Porcelain Veneers 101

Posted by

Not many people are aware of the transformative power of porcelain veneers. They have the ability to, in two simple dental visits, reform a tooth and in so doing, renew your entire smile. Porcelain veneers, also known as dental laminates, are very thin layers of porcelain that are attached to the front side of the tooth. Dentists apply veneers to treat chipped, worn, stained, or crooked teeth. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris put patient satisfaction first, and they will draw upon their impressive training in restorative dentistry to correct your areas of concern with porcelain veneers.

The Procedure

Our dentists will place your veneers in two appointments. At the first visit, Dr. Jones or Dr. Harris will remove a thin layer of enamel, the top layer of the tooth, to make a space for the veneer. He will then obtain impressions so that the dental lab can mold your custom-fit veneers. He may also place temporary veneers so that you can see how you like them. Once the doctors receive your permanent veneers, you will return to the office, and the doctor will place a light-sensitive resin on your tooth which acts as an adhesive. He then uses a special curing light that hardens the resin, creating a very strong, stable bond between the tooth and the veneer.

Common Uses for Veneers

  • Repairing minor tooth imperfections: Veneers can treat chipped or worn teeth, particularly teeth that are dimpled or pitted on their surface. Because of their dependability, stain resistance, and natural appearance, veneers excel at repairing minor defects.
  • Correcting Discolorations: Veneers can whiten mildly stained teeth such as those that possess stains from fluorosis, root canal complications, or injuries. They can also lighten previously placed dental fillings that have yellowed over time.
  • Closing gaps between teeth: Veneers can eliminate space in between teeth.
  • Treating crooked teeth: If teeth are crooked, veneers can be attached to make the teeth appear more even.

Caring for Your Porcelain Veneers

Our doctors recommend that you care for your veneers just as you would for your normal teeth: brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris may suggest a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste for your veneer. They will also emphasize the importance of attending your regular check-ups every six months because they will examine your veneers at that time for any issues that may arise.

About Our Doctors

Located in Mansfield, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris welcome and treat patients for nearly all of their comprehensive dentistry needs. They serve Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, and Midlothian areas. To schedule a consultation, call (817) 259-1357.

filed under: Porcelain Veneers, Restorative Dentistry

Tags: , , ,

In-Office Whitening Vs. Over-the-Counter Whitening

Posted by

According to an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry survey, 74% of adults believe that an attractive smile will help them in their career. When respondents were asked what they would like to change about their smile, the most common response was to have whiter teeth. We are inundated with ads marketing the benefits of over-the-counter, do-it-yourself whitening products. Arming yourself with the expert, gentle care of Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris, your teeth whitening experience will give you peace of mind, as well as dramatic results. (more…)

filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Mansfield Dental Associates, Teeth whitening

Tags: , , , ,

Signs That You May Need a Root Canal

Posted by

A root canal treatment focuses on the inside of the tooth. Root canal treatments remove inflamed, infected tissues from the root canals and inner area of the tooth. Deep tooth decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, and cracks or chips in the tooth can allow bacteria to enter its inner chamber, or pulp, and cause inflammation or infection of the nerves and blood vessels it holds. Internal tooth injuries can also cause pulp problems even if the tooth has no obvious external damage, such as a crack or chip. If the inflammation or infection is not treated, it can become painful, especially if an abscess develops. During the root canal procedure, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris of Mansfield Dental will remove the infected pulp and clean the tooth’s interior. Once the tooth is sanitized, they will fill the root’s canal with a sealer paste called gutta percha. If needed, our doctors will then place a crown over the tooth to reinstate its function and protect it from further damage.

Symptoms

If your tooth has infected or inflamed pulp tissue, you may suffer severe pain when you chew or apply pressure to your teeth. You may also experience tooth sensitivity or discomfort with hot or cold temperatures. Sometimes, you may notice that your tooth is darkening, or that your gums are red and inflamed. If you notice pimple-like dot on your gums, an abscess (pocket of infected pus) may have formed on the tooth’s root, and it may need draining in addition to root canal therapy. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris strongly recommend sticking to a strict schedule of routine dental check ups in case a tooth infection does not cause any obvious signs.

Children and Root Canals

Sometimes, young children can prematurely lose their baby teeth or their young permanent teeth when the living tissue inside the tooth becomes infected. Retaining primary teeth is important because they prepare the jawbone for the developing permanent teeth that will replace them. Premature tooth loss can inhibit the proper development of their mouths and can lead to functional issues including regularities in their jaw and/or teeth alignment (malocclusion). In addition, permanent tooth replacement options, such as dental implants, are not usually recommended for children, because they’re oral structures are still growing and changing. Therefore, a root canal procedure may be recommended to save your child’s tooth if it’s damaged or suffers severe tooth decay.

About Our Doctors

Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris provide compassionate, patient-focused general, restorative, and family dentistry at Mansfield Dental Associates. They welcome patients from Mansfield, Fort Worth, Arlington, Crowley, Burleson, and the surrounding areas. To schedule a consultation, please call us at (817) 259-1357.

filed under: Restorative Dentistry, Root Canals

Tags: , , ,

What to Expect at Your Dental Implant Procedure

Posted by

We all become anxious when anticipating a dental or medical procedure. However, knowing what to expect rids patients of a significant amount of stress. The same is true of your dental implants surgery. A dental implant procedure is a tooth replacement option that replaces your missing tooth root with an artificial root made of titanium. Your dentist inserts an implant root into the jawbone, and after the jawbone heals, he places an implant abutment and crown on top. Dr. S. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris build personal relationships with their patients and believe in fully educating them about their treatment options. Their step by step guide to the dental implant procedure will squelch any remaining jitters.

Steps of the Dental Implant Procedure

  • If the tooth has not yet been removed, Dr. Harris or Dr. Jones will extract it. They will then make a a small incision in the gums to expose the bone and create the implant site.
  • They will insert a titanium dental implant into the implant site.
  • As the jawbone heals, it bonds to the implant much like the jawbone adheres to natural teeth. In this process, known as osseointegration, the bone cells fuse directly to the titanium surface, growing around it and providing support.
  • After osseointegration is completed, your dentist will place an abutment on the implant. The abutment protrudes slightly above the gum line because it holds the crown, bridge, or dentures in place.
  • The dentist will then connect the crown to the abutment.
  • Following the surgery, you may experience discomfort at the implant site, minor bleeding, or gum inflammation. You can take over the counter pain medications such as Tylenol or Motrin, but if symptoms persist, then visit us as soon as possible to ensure you are healing properly.
  • The dentist will recommend that you eat soft foods for 10-14 days.
  • Continue oral hygiene habits of brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups; it is especially vital to floss around the implant on a daily basis.
  • As with any surgery, Dr. Harris and Dr. Jones will schedule a post-operative appointment to check on your healing.
  • If you have any concerns or if your pain worsens, call our office at any time.

About the Dentists of Mansfield Dental Associates

Dr. S. Blair Jones has provided stellar general, restorative, and cosmetic services for over 28 years. Dr. Seth Harris joined Dr. Jones at Mansfield Dental Associates in 2011, and together they serve patients of all ages from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, and Midlothian areas. To schedule a consultation, please call (817) 473-6227 or (817) 259-1357.

filed under: Dental Implants, Mansfield Dental Associates, Restorative Dentistry

Tags: , , ,

White vs. Silver: Which Filling is Better?

Posted by

Have you ever wondered why some dental fillings are white while others are silver?  These white fillings are known as composite resin fillings, and the silver-like fillings are called amalgam fillings.  During a dental filling procedure at Mansfield Dental Associates, Dr. S. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris first remove the decay from the tooth, prepare the space for the filling by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and debris, and then apply a filling of silver amalgam or composite resin.  They are highly experienced in the placement of both types of fillings.  Our dentists are also dedicated to educating patients on their options, so we discuss the differences between these two.

Different Kinds of Fillings

  • Silver (amalgam) dental fillings are sturdier than white fillings.   Amalgam is stronger because it is made up of metals– silver, tin, copper, zinc, and mercury, to be exact.  It is generally recommended for back teeth, which must withstand greater force from chewing.  The composite resin material, on the other hand, is a mixture of plastic and glass materials, and are not as durable as metal amalgam.
  • Amalgam fillings are less expensive than white fillings.
  • Amalgam fillings last longer than composite fillings.
  • White fillings are less apparent than the silver-like amalgam fillings.  They can also be tinted to best match the color of your teeth.
  • Amalgam fillings emanate low levels of mercury vapor that you might inhale.  If a person is exposed to a significant amount of mercury vapor, it can harm the brain or kidneys.  However, after reviewing the available scientific studies, the FDA has determined that silver fillings are safe for adults and children over age six. Nevertheless, if you’re pregnant or have a metal allergy, then discuss your condition with our dentists during your initial consultation.
  • Amalgam fillings are held in place by the shape of a cavity. If a cavity is too small, the cavity must be widened at the base of the tooth so that the filling can hold its shape.  As a result, the dentist may be forced to remove a small portion of the healthy tooth.  On the other hand, a white filling conforms to the shape of the cavity, and can be used for very small cavities with greater success.

ABOUT YOUR MANSFIELD DENTISTS:

If you have any questions about dental fillings, or would like to schedule a consultation, please call Mansfield Dental Associates at (817) 259-1357.   Serving patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Fort Worth, Alvarado, and Midlothian areas, Dr. S. Blair Jones and Dr. Harris share a unique dedication to the health and satisfaction of all our patients.

filed under: Dental Fillings, Restorative Dentistry

Tags: , , ,

Quiz: The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings

Posted by

Have you had your six-month checkup? Many people put off their checkups because they view them as minor procedures that won’t hurt to miss. However, checkups provide one of the few opportunities to be screened for oral cancer. Mansfield TX dentists, Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris, discuss the importance of undergoing routine oral cancer screenings.

(more…)

filed under: Oral Cancer

Dangers of Gum Disease

Posted by

Advanced gum disease is the number one cause of adult tooth loss in this country.  Mansfield, TX Dental Associates can identify its early signs, and provide appropriate preventive treatments.  Gum disease may also be linked to other diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain forms of cancer, including oral cancer, which causes over 7,500 deaths each year. (more…)

filed under: General Dentistry, Gum Disease, Oral Hygiene, Preventive Dentistry

Something to Smile About — Patients’ Dentures Questions Answered

Posted by

They say that eyes are the window to one’s soul, but what about a smile? The health and appearance of your teeth and gums plays an important role in the way others perceive you. It’s hard to deny that an attractive smile simply makes you feel good, and that losing one or more permanent teeth has a negative effect on your self-esteem and confidence. At Mansfield Dental Associates, we love seeing our patients smile when they first receive their new dentures in Mansfield, TX. We’ve compiled some of our patients’ most frequently asked questions about adjusting to life with dentures.

Will dentures interfere with my ability to eat?

Not for long, according to your dentists, although you may have some discomfort within the first few weeks, if not less. Begin by eating small pieces and bites of soft foods, avoiding tough meats, crisp fruits or vegetables, crunchy snacks, or gooey candies. Do not eat very hot foods at first. Chew your food slowly, taking care not to favor one side of your mouth over the other. You can gradually introduce harder foods into your diet once you are comfortable wearing your dentures. Dr. Jones warns that you should never use toothpicks to remove food from your dentures.

Should I wear my dentures 24 hours a day?

Not necessarily, says Dr. Jones. In the first few days and weeks of wearing your denture, you may need to do so 24 hours a day, even while sleeping. Doing so allows you and your dentist to determine whether you require any adjustments to the prosthetic. This may feel slightly uncomfortable, but it is necessary nonetheless. Once your dentists are satisfied that your partial or complete denture fits properly, you will not need to wear it while you sleep. Before you go to bed, you will remove your dentures for cleaning, then store them.

Will wearing dentures make speaking difficult?

As you adjust to your dentures, you may find that some words prove more difficult to pronounce correctly. Dr. Harris recommends practice speaking words that are difficult to pronounce, noting that you will soon have no problems articulating. Some patients raise concerns about the telltale “clicking” sound made by dentures during speech. This noise may indicate improper fit and the need for an adjustment. Dr. Harris encourages you to call if you hear clicking.

Do I need adhesives to hold my dentures in place?

Properly fitted dentures are not likely to slip or loosen in your mouth, but many patients feel more secure using an adhesive. Using these products adds stability and improves bite force. Your Mansfield, TX dentists also recommend using adhesives if you have xerostomia, or dry mouth. Without saliva, dentures may not grip as firmly to the gums. If you speak in public often or play a musical instrument with your mouth, adhesives will help counter the added stress on facial muscles to hold dentures in place.

Need more info about dentures in Mansfield, TX? To learn more about dental prosthetics, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Blair Jones or Dr. Seth Harris, contact our dental office at (817) 259-1357. We welcome patients living in and around south Arlington, Kennedale, Mansfield, Waxahachie, and southeast Fort Worth.

filed under: Uncategorized

Tags: ,

Checking for Oral Cancer at Your Mansfield Dentist Office

Posted by

At Mansfield Dental Associates in Mansfield, Texas, it’s our goal to help our patients achieve and maintain the highest level of oral and systemic health possible. We understand that each and every patient’s needs and health goals are different. That’s why we personally design each and every appointment — whether routine or specific — for each patient’s unique requirements. Today, Dr. S. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris want to discuss one aspect of routine dental exams that we perform for every patient who takes a seat in our dental chair: a visual oral cancer test.

Oral Cancer Testing in Mansfield, TX

For our patients who already have healthy teeth and gums and practice quality at-home dental hygiene, we (and the ADA) recommend scheduling dental checkups and cleanings every six months. If you have specific oral health care needs, Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris will recommend a treatment schedule to keep your mouth in top-top shape. At this routine appointments, we’ll check the health and strength of your teeth and gums, as well as screen for cavities, bruxism, gum disease, sleep apnea, and other health conditions. We’ll also talk with you about any problems you’re having, as well as any cosmetic goals you wish to achieve.

At these appointments, we’ll also screen for oral cancer. How? By visually examining the soft tissues of your mouth, including the inside of your cheeks, your lips, your tongue, and your gum tissue. We’ll also ask you about any chronic throat pain, a change in your voice, ear aches, dramatic weight loss, change in the way your teeth fit together, or any other unexplained changes in your oral health. As a part of the screening, your dentist will gently probe the mouth, looking for sores, lumps, rough spots, or other abnormalities in the gums, lips, or tongue.

Like with any other type of cancer and other serious health conditions, oral cancer is best treated when caught early. That’s why we’ll visually screen for it at every six-month appointment you have at our Mansfield dentist office. Some risk factors of oral cancer are tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, family history, age, and excessive sun exposure. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris recommend regular screenings for oral cancer, especially if you are over the age of forty or have any of these risk factors.

About Mansfield Dental Associates:

At Mansfield Dental Associates, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris share the same vision and philosophy when it comes to patient care. We provide thorough, compassionate preventive dental services in addition to effective treatments for teeth grinding and TMJ pain. Contact our Mansfield, TX dentist office at 817-473-6227 to schedule your next appointment.

filed under: Oral Cancer

3 Ways to Spring into a Healthier Smile

Posted by

The cold, dreary days of winter fade into memory as the colors, sounds, and smells of spring emerge. Spring is a wonderful time to renew your house, your mind, and your commitment to your health. In addition to brushing and flossing regularly (a little spring cleaning for your smile, if you will), try enjoying these springtime activities that can actually promote healthier teeth and gums. (more…)

filed under: Family Dentistry, Nutrition

Tags: