Preventing Gum Disease At The Reno Dentist

Preventing Gum Disease at The Reno Dentist

This message from The Reno Dentist in Reno NV is about gum disease, and how you can prevent it.

Run your tongue along the gumline behind your lower front teeth. Do you feel a ridge? This is probably tartar, which is hardened plaque.

Even if you brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can accumulate. If not removed, these bacteria-breeding substances cause the gums to become irritated and swollen. Eventually, the gums become detached from the tooth, creating a pocket. This creates new space for plaque for grow. In advanced stages of gum disease, the toxins created by the bacteria literally rot the gum, teeth and bone.

So what can you do to prevent this from happening? The answer is two-fold:

  • First, brush and floss your teeth daily. Twice a day is best.
  • Get regular cleanings and check-ups.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV, we have treated gum disease in patients from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City. People also come to us for complete general and family dentistry, and all their dental care needs. Call for an appointment today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 750

How Do You Measure Dental Success?

Reno affordable family dentist

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV, the dental health of our patients is our number one priority each and every day. We hope that goes without saying!

How do you measure dental success? A check-up with no cavities? A perfect smile? A crown that looks as natural as the surrounding teeth?

It could mean all those things and many more.

For a child, dental success could be defined as a childhood free of cavities, learning daily dental hygiene practices, and gaining an understanding of why it’s so important.

For a young adult woman with stained but otherwise healthy teeth, dental success may be as simple as in-office teeth whitening.

For a middle-aged man who always neglected his teeth, dental success could be defined as restorative dentistry that stabilizes his condition and improves his oral health.

What about someone with several missing teeth who can only eat soft foods? Dental success might mean dental implants that make it possible to eat whatever he wants.

What are the goals for your smile? At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV, our goal is your dental health. We’ve improved the smiles of people in Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City, who come to our practice for general and family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and so much more. Call to schedule an appointment and find out what we can do for your smile!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 6718

9 Tips For Preventing Gum Disease

prevent gum disease Reno

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. But it is a preventable disease, and also treatable, at The Reno Dentist in Reno NV.

Here are some simple ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

  1. Brush your teeth for two to three minutes, at least twice a day, with fluoridated toothpaste. Be sure to brush along the gumline. Don’t brush too hard, but be thorough.
  2. Floss daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. Don’t like to floss? Try a floss holder, which makes it much simpler to insert floss between teeth.
  3. Although not a substitute for brushing and flossing, using a mouth rinse can prevent plaque accumulation and keep your enamel strong. Remember that fluoride mouth rinses are not the same as mouthwashes. Mouthwashes have alcohol and are designed to freshen breath.
  4. Eat a healthy diet. Starchy and sugary foods increase plaque. A sensible diet provides the nutrients necessary (Vitamins A and C, in particular) to keep teeth and gums healthy.
  5. Don’t smoke, or use smokeless tobacco, which may bring about advanced gum disease or oral cancer. That includes e-cigarettes.
  6. Be aware that certain medications can also threaten a healthy smile. These include oral contraceptives, antidepressants and heart medicines.
  7. Exercise prevention and schedule regular evaluations — the best way to detect early signs of gum disease and make a plan to reverse it.
  8. Talk to us about dental health topics such as old, broken fillings or crowded teeth.
  9. If you grind your teeth, ask us about ways to protect them.

Prevention is always the best medicine, so brush and floss your teeth twice a day. At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV we treat gum disease, and people from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City also come to us for cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 8129

Foaming At The Mouth: Are You Brushing Right?

Reno affordable family dentist

In this post from The Reno Dentist in Reno NV, we explore some specifics about brushing your teeth. One key to getting the most out of your toothpaste is getting plenty of foam when brushing.

Working up a good foam is brought about by pre-wetting the toothbrush, then brushing at a 45 degree angle. The foam helps dislodge food debris from nooks and crannies in the mouth. Go ahead and swish it around as you finish brushing to pick up any stragglers.

The abrasives in toothpaste are designed to polish the teeth without damaging the enamel. Because of the abrasives, soft toothbrushes are best. Harder bristles can put the enamel and gum line at risk.

The fluoride in the toothpaste promotes remineralization of your teeth. This takes time, so be certain you brush for at least 2-3 minutes, and get the foam throughout your mouth.

Flossing is an important part of cleaning your teeth. It doesn’t matter whether your floss before or after brushing. There are different types of floss available and they’re all effective. We do, however, recommend string floss over floss holders, because with string floss you can get all around individual teeth.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV we want all our patients to brush and floss twice a day. People from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City trust us with their dental health by scheduling twice a year checkups. Our services include general and restorative dentistry. Set up an appointment today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 6935

Our Top Priority At The Reno Dentist

Reno teeth bleaching best price

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV our top priority has always been our patients, and nothing is ever going to change that. Not only do we want want each one of you to enjoy excellent dental health, we want you to have a positive experience in our office.

What do we mean by a positive experience? No one really enjoys going to the dentist, and we understand that. Most of the procedures we offer aren’t painful, but no one likes having a bunch of tools in their mouths. One of the things we always aim for is efficiency. Rest assured, we’ll be thorough. But we won’t have you in the chair any longer than is necessary.

There are practices that try to rush patients through a checkup like they’re a car going through a carwash, but that is not the way we do things. No one wants to be treated like they’re just another patient!

Above all, we will keep you fully informed about what we’re doing. There is time and expense involved in your appointments, and part of our job is explaining to you everything we’re doing. Dentistry is a science with a lot of big words, but we’ll always make sure you know what’s involved with your unique situation.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV each patient is our top priority the moment they settle into one of our chairs. We want people from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City to be happy with their experience here. Our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Call us to schedule your next checkup today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 4968

Tooth Implants: The Role Of The Abutment

dental implant abutment Reno

Dental implants, like those available from The Reno Dentist in Reno NV, are one of the true marvels of modern dentistry: artificial teeth that look and feel like the real thing.

A dental implant is actually a titanium post that is placed in the jaw. It provides the support for the artificial tooth. A single, implant-supported artificial tooth consists of three components:

  • The implant, also called a post or artificial tooth root
  • The abutment, a connector piece
  • The prosthesis, a dental crown, bridge, or denture/partial denture

In this post, we describe the abutment: the connector piece between the actual implant and the artifical tooth.

A temporary abutment may be used just after the implant is placed. That’s because it takes several months for the implant to fuse with the bone. Once it does, it is a solid foundation, ready for the final abutment.

When healing is complete, most patients report anywhere from eighty to nearly one hundred percent of normal chewing power.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV we have placed dental implants in patients throughout Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City, who also come to our practice for complete general and family dentistry. Call our office to schedule an appointment today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 8173

Discover Why Patients Trust Their Smile To The Reno Dentist

Renoaffordable cosmetic dentistry

There are a lot of dentists out there. That’s just one reason why we work so hard to provide excellent dental care and build patient trust, at The Reno Dentist in Reno NV.

We may provide the dentistry, but it’s not about us, it’s about you. From the dentist to the hygienist to the folks at the front desk, we make it a point to address your needs and concerns.

When you’re settled into the chair in our examination room, communication is key. We’ll explain everything that is going on: during an appointment, and with any necessary procedures.

Dentistry can be a little jargony, and if an explanation of a diagnosis isn’t clear, we encourage you to ask questions. We always want you to be aware of the time and the costs that are involved.

We always see each patient as an individual. We’ve heard about other practices that rush patients through their office, like a car through a car wash. No one wants to be treated like that! To us you’re a person, not just another set of teeth.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV, we want you to leave our office with a smile on your face – a beautiful, healthy smile! Earning your trust is critical to our success. People from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City come to our office for dental implants, complete general and family dentistry, and much more. Please give us a call to schedule your next checkup today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 6772

What is the Recovery Time for a Dental Implant?

dental implant recovery time Reno

Once one of our patients at The Reno Dentist in Reno NV decides to go ahead with a dental implant, one of the first things they want to know is: how long is the recovery time?

Our answer? Recovery is difficult to predict, because every case is different. There are various factors that go into the process, but not all of them apply to each case.

Some of the issues include:

  • Any failing teeth? In addition to the lost tooth the dental implant replaces, patients sometimes have unhealthy teeth that need to be removed before the implant goes ahead. That extends the entire process.
  • Bone grafting? If there has been significant bone recession, we’ll need to boost the patient’s bone mass. This is usually done with a graft, which promotes new bone growth.
  • Osseointegration. This is a big word that means, quite simply, the process of the implant post fusing with the bone. We usually allow for about two months, but sometimes it’s faster and sometimes takes longer. Once the post has fused, it is strong enough to support a replacement tooth.

These are the main variables. It may sound like a lot, and sometimes it is. But it’s worth it! A new dental implant looks and functions like a natural tooth, restoring not only your smile, but your ability to bite and chew.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV dental implants can replace a single tooth, or support a full dental arch. People from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City also come to our office for general and family dentistry. Call us to schedule an appointment today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 8243

What Can The Reno Dentist Do For You?

take out silver fillings Virginia City

Not so long ago, your average dentist focused almost entirely on fixing problems like cavities or gingivitis. Not here! At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV we stress good dental health, and treating little problems before they get out of hand.

A big part of this is seeing our patients for regular cleanings and checkups. For most, that means every six months. That’s just a rule of thumb, and can vary from one to the next. Those who are at high risk for something like gum disease, for example, may need to come in more often.

Regular checkups also help:

  • Cavity prevention. You may have the beginnings of a cavity but feel no symptoms. As with so many things, the earlier we diagnose and treat a cavity, the better. Treatment will be easier, and it can save a tooth that might be lost if the decay were discovered later.
  • Control plaque and tartar. Plaque is that filmy layer that forms on the teeth. It’s easy to brush it away, which is why you should brush regularly. Plaque can harden into tarter; it tends to accumualte in those areas where brushing doesn’t reach. Even flossing may not get it all, but we will!
  • Maintain overall health. By now the link between your dental health and general health is well-established. Poor dental hygiene is associated with conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.

Of course, it is essential that your brush and floss your teeth twice each day. Remember, a clean mouth is a happy mouth! Find out why people from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City come to The Reno Dentist in Reno NV for general and cosmetic dentistry. There is a lot we can do for you! Please call to schedule your next checkup today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 6201

Why a Root Canal Is Not Something To Fear

root canal sedation Reno

This post from The Reno Dentist in Reno NV addresses one of the most feared dental procedures: the root canal.

If you find out you need a root canal, don’t panic. When we recommend this procedure, it’s to repair and save a damaged or infected tooth.

Why do people fear root canals? Simple: they have the reputation of being extremely painful. But in most cases, the patient is already in pain because of the damaged or infected tooth. Root canals will eliminate that pain.

And the procedure itself? The area being treated is completely numb from local anesthetics.

Root Canal Therapy

During the root canal procedure, we remove the pulp inside the affected tooth. You may think of a tooth as bone-like, but in reality there is a soft pulp inside. It surrounds the nerves and blood vessels within.

When  this pulp is damaged or infected it leads to a lot of pain, as well as a darkened apperarance. Once we have removed it, the space it leaves is filled and the tooth is sealed. Then it’s covered with a crown, which protects it and gives it a natural look.

Some patients report tenderness or pain in the days immediately after the procedure. But it’s usually minimal, and easily controlled with over-the-counter pain medication, what you may already have in the medicine chest at home.

At The Reno Dentist in Reno NV a root canal is nothing to fear. Patients from Spanish Springs, Virginia City, and Carson City also come to our practice for a full range of general and family dentistry. Call to schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

 

ArticleID 7119