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What Happens If A Cavity Is Left Untreated?

Posted on: February 24, 2025 by Arpit Shah

Tooth decay is a common problem for patients of all ages. However, some may not believe that it is a serious issue, leading them to delay necessary care. When left unchecked, cavities can cause discomfort and even tooth loss.

Causes of Tooth Decay

  • Inadequate Oral Hygiene: Brush at least twice a day and floss once daily using fluoride toothpaste.
  • Skipped Dental Visits: When your dentist does not see you regularly, they may not be able to treat early-stage decay.
  • Dietary Choices: Avoiding sugary, acidic, and sticky foods helps protect your tooth enamel. If you do choose to consume these foods, brush your teeth afterward.
  • Misaligned Teeth: Crowded, crossed teeth harbor food particles and plaque bacteria that cause decay.
  • Dry Mouth: Saliva naturally cleans your mouth. Some medications cause dry mouth, which can raise your chance of developing tooth decay. Snoring and sleep apnea can also be at fault.
  • Lack of Fluoride Exposure: If you drink non-fluoridated water at home (well, spring, or bottled water), you may be more vulnerable to tooth decay.

Consequences of Untreated Tooth Decay

Discomfort

Untreated cavities can expose the dentin and, in some cases, the pulp chamber, causing varying degrees of discomfort and sensitivity.

Discoloration

Advanced tooth decay can cause unsightly brown or black tooth discoloration.

Bad Breath

Tooth decay allows the bacteria that cause bad breath to grow.

Need for Root Canal Therapy

If tooth decay reaches the pulp chamber and affects the nerves, you may experience severe sensitivity and discomfort. In this case, your dentist may be able to perform a root canal to save the natural tooth.

Tooth Loss

If your tooth sustains too much damage to replace, it may break, fall out, or need extraction to preserve your oral health.

Tooth Replacements

Bridges, dentures, and implants can replace missing teeth. However, due to insurance coverage limits, these appliances often have an upfront cost.

Detecting Tooth Decay

Dentists visually inspect teeth to check for early signs of tooth decay and use digital X-rays to find hidden issues. If you skip dental visits, your dentist may miss signs of decay until it becomes a significant problem.

Preventing Tooth Decay

Fortunately, tooth decay is a preventable disease. Improving your oral hygiene habits can protect your teeth against its damaging effects. Brush and floss as your dentist recommends, using ADA-approved toothpaste.

 

Keep all dental appointments. Seeing your dentist at least twice a year protects against many oral health issues. If you follow these recommendations, you can fight tooth decay and preserve your smile for a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Decay

If my child’s baby tooth has a cavity, does it need treatment?

Children with tooth decay should always receive treatment. Poor oral health in childhood can last a lifetime.

Can I receive tooth-colored fillings?

Composite fillings have become increasingly popular. They use a resin material carefully crafted to match your natural teeth. They strengthen teeth and last for years.

 

Lane Family Dentistry provides comprehensive oral health care for the entire family in Vilonia, AR. We believe that dental visits should be comfortable, relaxing, and pleasant. Please get in touch with Lane Family Dentistry to schedule your appointment today.  

Choose the Best Dentist for Your Family in Vilonia, AR

Posted on: December 17, 2024 by Arpit Shah

A trusted family dentist is a crucial partner in maintaining your oral health. If you are new to Vilonia, AR, or need to switch family dentists, you may feel overwhelmed by the decision. This blog provides a step-by-step guide to choosing the best area dentist for your family, sharing the criteria that can help inform your choice.

1. Word of Mouth

Word-of-mouth recommendations are one of the best ways to compare dental providers. Talk to your friends and neighbors about their family dentist and find out how they feel about the care they receive. If they love their dental practice, they will let you know. If they have experienced issues, ask about how the dentist resolved them.

2. Discover Convenience

Check the office’s location and proximity to your home, work, and school. Look for adequate parking. If you require an accessible entrance, ensure the practice has one. Find the practice’s open hours and decide whether they fit with your schedule.

3. Check Qualifications

Research the dentist, paying close attention to their education, specialties, and community involvement. Getting to know your dentist can help you start conversations and understand their background.

4. Look for Awards

Research local “top dentists” lists and other recognition programs in your community. A high ranking on these lists shows a great deal of support for the practice.

5. Evaluate Services

While family dentists often offer similar services, some practices set themselves apart. Find out which services you can access in-house and when you may need to see a specialist.

6. Research Technology

A quality family dental practice will employ up-to-date equipment and procedures, such as 3D digital impressions, digital X-rays, and laser treatment. Check the practice’s website to learn about its use of technology.

7. Office Visits

You may be able to schedule a time to visit the office and meet the team. A friendly, professional office team is an asset to any dental practice. While you are there, check for cleanliness and organization as well as any comfort amenities. Check for a child-friendly atmosphere.

8. Check Reviews

Online reviews can be a valuable tool, but the results may show bias. General review trends may be more telling than isolated problems.

Frequently Asked Questions about Family Dentistry

How often should my family see the dentist?

We generally recommend that every patient see us every six months. Depending on your risk factors for tooth decay and gum disease, we may recommend more or less frequent visits.

Are dental X-rays safe?

Today’s digital X-rays use a small amount of radiation compared to past decades, making them safe for children and adults alike.

Call Lane Family Dentistry

If you need help choosing a family dentist in Vilonia, we would be glad to schedule an appointment with you and help you explore our services. Please call our office today at 501-796-3903.

Are You Properly Brushing Your Teeth?

Posted on: July 22, 2024 by Arpit Shah

Most patients believe that they brush their teeth properly. However, they may still encounter preventable gum disease and tooth decay. Patients want to know why brushing twice daily is insufficient to maintain oral health. The answer often lies in their toothbrushing technique. A quick pass with a toothbrush is not enough to achieve a high level of cleanliness and help protect against oral health problems.

This blog will describe the correct way to brush your teeth and give tips on technique and equipment. When you use these guidelines to improve your home oral care, you will notice better dental checkups and a more brilliant smile.

Selecting Your Toothbrush

Your toothbrushing technique matters more than your choice of equipment. Purchase a soft or sensitive toothbrush to prevent gum and enamel damage. Replace your brush at least once every three months, checking it regularly for signs of wear. If the bristles no longer stand upright or your teeth no longer feel clean when you brush, it is time for a new toothbrush.

Whether you choose an electric version or a manual brush, you will achieve maximum results by following these instructions:

Step 1: Brushing

Use an approved fluoride toothpaste. Brush for two minutes, splitting your mouth into four sections: upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left. Spend about 30 seconds in each quarter of your mouth. A timer may help you remember this guideline.

Angle your brush toward your gums. Holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle helps to cover the crucial area where the teeth meet the gums. Plaque and tartar collect in this zone and cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Move your toothbrush in a circular motion, rotating them gently. Do not push down too hard while brushing, or you will damage your gums.

Brush your tongue to clear away collected bacteria and naturally freshen your breath.

Step 2: Flossing

Use 18 to 24 inches of standard dental floss. You can also use a water flosser or individual floss pick.

Wind the floss around each middle finger, leaving a 1- to 2-inch section in the center. Hold the floss with your index fingers and thumb and gently guide it between the teeth. Move the floss up and down smoothly, cleaning each side of the tooth.

When you reach the gums, curve your floss into a C. This shape will let the floss go between your tooth and gum.

After you floss each tooth, expose a clean section of floss and progress to the next.

If your gums bleed when you floss, you may have gingivitis or the first stage of gum disease. Bring this problem to your hygienist’s attention as soon as possible. Gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease when left unchecked and will eventually endanger your natural teeth. However, the condition is reversible with proper home care and regular cleanings.

Step 3: Rinsing

After brushing and flossing, your teeth need to be rinsed. Some dentists suggest waiting 30 minutes after brushing to rinse your teeth or drink water because this can increase fluoride’s benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Oral Care

Why is proper brushing and flossing so important?

Home care and dental cleanings are equally important in supporting your oral health. If you neglect your teeth at home, your hygienist cannot make up for it in the dentist’s chair.

The more you follow instructions for proper brushing and flossing, the more likely you will have positive dental visits and protect yourself from the damaging effects of plaque, tartar, gum disease, and tooth decay.

Can I speed up my brushing routine if I use an electric toothbrush?

While electric toothbrushes remove more plaque than the standard variety, they are not a shortcut to cleaner teeth. You will still need to spend 2 minutes brushing and paying attention to each section of your mouth. An electric toothbrush is an asset to older patients who have difficulty keeping up with oral hygiene due to arthritis.

Call Lane Family Dentistry

When you follow our tips for brushing and flossing, you will experience consistently better checkups and protect your teeth from long-term damage. Brushing and flossing take only a few minutes each day, and they pay off in lower lifetime dental costs.

To learn more about home oral care and how it can affect oral health, please call our Vilonia, AR, office at 501-796-3903.

How Do You Whiten Teeth Instantly?

Posted on: May 14, 2024 by Arpit Shah

If you have yellow, stained, or discolored teeth, you know how uncomfortable they can make you feel. You may try to hide your smile in photos or social situations.

Professional chairside teeth whitening can give you a chance at a radiant smile in just one visit. When a dental professional provides this treatment, it is safe, effective, and shows stunning results.

Reasons Why Teeth Become Discolored

Even if you brush and floss daily, your teeth may become stained. The following conditions and lifestyle habits may lead to stained teeth:

  • Natural aging
  • Smoking or tobacco use of any kind
  • Highly pigmented foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and dark chocolate
  • Certain medications
  • Poor oral hygiene and missing dental appointments

Teeth Whitening Options

Over-the-Counter Whitening

You may believe that over-the-counter whitening is less expensive than professional whitening and that over-the-counter products are equally effective. However, over-the-counter products generally use a far lower concentration of whitening ingredients than professional products, making their results less predictable and more gradual.

Conversely, some whitening gels purchased online are too strong to be used without dental supervision, leading to excess sensitivity and chemical burns to the gums.

At-Home Professional Whitening

At-home professional whitening is a safe, effective alternative to over-the-counter solutions. If you want a more gradual change, at-home professional whitening may be your best choice.

In-Office Professional Whitening

In-office or chairside whitening is the only way to significantly whiten teeth in just one or two office visits. You can achieve up to eight whitening shades in one session.

How In-Office Teeth Whitening Works

To whiten your teeth in the office, your dentist will first protect your gums, cheeks, and tongue from the robust bleaching solution. They will then paint the whitening gel on your teeth, ensuring an even coat for a perfect appearance.

Your dentist may use a particular light or a laser to activate the whitening gel, or it may activate on its own. The whitening gel enters the tooth’s pores and physically breaks up stain molecules.

The dentist carefully rinses the first gel application. They may repeat the process up to three times in one appointment.

After treatment, the dentist applies a fluoride gel to remineralize the teeth and seal the pores in the enamel. The gel also helps to alleviate post-whitening sensitivity. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening

What kind of chemical is in teeth whitening solutions?

Generally, carbamide or hydrogen peroxide are used to whiten teeth. These are safe substances when used by a qualified dental professional.

How long does professional teeth whitening last?

It depends on how often you want to touch up your results. You should see excellent results for about 3 to 6 months after whitening. Ensure you take good care of your teeth and avoid staining foods and beverages to the greatest extent.

Call Lane Family Dentistry

If you’re unhappy with your smile, we can help make it brilliant. Please call our Vilonia, AR, office at 501-796-3903 today to schedule a consultation.

3 Key Benefits of an Electric Toothbrush

Posted on: March 25, 2024 by Arpit Shah

Preventive care is essential to protect teeth and maintain overall health. Most patients brush daily, but due to differences in technique, they may not effectively remove plaque and food. Many family dentists recommend using an electric toothbrush because it efficiently removes debris from all tooth surfaces, improving oral health outcomes.

Benefits of an Electric Toothbrush

1. Better Plaque Removal

Researchers confirm that using an electric toothbrush reduces plaque by up to 22 percent in the long term. Better plaque removal leads to a lower incidence of tooth decay and gum disease.

2. Highly Effective for Older Adults and Children

Many older adults and children have difficulty brushing their teeth. An electric toothbrush makes the process easier and helps to protect these patients’ oral health.

3. Save Money in the Long Run

An electric toothbrush may cost more initially, but it is worth the investment. Most rechargeable electric toothbrushes last for years. You should change the replacement heads every three months or when they exhibit signs of wear.

An electric toothbrush effectively removes plaque and food, improving gum health and positively affecting tooth decay rates. These advantages lead to lower dental expenses over time.

Types of Electric Toothbrushes

Rechargeable

Rechargeable electric toothbrushes have the highest initial cost but last significantly longer than battery-operated models. A rechargeable toothbrush also has more brushing power than a battery toothbrush.

Rechargeable toothbrushes come in standard and sonic models. Both types provide excellent plaque removal and improve gum health.

Battery-Operated

A battery-operated toothbrush is an economical option that requires no plugs. If you choose a battery toothbrush, ensure the company sells replacement brush heads.

How to Brush With an Electric Toothbrush

Use a soft-bristled brush head to avoid damaging your gums. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and make gentle circular motions that cover the entire tooth surface. Ensure you brush your gums and tongue, but be careful not to push too hard on the gums.

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Oral Care

How long should I brush my teeth?

Whether you have an electric or manual toothbrush, set a timer and brush for two minutes morning and night. Many electric toothbrushes have a built-in timer. Divide your mouth into sections and spend equal time on each set of teeth.

If I use an electric toothbrush, do I still need to floss?

While many electric toothbrushes advertise “floss-like” action, they cannot replace flossing teeth. Flossing once daily is a cornerstone of gum health, keeping gingivitis at bay. Flossing can also prevent gingivitis from developing into more serious gum disease or periodontitis.

Call Lane Family Dentistry

If you have questions about oral health, please call our Vilonia, AR, office at 501-796-3903. We would happily schedule a consultation or cleaning appointment to help you maximize your oral health.

What is the Best Way to Whiten Teeth?

Posted on: March 5, 2024 by Arpit Shah

Many people wish their teeth were whiter. After all, who doesn’t want a gleaming, megawatt smile? So it’s no surprise that teeth whitening is the top cosmetic dentistry procedure most individuals request. But with so many products claiming to whiten your teeth, how do you know if the products really will work? Or, is professional in-office whitening at a dentist right for you? 

Talk with Your Dentist

Your best source for information about teeth whitening will be your dentist. That’s because not all whitening products or treatments will work well for everyone. Your dentist will know which treatment to recommend based on the type of stains and discoloration you wish to lighten.

Your dentist will also be extremely helpful in helping you choose the best whitening product or treatment based on the presence of dental restorations, such as crowns, or bridges. Because crowns and bridges will not whiten with whitening toothpaste, gels, or mouthwashes, you’ll want to get advice from your dentist on what steps you need to take to get a brighter, whiter smile.

Use Professional Strength Whiteners

Many people don’t get the results they want from whitening strips they buy in the store or online. These products aren’t professional strength, so they don’t offer the same, powerful whitening capabilities that professional in-office teeth bleaching, or custom-made bleaching trays and professional whitening agents provide. 

In-office teeth bleaching can typically be completed in one hour.  During the treatment, your gums will be protected with gel or a rubber shield. The dentist or hygienist will apply a professional strength bleaching agent to your teeth. You will then have a specialized light placed in front of your mouth, which serves to activate the whitening agent. The entire in-office whitening treatment takes less than an hour, and you’ll leave with brighter, whiter teeth.

Take home teeth whitening treatments also use professional-strength whitening agents. However, you’ll be responsible for whitening at home. If you opt for take-home whitening, an impression of your teeth will be taken, and a custom bleaching tray will be made just for you. You’ll put the gel into the tray and wear it at home, at your leisure in keeping with your dentist’s instructions. 

Alternatives to Teeth Whitening

Unfortunately, not all of the stains on your teeth will be removed as a result of teeth whitening. This is because some types of stains won’t react to the peroxide whitening agents.  Likewise, keep in mind that only natural teeth can be whitened.  Tooth-colored fillings, dental implants, or crowns cannot be whitened. 

Porcelain veneers are one alternative to bleaching that you may consider. If you’re interested in a movie-star smile, veneers may be the way to go. Porcelain veneers result in a natural-looking, bright white smile. Veneers can also be used to cover gaps in teeth, uneven lengths of teeth, and give you perfectly shaped teeth. Veneers are more expensive than any form of teeth bleaching, but they can give you a brilliantly white smile.

Schedule a Consultation for Teeth Whitening in Vilonia

If you’re ready for a brighter smile in as little as one office visit, contact Lane Family Dentistry in Vilonia today. Our full-service dental practice provides teeth whitening along with other cosmetic dentistry services, and restorative dentistry treatments. Request an appointment or call 501-796-3903 today. 

How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?

Posted on: February 7, 2024 by Arpit Shah

Dental cleanings are a vital step in maintaining your oral health. Most dentists recommend that patients receive a cleaning and comprehensive exam every six months, but patients with certain oral health conditions like gum disease should visit more frequently.

Benefits of Dental Cleanings

  • Remove plaque and tartar build-up
  • Reduce the chance of developing gum disease
  • Prevent and detect tooth decay
  • Check for signs of oral cancer
  • Brighten your smile by removing surface stains
  • Provide a clean, healthy feeling
  • Receive important home care instruction

How Dental Cleanings Work

A dental cleaning is a relatively quick, simple procedure with many impressive benefits. The first step in any routine dental cleaning is a thorough oral examination. The hygienist checks for signs of oral health issues. They use a small mirror to look at your teeth and gums, searching for signs of gum disease or decay.

Next, the hygienist removes plaque and tartar. They use a scaler tool to remove these dangerous substances that can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

One of the reasons why dental cleanings are so important is that only a professional can remove tartar, also known as calculus. Tartar or calculus causes gum disease when it builds up at or below the gum line. Gum disease may lead to tooth loss in its advanced stages.

After scaling, the hygienist uses a spinning brush to polish the teeth. The hygienist uses a slightly gritty toothpaste to polish away debris. This toothpaste also removes surface stains. 

Next, the hygienist will floss your teeth, showing you the best technique for removing all plaque. They may be able to spot areas where gum disease or gingivitis have a foothold. After flossing, the hygienist will have you rinse with water.

Fluoride treatments finish the cleaning. The hygienist may apply a foam, gel, or varnish. Fluoride is not just for kids: adults can also enjoy its benefits of stronger enamel and less tooth decay.

At the end of your visit, your dentist will check your teeth and answer any concerns. They will also check your mouth and throat for possible signs of oral cancer. They will go over the hygienist’s findings and recommend future treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Cleanings

Does a dental cleaning hurt?

Dental cleanings are comfortable for the majority of patients. If you are developing gingivitis or gum disease, your gums may be tender and cause some discomfort. Stepping up your home care routine and receiving regular dental care will make your visits more comfortable over time.

When should my child receive their first dental cleaning?

Today, dentists recommend that parents bring their children to the dentist for the first time by age one. Dentists can track oral development, provide vital home care instruction, and help the child become accustomed to receiving dental care.

Call Lane Family Dentistry

Visiting the dentist for a cleaning should be a regular part of your healthcare routine. Keeping up with regular cleanings every six months can help you improve your oral health for years to come. It’s never too late to start, even if it has been some time since your last cleaning. Please call our Vilonia, AR, office at 501-796-3903 to schedule an appointment.

Do Teeth Whitening Strips Work?

Posted on: November 22, 2023 by Arpit Shah

Teeth whitening strips have surged in popularity as an at-home solution for people wanting a brighter smile. But do they actually provide the dramatic whitening they claim?

In this article, we separate myth from fact to uncover the truth about whitening strips. Whether you’re new to teeth whitening or a pro, we all desire a glowing, beautiful smile.

How do teeth whitening strips work?

Teeth whitening strips typically utilize hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as their active ingredients, playing an instrumental role in the bleaching process by breaking down into oxygen and water upon contact with teeth, then penetrating enamel and dentin layers for deep stain removal and discoloration reduction.

Peroxide’s oxidizing action targets discolored molecules within teeth to lighten them, while oxygen molecules released by whitening gel react with discoloring compounds, breaking down their formation and thus effectively whitening your smile.

Repeated use can produce significant improvement in tooth brightness and the overall aesthetics of your smile.

Flexible strips conform to the shape of your teeth to ensure uniform gel contact with the enamel, leading to consistent whitening across your entire smile.

While strips may help remove surface stains and lighten teeth, they may not address specific discolorations due to trauma or medication use. In such instances, it’s wise to consult a dentist and explore additional treatment options available to you.

Are teeth whitening strips effective?

The effectiveness of teeth whitening strips relies on several key factors – the extent of discoloration, frequency of use, and how closely you follow the instructions. With consistent, long-term use as directed, strips can successfully lighten tooth shade and reduce surface stains.

However, the degree of whitening varies from person to person. Those with deep-set or stubborn stains may need to use strips more often or for longer to see results.

Lifestyle choices also impact effectiveness. Stain-causing foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine can re-stain and diminish results. Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing helps preserve a whiter smile.

In-office professional treatments offer faster, more dramatic whitening. But with proper use over time, strips can provide noticeable lightening for many people. It’s important to manage expectations when using them.

Alternative teeth whitening methods

While popular, teeth whitening strips are not the only option for brightening your smile. Whitening toothpaste with polishing agents can help remove surface stains and gently lighten over time.

Whitening trays or kits are another option. These use custom-fitted trays worn over your teeth with whitening gel applied inside. This allows precise gel contact for those with specific whitening needs.

For fast, dramatic whitening, in-office procedures performed by dentists are available. These supervised professional treatments can use stronger agents for more noticeable results.

For severe or complex discoloration not treatable by regular whitening methods, cosmetic options like veneers or dental bonding may be recommended.

The optimal teeth whitening approach is unique to your dental situation and goals. Consulting a dentist can help explore suitable choices beyond strips. Whether trays, professional whitening, or cosmetic dentistry, we can tailor solutions to enhance your smile.

Teeth Whitening in Vilonia, AR

While not a miracle solution, teeth whitening strips can noticeably brighten your smile when used correctly. With a dentist’s guidance, they can be a useful tool for achieving your ideal smile.

Whitening is well-suited for those with surface stain discoloration and healthy, thick enamel. But it may not be right for everyone.

Schedule a consultation to see if strips are the best whitening option for you. If not, alternatives like veneers or bonding may better achieve your perfect smile.

Even if whitening isn’t recommended, we provide customized treatments tailored to your unique dental needs. With personalized care and the right solution for you, we can reveal a stunning, show-stopping smile you’ll absolutely love.

Contact us today at 501-796-3903.

FAQs

How long do teeth whitening strip results last?

Results from teeth whitening strips are not permanent. Depending on factors like your diet and oral hygiene, the whitening effects of strips can last from a few months up to a year. Avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks and maintaining good brushing and flossing habits can help preserve results.

 Are teeth whitening strips safe?

When used as directed, teeth whitening strips are generally safe. The American Dental Association has approved many over-the-counter strip products as safe and effective. It’s important to follow instructions carefully, not overuse strips, and check for sensitivities. Consulting a dentist first is recommended, especially if you have dental work like fillings or crowns.

Top 3 Reasons See Your Dentist Regularly

Posted on: September 30, 2023 by Arpit Shah

Do you go to the dentist on a regular schedule? Or do you wait until something is wrong? You may have heard the old saying, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That saying is especially true when it comes to dentistry. Maintaining your dental health is always preferable to repairing damage to your teeth from lack of dental care. 

 

Need a reason to start going to the dentist more often? Here are the top 3 reasons to see your dentist regularly. 

1. Prevent Tooth Decay and Gum Disease. 

The ultimate goal of dentistry is to maintain the health of the teeth through regular teeth cleanings and oral exams. These routine dental appointments should take place every 6 months to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. 

 

Tooth decay occurs when plaque clings to the teeth without being removed through brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings. Plaque contains bacteria that erodes tooth enamel, creating pits or holes called cavities. 

 

Plaque can also cause gum disease, an infection of the gum tissue caused by bacteria on the surface of the teeth along and below the gumline. Teeth cleanings help to prevent gum disease and oral exams detect gum disease in the early stages of gingivitis, which is much easier to treat. 

 

2. Save Time and Money. 

Preventive dentistry can save you time and money. Most dental insurance plans cover teeth cleanings and oral exams at 100%. If you go to the dentist every 6 months for preventive care and you take good care of your teeth at home, you can avoid the need for restorative procedures in most cases. 

 

When the teeth develop decay, restorative procedures repair the damage when possible, depending on the degree of damage. A small to medium-sized cavity can typically be treated with a filling, which is a simple procedure. However, insurance only covers the cost of restorative procedures up to a certain percentage or amount, meaning the rest of the cost is up to you. 

 

If the extent of the decay is significant, such that the tooth needs a root canal or a crown, the out of pocket cost after insurance will be even higher. In the event that a tooth is too damaged to save, replacement teeth are at the high end of the cost range for dental procedures. 

 

Restorative procedures also take time, sometimes multiple appointments to complete, which can mean taking a significant amount of time out of your busy schedule to go to the dentist. 

 

3. Keep Your Natural Teeth for Life. 

Preserving the health of your natural teeth can help them stay in place in your mouth for the rest of your life. As you age it is normal for there to be an increase in the need for restorative dental procedures. But if you go to the dentist regularly, any problems that arise can be detected early and addressed promptly before the damage is too extensive to save the tooth. 

 

While advancements in technology have made dental prosthetics better than ever, nothing functions more effectively or looks more natural than your own teeth. 

 

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Has it been more than 6 months since your last dental appointment? If so, it’s time to schedule your next visit now at Lane Family Dentistry. You only get one set of permanent teeth in your lifetime; keep them healthy and in place with regular dental care. 

Call 501-796-3903  or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

A Complete Guide To Flossing Teeth

Posted on: August 29, 2023 by Arpit Shah

Flossing your teeth is an important part of maintaining your dental health. Dentists recommend flossing daily to remove plaque from the spaces between your teeth and along your gum line. Yet this is often the most neglected part of people’s oral hygiene routine. 

If you’re just getting started with flossing, or if you haven’t done it in a while, you may be wondering how to do it properly. Here’s your complete guide to flossing your teeth. 

Choose the Right Type of Floss for You

There are different types of floss on the market, and choosing the right one can make flossing easier and more effective. 

  • String floss. The most basic type of floss is string floss, otherwise known as thread floss. The unwaxed type may unravel as you use it and is more likely to tear. 
  • Waxed floss. String floss can be coated with wax to prevent unraveling and to make it thicker. Waxed floss is the most common type of floss. 
  • Tape floss. Tape floss is wider and flat like tape. It helps to reach wider spaces between your teeth. 
  • Superfloss. Superfloss is spongy and has reinforced ends that make it easier to thread under braces wires and around dental prosthetics. 
  • Flossers. Stick flossers or plastic flossers have a thread that stretches across a u-shaped piece of plastic. Flossers are often easier to use for some patients, especially children. However, most dentists feel that they are not as effective as string floss because they don’t wrap around the teeth the way floss can. 

How Often to Floss 

Dentists and dental experts recommend flossing your teeth once a day, making sure to get in between all of your teeth. By flossing once a day you remove a large portion of the food particles and plaque that settle between your teeth. This can help to prevent cavities and gum disease. 

Flossing Techniques: Step by Step

How you floss also matters. There are techniques that make flossing more effective at removing plaque from between the teeth and along the gumline. 

  1. Break off a piece of floss that is at least 18 inches long. 
  2. Wrap the floss around your middle fingers and ring fingers on each hand with between 1-2 inches between. 
  3. Using your forefinger to guide the floss, slide it in between each tooth. 
  4. Wrap the floss slightly around each tooth as you slide it up and down. This allows the floss to get down into the pocket between the tooth and gums. 
  5. Use a clean part of the floss for each tooth. 
  6. Discard used floss and get a fresh piece each day. 

Benefits of Flossing Daily 

There are many benefits that come from daily flossing: 

  • Prevent gum disease. Flossing daily removes plaque that causes gum disease. It also helps strengthen your gums so that they are more resistant to bacterial infection.
  • Prevent tooth decay. Flossing helps to prevent cavities from forming between the teeth and along the gumline.
  • Fresher breath. Flossing helps keep your breath fresh by reducing the amount of bacteria between your teeth. 
  • Less scraping at the dentist. When you floss daily you have a lot less plaque and tartar on your teeth when you go to the dentist, which means less scraping and a shorter visit. 
  • Better overall health and wellness. Oral health is tied to a variety of health conditions and illnesses. The healthier your mouth, the healthier you will bet in general. Good oral health also allows you to eat a more nutritious diet with a greater variety of foods. 

Learn About Oral Care From Lane Family Dentistry 

When you come to Lane Family Dentistry, we provide instruction for proper flossing technique. From young children to adults who need a refresher, we can show you how to take care of your teeth at home for better oral health. Families who prioritize dental health together will have many generations with healthy teeth and mouths.

Call 501-796-3903 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment. 

 

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