Category: Blog

Do you think your yellow teeth distract your smile to make it seem unappealing? The color of your teeth can change gradually and subtly. You might notice your teeth are yellowing as you age.

Yellowing of teeth or darkening is a natural occurrence with aging. The yellowing could result from the dentin below the enamel becoming visible because of enamel erosion. The changes to the color of your teeth can make you wonder how you can whiten them or send you searching for teeth whitening near you from dentists or other professionals if you desire instant results.

If you want whiter teeth, alternatives to conventional methods are also available. However, you must exercise caution with home whitening because you may damage your teeth and gums if you overuse the product or misuse them. As a result, you may be affected by more enamel erosion to become vulnerable to cavities and sensitivity.

How to Whiten Teeth Naturally?

If you are looking to whiten teeth naturally, you will not confront challenges finding many remedies that claim to deliver effective results if practiced over time. Instead, the best option to whiten teeth naturally is to brush them more often using the correct technique. In addition, you must ensure that you brush after eating or drinking foods and beverages that can stain your teeth.

If you have acidic foods and beverages, you must wait 30 minutes before brushing to prevent enamel erosion. Brushing teeth twice daily for two minutes each and cleaning all the cracks and crevices also helps whiten your teeth when you practice it over time. You can also consider using whitening toothpaste containing abrasive agents or an electric toothbrush because it is more effective to remove surface stains.

Besides the above, proponents of home remedies suggest using apple cider vinegar, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, coconut oil pulling, lemon, orange, and banana peels, and activated charcoal to brush your teeth to whiten them. However, home remedies have downsides, and you need caution before you use them without advice from the dentist near you because you want to avoid dental visits.

Causes for Yellow Teeth

Your teeth can appear yellow due to many reasons. Some of them include the following:

• Consuming certain foods or drinks like blueberries, coffee, tea, or red wine.
• Having a diet rich in sugar and simple carbohydrates.
• Tobacco use including smoking and chewing.
• Side effects of medications and mouthwash.
• Aging and genetics.
• Poor dental care and lack of professional care.
• Excessive fluoride consumption.
• Xerostomia or dry mouth.

Remedies for Yellow Teeth

The dentist’s office in St. Pete Beach suggests preventing stains before they occur and the best remedy for yellow teeth. For example, you must limit your consumption of staining foods and beverages and get plenty of calcium in your diet. You must also limit sugar intake because it supports the bacteria causing dental plaque and gum disease. Most importantly, the dentist suggests you get regular dental cleanings when they polish your teeth after the cleaning session to eliminate surface stains.

You will find many remedies as described above, claiming they can whiten your teeth without providing scientific evidence of their claims. Therefore they are better left alone in favor of teeth whitening in St. Pete Beach from a dental professional with adequate knowledge about your dental anatomy, ensuring you don’t suffer any damage to your teeth when trying to whiten them to complement your smile.

Why Consider Teeth Whitening from a Dentist?

The dentist in St. Pete Beach offers whitening treatments that are more reliable and deliver results instantly than most natural home remedies. The bleaching treatment performed by the dentist effectively removes severe intrinsic and extrinsic discoloration leaving you with whiter teeth by approximately three to eight shades brighter than earlier. The treatment from the dentist is safe and effective and completed in one appointment needing 90 minutes or less to give you a beautiful smile.

When seeking treatments to eliminate yellow stains on your teeth, the best option is to rely on authentic remedies backed by scientific evidence and provided by professionals like Dr. Jonathan Colucci instead of using natural remedies that might damage your teeth to make them appear more yellow.

You can undoubtedly use the brushing practices suggested above to ensure your teeth remain brighter and do not appear yellow as the optimal home remedy to keep your yellow teeth appearing whiter. Besides the above, if you need instant teeth whitening, the optimal treatment is offered by dentists performing teeth bleaching at their offices safely and effectively to eliminate yellow stains on your teeth.

If your yellow teeth make you think you must consider whitening your teeth, Dental Arts in St. Pete Beach, FL, provides teeth whitening treatments safely and effectively. Consult them today to your teeth and keep them brighter to have a pleasing smile.

What Is a Dental Filling?

It is a restorative treatment that repairs and restores damaged teeth. Dental fillings feature different materials that can replace the damaged portion of the tooth enamel. A dental filling can feature gold, silver, composite, or porcelain materials.

Types of Dental Fillings

Dental fillings vary based on the material used to make them. The common types of dental fillings are:

1. Amalgams – are metal-based fillings featuring a metal alloy of copper, zinc, aluminum, mercury, and silver. They are the most common types of dental fillings that have been used for many years in dentistry.
2. Gold fillings – feature gold as the primary metal. They are sturdy, making them suitable for repairing back teeth.
3. Composite fillings – are incredible alternatives to metal-based fillings. Composite fillings feature a tooth-colored resin that closely matches natural teeth. These fillings have become increasingly popular in modern dentistry by providing aesthetically pleasing alternatives to other dental fillings.
4. Porcelain fillings – provide alternatives to tooth-colored composite fillings. Porcelain fillings are created into a single solid piece featuring tooth-colored porcelain. The material is sturdier than composites, and as durable as the metal-based counterparts.
5. Glass ionomers – are dental fillings featuring acrylic. They are popular for preventive dental care, acting as dental sealants that protect teeth before damage occurs.

Why Are Dental Fillings Needed in Dentistry?

A dentist near you will not always recommend getting a dental filling. Instead, dental fillings in St. Pete Beach are ideal for repairing damaged teeth. Some of the instances that necessitate tooth filling procedures in Dental Arts – St. Pete Beach are:

1. Treating dental cavities – when you have a tooth cavity, it leaves a hole in your tooth that allows bacteria to enter the inner layers. A dental filling repairs the damage by filling and sealing the hole.
2. Protecting sensitive teeth – adults experience tooth sensitivity due to various factors, including enamel thinning. One of the ways to protect a sensitive tooth is by filling it with a tooth sealant.
3. Covering a tooth after root canal treatment – a root canal procedure entails treating a diseased tooth by removing the damaged soft tissues from the inner layers. After the endodontic procedure, dentists typically cover the tooth with a dental filling. Its role is to seal the tooth, protecting the inner layers from the re-entry of bacteria that can result in re-infection.
4. Restoring fractured teeth – a crack, chip, or break should not automatically necessitate tooth extraction. Some tooth fractures can be repaired using dental fillings.

Things to Note About Dental Fillings

Before any treatment by Dr. Cecilia Sorrell, you should gather as much information as possible regarding your procedure. Some of the things you should know about dental fillings are:

1. Aesthetics should not be the only factor you prioritize – although you must consider the outcome of your treatment when you smile, there are other important factors. For instance, the sturdiness and durability of a dental filling should be a priority.
2. Dental fillings are not tamper-proof – if you do not care for your tooth fillings properly, they can crack, break, or be dislodged. The outcome will be a damaged tooth filling that cannot protect your tooth adequately.
3. Your teeth can still get damaged – dental fillings do not assure you of complete protection. The rest of your tooth can still incur damage in the future if you are not keen on proper dental care measures.
4. Your teeth will be sensitive after treatment – the dental work done to repair the damaged tooth can leave your teeth feeling more sensitive than usual. However, the sensitivity should not last too long. It should resolve 1 to 3 days after your treatment.

How to Prepare for Dental Fillings

Preparing well is a big part of your treatment that can impact the outcome of your experience. Some tips to help you prepare for your procedure are:

1. Eat beforehand – before the treatment starts, the dentist will numb your mouth. It may mean not eating for a while, even after your treatment, until numbing wears off. Therefore, eat before your treatment unless your dentist requires you to fast for your procedure.
2. Inform your dentist if you have dental anxiety – the dentist may need to employ sedation dentistry for your treatment. In such a case, the dentist will recommend being accompanied by someone who can drive you home after your dental filling procedure.

In some cases, you need to get your tooth extracted. It is a crucial part of oral health. But leaving the affected tooth could result in serious health problems. Decay, gum disease, impaction, and trauma are the few reasons a dentist suggests tooth pulling. Although patients can avoid tooth decay or a few gum diseases using preventive dental care, other conditions like overcrowding of teeth, trauma, or infection require prompt treatment.

Situations That Force the Professional to Remove Teeth

The following situation creates the need for tooth removal:

Overcrowding of Teeth

Dental overcrowding refers to the inconsistency between the jaw and tooth size. It leads to the misalignment of the tooth root because of small jaws, large teeth, or both.

So when you have overcrowding in your mouth, the expert pulls single or multiple teeth to help with it. The orthodontist will first evaluate if there is sufficient room for the teeth to move and how crowded the teeth are and then make a decision.

After an Accident

An accident can lead to teeth, gums, ligaments, or alveolar bone injury. It can even cause damage to the lips, tongue, or face. To fix the situation, the dentist recommends a dental crown, veneer, or bonding. But if the expert finds the dental trauma more serious, he/she may even pull out the affected tooth.

Irreparable Damage to the Tooth

When the decay reaches the tooth center, the bacteria can invade the pulp. It results in tooth impaction. In that case, the professional usually suggest root canal therapy. But if the tooth damage is beyond repairable, he/she performs tooth extraction in St. Pete Beach.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease occurs when the bacteria in the dental plaque accumulates on teeth for several hours. It is mainly the infection of periodontal ligaments, gums, and other structures nearby the teeth.

Tooth Impaction

An infected tooth is a condition when a tooth fails to erupt from the gums completely. It’s mainly in the case of wisdom teeth. The dentist will recommend pulling out an impacted wisdom tooth at the dental office in St Pete Beach to prevent damage to other teeth.

What Happens When a Professional Extracts a Tooth?

Let us discover the things you can expect during and after a tooth-pulling:

During

• Firstly, the professional uses local anesthesia to numb the affected tooth and nearby gum tissues.
• Then, he/she will make the tooth loose using special dental equipment. Now, the dentist will lift it out from the socket.
• If the expert finds the tooth broken at the gum lining or decayed badly, he/she forms an incision in the gums.
• Then, the expert will disinfect and clean the tooth socket. If required, he/she may use a dental bone grafting.
• After that, the dentist creates stitches to encourage healing.
• Next, the dentist at the Dental Arts St. Pete Beach will put a gauze piece over the extracted area and ask the patient to shut down the mouth with gentle pressure. The professional will ask the patient to take out the gauze after the bleeding stops. Usually, slight bleeding occurs in the first 24 hours after getting the tooth pulled.

After

After the procedure, Dr. Jonathan Colucci will provide post-surgical dos and don’ts. It helps in the successful recovery. These include:

• Pick soft food varieties like pudding, yogurt, apple sauce, etc.
• Avoid spitting or washing your mouth aggressively. Doing this will result in dislodging of the blood clot and may cause a dry socket.
• After 24 hours, wash your mouth using a saltwater solution. You can make it by combining half a tsp of salt and 8 ounces of warm water.
• Brush and floss gently, excluding the extracted area.
• Refrain from smoking and alcohol consumption for the first 48 hours.
• Elevate your head with the support from pillows when you lie down.
• Avoid the use of a straw for the first 24 hours when drinking. After the extracted area starts healing, you can introduce solid food varieties into your diet slowly.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from an Extracted Tooth?

The answer to this question relies on the complexity of your kid. Most patients usually get back to normal. It means you will carry out your everyday routine within 48-72 hours because the jaw bone takes just several weeks to heal fully. But you need to wait for several months if you are looking to replace the tooth with an implant.

Inlays and onlays are teeth restoration procedures that dentists use to fix teeth that are damaged. People with decayed, fractured, and cracked teeth or teeth with minor damages are best suited for such restoration. Dental practitioners sometimes substitute a cavity filling with an onlay or inlay.

If you consider getting inlays or onlays, visit Dental Arts in St. Pete Beach. During your first visit, Dr. Sausha Toghranegar, a dentist in 33707, will first conduct an oral examination to determine whether you are fit for the onlay or inlay procedure.

When fitted properly and on time, inlays and onlays can save your teeth and prevent the need for a dental extraction or additional corrective procedures. Here is a more in-depth view of these teeth restorations that dentists in St. Pete Beach use to protect your teeth and restore your smile.

What Are Dental Inlays?

Dental inlays are pre-molded fillings placed into dental grooves to restore teeth damaged by cavities. They are preferred when the cavity is located at the center of the tooth rather than along the cusps or outer edges. The cavity progression should also be manageable.

The inlay placement procedure onto a tooth is straightforward and relatively painless. Your dentist will first use local anesthesia to numb the area surrounding the damaged part before drilling into your affected tooth to rid all the decay. Once this is done, the dentist will use the top crevice part of your tooth to get an impression that is sent to a dental lab. Composite resin or porcelain material is then used to make up a dental inlay that matches your natural tooth color. Inlays have a longer lifespan than traditional fillings and offer an almost invisible restoration.

When is An Inlay Preferred

Teeth can get damaged sometimes despite you having a rigorous dental care routine and consistently attending regular dental checkups. You can get an inlay to fix such issues if your chewing teeth surface is-

• Decayed, broken, or fractured, but the tooth cusp is not affected
• Extensively damaged such that it requires a large filling which could possibly weaken your remaining tooth structure
• Injured, but the damage level doesn’t allow removal of sufficient tooth material for mounting a crown

Dental Onlays

Onlays are quite similar to inlays in various ways, and the major difference is that they are made differently and are much bigger in size. Dental onlays are designed to enclose the whole tooth, whereas inlays, on the other hand, cover only a small portion of a tooth.

A dentist near you may recommend onlays if you have suffered damage or decay on your tooth cusps or biting areas. Onlays will also be preferred when the damage is extensive to the point that a standard tooth filling is not sufficient to restore the damaged teeth. Dental onlays restore a tooth’s strength and protect the tooth from damage caused by decay.

When getting onlays, your dentist will prepare your tooth just like they would when getting a filling. First, a local numbing anesthetic is given, and the cavity area is drilled out and cleaned. Next, an impression of your tooth is sent to a lab, where they will use it to make you a permanent onlay. In the meantime, your dentist will fix you with a temporary dental onlay.

Dental onlays will preserve your tooth structure in contrast to crowns that may sometimes need some filing down and cusps removal from your tooth.

Pros and Cons of Inlays and Onlays

The pros of both dental inlays and onlays are far more than the cons. Here are the pros:

• Superior support – Inlays and dental onlays use porcelain material that is durable and stable to reinforce a tooth’s strength for years.
• High-quality aesthetics – Porcelain matches natural teeth and thus is a realistic replacement option for natural dental tissue.
• Preserved tissue – Not getting an onlay or inlay may force you to get a tooth crown later, and a crown requires enamel removal to create the best fit. Using an inlay or onlay, therefore, preserves one’s natural healthy dental tissue.

Cons

• Multiple visits – If you get either of these restorations, you will have to return to our dental office in St. Pete Beach for at least one appointment after your initial visit.

We all desire a beautiful, healthy smile. Unfortunately, decay, trauma, gum disease, and discoloration impact our smiles. However, it is possible to repair your teeth and rejuvenate your smile with inlays and onlays. Continue reading to learn why you may require dental inlays and onlays in St. Pete Beach.

What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?

They are indirect restorations ideal for repairing a specific kind of tooth damage. Dental inlays and onlays are created from gold alloys, resin composites, or porcelain. Although gold is very durable, most patients prefer porcelain or ceramic for their inlays or onlays.

It is because they provide better aesthetics due to their tooth-like color. In addition, ceramic or porcelain can be fabricated and fixed on teeth within a single appointment. This is possible due to the CEREC device, which scans your tooth and creates restorations in a short time.

Inlays and onlays treat molars or premolars that are too damaged to support a filling but not too damaged to need a crown. The dentist near you will use inlays to fill pits and fissures in the chewing surface between the cusps. In addition, they will use an inlay to restore tooth damage on the chewing surface and cusps or tooth edges.

Why Would You Need Onlays or Inlays?

The dentist in 33706 can use inlays or onlays for several reasons, and some are highlighted below.

1. They use onlays instead of a crown since they are less invasive. Also, the procedure conserves a significant portion of the tooth compared to a crown.
2. The dentist will use inlays instead of fillings to protect against recurrent decay. In addition, inlays are resistant to occlusal forces. They also provide proper contouring to promote gum tissue health.
3. Inlays and onlays restore large cavities and teeth weakened by failed fillings or cracks.
4. The dentist may use them to avoid dental crowns during a root canal procedure. However, they are used when there is a sufficient tooth structure.
5. They are used to fill deep cavities that reach beneath the gum line as they ensure a good marginal seal.

How Long Should Dental Onlays Last?

Dental inlays and onlays are a long-term tooth restoration. They are cemented to the tooth and sealed tightly to prevent further damage, infection, or inflammation. In addition, the restorations are made from damaged and degradation-resistant materials. Therefore, they should last as long as crowns and longer than conventional dental fillings.

Generally, inlays and onlays last between five and 30 years. However, they can last a lifetime with the right care and optimum oral hygiene. The dentist in St. Pete Beach recommends regular interdental cleanings and flossing for inlays and onlays. Also, reduce taking highly acidic, sugary, or dark-colored foods and beverages. They damage your restorations faster.

Attending regular dental checkups will ensure your inlays and onlays remain in great condition and last longer. In addition, the dentist will help prevent various issues. These include marginal leakage, staining, fracture, and de-bonding. They will also prevent tooth damage and disease. Finally, if your inlays or onlays need replacing, the dentist will perform the procedure fast.

How Much Do Inlays and Onlays Cost?

The cost of Dental inlays and onlays in St. Pete Beach varies depending on various factors. Your dentist will give you an estimated procedure cost during the initial consultation. These are:

1. The material used to fabricate your restoration will determine the cost of treatment. Porcelain inlays and onlays are the most expensive, while resin ones are cheaper.
2. The cost is also determined by the extent of treatment required. Repairing decay or damage on smaller areas is cheaper than repairing extensive areas.
3. If you require sedation, the procedure will be more expensive compared to using local anesthesia only.
4. Your dental insurance will determine your pay for the inlays and onlays. If you do not have insurance, the financing option you choose will determine the cost of the procedure.
5. The dentist’s experience will also affect the cost of getting inlays and onlays. A skilled dentist must place them with the expertise for this technique-sensitive procedure. Contact us at Dental Arts St. Pete Beach if you need such a dentist. Our dentist, Dr. Cecilia Sorelle, will place your inlays and onlays properly to ensure they last a long time.

Teeth fillings are direct restorations used to fix cavities caused by oral bacteria. The dentist removes the decayed part and then repairs it with a filling material. This will stop the decay from spreading and make your tooth strong and resistant to damage.

Dental fillings near you will help restore a tooth’s original shape and function. Schedule a visit to your dentist in 33706 as early as possible for the best results. If the cavity is too big, you might need a larger filling.

Types of Dental Fillings

Among the different types of dental fillings, composite and ceramic fillings are the most common. These materials are customized to match the color of your existing teeth. They are also fairly durable, making them the best choice for small-to-midsize restorations in areas of the mouth that experience moderate chewing.

Your dentist near you will choose the right type of fillings based on your unique needs and goals. Depending on your needs, you may opt for amalgam fillings made of different metals. They have a silver appearance and used to be popular. However, today, many dentists do not use amalgam fillings anymore. Another option is gold fillings, which are made of gold. A normal gold filling contains about 75% gold, with the rest made of silver or palladium. Other minor metals may also be present.

Gold fillings are more expensive but also very durable, lasting up to 20 years. Other dental fillings include glass ionomer and composite resin. Glass ionomer fillings contain glass, while composite resins are composed of plastic or acrylic. They are not as durable as gold fillings but are less visible than metal ones.

How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?

The lifespan of a dental filling varies depending on the size of the cavity and the material. Your dentist will also consider the location of the tooth and your budget when choosing a filling material. A metal amalgam filling is ideal for molars because it is long-lasting and resistant to wear.

Your fillings should be cleaned and checked regularly to ensure their longevity. Ideally, they should last a decade or longer, but they are not guaranteed.

Regular visits to the dentist and brushing with fluoride toothpaste will help to maintain their beauty and prevent decay. Also, avoid sugary and carbonated drinks. Finally, you should report any cracks or missing fillings immediately. A filling can sometimes last for decades, especially if no underlying problems are present.

If the filling falls out, it will be painful and may need to be replaced. In such a case, you should ask your dentist in St. Pete Beach to replace it.

When Do Dental Fillings Need Replacement?

Fillings protect your teeth, but they can wear out over time. Daily chewing puts tremendous pressure on the filling, and this pressure can eventually cause it to crack, leak, or even fall out. When this happens, food and bacteria can build up and spread, causing decay. In the worst cases, tooth extraction may be necessary.

Some signs of a failing filling include a bad taste or a dark spot on your teeth. Often, you will notice the signs while brushing and flossing your teeth. Depending on your type of filling, this can be a good indicator that it’s time for a replacement.

Generally, dental fillings last for several years before needing replacement. However, they can wear out due to normal expansion and contraction of your mouth, and bacteria can grow in these areas. You can polish away surface stains, but deep stains will require replacement. Once a filling becomes cracked, it no longer protects against tooth decay and can fracture the tooth.

Another sign that your filling is starting to fail is tooth sensitivity, and it can be uncomfortable to touch or chew. You may also feel pressure on your tooth, which signifies that the dental pulp is damaged and needs replacement. Visit the dental office in St. Pete Beach for treatment if you experience these symptoms.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Dental Arts St Pete Beach for more information about dental fillings and what you can expect from the procedure.

Have you lost some or all your teeth and are considering dentures as replacements for them? Dentures are prosthetics that help replace missing teeth, whether one or all in your mouth.

When selecting dentures to replace your missing teeth, you help yourself by learning the different types of dentures on the market. Unlike earlier, when you had complete or partial dentures, dentistry advances now provide different styles to suit your specific needs. Therefore it helps if you consult the dentist near you to decide which denture type best suits your needs. The meeting with the dentist reveals the different types of dentures available to help you select correctly. This article focuses on different denture types and their benefits to help you make an informed decision.

Types of Dentures

• Traditional Complete Dentures: This denture type refers to the complete replacement of teeth in your upper and lower jaw. While dental bridges are fixed or supported by the neighboring natural teeth, full traditional dentures sit on the gums. Conventional complete dentures are removable and suitable for people with all missing teeth. Acrylic or porcelain helps make denture teeth held by a metal or acrylic base. Traditional full dentures are ready for placement in approximately 8 to 12 months after removing any remaining teeth and allowing time for the jawbone to recover.
• Partial Dentures: If you have a few missing teeth, dentist 33706 recommends replacing them with partial dentures. Removable partials consist of replacement teeth mounted on a pink gum-colored connected to a metal framework to hold the denture. Partial dentures, besides replacing missing teeth, prevent the remaining teeth from drifting out of position to create bite misalignments.
• Custom Dentures: While most dentures are fabricated to replace missing teeth, custom dentures are created to suit your smile and personal preferences. Custom dentures are expensive because they are created to give you a natural-looking smile.
• Immediate Dentures: If you plan teeth extractions, you can discuss getting immediate dentures from the dentist in St Pete Beach for placement soon after teeth extraction. Immediate dentures serve the purpose of replacing the missing teeth during your recovery after the extraction. However, immediate dentures need adjustments frequently to accommodate changes in your mouth as your jawbone shrinks as it heals.
• Implant-Supported Dentures: If you desire a stable replacement solution for your missing teeth, you will not find a better solution than implant-supported dentures. This dental prosthetic ensures that you receive natural-looking dentures feeling secure and providing a long-lasting replacement solution.
• Snap-in Dentures: Snap-in dentures are the best in terms of stability. These prosthetics snap in place with the help of anchors on existing teeth or dental implants. This prosthetic is excellent for people without natural teeth but with sufficient bone to support an implant.
• Overdentures: overdentures are removable prosthetics provided by the dental office in St Pete Beach placed on your gums but supported by dental implants. Depending on your specific needs, you can have over dentures on your upper or lower jaw.
• Upper Dentures: As the name indicates, these prosthetics replace missing teeth in the upper jaw.
• Economy Dentures: These dentures are cost-effective and a generic variety of replacement teeth. Unfortunately, they do not have a natural-looking appearance as other denture varieties.

What Type of Dentures Are the Best?

Before deciding on the best type of dentures, you must also consider your budget, dental problems, and comfort and discuss your requirements with the dentist treating you to ensure you receive the best replacement solution for your missing teeth.

If the endodontist in St Pete Beach determined your infected tooth is better extracted than treating it with root canal therapy and suggested you seek a replacement solution for the missing tooth, you merely require a partial denture to close the gap between your teeth.

For example, some types of dentures may not fit your budget, making it essential for you to discuss the prices of dentures with Dr. Matthew Williams before choosing any specific variety.

Your comfort also matters, requiring you to choose comfortable dentures whether you have fixed or removable prosthetics. In addition, the materials used to fabricate dentures also influence the comfort of the prosthetic. Therefore if you want the best advice on the specific type of denture suitable for you, a discussion with the doctor mentioned above helps you make an informed choice.

Your requirements determine the best type of dentures suitable for your specific situation. The dentist is the optimal professional to help you decide which denture type best suits your needs.

Dental Arts — St. Pete Beach provides different types of dentures if you think you must replace missing teeth with these prosthetics. Discussing your needs with this practice helps you choose an ideal replacement option for your missing teeth.

What is Root Canal?

The main purpose of getting root canal treatment in St. Pete Beach is to save a tooth that has been damaged or infected by decay.

The endodontic procedure involves removing the damaged or infected tissue from the inside of the tooth and then filling and sealing the chamber. The treatment can be performed by a dentist or an endodontist, a dentist specializing in this type of therapy.

The root canal therapy cost will vary depending on the severity of the damage or infection. In most cases, root canal treatment is covered by dental insurance.

What are the Signs of A Root Canal Infection?

Root canal infections can be painful and cause serious damage to your teeth and gums if left untreated. Knowing the symptoms of a root canal infection is crucial; you can seek immediate treatment.

The most common root canal infection symptom is pain. This pain can range from mild to severe and can be constant or intermittent. It’s often described as a throbbing or aching sensation. You may also experience sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, chewing, or pressure.

Other signs and symptoms of a root canal infection include:

• Swelling, redness, and tenderness of the gums
• Inflammation and bleeding from the gums
• A foul taste in your mouth
• Bad breath

You must visit a dentist near you immediately if you are experiencing these symptoms. The dentist will diagnose the problem and perform the root canal procedure.

What is the Root Canal Treatment Benefits?

Although root canal treatment is often considered a painful procedure, it can save your tooth and relieve your pain.

Endodontic treatment is ideal when your tooth’s pulp, or blood supply, becomes infected. If the treatment is not done, the infection will spread and eventually lead to tooth loss.

Root canal treatment has many benefits, including:

• Relieving pain: Once the infected pulp is removed, the root canal procedure will relieve your pain.
• Saving your tooth: Without root canal treatment, you would eventually lose your tooth. The treatment allows you to keep your natural tooth.
• Preventing further damage: If root canal treatment is not performed, the infection can spread and lead to further damage.
• Preserving your smile: Root canal treatment will preserve your smile and prevent you from undergoing tooth extraction.

What is the Process of Root Canal Treatment?

Our dentist in St. Pete Beach will examine your teeth, gums, and roots to check the condition of the teeth. Next, he will numb the area around the tooth and drill a small hole in the tooth to access the pulp. The infected tissues are removed, and the root canal is cleaned and sealed.

Root canal treatment usually takes one or two visits to the dentist. After root canal treatment, the tooth may be slightly weaker than other teeth and must be capped with a crown.

What is the Cost of Root Canal Treatment?

While root canal treatment is considered a routine procedure, it can still be costly. The average cost of root canal therapy ranges from $600 to $2,000, with most procedures falling somewhere in the middle.

Root canal therapy is usually covered by dental insurance. However, there may be some instances where only a portion of the costs are covered. If you’re considering root canal treatment, be sure to speak with your dentist in 33706 or endodontist about the procedure’s cost and insurance coverage.

What Can You Expect After a Root Canal Procedure?

After the endodontic procedure, you can expect your tooth to feel sensitive for a few days. You may also experience soreness, swelling, and tenderness in the gums around the treated tooth. These symptoms are normal and should resolve within a week or so.

To help manage discomfort, your endodontist in St. Pete Beach may recommend over-the-counter pain medication or a prescription for a stronger pain reliever. They may also suggest using a cold compress on your face near the treated tooth.

The swelling and bleeding will clear within a few days after the procedure. However, visit a dental office in St. Pete Beach for assistance if the pain persists.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Dental Arts St. Pete Beach for more information about the root canal process, symptoms, and the procedure.

Root canal treatment is used to save smiles on an epic level globally. This procedure has been known to deliver terrific results, although most people believe it to be an excruciating dental procedure.

That, however, is not the case. Root canal dental procedures are performed under local anesthesia and can mean the whole difference between you losing a tooth or restoring it to functionality.

About Root Canal Therapy

The root canal procedure is performed on structurally sound teeth with infected pulp. This procedure ideally involves removing the bacteria and diseased tissues from the root canal region of the affected tooth, cleaning it up, sealing the area to eradicate future reinfection, and placing a crown on the affected tooth to restore it.

Our root canal treatment in St. Pete Beach is an outpatient procedure, and our endodontist near you is focused on ensuring that your procedure will be as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

Even though this dental procedure is performed under local anesthesia, once it wears off, you should expect to feel some mild discomfort and swelling during recovery. However, this discomfort should wear off in a few days as you continue with your recovery.

This inflammation and pain should keep decreasing and not intensifying during recovery. If you notice it is intensifying, you should contact our dental office in St. Pete beach for immediate medical attention.

Persistent pain after the procedure indicates that something is off, and in this case, you should see our endodontist near you to find a way to eradicate the pain and discomfort.

Excellent Tips to Reduce Pain and Inflammation after a Root Canal Procedure

It is not uncommon to experience a little discomfort after a root canal procedure. This will occur as the site of treatment tries to heal.

Our dentist in St. Pete Beach, Dr. Cecilia Sorelle, offers our patients who have had to under root canal treatment some handy tips to ensure that their recovery after the treatment is less excruciating and progresses as it should.

Here are some of the ways you can reduce the pain and inflammation that may accompany a root canal treatment:

• Use a Cold Compress

Applying an ice pack on the side of your face with the affected tooth can help reduce pain and inflammation.

The cold compress is effective in this scenario because it numbs the area and causes the blood vessels within the affected area to constrict, decreasing the circulation in the area, thus decreasing the inflammation and pain.

• Use Any Pain Medication Prescribed

Before undergoing the procedure, our dentist will have an in-depth discussion with you about pain management. It is possible that after the procedure, you will be prescribed some pain and inflammation medication.

You should take this medication as prescribed and inform our dentist near you if it does not work as it should. Our dentist can help you reevaluate your dosage or switch to alternatives to ensure that the pain is taken care of.

• Avoid Eating Any Hard Foods Immediately After the Treatment

This will put unnecessary pressure on the site and make a recovery take longer than it should. You should avoid putting any form of pressure or strain on the affected region as this will cause immense pain and even increase inflammation.

• Salt Water Gargle

Gargling with some warm salty water at least twice a day will help reduce inflammation, relieve the pain and eradicate the chances of getting an infection at the procedure site. You should avoid gargling with hot water as this may make the pain worse by irritating the affected area.

• Avoid Alcohol and Smoking

It is advisable to avoid drinking alcohol and smoking until there’s a reduction in pain and inflammation. This is because both these practices make a recovery take longer than it should. Also, alcohol may counteract the prescribed pain medication, which is potentially life-threatening.

• Practice Proper Oral Hygiene

Most people find it challenging to do this because the mouth can feel a bit sore and painful after the procedure. However, gently brushing and flossing your teeth, particularly around the affected site, can help alleviate the pain. This is because brushing and flossing eliminate bacteria that produce an acidic substance that can irritate the site worsening the pain.

Apart from this, practicing proper oral hygiene ensures that the site will not get infected.

Do not hesitate to contact us today at Dental Arts St. Pete Beach if you need to undergo root canal treatment or for a checkup after your procedure.

When Are Tooth Extractions Required?

An extraction removes a tooth or tooth fragment from the mouth. This occurs when a tooth has become irreversibly damaged or infected, and there are no viable alternatives. For example, you may have an infected or abscessed tooth or bone loss around the tooth that could lead to other problems.

Your dentist will strive to preserve your teeth by opting for other treatments. However, if you have a tooth that appears to be beyond repair, you may need to visit an extraction dentist near you for assessment.

Some of the reasons you may need a tooth extraction in St. Pete Beach include:

• Severe trauma 

This is when the tooth is damaged to such an extent that it needs to be removed. This may occur, for example, if a heavy object has hit it or a medical procedure has broken it.

• Infection.

A severely infected tooth may require extraction, especially if the infection has spread to the supporting tissues.

• Tooth disease

Some tooth diseases, such as periodontal disease, may require the affected tooth to be extracted. This is because the disease is causing further damage to the tooth.

• Extreme decay

If a tooth has severe decay that has reached the root, it may need to be removed.

• Overcrowding

Overcrowding is when the teeth erupt on top of each other because of a lack of jaw space. Crowded teeth can lead to teeth alignment issues, and our dentist in 33706 may recommend extraction to pave the way for the alignment procedure.

What is The Process of Receiving a Tooth Extraction?

The process of receiving an extraction is straightforward. The first step is to schedule an appointment with a dental office in St. Pete Beach. Your dentist evaluates your teeth, gums, and jaw and explains the process of receiving an extraction, the risks, benefits, and alternatives to tooth extractions.

The tooth extraction procedure is done in two ways, either surgical or non-surgical, depending on the visibility and location of the tooth. The dentist will numb the gums, open them and remove the tooth.

What Can You Expect After Extraction?

The most common side effect of extraction is a sore mouth for up to 7 to 10 days, after which you should start to recover. There is a risk of infection, but if it does occur, there are antibiotics that can be administered. Extraction also leaves unsightly gaps that need replacing to prevent bone deterioration.

What Are The Tooth Extraction Alternatives?

Tooth extraction may be unavoidable in some cases, but there are times when alternatives are considered to resolve the problems. Some of the alternatives include:

• Root canal treatment

While most tooth decay is located at the surface of the tooth, the pulp and the root of the tooth are the most fragile parts. When the decay reaches the pulp, the tooth becomes infected, leading to root canal treatment. Your endodontist in St. Pete Beach will remove the infected pulp to stop the spread and save the tooth from extraction.

• Apicectomy

Apicectomy is the removal of the apex (tip of the root. It is a minor procedure performed if the infection persists after a root canal treatment. The dentist will numb the gums, opens the flaps, and remove the infected tissue.

• Fillings

Teeth fillings are used when you have minor cavities affecting only the surface. Dr. Cecilia Sorelle will clean the teeth, drill out the cavity and use a filling to cover it.

• Crowns

A crown is a thin protective cover placed over the tooth to act as a protective layer. This is usually recommended in cases where the tooth is severely damaged, or a large filling is needed. The procedure involves making the crown by carving a replica of the tooth on a model. The dentist will place the finished crown over the damaged area and permanently secure it to the tooth.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Dental Arts St. Pete Beach for more information about tooth extraction, its methods, and the alternatives.