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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.

Understanding the difference between a dental emergency needing urgent care or a nonurgent dental emergency can be the difference between saving or losing your tooth. For example, if you have a knocked-out tooth, it must be treated promptly by your emergency dentist regardless of whether the accident occurred during or beyond office hours. If you need urgent care for a dental emergency, you must call the dentist in Fairfax as soon as possible without question time.

Not every dental emergency requires the same level of urgency. For example, a lost porcelain crown can be treated during regular business hours. The dentist in Fairfax, VA, can advise you on the steps you must follow to protect your teeth and gums while you wait for an appointment.

In this blog, the dentist in Merrifield explains the differences between urgent and nonurgent dental emergencies. The dentist recommends that if you are currently affected by dental pain or discomfort, you call their urgent care dentist to set up an appointment for treating yourself.

What Emergencies Qualify for Urgent Care?

Suppose you are suffering from severe dental pain or have lacerations on your gums, cheeks, and tongue; these qualify for urgent care in emergency dental clinics. The dentist’s office will arrange their schedule to ensure you receive treatment at the earliest.

The following emergencies also need urgent care from the dental facilities suggested in this blog.

• You have a severe toothache or a knocked-out tooth.
• A dental abscess is affecting you.
• You have broken a tooth, or a large piece of the tooth is missing.
• Large cracks or chips in the tooth or lose teeth also need urgent care.

If the dental trauma has occurred beyond office hours, your first call should be to the urgent care clinic. The directions on the answering machine will provide you instructions on how to reach the dentist in the event of a dental emergency. The earlier you seek treatment for the condition affecting you, the likelihood of lessening expensive dental restorations will increase significantly.

How to React If You Have a Toothache?

Toothaches are often caused by food trapped between the teeth. Flossing can, at times, prove helpful to relieve mild toothaches. However, dentists also recommend swishing your mouth with warm water. You must schedule an appointment with the urgent care dentist if the pain does not subside. If you have a cavity, the dentist will restore your tooth with a filling or a crown. The need to obtain invasive treatments is eliminated when you act immediately and contact the dentist for the required treatment.

What Can You Do If You Have a Dental Abscess?

Avoid popping the dental abscess similarly like a pimple. You should instead call the dental office immediately and request for urgent care. When you schedule an appointment with the critical care dentist, he or she will safely drain the abscess. The extent of the infection will determine whether the dentist suggests scaling and root planing, root canal treatment, or tooth extraction. Dental abscess does not go away by themselves unless they are treated by a dental professional.

How to Manage Loose Teeth?

Your teeth receive support from your gums, jaw bone tissue, and other teeth. The reason for a tooth loosening is many, and it could be because of receding gums, bone loss in your jaw, or first tooth loss. You could suffer from loose teeth from an impact on the face. At times the only way to understand the underlying cause for loose teeth is to visit an urgent care dentist for treatment.

What about a Knocked-out Tooth?

Call the office of the dentist in Fairfax if you have a knocked-out tooth because you need urgent dental care within 30 minutes. Pick of the tooth by the chewing surface without holding the roots. It ensures you do not damage the roots to make it impossible for the dentist to insert the tooth back into its socket. You can rinse the knocked out tooth without scrubbing the roots and attempt to keep the tooth moist to prevent it from drying. Reach the dentist’s office as soon as possible if you want to avoid tooth replacement solutions for the knocked-out tooth.

There is no reason for you to panic if you have a lost filling, crown, bridge, food trapped between your teeth, causing a dull toothache or a small chip or crack in your teeth. These are nonurgent dental emergencies and can wait until regular office hours to be treated. If you are suffering from any issues not mentioned in this blog, it is recommended that you contact the dentist’s office anyway. You may receive advice on how you can alleviate any pain you are suffering from by using over-the-counter pain medications along with information on how the issue should be managed appropriately.

The oral cavity houses the teeth. Apart from the distinct function of chewing your food, the teeth have other aesthetic values too. Be it helping you to pronounce distinctly or to boost your self-esteem. The teeth have no alternative.

With regular usage, the deterioration in the quality and standard of your teeth is inevitable. Even you might need to replace your teeth lost due to dental trauma or due to some ailment.

The Need to Replace Missing Teeth

Although dentists in Fairfax can help you replace a dilapidated or broken tooth, the problem with a dental gap is kore than just the aesthetic importance. You need to get your chipped tooth replaced to restore your teeth lost functionality and protect the health of the neighboring teeth. Before you smile again at a gathering with the dental gap, you can consider the reasons for filling the dental gaps.

#1: Protecting the Neighboring Teeth

Each of your teeth performs its task and also work in unison when you chew your food. Losing your teeth can put extra stress on the neighboring teeth, and they are forced to handle the additional burden. A dental gap can also contribute to an unbalanced bite and might cause cuts in your cheek or tongue. Such an unbalanced bite if persists for a more extended period can cause TMJ disorders.

#2: Healthy Jawbone

The roots of your teeth can stimulate the regeneration of healthy bones. Once you lose teeth, the root of the teeth also cannot reach the jawbones and cannot increase their health. Without the root of the teeth, the jawbones start to deteriorate and can cause the neighboring teeth to become week.

#3: Restoration of Lost Function

Even a single lost tooth can hinder your regular eating habit. You might loose on the nutrition from foods like vegetables or meat as it might hurt too much to chew with the remaining teeth.

#4: Self-confidence

If you lack those teeth and smile with visible dental gaps, it can dent your confidence. With unsightly teeth, you might face the anxiety in social situations and might suffer from isolation. Strong and teeth resembling natural ones can often help you to gain confidence.

Tooth Replacement Options

Dentist in Merrifield can provide you with different too replacement options, but dental implants offer better results than the contemporary dental implants as dentures or dental bridges.

#1: Improved Chewing

The removable dentures can restore only about 10 % of your chewing ability. On the contrary, dental implants serve as a substitute for your natural teeth and enable you to chew properly.

#2: Easy Speaking

Dentures can cause your speech to slur and slip inside your mouth. Dentures retain the speech and can even help to improve it.

#3: Low Maintenance

Dental implants can last for long and do not require regular maintenance. The dentures need replacement every three to five years. Maintaining good oral hygiene can make your implants last for a lifetime. Dentists in Fairfax, VA, can guide you on maintaining oral health.

#4: Improves Oral Health

Dental implants are permanent solutions to lost teeth and can last a lifetime. The dental implants serve as a replacement to your natural tooth and can stimulate the growth of your jawbones and maintain its integrity.

On the contrary, the dental bridges or dentures act like esthetic solution and are placed on the top of your gum. Such dental replacements deteriorate your jawbone health and can degrade the jaws in due course.

#5: The Innovative Approach

With dentures and dental bridges, you get a three-teeth solution of a particular tooth loss. Bridges can be placed in a dental gap by involving the adjacent teeth. The dental implants are fixed into the jawbones and are a standalone solution to your missing teeth.

Types of Implants

Based on your need and state of the jawline, the dentist can guide you with the dental implant that is best suited. You can search for a “dentist near me” to get dental clinics to undergo implants.

The conventional implants are embedded within the jawbone, while the zygomatic implants are embedded into the cheekbones when you do not have substantial jawbones.

We, at Drummond Dental Care, have a pool of experienced dentists and trained staff who are dedicated to providing urgent dental care. Contact us today for a consultation.

A root canal procedure is done to remove the infected pulp in your tooth to prevent further damage from the infection. Despite the pulp’s function being growth and restoration, a mature tooth does not need it for nourishment.

At Drummond Dental Care, we have endodontists who have specialized in root canal treatment. After the procedure, the chamber is cleaned and filled up to stop bacteria from reentering.

When Do You Need a Root Canal?

1. 1. Abscessed Tooth

An infection formed after the tooth pulp dies, and a pus pocket formed is referred to as an abscess. The abscess can also cause a pimple ejecting pus on your gum or a foul taste in your mouth.

If not taken care of, the infection may spread into the surrounding tissues and the tooth bone. Antibiotics can only prevent the bacteria from spreading, but root canal procedures will ensure that the infected pulp is thoroughly cleaned out.

1. 1. Toothaches

When the tooth pulp is still alive, you will experience sensitivity when you take hot and cold drinks and food. The sensitivity will continue even after you stop taking the cold and hot beverages. Heat sensitivity is commonly associated with the need to have a root canal treatment.

The pain can advance to a headache.

When the pulp is dead, you will experience pain when you are chewing or biting. An abscessed tooth can make your cheek, neck, or jaw swell. If this happens, our dentists in Fairfax advise you to rush to the emergency room for a checkup.

For weekend emergencies, you can visit our Saturday dentist in Fairfax if you experience any pain around your tooth for an examination.

1. 1. Deep Tooth Cavity

When tooth decay extends to the root pulp, the pulp becomes infected. This results in the pain, inflammation, or decaying of the pulp. Other times there might be no pain at all. A root canal procedure will ensure the decayed and infected tissue is removed entirely.

1. 1. Fractures and Trauma

A great bang to your tooth can damage your root nerves, which may die immediately or after a long period. This situation will need root canal treatment to correct it.

There will be a need for a root canal if, after an accident, your tooth has been chipped to the pulp. Other fractures leave no crown above the gum line, leaving no support for a restoration procedure. In this situation, our dentists in Fairfax, VA, will perform a root canal treatment to make way for post-installation.

1. 1. Repeated Tooth Procedures

Tooth procedures can cause your tooth a lot of stress. Recurring tooth drilling can make your pulp inflame. Tests have to be done by your dentist to determine if the inflammation can be reversed or not.

What to Do After a The Procedure

• Regular visits to the dentist near you are expected after the procedure to ensure that there are no other signs of infection.
• Ensure proper oral dental care by brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day.
• Avoid chewing on the side of the tooth undergoing treatment to avoid re-infection or fracturing before the restoration is done.
• You mightexperience sensitivity after the procedure if the pulp was inflamed or painful. You can control this by using the recommended over the counter drugs by your dentist.

What are Tooth Canal Procedures Complications?

Your dentist will do their best to treat and save your tooth. Despite all that treatment, new infections might emerge. They may be as a result of:

• Unnoticed crack on your tooth that might allow bacteria to seep in
• Breaking of the sealing material used, resulting in recontamination of the tooth
• More than one infected tooth pulps that have not been treated
• Deficient tooth restoration that will allow the bacteria to penetrate the root

How to Avoid Root Canal Treatments?

When participating in sports and activities that will likely lead to accidents, you should wear mouth guards to prevent your teeth from experiencing trauma or fracturing.

Practice healthy oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist to avoid tooth decay and repeated dental procedures that affect your tooth pulp.

What are Veneers?

Veneers are thin tooth-like shells applied on the front of teeth to change the appearance of your smile. You can use them to change the size, length, shape and color of teeth in pursuit of what you consider to be the perfect smile. They are often a great choice for patients wishing to cover multiple flaws in their teeth. They can help with discoloration, broken/chipped teeth or even to close gaps between teeth.

The biggest advantage of veneers is that they are very durable, lasting between 10 to 15 years if cared for properly. To help you get absolute value if you have veneers, here are some care and maintenance tips from our dentist in Fairfax, VA at Drummond Dental Care.

Care Tips

• Practice Proper Daily Oral Hygiene

You should continue to brush, floss and rinse daily, just as you would with natural teeth. even with veneers, your teeth are still at risk of diseases that develop due to poor oral hygiene. Make sure to brush at least twice every day, or ideally after every meal. Also floss once a day to help get rid of any food particles that are stuck between your teeth, where the tooth brush bristles cannot reach. When flossing you should be careful so as not to destroy the veneers. A dentist near you can teach you how to floss without pressure on the veneers that may result to chips or cracks.

Your dentist may also recommend the use of an alcohol-free mouthwash to kill any harmful bacteria in the mouth. Do not use a mouthwash containing alcohol as it tends to soften the bonding agent used in veneers and also makes the veneers more vulnerable to staining.

• Get the Right Toothpaste

Some toothpaste brands may be too abrasive for your veneers, hence causing damage. So, take note on the ingredients used in the toothpaste to prevent damage. Substances like hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate may seem safe but the truth is that the former is known to eat away the veneer’s surface while the latter has a gritty texture that strips the veneers of their color and sheen. It is often safer to use gel toothpaste over those in the form of pastes as they usually contain the above ingredients. Your dentist can help you identify the best toothpaste that will care for both your teeth and veneers while offering the needed protection.

• Limit the Intake of Staining Foods and Drinks

Although porcelain veneers are known to be quite effective at keeping off stains, the bonding material used lacks that ability. This means that the edges of your veneers can begin to darken or turn yellow if no precaution is taken. Therefore, for aesthetics, dentist recommend that you try and avoid foods known to cause staining and discoloration such as coffee, soda and wine. You can also use a straw when consuming these drinks to minimize contact with your teeth and veneers.

Also be wary of foods that contain too much sugar and acid as they are the main culprits behind tooth decay, which is bad for veneers.

• Quit Smoking

Cigarettes and tobacco products are bad for your overall health and they also affect the longevity of veneers. These substances contain nicotine and tar which oxidizes to form yellow stains and discoloration marks on your veneers.

• Avoid Teeth Grinding and Clenching

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism and clenching are uncontrollable habits in some people which can over time wear down the veneers. Have your dentist address this issue so that you can protect your veneers. Treatment may include getting custom splints or mouthguards, taking muscle relaxants or undergoing treatment for anxiety or stress, if that is the underlying trigger.

Our emergency dentist in Fairfax also recommends use of mouthguards when participating in high impact activities like boxing and wrestling. They not only protect your veneers but also offer protection to your natural teeth.

• Do Not Use Your Teeth as Tools

You should not use your teeth to open bottles or tear items, especially when you have veneers. Also avoiding biting on hard foods like sugarcane or meat cuts with bones. Any extreme pressure can cause the veneers to break or chip. Habits like biting fingernails or chewing pains should also be avoided.

• Go for Regular Dental-Check-Ups

Finally, the only sure way to know if your veneers are doing alright is to have a dentist regularly check you. This way, any problems or abnormalities are detected early and the correct treatment is administered.

Tooth loss can occur due to many reasons ranging from injury, gum disease, tooth decay, or a genetic condition. Regardless of the cause for the missing teeth if you are looking for replacing a missing tooth or making some adjustments to the overall appearance of your mouth you can find different treatments available to accomplish your goal.

Speaking to the dentist near me about tooth replacement options will get you information that you can consider dental implants, a fixed dental bridge, or removable partial dentures. You can consider one among the three depending on your situation and the kind of investment you are prepared to make for the replacement. However, if you want a semi-permanent replacement that will remain with you for decades and is considered as one of the best available you will find it difficult to overlook dental implants for many reasons. Let us look at the reasons why you should not ignore dental implants for other tooth replacement options.

Why Consider Dental Implants?

When you need to replace a single tooth or several teeth in different areas of your mouth dental implants are the best option that will be available to you. The treatment requires mounting a titanium metal post surgically into your jawbone in the upper or lower jaw. A replacement tooth will then be mounted on the implant which allows the tooth to stay in place. A dental implant is considered the best because it provides a permanent base for the replacement tooth.

The costs of the dental implant will vary after taking different factors into consideration. However, the average cost of a single implant can be between $ 3000-$ 6000.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

The replacement tooth on dental implants look and feel like a natural tooth and can last for decades. You will not encounter any difficulties with the replacement tooth because it would have been attached to the implant inserted surgically that would have integrated with your jawbone. Your neighboring teeth will not be affected by the replacement tooth as it is common with a fixed bridge ensuring that your other teeth remain intact even after the placement.

The Disadvantages of Dental Implants

Surgery will be required to have dental implants placed in your mouth and therefore you must be in good physical health for the surgical procedure and the recovery. The healing process can take several months and the dentist in Fairfax will not attach the replacement tooth until the dental implant has healed completely.

Furthermore, dental implants are the most expensive method for replacing a missing tooth. Some insurance providers may cover part of the procedure but you will be responsible for deductibles and co-pays.

You will be required to visit the dentist performing the procedure several times from the beginning of the procedure until the replacement tooth is attached. You may even require bone grafting if you do not have adequate jawbone to support the implant.

Other Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

If you cannot afford the high costs of dental implants and consider other options the Saturday dentist in Fairfax may suggest a fixed dental bridge that can bridge a gap created by the missing tooth. These are cheaper than dental implants but can improve the appearance of your natural teeth.

However, fixed bridges can be difficult to clean around the tooth and underneath the bridge. They also require altering the shape of your existing teeth because a poorly fitted bridge can gradually damage the adjacent teeth over time. Plaque and bacteria can also accumulate under the bridge to cause tooth decay or any other infection.

Another affordable option may be suggested to you by the emergency dentist in Fairfax in the form of removable partial dentures. However, you may find them uncomfortable until you become accustomed to wearing them. Moreover, dentures must be removed for cleaning regularly making them susceptible to damage because of the constant handling.

Dental implants, on the other hand, are affixed into your mouth and just need you to maintain proper oral hygiene to take care of them. They have a success rate of approximately 95% and despite being expensive are the best tooth replacement options currently available. Therefore you must decide carefully after consulting with your dentist to prefer an option that will last with you for a lifetime with regular brushing and care.