Author: drummonddentalcare-WP-Team

Sometimes it can be hard to tell when it is time to visit an emergency dentist in Fairfax, VA and when to handle the situation at home. Take for example a toothache; when you have a painful tooth, the inclination is to use home remedies. However, at times ignoring the pain can lead to other dental complications. That’s why it is important to differentiate between urgent and non-urgent dental emergencies.

What is an Urgent or Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is an injury or bruising that affects the gums, teeth, and surrounding tissues. Broken restorations like braces and bridges can also be classified as dental emergencies. These bruises can cause bleeding, pain, and swelling creating the need for urgent treatment. When a dental accident occurs, and the injury is minor, it can be managed at home as you wait for an appointment. These types of emergencies are non-urgent and they include broken fillings, dull toothache, minor teeth fractures, and the like.

What are Situations Require Urgent Care?

You may need to visit an emergency dentist in 22031 if you have:

1. Severe and persistent tooth pain

Although food stuck in the gums can cause discomfort, this pain can clear immediately you remove the stuck food particles. However, there are times you may have throbbing pain that causes discomfort and interferes with your daily activities. This type of toothache will require a visit to a dental emergency room for immediate treatment.
Several situations can trigger discomfort like infected pulp.

When the decay spreads to the inner part of the teeth, it can cause lingering tooth sensitivity among other symptoms. A tooth fracture can also cause a severe toothache.

2. Knocked-out teeth

The teeth can get knocked out when playing contact sports or after a fall. When the teeth get dislodged from the socket, whether partially or completely, you need to get urgent treatment. Our Fairfax dentist can save your teeth from extraction if the treatment is started within an hour after the accident.

As you come to the dental clinic, it is recommended that you take of your teeth to prevent any complications. If the teeth are partially avulsed, take the tooth by the crown and try it push it back to the socket. For completely knocked-out teeth, pick the tooth and preserve it in a milk solution.

3. Dry socket

After your teeth are extracted, a blood clot forms within the first 24 hours to facilitate healing. The blood clot is vital to your recovery and you need to take the necessary steps to protect it. If you accidentally cause the clot to break, it will lead to a dry socket. This when the tooth socket is exposed causing pain and bad breath. But, it also interferes with the recovery process and it may take longer for the gums to heal.

4. Dental abscess or localized bacterial infection

When you have a bacterial infection, your immune system will try to fight it off, and as result pus accumulates in the gums. This can cause pain, bad taste, tooth sensitivity, and at times fever. But, if it’s not treated on time, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues causing inflammation. Dental abscess does not clear without treatment and as such you need to visit an emergency dental clinic to get proper treatment.

5. Bleeding

Gum bleeding should not be taken lightly because at times it can a sign of gum disease. If you notice persistent gum bleeding after brushing your teeth, then you may need urgent dental treatment to check what could be the cause.

What Can You Do?

When a dental emergency occurs, how you handle it can determine the success of your treatment.

• Bite a gauze pad or apply a teabag for 20 minutes to control the bleeding.
• Apply an ice pack or cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling.
• Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to get rid of dirt and any debris.
• Avoid taking any pain medication without consulting the dentist because certain medications can cause inflammation.

Lastly, visit Drummond Dental Care for immediate assistance and proper treatment.

Is your appearance affected because of chipped or misshapen teeth? You may have a couple of discolored teeth unresponsive to whitening treatments leaving you with challenges every time you try to smile. The problems in your mouth will not disappear by themselves unless you decide to act against them. Think of your teeth like your adversaries and walk over to the dentist near you requesting a solution.

The Fairfax dentist you visit will advise dental veneers are a possible solution to improve your appearance changing all the dental flaws you are currently displaying. Veneers are thin surfaces of porcelain or composite resin bonded to your teeth to conceal the dental imperfections affecting you. The discussion with the dentist will put your mind at ease, making you believe you also can have the smile you desire with veneer placements on your teeth. However must decide between porcelain veneers or composite resin veneers, choosing an option between the two before you undergo the procedure.

Differences between Porcelain and Composite Resin Veneers

If you want to enhance your smile, veneers are a simple option because the placements function as thin covers placed over the front of your front teeth, making them appear like your natural teeth. Veneers help correct many dental issues like chipped or worn teeth, crooked and misshapen teeth, significant gaps between your upper front teeth, and severely discolored teeth unresponsive to whitening treatments.

Porcelain or composite resin is the material used for making veneers, and dental veneers in Fairfax can help you decide which material is best for your needs. Both varieties have their benefits which the dentist will happily discuss with you.

Porcelain veneers are thin shells explicitly customized for you to conceal the dental imperfections in your mouth. Porcelain veneers are robust and long-lasting and don’t require extensive tooth enamel removal when placing them like it is familiar with dental crowns. Best of all, porcelain veneers are stain-resistant.

Composite resin veneers are made from tooth-colored filling material bonded to your affected tooth. Composite resin veneers require even less tooth enamel removal than porcelain veneers, and you can have them on your teeth in fewer visits to the dentist’s office. They are more affordable than porcelain veneers but are not as durable as the former. Therefore you must decide whether you want a long-term solution to hide the dental flaws or are prepared to have the placements corrected every few years.

Are You Suitable for Dental Veneers?

Before proceeding any further, the dentist in Fairfax evaluates your teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy. If you have any infections that tooth decay or gum disease conditions require treatment before you can have veneer placements on your teeth.

You may not be suitable if you frequently clench and grind your teeth when sleeping because the placements on your teeth can chip and crack. In such cases, the dentist suggests you wear a network or other dental appliance to safeguard your teeth and the placements.

If you have decided to have porcelain veneers, enamel removal from your teeth is necessary, and the process is irreversible. Therefore after having veneers on your teeth, you can consider them a permanent option that you cannot undo.

The Dental Veneer Placement Procedure

You must schedule a couple of appointments with your dentist before you can have porcelain veneer placements on your teeth. The first appointment is to prepare your teeth, which the dentist accomplishes by removing enamel from your teeth’ front and sides. The enamel removal helps make space for the veneers to help your teeth achieve a natural appearance.

Impressions of your teeth are sent by the dentist, the dental lab for custom making your veneers. The dentist provides you temporary veneers over your teeth until the technicians return the permanent placements.

During the final visit for veneer placement, the Fairfax dentist places the veneers on your teeth to check for fit and color and make any adjustments if required. You receive a dental cleaning to remove any plaque buildup on your teeth to ensure no bacteria remain trapped beneath the veneers. Finally, the porcelain veneers are bonded to your teeth using dental cement. The dentist uses ultraviolet light to harden the cement faster when completing the procedure.

Having dental veneer placements on your teeth help to conceal all the defects you displayed to give you a new smile you desired all the while. Maintaining them correctly with proper dental hygiene allows you the benefit of having the veneers on your teeth for over a decade and smiling away at everyone whenever you want.

If you are planning to get dental veneers, call us now to book an appointment with our dentist near you. We also welcome patients from the surrounding areas like Fairlee, Pine Ridge, Westwood Park, Vienna, and Dunn Loring.

Dental implants are well-formed structures or artificial tooth roots used by dentists to restore a tooth that is missing. You can permanently fix a replacement tooth or one you can remove because of the rigidity and convenience a dental implant provides. Just as a strong building foundation is, so is a dental implant.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Although you can’t compare dental implants to a natural tooth structure, they still possess striking attributes that make them more desirable. Below are some advantages that come along with a dental implant.

Striking Appearance

A dental implant is quite similar to your natural teeth, both in looks and feel. Dental implants have a striking resemblance to natural teeth. Moreover, if you replace your tooth with these implants, they can permanently stay because it binds with the bone firmly.

All-round Oral Health Enhancement

When you have a dental implant fixed on a spot, the rest of your teeth don’t have to be reduced unlike when you have tooth-aided bridges and dentures. Dental implant treatments are done without altering any teeth close to the intended area of the implant. This ensures that most of your teeth remain untouched. This way, there will be all-around oral health enhancement.

Additionally, oral hygiene is improved as dental implants, especially individual implants, permits one to wander through the teeth easily.

Durability

They are built to last quite long. Proper care and maintenance can keep these implants functioning for ages. These implants replace missing teeth, so their durability is what anyone wants as it won’t be often changed.

Eating is Easy

A set of sliding teeth or dentures can make eating tough, especially when chewing. The same way your natural teeth function when eating is the same way dental implants do. With these implants, you’re able to eat comfortably.

Increased Comfort

These dental implants will feel just like your natural teeth. The disturbance that comes with removable dentures will be terminated by implants, which feels natural.

Increased Self-worth

Loss of teeth can decrease the value of your smile, especially when the affected spot is quite visible. However, implants bring back that confidence. This way, you will feel great about yourself.

How are Implants Done?

Dentists in Fairfax are many; dentists are available with many specialties. Aside from the general dentists, there are cosmetic dentists, periodontitis, etc. So, for dental implants, it’s advisable to meet an expert in such an area.

Finding a dentist in Fairfax is simple, you only to search on the internet for dentist near you or if you are in Fairfax just search for Fairfax dentist.

Firstly, professionals or skilled dentists develop and prepares a plan for the intended treatment. This plan is individualized and meets the needs of the patient needs. They consider a suitable implant for you when providing dental care.

A titanium implant that serves as a tooth root is then placed 1is then fixed into the bone socket of your jaw. The jaw bone will then heal around the metal, making it firmly fixed. It will take about 6-12 weeks for the jaw to fully heal.

The next thing is to place an abutment for you to attach the tooth. A model of your bite is used to make the new teeth. It has to be made from your natural teeth’ appearance. The dentist will then fix the replacement tooth on the abutment that was fixed earlier. This abutment connects the crown (replacement tooth) to the titanium implant.

Are they Safe? What are the Risks?

Generally, these implants are safe and have high success rates. However, success rates differ when considering the area of the jawbone where the implant will occur.

In summary, if you are either having a full dental implant treatment or an individual, it’s safe to do. As long as these dental implants in Fairfax are available, there would always be a replacement of missing teeth. Nevertheless, implants can be maintained the same way you do to your natural teeth. Call us now to book an appointment with our dentist near you and learn more about dental implants. We also welcome patients from surrounding areas like Westwood Park, Idylwood, Pine Ridge, Fairlee, Adahi Road Southeast, and Nicosh Lane.

Gum recession is an aspect that should be controlled at every cost. In the event that the tissues that surround the teeth has pulled away from the tooth to the extent that more of the features of the teeth that are often covered by the gum is visible, then you need the services or a dentist. Gum recession often goes unnoticed until the situation worsens thus the need to contact a dentist. If you are in Fairfax, then you need to contact dentist in Fairfax or contact Emergency Dentist in 22031 in case you have noticed some gum recession for a gum grafting procedure.

Gum grafting is a procedure that is commonly used to improve the gums health to correct gum recession or to simply improve how you look. Dentist in Merrifield specifically dentist Fairfax can comfortably conduct the procedure and correct your situation if you contact Emergency Dentist in 22031. Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that is simply. I know surgical procedures come causes a chill in most patients but before you shy away from it, get to understand how the procedure is conducted to know its simplicity and understand why it should not be a cause of worry.

Gum tissue graft: The procedure

When you visit any of the dentists Fairfax, you should expect any of the following process from the dentist in Merrifield during the grafting process. The graft tissue employed will depend on your specific needs based on your condition.

Connective tissue graft

This is one of the common methods that you should expect during the process. The process involves cutting of a flap of the skin at the roof of the mouth or palate and a tissue that is under the flap or the subepithelial connective tissue is extracted. These parts are then stitched to the gum tissue to cover the exposed root of the teeth. The flap that was cut is then stitched back up after the connective tissue or the graft has been removed from the palatal flap.

Free gingival grafts

This process also involved the connective-tissue graft whereby in this case, the gingival graft is used. The gingival graft is derived from the root of the mouth but the process does not make a flap and remove the tissue under the top layer of the flesh. Instead, the procedure a small amount of the tissue is derived directly from the top of the mouth and is stitched to the area of the gum that is to be corrected. This method is suitable in situations whereby the patient has thin gums and they need to have additional tissues involves to enlarge their gums.

Pedicle grafts

The procedure involves gum grafting that is around or close to the tooth that is to be repaired rather than using tissue that is derived from the palate. The process involves the cutting away of the flap or the pedicle to ensure that the edge is attached. The dentist will then pull over or down the gum to cover the part that is exposed and the section sewed to cover the root. However, the procedure is possible only in cases where the patient has plenty of gum tissue located near the tooth that is to be corrected.

There are other situations whereby dentists and patients will use graft materials that is derived from a tissue bank instead of making cuts from the mouth. In other cases, the use of tissue simulating proteins is employed for the purposes of encouraging the body’s natural ability to generate bone and tissue. These are some of the options that are available for correcting gum recession and improving ones looks. The choices are primarily based on the availability of the tissue within the mouth and in some case the choice of the patient and the doctor.

However, after the graft or surgery if you experience bleeding that does not stop even after applying pressure for 20 minutes or pain and swelling within the area, then you will need to contact your dentist. Nevertheless, the healing should be easy and without complication. On the other hand, you need to have reputable dentistry for the procedure to ensure that you get quality work from the professional.

Our dentist near you in Fairfax, VA, can fulfil all your dental care needs. Call us now to book an appointment with our dentist near you. We also offers services to the patients residing in Pine Ridge, Westwood Park, Idylwood, Fairlee, Vienna, West Falls Church, and surrounding communities.

Statistical records show that in 2015 alone, Americans spent more than $1.4 billion purchasing at-home dental whitening products and over 11 billion dollars on teeth whitening. This depicts a picture of how willing and determined people are to get rid of their discolored teeth. Drummond Dental Care is a dental clinic you can visit and have your teeth whitened.

When you decide to have your teeth bleached, there are various products and methods you can choose from. However, you should note that most teeth whitening products contain chemicals that help achieve the desired results. This factor has become a major concern for most people who want to have whiter teeth. If you are among such persons who desire to have white teeth, this article will guide you to choose the right whitening options that are safe.

Causes of Yellow Teeth

Multiple factors can cause your teeth to darken or become dull, thus losing their attractive white sparkle. One such aspect is eating foods that stain the enamel. The enamel can be described as the outer white layer surrounding all your teeth. Furthermore, plaque or tartar buildup on the teeth surface as a result of failing to brush and maintain ideal oral hygiene can cause your teeth to have a yellow or brown appearance. However, this discoloration can be treated and gotten rid of by going to a dental office for regular cleanings or whitening treatments.

Sometimes teeth turn yellow because of enamel erosion. When this happens, the dentin, which is naturally yellow and found underneath the enamel, gets exposed, making your teeth lose their white appearance.

Whitening Systems

• In-office whitening – This is one of the quickest/fastest ways to have your teeth whitened by our dentist in Fairfax. It involves applying whitening products directly to one’s teeth. These products are mostly used together with a special laser or light, and the results are visible after treatment.
• Whitening rinses – Just like mouthwashes, these rinses too will freshen your breath and help reduce gum disease and dental plaque. Some of these products contain ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, which bleaches teeth.
• Over-the-counter whitening gels and strips – Both whitening gels and strips contain peroxide, a whitening agent. These gels are applied directly to the teeth surface with a brush.
• Whitening toothpaste – These pastes contain chemical agents or gentle polishing that makes them effective at stain removal.

Who Isn’t a Tooth Whitening Candidate?

Teeth whitening cannot be recommended or yield desired results for people with the following issues:

• Gum disease, cavities, exposed roots, and worn enamel
• Teeth sensitivity and allergies
• Unrealistic expectations
• Fillings, tooth crowns, or other restorations
• Teeth that are darkly stained

How to Keep Your Teeth Stain-Free

Although your teeth will naturally turn yellow due to old age, there are things or actions you can partake in to help keep teeth stains at bay. They include:

1. Limiting your intake of sugar and sugary foods

If you are out there and you desire to have whiter teeth, one key step you have to take is cutting back on your intake of sugar. A diet with a high sugar composition encourages bacterial growth, which in turn causes gingivitis and plaque.

2. Cutting back on the consumption of staining beverages and foods

Coffee, dark berries, soda, and red wine are common foods and drinks that stain teeth. According to our dentist in Fairfax, VA, one does not necessarily have to avoid these foods; instead, the said individual should try limiting their intake. To keep staining beverages out of contact with teeth, use a straw whenever possible when you drink them. More so, people are advised to clean their teeth as soon as they are done consuming these beverages of foods.

3. Eating a diet that’s rich in calcium

Any action you take that strengthens your teeth enamel will go a long way in keeping your teeth white. Eating calcium-rich foodstuffs such as broccoli, cheese, and milk will help protect one’s teeth against enamel erosion.

4. Regularly brushing teeth and flossing before bedtime

In as much as we say that tooth discoloration occurs naturally as one age, the truth remains that this is largely caused by plaque buildup. Brushing your teeth with toothpaste, flossing, and going to a dentist near you for regular dental cleanings helps eliminate oral bacteria responsible for the formation of yellow plaque.

If you are planning to get the teeth whitening, don’t wait, call us right away to book an appointment with our dentist near you. Our dentist also welcome patients from Fairfax, Prosperity Ave, Merrilee Dr, Merrifield, Dunn Loring, Mantua, Falls Church, Tysons Corner, Antrim, and Vienna

The ability to enunciate words, bite and chew accordingly is affected once you lose one or more teeth. Tooth loss results in long-lived consequences, and it would be ideal to undergo a dental implants placement in Fairfax. Your adjacent teeth may shift to occupy the space left by the missing tooth, leading to dental instability and bone loss. Dental implants are viable restorative prosthetics that restore your dental structure, replace missing teeth, and revamp your beautiful and natural smile.

When Is the Procedure Ideal For You?

Dental implants are surgically inserted into your jaw bone to support attachments that replace your teeth and serve as your tooth roots. The titanium rod fuses with the jawbone and stimulates its growth. A successful implant procedure occurs if you have the following features:

• Don’t smoke tobacco
• Have one or more missing teeth
• Dentures are not suitable for your dental work.
• Your jawbone is fully grown.
• Oral tissues are healthy.
• You have no underlying oral health problems that may affect your healing process.
• Your jawbone is adequate to support the artificial prosthetics or can undergo bone grafting.

Dental Implants Procedure

The condition of your oral tissues and missing teeth determine whether you are a suitable candidate for a dental implant procedure. Here’s what the process entails beginning with your initial appointment to aftercare.

Consultation and Preparation

During your initial visit, your dentist in Fairfax examines your oral health by running various diagnostic tests. A CT scan or X-rays may be performed to check on the condition of your bone. If your jawbone is healthy and adequate to support an implant, thorough preparation is done to ensure that the procedure is successful. The remaining decayed or broken segments of your tooth are extracted, and if your bone has deteriorated, grafting may be recommended.

Bone Grafting

Jawbone grafting may not be required if your bone is thick and has adequate mass. Your oral surgeon performs grafting before the implant surgery. Grafting provides a solid base for your implant and ensures the pressure exerted while chewing can be withheld with an implant.

Natural bone grafting involves getting tissues from another body location, while synthetic grafts as acquired from bone substitute material vital in providing support for the growth of your bone. The dentist near you can determine the ideal option for you. You may require several months for the transplanted bone to grow and become adequate to support your implant. Minor grafting can be done together with the implant surgery based on the condition of your jawbone.

Placement of Your Dental Implant

Local anesthesia is administered to numb your tissues before the implant is fit into your jawbone. Our dentist near you cuts into your gum tissues and uses specialized equipment to drill into your jawbone to create a slot for your implant. Your implant takes about six months to fuse with your jawbone. Before your dental implant in Fairfax becomes stable, a denture may be needed. The dental specialist customizes an artificial tooth that’s supported by the titanium rod.

Healing Process

Upon a successful procedure, the effects of local anesthesia wear off. You may experience little discomfort, swelling, and tenderness on the surgical site, but the healing process takes effect immediately. The dentist near you may recommend you to take soft foods. Recommend mouthwash can help in maintaining oral hygiene.

Dental Implants Aftercare Tips

Our dentist in Fairfax may recommend you to follow the guidelines below and have a successful dental implants procedure:

• Make regular appointments with your dentist for dental exams on your teeth implants’ condition and identification of underlying issues or potential risks.
• undertake regular flossing and brushing of your teeth to avoid having gum diseases
• Clean your implants using recommended guidelines
• Avoid smoking, which may weaken your dental works.

If you properly take care of your dental implants, they’ll serve you for a long, and ensure your teeth’ functionalities are restored. At Drummond Dental Care, we recommend dental implants for tooth replacement since they’re sturdy and secure. Your tooth functionalities are restored, and potential risks associated with tooth loss are minimized. Implants support dental appliances, including bridges and dentures, and restore your oral hygiene habits. Please consult your specialist if you have missing teeth to ensure you undergo the restorative procedure and avoid extensive dental procedures in the future.

Call us now to book an appointment with our dentist near you, and consult about dental implants. If you are residing in Olney Park, Vienna, Fairlee, Woodley North, Antrim, Pine Ridge, Mantua, and Dunn Loring, you can also contact our dentist to book an appointment.

Many people consider root canal treatment the most painful dental procedure. They cringe with pain with the mention of the procedure, but this is a result of misinformation. The truth is, a root canal is as painless as other dental procedures.

In this blog, we will debunk the six most common myths surrounding this topic to help you make an informed decision. But before that, here are a few fast facts about the treatment.

Fast Facts About Root Canal Therapy

• The root canal is often the last resort for saving a decayed or infected tooth.
• If a root canal does not work, the tooth should be extracted.
• The root canal procedure requires a dental crown to strengthen the treated tooth.
• A qualified dentist for root canal procedures is known as an endodontist.
• You can get a root canal at Drummond Dental Care.

Myth #1: The Procedure is Too Painful

The reason behind the myth is the procedure used to be quite painful in the past. However, things have changed a lot in recent years, and every dental procedure is painless, thanks to sedation.

Therefore, if you were turning down the treatment, thinking it is painful, it is not. You will be very comfortable during the procedure. The only time you will feel pain is after the procedure, and the dentist will equip you with painkillers.

Myth #2: The Treatment Causes Infections

If you Google “do root canal cause diseases?” you will find several articles trying to prove how root canal leads to infections. However, the treatment does not cause any infections.

The reason why this myth came about is a poorly conducted study carried out many years ago. This study was carried out before modern medicine, and doctors did not understand the causes of most diseases. Therefore, don’t be afraid of canal therapy because it is safe.

Myth #3: Tooth Extraction is a Better Option

If there is a way your natural tooth can be saved, you should give it a chance. Your natural teeth are golden, and nothing can be as good them. Not even a dental implant, which is considered the best teeth replacement, can be as good as a natural tooth.

Therefore, if a root canal will save your tooth, you should go for it. Furthermore, it will save you both time and money you would have used for replacement. Also, canal therapy has a high success rate, so the chances of saving your natural tooth are high.

Myth #4: Pregnant Women Can’t Get a Root Canal

Typically, there are a lot of things a pregnant lady should not do. However, getting a root canal is not one of them. The procedure is safe even for pregnant ladies. The reason behind this myth is because the procedures use x-ray.

However, the x-ray exposure is too minimal to cause any damage to the mother or baby. Furthermore, the mother will be asked to wear protective gear, and the x-ray will be directed to the mouth, not the abdomen.

However, it is important to disclose your pregnancy before the procedure. That way, the dentist will be even extra careful while handling you. Our Fairfax dentist is here for you if you require a root canal.

Myth #5: Tooth Roots Are Removed

The treatment may have the name root in it, but your tooth’s roots are not touched during the procedure. It only concentrates on removing the infections from the infected pulp and strengthens the tooth with a dental crown or fillings.

Myth #6: The Procedure is Too Expensive

One of the major reasons several patients prefer tooth extraction to canal therapy is because they have been convinced that the treatment is too expensive. However, that’s not the case. The procedure is relatively affordable, and it is worth every dollar.

After all, you will be saving your natural tooth, which is irreplaceable. Plus, if you extract the tooth, you will need to replace it, which will probably be costlier than getting a root canal in the first place. We offer high-quality endodontic services, and you can count on us if you are looking for a root canal in Fairfax.

Dentist in 22031, Fairfax

We are here for you if you are looking for a dentist in Fairfax. We can help you with cosmetic, restorative, and preventive care. With over 20 years in the dental industry, you can feel safe in our clinic. Book an appointment today.

Are you always self-cautious when you smile? Do you fear showing your teeth in interviews? Well, some of the few reasons a person may not be proud of their smile are if their teeth are discolored, chipped, or misshapen.

If that’s why you are not proud of your smile, dental veneers can be of help. This cosmetic dental procedure has become quite popular in recent years. Today, we will discuss the reasons behind its popularity. Let’s get into it:

Offers a Natural Appearance

While enhancing a smile, everyone hopes to get a natural-looking smile. The cosmetic procedures provide this natural look, and dental veneers are no different. The dentist takes his time to make a veneer that matches your teeth’ color and looks natural. For that reason, the procedure may take more than one visit to the dentist.

The dentist will first take impressions from your teeth and send them to the lab. You will be allowed to go home and will be called once the veneers are ready. During the second visit, the dentist will place the veneers and ensure that they look as natural as possible.

The Procedure is Minimally Invasive

Veneers can be used for cosmetic and restorative purposes. For restorative purposes, veneers are less invasive than its alternatives. The dentist will only need to remove about a half millimeter of the target tooth’s enamel. If you are getting a crown, the dentist will remove much more.

After shaving down your enamel, the dentist will attach the veneer with special cement. He will then make the necessary adjustments to ensure the result looks natural. You won’t even need to be sedated for this procedure. It is painless, and you can start using your tooth almost immediately after leaving the dental clinic.

Versatile

Dental veneers can be used to fix several problems affecting one’s smile. Some of the problems a dental veneer solve include:

• Heavily stained teeth that can’t be whitened.
• Covering wide gaps between teeth
• Misshaped teeth.

Many people use braces to correct the problem of wide gaps between teeth, but you can skip the uncomfortableness of braces by using veneers. Instead of moving the teeth, veneers cover the issue. We will walk you through these options at our clinic to help you choose the most appropriate solution. Talk to us if you need a dentist in Fairfax, VA.

A Permanent and Durable Solution

Veneers are made of porcelain, and the material is strong, durable, and stain-resistant. The material is non-porous, and it resists cavities better than your natural teeth. That said, dental veneers can last for up to 15 years with proper maintenance.

Easy to Maintain

Veneers are as easy to maintain as your natural teeth. You don’t need to purchase any special cleaning agents or visit the dentist every two weeks. You just need to continue brushing and flossing your teeth as before. Also, visit the dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings.

It’s a Permanent Teeth Whitening Option

Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure. It involves the use of whitening chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide to whiten a patient’s teeth and enhance their smiles. However, it does not work for everyone, and its effects can last for about two years.

Veneers, on the other hand, they resist stains better than natural teeth, meaning the effects can last for a longer time. Therefore, if you want a whitening solution that will last for a longer time, you should consider getting veneers.

Veneers are a Worthy Investment

Like most cosmetic dental procedures, you will probably need to cover the cost of treatment from your pocket. Some people may feel like that’s a lot of money, but all things considered, veneers are worth every dollar.

Veneers will enhance your smile, boosting your self-confidence in the process. When you have a beautiful smile, you will smile more, and people who smile more are often happier. Who wouldn’t want to be happier?

Drummond Dental Care

If you are looking for a dentist in Fairfax, you are in the right place. We can help you with cosmetic as well as preventive dental services. Our dentist has 20+ years of experience, and we offer services even on Saturdays. You can also count on us if you are looking for a dentist near you because of an emergency. Schedule an appointment with us for urgent care.

A gum grafting procedure involves placing small amounts of new tissues in areas with little to no gum tissue. It aims at preventing further gum recession or covering your exposed teeth roots.

Because gum recession exposes your teeth roots, the root surface will become more susceptible to decay, abrasion as well as sensitivity. The gum graft procedure is performed by a periodontist or gum specialist. During this procedure, the dentist extracts a thin tissue from your mouth roof or surrounding gum tissue. Next, they attach the tissue to places with little or no gum tissue. It won’t take long and you can go home as soon as it is over.

Preparing For Gum Grafts

Gum grafts are categorized into three groups:

• Connective tissue graft
• Gingival graft
• Pedicle graft

Prior to the procedure, the periodontist discusses the options with you then makes a recommendation depending on your specific needs. Once you get booked in for the procedure, there is no special preparation. You need not alter your diet or fast in anticipation of the D-day. You only need to show up. However, you will have to arrange with someone to drive you to and from the dentist’s office. This is because you may be given pain medications after the procedure and it is possible you may experience drowsiness.

What to Expect During Grafting

As soon as you arrive at the dental office, you will be taken to the procedure room. Here, local anesthesia will be administered to you. Though rarely, the periodontist may sometimes allow administration of general anesthesia to render you unconscious throughout the whole procedure.

The periodontist will perform any of these depending on your needs:

Free Gingival Graft: The periodontist removes a tiny tissue from your mouth roof then stitches it to the region requiring gum tissue. This procedure is recommended for thin gums in need of extra tissue to avoid further recession.

Connective Tissue Graft: After removing a piece of connective tissue from the roof of the mouth, your periodontist stitches it to the region needing gum tissue. The connective tissue graft id the most prevalent type of graft.

Pedicle/ Lateral Graft: From an area next to the gum recession, the periodontist creates a flap of tissue. They then use this flap to cover the region of receding gum tissue. Unlike the other procedures that use tissues from other parts of the mouth, this uses local tissue. Because it doesn’t cut off blood flow in your mouth parts, the pedicle graft is the most successful type of graft. However, you need to have a lot of gum tissues in regions around the gum recession for this to be successful.

Usually, the grafting procedure takes a short time. Once the periodontist sutures up the graft, they wash out your mouth using an antibacterial mouthwash. They will also discuss tips to take care of the graft until it heals completely.

What to Expect During the Recovery Period

Shortly after the grafting is complete, you will be free to leave. The doctor may put you under observation for about one hour to see if the graft has any issues. Within the first few weeks, eat cold and soft foods to avoid damaging the graft. Hot and hard foods can irritate or burn the graft.

The following foods are recommended during this period:

• Soft-boiled or scrambled eggs
• Yogurt
• Soft vegetables
• Ice cream
• Cottage cheese
• Gelatin

The periodontist may recommend using mouthwash to prevent the buildup of plaque on the teeth, infections, or graft issues. Avoid brushing or flossing in the affected area until your doctor tells you to as doing this before complete healing could cause infections or open the wound. It is common to experience some pain and discomfort. You can get over-the-counter medications for the pain. You should also avoid strenuous activities until you get word from your doctor.

Finding the Right Dentist near You

We at Drummond Dental Care not only care about your oral health but also your general body health. That is why we are committed to offering you high-quality dental services at our dentist’s office. Are you looking for gum grafting services in Fairfax, VA? Visit our dentist in Fairfax, VA today. Our dentist near you can’t wait to meet you. Call us today and book an appointment.