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You may be proud of that old amalgam that you show off from time to time, but be careful. Despite good care, your mouth is probably hiding a multitude of sins, including cavities under those old fillings.

You may think your teeth are invincible if they are filled, but sadly, that isn’t the case. Eventually something will break or become infected.

Your Murfreesboro Dentist explains that old amalgam fillings can contract and expand over time leaving teeth vulnerable to bacteria and decay.

Replacing Old Amalgam Fillings in Murfreesboro

Your Murfreesboro dentist best determines replacing your old fillings. The dental practice in Tennessee will examine your entire mouth with a comprehensive dental checkup.

During your checkup, all of your dental restorations are checked, including old silver amalgam fillings. Your Murfreesboro dentist uses an intra oral camera to examine the inside of the tooth and around the amalgam fillings because amalgam cannot be detected with conventional x-rays,

Restoring Teeth in Murfreesboro

Silver amalgam fillings require more drilling and more removal of the natural tooth. For badly damaged teeth crowns are the next step.

After your dentist in Murfreesboro has checked out your photos, the two of you will discuss the options available, including root canal therapy.

Your Old Silver Amalgam Fillings Can Cause Problems

For example, studies show that leaky fillings cause bacteria and decay to enter your bloodstream. Moreover, your old fillings may be dangerous. Linked to heart disease and stroke, bacteria thrive in cracked and broken fillings.

A Beautiful Smile in Murfreesboro

If you have not had your smile inspected, call and schedule a comprehensive dental exam in Murfreesboro. Those old silver amalgam fillings could be hiding something and it is never very pretty.

Call and schedule a comprehensive exam with your Murfreesboro dentist today. Keeping your mouth healthy starts with a thorough dental checkup with your dentist. Call today. 

Cosmetic dental crowns in Murfreesboro may be just what you need to lift your spirits. If you smile with a closed mouth and are unhappy with your grin, cosmetic dental crowns could be the answer.

What are Cosmetic Dental Crowns?

Used to restore teeth, fix gaps, and fill large cavities, dental crowns also work wonders for a beautiful smile. Teeth that cannot be whitened with professional teeth whitening are great candidates for cosmetic dental crowns. Dental crowns restore natural teeth making them stronger and healthier. As a result, crowns are made to fit over your natural tooth and are custom made by your dentist in Murfreesboro.

If you have cracked or chipped teeth want to fill a gap or would like longer eye teeth, talk to your Murfreesboro dentist about cosmetic dentistry.

The Dental Crown Process

If you and your dentist determine that you are a good fit for cosmetic dental crowns, an impression is made of your tooth. If you are having a large filling covered with a crown, your Murfreesboro dentist will remove the decay before making a custom crown that fits over your tooth. While your crown is made, you will be fitted with a temporary crown to keep the tooth safe.

What are Dental Crowns Made From?

Dental crowns are made from a variety of dental materials that include ceramic, porcelain, and dental resin. Dental crowns are color matched to the rest of your tooth and your smile.

How Long Will Dental Crowns Last?

As long as you practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing once each day, your crowns will last. Remember, you must also follow a good diet and schedule regular dental appointments to check on your dental restorations.

If you would like to learn more, call and talk to a team member from your dentist in Murfreesboro today.

Teeth and gums that are left unchecked can cause all sorts of problems. From tooth decay and gum disease, unchecked teeth and gums can result in root canal therapy and eventual tooth loss. Consequently, without regular dental checkups you could lose your teeth.

Why You Need Regular Dental Checkups

Regular dental checkups in Murfreesboro keep your teeth and gums healthy. Not only will your Murfreesboro dentist be able to detect gum disease and tooth decay, but he will also be able to check your mouth for overall health issues, including cancer.

A comprehensive dental exam usually includes a cancer screening. During your screening, your Murfreesboro dentist will check for lumps, bumps, and anything else that looks out of character or suspicious.

Regular Dental Checkups Prevent Overall Health Problems

If you follow the Murfreesboro dental blog, you will remember that oral and overall health is connected. Gum disease is a precursor to many systemic diseases and has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and even cancer.

Because gum disease is inflammation of the gums, bacteria, plaque, and the more dangerous tartar can easily make their way into your bloodstream. When this happens that bad bacteria can attach itself to your blood vessels causing arterial sclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Alzheimer’s disease is also an issue for people with chronic gum disease or periodontitis.

Regular Appointments for a Great Looking Smile

A great looking smile starts with healthy oral hygiene habits. This includes regular dental checkups. Your dentist in Murfreesboro recommends twice daily brushing along with flossing once each day. Your Murfreesboro dentist also recommends enjoying a good healthy diet loaded with fresh veggies and dairy products.

If you haven’t seen your dentist in Murfreesboro, call and schedule an appointment today. Your teeth and gums and overall health depend on it. Call for dental checkups in Murfreesboro today.

If you have been thinking about a new smile, call and schedule an appointment with your Murfreesboro dentist. Your grin is the first thing people notice when you walk into a room and if yours is less than appealing it will affect your confidence.

Missing, stained, chipped and crooked teeth will cause problems for self-esteem, especially if you walk around with your hand over your mouth all of the time. 

Your dentist in Murfreesboro has the experience and the expertise to provide the best cosmetic dentistry solutions for your needs.

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Like restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentists repair teeth and gums, but they take the entire process one-step further with porcelain veneers, cosmetic dental crowns, invisible braces, and professional teeth whitening. In fact, most of the celebrities on the red carpet have had at least one smile enhancing procedure during their lifetime.

Types of Smile Enhancing Treatments in Murfreesboro

According to your dentist in Murfreesboro, the most popular procedures include:

• Professional Teeth Whitening
• Inlays
• Onlays
• Cosmetic Dental Crowns
• Enamel Shaping
• Dental Bonding
• Clear Braces
• Porcelain Veneers
• Dental Implants

Not All Dentists are Cosmetic Dentists

Because the American Dental Association does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a specialty, any general or restorative dentist can advertise services. It’s important to remember that not all dentists are equipped, but your dentist in Murfreesboro is.

With hundreds of hours of experience under their belts, you won’t be disappointed when you schedule a no obligation consultation with your Murfreesboro dentist.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Murfreesboro

You don’t have to hide your smile and you won’t when you work with your cosmetic dentist in Murfreesboro. From professional tooth whitening to dental implants and more, you will love your new smile.

Call or click for a no obligation cosmetic dentistry consultation with your cosmetic dentist in Murfreesboro today. You won’t believe the difference a new smile will make.

Did you know that tooth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure on the planet? People are obsessed with white teeth. So much so that they will go to dangerous lengths to brighten their smile.

People who are obsessed with over the counter tooth products will use too often resulting in tooth sensitivity, bluish, see through or chalky teeth.

Professional Teeth Whitening is the Best

Professional teeth whitening in Murfreesboro is the best because your progress is monitored unlike those tooth whitening pastes, polishes, strips, gels, rinses and trays you find at your local pharmacy.

When you schedule an appointment with your cosmetic dentist in Murfreesboro, your teeth and gums will be checked to make sure they are healthy enough for professional teeth whitening. If you are dealing with gum disease or tooth decay, those issues will need to be addressed before you have professional tooth whitening.

The Teeth Whitening Process

There are two types of tooth whitening available, in office tooth whitening and take home custom trays. Both will give dramatic results. Sometimes your dentist in Murfreesboro will recommend both treatments for touchups.

If you opt for in office tooth whitening you can expect whiter teeth in about 45 minutes to an hour. Your dentist uses a prescription gel and light activation to whiten your teeth chairside in the dental office.

Whitening trays are made from x-rays and impressions and sent off to a lab. When your new custom-made tooth whitening trays are ready your dentist will show you how to use your trays. Your dentist will also give you a prescription whitening gel to use with your new customized whitening trays.

Call for a Whiter and Brighter Smile

If you would like more information. call and schedule a teeth whitening appointment today. You’ll be glad you did, and so will your smile.

Studies indicate that 5000 years ago ancient Egyptian dentists were far ahead of their time when it came to dental care.

The Ancient Egyptians Dentists

Oral hygiene and oral care traces back to around 2000 B.C. and the Egyptians. Hesy-Ra was the first dentist holding the prestigious title of, “Great One of the Dentists.” Records indicate that Hesy Ra was the Chief Operating Officer so to speak of the 9 people trained as dentists in Ancient Egypt.

The Ancient Egyptians Teeth and Diet

Because most of the mummified remains of Egyptians indicate wear and tear on teeth.Experts suggest diets weren’t tooth friendly. Filled with lots of raw vegetables, fruits and starchy foods those tough textures weren’t good for their teeth.

Advanced Oral Care with Ancient Egyptian Dentists

Viewed as rockstars, the ancient Egyptian dentists provided oral healthcare to patients as well. Some of those oral ailments were very serious. As a result, early dentists in ancient Egypt treated a loose tooth with herbal mixtures and remedies. Egyptians also drank mouth rinses that would be comparable to today’s antibacterial mouthwashes.

Early Ancient Egyptian dentists also performed jaw surgery, removed dental abscesses, and damaged gums. As a result, ancient Egypt is responsible for paving the way for modern dental technology.

Ancient Dental Bridges

Egyptian dentists are noted for inventing dental bridges using gold wire to attach nearby teeth. Egyptian dentists used thicker gold plated wire restorations to hold teeth in place.

Oral Care for Thousands of Years

While Ancient Egypt was known for exceptional dental care, it wasn’t the only culture that cared about teeth and gums. The Greeks, Romans, and Mayans were all concerned with oral health and helped pave the way for the restorative and cosmetic dentistry that we see today.

Thankfully, you don’t have to resort to dental techniques from ancient Egyptian dentists. Call or click and talk to a dentist in Murfreesboro for more information today.

Cosmetic dental crowns, porcelain veneers and cosmetic dental bonding are three cosmetic dentistry procedures available from your Murfreesboro dentist. While all of these amazing dental treatments can change the shape and color of your smile there are some differences you may want to consider.

Cosmetic Dental Crowns Make You Smile

Cosmetic dental crowns are artificial caps that are custom made to fit over a tooth or teeth. Because crowns fit over your entire tooth, you will need to have a moderate amount of natural tooth removed to make way for a smooth and tight fit.

Used to strengthen large dental fillings, crowns repair badly damaged teeth. However, dentists in Murfreesboro also use dental crowns for cosmetic purposes. Even front teeth can look beautiful with custom-made cosmetic dental crowns in Murfreesboro.

Porcelain Veneers for a Beautiful Smile

While some enamel removal is required for porcelain veneers, your Murfreesboro dentist will not have to take off as much as he would if you were having a cosmetic dental crown placed. Because veneers only fit over the fronts of your teeth, they are more conservative than cosmetic dental crowns. However, just like crowns, porcelain veneers are permanent and will eventually need to be replaced.

Like crowns, veneers can shorten and lengthen teeth, while repairing chips and cracks. Changing the color of your entire smile is easy with porcelain veneers.

Cosmetic Dental Bonding the Most Conservative Approach

While cosmetic dental bonding is not nearly as strong as crowns and veneers, it does repair chips and cracks and lighten stained teeth.

Made from dental resin, dental bonding is conservative as there is very little if any removal of the tooth. You don’t need anesthetic in most cases either.

For more information regarding porcelain veneers, cosmetic dental crowns or cosmetic dental bonding call and schedule an appointment today.

Everyone knows that men and women are different. However, did you know that women have very different oral health care needs than men? While both have the usual oral health concerns, hormones play a huge role in women’s oral health.

Hormone Changes and Women

During puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause hormones change and so do women’s oral health issues. If you are a woman with diabetes, you will have even more issues. Regular dental examinations will help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. However, if you are experiencing hormonal changes there are some things you should be aware of.

Puberty and Women’s Oral Health

During puberty, girl’s gums may get red and swollen and even bleed. Girls may even develop cold sores during puberty. Be proactive, brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, floss once a day, and use an antibacterial mouthwash. Removing plaque reduces inflammation.

Menstruation and Oral Health

While most women won’t notice a change a few days before their period, changes do occur. Swollen and bleeding gums along with tender salivary glands should subside after your period, but if they don’t you should schedule an appointment, as it could be a sign of something more serious. If this is happening every month and you are concerned, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Murfreesboro.

Oral Health and Pregnancy

Women who are expecting develop pregnancy gingivitis. This causes red, sore, and tender gums and usually occurs between the second and eighth month. Schedule more appointments with your dentist and be sure to brush and floss regularly, and watch your diet. Remember, it is safe to see your dentist when you are pregnant.

Menopause and Women’s Hormones

Menopause is a major change in a woman’s cycle and life. Women notice a change in taste, increased mouth sensitivity, and burning sensations. These symptoms are all related to hormonal changes. According to your dentist in Murfreesboro, dry mouth is a major consideration as it indicates a loss of saliva, which reduces bacteria build up.

Whether you are a man or woman, regular dental checkups are imperative. Call and schedule yours with your dentist in Murfreesboro today.

Dental fear affects millions people all over the planet, but it doesn’t have to. Sadly, tooth decay and gum disease won’t get better on their own. The longer you wait to see the dentist because of dental fear, the more invasive the treatments will be.

For example, if you have a small toothache that develops into a larger one you may need root canal therapy. Had you requested sedation dentistry when you first noticed the pain you probably would have only needed a small filling.

What is Sedation Dentistry for Dental fear?

Sedation dentistry is what dentists use to relax patients before dental treatments. From a pill you take the night before, or the morning of your dental appointment, to Nitrous Oxide, or laughing gas, your Murfreesboro dentist has the tools you need to relax while you are sitting in the dentist’s chair.

What Happens if I Don’t Go to the Dentist out of Dental Fear?

Skipping dental appointments because of dental fear makes things much worse. If you have swollen, red and bleeding gums it’s a sure sign you are dealing with gum disease, either gingivitis, or the more serious periodontal disease.

Gingivitis is curable and reversible; however, if it gets worse and becomes periodontal disease, there is no cure. Periodontitis can be controlled, but not cured.

Gum disease is only one issue that you’ll have to deal with if you don’t see your dentist in Murfreesboro regularly. If you have not seen a dentist lately, you are probably dealing with tooth decay as well.

Tooth decay, just like gum disease, won’t get better on its own. As mentioned above it only makes things worse if you have a fear of the dentist. If left too long, root canal therapy may not be enough. Sadly, you may have to lose the tooth.

Make a Dental Appointment for Dental Fear in Murfreesboro

Don’t let dental fear get in the way of healthy teeth and gums. Call and schedule a dental appointment with your dentist in Murfreesboro today.

Enamel shaping and cosmetic dental bonding are both quick fixes that can restore your smile. When used together, your smile will look and feel great. Best of all, no one will know that you have had cosmetic dentistry.

What is Enamel Shaping?

According to your Murfreesboro cosmetic dentist, dental shaping contours teeth, whether they are chipped, or just need a little help. If your teeth are a bit too long, enamel shaping works by shaving off just a little bit of enamel. While enamel shaping is a procedure on its own, it works wonders when combined with cosmetic dental bonding.

What is Cosmetic Dental Bonding?

Cosmetic dental bonding is a procedure that your cosmetic dentist in Murfreesboro uses to repair chipped and cracked teeth. Teeth that are too short can also be lengthened with cosmetic dental bonding while small spaces are also filled with cosmetic dental bonding.

For teeth that are too long, your Murfreesboro dentist will probably use enamel shaping and cosmetic dental bonding together.

Enamel Shaping and Other Cosmetic Procedures

If you are in search of a more permanent solution for chipped or cracked teeth, talk to your dentist in Murfreesboro about porcelain veneers and dental crowns.

Unlike dental bonding, which needs to be touched up every five to ten years, porcelain veneers and cosmetic dental crowns have a much longer lifespan. In fact, both procedures can last up to 15 years with proper care.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are thin sheets of dental grade porcelain that your dentist uses to make teeth more beautiful. If you decide on porcelain veneers keep in mind that the procedure is permanent as some enamel removal is required.

Cosmetic Dental Crowns

Crowns are used to cover large fillings and can be used over the top of front teeth. Even more natural tooth removal is required as the crown fits over the top where the veneer is placed on top of the tooth.

If you would like more information regarding cosmetic dental bonding and enamel shaping, call and schedule and appointment with your dentist in Murfreesboro today.