Helpful Articles.
Insight & Advice
for Your Oral Health
Family Block Appointments: Save Time, Smile Together
In this post, we’ll look at how family block appointments can simplify your schedule, reduce stress, and keep everyone in your household smiling—without multiple trips to the dentist.
Are Dental Implants Permanent?
If you’re missing teeth, dental implants could be the perfect fit. They have many benefits over dentures and you care for them the same as you would care for your natural teeth. Because the implant process can take a while, you might wonder if this is something you’ll need to do again? Are dental implants permanent?
Dental Implants 101
What are dental implants exactly? They are small titanium posts that replace the natural tooth root. That means they’re surgically implanted into your jawbone. When you’re getting an implant, we’ll first prepare the area and extract the old tooth/teeth if necessary. If your jawbone isn’t strong enough to support the implant, we’ll also do a bone graft. Once the implant is in, it takes time to fuse with the bone. This fusion process can take a few months.
Once the implant fuses, you’ll get a restoration put on top. These include dental crowns, a dental bridge, or implant-stabilized dentures. Unlike traditional dentures, these lock into place. They don’t need adhesive cream and you don’t need to remove them at night.
A permanent solution
There are a handful of reasons to choose dental implants. They are easy to care for – you brush and floss as normal. Plus, they prevent bone loss in your jaw. They are also natural-looking and feeling. But are dental implants permanent? They can last up to 15 years or more when you maintain good oral hygiene at home and keep up with regular dental appointments. In some cases, implants can last the rest of your life.
Dental implants with Springs Village Dentistry
If you want to restore your smile and full chewing ability, please contact us to discuss your dental implant options! There are three types of dental implants: single-site, implant-supported bridges, and overdentures. When you come to our Holly Springs office for a consultation, we can talk about what works best for you. We also offer a variety of payments options to make implants more affordable for you.
Why You Should Never Ignore a Tooth Abscess
If you have an abscess, you might notice you experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, pressure, and sugary and/or sour foods and drinks. You may even have constant pain and pus oozing out of your gums. It’s important to come visit our expert team if you notice these red flags. At Springs Valley Dentistry, serving Holly Springs, NC, and the surrounding area, we encourage you to seek out urgent assistance for your abscess to end your suffering as soon as possible and to prevent complications.
It Won’t Go Away
If you delay treatment in hopes that your abscess will go away, it’s not going to. An abscess is a pocket of pus and infection, and it’s not going to get any better without proper treatment. It may, however, get worse. Depending on the severity of your abscess, treatment may involve root canal therapy and a round of antibiotics.
An Abscess Can Cause a Dental Fistula
Not only do abscesses not go away, but they can lead to serious issues, such as a dental fistula. A dental fistula happens when the infection spreads and hollows out part of your jawbone. And the treatment for a dental fistula is more extensive and expensive than an early-stage abscess.
Infection Can Spread
The infection can spread into your throat and even beyond this area to the rest of your body as well. While your body releases antibodies to combat the infection, the infection can still continue throughout your bloodstream, causing widespread inflammation and problems. This complication is known as sepsis, and it can be life-threatening. As a result, you can experience septic shock and suffer from dangerously low blood pressure and organ failure.
Abscess Treatment in Holly Springs, NC
Think you have a tooth abscess? Contact us today at Springs Valley Dentistry for emergency dental care to receive the urgent treatment you need.
Dental Crown Procedure 101
At Springs Village Dentistry, we can address a variety of issues with a dental crown procedure, in which we place a tooth-colored cap over your natural tooth. There’s a good chance you’ll get one at some point in your life, if you haven’t already! Read on to learn why you might need a crown and what the dental crown procedure is like.
Reasons to Get a Dental Crown
Crowns are strong, realistic-looking, and can reliably treat many issues, from decay and weakening to discoloration and staining. Although cavities are commonly addressed with fillings, there are times when the cavity is too severe to be repaired with a simple filling, particularly if root canal therapy is needed. After this kind of advanced decay is cleaned out, we will use a crown to restore strength and function to your tooth. Additionally, crowns can be used to reinforce a tooth with weakened or worn enamel, to cover chipped or broken teeth, and to provide cosmetic enhancement when the teeth are misshapen, discolored, stained, or too small.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Here at Springs Village Dentistry, we’re excited to offer the latest in CEREC® dental crown technology. Our on-site milling machine allows us to produce and install a dental crown in nearly no time at all! The first step in the process is to remove some of the enamel on the surface of the tooth getting the crown. Next, we’ll take impressions of the tooth and select your crown’s shade so it will blend seamlessly in with the rest of your smile. Using our smile preview software, we’ll design a 3D model your crown, after which we’ll custom-craft it in our office. Once it’s ready, we’ll safely bond it to your tooth.
CEREC Dental Crown Procedure in Holly Springs
With CEREC crowns, the wait time for your new tooth is virtually nonexistent when compared to the traditional dental crown procedure! So come experience for yourself the difference a CEREC dental crown can make to your smile. Contact us today to get started.
What to Do for a Dental Emergency
A dental emergency can be a scary experience, especially if you don’t know what how to handle it. Fortunately, we’re here to help! If you experience a dental emergency, call Springs Village Dentistry at 252-303-2598. Emergencies don’t go away on their own. We always leave room in our schedule to fit in anyone who needs same-day emergency dental care. In the moments following an emergency, however, what should you do? Here are a few tips on how to handle the most common dental emergencies:
For mild to severe pain in your tooth, carefully brush and floss around your tooth to remove any food particles that could be causing your discomfort. Then, rinse out your mouth with warm salt water to help clean the area. For any swelling, gently apply a cold compress to the affected area. But if the ache persists, you should come in and see us right away. Your toothache could be caused by advanced tooth decay or an infection, like an abscess, that needs immediate treatment.
If the break or chip was caused by an injury (like falling or getting hit in the face), look around for any fragments lying around. Bring them with you to our office. Clean your mouth with warm water and put a cold washcloth over the injured part of your face. Even if the chip is small and isn’t causing pain, still do call us soon to make an appointment. A chip weakens your tooth and more could break off if you ignore it. There could also be a crack that is hard to see with the naked eye, which would put your sensitive inner tooth at risk for damage. A lost/cracked filling or broken dental restoration are also considered emergencies, so give us a call if you experience either of them!
Getting an adult tooth knocked out of your mouth is a serious injury. The first thing you should do is to find the tooth and carefully pick it up by the crown, not the root. Rinse off any dirt or debris with water or milk. Then, gently try to return it to the tooth socket and bite down on a piece of gauze to hold it in place. If you can’t put it back, keep it moist in a cup of milk and bring it with you to our office so we can reattach it.
Emergency Dental Care in Holly Springs, NC
If you experience a dental emergency, remain calm and and come see our team at Springs Valley Dentistry. We’re here to set your mind at rest and get you treated as quickly as possible!
The Importance of Sports Mouthguards
Protecting your teeth doesn’t only involve good oral hygiene at home and regular visits to our office. It also means choosing a healthy diet and limiting the risk of trauma to your teeth and jaw. If you participate in contact sports or extreme physical activities, it is important to wear an athletic mouthguard to protect your teeth from damage.
Who Needs a Mouthguard?
The necessity of a mouthguard is more obvious in some cases than others. Those that play sports that could involve contact with other players, the ground, or equipment, like football, boxing, soccer, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, racquetball, volleyball, tennis, and hockey, can benefit from a mouthguard to protect their teeth and limit the risk of breaking or losing a tooth. However, weightlifters can also benefit from a mouthguard to protect teeth from clenching during heavy lifts. Even those that pursue activities like white water rafting, rock climbing, martial arts, skateboarding, cycling, snowboarding, and gymnastics would benefit from a mouthguard.
Common Sports Dental Emergencies
A well-fitting athletic mouthguard can help protect your teeth from trauma. However, you should also know how to react in the event of a lost permanent tooth. First, handle the tooth only by its chewing surface. Gently rinse it with milk or water without scrubbing or rubbing it with fabric. Then, place it back into its socket or between the cheek and gums or in a glass of milk to keep it moist while seeking medical treatment. Other dental emergencies like a broken tooth, a severely chipped tooth, jaw fractures, and lip lacerations also warrant urgent treatment!
Custom Mouthguards in Holly Springs, NC
A custom mouthguard will provide optimal protection with maximum comfort. So if you or a loved one plays a contact sport or participates in another activity that can expose teeth to trauma, our team at Spring Village Dentistry can create a customized mouthguard that’s designed for your unique mouth shape and bite.
If you’re unsure whether you need a sports mouthguard, our team can help you decide. To ask us any questions about protecting teeth during sports or to schedule your next visit to our office, contact us today!
3 Ways to Ease Dental Anxiety
If you dread going to the dentist, you might have odontophobia, or dental anxiety. Maybe you had a bad experience at the dentist once, or perhaps you’re just anticipating feeling a lot of pain. Or maybe you don’t like the idea of having anything in your mouth. Our friendly team cares about your comfort and well-being. Read on for some simple ways to ease your dental anxiety so you can get the quality dental care you need and deserve.
It sounds simple but conscious and deep breathing can work wonders on your central nervous system, which is usually thrown out of whack when you’re feeling panic or anxiety. Inhale for four counts, hold your breath for seven counts, and then slowly exhale for eight counts. Repeat the cycle for a few times until you feel more at ease.
Bring an encouraging friend or family member to your appointment. Facing our fears is always easier with someone by our side to distract us and offer words of support.
At Spring Village Dentistry, we want every patient to feel comfortable and happy to see us, which is why we’ve outlined what you can expect during your visit with us. We utilize the latest technology for enhanced patient comfort and health, and offer an abundance of relaxing amenities like a refreshment bar, warm blankets, soft pillows, sound-isolating headphones, Hulu, and Netflix. And if you’re afraid of pain, we offer sedation options so that you won’t feel anything during your treatment. Our team is more than happy to discuss your options with you any time so that you can have peace of mind even before you’re in our dental chair.
Your Trusted Dentist in Holly Springs, NC
Remember: it’s our #1 goal to provide high-quality, comfortable dental care to you and your family in as stress-free environment as possible! If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We hope to see you at Springs Village Dentistry soon!
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Call (919) 825-3131 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.