity

Brushing too vigorously
Gum recession from periodontal disease
Gingivitis
Teeth grinding or clenching
Cracked or injured teeth
Plaque
Acidic foods or drinks
Dental procedures such as sensitivity after a filling
Teeth Whitening treatments

What Treatments Are Available for Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can never completely go away, but there are treatments available that can help alleviate the sensitivity you experience. If you are experiencing any sensitivity, we recommend you make an appointment for an exam in our office. We can treat sensitivity easier if we know that is what is causing you pain. Never leave pain untreated as this could lead to more serious issues in the future.

Sensitivity Treatments

Using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
Changing to a soft bristled tooth brush.
Use a mouthwash that contains fluoride.
Avoid acidic foods or drinks.
Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth.
Inlays or bonding can help fix a tooth and decrease sensitivity.
Gum grafts can help protect the root area of the tooth.
Fluoride gel or varnish treatment can help protect your teeth from wear and tear.
Root Canal therapy if needed can help with severe tooth sensitivity, but this is typically the last resort.

Taking care of your teeth and knowing when to call your dentist is important. Patients should never have prolonged pain or sensitivity to hot or cold. It is always important to take care of your oral health, and practice good habits at home. At Mesquite Dental & Implant Center, your oral health is our priority, and we strive to provide our patients with quality and affordable dental services. Let our team help you take charge of your dental health.

Ready To Schedule Your Appointment?

If you are interested in finding out more about treatments for tooth sensitivity, contact Mesquite Dental & Implant Center, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

August 26, 2021May 15, 2021 by Admin

General Dentists provide services to diagnose, treat, and maintain your oral health. Our office specializes in general dentistry, and this includes preventative, corrective, and restorative treatment for patients. Our general dental care services allow us to remove any decay or disease from your teeth and gums. We preserve your natural teeth and keep you looking and feeling great.

Visiting our office regularly to maintain your oral health is important. Starting out good habits at an early age can create a good foundation for taking care of your teeth. Preventative treatment helps to keep teeth and gums healthy, and stop decay. During your exam in our office, we will evaluate your teeth and mouth, and develop a customized treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.

What Treatments Are Included in General Dentistry?

Our office has many general dental services to help keep you looking and feeling great. We provide consultations to discuss any concerns you have with your smile. Our consultation includes a detailed exam to determine what procedure is needed.

General Dentistry Services

Cleanings
Oral Exams
Fillings
Oral Cancer Screenings
Dental Implants
Extractions
Root Canals
X-rays
Fixed Bridges and Crowns

What Can I Expect During a General Dentistry Appointment?

Our general dentistry appointments begin with a visual exam of your teeth and mouth. If needed, x-rays are taken so we can take a closer look at the health of your teeth, gums, and jaw. We will discuss any prior health history, and review any prior x-rays if the patients had them sent over to our office.

Next, our team will perform a thorough dental cleaning. This removes plaque from the teeth and gums and polishes the teeth. We also check any existing restorations to ensure they are all stable and in great condition. This includes fillings, implant, bridges, and crowns. Our team will also do an oral cancer screening of the mouth and tongue.

If there are any areas of concern, we will discuss those details with you and create a customized treatment plan. Our staff will discuss next steps if you require further treatment. Patients may have to return to our office for another appointment depending on what is required.

Interested in Scheduling an Appointment?

Attending your regular exams twice a year in our office is an essential part to our oral health. We can help maintain your teeth and gums and keep them looking and feeling great. Exams allow our team to get in front of any potential complications or decay, and prevent serious complications. Let us help you take charge of your oral health, and call our office today!

If you are interested in scheduling your cleaning and exam with us, please contact Mesquite Dental & Implant Center, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

May 18, 2021May 1, 2021 by Admin

If you have a cavity and are reluctant to call your dentist, you may be hoping the cavity will just heal itself. A cavity is tooth decay that causes a hole in the tooth. If cavities are not treated more serious issues can develop. At Mesquite Dental & Implant Center, it is important to take care of your oral health and practice good habits at home. Attending your regular cleanings and exams in our office can identify if you have any cavities, and make sure they are addressed promptly.

How Will My Small Cavity Be Treated?

If you have a large cavity, you will most likely need a filling. If the cavity is small and is causing you no pain or discomfort, we may be able to watch the cavity by comparing x-rays to determine if the cavity is active or arrested. Small cavities that are caught early on can be stopped with good oral hygiene. Taking care of your teeth with brushing, flossing, and using fluoride can help strengthen the enamel, and stop a cavity in its tracks.

Treatments for a Cavity

Fillings
Inlays or Onlays
Crowns
Root Canals
Extractions

What Can I Do To Reverse Decay and Prevent Cavities?

Brush and floss at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste.
Increase your fluoride intake to help stop the cavity from further decay. Our office provides fluoride treatments, and fluoride can be found in toothpaste or mouthwashes.
Sealants can be applied to molars to prevent cavities from forming. This is a clear plastic protective coat that can help halt or reverse current decay on a tooth if the cavity is small enough and in the early stages.
Limit eating and drinking foods that have a high sugar content. These types of foods and drinks contribute to tooth decay. If you do consume these foods, make sure to brush right afterwards.
Visit our office twice a year for your regular cleaning and exam.

Interested in Scheduling an Appointment?

If you have a cavity that needs to be filled, or is causing your issues please do not hesitate to call our office. Leaving a cavity untreated can cause more serious issues if the cavity is not addressed promptly. Our flexible hours and schedule allow you to be seen right away. Your health is our priority and we welcome new patients to our office.

To schedule your dental exam or cleaning contact Mesquite Dental & Implant Center, and our staff will be happy to assist you!

October 15, 2022February 21, 2021 by Admin

If you have missing, damaged, or broken teeth and are looking for the perfect restoration solution, dental implants may be the right choice for you. Dental Implants are a permanent solution and are durable and long lasting. Implants function like natural teeth, and allow patients to speak and eat normally. Implants are comfortable and do not slip or click like other restorative options.

Your bright white natural smile will be noticeable and will look natural. Implants act like an artificial tooth root and are made of titanium. Implants are placed into the jawbone and act like a screw. This provides the base for one or many crowns. Custom crowns are made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth giving patients a natural white smile.

As part of the implant consultation process we will check to make sure all patients have enough bone present in the jaw to support the new implants. If needed, bone grafting can be done to add the support that is needed. This helps to create that strong base that is required for the implants.

Once the implants are placed, an abutment or connector is set on top of the implant to hold the crown in place. Temporary crowns may be used until the permanent crowns are ready to be installed.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Provide patients with a natural looking smile and functions like natural teeth.
Provide long term value financially.
Implants are permanent and do not slip or click like other solutions.
Implants preserve the natural bone in the mouth, and this helps to stimulate new bone growth.
Dental implants are built to last upwards of 25 years, but can last a lifetime if they are cared for properly.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you are interested in finding out if dental implants are right for you, we encourage you to set up your initial implant consultation in our office. This will give our team the opportunity to take a detailed look at your teeth and mouth, and discuss treatment options. We also will develop a customized treatment plan, and answer any questions or concerns you may have with the dental implant process.

Dental implants can be life changing, and can allow patients to live a normal healthy life eating and drinking as they would with natural teeth. Taking that first step is worth it to achieve that beautiful smile you have always wanted.

To schedule your implant consultation please call our office and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

February 2, 2021 by Admin

When someone experiences tooth pain, they usually think it’s associated with having a cavity. And while that’s true for a lot of patients, others experience tooth pain for a variety of other reasons. Below are three other reasons as to why your teeth are painful.

Gum Recession

Gum recession can cause tooth sensitivity and pain as well. Over time. gum recession causes enamel erosion at the gum line, which can make eating and drinking painful. The pain from gum recession can also mimic the pain that stems from having a cavity. If left untreated, gum recession may even cause permanent damage to the tooth and underlying dental structures.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth can also cause toothaches. As wisdom teeth try to erupt through the gum, there might not be enough room for them to come through completely. This can cause them to become impacted and cause pain.

This happens when there there is overcrowding in the mouth. The pain from impacted wisdom teeth varies between patients. Some patients experience severe tooth pain while others only complain of a dull, constant ache.

Dental Abscess

Most patients associate a dental abscess with having deep cavities. However, it’s possible to develop a dental abscess and not have a cavity. Poor oral hygiene allows food debris to settle in between the teeth, which can cause infection. That’s why our dentists also offer advice and demonstrate proper brushing techniques to ensure you’re brushing your teeth the right way to avoid developing an abscess.

Sinus Infections

Allergies and sinus infections can also cause tooth pain. Sinus pressure can make it feel like the pain is coming from your mouth, when in reality, it stems from your sinus passages. If you suffer from recurrent sinus infections, it’s a good idea to take preventative measures, like keeping your nasal passages clear, to prevent tooth pain.

Having a toothache without a cavity does happen. However, when symptoms don’t respond to treatment, you need proper diagnosis. If you’ve been experiencing tooth pain that’s not from a cavity, contact our office today. One of our experienced staff members will be happy to assist you in making an appointment or simply providing additional information about dental pain.

Need to Contact Our Office?

Knowing these signs can help you decide if you need to contact a dentist. We always tell patients to never hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. We are here to help, and a cavity should never be left untreated.

If you have tooth pain and need to schedule an appointment, contact our office and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

February 2, 2021January 28, 2021 by Admin

A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that places a cap over a tooth or dental implant. Crowns help keep the underlying tooth from breaking apart, and can be used to help fix an area on a tooth that is broken. There are different types of crowns available to patients, and depending on the severity of the tooth will determine which type of crown is best. Crowns are typically made of hard materials such as porcelain or ceramic, but can also be made of gold, resin, or stainless steel. They can be made to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth and blend in nicely.

Pros of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns improve your appearance, and can help correct any cosmetic issues in the mouth. There are many benefits to dental crowns, and crowns are commonly used today.

Crowns are used to replace large or worn out fillings in the teeth
Restore dental implants
Restore cracked, injured, or damaged teeth
Correct discoloration or alignment
Reshape your teeth
Keep cracked or damaged teeth from breaking down further
Protect the underlying tooth after a root canal
Crowns are durable and last for years

Cons of Dental Crowns

With any dental procedure there are always some disadvantages patients should consider. In some cases, crowns may need to be repaired or replaced. This is not common but does happen occasionally. During a crown procedure the tooth has to be filed down to ensure the crown can be securely placed. If a crown is not fitted properly there is risk that it can fall out, or allow bacteria to enter underneath the crown. Patients may become more sensitive to hot or cold after their crown is placed. Our office typically recommends a sensitive toothpaste to help with this issue.

If patients ever have an issue with a crown we encourage them to contact our office right away. Leaving a damaged crown untreated can lead to further issues or complications. Overall, crowns are extremely helpful in preserving teeth, and give patients a beautiful natural white smile. The benefits of crowns definitely outweigh the risks.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you are interested in finding out more about dental crowns, or if you have a damaged or discolored tooth, a dental crown may be the right solution. Our team is available to help you take the next step towards that perfect smile.
To schedule your consultation with our team contact our office, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

March 5, 2021January 15, 2021 by Admin

Mouthwash is used to help rinse away bacteria or food particles after you brush and floss each day. Using mouthwash is an additional way to help protect your teeth and gums. Knowing the differences between mouthwashes can help you choose the right one to incorporate into your oral hygiene routine.

What Are The Different Types of Mouthwashes Available?

Mouthwash With Fluoride

Fluoride mouthwash contain sodium fluoride, and this helps to protect your teeth from decay and cavities. Fluoride is also found in toothpaste and is added to our tap water. Only using the required amount each day is important because too much fluoride can be harmful to your health. Reading the labels can help to ensure you are only using the appropriate amount that is recommended daily.

Antiseptic Mouthwash

Antiseptic mouthwash is the most common mouthwash used by most patients. This type of mouthwash contains alcohol and can help to stop bacteria in its tracks. Using an antiseptic mouthwash can help fight bad breath, and prevent infections. Patients must be careful using this type of mouthwash. Overuse can lead to stains or discoloration on your teeth. Following the recommended daily guidelines is important to keep your teeth and mouth healthy.

Cosmetic Mouthwash

This type of mouthwash is used to only freshen your breath. Cosmetic mouthwash does not do anything to help with your oral health. Using this type of mouthwash can help rinse food particles away, and is a temporary solution for bad breath.

Natural Mouthwash

Natural mouthwash is a common type of mouthwash that helps keep bacteria away and freshens your breath, but contains only natural ingredients. Natural mouthwash brands do not contain alcohol, and the ingredients are safer compared to other types of mouthwashes available.

During your routine cleaning it is important to discuss what products you are using at home including your mouthwash. Our team is available to access your dental health, and recommend the best mouthwash for you to use at home.

Interested in Finding Out More?

During your routine cleaning it is important to discuss what products you are using at home including your mouthwash. Our team is available to access your dental health, and recommend the best mouthwash for you to use at home.

If you are interested in finding out more about what mouthwash may be best for you, or to schedule your next exam, contact our office and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

How Can I Prevent Tartar Buildup?

How Can I Manage Plaque and Tartar?

Are you Interested in Scheduling Your Next Dental Cleaning?

How to Care For Your Mouthguard At Home Daily

When Should I Deep Clean My Mouthguard?

Looking to Find a Dentistin Xto See if You Can Benefit From a Mouthguard?

What Are Symptoms of a Tooth Infection?

What Happens If the Infection Spreads?

What Treatment Is Available?

Interested in Finding Out More?

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Other Actions That Can Cause Sensitivity

What Treatments Are Available for Tooth Sensitivity?

Sensitivity Treatments

Ready To Schedule Your Appointment?

What Treatments Are Included in General Dentistry?

General Dentistry Services

What Can I Expect During a General Dentistry Appointment?

Interested in Scheduling an Appointment?

How Will My Small Cavity Be Treated?

Treatments for a Cavity

What Can I Do To Reverse Decay and Prevent Cavities?

Interested in Scheduling an Appointment?

Benefits of Dental Implants

Interested in Finding Out More?

Gum Recession

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Dental Abscess

Sinus Infections

Need to Contact Our Office?

Pros of Dental Crowns

Cons of Dental Crowns

Interested in Finding Out More?

What Are The Different Types of Mouthwashes Available?

Mouthwash With Fluoride

Antiseptic Mouthwash

Cosmetic Mouthwash

Natural Mouthwash

Interested in Finding Out More?

Want to schedule an appointment?

Contacts

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