Elizabeth Huynh, Author at Now Dental

Learning the Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings At Now Dental

by Elizabeth Huynh | May 5, 2023 | Carmichael CA Dental Office, Dental How To

Regular dental cleanings at Now Dental will save you money and improve your overall health!
You’ve heard it before: you need to schedule a checkup with your dentist every six months. But have you ever wondered why this is? Getting regular dental screenings and cleanings is about more than just protecting your teeth (though this is still a big part of it). Preventative dental care can help to protect your whole body against future health problems and limit your chances of needing costly, extensive work in the future. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of getting your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis.

Remove Plaque
Even if you’re the best tooth-brusher in the world, there’s still a chance that some plaque could remain on your teeth. If it’s allowed to stay on your teeth for 24 to 72 hours, plaque can turn into tartar, which can only be removed by a professional. Tartar also makes plaque harder to get rid of and acts as a shield to protect bacteria in your mouth. Plaque buildup is the leading cause of tooth decay and, according to Crest, more than half of adults have tartar. Though these two are impossible to avoid, you can treat them easily with regular cleanings at Now Dental, your family friendly dentist in Carmichael, CA.

Avert Gum Disease
When you do not properly take care of your teeth and mouth, gingivitis and periodontal disease become all too common. Gum disease causes space to form between the teeth and the gums. In this area, bacteria flourishes, which can cause the gums to become swollen and tender. They may also bleed after you brush your teeth. Over time, these spaces can also result in painful abscesses. However, with regular dental cleanings, you can avoid gum disease and ensure your gums and teeth remain healthy.

Decrease the Risk for Diabetes
Having high blood sugar can take a toll on your oral health. In general, those with diabetes tend to experience dental problems more often than those without it. People with diabetes have a higher rate of dental infections, more cases of cavities, decay, and gum disease, and their mouth sores require more time to heal fully. When you get regular checkups, your dentist can determine which oral health problems, if any, are related to high blood sugar and recommend treatment, so your diabetes and oral health conditions do not worsen.

Early Detection of Cavities
During the cleaning, your oral health professional will also be on the lookout for signs of cavities, even when they are in their earliest stages. When cavities are caught early enough, they can be treated without the use of a drill. If you do not visit your dentist every six months, you may miss the early warning signs of a cavity. It will only get worse, requiring more invasive treatments, costing more money, and potentially leading to other long-term problems.

Identify Oral Cancer
Your dentist will also be looking out for any abnormalities in your mouth while they are performing the cleaning. These signs include white or red spots in the mouth and wounds that do not heal, which can indicate oral cancer. If your dentist suspects this condition, they can administer tests to be sure. Like any other type of cancer, early detection is key and gives you a better chance for a full recovery. That’s why regular cleanings are so crucial.

Understanding Dental Implant Procedures: What You Need to Know

by Elizabeth Huynh | Apr 9, 2023 | Children's Oral Hygiene, Orthodontics, Restorative Dentistry

If you have a missing tooth, getting a dental implant may be the perfect solution. Whether you’ve already decided to undergo the procedure or are just exploring your options, you may have a lot of questions about dental implants. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about getting dental implant surgery.

What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a fake tooth that is surgically inserted into the gums to replace a missing tooth. The implant is usually made out of titanium and must be placed by an oral surgeon. It is a screw-like piece that is inserted into the jawbone and closely resembles the root of a tooth. The dentist will later attach a crown to the implant so it resembles your other natural teeth.

How Long Will the Procedure Take?
The length of the procedure depends on your dental health, how many teeth are involved in the procedure, which teeth are being replaced, and if a tooth needs to be extracted first. For a single tooth, the implant surgery can take around one to two hours, from applying the anesthesia to the end of the procedure. Talk to your dentist for a better estimate of how long the procedure will take.

image of dental implant Now Dental Carmichael California Better Smiles

Tooth human implant (done in 3d graphics)

The Surgery
Before the surgery, your dentist may give you a list of pre-operative instructions, which you should follow closely. The full procedure needs to be completed in two phases, with the whole process taking between six and nine months.

It is during the first phase that the dentist will surgically place the implant in your mouth. Your mouth will be numbed using local anesthesia, so you will not be able to feel a thing. The dentist will then use a drill to create a hole in the bone for the implant. The implant will be inserted into the space and the gums will be closed over the implant.

Over the following months, the implant will become securely attached to the bone. During the second phase, the implant is re-exposed using a small incision. Then, the dentist will make impressions of your mouth in order to craft the new implant crown. Once the crown is made, the dentist will place it in your mouth and, voila, the procedure is finished.

Post-Surgery Discomfort, Complications, and Care
It is completely normal to experience some discomfort following your dental implant surgery. You may experience some light bruising and swelling in the gums and soft tissues. Discomfort is typically treated with an ordinary painkiller like ibuprofen or codeine. There are some complications that you should be watchful for. Potential complications include:

Bone loss around the implant
Infection of the surrounding gums and bone
The implant failing to adhere to the bone
Your body rejecting the implant

Following the procedure, your new tooth must be cared for and checked often, just like your other teeth. Follow your dentist’s post-surgery suggestions. Continue to brush and floss every day and visit your dentist for a checkup every six months, or more often if your dentist recommends it.

For more information about dental implants or to schedule an appointment, contact us at Now Dental. Now Dental is you full service dentist in Carmichael, CA, ready to help you before you need implants and we are there for you if you do!

What to Know About Dental Fillings

by Elizabeth Huynh | Mar 24, 2023 | Dental How To

Filling you in about fillings!

If tooth pain has got you down, it’s time to take a trip to Now Dental, your friendly dental practice in Carmichael, CA. Depending on your diagnosis, we may recommend fillings. Fillings re the most common approach to restore a tooth where decay has damaged a tooth. A dentist grinds or drills away decay and then fills the cavity with a composite known as a filling. While fillings can halt the growth of decay in a specific area, they aren’t a cure-all. In fact, there are a few things that your dental provider wants you to know about fillings.

Fillings Aren’t Permanent
It’s better to think of fillings as a semi-permanent solution to tooth decay. Typically, the average filling has a lifespan of 12 years. Some may not last that long. The amount that you use your teeth will greatly impact the longevity of your fillings. Depending on where they are located, they could last as little as a few years.

Fillings Have Problems Too
Your dentist always tries to get your filling just right. They mold it to your teeth and do their best to remove all decay before sealing it. But, sometimes things go wrong. If you notice an issue with your filling, it’s important that you contact your dentist as soon as possible. Sensitivity, unusual texture, and pain are indications that something is wrong. Your filling may have cracked or lifted, exposing a sensitive portion of your tooth. The longer you wait to have this issue examined, the more likely it is to become more problematic. Save yourself the pain and future issues by scheduling an appointment at the first sign of trouble.

Filling TLC
Did you know that your fillings require additional care? While brushing and flossing will keep them clean and polished, there’s more that you can do to prevent the breakdown of your fillings. For example, consuming large amounts of acidic or hard food can cause the composite of your fillings to break down. Pay special attention to your diet and avoid chewing exceptionally hard food with those teeth that have fillings. It’s also a good idea to use toothpaste with fluoride and have your dentist check your fillings during your biannual appointment.

Don’t Depend on Fillings
Many people avoid caring for their natural teeth simply because they know that they can have fillings placed at the first sign of decay. While fillings can help, they shouldn’t be something you depend on. Fillings can’t provide the same sort of strength that your natural teeth do. While they do help, they aren’t perfect. Instead, take care of the teeth that you do have in an effort to avoid having to have fillings placed.

If a filling is inevitable, Now Dental has experience and knowledge you can count on for the best result. Now Dental provides premium dental care to patients of all ages. Whether you need an X-ray or a filling, schedule an appointment with our friendly team today!

Tips to Prepare Kids for Their First Dental Visit

by Elizabeth Huynh | Feb 18, 2023 | Carmichael CA Dental Office, Children's Oral Hygiene, Dental How To

Tips that help you help your child understand the importance of dental hygiene!

By teaching your kids about the importance of oral health and hygiene from a young age, you’ll set them up for a lifetime of success and good health. Preparing a child for their first dental office visit is critical for setting a good tone. Now Dental is a child-friendly dentist, but a lot of how a visit to the dentist is received by a child depends on parental preparation!

Your Child’s First Dental Appointment
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child makes their first trip to the dentist no later than their first birthday. This not only sets up healthy habits for life, but it also ensures that a professional is keeping an eye on your child’s oral health. While it may not seem like those incoming baby teeth are a big deal, there are situations which may call for earlier intervention by a dentist!

Cultivate A Positive Attidue In Your Child Towards Dental Care
One of the biggest factors in whether or not your child has a positive experience with the dentist depends on your own attitude and example. If you act anxious, express negative feelings towards dental visits, or let your child see your own fears about the visit, it may cause your child to feel more afraid of the process. Instead, if you can bring a positive attitude and chat about the dentist in a positive light, you’ll set the tone that a visit to the dentist is a good thing.

For young kids, having too much time to think about a new, unknown experience can lead to stress, so don’t tell your kids about their upcoming dental visits until the day of the appointment. This will prevent unnecessary worrying on their part. The morning of the visit, tell them they’re going to have a fun visit with the nice tooth doctor, and answer their questions without going into too much detail.

Videos, Games, and Books
For many kids, being a little more prepared for the experience can help to set expectations and remove fear of the unknown. Age-appropriate books, YouTube videos, and games can help familiarize them with the dental setting. Playing “dentist” with your child is an excellent way to get started. Have them recline in a chair, count their teeth, brush their teeth, and talk about the importance of taking care of their teeth. Then, switch roles, allowing them to play the dentist.

Smart Scheduling
Scheduling a dentist appointment during naptime or mealtime is setting your child up for failure. Instead, be smart with your scheduling, choosing a time of day when your child is most likely to be content and in a good mood.

Positive Reinforcement
No matter if your dental visit goes off without a hitch or if your child struggles with the process, take some time after the appointment to focus on what went well. The more you reinforce the positive aspects, the more your child will focus on those good parts.

Choose the Right Dentist
Of course, choosing the right dentist for your family makes all the difference in your kids’ experience. Tips to prepare kids for their first dental visit are just guidelines that can help your child tolerate time at the dentist’s office. To set up an appointment for your child for family dental care near Carmichael, CA, reach out to the pros at Now Dental today!

Ten Questions to Ask Your Dentist

by Elizabeth Huynh | Jan 17, 2023 | Dental How To

Ten Questions We Encourage Your To Ask Now Dental

Now Dental is just about the friendliest dental practice serving the Carmichael, and the surrounding communities within Sacramento County. Yet we know that people tend to be apprehensive when it comes to all things related to dentistry. Well part of our friendly attitude towards your dental hygiene is our willingness to educate you on how to improve and maintain your teeth! Asking our staff questions is encouraged! Everyone that works at Now Dental can answer a broad range of questions related to dentistry.

1. What can I do to improve my smile?

– Sometimes the answer might be simple, sometimes Now Dental may suggest creating a dental plan with the specific goal of improving your smile!

2. What is the best kind of toothbrush and floss for my teeth and gums?

– Not everyone should be using the same kind of toothbrush or floss. Now Dental can make specific recommendations based on the structure of your teeth and gums.

3. How often should I have a dental exam and cleaning?

– This varies depending on oral health, dental appliances, and issues that your dentist or hygienist detect.

4. What kind of products should I use or avoid to keep my teeth whiter?

– Every year there is a new product promising whiter teeth. Your dentist and hygienist can help you pick the right product or regime!

Why do I have dry mouth and how does it affect my teeth?

-Dry mouth can be caused by numerous things. Medications and Cancer treatment being the most common ones. Dry mouth tends to not only be uncomfortable but increases the rate of decay. Over The Counter products can help some. Ask your dental professional for some recommendations and samples.

6. What can I do to prevent cavities?

– Cavities lead to a lot of problems and potential expenses. In many cases, Now Dental can suggest a regime that can help prevent the things most people fear when it comes to dentistry, the drill, pain, and big bills!

7. Can you tell if I am grinding or damaging my teeth, crowns, or fillings?

– Grinding of teeth happens! Sometimes it is a subconscious thing, sometimes it happens while you sleep. Best to be aware because a dentist can design appliances that can help protect your teeth!

8. I see blood when I floss, is there anything I can do to reduce or prevent bleeding gums?

– Bleeding gums can be a sign of many things you don’t want happening in your mouth! Your dentist will likely be advised of bleeding by the hygienist, but be prepared to ask how you can deal with bleeding between dental checkups!

9. What are the insurance, self-pay, financing, and billing of your dental practice?

– Regardless if you have the best dental insurance or paying out of pocket, it is always good to know what to expect when the bill comes!

10. Should I change my diet in any way?

– On top of impacting many aspects of health, one’s diet can directly affect the condition of teeth and oral health!

These are a few questions to the staff at Now Dental at your next dental appointment. Not only will you come away smarter about taking care of your smile, but it will help you build a more informative relationship with your dentist, hygienist, and even the dental practice receptionist! Taking care of your teeth is a cooperative effort! The staff at Now Dental is ready to answer all questions related to your dental hygiene and care!

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