TMD, or a temporomandibular joint disorder, refers to a condition that occurs in the jaw joints (temporomandibular joints, or TMJs). These joints are used numerous times throughout the day in chewing, speaking, drinking, and even breathing. However, even though they are very active, the TMJs are rather delicate, responding poorly to stress. But just how much do you know about the stresses that can contribute to TMD? To find out, take the following quiz from your Mansfield TX dentists, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris, and check your answers below. (more…)
Mansfield Dentists Offer a One Visit Whitening Quiz
Do you want a brighter smile? A beautiful smile can boost your confidence and help you make a great first impression. At Mansfield Dental Associates, we can erase teeth stains and improve your smile in just one visit. In today’s blog, your Mansfield dentists, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris, use a fun and informative quiz to discuss the benefits of our teeth whitening techniques.
Mansfield TX Dentists Offer Convenient Teeth Whitening Treatment
Are your teeth the color you want them to be? If not, whitening them may not be as difficult as you may think. Today’s whitening treatments are surprisingly fast and convenient. To learn more about the teeth whitening treatments offered by your Mansfield TX dentists, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris, continue reading below. (more…)
Mansfield, TX Dentist Discusses Dental Implants for Teenagers
Would you like to know about dental implants and teen oral health? Then take care to read today’s blog post. Here, Dr. S. Blair Jones, your Mansfield, TX dentist, discusses how some teenagers may qualify for a dental implants.
Can Teenagers Receive Dental Implants?
When an older patient endures tooth loss, they often turn to dental implants to serves as their tooth replacement method. After all, implants provide the most security and longevity over any other tooth loss solution. However, dental implants can replace virtually any patient’s missing teeth. In fact, patients who have endured dental trauma frequently choose dental implants to restore their smile’s uniformity and functionality.
Oftentimes, due to sports-related injuries, teenagers choose implantation surgery to recover their knocked out teeth. While implants have been deemed unsuitable for children, by the age of 17, boys’ finish the jaw growth stage of development; for girls, the age is 15.
Qualifications the Patient Must Meet
Just like any other implant patient, teens must meet certain criteria to allow them to qualify for this tooth replacement. During the comprehensive dental exam, your Mansfield, TX dentist checks the patient to ensure their mouths can withstand an implant procedure. These points include:
- Adequate bone mass. While most teens won’t have an issue with this, the dentist checks just for good measure. Without sufficient jaw bone mass, the implant won’t fuse with bone and the surgery would prove unsuccessful.
- Sound oral health. Teens with poor oral health habits must repair those issues first before proceeding with the surgery. For example, if the presence of tooth decay or gum disease is found, the patient must undergo the proper treatment to eliminate the dental ailment. Once their mouths have recovered, the implant process can continue.
Mansfield Dental Associates Can Complete Implantation Procedures
If your teen is need of dental implants and you would like more information about the procedure, talk to Dr. Jones. He can provide a detailed description of the procedure and explain proper aftercare protocol. To schedule an appointment with our Mansfield, TX dental practice at (817) 259-1357. Also, visit our website for services, patient information, and to read more about our team. We proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.
Mansfield, TX Dentist Explains the Cost of Dental Fillings
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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