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If you have pain in the gum area around a dental bridge, it may be time to see your dentist. There are several things that can cause pain around a dental bridge, and it is important to make an appointment right away. We offer a flexible schedule and extended hours to help patients that need to be seen right away. Your health is our priority and if you find yourself in pain, we encourage you to contact us right away, so we can help diagnose and treat the issue.

Why Would I Have Pain Around My Bridge?

There are a few different reasons why you may be experiencing pain around your bridge. A detailed examination of your teeth, gums, and the bridge will be required to determine the cause and treatment necessary. Our doctor will ask questions about when the pain started and how long the pain lasts. X-rays may be needed to provide a clear picture of your teeth and gums.

Decay or Infection

Sometimes food or debris can get stuck in between your teeth and cause decay. This can cause pain around the gum area of your bridge. If your bridge does not fit properly, this may allow bacteria and plaque to enter underneath or between teeth, and cause pain or an infection.

Sensitivity

Some sensitivity is common with a newly fitted bridge. Patients may experience sensitivity with hot or cold, but this should subside after a few weeks.

When Should I Call the Dentist?

After a bridge procedure, patients may experience some pain, but this should subside after a few days. If you notice your pain lasts more than a few days we recommend calling our office. This could indicate you have a dental bridge that does not fit properly, or a potential infection. Leaving an infection untreated can cause more serious issues, and should be addressed right away.

We recommend following good oral hygiene habits at home, and carefully brushing and flossing around your bridge. This will help to ensure all of the food and bacteria is removed each day, and prevent pain or infection. Flossing is extremely important, and our staff will discuss how to floss properly, and review how to care for your bridge at home.

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?

If you have pain around your bridge and would like to schedule an appointment, we are happy to help. Your oral health is our priority, and patients should never leave pain untreated. Our doctor can evaluate your issue, and get you on the road to being pain free quickly.

Pain can indicate infection and can cause more serious issues if it is not addressed immediately. Our team is here to help, and we provide a calm and relaxing environment for our patients. Our office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and equipment, making the latest dental products available to our patients. We strive to provide exceptional care, and we make sure each visit is a positive experience.

To schedule your appointment, contact our staff will be happy to assist you!

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Crowns are similar to a cap that is placed over a tooth, and are used to save and restore a damagedtooth. Crowns look natural and allow patients to use their tooth again. The color of a crown canalsobematched to your natural teeth, and crowns help to make damaged teeth strong again.

When Would a Crown be Necessary?

  • To repair a cracked or damaged tooth
  • After root canal treatment
  • To help restore a misshapen or stained tooth
  • To repair an existing crown that does not fit properly

Crowns can last anywhere between 5 to 15 years depending onwear and tear. Over time if thecrownfaces a higher level of wear and tear, this can lead to theneed for crown replacement. Ifyou use goodoral hygiene and you are careful with your crown they can last up to 25-30 years.

Tips To Help Your Crown Last Longer

  • Avoid biting down on hard objects or foods to prevent wear and tear of the crown.
  • Attend regular cleanings in our office so we can ensure all looks good and your crown remains healthy.
  • Avoid grinding or clenching your teeth. If you suffer from bruxism we may recommend a mouth guard.
  • Make sure you are brushing and flossing daily, and you pay attention to the crown area while brushing.

If you experience any pain in or around your crown, or notice any cracks or chips please contact our office immediately. We will get you in to be seen as soon as possible.

Looking To Find Out More About Crowns?

If you are interested in finding out more about crowns and how they may benefit you, schedule a consultation in our office. We provide a detailed consultation process for all of our patients, and can recommend treatment options that work for you. Your oral health is our priority, and we go above and beyond to provide the highest level of care for all of our patients.

To schedule an appointment please contact our office,and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

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Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional braces. This treatment does not have any brackets or wires, and uses removable acrylic trays. The trays are worn in a series over time each day, and move your teeth gently into place. Invisalign trays are easily removable for eating, drinking, and cleaning. They have a blue indicator that helps to tell the patient that they have worn the tray for the required time each day. This indicator is especially helpful to younger teen patients, and helps to alert parents if the child is wearing their trays for the required amount of time.

Are You a Good Candidate for Invisalign?

We want our patients to be proud of their smile and choose the option that works best for them. A smile is the first thing you see, and our team will ensure each patient achieves their smile goals. When you choose Invisalign you may wonder if you are a good candidate. Both adults and teens are good candidates for Invisalign. This type of treatment helps with overcrowding, chewing, or overbite problems. During our thorough consultation process we will discuss each patient’s level of correction, age, and smile goals to help them choose which orthodontic treatment is best.

Can I Still Get Invisalign if I Have a Cavity?

We want our patients to be in good general and oral health. If you tend to have cavity prone teeth, you still are a candidate for Invisalign. Our team will work with you to address any current cavities before you begin your Invisalign treatment. We will closely monitor your oral health with visits to our office to get in front of any future cavities.

Treatment of cavities takes priority before a patient can begin Invisalign treatment. Once a cavity is treated the filling can change the shape of the tooth. It is important to treat the cavity before the patient is fitted for the Invisalign aligner trays.

What If I Develop a Cavity During My Invisalign Treatment?

Developing a cavity during Invisalign treatment is possible, and we always address a cavity right away when they are identified during your dental exam in our office. Our staff will determine a treatment plan, and recommend how to handle the cavity during your orthodontic treatment.

In some cases we can ensure the shape of the tooth remains the same by shaping the filling to match your Invisalign aligner trays. If the cavity is small enough we may just monitor the area, and recommend good oral hygiene habits to ensure the cavity does not get worse. It is important for patients wearing aligner trays to practice proper oral hygiene habits to ensure food and bacteria do not get stuck underneath the trays. Cleaning the trays daily is important to rinse any bacteria or particles away.

How Can I Learn More About Invisalign ?

If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign, and if this is the orthodontic solution for you, ourteam is here to help get you on the road to a beautiful smile.Our detailed consultation process willexamine your teeth and mouth, and we will recommend what treatment options are available. We workwith each patient to help decide which orthodontic treatment works best.To schedule your orthodontic consultation, contact our office and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you! 

Interested in Whitening Your Teeth?

If you are interested in finding out more about our teeth whitening services, contact Gentle Touch Dental Care, and our friendly staff will be happy to help you.

remove coffee stains

Coffee is a popular beverage, and many enjoy that cup or two in the morning each day. The downside to coffee is that it can cause staining on your teeth. There are treatments patients can do at home, or in our office to remove those annoying coffee stains. At Gentle Touch Dental Care, we offer many cosmetic dental services, and one of our most popular is teeth whitening treatment.

If you are tired of looking at yellow or stained teeth from coffee, then Gentle Touch Dental Care is here to help. Our team provides a detailed consultation process to evaluate your teeth and mouth, and create a customized treatment that will work for you. We will discuss all of your teeth whitening options, and give you tips and tricks on how to keep your teeth white at home.

Why Does Coffee Stain Our Teeth?

Coffee contains tannins, and this helps give coffee that deep flavor and brown color. Our teeth are filled with many little pores, and the tannins tend to stick to our teeth when we drink coffee. Plaque attracts the tannins and those can easily be cleaned away. Stains on the enamel of your teeth will need to be treated with a tooth whitening procedure

How Can Teeth Whitening Help?

Teeth whitening procedures can be done in our office or in the comfort of your own home. Our treatments use a high-quality gel to whiten your teeth safely, and remove coffee stains. The peroxides in the gel are able to reach through the enamel and bleach the stain away. Teeth whitening can restore your smile, and give you bright white teeth in just a few treatments. Let our team help you transform your teeth and restore your confidence. To find out more about our in-office or at-home whitening services, we encourage you to schedule a cosmetic consultation.

What Can I Do at Home To Prevent Coffee Stains?

  • Drink your coffee through a straw to avoid direct contact with your teeth.
  • Use a whitening toothpaste or mouthwash.
  • Rinse your mouth out or brush your teeth after drinking coffee.
  • Avoid charcoal toothpaste as this can damage your enamel.

Interested in Whitening Your Teeth?

If you are interested in finding out more about our teeth whitening services, contact Gentle Touch Dental Care, and our friendly staff will be happy to help you.

invisalign duration

Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional braces for both teens and adults. Invisalign has the capability to treat even severe corrections. This treatment uses clear aligners that are worn in a series over time to gently move teeth into place. The aligners are removable for easy cleaning, drinking, and eating.

Is Invisalign Treatment Just As Effective as Braces?

Invisalign is a discrete treatment making this a popular choice for teens. There are no wires or brackets, and the aligners are smooth and comfortable when worn. If the aligners are worn properly, and for the recommend length of time, this treatment is very successful for teens. Invisalign can correct an overbite, underbite, crowding, and gaps.

Is My Teen a Good Candidate?

To determine if your child is a good candidate we recommend starting with an orthodontic consultation in our office. Most teens are good candidates, and Invisalign can give great results. Depending on the level of correction needed and their age, will determine the best treatment plan to give your teen a beautiful smile.

What Are the Advantages of Invisalign?

Blue Indicator

Invisalign trays come with a blue indicator to help indicate if your teen has worn the trays for the required amount of time.

Removable Aligners

Invisalign aligners are removable and easy to clean. This is helpful for teens who play sports. There is no need to worry about getting hit in the mouth like with braces. If your teen plays an instrument the aligner can be removed. Brushing and flossing is a lot easier when you can remove your clean aligner. This helps teens to really keep up with their oral hygiene and get those hard to reach areas.

No Food Restrictions

Traditional braces require some food restrictions. Invisalign aligners can be taken out while eating so your teen can enjoy all the snacks and healthy foods they love.

Invisalign Is Discrete

Teens tend to go through a lot during their teenage years. Self-image is important, and some tend to be self-conscious about how they look. Invisalign gives teens a discrete treatment that can produce beautiful results. Teens can feel comfortable wearing their clear aligners around others because they are invisible.

Saves Time

Invisalign does not require any hardware adjustment or repair like traditional braces do. This helps to decrease the time spent in our office. Typically we have patients using Invisalign come in every four to six weeks to ensure treatment is going well.

Interested in Finding Out More About Invisalign?

Invisalign is just as effective as braces, and as long as your teen wears the aligners properly you will have amazing results. Schedule your teen’s consultation today, and we can get them on the way to a straighter smile.

To schedule your consultation contact our office, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

smile makeover

Are you looking to correct or enhance your smile with a smile makeover? If you are ready to have that perfect smile of your dreams, then a smile makeover may be right for you. Smile makeovers combine multiple cosmetic services that fit your needs to create the perfect smile. Our doctors have years of experience in creating beautiful smiles, and love to help patients restore their confidence with a smile they can be proud of.

Smile makeovers begin with a consultation to access and discuss what your smile goals are. Our doctors will develop a customized treatment plan using a combination of cosmetic services to build your smile. The severity or the correction will determine the length of your treatment plan. Multiple appointments may be required if extensive treatment is needed. Our team will work above and beyond to ensure you have the very best experience during your smile makeover.

What Treatments Are Used With a Smile Makeover?

  • Teeth whitening
  • Dental bonding
  • Porcelain veneers
  • Orthodontics

These treatments are commonly used during our smile makeover process to create that perfect smile for each patient. Once your customized treatment plan is created, we will discuss what is required so patients understand exactly what is needed. Our high-end technology allows our team to provide digital images to show patients what their smile will look like before we start treatment. This gives our team the ability to show patients the benefits of our smile makeover process, and the end result.

Interested in Finding Out More About Smile Makeovers?

If you are ready to restore your smile and find out more information about how a smile makeover can benefit you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us. We provide quality care patients can trust in a welcoming and relaxing environment. Come experience the difference in dental care, and let our team help you get that smile you have always wanted. Our doctors are skilled at what they do, and creating beautiful smiles is their passion.

To schedule an appointment with us contact Gentle Touch Dental Care, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

radiation in dental x ray

Dental x-rays are commonly used when you visit your dentist. Many patients wonder if dental x-rays are safe and if they should worry about radiation exposure. Expressing concerns about your health and safety is normal, and the good news is that dental x-rays are extremely safe. You may notice your hygienist covers you with protective equipment and leaves the room during the x-ray. This is to avoid repeated exposure because hygienists perform x-rays daily as part of their cleaning and exam routines. The protective equipment placed on the patient helps to further protect your body and organs that are more sensitive to radiation exposure.

Every day we are exposed to levels of radiation naturally in the environment, and dental x-rays only make up a small fraction of the average daily dose of radiation each day. Patients do not need to worry about exposure, as the amount is so low there is nothing to be concerned about.

Are Dental X-Ray’s Safe?

Dental x-rays do not require much radiation to produce images. With the new technology used today x-rays use 90% less radiation exposure and are safe for patients. Diagnostic imaging gives our team the ability to see inside your teeth and this allows the detection of decay, bone loss, or oral cancer. X-rays can help prevent future issues by diagnosing and treating anything we see promptly.

Benefits of Dental X-Ray’s

  • Detect decay, fillings, gum disease, and oral cancer.
  • Detect changes in soft or hard tissues.
  • Show jawbone development
  • Detect bone loss

Interested in Learning More About How Dental X-rays Can Benefit You?

If you are interested in learning how dental x-rays can benefit you, or you are due for your regular dental exam and cleaning, contact Gentle Touch Dental Care. We provide the highest level of service and use the latest technology and equipment. Let our team help you care for your smile, and prevent unnecessary visits to the dentist. Our doctors have years of experience and love to help patients care for their teeth and gums. Oral health is extremely important and is directly linked to our overall health. Attending your regular dental visits can help to detect issues and keep your smile looking and feeling great.

To schedule an appointment with us contact Gentle Touch Dental Care, and our staff will be happy to assist you.

how long does dental bonding last

Dental bonding can help to restore your smile and repair many cosmetic issues that bother you. Dental bonding is quick, durable, and can be less expensive compared to other cosmetic options. Dental bonding is a great solution for patients that want to change the length of a tooth, fix a chipped tooth, or close gaps between teeth. The procedure can be completed in one appointment and no anesthesia is required. Dental bonding does last, and the lifespan for dental bonding is between 5-10 years. The composite material can wear down over time depending on the wear and tear on the tooth.

How Does the Dental Bonding Process Work?

Dental bonding typically only requires one visit to our office and does not require any tooth enamel to be removed. During the bonding process, we gently etch your tooth using a mild acid solution. This helps to make the surface of the tooth rough and allows the composite material to properly bond to the tooth. The bonding is a tooth-colored material and this is applied to the area. Ultraviolet light is used to help cure the bonding. Once the bonding material is cured the tooth is polished and shaped to match the surrounding teeth. On average, bonding treatment can take between 30-60 minutes, and this depends on the severity of the correction, and the number of teeth needing treatment.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bonding?

  • Dental bonding is affordable compared to other cosmetic treatments.
  • Treatment is less invasive with no local anesthesia.
  • Can be done in one appointment.
  • Can repair chipped, cracked, or uneven teeth.
  • Can close gaps between teeth.
  • Changes the shape of your teeth and provides a uniform smile.
  • Is an alternative to amalgam fillings.
  • Is tooth-colored material and blends in with your natural teeth.

Interested in Finding Out More About Dental Bonding?

If you are interested in learning more about dental bonding and how this treatment may benefit you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us. At Gentle Touch Dental Care, we strive to provide quality dental care our patients can trust. We provide a calm environment where patients can relax during their dental treatment. Patients are treated like family, and we always ensure you have a positive experience. Let our dental team help you achieve the smile of your dreams with our dental bonding treatment.

To schedule your appointment contact Gentle Touch Dental Care, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

wisdom teeth recovery

Wisdom teeth are the back molars in our mouths and tend to erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. Most people do not have enough room in their jaw for wisdom teeth to properly erupt. Wisdom teeth can be impacted, or cause issues once they erupt such as overcrowding or infection.

If you require wisdom teeth surgery you may wonder how the recovery will be. Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure and recovery tends to be pretty easy. The recovery period after wisdom teeth removal is around a week. This depends on the person, and in some cases, the recovery period may take longer if the wisdom teeth are impacted.

What Can I Expect During My Recovery?

Wisdom teeth surgery is done in one appointment, and anesthesia is typically used to help keep patients comfortable and relaxed. After your surgery, you will be brought into a recovery room where you will be monitored until it is safe to go home. We require all patients to bring a family member or friend to the surgery to help get them home safely.

A few hours after your surgery you will regain feeling in your mouth. Swelling and some bleeding are normal, and this should subside after a few days. A cold compress can be used on your mouth at home to help with any swelling or pain. Our team will discuss pain medications, and give you instructions you can take home.

We recommend all patients follow a soft food diet and avoid any alcohol or tobacco products. Patients should avoid using a straw as this can aggravate the surgery area and cause complications. On average patients begin to feel fully recovered around three to four days after their surgery. Patients should follow good oral hygiene habits to help keep the surgery area clean and avoid infection. If you notice any prolonged pain, swelling, or bleeding that does not subside, please call our office to be seen right away.

Looking for Wisdom Teeth Removal and Want To Learn More?

If you are interested in finding out more about wisdom teeth removal contact Gentle Touch Dental Care. Our doctors have years of experience in wisdom teeth removal and provide the highest level of care. If you are experiencing any pain, or think you may have an issue with your wisdom teeth, we recommend contacting us right away. Any issues with wisdom teeth should be addressed immediately to avoid complications. 

To find out more, or to schedule your wisdom teeth consultation, contact Gentle Touch Dental Care today!

dental cleaning

Taking care of our teeth is important and can help avoid problems or unnecessary visits to the dentist’s office later in life. We recommend patients visit our office for their cleaning and exam at least twice a year. These appointments are crucial and can help maintain your oral health and detect issues before they become serious. Bacteria and plaque build-up over time and your toothbrush at home can only remove so much. Dental cleanings are easy and the typical dental cleaning and exam only take approximately 30-45 minutes. This depends on the condition of your teeth and if any problems are identified.

At Gentle Touch Dental Care prevention is extremely important. We help our patients review their oral hygiene routine at home and recommend changes to help keep their teeth and gums healthy. Many patients avoid visiting the dentist due to anxiety or fear. At Gentle Touch Dental Care we create a calm and relaxing experience and can help you get the dental care you need. Our doctors have years of experience and love to help patients achieve the perfect smile.

What Can I Expect During My Appointment?

When you visit our office, we create a calm and welcoming environment. Our treatment rooms are updated with the latest technology and equipment. During the visit, we thoroughly clean each patient’s teeth using special dental tools to remove any plaque or tarter. Our team will examine the condition of both your teeth and gums to ensure everything looks healthy. We take x-rays and create a customized treatment plan for each patient. Our team will perform an oral cancer screening by checking your mouth, throat, neck, and tongue for any areas of concern. Our doctor will meet with each patient to discuss any areas of concern and follow-up visits.

Why Are Dental Cleanings and Exams Important?

Getting comfortable visiting the dentist and attending your regular cleaning and exam appointments can help set the stage for the future. Dental exams allow our doctors to get in front of any issues early on, and this can help prevent serious issues from developing in the future. During your exam, we can detect broken fillings, cavities, or other oral concerns. Our team can remove plaque and tartar that brushing at home cannot reach. We recommend patients brush and floss daily at home to help keep their teeth and gums looking and feeling great. If you ever notice any pain or discomfort, we encourage you to contact our office right away, and we will ensure you are seen as soon as possible.

Are You Due for Your Regular Dental Cleaning and Exam?

If you are ready to schedule your dental cleaning and exam, we encourage you to contact us. Let our team help you care for your teeth and keep your smile looking its best. We provide exceptional service and quality dental care you can trust.

To schedule your appointment and join our dental family, contact Gentle Touch Dental Care, and our staff will be happy to assist you.