Reasons to Choose A Bridge

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Making your way through the wealth of teeth replacement options available to you may begin to feel confusing rather than exciting. When this happens, we encourage you to consider the basics of a dental prosthetic to first determine whether it suits your needs and move on from there. For instance, have you been considering a dental bridge to restore your smile? If so, it is important to start by thinking about the reasons you may choose a bridge. For instance, will it address your configuration of tooth loss? Will it accommodate your particular needs? Learn more about reasons to choose a bridge with the following:

Your Tooth Loss Pattern Qualifies

A good reason to choose a dental bridge is if it addresses your particular type of tooth loss, which may include the following: One missing tooth, two missing teeth that sit side-by-side, or three missing teeth in a row. The bridge will fill the open space, so your smile looks beautiful and complete. You will not, however, be able to choose a bridge if your smile’s missing teeth do not rest side-by-side.

You’re Tired of Your Partial Denture

Have you been wearing a partial denture to address your tooth loss and you have become tired of the drawbacks? Partials offer a wonderful solution to individuals seeking a removable prosthetic. However, if you are unhappy with the level of stability you receive, you may wish to change to a dental bridge instead. Due to its fixed nature, you will enjoy excellent support and will not need to take the device in-and-out of your mouth to eat or for dental hygiene.

You Are Worried About Misalignment

An opening in your smile may cause the teeth that are still present to move. The shift will not be quick but it may cause your current alignment to change as your natural teeth begin migrating into the opening. A dental bridge will fill the space, acting as a placeholder, so your teeth stay put.

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD, TX CHILDREN’S DENTISTS:

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates rely upon their years of experience, training, and cutting-edge technology to offer patients expert dental care at each and every visit. They listen to each patient’s concerns and offer gentle, informative guidance about future treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call 817-473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

filed under: Dental Bridge

Mansfield Farmers Market

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Do you ever wonder why you don’t get to wake up and head over to your local farmers market like you see in the movies? Do you envy the small-town coziness that comes with vendor tables stocked with gourmet jams, beautiful fresh-cut flowers, local produce, eggs from the local dairy, and more? Lucky for you, your fantasy is actually a reality. If you haven’t been, it’s time to head over to your farmers market for a truly delightful way to spend your morning (and an excellent way to purchase some fresh foods).

About The Event

This is your local Mansfield Farmers Market, where you can purchase handmade items, such as art and baked goods. You can also expect local produce.

Event Time and Date

The farmers market takes place every Saturday from May 16, 2015 through October 17, 2015 from 8am to 1pm.

How Much Is This?

The event is free (you can enjoy free parking, too).

Event Location

Visit the farmers market at the following address:

206 Smith St.
Mansfield, TX 76063

Your Event Questions

For additional information, take a look at the farmers market Facebook page.

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD, TX CHILDREN’S DENTISTS:

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates rely upon their years of experience, training, and cutting-edge technology to offer patients expert dental care at each and every visit. They listen to each patient’s concerns and offer gentle, informative guidance about future treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call 817-473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

filed under: Community Events

Planning and Receiving Crowns: The Process

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The not-so-exciting news is that your teeth are vulnerable to a variety of issues that may result in damage. You can find yourself with a severe cavity that has left your tooth in too bad of shape for a filling. You may accidentally break a tooth. Or, you may end up with a tooth that requires protection after root canal treatment. The exceptional news is that we offer dental crowns to repair seriously damaged teeth, so you can return to the smile that feels and looks great. While you may feel overjoyed that crowns can help, you may still feel a bit uneasy regarding what you can expect. Find out more with the following:

Meeting With You

To begin, we will need to examine your smile. In some cases, certain types of damage lend themselves to alternative solutions like fillings or bonding. However, for serious damage, we will need to determine the location of your tooth, which will help us choose the right material for your crown. We offer all-porcelain crowns for visible teeth, so your smile continues to look seamless. Or, for teeth requiring the ability to withstand a greater amount of pressure (such as back molars) we offer porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns.

Designing Your Crown

Planning your crown first requires us to take impressions of your teeth. These act as the blueprints on which your crown will be designed, ensuring the dental crown fits over your remaining tooth, blends beautifully with your smile, and does not negatively affect the balance or comfort of your bite. A master ceramicist at a dental lab will create your crown. In the meantime, you will wear a temporary crown.

You Will Receive Your Crown

You will visit us for another appointment once we receive your permanent crown. We will place it over your tooth to ensure the fit is accurate. We will then bond it permanently to your tooth, making any final necessary adjustments.

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD, TX CHILDREN’S DENTISTS:

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates rely upon their years of experience, training, and cutting-edge technology to offer patients expert dental care at each and every visit. They listen to each patient’s concerns and offer gentle, informative guidance about future treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call 817-473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

filed under: Dental Crowns

Restorative Dentistry: Repair Your Smile

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Your smile is something that can remain shimmering, healthy, and in one piece for many years to come, particularly if you remain dedicated to preventive care. However, even patients who are painstakingly committed to daily brushing, flossing, and showing up to their dental cleanings and checkups once every six months can find themselves in need of repairs. Why? Well, your teeth are made of bone tissue that is susceptible to a variety of problems, which can include sudden injury or damage as the result of common culprits like tooth decay. Don’t worry, we can repair your mouth and oral health with restorative dentistry. Ready to discover more? Read ahead:

Address Decay

Has tooth decay gotten the best of you? If so, plaque has eaten away at your tooth tissue, leaving a hole in its wake. We will address this problem with a dental filling. After we numb your tooth and remove the decayed tissue, we will fill the opening with composite – a color-customizable substance – so your tooth looks good as new.

Replace Missing Teeth

Perhaps you have suffered from tooth loss. Problems like gum disease may result in this issue. However, a long list of other contributors may result in an open space in your mouth. Whatever the cause, we offer prosthetics to complete your smile. This may include dental bridges, which replace one tooth or up to three teeth in a row. We also offer full dentures to complete an arch suffering from total tooth loss or partial dentures to address mild to severe tooth loss. Looking for exceptional stability? Dental implants may offer the solution you desire.

Address Damage

Recovering from a treated tooth infection can result in a damaged, weak tooth. You may sustain injuries from severe tooth decay or a strong impact. We can restore the structure of your tooth, the function, and the beauty with a dental crown, which provides full coverage.

Clear Infection

Is your tooth infected? No problem. We offer comfortable root canal treatment to clear the infection, remove the infected pulp, re-seal, cover, and heal your tooth.

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD, TX CHILDREN’S DENTISTS:

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates rely upon their years of experience, training, and cutting-edge technology to offer patients expert dental care at each and every visit. They listen to each patient’s concerns and offer gentle, informative guidance about future treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call 817-473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

 

filed under: Restorative Dentistry

Sleep Apnea: Is Treatment Important?

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Patients who have been dealing with sleeping issues for a long time may become a bit accustomed to what it means to suffer from interrupted sleep. For instance, if you have long been known as a loud snorer, you may not be too surprised to find yourself awake in the middle of the night. You may also shrug off a day filled with fatigue because it is just like every other day. However, seeking sleep apnea treatment is incredibly important, which is why we urge you to consider its significance. Beyond daily sluggishness are some serious side effects. Ready to learn more about treatment and how it can improve your life? Read further:

Sleep Apnea Is Dangerous

One of the main reasons we suggest sleep apnea treatment is that it is dangerous. On one level, the danger is directed at yourself. You will find that you suffer from severe fatigue, which may affect your ability to feel energized throughout the day. Sleep apnea that is ignored may result in serious health problems, such as an increased likelihood of developing liver problems, high blood pressure, and even cardiac problems. You may also find that the danger is directed at others. For instance, if you fall asleep while driving a car or doing something else that may endanger the lives of others, your sleep apnea is quite risky.

About Treatment

We offer sleep apnea treatment to improve your immediate concern, which is poor sleep. Treatment also protects you from the long-term dangers associated with this sleep disorder. We will provide you with a custom-fitted oral appliance – much like a mouth guard – called a TAP appliance. The device is adjustable and will gently reposition your jaw, moving it forward. This shift promotes open airways, which prevents the nightly obstruction associated with sleep apnea. Because the TAP is adjustable, it makes treating each patient’s unique needs quite simple. You can expect improved breathing for restful sleep.

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD, TX, CHILDREN’S DENTISTS:

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates rely upon their years of experience, training, and cutting-edge technology to offer patients expert dental care at each and every visit. They listen to each patient’s concerns and offer gentle, informative guidance about future treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call 817-473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

filed under: Sleep Apnea

Pet Adoption Event

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Have you been thinking about adding a fur-covered friend to your life? If so, you may want to stop by this upcoming adoption event, which is hosted by individuals who work to keep pups and kitties out of shelters, living happy lives in their fur-ever homes.

About The Event

This is the Shelter2Rescue Coalition at Petco event. The Shelter2Rescue Coalition includes a group of people who collaborate in an effort to combat the effects of “death row” shelters, so pets can enjoy long, happy, healthy lives. You may stop by to see if any of the furry friends might make a happy addition to your home.

Time

This is an ongoing event, the next of which will take place on June 6, 2015 from 10am to 4pm.

Location

Visit the animals at Petco at the following address:

4001 SW Green Oaks Blvd
Arlington, TX 76016

Admission

Visiting this event is free.

More Information

For additional details, visit the coalition’s website.

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD, TX, CHILDREN’S DENTISTS:

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates rely upon their years of experience, training, and cutting-edge technology to offer patients expert dental care at each and every visit. They listen to each patient’s concerns and offer gentle, informative guidance about future treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call 817-473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

filed under: Community Events

Ways to Protect Your TMJs

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Your TMJs (short for “temporomandibular joints”) are your jaw joints, which connect your lower jaw to your cranium, while providing movement. You need these joints to open and close your mouth, which facilitates the ability to chew, speak, and more. When all is working well, you likely give little thought to this portion of your anatomy. However, when you suddenly find yourself suffering from difficulty with chewing or daily discomfort as a result of TMJ disorder, you may have a hard time focusing on much else. The good news is that you have a variety of options at your disposal for protecting your TMJ health. For more information about keeping your jaw joints healthy and preventing long-term damage, we invite you to consider the following:

Your Own Efforts

Imagine how powerful your jaws are – you have the ability to chew through food, even tough food, with little effort. Now imagine what happens when you grind your teeth or bite down on a consistent basis. All of that pressure is placed on your jaw joints, which may result in significant strain. Rather than ignoring this fact, we encourage you to think about it and to treat your jaw joints with a little bit of tender loving care. Only chew when you need to, rather than making a habit out of chewing gum or snacking on ice. Also look for stress-relievers during the day, such as music that makes you feel calm or other practices that help relieve tension. Reducing daily anxiety protects your TMJs from your tendency to clench and strain.

Schedule A Consultation

Come see us if you are worried about your TMJs. Even if you only suffer minor soreness, popping, or other symptoms of TMJ disorder, it is important that you speak with us. We can provide you with a definitive diagnosis to make sure you’re not dealing with some other problem. We will then provide you with professional level, noninvasive TMJ treatment, including the use of a sleeping apparatus, or oral appliance, that is similar to a mouth guard. It will either protect you from strain as a result of grinding or it will position your jaws to relieve TMJ tension.

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD, TX, CHILDREN’S DENTISTS:

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates rely upon their years of experience, training, and cutting-edge technology to offer patients expert dental care at each and every visit. They listen to each patient’s concerns and offer gentle, informative guidance about future treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call 817-473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

filed under: TMD

Easier Cavity Prevention for Kids with Dental Sealants

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Although cavities can affect anyone (the majority of adults in the US have had at least one), they can still develop in your child’s teeth, and are sometimes more likely to do so. When it comes to protecting your children’s smiles, your family dentist plays a significant role in successful, long-term cavity prevention. Also, keeping your child’s teeth cavity-free can promote better dental health for them as adults. Today, we explore how dental sealants can make cavity prevention easier for kids, as well as what you can teach them to reduce their risks of developing dental health issues.

How Cavities Form

A cavity is a hole in your tooth, and usually, it forms as a result of a bacterial infection (called tooth decay) spreading through the tooth. Left alone, the cavity will grow as the decay spreads, and eventually it could lead to tooth loss and a host of other dental complications. The best way to prevent decay and infection is to teach your children excellent hygiene practices, like brushing and flossing at least twice every day, and attending a dental checkup and cleaning every six months.

How Can Dental Sealants Help?

Dental sealants describe thin, acrylic coatings that are “painted” onto the chewing surfaces of teeth, usually molars. The coating blocks the tooth from infectious oral bacteria that could lead to plaque development and cavities. This is particularly useful on children’s molars, where the grooves and cusps of the chewing surfaces can promote a greater accumulation of harmful bacteria and plaque. Over time, the sealant will dissolve, meaning there is no need to revisit our office to have the preventive coatings removed.

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD, TX, CHILDREN’S DENTISTS:

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates rely upon their years of experience, training, and cutting-edge technology to offer patients expert dental care at each and every visit. They listen to each patient’s concerns and offer gentle, informative guidance about future treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call 817-473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

filed under: Cavities, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

Facts About Sleep Apnea

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Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that stops people from breathing anywhere from for 10 to 30 seconds at a time while sleeping. These short stops in breathing can happen up to 400 times every night, disturbing your sleep even though they do not fully wake you up. Sleep apnea occurs when the tissue in the back of your throat collapses and blocks the airway, reducing the amount of oxygen delivered to your brain, heart and other organs. Even though sleep apnea is common, it is very serious and can be potentially life-threatening if not treated.

Types of Sleep Apnea

These are the different types of sleep apnea:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common, and occurs when the soft tissue in the back of your throat relaxes during sleep and blocks the airway often causing loud snoring.
  • Central sleep apnea is much less common, and affects the central nervous system. The muscles you use to breathe don’t get the “go-ahead” signal from your brain. Either the brain doesn’t send the signal, or the signal gets interrupted. People with central sleep apnea seldom snore.
  • Complex sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

It can be difficult to identify sleep apnea on your own since most symptoms occur while you’re asleep. One common sign is fighting sleepiness during the day at work, or falling asleep during quiet moments of the day when you’re not active. Here are more common signs and symptoms to be aware of:

  • Morning headaches
  • Memory or learning problems
  • Waking up frequently to urinate
  • Dry mouth or sore throat when you wake up

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD,TX DENTIST

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates rely upon their years of experience, training, and cutting-edge technology to offer patients expert dental care at each and every visit. They listen to each patient’s concerns and offer gentle, informative guidance about future treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call 817-473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

filed under: General Dentistry, Sleep Apnea

Tips and Techniques for Teeth Whitening

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When it comes to the appearance of your teeth, there are numerous factors they are exposed to on a daily basis that may alter their look, feel, or how they rest in your mouth. Your teeth are the epitome for attention as they are generally one of the first things people notice during a first impression. While everyone may enjoy having a pearly white smile, not everyone may be aware of how to obtain their own.  A white smile is not something that is impossible to achieve, and can be accomplished through a teeth whitening procedure, along with proper dental care at home.

How to Achieve a Perfect Smile

Before discussing a suitable treatment option, the severity of discoloration must first be determined as there are multiple reasons why teeth may be discolored. If your tooth enamel becomes stained, which is typically due to anything consumed, stains may be removed through regular at home dental care, along with receiving professional dental cleanings. If the inside of your tooth, clinically known as the pulp, becomes discolored, this may be a potential sign of infection and cannot be reversed through a normal teeth whitening procedure.

Keep Your Teeth Clean At Home

Once you have obtained a beautiful, white smile, it is important to maintain proper dental care to keep your teeth looking fresh and new.  This can be achieved through a few simple, at-home tasks that, if exercised daily, will allow your teeth to maintain their shine. For instance, brushing and flossing regularly will remove bacteria and food particles that can lead to the staining of your teeth. This will also assist in maintaining proper dental health as this removes bacteria that, if allowed to settle on or around your teeth, can lead to infection and further dental complications.

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD, TX, DENTISTS:

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris of Mansfield Dental Associates rely upon their years of experience, training, and cutting-edge technology to offer patients expert dental care at each and every visit. They listen to each patient’s concerns and offer gentle, informative guidance about future treatments. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call 817-473-6227. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Preventive Dentistry, Teeth whitening