Mansfield, TX Dentist Explains the Cost of Dental Fillings

Posted September 20, 2013 by Mansfield Dental

When you’re talking about restorative dental procedures, getting a cavity filled is a rather mild ailment. In fact, most Americans have at least one filled cavity and depending upon their age, the filling material may vary. Today, composite resin is the most popular dental filling material due to it’s color-matching abilities. However, about 30 years ago, silver fillings dominated the market.

In the following article, your Mansfield, TX dentist, Dr. S. Blair Jones, shares the varying costs of dental filling materials.

What Will a Filling Cost You?

Amalgam. Before the silver versus white filling debate began, dentists chose amalgam dental fillings to correct cavities. This material is durable and helps the tooth regain its strength and integrity with ease.
On average, a silver filling costs between $50 and $150 for one or two dental surfaces. However, the price increases to the $120 to $300 range, if three or more surfaces require a filling. The good news is that dental insurance covers a majority of the cost since a filling is considered a necessary procedure.
Composite resin. Using tooth colored fillings is by far the most popular method for filling cavities nowadays. With composite resin, patients can disguise how many fillings they’ve actually had.
As per the price tag, patients can expect to pay $90 to $250 for up-to two surfaces; three or more surfaces can cost as much as $450. Though white fillings usually classify as cosmetic, many dental insurance companies have started to pay for a portion of white fillings. In some cases, in some insurance covers as much as 80% of composite fillings. To learn what your insurance pays, your Mansfield, TX dentist can inform you during the appointment.
Inlays and onlays. For cavities that were a bit too deep to withstand just dental filling, a dentist places an inlay or an onlay. These tend to cost most because they require specialized manufacturing. Porcelain or cast-gold inlays and onlays cost about the same—roughly $250 up-to $4,500 depending upon the needs of the patient. As with the composite resin fillings, though, insurance covers up-to 80% of the cost.

Mansfield Dental Associates Offer Restorative Dentistry

If you’re in need of a dental filling and would like more information about the varying types of materials, talk to Dr. Jones. He can explain which fillings prove the most beneficial and why. To schedule an appointment, call our Mansfield, TX dental 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.

Dental Mouthguard Care Tips from Your Mansfield, TX Dentist

Posted September 13, 2013 by Mansfield Dental

If you use a dental mouthguardregularly, then this article may provide some helpful insight on proper mouthguard care. Your Mansfield, TX dentist, Dr. S. Blair Jones shares these care tips to increase the durability of a dental mouthguard.

Why is a Dental Mouthguard Important?

Though teeth contain the hardest substance in your body (the enamel), they’re not impervious to injury and participating in contact sports and rigorous activities can allow dental injuries. Cracks, chips, severe breaks, and knock-outs could happen to your teeth if they’re not properly protected by a dental mouthguard. If you partake in any of the following activities, your Mansfield, TX dentist advises the use of mouthguard:

Football
Hockey
Rugby
Soccer
Rock climbing
Martial Arts

Patients can choose from three different mouthguard varieties: boil-and-bite, stock, and custom-fitted. Almost any sporting goods store sells stock and boil-and-bite mouthguards at an affordable price. However, a custom-made mouthguard is only available through a dentist.

Correct Mouthguard Care

To ensure that you mouthguard doesn’t endure any damage, take care to following these instructions. Proper care prolongs the life of a dental mouthguard.

Rinse and clean the mouthguard with a toothbrush and toothpaste before and after every use. Then, from time-to-time, soak the mouthguard in a solution of cool, soapy water. After a couple of minutes, rinse the mouth piece.
Always carry the mouthguard in the vented carrying case, when not in use. Also, don’t clean the mouthguard in hot water or leave it in sun. This could melt the rubbery material.
According to your Mansfield, TX dentist, it’s important to check the mouthguard periodically for wear and tear. If the mouth piece looks worn, take care to replace it as soon as possible.

For a Custom-Made Mouthguard, Visit Mansfield Dental Associates

For more information on dental mouthguards, consult with Dr. Jones. He can begin the process to outfit you with a custom-made mouthguard, should you need one. 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.

Facts about Partial Dentures, from Your Mansfield, TX Dentist

Posted September 6, 2013 by Mansfield Dental

Patients who wear partial dentures have varying degrees of knowledge about this tooth replacement. However, at Mansfield Dental Associates, we like to keep our patients informed about their oral health. Therefore, in this article your Mansfield, TX dentist, Dr. S. Blair Jones, shares a few facts about partial dentures.

Quick Trivia about Partial Dentures

Dentures have pores. Full and partial dentures made from acrylic don’t have solid surfaces. In fact, when observed under a microscope, acrylic contains thousands of microscopic holes that can become filled with food particles and oral bacteria. In other words, using a denture brush and specialized toothpaste isn’t enough to clean your partials—an overnight soak is a must.
Soaking removes most bacteria. As aforementioned, brushing your partials alone isn’t enough to clean those pieces effectively. Instead, your Mansfield, TX dentist recommends completing a nightly soak. With a solution made from water and a denture cleaner like Polident or a similar product, you can remove up-to 99.9% of accumulated bacteria.
Missing teeth increases oral bacteria. Studies have shown that older people who have chosen not wear a tooth replacement after enduring tooth loss have more oral bacteria than those who do. This is due to a reduced flow of saliva and a decrease in the immune system.
Furthermore, patients who suffer from dry mouths and wear partials also have increased levels of oral bacteria, which is a big issue amongst older patients. Since the immune system is less capable of providing protection as we age, more oral bacteria means more illnesses. For this reason, patients who have frequent dry mouths have been advised to clean their partials diligently to avoid the development of oral ailments.

Mansfield Dental Associates Can Restore Your Smile

If you have a few missing teeth and have considered using partial dentures to restore your smile, talk to Dr. Jones. He can tell you the benefits of having partial dentures and provide other tooth replacement options. 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 Shares the Disadvantages to Porcelain Veneers

Posted August 30, 2013 by Mansfield Dental

For patients who seek the perfect, Hollywood-like smile, porcelain veneersmay fulfill that desire. In fact, many celebrities attribute their flawless smiles to veneers and other cosmetic dental procedures. However, regardless of the advantages that veneers provide, they pose some disadvantages, too. To learn more about the downsides to porcelain veneers, your Mansfield, TX dentist, Dr. S. Blair Jones shares this information with his patients.

Porcelain Veneers Do Pose Some Limitations

High cost. While porcelain veneers can create a flawless smile, this dental enhancement doesn’t come cheap. The cost for one veneer can range from $900 to $2,500 and the high price mostly stems from the manufacturing process. In order to create a veneer, the dentist must send impressions of your teeth to a specialized ceramics lab. There, a certified technician creates the veneers, which is an expensive process.
Furthermore, veneers have been deemed as an elective, cosmetic procedure by many insurance companies. In other words, getting porcelain veneers is an out of pocket cost. Luckily, supplemental dental insurance and payment plans, makes the cost of veneers feasible to most patients.
Fragility. Veneers do prove quite strong, yet, the porcelain material makes them very brittle. Placing pressure upon the veneers can cause chips and cracks. Patients who crunch on ice, bite their fingernails, or perpetually grind their teeth shouldn’t have porcelain veneers placed.
Not repairable. Unfortunately, should one of your veneers break, crack or chip, a quick-fix repair isn’t an option. Instead, your Mansfield, TX dentist must replace the veneer altogether. While the replacement veneer is being made, the patient must wear a temporary veneer, which can limit their dietary choices.
Irreversible. Before the dentist can bond your veneers, he must first prepare your teeth. To complete this step, Dr. Jones essentially removes a portion of your enamel. Once the veneer is in place, it serves as replacement enamel. Due to this, the teeth that have the veneers can longer go sans veneer.
Increased sensitivity. As aforementioned, patients lose a portion of their enamel in order to have veneers placed. This reduction in the enamel can lead to an increased sensitivity to hot and cold beverages. Patients may find that consuming soft drinks, coffee, tea, or even ice cream is uncomfortable.

Learn More about Veneers from Your Mansfield Dental Associates

If you’re interested in porcelain veneer placement, consult with Dr. Jones. He can detail the advantages and disadvantages to this dental enhancement to ensure you’re making the right choice. 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.

Simple Truths about Dental Implants, from Your Mansfield, TX Dentist

Posted August 23, 2013 by Mansfield Dental

Have you considered getting dental implants? If you’ve answered yes, then this article may prove quite beneficial for you. Many patients who would like implants, don’t know much about the procedure or the tooth replacement itself. To help those patients wanting implants, Dr. S. Blair Jones, your Mansfield, TX dentist shares some facts about dental implants

Dental Implant Facts You Should Know

Tooth loss plagues many Americans. Finding a tooth replacement isn’t uncommon in the U.S. In fact, more than 65% of Americans between the ages of 35 to 44 have at least one missing tooth. Additionally, 25% of Americans over the age of 75 have endured complete tooth loss.
The most natural tooth replacement option. Out of the available tooth replacement options, dental implants appear the most natural. The crown is porcelain made, which mimics natural teeth perfectly. Moreover, the titanium metal implant serves as a replacement tooth root. Together, those components create a restoration that’s practically identical to natural teeth.
Dental implantation is an ancient practice. Back in 600 AD the first bouts of dental implantation began. Oftentimes, cultures removed their natural teeth to replace them with implanted gold teeth to showcase their wealth.
No cavities. With a dental implant there isn’t any need to worry about developing a cavity; the material won’t become infected by oral bacteria. However, your Mansfield, TX says to remember the rest of your healthy teeth. Those remaining teeth can still become susceptible to oral diseases and ailments. Therefore, take care to continue a sound teeth cleaning routine at least twice a day.
Jaw bone and tissue stimulation. An implant is the only known tooth replacement that can stimulate the jaw bone and surrounding tissues. With a restorative method, such as a dental bridge or a partial denture, the pieces simply sit atop anchoring teeth or the gum line. Yet, the implant is anchored within the bone, which allows the hard and soft tissues to regenerate and stay healthy.

Mansfield Dental Associates Can Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants

Dental implants have become a popular tooth replacement for many patients who have endured tooth loss. If you would like more information about having an implant procedure, talk to Dr. Jones. He can explain the benefits and detail what to expect throughout the process. 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 Suggests Some Partial Denture Alternatives

Posted August 16, 2013 by Mansfield Dental

As tooth replacement options go, partial dentures prove quite popular amongst patients with one or just a few missing teeth. Though this solution may seem simple, partials require diligent cleaning and general care.

Your Mansfield, TX dentist, Dr. S. Blair Jones provides alternative solutions to partial dentures to ensure his patients make the correct tooth placement choice.

Before Electing Partial Dentures, Consider These Alternatives

Dental implants. For patients who only have one missing tooth, a dental implant may prove as the most effective method. Partial dentures require nightly removal and a gentle cleaning method. However, a dental implant provides patients with a substitute tooth root and a natural-looking crown, which allows the restoration to go virtually undetected. With a dental implant, you can restore you smile permanently.
Furthermore, should the dentist find that your jaw bone has atrophied slightly, ask about using a mini dental implant (MDI) instead. An MDI is half the size of a traditional dental implant and work better for patients who have suffered with untreated tooth loss for years.
Dental bridges. A partialdenture is essentially a removable dental bridge. Yet, with a bridge patients can feel more secure with their tooth replacement since it’s also a permanent solution. A bridge contains three main components: two anchoring crowns and one or many pontics (false teeth).
For placement, your Mansfield, TX dentist simply bonds the two anchoring crowns to the healthy teeth bordering the missing tooth gap. A bridge is a relatively quick restoration that lasts for many years with proper at-home care. Plus, a bridge is just as affordable as partials.
Crowns. Oftentimes, when a tooth is severely decayed, a patient opts for an extraction rather than a repair for fear of the procedure. While this solution does work, dentists usually prefer to save the tooth whenever possible—keeping the tooth prevents jaw bone atrophy in the future. In such instances, the dentist may suggest a crown.
Should the patient agree, the doctor removes the decay and fills the tooth. As reinforcement method, a crown is placed to restore the tooth’s integrity and strength. The result is perfectly functioning tooth sans the need for an extraction.

Mansfield Dental Associates Offer Patients Tooth Replacement Options

Don’t commit to partial dentures before considering every available option. Dr. Jones wants his patients to have the necessary information to choose the correct tooth replacement method. 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.

Some Signs Could Mean a Need for Dentures, Says Mansfield, TX Dentist

Posted August 9, 2013 by Mansfield Dental

Patients who receive tooth replacements like full-blown dentures undergo the many symptoms associated with tooth loss. If the signs have been tended to, patients usually recover. On the other hand, those who choose to carry on sans dental visits, lose their teeth. To avoid future tooth loss, your Mansfield, TX dentist, Dr. S. Blair Jones, talks about the signs that point to a decline in your oral health.

If These Apply to You, Dentures May Appear in Your Future

Skipping the dentist. Going to the dentist is one of the best ways to prevent tooth loss. The dentist not only completes a dental cleaning, he examines your mouth, too. Dr. Jones checks for tooth decay, symptoms of gum disease, even screens for oral cancer. However, those who choose to not visit a dentist may have one of those ailments and never know. Then, the issue only progresses until the disease advances too far. Instead, your Mansfield, TX dentist recommends completing bi-annual checkups for a clean bill of oral health.
Ignored gingivitis. When gums bleed easily, feel tender, and swell, you display signs of gingivitis, which is the earliest form of gum disease. Luckily, gingivitis is incredibly treatable, and if you get to dentist soon enough, he can eradicate its presence. Yet, if you choose to ignore the problem, gingivitis will eventually advance to periodontitis. With periodontitis comes tooth loss, which is where the dentures would come in.
Teeth and bite changes. A telltale sign of tooth loss is a change in the way your teeth fit. If your teeth become loose, your bite changes, or your teeth start to separate away from the gum line, your gums have already lost the ability to retain your teeth. Unless immediate treatment begins, you’re bound to suffer tooth loss.
Missing teeth. For patients who already have a few missing teeth, you’re more susceptible to future tooth loss. A lack of tooth roots weakens the integrity of the jaw from insufficient stimulation to the bone and surrounding tissues. Typically, a dentist recommends a tooth replacement option, such as a partial denture or dental implants.

Consult with Your Mansfield, TX Dentist about Dentures

If you would like more information about dentures, talk to Dr. Jones. He can tell you the reasons why many Americans experience tooth loss and how dentures can help. 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.

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.

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