Helpful Articles.

Ever wonder what it would have been like to get a cavity treated in the Middle Ages? Not pretty, that’s for sure. Just think about it: hundreds of years ago, if a tooth was painful or infected, a patient had little choice but to let a local craftsman pull it out.

Even though dentistry has existed in some form for thousands of years — first practiced by the Ancient Egyptians and Greeks — modern dentistry as we know it has only been around since the mid-1800s. And like any field, dental technology has made leaps and bound in the past few decades. Here are four important new improvements you might encounter at your dentist’s office today, which your ancestors wouldn’t know the first thing about!

1. Digital X-Rays

Digital X-rays use far less radiation than traditional X-rays. This cuts down on risks associated with radiation. Seconds after a digital X-ray is taken, it appears on a screen in the dentist’s office, allowing for faster service and greater transparency. Unlike traditional X-rays, you don’t need to wait for the images to be processed.

2. Six Month Smiles®

Just a few decades ago, people who wanted to straighten their teeth needed to use painful and ungainly braces, often with headgear. The butt of many a pop culture joke, headgear has gone the way of the dodo. One of the newer braces technologies is Six Month Smiles, which is a less noticeable option and can produce dramatic results in a shorter period of time.

3. Dental Implants

Back in the day, treatments for missing or damaged teeth were rudimentary, and limited to a bridge, crown, or similar procedure. Now we have another option, a natural-looking and permanent dental implant. During an implant procedure, a metal titanium root takes the place of the natural root and is covered with a natural-looking crown. The average lifespan of an implant is 15 years or more, far longer than the alternatives.

4. Nitrous Oxide & Sedation

Advances in methods of sedation have made it safer and easier to go under for particular procedures. A patient can be awake but relaxed with nitrous oxide, or can elect to go completely under for something like wisdom teeth extraction. This saves many patients stress and anxiety.

Let’s all take a moment to appreciate the wonders of modern dentistry.

If reading about current dental technology convinces you it’s time to see your dentist and start taking advantage of what’s out there, give our office a call at 252-303-2598 to speak to our friendly team.

Contact our office

We know it’s important to regularly visit the dentist to make sure our teeth and gums stay healthy; after all, oral health and overall wellness go hand in hand. So what about when it comes to cosmetic dental care? It might not seem as important since it’s a field of dentistry focused more on appearances, but it actually goes deeper than that. Cosmetic dental procedures have a number of benefits that could improve your day-to-day life!

Versatile Treatments

The great thing about cosmetic dental procedures is that there are lots of options suitable for patients of many different needs. From teeth whitening to porcelain veneers, you’ll be able to find exactly what you need to fix the aesthetic concerns that you have. If you don’t like the color, shape, size, or alignment of your teeth, you can find the perfect solution with cosmetic dentistry.

Self-Confidence Boost

When you are happy with the appearance of your teeth, it doesn’t just show in your smile. Smile makeovers have the power to totally transform someone’s self-confidence. We bet that a more attractive smile will help you feel more comfortable taking on interviews, dates, reunions, and other social events. At the very least, you’ll be able to smile and laugh without feeling the need to cover up your smile!

Increased Investment in Oral Hygiene

When you’ve spent money on improving your smile and you’re proud of how it looks, it can motivate you to take better care of it. You may find that you’re better at keeping up with your regular dental check-ups because you are no longer embarrassed about having someone work on your teeth or because you want to preserve the investment you’ve made.

Plus, if you decide to get a teeth-straightening procedure like Six Month Smiles®, it can make it easier to keep your teeth clean because there are fewer nooks and crannies for bacteria to hide in, and that make it difficult to brush and floss properly.

If you’d like to learn more about cosmetic dental procedures or you’d like to set up a smile consultation, contact Springs Village Dentistry today!

Contact our office

When you think of sleep apnea, we bet one of the first things you think of is a CPAP machine, but would your dentist ever come to mind? It may seem unusual but many dentists offer sleep apnea treatment. Since people visit their dentist more regularly than their primary care physician, there’s a greater likelihood that a dental professional will be the one to diagnose sleep apnea.

What Is Dental Sleep Medicine?

Dental sleep medicine is a field of dentistry focused on using oral appliance therapy to treat sleep apnea and snoring. Dentists who provide this type of care often work hand-in-hand with sleep physicians to accurately diagnose sleep apnea and find the most suitable treatment option for their patient.

What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy is the use of a removable oral appliance that closely resembles a mouthguard or a retainer. When you wear this appliance, it positions your jaw and tongue forward so that they don’t block your airway. Many patients find it more comfortable to wear than a CPAP mask, not to mention it’s also portable and easier to travel with.

There are some over-the-counter oral appliances available, but you should know that you’re using these at your own risk. Since these generic options aren’t custom-made, you won’t have the fit and functionality of an appliance designed specifically for you based on impressions of your teeth.

Who Qualifies for Oral Appliance Therapy?

In general, oral appliance therapy is a good option for patients who have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. If you have more severe sleep apnea, then CPAP therapy might be a better choice for you. That being said, patients who have failed with CPAP therapy may also qualify for this treatment option.

If you’d like to learn more about oral appliance therapy or if you think you may be suffering with sleep apnea, contact our office. We’re here to help!

Contact our office