Click on any of the questions (in blue) below to view their answers, and click on the link again to close the answer. If you don’t see your question or answer here, please contact us today and we will be more than happy to assist you.
Family Dentistry
Emergency treatment versus preventative treatment.
Emergency treatment is defined as going to the dentist when there is a problem; pain, broken teeth, or other strange sensations in the mouth. Preventative treatment is defined as going to the dentist to Prevent or slow the course of a disease. It is difficult for many to accept preventative treatment because Dentists are not at the top of the “things to do” list.
However, ask any Dentist or Doctor and they’ll say that preventative treatment is at the top of their list for health and long lasting teeth. Why? Two reasons: (1) preventative treatment catches small or potential problems before they become big ones and (2) emergency treatment is expensive.
"Don't fix it if it isn't broken" does not apply to your teeth. Many problems, including tooth decay, do lots of damage before it starts to hurt! Which would you rather pay for: a small filling or a root canal and crown? Consider us for your preventative dental care. Dr. Zachary Potts enjoys nothing more than helping people, and creating long-lasting relationships for the dental health of your entire family.
Diet - How dies it improve dental health?
What is the link between diet and dental health? Simple and direct. A diet high in sugar (especially sugars in syrup form like high fructose corn syrup) feeds the bacteria in your mouth that produces the acid that breaks down your teeth and contributes to dental decay/cavities. A healthy diet improves immune system response, which in turn enhances your body's ability to fight off dental infections. A lower consumption of sugars and a higher consumption of a balanced diet, together with effective brushing and flossing, lower the changes of tooth decay. It's that simple.
Buildup of Plaque - What is it?
Let's talk a little about plaque. What is plaque? Plaque is a soft, whitish/yellow, and somewhat sticky layer of bacteria which forms on the teeth continuously. This is usually what causes gum disease and cavities. Although you can't stop if from forming, you can fight it with effective brushing and flossing. If you don't brush, you can sometimes see it forming as a thick whitish coating on the teeth at the gum line. Without preventing plaque buildup, you start a chain reaction towards an unhappy mouth. You can lose teeth through gum disease and cavities. This, in turn, can cause adjacent teeth to drift, changing your bite and causing further complications. But take heart! We can fight plaque together. You clean those teeth twice a day, and we'll give you a regular checkup and professional cleaning.
Cosmetic Dentistry
White tooth fillings versus silver fillings - what's the deal?
You probably know by now that you can have 'white' fillings instead of silver ones. But what exactly are they?
Silver or gold fillings (amalgams) are put in your mouth to 'fill' the space drilling makes to remove cavities. That's why we call them fillings.
Amalgam fillings, however, can corrode over time. This does not create health problems per se, but it's not pretty.
Composite (white) fillings are certainly more cosmetic, and don't leak. They are remarkably strong (they bond direcgtly to the teeth) and stain resistant, and they can be color matched. They are virtually invisible unless you're really looking for them. They are also have less sensitivity than amalgams. And for those rare patients that might have allergic reations to metal, this is the best choice!
Gold crowns vs. porcelain crowns - which is best?
Which one should you choose?
Porelain crowns have a more cosmetic characteristic, allowing them to blend in to a smile.
Gold, however, has one distinct advantage; it wears more like real teeth. Porcelain crowns are more brittle (although still incredibly strong) and have a greater chance to wear down the surrounding original teeth.
Advantages to Porcelain Crowns
- looks more like real teeth
- porcelain can be colored to match the shade of the surrounding teeth
Advantages to Gold Crowns
- wears more like normal teeth, without harming surrounding teeth
- less brittle
What are Crowns?
A crown is a restoration that covers, or "caps," a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size, strengthening and improving the appearance of a tooth.
More regarding porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers are used for a variety of purposes; to lighten stains, close gaps in teeth and dramatically alter the appearance of crooked teeth. They are durable and stain resistant.
Much like a fingernail in shape, size and thickness, porcelain veneers, once bonded to your teeth, are very strong, and practically invisible. You probably will forget you have them!
Groups of veneers prepared at the same time can achieve superior esthetic results than the same number of veneers done individually. The reason for this is that as the dental laboratory is manufacturing the veneers, spacing and size issues can be corrected and the colors are much easier to match. They are more durable and have a more life-like appearance than composite veneers.
How are crowns used for cosmetic purposes?
When damage to a tooth has gone beyond a mere cavity and started to degrade the actual structure of the tooth, which makes it impossible for the tooth to hold a filling, a crown can be used. A crown can strengthen the entire top of the tooth, and prevent it from cracking further. Think of it as a 'splint' for the tooth.
This process can also improve the chewing capability of the mouth. Often, crowns are used in conjunction with bridges to replace a series of teeth that have degraded. They can, of course, be color matched to surrounding teeth to be practically invisible.
What dental filling choices do I have when restoring my smile?
Advances in modern dental materials and techniques increasingly offer new ways to create more pleasing, natural-looking smiles. Researchers are continuing their often decades-long work developing esthetic materials, such as ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. As a result, dentists and patients today have several choices when it comes to selecting materials used to repair missing, worn, damaged or decayed teeth.
The advent of these new materials has not eliminated the usefulness of more traditional dental restoratives, which include gold, base metal alloys and dental amalgam. The strength and durability of traditional dental materials continue to make them useful for situations where restored teeth must withstand extreme forces that result from chewing, such as in the back of the mouth.
Dental amalgam is a compound of mercury and other metals and is often called a silver filling because of its appearance. While dental amalgam continues to be a commonly used restorative material, some have raised concern because of its mercury content, but their concern is unfounded. Although mercury by itself is classified as a toxic material, the mercury in amalgam chemically combines with other metals to render it stable and safe for use in filling and restoring teeth.
What's right for me?
Several factors influence the performance, durability, longevity and expense of dental restorations. These factors include: the components used in the filling material; where and how the filling is placed; the chewing load that the tooth will have to bear; and the length and number of visits needed to prepare and adjust the restored tooth.
With so many choices, how do you know what’s right for you? To help you better understand what’s available, let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of commonly used dental restorations.
The ultimate decision about what to use is best determined by the patient in consultation with the dentist. Before your treatment begins, discuss the options with your dentist.
Types of Dental Restorations
There are two types of dental restorations: direct and indirect.
Direct restorations are fillings placed immediately into a prepared cavity in a single visit. They include dental amalgam, glass ionomers, resin ionomers and some composite (resin) fillings. The dentist prepares the tooth, places the filling and adjusts it during one appointment.
Indirect restorations generally require two or more visits. They include inlays, onlays, veneers, crowns and bridges fabricated with gold, base metal alloys, ceramics or composites. During the first visit, the dentist prepares the tooth and makes an impression of the area to be restored. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory, which creates the dental restoration. At the next appointment, the dentist cements the restoration into the prepared cavity and adjusts it as needed.
Contact us today for more information.
Dental Implants
Simply put, dental implants are the next evolutionary step in restoring a missing tooth or teeth.
Most people don't know dental implants have been around for decades. Unlike dentures, implants cannot be removed; they are permanently anchored directly into the jaw. Over time, the implant (which is usually titanium) actually anchors itself into the jawbone and becomes permanent. The jawbone actually grows into the implant (osseointegration).
You must have a healthy jawbone and oral tissue for this beneficial procedure, but if you're a candidate, there is no better way to permanently restore your smile.
After about 2 to 4 months, the bone has re-grown and securely attached itself to the implant. At this time, the implant can be used to anchor dentures, crowns and/or bridges.
Dental implants for missing teeth.
If a missing tooth is not restored, the mouth suffers. The gap allows teeth on either side to drift, causing bite problems. If the missing tooth is on the bottom row, teeth above will drift downward and vice versa. This movement can cause future jaw pain, headaches, tooth sensitivity, an increase in cavities, and more tooth loss. Dental implants are the perfect solution for a missing tooth or teeth.
What is the dental implant process?
A complete evalution is needed when getting a dental implant, including the patient's medical and dental history, as well as a clinical examination of the entire mouth and missing tooth area.
Through this examination Dr. Potts will determine whether dental implants are right for you. Once completed, Dr. Potts can give you estimates as to healing time (which depends upon bone health), and review the process with you start to finish. Types of implants will be reviewed, and together you will select the best one for your needs.
How are dental implants placed?
Step 1 is the placement of the dental implant itself. The implants are placed into the jaw bone for a period of 2 to 4 months. This allows time for the bone to grow around the implant and stabilize it. The bone at this point actually starts to bond with the implant itself. This creates an incredibly strong implant!
Step 2 is the creation of the tooth or crown and its cementation to the implant. This implant will look and feel like a natural tooth at this time and will be strong enough to withstand anything your natural teeth can withstand.
How do you find the right dental implant dentist?
Finding the right dentist to place your dental implant requires a specialist. Your dentist must have in-depth knowledge and experience with the process. For much of your implant treatment you will be seeing Dr. Zachary Potts’ father, Dr. Michael Potts, who is one of the foremost experts on dental implants in the United States. He has over 30 years experience in placing dental implants.
Bad Breath
What is Halitosis? (Bad Breath)
Bad breath can be caused by gum disease (Periodontal Disease). This is caused by inadequate brushing and flossing. The gums pull away from the teeth creating pockets where bacteria can thrive, creating infection and odor.
But there's help. It can be easily treated after examination. If you have recurring bad breath and nothing seems to work, come in for a checkup - nothing can boost your self-confidence more! If you no longer have an infection, you will no longer have bad breath!
Dental Emergencies
I just lost a tooth - what do I do?
Some good tips for emergency tooth loss:
-If for some reason a tooth is loose, but still attached, leave it in place
-If the tooth is out of its socket and no longer attached, but still in the mouth, have the person hold it in place and contact us immediately.
-If the tooth is already out of the mouth do not let it dry out but do not soak it in plain water. Soaking it in milk or putting it back in your mouth are the best ways to preserve it. Also, do not try to clean it in any way or remove debris (like attached tissue).
Then call us right away – Dr. Zachary Potts emergency dental care!
Gum Disease
Gum disease and pregnancy - how they relate.
Sometimes expecting mothers can be more susceptible to gum disease. Why? Hormonal changes can change body chemistry considerably and reduce immunity response in the mouth. Also, mothers tend to eat more (but smaller) meals during pregnancy. This exposes the mouth to more sugars and acids. And finally, pregnant mothers tend to have a sweet tooth! For these reasons it is important for expecting mothers to maintain a regular checkup and cleaning of teeth for good health and great teeth!
How can you tell if you have gum disease?
Statistics show that almost 70% of all adults have some form of gum disease. Amazing! Gum disease is caused by bacterial infections in the gums. Gum disease goes through stages and takes time, but much of the damage is irreversible. Check for red, puffy gum tissue that bleeds when touched with a toothbrush or floss. The only adequate technique for spotting this process is for you to have regular checkups. Preventative maintenance only takes a few minutes per year, and could save your teeth!
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
Overview
While the exact cause of this disorder is unknown, some factors have been attributed to it; uneven bites (from crooked or drifting teeth), arthritis, stress, even injury. It could be multiple factors. What IS known is that this causes clenching or grinding of teeth, especially while you are sleeping and you're not aware of it (only 10% of people who clench or grind their teeth know that they are doing it).
The effects range, but usually the person develops muscle spasms and pain, which in turn causes more clenching, which in turn causes more TMJ. This is a spiral towards an even more painful jaw and mouth and a slow wearing out of the chewing surfaces of teeth and possible cracking of teeth.
List of Symptoms
-jaw pain, usually in morning, and during chewing or yawning
-earache without infection, sometimes into the face
-pain in front of ear
-clicking or grinding noise while opening and closing mouth, or difficulty moving mouth
-stiff jaw when talking or yawning
-sensitive teeth with no dental problems
-aches on side of head
-burning sensations on tongue
-grinding of teeth
-restriction of jaw movement
If you have any of these symptoms, come see us. We have solutions to this problem.
Usually only minor treatment is needed. Some treatments include pain relievers, softer foods, no gum-chewing, applying ice, physical therapy, stress management, posture training, bite plates, bite adjustment, and surgery. Come visit us if you feel that you have a problem and we can review some treatments together. We have dental appliances that you can wear during sleep that reduce biting and grinding, sometimes permanently.
The link between TMJ and Headaches
Headaches can be caused by TMJ! And it's usually the last thing people think of that's causing the problem. We have successfully treated many patients who thought they had exhaused all options for headache pain relief. TMJ can cause a 'misalignment' of the entire upper body. Grinding of the teeth is usually a symptom of stress, but can cause problems directly to the neck, shoulders and back. Basically, TMJ puts your body out of whack, causing a myriad of cascading problems. Only recently has TMJ been attributed to neck and shoulder problems.
