Caring for Porcelain Veneers: Mansfield, TX Dentist Tells You How

Posted August 2, 2013 by Mansfield Dental

If you’ve recently gotten porcelain veneers, there some aftercare instructions to follow to ensure longevity. In the following blog post, Dr. S. Blair Jones, your Mansfield, TX dentist, suggest tips for porcelain veneer wearers.

Avoid Staining Your Veneers

Typically, when someone has stains on their teeth from consuming dark colored foods and beverages, they usually resort to teeth whitening products. Oftentimes, a quick bleaching treatment can lift those surface stains, resulting in a beautifully vibrant smile.

Unfortunately, patients with porcelain veneers don’t have the same luxury. When veneers become heavily stained, replacement is the only way to reverse the stains—a repair that can cost over $700 per tooth. That’s why avoiding as many staining foods possible is key to prolonging the life of your veneers. These foods include:

Coffee and tea
Wine
Berries, such as: blueberries, blackberries, and cherries
Sodas
Dark colored sauces, such as: tomato and soy sauce

Your Mansfield, TX dentist also reminds his patients to take into account the use of tobacco products. Smoking and dipping causes veneers to stain, leaving unsightly brown spots throughout your smile; this advice extends to non-veneer wearers, too.

Gentle is the Best Approach

Natural teeth tend to have durable qualities; however, porcelain veneers have more fragility and require gentle, yet, diligent care. In other words, brunt force to your veneers can cause them to crack or break off altogether. When that happens, the entire veneer requires a replacement. To avoid such costly repairs, refrain from biting down on hard objects, such as:

Fingernails
Ice
Bobby pins
Nutshells
Bottle caps

These items don’t bode well for natural teeth either, which means veneers have an even lesser chance of withstanding the impact.

Talk to the Associates at Mansfield Dental about Porcelain Veneers

For more information about porcelain veneers, talk to Dr. Jones. He can formulate a specific care guide for your veneers to ensure your smile stays beautiful for years on end. To schedule an appointment with our Mansfield, TX dental practice at (817) 259-1357. Also, visit our website to view services and learn more about our team. We proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

Mansfield, TX Dentist Classifies the Types of Gum Disease

Posted July 26, 2013 by Mansfield Dental

Gum disease (or periodontitis) isn’t a black and white disease; its development and progression is easily affected by a number of internal factors. Since it’s such a tricky disease to suppress after it reaches a certain point, dentists try to keep patients vigilant of the signs. Furthermore, periodontitis has varying degrees, which sometimes make treatment difficult.

To inform his patients on the different types of gum disease, Dr. S. Blair Jones, your Manfield, TX dentist, provides the following blog.

The Different Faces of Periodontitis

Aggressive periodontitis. This type of gum disease is often seen in patients who generally have sound overall health. With aggressive periodontitis, patients tend to endure rapid bone loss and tooth detachment. Oftentimes, aggressive periodontitis stems from a genetic predisposition; although, pregnant woman can also experience aggressive periodontitis. If you have a particular predisposition to periodontitis, take care to visit your Manfield, TX dentist frequently.
Chronic periodontitis. Patients with chronic periodontitis, don’t experience the same rapid progression than those with aggressive periodontitis do. Typically, if you’re suffering from chronic periodontitis, it developed from gingivitis. Though chronic periodontitis still causes tooth and bone loss, the progression occurs at a much more manageable rate. In other words, a dentist can treat this type of periodontitis much more effectively.
Periodontitis as part of systemic disease. A systemic disease is one that affects the organs, such as: the heart, lungs, and pancreas. Patients with heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes have an increased risk of developing periodontitis, also.
Necrotizing periodontal disease. Auto-immune infections like HIV or bodily conditions like malnutrition can cause periodontitis. These ailments tend to leave open sores on the body—and in the mouth—which can become infected. Those oral infections usually cause periodontitis.

Visit Mansfield Dental Associates for Periodontal Treatments

If you display the signs of gum disease, consult with Dr. Jones as soon as you can. The faster treatment begins, the greater likelihood you have of recovering successfully. To schedule an appointment with our Mansfield, TX dental practice at (817) 259-1357. Also, visit our website to view services and learn more about our team. We proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

Mansfield, TX Dentist Weighs In: The Benefits of Dental Mouthguards

Posted July 19, 2013 by Mansfield Dental

Dental mouthguards offer many benefits to users. In fact, one of the best ways to protect your smile during rigorous activities is by using a mouthguard. These also work wonders for patients who suffer with nighttime bruxism (or teeth grinding).

Dr. S. Blair Jones, your Mansfield, TX dentist discusses the advantages of dental mouthguards with his patients in the following post.

Advantages to Wearing a Mouthguard

A couple of reasons make dental mouthguards valuable and useful; the first applies to athletes. If you’re an athlete, regardless of age, your teeth have been placed in a vulnerable position. In those situations, they’re more prone to injury and fracture. Additionally, wearing a mouthguard helps prevent bone and tooth root damage. Furthermore, with a mouthguard, your teeth can’t make contact with the soft tissues in your mouth, such as the lips, tongue, and cheeks; this also decreases the possibility of causing damage to those areas.

The second reason why mouthguards have proven beneficial is to prohibit teeth grinders from harming their teeth. Teeth grinding or clenching tends to happen while people sleep. This can cause headaches, jaw pain, and the development of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Should you fall under these categories, your Mansfield, TX dentist strongly urges patients to start using mouthguards.

Types of Dental Mouthguards

Stock mouthguards. This type of dental mouthguard is easy-to-find—at practically any sporting goods store—and ready-to-use right out of the package. The downside to stock mouth pieces is the size, which only comes in small, medium, or large.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards. These mouthguards have a malleable fit. The thermoplastic material that softens in hot water, which is then contoured to your teeth.
Custom-fitted mouthguards. A custom-made mouthguard is the best way to protect your smile. To have one made, the dentist takes impressions of your teeth and sends the model to a lab. Once there, a technician makes the mold from a specialized material and returns it to the dentist for your personal use.

Mansfield Dental Associates Can Prescribe Mouthguards to Patients

For more information on the use of dental mouthguards, consult with Dr. Jones. Your Mansfield, TX dentist can discuss mouthguard options with you and help you find one that can accommodate your needs. To schedule an appointment, call our Mansfield office at (817) 259-1357. You can also schedule appointments through our website, and review the additional services we offer. We proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

Certain Foods Can Improve Your TMD Symptoms, Says Mansfield, TX Dentist

Posted July 12, 2013 by Mansfield Dental

What you eat truly affects your body. For example, people with diets heavy in fried foods and sweets may develop high cholesterol or diabetes. On the other hand, those who have health-conscious habits, tend to lead healthier lifestyles.

When patients have special conditions like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), their eating habits can directly affect the associated symptoms, like the jaw pain they typically experience. To help his patients live more comfortably with TMD, Dr. S. Blair Jones, your Mansfield, TX dentist suggests foods patients should eat and which ones to avoid.

Eat More of These Foods for Fewer TMD Flare-Ups

By changing some of your eating habits, your TMD and jaw pain can significantly improve. Moreover, fewer flare-ups means your jaw has a chance to relax and heal.

Your Mansfield, TX recommends adding more healthy oils, such as: olive, grape seed, and walnut.
Lessen the amount of red meats you consume. Should you have to have a red meat, choose a leaner variety; lean red meat tends to have essential vitamins like magnesium and zinc.
To help reduce your inflammation and pain, consume more soy proteins. Soybeans and tofu provide excellent sources of these proteins.
Alongside soy, other anti-inflammatory foods include blueberries and strawberries. Plus, these fruits come loaded with antioxidants, which help promote a healthy body.
Drink plenty of vitamin C rich juices, such as orange and grapefruit juices.

Foods to Avoid

Some items can cause more harm than good. Therefore it’s best to limit your intake of the following foods and beverages.

Avoid caffeine since it’s a stimulant. This may agitate you and cause teeth grinding, which worsens any existing jaw pain.
Fried foods and those high in saturated fats increase inflammation in your body. To avoid inflaming your joints, decrease your intake of these foods or cut them out of your diet altogether.
Shy away from foods that would require you to open your mouth widely, such as: large sandwiches, hamburgers, and even apples.

Visit Mansfield Dental Associates for TMJ Treatment

If you think your jaw pain stems from TMD, visit Dr. Jones. Your Mansfield, TX dentist has the expert skill to locate the source of the pain and begin treatment immediately. To schedule an appointment, call our Mansfield office at (817) 259-1357. You can also schedule appointments through our website, and review the additional services we offer. We proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

Mansfield, TX Dentist Reports: Detecting Your Teeth Grinding Habit

Posted July 5, 2013 by Mansfield Dental

Many people who grind their teeth, don’t have any recollection of having such a tendency. Additionally, teeth grinding (or bruxism) can cause facial pain and worn-down teeth. Thankfully, Dr. S. Blair Jones, your Mansfield, TX dentist has the knowledge and skill to detect the disorder and provide treatment to offer his patients optimum relieve.

Do You Have Any of These Symptoms?

A few telltale signs indicate teeth grinding. Should you notice any of the following issues, consult your Mansfield, TX dentist sooner rather than later.

Persistent headaches, specially in the morning. Since teeth grinding tends to occur while you sleep, consistent morning headaches could point to a bruxism habit.
Eroding teeth could also mean teeth grinding. Over time, the constant gnashing of your teeth causes them to wear down. If you notice that your teeth seem smaller and closer to the gum line, have the doctor examine them.
Popping jaws stem from two causes: teeth grinding or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). In fact, patients who have a habit of grinding their teeth frequently develop TMD from all the added stress to the jaw joints.

Correcting the Problem

Teeth grinding is usually a result of unresolved stress. Typically, the doctor recommends using relaxation techniques when patients begin feeling tense. It’s also important to take breaks throughout the day to massage your jaw joints and move your mouth a bit. Furthermore, doctors often prescribe mouthguards to bruxism patients. This mouth piece is worn while you sleep to prevent you from continuing the nighttime habit.

Once your teeth grinding becomes controlled, the dentist will recommend ways to correct the damage your teeth endured. Dental bonding and porcelain veneers prove the most effective; plus, Dr. Jones can perform both procedures in-house with ease, which results in a brand-new, beautiful smile.

Visit Mansfield Dental Associates for Bruxism Treatment

If you think you’re suffering from teeth grinding, visit Dr. Jones. Your Mansfield, TX dentist has the expert skill to detect the habit and begin treatment immediately. To schedule an appointment, call our Mansfield office at (817) 259-1357. You can also schedule appointments through our website, and review the additional services we offer. We proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

Mansfield, TX Dentist Shares a Brief History of Dental Fillings

Posted June 28, 2013 by Mansfield Dental

A cavity is one the mildest, most common dental problems a patient can encounter. Even the most vigilant people can still have dental filling or two. However, in our current time, you may not even know who does or doesn’t have a filling. Since dentists now opt for composite resin (tooth colored) fillings, many patients can have healthy teeth without visible silver spots. Composite wasn’t always the go-to substance for fillings, though. In fact, dentists used a number of metal alternatives before finally settling on amalgam (silver fillings) and composite. In the following blog, Dr. S. Blair Jones, your Mansfield, TX dentist, highlights the transformation of dental fillings.

A Series of Changes Throughout Time

Before the introduction of dental fillings, the best way to relieve a toothache was by removing the tooth altogether. However, in the early 19^th Century, metal fillings quickly become the saving grace for teeth. During this time, tin was the metal used to complete a filling—especially for the Civil War soldiers. It wasn’t until later in the 1850s that aluminum and even asbestos replaced the use of tin.

Once the use of weaker metals was abandoned, dentists began to use lead; this practice ended soon after the discovery of lead poisoning. Around this time, a few experiments with gold took place and the metal was soon used as a replacement.

The Transition to Current Dental Fillings

When a stronger, less malleable material was needed, amalgam became the metal that stuck. This mixture of silver, tin, traces of mercury is still in use today. It offers longevity and durability and the alloy is quite affordable. Yet, some controversy surrounds the use of amalgam since mercury is a known, harmful substance.

Today, some dentists—including your Mansfield, TX dentist—prefer the use of composite resin rather than amalgam when filling cavities. This material is mixture of plastic and powdered glass and it color-matches teeth. Without any harmful materials, the result is a flawless dental repair that goes completely unnoticed by the untrained eye.

Mansfield Dental Associates Offers Resin Fillings

Maintaining sound oral health includes visiting the dentist for regular checkups. Your Mansfield, TX dentist uses composite dental fillings to provide a long-lasting, beautiful repairs. To schedule an appointment, call our Mansfield office at (817) 259-1357. You can also schedule appointments through our website, and review the additional services we offer. We proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

These Foods Can Help Fight Oral Cancer, Says Mansfield, TX Dentist

Posted June 21, 2013 by Mansfield Dental

Oral cancer is one of the easiest cancers to detect. Visible symptoms within the oral cavity, such as white spots and unhealed sores, often indicate the presence of the disease. Yet, oral cancer is quickly becoming one of deadliest of cancers. The reason for this is simple: a lack of early detection. Since many people tend to ignore the signs, the disease progresses rapidly. At that point, treatment isn’t of much help and patients succumb to the illness. If you notice an abnormality in your mouth, visit the dentist right away.

With this in mind, the development of cancerous cells is often affected by a certain lifestyle. People who eat more cancer-fighting foods tend to lower their risk. As a way to help his patients stay healthy, Dr. S. Blair Jones, your Mansfield, TX dentist, has formulated a list of cancer-fighting foods; you should consume more of these items on a daily basis.

Incorporate More of These Foods into Your Diet

Avocados. Particularly the Hass variety can prohibit the grown of cancerous cells in the mouth, tongue, and throat. In fact, almost any dark-colored fruits can help ward off cancer.
Carrots. As a great cancer-fighting food, raw carrots make the list. Carrots contain beta carotene, which is an antioxidant thought to boost the body’s immune system. Beta carotene converts into vitamin A once consumed and destroys cancerous cells.
Green tea. Drinking more green tea alongside black, white, and Oolong teas could help you fight cancer. These teas contain strong antioxidants called catechins. Alongside its cancer preventing properties, tea could also impede the onset of Hodgkin’s disease.
Raspberries. These berries have been known for being highly nutritious. They also contain large amounts of antioxidants, as do strawberries and blueberries. Moreover, raspberries have certain compounds that can combat tumors.
Tomatoes. Watermelon and tomatoes alike contain lycopene, which eliminates free radicals and inhibits the development of oral cancer cells. Your Mansfield, TX dentist recommends eating more of these fruits to decrease your cancer risk.

Visit Mansfield Dental Associates for Oral Cancer Screenings

Maintaining sound oral health includes visiting the dentist for oral cancer screenings. Your Mansfield, TX dentist has the expert skill to detect the illness and begin treatment immediately. To schedule an appointment, call our Mansfield office at (817) 259-1357. You can also schedule appointments through our website, and review the additional services we offer. We proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

Oral Cancer Screenings Could Save Your Life, Says Mansfield Dentist

Posted June 14, 2013 by Mansfield Dental

Cancer affects countless lives throughout the world everyday. As the types of this disease continue to develop, going to doctor has become a crucial and unavoidable task. Much like visiting the doctor for the presence of other cancers, oral cancer requires a dental visit. With just two dental appointments a year, Dr. S. Blair Jones, your Mansfield, TX general dentist has the knowledge and expertise to detect oral cancer before it progresses.

Every Year, Twice a Year

Like many other common cancers, such as prostate or breast, oral cancer can become a lethal illness. Initially, oral cancer isn’t a particularly aggressive disease; however, the signs tend to become ignored. When this happens, the disease has an opportunity to worsen and spread. Unfortunately, by the time it’s finally discovered, treatment doesn’t prove as effective.

Avoiding oral cancer is quite simple, though. By visiting your general dentist in Mansfield, TX you can maintain vigilant of oral cancer. With bi-annual checkups, the dentist can easily discover the disease while it’s a mild case. Followed by immediate treatment, many patients have full recoveries and can resume their normal lives—illness-free.

Oral Cancer Signs to Watch For

Oral cancer has a number of telltale signs. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, take care to visit Dr. Jones as soon as possible. Signs include:

Red or white patches on the tongue
Sores or blisters in the mouth that won’t heal
Oral bleeding
Persistent throat pain or difficulty swallowing
Constant earaches and headaches
Rapid, inexplicable weight loss

Additionally, patients that smoke or consume alcohol heavily have an increased chance of developing oral cancer. Factors such as age, a family history of the illness, and even excessive sun exposure can increase one’s risk of oral cancer. To ensure your oral health isn’t compromised, visit your general dentist in Mansfield, TX for routine screenings.

Mansfield Dental Associates Screens for Oral Cancer

Maintaining sound oral health includes visiting the dentist for oral cancer screenings. Your Mansfield, TX general dentist has the expert skill to detect the illness and begin treatment immediately. To schedule an appointment, call our Mansfield office at (817) 259-1357. You can also schedule appointments through our website, and review the additional services we offer. We proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

Mini Dental Implants May Benefit You More, Says Mansfield, TX Dentist

Posted June 7, 2013 by Mansfield Dental

Do you wish to rejuvenate your smile with a dental implant, yet can’t physically fulfill the requirements for one? Then, Dr. S. Blair Jones, your Mansfield, TX dentist may have a solution for you: mini dental implants. This less-intrusive procedure can provide the benefits a traditional dental implant without adding much hindrance to your life. In this blog, Dr. Jones will highlight some of the benefits of a mini dental implant.

The Alternative to Traditional Dental Implants

With a dental implant, your jawbone is re-stimulated by the replacement of a missing tooth root. This prevents the possibility of bone atrophy from a lack of use—a problem often seen in denture wearers. However, if your jawbone has already begun to atrophy, a traditional dental implant may not work for you. For this reason, your Mansfield, TX dentist offers a mini dental implant (or an MDI). The MDI is a great alternative to traditional dental implants since they don’t require as much bone tissue for insertion. Additionally, the procedure takes less time, which means a shorter recovery period for the patient.

Benefits to a Mini Dental Implant

Smaller size. An MDI is half the size of a traditional dental implant. Since the components have a smaller structure, less of the bone is penetrated during the procedure. In other words, this microsurgery is relatively fast and doesn’t require a lengthy recovery period.
Less expensive. Since the MDI procedure is minimally invasive, its affordability increases. Typically, a traditional dental implant can cost as much as $2,000, whereas an MDI can cost as little as $650.
Fast healing. When you opt for a traditional implant, the recovery period can last months. In fact, a minimum of three months is expected for dental implant surgery. Patients that choose an MDI can heal in mere days, and oftentimes, in a week or less.
Minimal post-implantation discomfort. Much of the discomfort associated with a dental implant procedure stems from the extent of the process. Usually, the dentist requires much more depth in the jawbone to place a traditional implant. However, since an MDI uses half the depth for its placement, the patient experiences less post-procedure pain. In most cases, patients only need over-the-counter pain relievers to soothe the soreness.
One visit procedure. Your Mansfield, TX dentist can complete the MDI procedure in just one-visit. Without the need to return for multiple subsequent visits, you can have more time to enjoy your new smile and its capabilities.

Mansfield Dental Associates Offer Dental Implant Options

For the sturdiness of dental implants without the extensive surgery, visit Dr. Jones to discuss mini dental implants. Your Mansfield, TX dentist has the expert skill to strengthen your smile in a minimally invasive manner. To schedule an appointment, call our Mansfield office at (817) 259-1357. You can also schedule appointments through our website, and review the additional services we offer. We proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

Improve Your Smile with Teeth Whitening from Your Mansfield Dentist

Posted May 29, 2013 by Mansfield Dental

Do want your smile to have a stellar glow? Then perhaps a visit to the Mansfield dental associates is in order. With a dental whitening treatment, the glow you’ve been looking for is possible. Drs. Blair Jones and Seth Harris, your Mansfield, TX dentists, have the technology and expert skills to rejuvenate the appearance of your smile with teeth whitening options.

One Hour Whitening for Patients On-the-Go

If you’re looking quick teeth whitening solutions, your Mansfield, TX dentists can help. With the Zoom! whitening system you can have brilliant results in just an hour. This professional bleaching system is completed in the following manner.

First, the dentist places a protective sealant to the gums to prevent any damage from the whitening gel while ensuring complete enamel coverage.
Second, the gel is activated with a specialized ultraviolet light. The hydrogen peroxide-based solution penetrates deep stains to whiten your smile up to ten shades.
Lastly, use touch-up kits, as needed, to prolong the life of your glowing smile.

Although the Zoom! teeth whitening system does offer superb results, patients also have the option to whiten at home. The at-home whitening system produces the same results in an extended amount of time. Your dentists in Mansfield, TX take impressions of your teeth to create a set of custom-fitted whitening trays. The dentists prescribe a professional grade bleaching gel for daily application, and two weeks later, you will have the same dazzling results as the Zoom! treatment.

Benefits of Teeth Whitening

Aside from giving your smile a noticeable shine, whiter teeth tend to boost self-esteem and enhance your features, giving you a younger-looking appearance. A brighter smile promotes approachability and friendliness and it indicates a healthy mouth with excellent oral hygiene. Additionally, doing touch-ups on your smile makes you more aware of your dental health and encourages you to maintaining a consistent dental cleaning regimen. With a nicer smile, your overall health benefits too.

Visit Mansfield Dental Associates Today for a Brilliant Smile

For a noticeably whiter smile, visit Dr. Harris or Dr. Jones for treatment. These Mansfield, TX dentists have the expert skill to provide you with teeth whitening in an efficient time frame. To schedule an appointment, call our Mansfield office at (817) 259-1357. You may also schedule appointments through our website, and review the additional services we offer. We proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

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