What Causes Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is the unpleasant result of plaque reacting with sugary and starchy deposits from food. This reaction produces an acidic substance that eats away at your tooth enamel. Over time, this weakens the tooth and will eventually lead to advanced decay if left untreated. Cavities, abcsesses or gum disease are possible consequences of tooth decay.

A few symptoms of tooth decay include pain around the tooth (or teeth), bad breath, white, gray, brown or black spots on the teeth, or a tooth that is sensitive to pressure. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to contact us. Call 919-782-0548 for an appointment.

The best way to avoid tooth decay is to maintain a healthy oral hygeine routine. Bushing and flossing after meals (or at least twice a day) will greatly reduce your chances of tooth decay. In addition to at-home dental care, you should make every effort to schedule regular cleanings with your dentist.

By keeping up with your excellent dental hygiene, healthy eating habits, and regular six-month cleanings and check-ups, you will avoid having to come see us for more serious treatments later on!

Why Does My Jaw Pop When I Open It?

A popping sensation in the jaw is not uncommon. It happens most often when people open their mouths wide or when they eat. Unless your jaw locks or you experience pain when this happens, it's probably not something you need to worry about.

The jaw bone is separated from the base of the skull by a pad or disk, similar to the pad in other joints of the body. The primary cause of popping in your jaw is when the jaw bone 'pops' off that pad or disk.

The best way to avoid popping your jaw is to refrain from overextending it and try to be aware of any tension in the jaw muscles. Sometimes that 'pop' is unavoidable and will occur even when you aren't opening very wide. There are also people who are just predisposed to it.

Although an occasional jaw popping without any pain or locking is normal, you shouldn't try to pop your jaw deliberately. This may cause discomfort and possibly serious damage.

If you have more questions about your jaw or your dental health, please contact us at Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh to schedule an appointment or consultation: 919-782-0548.

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Dental Insurance at Implant and General Dentistry of Raleigh NC

At Implant and General Dentistry of Raleigh, we want to do whatever we can to make your billing experience as hassle-free as possible.

To ensure this, we do our best to inform our patients of their financial responsibilities up front. We are happy to file insurance claims as a courtesy to our patients, but we ask that they pay for services at the time of treatment.

Due to the changing and developing nature of your teeth and gums, it can be helpful to have dental insurance to help offset costs of treatments necessary to maintain your dental health. Dental insurance will usually cover a certain percentage of most treatments, but depending on your plan, some preventive care services, such as routine teeth cleaning, may be fully covered. Speak with your insurance provider or someone in our billing department for more information.

To learn more, please visit the Dental Insurance page of our website or call us directly at 919-782-0548.

Will Bleaching Damage My Teeth?

A bright, white smile is a great asset. It makes you look healthy and improves your confidence. But many people are nervous about getting their teeth whitened, mainly due the fear of putting any sort of chemical in their mouth. While this is an understandable concern, we want our patients to know that dental bleaching is a safe procedure that should NOT damage their teeth.

Here's how it works: When carbamide peroxide (the active whitening agent) comes in contact with water, hydrogen peroxide is released which whitens the teeth. Bleaching does not soften, demineralize or weaken the teeth, as many people presume.

Of course, bleaching may not be a good choice for every patient. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not have their teeth bleached. Patients with active cavities or gum disease also should avoid whitening - at least until the other issues are resolved.

For more information on teeth whitening services in Raleigh, contact us today at 919-782-0548.

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.

Kids' Dental Care Tips for Parents

Helping your child develop a proper dental hygiene routine can keep their smile healthy throughout their lives. Studies have shown that children who practice proper dental hygiene early in life, are more likely to continue the habit well into adulthood. Although it may be tough for parents to get their little ones into the routine of brushing and flossing, it will certainly pay off in the long run.

Here are a few helpful hints for parents when it comes to dental care:

Use positive reinforcement - Don't use a trip to the dentist as a scare tactic. Reward proper brushing and flossing with praise or perhaps a small treat like a sticker or small toy.

Brush with your child - Young children especially like to imitate their parents' behavior. If your child sees you brushing and flossing regularly, chances are he or she will be more likely to follow suit.

Make it part of you and your child's routine - Make sure you allow extra time (at least in the beginning) for you and your child's dental routine. You will most likely have to help your child brush his or her teeth, which may take a little longer, or your child may need a few extra minutes of coaxing before they're even willing to brush.

Choose fun dental products that your kids will like - Whether its a toothbrush with your child's favorite cartoon character on it or some kid-friendly mouthwash that changes colors when they spit it out, your children may be more willing to engage in routine brushing if they are allowed to pick out the products they use. Just make sure any products you buy for your child are approved by the ADA and are safe for kids.

Kids should start their regular dental cleaning and check-ups at 3 years old.  You can consult with us to see if your child may be ready to start his or her visits with Dr. Melcher.  We work with patients of all ages - from toddlers to seniors.  Give us a call today to schedule your child's appointment: 919-782-0548.

How Tobacco Use Affects Your Dental Health

Most people agree that smoking and tobacco use is hazardous to your health, as well as the health of those around you. However, many people are unaware of the possible dental-related consequences of tobacco use.

Did you know that smoking and chewing tobacco can contribute to oral cancer, gum disease and slowed healing after dental procedures? Not only that, but the use of tobacco products can also stain your teeth, cause bad breath and may dull your sense of taste and smell.

The harmful additives in cigarettes and other tobacco products can contribute to a number of health-related issues while the nicotine in the tobacco itself can cause the user to become addicted. This vicious cycle leads many people to suffer health problems while dealing with financial burdens such as paying more for insurance or having to pay for dental procedures to correct tobacco-related issues.

Contrary to what some people believe, smokeless tobacco options are not "safe alternatives" to cigarettes, pipes or cigars. In fact, chewing tobacco contains higher levels of nicotine than cigarettes, making it an even harder habit to break. And, according to WebMD.com, one can of snuff delivers more nicotine than over 60 cigarettes! These smokeless "alternatives" can cause just as much damage, if not more, than pipes, cigars or cigarettes. From oral cancer to gum recession to alveolar bone loss, tobacco products (smokeless or otherwise) can cause serious dental problems.

Tobacco use can be a powerful addiction; however, with so many health risks, it's no surprise your dentist will encourage you to quit. If you feel like you need help kicking the habit, there are a number of free resources that can be found on the web. One of which is SmokeFree.gov, a site where you can get free information, contact an expert or chat online with a counselor.

For more resources on dental health and treatments offered at Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh, NC, please visit www.TheRaleighDentists.com or call us at 919-782-0548.