Common Dental Symptoms

Seeing a dentist regularly is so important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. In addition to good health, dental professionals also help their patients keep a smile they can be confident about! Scheduling routine dental visits is perhaps the most important strategy for monitoring your overall health, which can be directly impacted by the state of your teeth and gums. Even though dental health is linked directly to the body's other systems, many find that they typically ignore common dental symptoms. Doing so can lead to more serious problems, which is why these issues should always be addressed by your dental team.

Here is a quick look at some of the most frequent complaints among dental patients:

• Toothaches - Pain in the teeth and gums may be a sign of decay, night grinding, TMJ, or something else. The tooth could be impacted, abscessed, or signal the beginning phases of gum disease.
• Sensitivity - Pain experienced with hot or cold food or beverages or even air, are indications of sensitive teeth. Pinpointing the cause is necessary in order to rule out a variety of conditions. Sensitivity in the teeth is often caused by tooth decay, worn out fillings, cracks in the teeth, an exposed root, or gum disease.
• Sore or Bleeding Gums - The cause could be as simple as overly vigorous brushing or flossing or using a stiff bristled toothbrush. However, these symptoms may also be traced to something more severe, such as gingivitis, which may lead to gum disease.(See: My Gums Bleed When I Brush. What Does It Mean?)
• Mouth Sores - These come in all shapes and sizes-some are severe-and vary in the cause. Although sores are often caused by an abrasion from a jagged tooth, dentures, or braces, they can also be indications of infection caused by viruses, bacteria, or oral cancers. Never ignore this symptom for over 1 week. (See: How to Treat Canker Sores.)
• Bad Breath - Those plagued with frequent bad breath should first evaluate their dental hygiene routine. Proper brushing, flossing, tongue scraping and rinsing-at least twice daily-are all necessary to achieve fresh breath. Other factors that may contribute to bad breath are post-nasal drip, smoking, tooth decay, gum disease, and some medications. (See: What Causes Bad Breath and What Can I Do About It?)
• Jaw Popping and Pain - This common complaint can be attributed to a variety of factors. Some explanations are sinus problems, teeth grinding, stress, gingivitis, and TMJ.(See: Why Does my Jaw Pop When I Open It?)
• Dry Mouth - Many do not realize that the body's production of saliva aids digestion and helps prevent tooth decay. Having an insufficient amount of saliva may be due to a medical disorder or a side effect of some medications.
• Problems with Oral Piercings - Because the mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria, when piercings are made in unsanitary conditions or improperly looked after, numerous problems can arise. Discoloration, pain, swelling, foul odor, oozing at the site, plus chills or fever, are all signs that something is wrong.
• Cracked or Broken Teeth - When teeth become cracked or broken, it is very important to determine the cause. Very often, the damage may be naked to the human eye, which is why it is vital to see a dental professional regularly. Regardless of the cause, whether it's from grinding, injury, or tooth decay, bigger problems are in store if cracked or broken teeth are left untreated.(See: Crowns for Damaged, Decayed, or Broken Teeth.)
• Stained or Discolored Teeth - As we age, the ravages of tobacco use, coffee, tea, certain foods, some medications, and just genetics, can cause tooth enamel to become discolored. Regular cleanings help and there are also whitening options. Your dentist can rule out anything serious and offer the best solutions for whitening or stain removal.

Please do not ignore any of these symptoms. Make an appointment with Dr. Melcher and establish a plan of action immediately.

When ignored, dental problems can lead to irreversible conditions. Whenever a problem persists for more than 5 to 7 days, make an appointment with our office. Early detection is truly the key for eliminating dental concerns. Remember that bacteria and other infections located in the mouth can make their way into the body's circulatory and cardiovascular systems. Recent indicators show a real connection between several common dental issues and heart disease!

If you are in need of a full-service dental office in the greater Raleigh area, contact the office of Dr. Simon Melcher of Implant and General Dentistry. From bridges to wisdom teeth, our team of dental professionals is skilled and experienced in the latest strategies and treatments for improving the dental health and hygiene of our clients.

Learn more by giving us a call to schedule an appointment at 919-782-0548. Our office is located at 3340 Six Forks Road in Raleigh.  Read some of our many success stories here.

What Are Porcelain Veneers and Why Are They Used?

Porcelain veneers are very thin layers of ceramic material that are used to improve the look of a patient's smile. These ultra-thin layers are bonded to the front tooth surface in an effort to protect or restore the tooth (or teeth) while maintaining a natural appearance.

Porcelain veneers can be used for a number of reasons. They can improve the appearance of discolored teeth, fix teeth that are chipped or broken, give a more natural appearance to teeth that are misshapen or misaligned and can even help close gaps between teeth.

The process of applying porcelain veneers involves several steps. First, the outer enamel of the tooth is shaved off to create a surface suitable for the bonding process. An impression of the tooth (or teeth) is then taken with special putty and the mold is then sent to a laboratory. The lab will fabricate the veneer to match the mold. The new veneer will be inspected to make sure it fits; sometimes veneers must be trimmed to help it fit perfectly. Finally, the dentist will bond the veneer to the outer tooth surface using a special adhesive material.

For more information on porcelain veneers, visit our Treatments page or give us a call at 919-782-0548.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Raleigh NC

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in your mouth and are the teeth least needed for good oral health. Most people have four wisdom teeth that usually erupt through the gums in their late teens or early twenties. Sometimes wisdom teeth remain trapped in the jawbone under the gums due to impaction (see below) or because there is insufficient room for them to erupt.

There are a number of reasons why we often recommend removing wisdom teeth.  They can cause gum disease, crowding or other damage to adjacent teeth, decay (due to the inability of your toothbrush to keep the area clean), and bone destroying cysts. Problems with wisdom teeth will often cause pain and swelling. Whether you have obvious symptoms or not, it is important to diagnose existing or potential problems caused by your wisdom teeth. Removal is often the wisest decision for your health and well-being.

Here are four conditions caused by wisdom teeth where they will likely (or definitely in some cases) need to be extracted:

1. Horizontal Impaction - a severe condition that always requires extraction.
2. Vertical Impaction - vertically impacted teeth may erupt. However, in many cases the process is painful and can damage and crowd adjacent teeth.
3. Mesial Impaction - the most common condition requiring extraction.
4. Distal Impaction - the wisdom tooth is angled back, towards the rear of the mouth.

We encourage you to schedule a appointment with Dr.Simon Melcher with Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh, NC for a routine dental check-up, including an evaluation of your wisdom teeth: 919-782-0548.

Dentures and Partial Dentures In Raleigh NC

Dentures and partial dentures are used to replace natural teeth that are missing and are designed to have the look and feel of natural teeth.  Not only will dentures help improve the structure of your mouth, they will also help improve your health and appearance.

Dentures prevent the sagging of facial muscles, which makes a person with no teeth or many missing teeth look much older. Removable Partial Dentures can be removed and reinserted without professional assistance. Partial dentures also enable you to eat and speak normally, little things often taken for granted until natural teeth are lost.

Dentures consist of replacement teeth and tissue-colored plastic bases which are connected by a metal or plastic framework. The process of creating custom dentures starts with the dentist taking impressions of your upper and lower jaw and matching the color of your existing teeth to the replacement teeth in the denture.  The impressions and other instructions are sent to a dental lab where your partial dentures are made to exact standards.  It is then returned to the practice and adjusted for comfort and fit with the patient.

Here are some tips on how to care for your mouth and gums while using dentures:

1. Brush your gums, tongue, and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures to stimulate circulation in your tissues and to help remove plaque.
2. Regular dental checkups are needed so we can examine your mouth and dentures to ensure a healthy and comfortable fit.

Dr. Simon Melcher with Implant and General Dentistry has extensive experience with fitting dentures and partial dentures.  If you need dental work done, including dentures or partial dentures, then please contact Dr.Melcher with Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh today: 919-782-0548.

Dr. Simon Melcher of Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh, N.C.

Dr. Simon Melcher, Implant and General Dentistry, Raleigh NC

We wanted to give you a chance to learn more about Dr. Simon Melcher of Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh, N.C.  Not only is Dr. Melcher a wonderful family dentist, but he also has a beautiful family of his own with 2 amazing children.  He loves practicing dentistry in Raleigh and is extremely dedicated to his patients and staff.  Here is some information about his background and dental education:

Dr. Simon Melcher is a 2003 graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry. He is an active member of the Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, North Carolina Dental Society, and the Raleigh/ Wake County Dental Society.

Dr. Melcher was the 2003 winner of the Southeastern Academy of Prosthodontics Award of Excellence. Along with his commitment to the highest quality treatment for his patients, Dr. Melcher is also dedicated to giving back to the community, and volunteers on a regular basis with the Wake Smiles clinic in Raleigh.

If you have questions for Dr. Melcher, please don't hesitate to contact us at 919-782-0548.  We also invite you to leave a review for Dr. Melcher on our Google+ Local Page.  We appreciate your feedback!

Here are some resources from our blog about the treatments offered at Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh:

Tips for Great Dental Hygiene	Teeth Whitening	Dental Bridges	Periodontal Work	Dental Inlays and Onlays	Bonding
Veneers	Crowns	Cavity Fillings	Dental Implants	Root Canal

Gum Disease and Periodontal Work in Raleigh NC

Periodontics refers to the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth, namely the gums. Without proper gum care, you could fall victim to some nasty ailments, such as gingivitis (bleeding gums), periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.

To avoid these gum diseases, proper dental hygiene is a must. The cause of gum disease is usually plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. If this plaque isn't removed through daily brushing and flossing, gums will become irritated and inflamed. This irritation can cause your gums to separate from your teeth and form pockets - which only allows more bacteria to grow. If left untreated, this process can cause destruction of bone and other dental tissue.

By maintaining a proper dental hygiene routine you can avoid these diseases. If you haven't already scheduled your six month cleaning, be sure to call Implant & General Dentistry of Raleigh NC today! 919-782-0548

Dental Bonding in Raleigh NC to Repair and Protect Teeth

If you have minor damage, unevenness or discoloration to your teeth, bonding could be a quick and painless solution. Bonding is a dental restoration process that can be used to repair cracks, chips or gaps between teeth. It can also be useful in covering stained teeth to improve the appearance of your smile, as well as providing longterm protection against future damage and discoloration.

As an in-office procedure, dental bonding is quick and relatively painless. It can even be done without anesthesia, as long as there is no decay or pulp exposure. Another benefit of bonding, the composite resin material we use can be made into virtually any shade, allowing us to match the color of your natural teeth.

Here are a few other uses for dental bonding:

• Protect exposed roots of teeth
• Repair cracks, unevenness, chips
• Close spaces between your front teeth
• Reshape crooked or misshapen teeth
• Replace old or unattractive silver fillings
• Whiten stained teeth
• Replace missing teeth
• Stabilize loose teeth

Want to know more? Call us today to schedule an appointment: 919-782-0548

Veneers in Raleigh NC - Improve the Appearance of Your Smile

Do you avoid showing your teeth because of damage or discoloration? Do you dread your photo being made or feel embarrassed when you smile? If so, consider scheduling a consultation for veneers.

Unlike crowns, which fit over the entire tooth, veneers are thin shells that cover only the visible portion. There are two types of veneers - ceramic veneers and resin-based composite veneers. Both types can do wonders for your smile and your self-confidence!

Call us today to schedule an exam and consultation. We'll be happy to help you find the best dental restoration procedure for your unique needs. Call 919-782-0548. Our hours are Mon-Fri, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Crowns for Damaged, Decayed or Broken Teeth

Our teeth can become damaged by physical trauma, lack of hygiene and even our overall physical health. When a tooth becomes too damaged or decayed to be restored by fillings, crowns are usually prescribed.

Unlike veneers, which only cover the visible portion of a tooth, crowns are used to cover (or, in some instances, replace) an entire tooth. Most people who have had root canals will need a crown for the affected tooth. Others who may need crowns are people who have badly chipped or broken teeth due to physical trauma, or people who have neglected their dental hygiene to the point where they are losing their teeth.

Fortunately, crowns can greatly improve the health and appearance of a person's smile - but they do require care and upkeep. We'll go over everything you need to know about your dental crowns, but it is up to you to continue with proper care.

Call us today to schedule your consultation: 919-782-0548