Why Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment

why professional teeth whitening treatment - Green Dental Care

Why Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment

If you have done all you can to get those perfect white shiny teeth but still you are not quite getting the result you desire, then it is probably time to let a professional, like your local Parker dentist, take over and do the job they are trained to do. The perfect bright smile is easier to achieve than you think. Professional teeth whitening has become much easier and cheaper due to advances in technology resulting in a reduction of costs. 

The benefits of shiny white teeth are not limited to aesthetics only. A nice bright smile can give a boost to your self-esteem and confidence, and many people believe that a good smile can be a factor in your professional success too. Dr. Christopher Green, from Green Dental Care, recommends professional teeth whitening because of the following reasons:

It Gets You the Fastest Results

In just one pain-free hour at Green Dental Care, you can see the results of the teeth whitening, and this can be especially beneficial if you need teeth whitening before an important event like a professional meeting/presentation or a wedding. The do-it-yourself alternatives are not as efficient and require more time and multiple treatments.

Results Last Longer

The whitening agents used at the dentist are professional-grade, unlike those used in use at-home kits, therefore the results are comparatively more long term. Where the whitening from home-kits lasts around two weeks, you can expect the whitening from a professional to last up to three years!

It is a Safer Option

Our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, a cosmetic dentist in Georgetown, Kentucky about the benefits of professional teeth whitening. Dr. Nda agrees that professional teeth whitening treatments are a safer option. Since the do-it-at-home kits provide you with slower results, you tend to apply them regularly and for a longer time. Due to this consistent application of whiteners, you run the risk of demineralizing your tooth enamel at a faster rate than the rate it mineralizes itself, as after the application of whitener the enamel needs a certain period to mineralize itself naturally. However in the case of professional whitening, only one session is required to achieve the optimal results and that eliminates the risk of demineralization of the enamel, which can lead to bigger dental complications. 

It Gives You a Confidence Boost

Confidence plays a major role in your success in life – whether it is your career or relationships. One of the big factors that increase your confidence is a smile that you are comfortable with. Therefore when you take the decision to whiten your teeth from a professional, it will have a greater impact than just the visual value, it can actually be a good investment for your future success and that too at good value for money. 

The above-mentioned reasons should be enough to convince you that professional teeth whitening is a much better option than the do-it-yourself option. The do-it-yourself kits get you results over time, but they are much less effective and efficient than the professional teeth whitening option. If you are still unsure about which route you should take, book an appointment with Dr. Chris Green so that he can advise you on the best option for you.

why professional teeth whitening treatment - Green Dental Care

About Temporary Crowns

About temporary crowns - Green Dental Care

About Temporary Crowns

About temporary crowns - Green Dental Care

A dental crown can be described as a cap, that is used to cover, and customized according to, a patient’s tooth. The crown is placed on the tooth for its protection, and its advantages include strengthening the tooth and getting it back into its original shape. 

What Are the Different Types of Dental Crowns

There are many different types of dental crowns available at Green Dental Care, but all of them can be divided into two categories – temporary and permanent. The different types of crowns available are:

Temporary Dental Crowns

These are made in the dental clinic, unlike the permanent crowns. Most often, the materials used to make temporary crowns are stainless steel or acrylic material. 

Stainless Steel Dental Crowns

These are a temporary fix, put into place till the time the permanent crown is made. They are often used to prevent the decay of deciduous teeth of children and come out automatically when the permanent tooth appears. 

Base Metal Alloys Dental Crowns 

These crowns are incredibly strong and corrosion-resistant. One of their advantages is that they are gentle against the neighboring teeth. Another reason to opt for this crown is that out of all other types of crowns, this type enables you to remove the least amount of your healthy tooth to fit this crown. 

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Dental Crowns

These crowns can blend in with the natural teeth as the color of these crowns can be matched with the teeth beside them. A drawback is that a moderate amount of tooth structure needs to be removed in order to place this type of crown.

Ceramic Dental Crowns

Typically used to restore the front teeth due to their ability to provide the best natural teeth color match, Dr. Brian Leeson, a St. Pete dentist, says that these are arguably the best choice in dental crowns when it comes to aesthetics. These crowns are not suitable for molars as the ceramic material is not as strong as metal, and can become brittle when exposed to heavy biting forces.

All-Resin Dental Crowns

These are the cheapest option of the lot, but they do have a tendency to wear down over time, and if compared to porcelain-fused-to-metal, the all-resin crown is the one more likely to break. 

When Should You Get a Dental Crown?

You should think about contacting Dr. Christopher Green, a dentist in Parker, CO, to discuss the right time for getting a dental crown. The following are some common reasons to get a dental crown:

  • You require a root canal: If the decay or infection in your affected tooth has become irreparable, it is time for you to get a root canal. And the logical step after a root canal is to use a crown in order to restore the strength of your tooth. 
  • Improve your dental aesthetics: A dental crown can cover all your dental aesthetic problems – an ugly filling, a discolored tooth, or a damaged tooth.
  • Prevent a tooth from breaking: If you have a cracked tooth, it is high time to get a crown in order to protect the structure of the tooth, increase its strength, and most importantly give you relief from pain. 
  • After you get dental implants: The crown aids you in chewing your food properly after a dental implant.

What is the Procedure of Getting a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is placed in two appointments with your Parker dentist. 

Initial Appointment

Most of the work is completed in the initial appointment. Your Parker dentist assesses what needs to be done, the tooth structure is trimmed to get it in the proper shape for crown placement, bite impressions are taken, a temporary crown is placed, and a color match is made.

Follow-up Appointment

This appointment has the primary purpose of removing the temporary crown, placing the permanent crown, and add the finishing touches. 

How to Care for Your Dental Crown?

We asked our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about dental crown care. Dr. Kacos says the best way to care for your dental crown is to take care of it just as you should ideally take care of your natural teeth: regular brushing and flossing. The extra precaution you need to take is to avoid hard foods like ice. In case you grind and clench your teeth at night, it is advisable to wear a mouth guard to provide protection to your crown and teeth in general. 

 

Tooth Sensitivity

tooth sensitivity - Green Dental Care

Tooth Sensitivity

tooth sensitivity - Green Dental Care

If you intentionally avoid hot or cold foods and drinks because of your tooth sensitivity, you may want to contact your local dentist in Parker, Colorado. If you have sensitive teeth, sometimes even simple things like brushing your teeth, eating and drinking, and even breathing cold air can cause sharp temporary pain in your teeth. Tooth sensitivity can be especially annoying as it can rob you of the simple pleasure in life, like sipping a hot cup of coffee. If you are dealing with tooth sensitivity, contact Green Dental Care and Dr. Christopher Green will help treat your tooth sensitivity. 

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Some people are naturally prone to tooth sensitivity due to thinner enamel (the outer protective layer of the tooth). For other people, the enamel can get weaker due to reasons that include:

  • Brushing your teeth too hardly/using a hard toothbrush
  • Grinding/clenching your teeth at night
  • Consuming acidic foods and drinks on a regular basis
  • Gum diseases
  • Cracked tooth

To sum it up, tooth sensitivity is caused by the weakening of the tooth enamel which, as a result, exposes the inner layers of the tooth. It is very important to let your Parker dentist know about your tooth sensitivity in order for them to assess it and determine what the problem is and advice you on the appropriate treatment for it. If you leave your tooth sensitivity unchecked, it can cause brushing your teeth to become painful, which can result in improper care of your teeth. Ultimately, it can lead to bigger problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. 

How Can You Prevent Tooth Sensitivity?

The best treatment is usually prevention. And unless you are naturally prone to tooth sensitivity, you can prevent it by:

  • Using a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your gums and prevent gum loss.
  • Using special toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth.
  • Avoid consuming excessively acidic foods and drinks on a regular basis.
  • Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice daily.

What Should You Avoid If You Have Sensitive Teeth?

In case hot, cold, or acidic drinks and foods trigger sensitivity in your teeth, you should avoid their consumption. Similarly, if other things are causing sensitivity in your teeth, you should avoid them e.g. if brushing your teeth with cold water triggers sensitivity in your teeth, you should start brushing your teeth with warm water instead.

What Are The Treatments for Sensitive Teeth?

If you were not able to prevent sensitivity in your teeth, do not worry as your Parker dentist can cure it with different types of treatments available, some of which are:

  •  Desensitizing Toothpaste: These types of toothpaste are made of components that prevent the transmission of sensation from the outer layer to the more sensitive nerve area of the teeth.
  • Fluoride Treatment: This is a treatment your Parker dentist can give you in their office. Fluoride treatments strengthen the enamel in the sensitive areas of the tooth to reduce the pain. 
  • A Dental Crown/Bonding: Through the application of local anesthetic, the exposed roots are covered by resin or a dental crown.
  • Root Canal Therapy: If the pain in your teeth is severe and other treatments seem to be ineffective, your Parker dentist may recommend a root canal. Root canals are arguably the most effective treatment for tooth sensitivity.

Does a Root Canal Hurt? 

does a root canal hurt - Green Dental Care

Does a Root Canal Hurt? 

Does a root canal hurt? This is one of the most common questions Dr. Chris Green, a dentist in Parker CO, is asked by his patients. To answer this question, we first need to understand what a root canal is, when is it needed, and how is it performed. 

What is a Root Canal?

Root canal treatment is a dental treatment that is done in order to treat infection in the pulp (inner center) of the tooth. Root canal treatment is performed to save a tooth that otherwise might be removed completely. The correct dental term to describe this procedure is “endodontic therapy.” It removes the contents in the tooth and its roots, which are infection-prone. It enables a tooth to perform its function in the mouth despite having lost the ability to feel pain, pressure, or temperature. 

When and Why is it Needed?

A root canal is performed in order to treat infection in the pulp of a tooth, which otherwise might have to be removed. This infection is usually caused after deep tooth decay, leaky fillings, or damage to the tooth due to other forms of trauma, like a fall. It involves a deep cleaning inside the inner chamber of the root of the infected tooth, which can be the cause of the irritation of the surrounding nerves and gum. We asked our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist who performs root canals in Georgetown, KY, about the risks associated with opting out of root canals. Dr. Neda explains that if you don’t get a root canal done, the infection can spread to your jaw and other surrounding tissue. 

How is it Performed?

The treatment begins with the application of general anesthesia in the affected area. An access hole is then drilled into the tooth which enables the dentist to access the pulp chamber and the root canals. After clearing the pulp contents, a thorough cleansing is carried out throughout the tooth. When the cleansing is finished, the tooth is properly sealed with appropriate filling materials. At last, a crown is placed on the tooth. 

Is it Painful?

Due to advances in modern technology and the use of anesthetics, the process of root canal treatment is generally safe, quick, and pain-free. In fact, the pain that you might feel is actually caused by the infection in the tooth, and this treatment is performed in order to get rid of that pain. Your Parker, CO dentists are experts in pain management and most cases can be treated quickly and comfortably. After the anesthesia wears off, there might be mild discomfort which resolves in a few days and can be managed by over the counter medications. 

does a root canal hurt - Green Dental Care

6 Signs You Need a Root Canal

signs you need a root canal - green dental care

6 Signs You Need a Root Canal

signs you need a root canal - green dental care

Do you suspect that you could be having an infection deep inside your tooth? The best way to be certain about your need for a root canal is by visiting Green Dental Care in Parker CO. Dr. Chris Green will examine you and put together a treatment plan if needed. In the meantime, there are some of those warning signs that a root canal is in order.

Darkened or Discolored Enamel

Teeth normally darken at approximately the same rate. However, one tooth may darken at a faster rate than the teeth near it. This scenario could be an indicator that tooth decay is occurring at a high rate or the internal structures of that particular tooth are degrading very fast. Regardless of the cause, visit Green Dental Care so that appropriate treatment can be started promptly.

Dr. Chris Green explains that tooth discoloration often sounds the alarm for infected or decayed teeth that aren’t causing other easily noticeable signs, such as sensitivity and pain.

Pain

Do you feel pain when you bite crunchy food or when you apply pressure on a particular tooth? Do your teeth hurt if you jump or lay down? This pain may be alerting you that you have an infection inside the affected tooth or teeth. See a Parker dentist immediately so that the root cause of the pain can be addressed before it costs you your tooth. If a root canal is deemed to be necessary, then it will be done so that further damage to your tooth is avoided.

Lingering Sensitivity

It is common and normal to experience some tooth sensitivity when you sip a hot drink or bite into ice cream. This sensitivity normally ends a few seconds after the incident that has triggered it. However, we asked our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about root canals. Dr. Kacos cautions that you should be concerned if the sensitivity you feel lingers even when you haven’t eaten or bitten into anything to trigger it. The prolonged tooth sensitivity can indicate that some nerve damage may have occurred and a root canal can prevent the damage from spreading.

Gum Inflammation

Gum inflammation often shows that a patient is suffering from gingivitis or periodontal disease. However, gum inflammation could also point to an infection inside the root of your tooth. See a dentist in Parker CO promptly if you notice swelling, a raised bump close to the affected site and pain accompanying the inflammation. A root canal could fix the problem and put an end to your suffering.

Headaches and Jaw Pain

You may need to visit Green Dental Care for a root canal if the pain you feel in your tooth is spreading to your jaw and even causing you a headache. If you feel some pain in your ear, then the tooth problem is originating from one of the molars on that side of your mouth. A root canal is in order if you are experiencing these symptoms since the problem is more than just a cavity.

Chipped and Cracked Teeth

You may also be a candidate for a root canal in Parker CO if one or more of your teeth are chipped or cracked. Such damage can expose the nerves inside your tooth to infection. Dr. Chris Green cautions patients against immediately thinking of undergoing a root canal once they chip or crack their tooth because not all situations of this nature warrant a root canal. The Parker CO dentist will therefore examine you and only recommend a root canal if that is the best option in the circumstances.

Steps to Take When You Suspect You Need a Root Canal

If you are experiencing any of the warning signs described above, it is imperative that you make contact with Green Dental Care immediately so that an appointment can be scheduled for you. If your symptoms, such as pain, are severe, seek emergency dental care from Dr. Chris Green.

The second thing that you should remember if you suspect that you may need a root canal is to avoid doing anything that could potentially worsen the condition of the affected tooth. For example, avoid using that side of your mouth to chew hard food substances since they can make a crack or chip worse.

Thirdly, take an over-the-counter medication to ease your symptoms. Talk to a Parker dentist about the right OTC medication to take and how to use it. For example, Dr. Chris Green warns patients not to place an aspirin on a painful tooth since this mode of administration isn’t helpful in this situation. Aspirin is systemic, meaning that it can only work after being ingested orally and absorbed into the bloodstream. Worse still, aspirin will trigger a chemical burn on any gum tissue that it comes in contact with. Talking to a dentist before you use any medication to ease your symptoms is therefore warranted.

Don’t make any assumptions about your condition. For example, don’t put off going to the dentist because an online search you have done has shown you that the treatment you need could be expensive or invasive. Instead, visit Green Dental Care sooner rather than later so that a correct professional assessment can be done. You will receive the appropriate treatment in a timely manner so that avoidable complications can be averted.

Sedation Dentistry

sedation dentistry faq

Sedation Dentistry

sedation dentistry faq

Each year, millions of people in the U.S. keep away from making a needed visit to the dentist because of dental anxiety. If you get the jitters each time you think of a dentist, you are not alone. The Green Dental Care team in Parker, CO, understands your concerns, which is why they provide conscious sedation to ease any fear or pain that you may have. This article gives you an overview of what you need to know about conscious sedation dentistry in Parker, CO.

What Is Conscious Sedation?

Dr. Chris Green explains that conscious sedation refers to the ways through which a dental patient who panics or becomes anxious during a needed procedure can be helped to relax and go through that procedure comfortably.

The technique is called conscious sedation because you remain responsive throughout the procedure. The medication simply helps you to relax. This is different from general anesthesia that makes you unconscious until the medication wears off, or its effects are reversed by your Parker, CO dentist at the end of the procedure.

What Dental Procedures Can Conscious Sedation Be Used For?

Green Dental Care can offer conscious sedation dentistry for patients who feel anxious or have a low pain threshold yet they need to undergo procedures like dental cleanings, cavity treatment, root canals and many other procedures. Discuss your dental fears with Dr. Chris Green, and he will determine your suitability for conscious sedation dentistry.

How Are the Sedatives Administered?

The drugs used during conscious sedation dentistry can be administered in a variety of ways depending on the specific circumstances of a patient. For example, you may simply inhale the sedative through a mask placed on your face. Alternatively, the dentist in Parker, CO, may give you a pill that you take before your appointment. Some sedatives can be administered by giving you a shot in your arm or butt. If the situation warrants, Dr. Chris Green can also administer the sedative intravenously (using an IV).

How Long Do the Drugs Take to Kick In?

The mode of administration used has a bearing on how long you will have to wait before you start feeling the effects of the conscious sedation drugs that you have been given.

For example, sedatives administered orally could take anywhere between 30-60 minutes after ingestion while those given through an IV line kick in almost immediately. Dr. Chris Green will explain to you how long the sedative you receive will take to kick in before your procedure. Be assured that the professionals at Green Dental Care will not start the dental procedure until they are certain that the sedation is working as expected.

How Quickly Does Conscious Sedation Wear Off?

One key advantage of conscious sedation over general anesthesia is that conscious sedation wears off quickly. So, most people are able to go back home on their own. However, dentists in Parker, CO usually take the precaution of asking patients who undergo sedation dentistry to have a designated driver. The sedation usually wears off in an hour or so, but some side effects, such as feeling sluggish, could last the rest of the day.

What Are the Stages of Conscious Sedation?

Your Parker, CO dentist determine the degree to which you will be sedated after talking to you about your dental anxiety and other related factors. Three distinct stages of sedation exist.

The first is mild conscious sedation. This minimal sedation is also called anxiolysis. When you are minimally sedated, you become relaxed but remain fully aware of your surroundings and are responsive.

The second degree of sedation is moderate sedation. In this stage, you will be sleepy and may lose consciousness, but are still responsive to some extent.

Deep conscious sedation is a stage of sedation in which you fall asleep once the medication kicks in, and you will be unresponsive most of the time. This stage of conscious sedation is suitable for people with intense dental phobias.

Can I Develop Complications?

Like any other medicine, conscious sedation also carries some risks, even if it is considered safe. To minimize these risks, Dr. Chris Green will conduct a detailed evaluation of your overall health before deciding to administer conscious sedation.

It is therefore helpful for you to give the Parker, CO dentist your medical history as well as information about any medication and supplements that you are taking. This information will help Dr. Chris Green to design an appropriate plan for the sedation dentistry procedure. He may postpone the treatment if he discovers any circumstance, such as pregnancy, which elevates the risks of undergoing sedation.

If you are afraid, apprehensive or anxious, let Dr. Chris Green know. Your Green Dental Care team will use conscious sedation to help you keep your attention focused on your dental health rather than on the discomfort that you experience each time you undergo a dental procedure.

 

What to Consider Before You Choose a Dentist

What to consider before you choose a dentist - Green Dental Care

What to Consider Before You Choose a Dentist

What to consider before you choose a dentist - Green Dental Care

Are you new to Parker, Colorado, or don’t love your dentist? Or maybe you have switched dental insurance plans and you need to find another service provider? Whatever your reasons for needing a new dentist are, you’ll need to exam the following to make the right choice. In this article, we discuss the 5 things to consider before you choose a dentist. 

Is the Dentist in Your Current Provider Network?

We asked our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown, KY, about choosing a new dentist. Dr. Neda explains that you need to pay special attention to your dental insurance plan during your selection process. Only shortlist dentists who participate in the dental insurance plan to which you belong.

If you aren’t sure about this particular factor, talk to your primary healthcare provider (your doctor) and ask him or her to give you a list of participating dentists in your area.

Alternatively, you could visit the website of your dental insurance provider and extract a list of the dentists who are service providers in that network. The HR department at your place of work can also be helpful in this regard since the company could be having an updated list of the different participating dentists that company employees can see.

Should You Restrict Yourself to ADA Members Only?

You may have read or seen numerous recommendations advising people to only see dentists who are registered with the American Dental Association (ADA). This advice is primarily aimed at helping patients to identify a high-quality dentist in Parker, CO.

However, ADA membership isn’t the only factor that shows that a dentist is competent. For example, other professional associations for dentists exist and these include the Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) and American Academy of Oral Systemic Health.

A dentist is free to choose which professional body to belong to based on his or her own needs. For example, one dentist may prefer to associate with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine because he or she has a keen interest in helping patients with sleeping disorders, such as teeth grinding, which affect their oral health.

Once a dentist enrolls as a member of a given academy or dentists association, he or she must adhere to the code of conduct of that body in addition to undertaking continuing education classes with them.

Dr. Chris Green also points out that one pays to be a member of those bodies, but the associations aren’t very vigilant in enforcing the standards indicated in the code of conduct.

What You Need to Know Before Dental Implants

What You Need to Know Before Dental Implants

You may be undecided on whether you should get dental implants or not because of some unanswered questions lingering in your mind. In this article, you’ll find the answers you’ll need to know before getting dental implants in Parker, CO. If you have additional questions or would like to schedule a dental implant consultation, contact Green Dental Care. 

Can the Entire Dental Implant Procedure Be Completed at the Office?

Some people worry that they will be shuffled from one dental practice to another in order to have different aspects of the dental implant procedure completed. If you decide to have your dental implants placed at Green Dental Care by Dr. Chris Green, you will not have to go anywhere else during your treatment. We complete every step of the process at the office until you get your final restorations for the smile you have always dreamt about.

How Long Does the Surgery Take?

As you may already know, dental implants are titanium screws placed in the jawbone to act as artificial roots for restoration teeth. As any dentist in Parker, CO will tell you, dentistry has advanced so much that the surgery to place dental implants no longer takes a long time. Dr. Chris Green relies on 3D technology to develop a detailed plan of how the surgery will go, and this information helps him to place the implants in about 30 minutes. People who need more than one implant should expect the surgery to last longer.

Is the Dental Implant Procedure Painful?

The advancements in the field of dentistry also mean that you don’t have to worry about discomfort or pain during dental procedures, including implant surgery. The Parker, CO dentist will use either a local anesthetic or IV sedation to remove any discomfort or pain that you may feel during the procedure. So, you can be sure that the entire procedure will be painless.

How Soon Can I Return to Work?

Since the implant placement procedure requires the use of an anesthetic, Dr. Chris Green recommends that you take the rest of the day off after your surgery so that the sedative can wear off. Most patients typically return to work the next day, unless the dentist in Parker, CO recommends otherwise based on the specific circumstances pertaining to a patient.

Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

While insurance policies vary, most of them cover at least a portion of dental implant treatment. Talk to a Parker, CO dentist at Green Dental Care if you are concerned about the cost of implants. A way will be found for you to get your smile back.

When Can I Receive My New Teeth?

Dr. Chris Green explains that the time needed before you get your restoration teeth varies from one patient to another depending on how quickly one can heal after the surgery. It is best to visit Green Dental Care in Parker, CO so that you can learn what the treatment duration will be for you.

Can I Have Metal-Free Implants?

Nearly all materials used to make restoration teeth have some metal in them in order to increase the strength and durability of those restorations. If you are concerned about the likely effects of having metals in your mouth, worry no more. Dental implants are typically made from titanium, a metal which has a long track record of being biocompatible (the body easily accepts and integrates it). Additionally, the metal is so chemically stable that it can last for your entire lifetime without undergoing any change. Dentists in Parker, CO assert that to date, no material has been found to perform to the same exceptional level as titanium.

Are Implants Removable?

Dental implants aren’t removable like removable dentures. As already mentioned, the implant is surgically placed in your jaw and osseointegration (bonding between the jaw and the implant) takes place to give a very strong anchor for the restoration teeth you receive. The upper portion of the restoration called the crown can be removed or changed, but the implant remains.

How Many Teeth Can I Replace With Dental Implants?

It is possible to replace one or more teeth with implants. For example, if you are missing one tooth, then it can be replaced using one implant. However, as few as four implants may suffice to replace an entire set of teeth in either your lower or upper jaw. Dr. Chris Green will examine you during the initial consultation and recommend the number of implants that you need to replace your missing teeth cost-effectively.

Still Have Questions?

Come to Green Dental Care in Parker, CO and get answers to all your concerns about dental implants. Dr. Chris Green will examine you and discuss a written treatment plan with you so that you make an informed decision regarding how soon implants can play a part in restoring your beautiful smile. 

The Benefits of Fluoride Treatments

The Benefits of Fluoride Treatments

benefits of fluoride treatments

Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that has been discovered to have protective effects on teeth. This substance can be put on your teeth as a gel, mouth rinse or varnish. Once on the surface of your teeth, it soaks into the tubules (tiny holes) in order to kill any bacteria there and strengthen the enamel of your teeth. In this article, you’ll discover why you need to get fluoride treatments at Green Dental Care at least twice each year.

Why Fluoride Treatments are Good for You

Remineralization. Fluoride treatments help to restore minerals to tooth surfaces that have had these minerals eroded by acidic food and drinks. Bacterial activity also erodes tooth surfaces, and regular fluoride treatments at Green Dental Care can help to restore those minerals so that the teeth retain or regain their strength.

Prevents cavities. Fluoride also helps to combat tooth decay in both children and adults. We asked our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about the benefits of fluoride. Dr. Kacos explains that fluoride goes in and kills any bacteria which is lodged in the tubules of your teeth. The fluoride also fills the tiny microscopic holes formed in the initial stages of tooth decay. This prevents the decay from progressing into the deeper layers of the teeth.

Reducing the cost of dental care. The modest fee that you pay for a fluoride treatment at Green Dental Care in Parker, CO pays off massively in the savings you make on dental care costs. The protective effects of the fluoride on your teeth mean that you will have fewer caries or tooth decay, and that means that the money you would have spent on treatment for these conditions is saved.

Preserves your perfect smile. As already mentioned, fluoride protects your teeth from various problems, such as gum recession due to gingivitis and teeth discoloration since the fluoride fills the tubules and makes it harder for stains to form. Regular fluoride treatments at Green Dental Care, therefore, increase the odds of having your beautiful smile for your entire life.

Preventing teeth sensitivity. As enamel is eroded due to bacterial activity and acidic eats and drinks, the soft dentine is exposed and your teeth can become sensitive each time you consume hot or cold substances. Fluoride gets into the tiny pits formed in your teeth and prevents the softer dentine from being exposed, hence averting sensitivity.

How Often Should I Get a Fluoride Treatment?

For most patients, Dr. Chris Green recommends that they get a fluoride treatment once every six months. However, the frequency of treatments can vary depending on a variety of factors. For instance, Parker, CO dentists recommend that people who face a higher risk of caries, such as those with poor oral hygiene habits and those with limited or no saliva production, get fluoride treatments once every three months. For some people, even a single fluoride treatment in 12 months may suffice.

The exact frequency of fluoride treatments that you need will, therefore, be determined after Dr. Chris Green examines your teeth and recommends the best frequency of treatments for you.

How Are the Fluoride Treatments Done?

The most common way through which a fluoride treatment is administered at Green Dental Care is by “painting” it on the surface of your teeth. This layer of fluoride stays on your teeth for 4-6 hours before you can brush your teeth to remove the excess fluoride.

Fluoride treatments can also be administered by the use of a tray which is fitted onto your teeth for the required duration. Your dentist in Parker, CO will then remove the tray and ask you to brush your teeth.

Alternatively, the Parker, CO dentist may give you a fluoride mouthwash and ask you to rinse your teeth with it for a few seconds after which you spit out the liquid. After a set interval, you can brush your teeth once the fluoride has penetrated the surface of your teeth.

How Soon Can I Eat After a Fluoride Treatment?

Dr. Chris Green may ask you to wait for about 30 minutes before you eat anything. This precaution is intended to prevent what you eat from washing away the recently applied fluoride on your teeth.

However, it is also possible to eat right away after you have had a fluoride treatment as long as you don’t consume anything very hot or sticky. The hot food or drinks may melt the fluoride from your teeth, while the sticky eats can adhere to the fluoride and remove it from the surface of your teeth.

As you can see, fluoride treatments are simple, yet packed with benefits for your oral health. Contact Green Dental Care today if you haven’t had a fluoride treatment in more than six months. Our friendly staff will clean your teeth and administer this protective treatment so that you can enjoy a lifetime of good dental health.