Author: drummonddentalcare-WP-Team

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants provide a solution for those who have lost their teeth due to accidents, disease, or other causes. They are made from titanium and look like natural teeth when you smile normally. Still, they blend in with your surrounding gums and bone structure, so everyone will hardly notice them. Teeth implants are placed into your jawbone. Depending on your needs, these restorations can replace one tooth or multiple teeth.

What is the Procedure for getting Dental Implants?

Here is the step-by-step process of getting dental implants:

1) Examination and Assessment

A dentist or physician performs a dental exam to determine whether you’re a good candidate for getting tooth implants. The exam should include questions about your medical history, such as heart disease or diabetes, smoking history, family history of cancer, and lifestyle habits. The dentist will also do an x-ray to check if you have sufficient bone support for the dental implant.

2) Dental Implant Placement

Our cosmetic dentist at 22031 will make a small incision on your gum and then drill out the bone that covers your teeth. Then they place an artificial replacement for each tooth lost or damaged by decay or injury.

Dental implants are placed under local anesthesia so you can go home after treatment with no pain or discomfort. This means you don’t have to stay overnight at our hospital, but we would still recommend that you see us once per week during this period so we can monitor how well your new teeth are working for you.

3) Gum Healing and Osseointegration

Gum healing involves the process of the gum tissue healing around the implant. Osseointegration is the process in which bone cells grow around titanium implants, joining them together as one solid unit.

It’s important to let our dentist in Merrifield, VA know if you have any issues with your gums after treatment so that they can take the necessary steps to prevent infection. You should also ask them if there are any concerns about how well this process has gone because sometimes it takes longer than expected for some people’s gums to heal completely after having dental implants installed into their mouths

4) Placing of the Abutment

The abutment connects the implant and crown. The dentist will re-open the gums and place the abutment on top of your implant. A cast of the teeth is made to create the crowns. In the meantime, the dentist will cover the teeth with a temporary denture or crown.

5) Fixing the Dental Crown

The dental crown is fixed to your tooth with a porcelain cap. The porcelain cap is placed over the tooth and cemented onto it to make it permanent. Cementing may take a few minutes or more, depending on how many teeth have been capped.

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Here are the benefits of getting teeth implants:

• They offer a much more natural look and feel than dentures or bridges
• They also help to preserve the natural shape of your face.
• Dental implants stop bone loss by stimulating new bone growth
• They keep the adjacent teeth from shifting
• Implants can also improve your eating and speaking abilities
• Dental implants are strong and durable and can last a lifetime with proper care.
• Dental implants don’t require special care as you can brush them like your natural teeth.

What are the Aftercare Instructions for Dental Implants?

The implant recovery time takes a few months, depending on the number of procedures done in between. However, the healing time can also be influenced by how well you care for your teeth:

• Avoid eating hard or sticky food for the first few weeks.
• You should avoid acidic foods that can irritate the gums
• Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco and taking alcohol because they can make healing take longer
• Eat soft and chew foods in the first few days
• Brush and floss your teeth regularly
• Visit a dentist near you regularly for checkups and cleanings.

Get Teeth Implants Near you

Are you looking to get dental implants in Merrifield, VA? Give us a call or book an appointment with Drummond Dental Care for more information about getting tooth implants in Fairfax, VA and what you can expect.

What is Professional Teeth Whitening?

Professional teeth whitening is a dental procedure that uses a whitening agent to bleach the tooth’s color. This process can last between 45 minutes to an hour and is performed in-office with the help of a dentist or dental hygienist. The dentist will use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, whitening agents, to lighten your teeth.

What are the Different Types of Professional Teeth Whitening?

There are several different types of professional teeth whitening options. These include:

1) Hydrogen Peroxide Teeth Whitening

Hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening is popular because it can achieve brighter teeth faster. It breaks down the molecules that cause stains on teeth, making them easier to remove. Hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening is available in both at-home and professional treatments.

At-home treatments typically use lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and take longer to achieve desired results. Professional treatments use higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and can give faster, more dramatic results. However, professional treatments are also more expensive and can cause more sensitivity than at-home treatments.

2) Carbamide Peroxide Teeth Whitening

A dental professional typically does carbamide peroxide whitening in-office, though at-home kits are available. The results of carbamide peroxide whitening can last for several months, though touch-ups may be necessary to maintain a bright smile.

3) Gel Teeth Whitening

Gel professional teeth whitening is popular for many people looking to achieve brighter teeth. This whitening type uses a gel applied to the teeth, which then breaks down and removes stains. Gel professional teeth whitening can be done in-office or at home and typically takes around 1-2 hours. Results from gel professional teeth whitening can last six months or more.

4) Laser-assisted Teeth Whitening

Laser-assisted teeth whitening is a safe and effective method of teeth whitening. It uses a laser to penetrate the tooth surface and destroy stains on your teeth.

It can be used on patients with sensitive teeth, as it does not require any drills or abrasive chemicals. This means that you don’t need to worry about damaging your natural enamel—and it also means that you don’t have to worry about causing any damage during treatment! Laser-assisted treatments are suitable for patients with crowns or fillings, but they aren’t suitable for those with gum disease or other issues such as swollen gums or bleeding gums (which may occur if there’s too much plaque).

What are the Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening?

Getting professional teeth whitening offers great benefits including:

a) Gives Thorough Teeth whitening

Professional teeth whitening removes surface stains, discoloration, and yellowing caused by coffee, tea, and tobacco use. Because it has high hydrogen peroxide levels, professional teeth whitening offers thorough teeth whitening compared to at-home teeth whitening.

b) It Gives Whiter Teeth in Just One Visit

Professional teeth whitening can give you noticeably whiter and bright teeth in just one visit to our dentist in Merrifield, VA.

c) It is Safe and Effective

Professional teeth whitening is safe and effective when done by a trained dentist or dental hygienist. The dentist applies a protective gel on the teeth, shielding the gums and teeth from damage.

d) Gives Long-lasting Results

The effects of professional teeth whitening can last for several months and sometimes even longer. The teeth whitening uses lasers or light sources that penetrate deeper into your tooth structure than traditional methods like whitening strips or hydrogen peroxide gels. The results are far superior over at-home systems because they don’t cause any damage to your natural enamel while still delivering noticeable improvements over time

e) It is Affordable

Professional teeth whitening is more affordable than over-the-counter teeth whitening products.

f) It is Convenient

Professional teeth whitening is convenient because you don’t have to do it yourself at home.

g) Boosts Confidence

Professional teeth whitening can boost your self-confidence by making you look and feel younger, more attractive, and more energetic. Teeth whitening is not just for old age – it can be done at any age!

Get Professional Teeth Whitening Near You

Teeth whitening is a great way to improve your smile. It is an effective way to eliminate stains and discolorations on your teeth without undergoing extensive treatments like root canals or crowns – which can be quite costly!

Are you looking to get professional teeth whitening in Fairfax, VA? Give us a call or set an appointment with Drummond Dental Care for more information about getting teeth whitening near Merrifield, VA!

What is Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is when you are in pain, but it’s not just any kind of pain. It’s an acute pain caused by trauma, infection, or tooth decay. If a sudden change in your oral health causes severe pain, bleeding, and swelling, you may need to seek emergency dental care near you.

What are the Common Dental Emergencies?

Several dental accidents require you to visit an emergency dentist near you and they include:

Dental Pain

A persistent gnawing sensation that doesn’t go away despite using painkillers may signal an infection; this discomfort is typically caused by bacteria trying to get into the bloodstream through cracks or holes in teeth or gums (called perforations). Our emergency dentist in Fairfax, VA will likely recommend antibiotics if this condition persists after daily doses of ibuprofen fail to relieve symptoms.

Abscess

When decay occurs inside one tooth or adjacent ones (called multiple caries), bacteria can create an abscess under the gum line where it meets its neighbors. These bacteria can cause inflammation that leads to pus and swelling of the gum tissue.

A dental abscess can be treated with antibiotics, painkillers, and draining of pus from the infected area.

Broken Tooth

If you’ve lost any part(s) due to trauma, such as hitting against another surface hard enough that there aren’t any nerves left intact, then they won’t function properly anymore.

What to Do After a Dental Emergency?

If you have an emergency, it’s best to go straight to the nearest emergency room. In the meantime:

1) Do Rinse Your Mouth with Warm Water

Rinsing is important because it removes any residual food that could be in your mouth and prevent the growth of bacteria. It also helps to cleanse your teeth and remove any plaque.

2) Do Keep any Knocked-out Teeth Moist

There are several options, but the most effective is by using milk. The milk will keep the teeth nerves and ligaments alive and keep them from drying.

3) Do Apply a Cold Compress

This can help alleviate pain and swelling, as well as reduce inflammation. You should apply the compress for

5 minutes on each side of the injury, then remove it for 30 minutes to allow healing. Repeat this process until your mouth feels better (or your dentist tells you not to).

4) Stop the Bleeding

The first thing you should do when a tooth is broken is to stop the bleeding. If you have access to cold water, use it to apply pressure on the wound until you see that it’s stopped bleeding. For this purpose, you can also use ice packs or an ice bag wrapped in gauze cloths (like those used for cleaning wounds).

If neither of these methods works and your tooth bleeds profusely, seek professional help as soon as possible!

5) Take the Necessary Steps to Avoid Dental Emergencies

If you’re concerned about your dental health, several things can help keep your mouth healthy. Visit our dentist in Merrifield, VA regularly and make sure to brush twice a day. Use dental floss and mouthwash as needed. Wear a mouth guard when playing sports or doing activities with a risk of injury, like biking or skydiving (but not if it’s just for fun).

What Not to Do in a Dental Emergency?

a) Do not Touch the Root of the Teeth

Do not touch the roots of the teeth when pushing them back to the socket, as this can damage them.

b) Do Not Delay Going to the Dentist

Do not wait until the next day or even until you have a fever. You could have a toothache that will get worse as time goes on. If you wait too long, it’s more likely that your tooth will need to be extracted than treated by a dentist.

If you don’t go right away and end up with an abscessed tooth instead of just being slightly uncomfortable in the meantime, then see your dentist right away!

c) Do Not Use Aspirin for Pain

Using aspirin for pain is not recommended. Aspirin can cause bleeding and stomach irritation and should never be used if you have pain or bleeding.

Get Emergency Dental Care Near You

A dental emergency can cause complications if not addressed on time, and it is crucial to seek urgent care. Call us now or book an appointment with us at Drummond Dental Care to get emergency dentistry near Merrifield, Fairfax, VA and get assistance if you experience a dental accident.

Does display whiter teeth the exclusive domain of the rich and famous? Presently almost everyone seeks treatments to make their teeth whiter and brighter. A visit to the local grocery or drugstore helps you find their shelves overflowing with whitening remedies. In addition, beauty magazines, websites, and blogs do not lag, offering numerous DIY teeth whitening therapies or natural treatments which they claim are excellent for whitening teeth.

Unfortunately, the products promoted by their proponents are ineffective and dangerous for many. Furthermore, these remedies are impractical because the optimal solutions to whiten teeth are straightforward and affordable from our Fairfax dentist offering in-office teeth whitening treatments.

With information overflowing on the Internet about teeth whitening, you might find it challenging to know which information is authentic and the popular myths about teeth whitening. Unfortunately, most online information promotes myths by providing misinformation about this excellent therapy, which is safe and effective when performed by dental professionals. If you are unaware of the falsehoods spread about teeth whitening, this article sheds light on the most popular myths to help you understand this treatment’s reality.

5 Common Myths about Teeth Whitening

Here are some common myths about teeth whitening:

1. Whitening Toothpaste Helps Brighten Teeth

When walking down the aisles of supermarkets, you will not find it challenging to notice claims made by manufacturers of whitening toothpaste promoting their brand with claims that the toothpaste delivers instant results but charges higher prices. However, the reality is entirely different because the manufacturers do not disclose that the abrasive ingredients must remain in touch with your teeth for extended periods. Two minutes of brushing with whitening toothpaste aren’t sufficient to deliver results unless you use the product for months or longer.

2. Coconut Oil Pulling Whitens Teeth

Using coconut oil in cooking is widespread globally, besides using it as a moisturizer for the skin, hair, and body. The sales of coconut oil are in the region of $250 million annually, primarily due to the health claims made about this product. As claimed by many, coconut oil is undoubtedly healthy but not for whitening your teeth. Oil pulling, as it is known, is an ancient practice, according to the Ayurveda journal. Unfortunately, no scientific evidence supports the claims that coconut oil whitens teeth.

3. Lemons and Strawberries Help Whiten Teeth

Some proponents claim that crushed strawberries mixed with lemon juice are helpful for whitening teeth. Although the remedy initially seems effective, the acids in these fruits cause enamel erosion, state the dental fraternity. Enamel erosion makes you susceptible to receiving additional treatments from dentists for issues like cavities and other problems.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide with Baking Soda Safely Whiten Teeth

In contrast, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are not ideal for teeth whitening. Baking soda disturbs the balance of good and harmful mouth bacteria to trigger oral health issues. At the same time, hydrogen peroxide creates free radicals to cause tissue damage.

5. Professional Teeth Whitening Isn’t Cost-Effective

Professional in-office teeth whitening, undoubtedly costs more than kits purchased at local drugstores because there are significant differences between the two. It is a personalized remedy, while store-bought whitening kits are generic. Furthermore, whitening teeth from a dentist delivers instant results without making you wait for weeks or months. The dentist supervises the treatments to ensure you don’t experience sensitivity to your teeth and the mouth’s soft tissues from the ingredients they use to whiten your teeth.

Interesting Facts about Teeth Whitening

Here are some interesting facts about teeth whitening:

1. Over-the-counter Whitening Remedies are not as effective as Treatments

Over-the-counter whitening remedies are not as effective as treatments from the dentist near you merely because manufacturers are not permitted to provide concentrated gels to whiten teeth. In addition, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in store-bought products is around six percent, while dentists use approximately 34 percent for instant results.

2. Ultraviolet Light isn’t always Necessary

Ultraviolet light isn’t always necessary when whitening teeth because there is no evidence to prove the light improves results.

3. Teeth Whitening Treatments are not for Children

Teeth whitening treatments are not for children who must wait until their teeth have developed and maintain appropriate dental hygiene.

4. Professional Teeth Whitening is Affordable than over-the-counter Remedies

Although professional teeth whitening appears expensive, the supervised therapies from dentists help avoid complications that might develop if the ingredients used during the process contact the soft tissues of your mouth. In addition, when you consider the costs of treating dental pain for any reason, you will likely find professional teeth whitening affordable than over-the-counter and unsubstantiated teeth whitening remedies that do more harm than good to your teeth.

Visit a Teeth Whitening Dentist Near You

If getting your teeth whitened is your goal, we at Drummond Dental Care can help you by providing a personalized treatment explicitly designed for you. Contact our practice today to receive Teeth Whitening in Fairfax, VA, and have a brighter smile as you leave the dentist’s office after your appointment.

Most people usually focus on the teeth’s health and almost always forget that gum health is critical. That’s why gum disease catches most people off-guard. Gum disease affects the gums causing them to recede, leading to loose teeth, exposed tooth roots, and eventually bone loss. However, gum disease isn’t the only cause of gum recession; activities such as vigorous brushing can also lead to gum recession.

Whatever the cause of gum recession or gum damage, you need to seek proper treatment by undergoing gum grafting. Our dentist performs gum grafts to repair gums that have receded. Gum grafting is essential in preventing tooth decay and further gum recession.

But if you are scheduled for a gum graft procedure, you must wonder whether the procedure will be painful. Without further ado, let’s get acquainted with the procedure to explore what happens.

A Sneak Peek Into the Gum Graft Procedure

When your gums recede, you will deal with oral health issues such as tooth and root decay. However, your smile will also be affected since your teeth will appear longer and, at times, crooked. That’s why visiting our cosmetic dentist near you is key to restoring your smile to its former glory.

Our dentist performs the procedure by removing healthy tissue from another area of your mouth and using it to cover the exposed root. Our dentist in Merrifield, VA, uses either of the three types of gum graft:

• Free Gingival Graft – The donor tissue is taken directly from the roof of your mouth (palate). It is the best option if your gums need more support.
• Connective Tissue Graft – Our dentist gets the donor tissue from the right beneath the surface of the palate. A connective tissue graft is the most used gum graft
• Pedicle Graft – This donor tissue comes from the area close to your neighboring tooth. Our dentist considers this option only when there is enough healthy gum tissue.

Pain During the Gum Graft Procedure

Gum grafting is a minor periodontal surgery, and our dentist cannot commence without numbing the area. Therefore, you can expect to receive local anesthesia moments before the procedure to give the anesthetic time to kick in.

Once our dentist confirms that the anesthetic has taken effect, removal of the donor tissue will begin. So, you can expect not to feel pain the whole time our dentist is repairing your gums. However, it doesn’t mean that you might not feel anything. You can expect to feel pressure or movement as our dentist performs the procedure. In the off-chance that you begin to feel pain during the procedure, alert our dentist.

In a nutshell, you will not feel pain during the procedure. But you will experience pain or tingling sensations when the anesthesia starts wearing off, usually after a few hours.

Pain After the Gum Graft Surgery

When you feel pain, soreness or even discomfort after the anesthetic wears off, don’t panic. It’s quite normal since the procedure involved some incisions on various parts of the gingival tissues. But the pain tends to reduce in intensity as each day passes.

Most patients experience mild pain, which can easily be managed using non-prescription painkillers. Very few people experience moderate and severe pain. In any case, pain after the surgery should last about two days.

However, if you undergo periodontal plastic surgery and gum grafting is involved, there is a chance that the pain might be a bit intense.

On the flip side, some patients also experience very minimal pain, and the pain levels significantly drop after the first day.

Remember that the pain level depends on your pain tolerance, the type of medication you use after the procedure, and the type of gum graft your dentist uses.

Pain Management After Gum Graft Surgery

The moment anesthesia wears off; there will be a cascade of feelings that you will experience. Therefore, you will need to manage the pain and decrease the levels of discomfort. You can use non-prescription pain medications. In other cases, our dentist in Merrifield, VA, may prescribe pain medication to help you cope during recovery.

Besides taking pain medication, our dentist near you recommends that you do the following:

• Adhere to all the post-surgery instructions concerning dental hygiene
• Don’t disturb the surgical site by prodding or poking with your tongue, fingers, or other objects
• Eat soft foods like jello, mashed potatoes, and yogurt
• Avoid spicy, acidic, and hard foods that could irritate the area

Visit a Dentist Near You

The bottom line is that the gum graft procedure is painless since it’s performed under local anesthesia. Pain comes after the anesthesia wears off. In any case, if you need to know more about getting gum grafting in Fairfax, VA, contact us at Drummond Dental Care.

Missing teeth affect your dental aesthetics, functionality, and overall oral health, and our dentist in Merrifield, VA, recommends you undergo replacement with a dental bridge. Further, our specialist enlightens you on the treatment options available and ensures you select the ideal solution based on your personalized needs. Dental bridges are suitable since they serve as restorative and cosmetic dental appliances.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a dental prosthetic made of artificial material like porcelain and resin to replace your missing natural tooth. It’s connected to dental crowns for anchorage to your natural teeth. Dental crowns cover your teeth and secure the dental bridge in the right position. If you have missing teeth, our dentist at 22031 may recommend you have dental implants to support teeth bridges.

Are You an ideal Candidate for Dental Bridges?

Our dentist in Merrifield, VA, considers various aspects before determining whether dental bridges suit you. Some of the compelling factors for you to have teeth bridges include:

• Missing one or more teeth
• Robust bone structure and strong teeth that can support dental bridges
• Good oral health without infections or underlying oral health conditions
• Following a proper oral hygiene regimen for preserving dental bridges

You’ll undergo a dental examination beforehand to determine whether dental bridges are ideal for you. The cosmetic dentist near you will evaluate the above factors to affirm dental bridges are suitable for your treatment.

Pros of Dental Bridges

Having selected dental bridges for your treatment, it’s crucial to understand the benefits of dental appliances for your oral health. Some of the advantages of having dental bridges include:

• Bridges are Pocket-friendly- having dental bridges doesn’t require much precision, and the procedure is non-invasive compared to dental implants. Additionally, the cost of having teeth bridges is lower compared to other extensive restorative options.
• No Bone Grafting is Needed- if your tooth has been missing for a long, your jaw bone is likely t have receded. Bone grafting is done with other restorative procedures like dental implants to restore the jaw bone. However, with dental bridges, the process doesn’t require bone grafting.
• Restores Your Dental Aesthetics- the cosmetic dentist may recommend you have dental bridges for replacing missing teeth based on their appealing outlook. Teeth bridges are artificially customized with a resin material that matches your natural tooth shade. Additionally, dental bridges restore your facial and dental structure by replacing your missing tooth and preventing bone deterioration.
• Bridges Overweigh Dentures- our dentist at 22031 may recommend dental bridges over dentures if you have teeth that can support bridges since they anchor your bridges, unlike dentures supported by gum tissues using sealants.
• They are Easy to Fix- unlike dental implants that take several months for healing and longer in case of bone grafting, tooth bridges require a few dental appointments.

Cons of Dental Bridges

Having dental bridges also has demerits as compared to other teeth replacement options, and some of the disadvantages include:

• Conventional bridges require healthy teeth– a portion of your dental crown is shaved down to accommodate dental bridges over dental crowns. However, it poses a risk of more damage to your healthy tooth.
• Some bridges can damage the existing teeth– having Maryland bridges involves cemented metal that can permanently damage your healthy teeth. Additionally, the bridges aren’t robust enough to hold pressure while chewing.
• Implant-supported bridges require more dental appointments– Before having the bridges, the dental implant’s healing must occur and requires a few months. Therefore, the implant-supported bridge is done during the final stages of your treatment.
• Dental Bridges can’t address bone degeneration– The jaw bone begins to deteriorate after missing a tooth. Bridges are placed above the gum line and can’t stimulate the growth of tooth roots r the bone.
• They Aren’t more durable than implants– unlike dental implants that can serve you for a lifetime; bridges need replacement. Also, bridges may inflict damage on the anchor teeth and may not remain in place forever.

Visit a Cosmetic Dentist Near You

At Drummond Dental Care, our specialist replaces missing teeth with dental bridges and implants. We determine the viable option for your treatment based on your dental condition. We’ll examine your dental during your appointment and guide the right treatment option for you. If you need to restore missing teeth using dental bridges, call us or book a consultation at our dental office and undergo treatment today!

When you’re suffering a serious tooth infection, there are two potential treatment choices – a root canal or tooth extraction. Both procedures are well-known ways of treating tooth decay. But everyone has their own unique set of advantages and disadvantages.

Typically, root canal and extraction are terms that get combined when they are two completely different oral surgeries. Here we will offer a short guide to help you find the differences between the two.

What is Root Canal?

Root Canal is called endodontic therapy. Root canal therapy refers to a dental treatment where your dentist or endodontist removes the bacteria infecting the pulp or the nerve chamber of the tooth.

A root canal is a therapy used to repair and save a tooth that has got badly infected or harmed. Common causes of pulp damage and reasons behind root canals include:

• A broken or chipped tooth.
• Dental rotting from a cavity.
• An injury to your tooth.
• Multiple dental methods on one tooth.

A root canal is an effective method for eliminating infection and getting a naturally functioning tooth.

What is a Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extractions are another common way to treat serious tooth decay. Unlike RCT, tooth pulling does not restore the tooth. Instead, the process eliminates it from the mouth. By eliminating the tooth, the decay also gets removed.

In addition to complicated situations, you require surgery. Surgical extractions utilize local and IV sedation as the specialist enters the gum to eliminate the tooth before shutting it down with stitches.

Root Canal v/s Tooth Extraction

While the two techniques will fix your tooth, dental specialists at our dental clinic in Fairfax generally suggest a root canal first. Root canals can be inexpensive, quicker, and simple than the other option. Besides this, abstaining from paying for an implant or managing moving teeth, a root canal is the best approach later.

Advantages of Root Canal V/s an Extraction

When weighing root canal versus tooth extraction, a root canal treatment near you does have some advantages over tooth extraction in the long run:

• One of the main advantages of a root canal is that it keeps the smile just the way it was initially.
• Another benefit is that you will not need to stress over problems such as bone loss.
• Also, root canals are a straightforward procedure that rarely brings about disappointments and are substantially less painful than extraction.
• The dental professional suggests a root canal because it saves the natural tooth. While having one’s tooth extracted may appear like a simple and fast choice, a root canal has advantages over tooth extraction.
• It keeps your teeth as it is, keeping your natural smile. RCT also improves the biting ability.
• Overall, a root canal with advanced dental methods is simple, saves your time, and has a high achievement rate.
• The main disadvantage in choosing an extraction is you need to replace your teeth as soon as possible to prevent any issues related to a missing tooth.
• A root canal is one-way dentists maintain your smile natural and healthy. You’ll continuously function better when you can keep your teeth as natural as possible.

Disadvantages of a Root Canal V/s an Extraction

• Tooth extraction removes the pain and infection as your dentist eliminates your broken tooth.
• The costs of root canal therapy are higher, pulling off a tooth cost is usually less costly and does not need extra dental services after the extraction.

Which One You Should Choose?

When discussing whether you should have a root canal versus extraction, everything comes down to the condition of your tooth. If the general structure of the tooth is still strong, then a root canal is for you. But, if the tooth’s structure is not healthy and flawless, then you should have an extraction.

In the Need of a Root Canal or a Tooth Extraction?

Still need more information about – tooth pulling or RCT? Converse with our team today about the choices that are available for you. Your dental health is our need. Our priority is to guarantee your procedure goes as comfortably and as smoothly as possible. Contact Drummond Dental Care Today or call us to schedule an appointment for tooth extraction or root canal in Fairfax, VA!

What is Teeth Whitening?

It is any procedure that can remove stains from your teeth and improve their general whiteness and brightness. At Drummond Dental Care, we recommend whitening teeth in a dental office under the guidance of a dental expert. Ideally, professional teeth whitening has many benefits to your dental health than any other teeth whitening method. The process will entail directly whitening your teeth’ enamels and breaking down stains to improve the general color of your teeth. Some of the benefits of professional teeth whitening are:

1. It is a quick procedure – you should be in an out of our dentist’s office in about 45 minutes. Our dentist near you only needs to apply whitening products to your teeth and activate them with lasers. The whitening process works quickly to break down stains and whiten teeth.
2. It is effective – teeth whitening in a dental office has incredible results, improving the color of your teeth up to 4 shades whiter than the initial color.
3. It is instant – the result of professional teeth whitening is immediate. You will notice an improvement in your teeth’ appearance when you leave our dentist’s office after professional teeth whitening in Fairfax, VA.
4. It lasts for a long time – the results of professional teeth whitening do not dissipate after a few weeks. They can last up to 6 months or longer before you need retreatment. Most at-home whitening regimens last for at most three months.
5. It is safe – you do not need to worry about toxicity levels of whitening agents when our dentist is in charge of your treatment. Besides, the dental expert will apply some protective liquid to protect your gums from the harsh effects of the bleachers.

7 Simple Ways on How You Can Naturally Whiten Your Teeth

People have come up with many ways for changing the brightness and whiteness of teeth without visiting a dentist. While some can reduce the appearance of stains on teeth, several natural remedies are yet to be tested regarding their effects on the color of teeth. Some seven simple ways you can try to whiten your teeth naturally are:

1. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Paste

Create a whitening paste with 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide.

2. Coconut Oil Pulling

It involves using a high-quality, organic oil that can remove plaque and tartar from your teeth that are typically responsible for discoloration. Swish a tablespoon of liquid coconut oil in your mouth for a few minutes before spitting. Ensure you do not swallow the oil as it has toxins that might harm your health.

3. Whitening Toothpaste

As you brush your teeth twice every day, use whitening toothpaste to improve your teeth’ color. Better yet, ensure you brush your teeth after every meal.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

It has some whitening effects on teeth when used appropriately. Mix 6 ounces of water with 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and swish in your mouth for 30 minutes. Ensure you brush and rinse your teeth afterward.

5. Drink a Lot of Water

Water washes down any food residues and pigments that may remain on teeth after eating and drinking pigmented foods. Besides, water also neutralizes acidity in the mouth, eroding teeth’ enamels and causing yellowing.

6. Eat Fruits and Vegetables

If your diet is rich in fruits and vegetables, it will be good for your body and teeth. Incorporate many fruits with high water content like watermelons. The hydrating effects of the water are great for reducing acidity in the mouth. Besides that, crunchy, raw fruits and vegetables can scrape off plaque from your teeth, improving the brightness of teeth.

7. Watch What You Eat

The easiest way to whiten teeth is by preventing stains before they appear. Avoid highly pigmented, acidic, and sugary foods.

Summary

Ultimately, every dental expert will recommend whitening your teeth professionally. If anything, the natural whitening methods will work well after professional teeth whitening. Instead of being the only way to whiten your teeth, they will act as tips for maintaining white teeth. Besides, most natural remedies do not target intrinsic stains on teeth but rather remove surface plaque and discoloration. If you are looking for teeth whitening in Fairfax VA, call or book an appointment with Drummond Dental Care today!

Having cracks, chips, discoloration, fractures, and missing teeth affect your smile and confidence. Fortunately, modern cosmetic dentistry can help. The various procedures included are designed to improve the appearance of your mouth, teeth, gums, and overall smile.

When you visit our cosmetic dentist near you, they will examine your teeth and gum and determine the type of procedure that is ideal for you.

What are the Different Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures?

We offer different cosmetic dental procedures that can improve your smile. Sometimes, our dentist may use one or a combination of treatments to solve the issue. These procedures include:

1. Teeth Bonding

Dental bonding repairs cracks, chips, discoloration, or lengthens the teeth using a resin material. Bonding is one of the most inexpensive, noninvasive, and fast dental procedures. Our dentist will begin the process with an assessment to check the condition of your gums and teeth.

Local anesthesia is not usually used unless you have decay or the crack is near a nerve. Our dentist will condition the teeth to make it easy for the resin material to bond to the teeth. The teeth are bonded, and a special light is used to harden the material.
The resin material is prone to cracks and chips, and you need to care for the teeth. 

2. Teeth Whitening and whitening

The teeth can get discolored because of various factors, like age, medication, lifestyle, and diet. Our cosmetic dentist in Merrifield, VA, will recommend professional teeth whitening because it is more effective. The in-office teeth whitening involves the application of a whitening solution with high amounts of the whitening agent. Our dentist also uses a protective gel on the gums to protect them from bruising. The teeth whitening process takes a couple of minutes, and it is done in several sessions. Sometimes a fluoride treatment or a tooth-sensitive toothpaste is done to protect the teeth from sensitivity.

Our dentist can also give you take-home whitening kits to supplement the in-office treatment and maintain the whitening results.

3. Gum Contouring

Gum contouring is done by reshaping the receding gum line. The treatment involves cutting away or removing excess tissue around the teeth.
Although gum contouring is an elective procedure, there are times when it is necessary. When you have receding gums caused by gum disease, the dentist may perform contouring as part of your gum disease treatment.

Our cosmetic dentist or periodontist performs the in-office procedure in one visit. Our dentist will use a laser or a scalpel to remove excess gum tissue or reshape them.

Our dentist can also correct receding gum by taking gum tissue from the palate and attaching it to the affected area.

The length of the contouring varies depending on the severity of the condition and how much contouring is needed. 

4. Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are wafer-thin, customized tooth-colored shells applied on the teeth to improve the color, shape, size, length, and appearance. The veneers come in either porcelain or composite materials, and they are used to fix discolored, worn-down, cracked, or chipped teeth.

The dental veneer procedure needs dental visits—one for the consultation and the second one for fixing the veneer.
Our dentist will begin the procedure with examination and treatment planning. The teeth are prepared by trimming the enamel to create room for the shells.
Our dentist creates an impression of the reshaped teeth using a mold or 3-D scanner and fixes temporary veneers to protect them.

After two to three weeks, our dentist will replace the temporary ones with permanent shells.

5. Dental Implants and Bridges

Dental implants and bridges are both used to replace missing teeth. The bridges are restorations that use dental crowns to support the false teeth. They are noninvasive, but the adjacent teeth are trimmed out to create a room, and this process is irreversible. Our dentist will use cement to hold the bridges in place and examine the fit.

Teeth implants are screws made from a biocompatible material and are surgically fixed on the jaw to replace the roots of the teeth.

Schedule an Appointment

Call or book an appointment with Drummond Dental Care for more information about cosmetic dentistry in Fairfax, VA and which procedure is ideal for you.

If your dentist tells you that you will need gum grafting, you don’t need to worry. When your gums start receding, your dentist near you recommends gum grafting. Gum recession exposes the root of your teeth, increasing the likelihood of tooth decay. It can also make the root sensitive and prone to abrasion. Your Fairfax dentist might refer you to a periodontist for this procedure.

By the looks of it, gum graft surgery is very simple, and all the periodontist does is take healthy tissue from the mouth and attach it to the receding gum. The procedure is very quick, and the patient can usually leave as soon as it is done. However, there are a few things that you need to know about this surgery. Firstly, there are various types of gum grafting. So, without further ado, let’s talk about the procedure in a bit more detail.

What to Expect During the Gum Grafting Procedure?

Once you arrive for your appointment, you will be taken to the procedure room, where our Fairfax dentist will give local anesthesia to numb the area where the procedure will be done. In some cases, general anesthesia can also be given so that patient is totally unconscious during the procedure. There are three different kinds of gum grafts. Now, how the gum grafting proceeds, depends on which kind of graft you are going for. Let’s look at the different types of grafts.

Connective-tissue Graft

The first and most common gum graft that we have is the connective tissue graft. During this procedure, our dentist near Merrifield, VA, will cut a flap of skin from the roof of the mouth or palate. Then tissue from under the flap is removed and stitched to the gum tissue that is surrounding the exposed root. Once the graft is placed, the flap is stitched back down.

Pedicle Graft

The next graft is known as a pedicle graft. During this procedure, tissue is not taken from the palate. Instead, it is collected from the gum around the tooth that needs to be repaired. This flap, known as a pedicle, is only partially cut so that one edge remains intact and attached. The gum is then pulled over the exposed root and sewn into place, covering the root. However, there is a catch with this procedure. It can only be performed on patients with sufficient gum tissue near the exposed tooth root.

Free Gingival Grafts

Lastly, we have the free gingival graft. Like a connective-tissue graft, the tissue is extracted from the roof of the mouth during this procedure. However, instead of making a flap and removing tissue from its underside, the tissue is directly removed from the mouth’s roof. It is then attached to the gum area that has to be treated. This method is mostly used for people with thin gums and who need extra tissue to enlarge their gums.

The Recovery Process after Gum Grafting Surgery

Once the gum grafting procedure is over, you will be allowed to go home. However, if the dentist has given you some kind of sedative for the procedure, you will be in no position to drive home, and you will need help to go home. The dentist will give you specific instructions on how to take care of your gums. After the surgery, it is important that you don’t floss or brush the repaired gum line because that may cause damage and hinder the healing process.

You will also be asked to rinse your mouth using a special product to control plaque. Aside from that, you might have to take antibiotics for a couple of days to reduce the risk of infection. For the first couple of weeks after the procedure, patients are asked to eat cool and soft foods such as ice cream, vegetables, cottage cheese, yogurt, Jell-O, eggs, and pasta.

As for the amount of pain after the procedure is concerned; it depends on the type of gum graft that the periodontist performed. If no tissue is removed from the roof of the mouth, you should have little to no discomfort. Otherwise, there will be some pain.

Looking for gum grafting in Fairfax, VA? You can call or book an appointment with Drummond Dental Care today!