Helpful Articles.
Insight & Advice
for Your Oral Health
How Long After Fluoride Treatment Can I Eat?
In this post, find out how long after fluoride treatment you can eat, what foods to avoid, and why waiting is a good idea.
All You Need to Know About Tooth Cavities
We all know that we have to brush and floss our teeth to prevent cavities. But what exactly are tooth cavities? Let’s take a look at what causes cavities, how they form, and how you can treat and prevent them.
What is a Tooth Cavity?
When bacteria form on the surface of your teeth, they feed on sugar and carbohydrates and then release an acid that wears down tooth enamel. As plaque and bacteria build up over time, they begin to harden. This can become difficult to clean and will eventually wear down enamel to the point where it forms a small, permanent hole of decay, also known as a tooth cavity. Cavities are usually brown or black in color, and often come with symptoms like increased sensitivity, pain, and bad breath.
How are cavities treated?
If you think that you have a cavity, the best thing to do is to see your dentist right away. Dr. Molta or Dr. Moore will be able to remove the cavity in the tooth and replace it with a filling made with a tooth-colored material to prevent further damage. When you visit Springs Village Dentistry for preventive care every six months, our hygienists can scrape the plaque and tartar from your teeth that even a rigorous at-home hygiene routine can’t remove. Another benefit of regular visits is that we can catch potential cavities in their early stages, before you are even able to see them.
What Happens if I Don’t Treat a Cavity?
If a cavity is left untreated, the infection and decay will spread deeper into your tooth, eventually making its way down to the pulp deep in your tooth. If it’s caught in time, we can perform a root canal to flush out the infection and salvage what’s left of your tooth. You most likely will need a crown or cap placed over your tooth to protect it. If it’s too late, you might run the risk of losing your tooth altogether.
How can I prevent cavities?
One of the best ways to handle cavities is to avoid developing them altogether. The most effective way to ward off cavities is to brush and floss your teeth diligently at least twice a day. Make sure you use a toothpaste with fluoride. It’s also important to eat a balanced diet that is full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water.
Cavity Treatment in Holly Springs, NC
Springs Village Dentistry is here to help you and your family prevent cavities and tooth decay. We offer in-office fluoride treatments along with dental sealants to keep food particles out of the deep grooves in your molars. Although these are excellent treatments for kids, they often provide benefits for adults too! Contact us today for cavity prevention or treatment by clicking the contact link below.
Benefits of Getting Your Teeth Professionally Whitened
Even if you weren’t blessed with naturally bright pearly whites, you can still improve the color of your teeth with professional teeth whitening. You may be wondering why you should visit a dentist for teeth whitening when you can pick up products at your local store or try some home remedies instead. We know it’s tempting, but there are actually quite a few reasons to trust a dental professional with brightening your smile.
Professional Supervision
One of the biggest reasons to get your teeth professionally whitened is the fact that you’ll be under expert supervision the whole time. That means that a trained professional will be overseeing the procedure. They’ll make sure that your dental health is not compromised and that you’re kept comfortable the whole time. For example, they can monitor the treatment to minimize any potential teeth sensitivity, which is common when it comes to teeth whitening.
Customized Treatment
Professional teeth whitening means customized treatment. Rather than going with a generic product, our team will design your treatment specifically for you. For example, you won’t have to wear one-size-fits-all whitening trays that might feel uncomfortable. You’ll get trays uniquely molded to fit your teeth for a better fit and better results.
Effective Results
Professional teeth whitening means professional results. The products we use will be professional-grade, meaning they’ll be more effective at delivering the results you seek with your smile. Many home remedies you find online are ineffective. And some can actually damage your oral health.
Whiter Smiles in Holly Springs, NC
If you’re ready to get professional teeth whitening, we invite you to visit Springs Village Dentistry. We provide teeth whitening as part of our cosmetic dental services. Just call or email our practice today to set up your appointment. We love helping our patients achieve whiter smiles!
Dental Insurance vs. Dental Membership Plans
When it comes to paying for your dental care, there are a few different ways to access more affordable services. Two of the main methods are dental insurance and dental membership plans. With both, you’re able to lower your out-of-pocket expenses, but they do have quite a few differences. To help you decide which is the best option for you and your family, we put them side by side for a quick comparison.
Dental Insurance 101
Dental insurance works the same way as your regular health insurance. You pay a monthly premium for a specified amount of benefits. Once your deductible is reached, then the insurance pays either all of part of the service costs up to the maximum in your plan. What is covered and by how much will vary from plan to plan. Many dental insurance plans do cover twice-a-year preventive visits at 100%.
Some companies offer dental insurance to their employees. However, many times people must choose and purchase their own dental insurance plan.
Dental Membership Plans 101
These plans are an attractive option for those without dental insurance. However, dental membership plans are not actually an insurance plan. Rather than covering dental expenses, these types of plans (also called dental savings plans or dental savers plans) offer access to discounted services. The exact amount of the discount depends on both the plan and the type of service. Many times, dental membership plans also include routine preventive care at no additional cost. To join, you have to pay an annual membership fee.
One of the biggest advantages of dental membership plans is that there’s no dealing with any of the things that can make insurance a bit overwhelming. That means there are no deductibles, waiting periods, exclusions, claim submission forms, or annual maximums.
Dental Wellness Club at Springs Village Dentistry
We offer our own dental membership plan called the Dental Wellness Club. There are three membership tiers, depending on your oral care needs. Preventive care is included in the plan in addition to one emergency dental visit. Members are also entitled to a discount on additional preventive treatments and many restorative procedures. Oral surgery is also discounted. We also accept insurance at our dental practice in Holly Springs. If you have more questions about either dental insurance or our dental membership plan, the Springs Village Dentistry team is happy to help! Contact us today, and we’ll be there to guide you through your financial options.
Why Mom’s Oral Health Is Crucial for the Newborn
It’s no secret that a pregnant woman’s health is tied to her baby’s health. But what does that mean when it comes to oral health? What happens to that connection when the woman has given birth? In this blog post, we tackle why it’s so important for mothers to take care of their dental health and how that relates to their baby.
During Pregnancy
Dental health is an important part of prenatal care. Keeping up with your regular dental exams and cleanings is crucial. Many people may not realize that the hormone and diet changes that come with pregnancy can increase your risk of certain oral health issues like cavities and gingivitis. Aside from concern about the mother’s dental health alone, why does this matter? Well, research has found a connection between gum disease in the pregnant woman and premature birth. Needless to say, this opens the door to the other concerns for the newborn’s health associated with premature delivery.
After Birth
Dental decay can be transmitted from person to person. That means that every time a mother tests her baby’s bottle with her mouth, tries her baby’s food before feeding them with the same spoon, or cleans the baby’s pacifier by putting it in her own mouth, there’s a chance that her cavity-causing bacteria will be transmitted to the baby. Long story short, keeping your dental health in check is helping keep your newborn’s dental health in check.
Family Dental Care in Holly Springs, NC
Do you have any other questions about this parent-newborn oral health connection? Whether you’d like to know more about kids’ dental health care, or you have concerns about your own oral wellness, the Springs Village Dentistry team is here to help. We welcome your whole family to Springs Village Dentistry, and we’d love to be your partners on the path to healthier smiles. Call or email us today to set up an appointment!
What To Do if I Have a Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess is an infection that needs immediate treatment. If you put off going to the dentist, you may experience serious consequences such as bone or tooth loss. Springs Village Dentistry wants you to know what to look for in order to preserve your dental health.
What Are the Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess?
A tooth abscess can form in the root of your tooth or on the gums. The most common symptoms include:
- Severe toothache
- Fever
- Swelling of the gums
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink
- Bad breath
When Should You Visit the Dentist for a Tooth Abscess?
If you are experiencing the symptoms listed above, get in touch with us at Springs Village Dentistry to schedule an appointment. Early intervention is best! It is easier and cheaper to treat the problem immediately rather than letting the infection fester. A tooth abscess is usually a dental emergency, so let our team know about your symptoms so we can see you on the same day or as soon as possible.
How Is a Tooth Abscess Treated?
Depending on the severity and location of the tooth abscess, there are different treatment options. Here’s a look at what may happen if you are diagnosed with a tooth abscess.
This dental procedure will remove the infection inside the tooth and restore its strength with a dental crown.
If a tooth abscess is too severe to save the tooth, you may get the tooth removed and replaced with a dental implant.
A small incision is made to drain the pus from the abscess. You may also get irrigation to prevent further infection.
Dental Treatment at Springs Village Dentistry
If you suspect you have a tooth abscess, please schedule an appointment with our Holly Springs office right away. We can do a full evaluation and recommend a treatment plan that works for you. Contact us today to get treatment for a dental abscess.
Are Root Canals Preventable?
The truth is that tooth decay is mostly preventable. A root canal is necessary if tooth decay is so severe that a filling won’t correct it. Read on to learn more about how you can avoid the need for a root canal.
What Is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is when bacteria or plaque build-up and cause damage to the tooth. Plaque can cause sugar to turn into acid, leading to problems like cavities or gum disease. Cavities are tiny holes in your enamel. Early detection is key to preventing small cavities from becoming deep cavities. If you catch a cavity early enough, you may only need a filling to prevent further damage to your tooth.
When Do You Need a Root Canal?
Dr. Molta or Dr. Moore may recommend a root canal if the decay is severe and has reached the interior of the tooth. A root canal will clean out the infection and save your natural tooth. Some symptoms of needing a root canal may include:
- Severe toothache
- Chronic tooth sensitivity, especially to extreme temperatures
- Tooth discoloration
- Tender or swollen gums
Tips on preventing a root canal
It’s ideal for you to have a proper oral health care routine to remove plaque, food particles, and other bacteria that could cause tooth decay. At the least, you should brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Don’t forget to use fluoride toothpaste for the best results. Visits to Springs Village Dentistry for a dental exam every six months allow our team to notice cavities early before a root canal is needed to treat the tooth. We can also offer you personalized advice on how best to take care of your teeth and any treatment options you may need.
Comprehensive dental care in Holly Springs, NC
Do you need your biannual dental exam? Or have you started to notice tooth pain? At Springs Village Dentistry, our friendly dental staff is ready to help you. Please give us a call and schedule an appointment.
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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.