Mansfield, TX Dentist Shares a Brief History of Dental Fillings

A cavity is one the mildest, most common dental problems a patient can encounter. Even the most vigilant people can still have dental filling or two. However, in our current time, you may not even know who does or doesn’t have a filling. Since dentists now opt for composite resin (tooth colored) fillings, many patients can have healthy teeth without visible silver spots. Composite wasn’t always the go-to substance for fillings, though. In fact, dentists used a number of metal alternatives before finally settling on amalgam (silver fillings) and composite. In the following blog, Dr. S. Blair Jones, your Mansfield, TX dentist, highlights the transformation of dental fillings.

A Series of Changes Throughout Time

Before the introduction of dental fillings, the best way to relieve a toothache was by removing the tooth altogether. However, in the early 19th Century, metal fillings quickly become the saving grace for teeth. During this time, tin was the metal used to complete a filling—especially for the Civil War soldiers. It wasn’t until later in the 1850s that aluminum and even asbestos replaced the use of tin.

Once the use of weaker metals was abandoned, dentists began to use lead; this practice ended soon after the discovery of lead poisoning. Around this time, a few experiments with gold took place and the metal was soon used as a replacement.

The Transition to Current Dental Fillings

When a stronger, less malleable material was needed, amalgam became the metal that stuck. This mixture of silver, tin, traces of mercury is still in use today. It offers longevity and durability and the alloy is quite affordable. Yet, some controversy surrounds the use of amalgam since mercury is a known, harmful substance.

Today, some dentists—including your Mansfield, TX dentist—prefer the use of composite resin rather than amalgam when filling cavities. This material is mixture of plastic and powdered glass and it color-matches teeth. Without any harmful materials, the result is a flawless dental repair that goes completely unnoticed by the untrained eye.

Mansfield Dental Associates Offers Resin Fillings

Maintaining sound oral health includes visiting the dentist for regular checkups. Your Mansfield, TX dentist uses composite dental fillings to provide a long-lasting, beautiful repairs. 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.

These Foods Can Help Fight Oral Cancer, Says Mansfield, TX Dentist

Oral cancer is one of the easiest cancers to detect. Visible symptoms within the oral cavity, such as white spots and unhealed sores, often indicate the presence of the disease. Yet, oral cancer is quickly becoming one of deadliest of cancers. The reason for this is simple: a lack of early detection. Since many people tend to ignore the signs, the disease progresses rapidly. At that point, treatment isn’t of much help and patients succumb to the illness. If you notice an abnormality in your mouth, visit the dentist right away.

With this in mind, the development of cancerous cells is often affected by a certain lifestyle. People who eat more cancer-fighting foods tend to lower their risk. As a way to help his patients stay healthy, Dr. S. Blair Jones, your Mansfield, TX dentist, has formulated a list of cancer-fighting foods; you should consume more of these items on a daily basis.

Incorporate More of These Foods into Your Diet

  • Avocados. Particularly the Hass variety can prohibit the grown of cancerous cells in the mouth, tongue, and throat. In fact, almost any dark-colored fruits can help ward off cancer.
  • Carrots. As a great cancer-fighting food, raw carrots make the list. Carrots contain beta carotene, which is an antioxidant thought to boost the body’s immune system. Beta carotene converts into vitamin A once consumed and destroys cancerous cells.
  • Green tea. Drinking more green tea alongside black, white, and Oolong teas could help you fight cancer. These teas contain strong antioxidants called catechins. Alongside its cancer preventing properties, tea could also impede the onset of Hodgkin’s disease.
  • Raspberries. These berries have been known for being highly nutritious. They also contain large amounts of antioxidants, as do strawberries and blueberries. Moreover, raspberries have certain compounds that can combat tumors.
  • Tomatoes. Watermelon and tomatoes alike contain lycopene, which eliminates free radicals and inhibits the development of oral cancer cells. Your Mansfield, TX dentist recommends eating more of these fruits to decrease your cancer risk.

Visit Mansfield Dental Associates for Oral Cancer Screenings

Maintaining sound oral health includes visiting the dentist for oral cancer screenings. Your Mansfield, TX dentist has the expert skill to detect the illness and begin treatment immediately. 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.

Oral Cancer Screenings Could Save Your Life, Says Mansfield Dentist

Cancer affects countless lives throughout the world everyday. As the types of this disease continue to develop, going to doctor has become a crucial and unavoidable task. Much like visiting the doctor for the presence of other cancers, oral cancer requires a dental visit. With just two dental appointments a year, Dr. S. Blair Jones, your Mansfield, TX general dentist has the knowledge and expertise to detect oral cancer before it progresses.

Every Year, Twice a Year

Like many other common cancers, such as prostate or breast, oral cancer can become a lethal illness. Initially, oral cancer isn’t a particularly aggressive disease; however, the signs tend to become ignored. When this happens, the disease has an opportunity to worsen and spread. Unfortunately, by the time it’s finally discovered, treatment doesn’t prove as effective.

Avoiding oral cancer is quite simple, though. By visiting your general dentist in Mansfield, TX you can maintain vigilant of oral cancer. With bi-annual checkups, the dentist can easily discover the disease while it’s a mild case. Followed by immediate treatment, many patients have full recoveries and can resume their normal lives—illness-free.

Oral Cancer Signs to Watch For

Oral cancer has a number of telltale signs. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, take care to visit Dr. Jones as soon as possible. Signs include:

  • Red or white patches on the tongue
  • Sores or blisters in the mouth that won’t heal
  • Oral bleeding
  • Persistent throat pain or difficulty swallowing
  • Constant earaches and headaches
  • Rapid, inexplicable weight loss

Additionally, patients that smoke or consume alcohol heavily have an increased chance of developing oral cancer. Factors such as age, a family history of the illness, and even excessive sun exposure can increase one’s risk of oral cancer. To ensure your oral health isn’t compromised, visit your general dentist in Mansfield, TX for routine screenings.

Mansfield Dental Associates Screens for Oral Cancer

Maintaining sound oral health includes visiting the dentist for oral cancer screenings. Your Mansfield, TX general dentist has the expert skill to detect the illness and begin treatment immediately. 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.

Mini Dental Implants May Benefit You More, Says Mansfield, TX Dentist

Do you wish to rejuvenate your smile with a dental implant, yet can’t physically fulfill the requirements for one? Then, Dr. S. Blair Jones, your Mansfield, TX dentist may have a solution for you: mini dental implants. This less-intrusive procedure can provide the benefits a traditional dental implant without adding much hindrance to your life. In this blog, Dr. Jones will highlight some of the benefits of a mini dental implant.

The Alternative to Traditional Dental Implants

With a dental implant, your jawbone is re-stimulated by the replacement of a missing tooth root. This prevents the possibility of bone atrophy from a lack of use—a problem often seen in denture wearers. However, if your jawbone has already begun to atrophy, a traditional dental implant may not work for you. For this reason, your Mansfield, TX dentist offers a mini dental implant (or an MDI). The MDI is a great alternative to traditional dental implants since they don’t require as much bone tissue for insertion. Additionally, the procedure takes less time, which means a shorter recovery period for the patient.

Benefits to a Mini Dental Implant

  • Smaller size. An MDI is half the size of a traditional dental implant. Since the components have a smaller structure, less of the bone is penetrated during the procedure. In other words, this microsurgery is relatively fast and doesn’t require a lengthy recovery period.
  • Less expensive. Since the MDI procedure is minimally invasive, its affordability increases. Typically, a traditional dental implant can cost as much as $2,000, whereas an MDI can cost as little as $650.
  • Fast healing. When you opt for a traditional implant, the recovery period can last months. In fact, a minimum of three months is expected for dental implant surgery. Patients that choose an MDI can heal in mere days, and oftentimes, in a week or less.
  • Minimal post-implantation discomfort. Much of the discomfort associated with a dental implant procedure stems from the extent of the process. Usually, the dentist requires much more depth in the jawbone to place a traditional implant. However, since an MDI uses half the depth for its placement, the patient experiences less post-procedure pain. In most cases, patients only need over-the-counter pain relievers to soothe the soreness.
  • One visit procedure. Your Mansfield, TX dentist can complete the MDI procedure in just one-visit. Without the need to return for multiple subsequent visits, you can have more time to enjoy your new smile and its capabilities.

Mansfield Dental Associates Offer Dental Implant Options

For the sturdiness of dental implants without the extensive surgery, visit Dr. Jones to discuss mini dental implants. Your Mansfield, TX dentist has the expert skill to strengthen your smile in a minimally invasive manner. 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.

Improve Your Smile with Teeth Whitening from Your Mansfield Dentist

Do want your smile to have a stellar glow? Then perhaps a visit to the Mansfield dental associates is in order. With a dental whitening treatment, the glow you’ve been looking for is possible. Drs. Blair Jones and Seth Harris, your Mansfield, TX dentists, have the technology and expert skills to rejuvenate the appearance of your smile with teeth whitening options.

One Hour Whitening for Patients On-the-Go

If you’re looking quick teeth whitening solutions, your Mansfield, TX dentists can help. With the Zoom! whitening system you can have brilliant results in just an hour. This professional bleaching system is completed in the following manner.

  • First, the dentist places a protective sealant to the gums to prevent any damage from the whitening gel while ensuring complete enamel coverage.
  • Second, the gel is activated with a specialized ultraviolet light. The hydrogen peroxide-based solution penetrates deep stains to whiten your smile up to ten shades.
  • Lastly, use touch-up kits, as needed, to prolong the life of your glowing smile.

Although the Zoom! teeth whitening system does offer superb results, patients also have the option to whiten at home. The at-home whitening system produces the same results in an extended amount of time. Your dentists in Mansfield, TX take impressions of your teeth to create a set of custom-fitted whitening trays. The dentists prescribe a professional grade bleaching gel for daily application, and two weeks later, you will have the same dazzling results as the Zoom! treatment.

Benefits of Teeth Whitening

Aside from giving your smile a noticeable shine, whiter teeth tend to boost self-esteem and enhance your features, giving you a younger-looking appearance. A brighter smile promotes approachability and friendliness and it indicates a healthy mouth with excellent oral hygiene. Additionally, doing touch-ups on your smile makes you more aware of your dental health and encourages you to maintaining a consistent dental cleaning regimen. With a nicer smile, your overall health benefits too.

Visit Mansfield Dental Associates Today for a Brilliant Smile

For a noticeably whiter smile, visit Dr. Harris or Dr. Jones for treatment. These Mansfield, TX dentists have the expert skill to provide you with teeth whitening in an efficient time frame. To schedule an appointment, call our Mansfield office at (817) 259-1357. You may 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.

Restore Your Smile with Dental Crowns from Your Mansfield Dentist

When is a dental crown necessary? Generally, when a tooth has been fractured or decayed extensively, a crown is the best restoration. A severe fracture compromises the integrity of your tooth, making it weak and susceptible to breaking. A crown will reinforce the tooth to regain its physical strength and appearance. However, if your tooth has a large cavity, the removal of the decay will leave the tooth the fragile. With a dental crown restoration from your Mansfield dentists affected tooth will become strong once again.

 

 

Types of Crowns

Typically, crowns come in four varieties: metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, zirconia, and all-porcelain. Any of them will restore a fractured or decayed tooth. Some are meant for molars, which endure intense pressure, while others are better suited for front teeth, which incur less stress, but are an essential part of your image.

  • Metal. Usually made from gold, nickel, or chromium alloys, metal crowns provide the greatest durability, but they stand out against surrounding white teeth. Metal crowns are still used on back teeth in some situations. Few American dentists place metal on front teeth that show in a smile.
  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal. A PFM crown has a little of both: strength and beauty. The inner layer of a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown is metal, and the outer portion is covered in porcelain veneer. PFMs are often used on teeth in the middle or back of the mouth.
  • Zirconia. Just like zirconia jewels, zirconia crowns are made to reflect light. They look much like natural teeth, yet have amazing durability. For patients who want no metal in their mouths, zirconia crowns offer an attractive option for molars.
  • All-porcelain. Made from dental ceramic (or porcelain), these crowns are strong enough to place on the front teeth, which are used for biting. They contain no metal and look extremely natural. All-porcelain crowns are the restoration of choice for most cosmetic dentists.

Visit Mansfield Dental Associates for Crown Placement

 

If you’re concerned with both function and appearance for your dental restorations, visit your 76063 dentist today. Together, you can choose the crown that suits you best. To schedule an appointment, call our Mansfield dentist office at (817) 259-1357. You may schedule appointments through our website, where you can also review our other dental services. We proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

 

Mansfield Dentists: Identify and Treat Bruxism

Think teeth grinding only causes minimal problems for your teeth? You couldn’t be more wrong. If you consistently grind your teeth, you may suffer from a condition called bruxism. Grinding one’s teeth can lead to tooth sensitivity which could negatively impact the way you eat. This could also lead to Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can lead to chronic face pain and headaches. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris, your Mansfield dentists, can help you identify the root of the problem and provide one of their advanced therapy solutions.

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Mansfield Dentists: Learn More About Teeth Whitening with Today’s Quiz

A beautiful smile can boost your confidence and help you make a great first impression. According to a recent Kelton Research study, people with beautiful smiles are considered both more attractive and successful. In fact, a large portion of the study participants said a good-looking smile was one of the first things they noticed when meeting someone new. Unfortunately, over time our smiles can become stained with unsightly discoloration. Your Mansfield dentists, Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris, understand the importance of a bright smile and offer a professional solution. In today’s blog, Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris use a fun and informative quiz to illustrate the benefits of our teeth whitening systems.

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Filling in the Gaps: Partial Dentures from Your Mansfield Dentists

If you have a few missing teeth, it may be difficult to imagine the positive effect partial dentures may have on you. While you may have gotten used to eating and speaking without those teeth, partial dentures can improve your speaking, eating, and overall dental health. Today, your Mansfield dentists, Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris, will discuss partial dentures and how they might be the right choice for restoring the appearance and function of your smile.

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Mansfield Dentists: Revitalize Your Smile with Teeth Whitening

What kind of impact does your smile have? Even the straightest of smiles lack a certain radiance if they have succumbed to dullness and yellowing. The ones that really make an impact are those that are pearly white and radiant. But if your teeth are showing the yellowing affects of age or even day-to-day life, what can you do? Your Mansfield dentists, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris, discuss professional teeth whitening and what it can do to put the sparkle back in your smile. (more…)