Mansfield TX Dentists Discuss Gum Disease Prevention

Posted November 1, 2013 by Mansfield Dental

The Threat of Gum Disease

How familiar are you with the consequences that can result from gum disease? Did you know, for instance, that gum disease increases the risk of heart disease? The link between these two diseases is growing clearer, with scientists discovering that the same bacteria are present in both diseases. However, the risks associated with gum disease do not end with heart disease. People who have gum disease are also more likely to develop diabetes and certain types of cancer, and these problems are only the ones that occur beyond the scope of the mouth.

According to your Mansfield TX dentists, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris, within the mouth, gum disease can create lingering bad breath, bleeding gums, and even tooth loss. Gum disease also has no definitive cure, but can only be treated to prevent the disease from progressing. Prevention, therefore, is very important to your oral health. (more…)

Mansfield TX Dentists Examine Tooth Decay and Dental Fillings

Posted October 25, 2013 by Mansfield Dental

Tooth decay is a serious matter. If untreated, a tooth can be severely damaged and even die as a result of the decay. Before that unhappy conclusion, however, a dental filling can be placed to repair the tooth and prevent further decay. Your Mansfield TX dentists, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris, utilize the latest technology to offer their patients metal-free fillings. Made of a composite resin material that is tooth-colored, these white fillings are great for patients with mercury sensitivities, as traditional amalgam fillings contain small amounts of mercury and white fillings do not. White fillings also offer superior cosmetic results, blending in rather than standing out, yet they are still very strong, enabling them to protect teeth from harm. (more…)

Mansfield TX Dentists Quiz You on TMD

Posted October 18, 2013 by Mansfield Dental

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

Posted October 11, 2013 by Mansfield Dental

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.

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Mansfield TX Dentists Offer Convenient Teeth Whitening Treatment

Posted October 4, 2013 by Mansfield Dental

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

Posted September 27, 2013 by Mansfield Dental

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

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.

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