Common Dental Care Services in Ocala

Posted on December 21, 2024 by admin

The cornerstone of maintaining a radiant and healthy smile lies in
the thoroughness of dental exams. These exams are not just a routine
check-up; they are a comprehensive assessment that plays a crucial role
in detecting, preventing, and treating dental issues before they
escalate into more significant health concerns. Focusing in detail on
the exam process can illuminate how this fundamental aspect of general
dental care is instrumental in safeguarding not only your oral health
but also enhancing your overall well-being.

The Process of a Dental Exam

Medical History Review: Understanding your
overall health, medications, and any allergies to tailor the dental care
to your specific needs.
Visual Inspection: Using advanced tools and
lighting to examine all surfaces of your teeth, the gums, and the mouth
for signs of decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues.
X-rays: Employing low-radiation digital X-rays
to view beneath the surface of your gums and between teeth, identifying
hidden problems such as impacted teeth, bone decay, cysts, tumors, and
more.
Oral Cancer Screening: Examining your lips,
tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer, a
critical step given the increasing prevalence of the disease.
Evaluation of Existing Dental Work: Checking
fillings, crowns, bridges, and any other previous dental work to ensure
they are in good condition and functioning properly.
Gum Health Assessment: Measuring the depth of
the spaces between your teeth and gums to detect any signs of gum
disease, which can be an indicator of systemic health issues like
diabetes and heart disease.

Following the detailed exam, a personalized treatment plan is crafted
to address any identified issues, incorporating treatments such as:

Professional Cleanings: To remove plaque and
tartar buildup.
Dental Crowns: To restore damaged
teeth.
Cavity Fillings: To repair teeth affected by
decay.

By focusing primarily on the comprehensive dental exam, patients can
gain a deeper understanding of their oral health status and the
proactive steps necessary to maintain or improve it. This detailed
approach ensures that every aspect of your oral health is evaluated,
forming the basis for any further treatments needed to enhance your
smile and confidence.

Embrace Comprehensive Dental
Care

We pride ourselves on offering detailed and comprehensive dental
exams as the foundation of our general dental care treatments. Our
dedication to thorough assessments ensures that we can provide
personalized, effective care tailored to your unique needs.

If you value a detailed approach to your dental health, contact us to
schedule your next dental exam. Let us be your partner in achieving and
maintaining optimal oral health, laying the groundwork for a brighter,
healthier future.

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Types of Dental Crowns, Which To Choose in Ocala

Posted on November 21, 2024 by admin

When it comes to choosing dental crowns to repair a damaged tooth, there are several dental materials that you can choose from. However, porcelain-fused-to-metal is arguably the most common material because of its unique combination of mechanical strength and aesthetic results. In addition, it’s said to be of an acceptable biologic quality that is needed for periodontal health.

That said, porcelain-metal blends may not be as readily available because their fabrication requires a high level of workmanship and the use of precious metals which have become increasingly costly. Some patients also dislike the metal framework, which may be visible when you smile depending on the tooth being restored.

As such, your dentist may recommend alternative tooth-colored materials for your custom permanent crown, such as:

All Porcelain Crowns – Dental crowns that are fabricated entirely from porcelain are referred to as all-porcelain crowns, while those made entirely from ceramic are known as all-ceramic crowns.
All-Resin Crowns – Dental composite resin crowns are highly affordable, but are arguably the weakest material for crowns since they’re prone to chipping, cracking, and rapid wear.
Zirconium – Crowns made from this material are as strong and durable as metal crowns and natural-looking for an aesthetic restoration. Zirconia crowns are biocompatible and won’t cause allergic reactions, plus they can be fabricated at the dentist’s office for same-day crown restorations.

Which Crown Should You Choose?

Each dental crown material has various pros and cons that should be carefully evaluated before choosing your permanent crown restoration. You can also choose metal crowns made from gold, platinum, and alloys like nickel-chromium and cobalt-chromium for a stronger and more durable restoration. Your dentist will help you make the right choice based on your specific dental needs.

To learn more about Dental Crowns in Ocala please contact us today.

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Infected Tooth Pain – Do I Need An Extraction? Ocala

Posted on October 15, 2024 by admin

It is normal to have bacteria in your mouth covering the teeth, tongue, and other oral tissues. However, tooth infections can occur when bacteria penetrates the exterior of your tooth (enamel and dentin), and reaches the tooth pulp, or settles in deep gum pockets where it can’t be reached with regular brushing.

Poor dental hygiene, tooth injury, and dental procedures can lead to cavities and fractures that trap bacteria and allow plaque to build up. Although these injuries are usually not painful, the tooth should be filled or crowned promptly to stop bacteria from eroding the tooth any further. If left untreated and the infection reaches the pulp, a condition known as pulpitis may result, causing you to experience a toothache or sensitivity that is aggravated by hot and cold liquids and foods. If the infection continues to spread through the tooth, it may form a pocket of pus known as an abscess.

Treatment options for tooth infections

If you have pulpitis, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy to remove the infection and preserve your natural tooth. Since the tooth will be weakened after the procedure, it will need to be crowned or capped to restore its strength and stability.

Once an abscess forms, the pus has to be drained to treat the tooth. If the tooth can’t be saved with root canal therapy, it may have to be extracted. Pus removal can occur before or after the extraction. If your dentist finds that extracting the tooth before treatment may allow the infection to spread and cause other complications, such as compromising the healing process after tooth extraction, then your dentist may recommend treating the infection before tooth removal to reduce these risks.

Generally, you will need to take pain medication and some antibiotics for a few days before your surgical tooth removal to remove bacteria in the area, as well as after tooth extraction to prevent infection when healing.

If you’re experiencing the symptoms of a tooth infection, please visit your dentist as soon as possible to save the tooth or schedule an extraction.

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Dental Veneers Near Me, Ocala

Posted on September 15, 2024 by admin

Common Questions – Professional Teeth Whitening

The aging process, your diet, and other lifestyle choices can discolor your teeth over time. Whiter teeth are associated with beauty, success, and good health. They also draw attention away from other features, giving you a more youthful and vibrant appearance.

Teeth whitening provides a fast and cost-effective way to get the smile of your dreams. It involves removing stains and discoloration to brighten your teeth and improve their appearance.

Why Do Your Teeth Change Color?

There are many reasons why few people have impeccably white teeth, including:

Age – tooth enamel is naturally white, but it thins over time due to normal wear, allowing the yellowish dentin to show
Fluorosis – teeth darkening due to excessive fluoride consumption
Food and drink – tea, coffee, red wine, and other food items contain intense color pigments known as chromogens that bond to tooth enamel, causing discoloration
Tobacco use – chewing and smoking tobacco exposes you to two chemicals responsible for creating stubborn stains: nicotine and tar
Illness – early tooth decay or illness during tooth development can also cause spots on your teeth
Medications – tooth discoloration can be a side effect of taking certain medications, like antihistamines and antipsychotics. Fetuses and babies may also be at risk of tooth discoloration of the adult teeth if exposed to antibiotics like doxycycline and tetracycline.
Calculus – accumulated plaque can also reduce the sparkle of your teeth

Any of these reasons can lead you to find a dentist near you for teeth whitening.

Final Note

Please keep in mind that teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that may help to improve your self-confidence, but to maintain the results for as long as possible, you must be prepared to uphold your dental hygiene by brushing and flossing properly, avoiding smoking, avoiding colored drinks that stain your teeth, drinking plenty of water, and getting professional cleaning twice a year.

Please schedule a consultation with your dentist to learn more about teeth whitening and other ways you can improve your smile.

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Cost of Dental Implants in Ocala

Posted on August 20, 2024 by admin

If you are looking to replace one or more missing teeth, or perhaps you’re looking for a more reliable alternative to old dentures, partials, or loose teeth, your dentist may recommend, and restore your oral health, function, and youthful vibrancy with dental implants.Dental implants are a revolutionary tooth replacement option which makes the cost of dental implants worth the expense to achieve the time-tested benefits.

Implants are safe, reliable, and well-proven for permanently replacing one or more missing teeth. Many people have benefited from dental implants as the preferred long-term solution for excellent comfort and function, which they claim to be similar to having your natural teeth.

Unlike other tooth replacement options, like bridgework and dentures, the placement of dental implants involves a minor surgical procedure, during which the implant will be placed in the jaw. This single factor makes the treatment more costly than other options. Dental implants lie in the category of implantology under restoration dentistry. They require specialist care that is typically more expensive than general dental care. Actually, they can only be placed by an oral surgeon, periodontist, or dentist with relevant advanced training and experience.

The other things that affect the cost of implants are:

Position of the tooth – replacing a front tooth usually involves a lot more work because of the minimal work-space available compared to a back tooth. In addition, the abutment used in the front teeth is usually more costly than the standard abutments used in back teeth placement.
Thorough examination – the consultation process also includes a number of costly exams including diagnostic imaging (panoramic X-ray).
Multiple, unique parts – each implant comprises three elements: the implant, abutment, and crown, all of which are made from different materials, through different processes, and are placed at different appointments.
Additional procedures – some patients require periodontal treatment or bone grafts to prepare your gums and bone tissue for implant surgery and increase your chances of a successful procedure, which adds to the overall cost of treatment.

Please visit your dental surgeon today to find out about the cost of getting dental implants for your specific case.

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Dental Implant Dentist Near Me, Ocala

Posted on July 15, 2024 by admin

Dental implants are a safe, reliable, and highly successful solution for replacing one or more missing teeth permanently. The treatment involves implanting a small titanium screw into the jawbone, so it acts as the foundation for your new tooth replacement. A dental implant dentist near you will happily explain the procedure and help you determine if implants are best for your smile.

The technology behind dental implants has been around since the 1960s and has been well-proven to replace one or several missing teeth in both the upper and lower jaws. The result is an attractive, durable tooth replacement that stimulates the underlying bone, contributing to healthy gums around the new tooth.

Other benefits of dental implants include:

Secure and permanent tooth replacement
Look, feel, and function like natural teeth
Stimulate the surrounding soft and hard tissues – helps to maintain the facial structure
No interference with the surrounding healthy, natural teeth
The comfortable end result with no adhesives or routine adjustments required
Easy to care and maintain your new teeth, with normal brushing and flossing

What to Expect

Dental implants are made from a biocompatible material that completely integrates with your bone tissue. If your dentist determines that you’re a good candidate for implants, the dentist will surgically insert the implant, which is usually in the form of a screw, into your jawbone. Dental implants come in different sizes to suit the quality of your jawbone.

As it heals in the next few months, the screw will integrate with the underlying bone through a process known as osseointegration. This will provide strong and sturdy support for your new teeth that function as the root of your tooth replacement.

When the implant has healed, an abutment is attached to it on one side to hold the tooth in place. Your replacement tooth is then connected to the abutment on the other side. The tooth is custom made to match the shape and color of your existing natural teeth.

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

Dental implants are the ideal tooth replacement option for anyone missing one or several teeth. Each solution is custom designed for your specific situation, with some patients requiring additional treatments such as bone grafting to ensure a successful tooth replacement.

Please visit your dentist in Ocala to learn more about dental implants and whether they’re right for you.

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Dental Implants – An Overview | Ocala

Posted on June 15, 2024 by admin

What is a bone graft?

If the implant site has signs of bone loss after tooth extraction, your dentist may place a cadaver or synthetic bone at the site in order to build up the bone tissue and achieve a solid base to support the implant. This process is referred to as alveolar bone grafting, and takes 2-6 months to heal before you can proceed with implant placement. If the site has no bone loss, the dentist may use a different bone graft, known as “onlay bone graft” that is placed above the existing jawbone. But when there is sufficient bone tissue after tooth extraction, the implant may be placed immediately without bone grafting, in a procedure known as “immediate implant” placement.

What is sinus augmentation?

Sinus augmentation or sinus lift is a procedure that involves raising the sinus floor and performing a bone graft into the sinus (where there’s a space in the skull) to ensure there’s enough bone tissue to support the implant. This procedure may be necessary if the implant site is in the upper jaw (maxilla) in the back, where the maxillary sinus is located.

Are dental implants safe?

Dental implants are safe, and even considered the standard of care for replacing missing teeth. The techniques used in placing dental implants have been polished for many decades. More importantly, the 98% success rate of dental implants is attributed to careful planning for each individual patient to ensure that you’re healthy enough to undergo dental surgery and heal and recover properly.

What factors do you consider when planning dental implant surgery?

When planning your dental implant placement surgery, your dental team will review all vital elements of your health, including infections, allergies, bleeding disorders, existing medical conditions, and current medications before proceeding with the treatment.

What happens if there are complications with the procedure?

Failed implants are very rare, and may occur in the unlikely event of overloading the implant, fracture of the implant, infection, damage to surrounding tissues, poor bone quality, or poor implant position. But a carefully planned procedure by a qualified dentist can help avoid all of these risks. Failures are so rare, they’d have to be evaluated individually for a solution.

For more information on dental implants in Ocala and to find out the cost of your individual treatment, please contact us today.

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Invisalign Dentist in Ocala

Posted on May 15, 2024 by admin

Invisalign is a virtually undetectable and hygienic approach to straightening your teeth and giving you a healthy, confident smile. This system was developed by a leading Invisalign dentist to meet the demands of the active lifestyles and unique treatment needs of different kinds of patients, from shy teens to active athletes, so the treatment won’t interfere with their lifestyle.

Some of the advantages of Invisalign include:

Can be used to correct many orthodontic issues – The Invisalign system is effective for correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues, including underbite, overbite, crossbite, crowded teeth, and widely spaced teeth.
Virtually invisible – The aligners are transparent, offering a discreet way to straighten teeth. People hardly notice them, so your teen can continue to smile with confidence throughout their treatment.
Comfortable – The aligners cause minimal irritation to the gums and mouth compared to fixed braces.
Removable – The aligners can be removed when eating, brushing and flossing, and for special occasions, provided you wear them for 22 hours a day.
Safe – Invisalign aligners are safer and more comfortable for teens who play sports or musical instruments compared to metal brackets and wires.
Fewer visits to your Invisalign dentist – Patients typically get 3-4 sets of aligners to wear for 2-weeks each, so you don’t need to see the dentist for about 2 months. Moreover, there are no dental “emergency” visits for loose or broken brackets and wires.
Easier to clean – Since teens can remove their aligners to brush and floss properly, it eliminates the risk of food debris and plaque buildup around the brackets and wires. Better oral hygiene reduces the risk of cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and other oral problems.
Low risk of enamel damage and tooth discoloration – Fixed braces are cemented to the enamel of each tooth. During removal, the enamel can get damaged, or reveal white patches on each tooth. Invisalign aligners are not bonded to your teeth.

Is Invisalign right for you?

All patients who have to erupt or erupted permanent teeth are eligible for Invisalign treatment. This includes most teen patients. To find out if you or your teen is a good candidate for Invisalign, please schedule an appointment with your Ocala orthodontist today.

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What to Expect with Cosmetic Dentistry in Ocala

Posted on April 15, 2024 by admin

Going to the dentist doesn’t necessarily need to be for professional cleanings or emergency tooth repairs. Although routine visits and restorative procedures help to maintain and/or restore the optimal health, function, and appearance of your teeth and mouth, you can also visit your dentist with the sole purpose of improving your smile with cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic dentistry comprises a range of procedures used to whiten, straighten, reshape, and repair your teeth in order to improve your smile and appearance. Some of these procedures serve multiple functions, like repairing damaged teeth using tooth-colored material to improve the appearance as well. Depending on your specific cosmetic needs, your dentist can:

Close spaces
Lighten discolored teeth
Restore worn or short teeth
Adjust the alignment of crooked teeth
Replace missing teeth

Generally, your dentist can alter the shape, size, shade, and alignment of your teeth, fill gaps, and replace missing teeth to improve your appearance while solving oral problems.

Preparing for the Initial Consultation

Thanks to technological advancements, dentists today have access to tooth-colored dental materials that help to deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results. Modern techniques are also less invasive, allowing you to preserve a greater portion of your natural tooth structure during restorations. And with 3D software, your dental team can design your smile and show you the expected results of your treatment plan on a screen before the procedures start.

To ensure the best results from your cosmetic dentistry consultation, you should have a good idea of what you want – your ideal smile – before approaching the dentist in Ocala FL. Generally, you should know:

What shade of white you would like your teeth to be – natural, ultra-white, in-between
Do you want your teeth to be in perfect alignment or slightly varied?
Do you think your smile is toothy, gummy, or awkward in any other way?
What defects do you want to be fixed? – missing tooth, crooked or misaligned teeth, fractured teeth, stained teeth, etc.

It is important that you have realistic expectations about your cosmetic treatment plan. Schedule your initial consultation today to start the process of getting your dream smile.

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How Dental Implant Treatment Works in Ocala

Posted on March 15, 2024 by admin

Dental implant treatment is one of the best options to replace one or more missing teeth, with over 98% of patients getting satisfactory results.

However, much of this success depends on the patient having enough bone tissue to bond firmly to the implant. If you don’t have enough bone tissue, perhaps due to bone resorption for staying with a gap for too long, then your dentist may recommend another procedure called bone grafting or bone augmentation to build up your bone tissue before implant placement. The health of the remaining teeth and gums is also important for a successful procedure.

The Procedure

If dental implant treatment is right for you, then the dentist will take X-rays of the site and prepare models of the teeth. These will be used to formulate a treatment plan detailing the steps of your treatment, time frames, and associated costs.

The implant is surgically placed in the position of a tooth root so it connects to the jawbone. It takes a few months for the implant to bond to the bone tissue, after which the crown can be attached to it to give you a new artificial tooth.

The three steps are as follows of a dental implant are:

Step 1: Titanium Implant Placement

During the first procedure, the oral surgeon makes a small cut in the gum where the tooth will be placed. Next, a hole will be drilled in the bone tissue and the implant placed, after which the incision will be stitched closed. You may wear temporary dentures or bridgework as the site heals.

Step 2: Attaching the Abutment

After three to six months, within which time the implant will have bonded with the bone tissue, the second procedure will take place. This involves making another cut in the gum tissue to expose the top part of the titanium implant. A collar (healing cap) is screwed onto the top of the implant to facilitate healing of the surrounding tissue. The cap is removed after several weeks and the abutment, usually made of porcelain, titanium, or gold, is attached to the implant with a screw, so it projects above the gum line to receive the crown.

Step 3: The Crown

The crown can then be attached to finish the tooth replacement process. The porcelain replacement tooth is cemented or screwed onto the abutment to fill the gap in your smile.

Final Note

The implant process takes place over several months, usually 5 to 9 months. Please keep in mind that there’s a faster way to get implants, where the mini-implants and crown are placed simultaneously in one appointment. Make sure to discuss any concerns you may have with your dentist in Ocala, FL before the dental implant treatment begins.

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Our Blog

Common Dental Care Services in Ocala

The Process of a Dental Exam

Embrace Comprehensive Dental
Care

Types of Dental Crowns, Which To Choose in Ocala

Infected Tooth Pain – Do I Need An Extraction? Ocala

Dental Veneers Near Me, Ocala

Cost of Dental Implants in Ocala