MouthHealthy.org Answers Your Dental Related Questions

The American Dental Association recently launched the website MouthHealthy.org.  It is designed as a resource for the public to find answers to dental related questions on products, conditions, nutrition, concerns, and more.  There is a whole section for kids and the resources on the site are divided by age group so you can easily access information most pertinent for you.

In addition to information on topics from A-Z, there is also a search function for users to find an ADA member dentist in your area and a slideshow featuring causes and solutions for the top ten dental symptoms.

We hope you take advantage of the information and resources available to you at MouthHealthy.org and call us at Implant and General Dentistry to go over any concerns you may have: 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

Teeth Whitening Treatments in Raleigh NC

Everyone wants a bright, white smile. Unfortunately it can be tough to keep your pearly whites from getting dingy, dull or yellowed.

Even with proper dental hygiene, many factors can affect the color of your teeth. Drinking coffees and sodas, smoking and even some medications can cause tooth discoloration.

By avoiding tobacco use, cutting back on food or drinks that stain your teeth and maintaining a healthy dental hygiene routine, you can avoid further discoloration. Keep in mind, however, that these practices alone won't necessarily give you the ultra white smile you so often see in magazines or television. If that's what you're looking for, you may need to consult your dentist about teeth whitening agents.

At our Raleigh NC office, we offer simple in-house teeth whitening treatments that are fast and effective. We also offer a range of over the counter products that can be used at home; however these methods will not work as quickly or dramatically as the procedures done in our office.

To learn more about teeth whitening in Raleigh NC, visit TheRaleighDentists.com or call us today at (919) 782-0548.

Dental Bridges in Raleigh NC to Repair Spacing or Missing Teeth

If you're tired of going through life with missing teeth or you feel embarrassed because of significant spacing, talk to Implant & General Dentistry of Raleigh NC about dental bridges. We prescribe bridges when one or more teeth are missing and there are healthy teeth on both sides of the open space. As the name implies, a dental bridge closes the gap between two teeth. This will greatly improve the look of your smile and will help you maintain a healthy bite.

The process involved preparing the damaged teeth by eliminating the tooth structure, fabricating the bridge and then cementing it to the prepared teeth. Bridges can be made from three types of material, solid gold for reliable long wear, porcelain fused to a gold base for strength and beauty, and high-strength metal-free porcelain for optimum cosmetic results. With proper care, your new bridge will increase your overall health and instill confidence for years to come.

Learn more and see visual interpretations of dental bridge work at Dental Bridge Treatment Info.

We invite you to contact Implant & General Dentistry of Raleigh NC to schedule your appointment today: 919-782-0548.

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