Watching your child successfully go through various growth and development milestones in their early years is one of the most satisfying aspects of being a parent. Your guidance and support are vital during this crucial and formative time in their life. Responsible parents recognize the importance of dental care as a key part of their overall development and prioritize it to help their child achieve optimal oral health.
You want to be able to navigate through important dental milestones in the best possible way without making any mistakes. Guaranteeing high-quality dental care at every important milestone from a trusted Plano family dentist can help ensure that your kid’s growing years are full of health and happiness.
What Are Dental Milestones?
Dental milestones refer to the stages and events concerning dental health experienced by a person during their lifetime; otherwise called their dental journey. Dental milestones in relation to children refer to various stages from the appearance of their first teeth, all the way to the acquisition of permanent teeth, and wisdom teeth.
As a parent, it is crucial to ensure that your child has proper oral care during the early stages of their life as this can solidify their future oral health. The first dental stage, in short, is the most important.
It’s necessary for parents to take good care of their child’s dental health. This starts by finding an experienced and capable family dental practice in your area. Children are prone to favoring foods that are not just unhealthy, but also plaque forming. You can teach them good dental hygiene practices and discipline at home. It is also recommended that you take them to the dentist for regular visits. Choose the best Plano family dental office for preventive dentistry for your kids with David Wilhite DDS.
Choosing your family dentist can quite possibly be the most important step you take as a parent for maintaining your child’s dental health and preventing oral issues at a later stage in their life. With consistent care, your children will be at a reduced risk of experiencing dental problems in the future. The dentist will provide routine exams and services during the preventive dental care appointment. Remember that dental emergencies occur when you least expect them and periodic visits to the dental office for your child can minimize the risks.
Important Dental Care Milestones in Children
In this guide, we will look at a few important milestones that children pass through in terms of their oral growth and development. You shouldn’t be too concerned if your kids don’t immediately show changes in their teeth. Every child has their own unique growth cycle and there is not much you can do to speed things up. You should not delay visiting a family dentist if you start to notice any dental difficulties.
Milestone 1 – Teething
Teething or the appearance of baby teeth takes place when the child grows in their first teeth (also called primary teeth or milk teeth). Typically, this occurs before the baby hits the 1-year mark. In certain cases, the first teeth may appear as early as 3 months. The bottom front teeth are usually the first to appear, followed by the top front teeth. Canines and molars are next, which may occur after a delay or simultaneously.
Teething is a painful time for babies and often involves a lot of crying, screaming, and crankiness. It’s common for kids to refuse beverages and food at this stage because of the pain. Children often try to relieve the pressure on their gums by chewing on something.
Thumb sucking is a coping mechanism that many children turn into a habit. It starts as a way of relieving pressure in the gums during teething and can become a comfort when they are feeling stressed. Beware, though, because the development of the jaw and palate may be affected in severe cases of thumb sucking due to the added pressure.
A certain degree of thumb-sucking is considered normal. However, you need to make sure that you check in with your family dentist during your routine visit to monitor the behavior and their dental development.
Milestone 2 – Oral Hygiene
You should start a disciplined brushing routine in your toddler once the first tooth shows up. This will help in developing better oral habits later.
Milestone 3 – Losing the First Tooth
Your child will lose their first tooth at the age of five or six, which is an exciting time. The first tooth loss paves the way for permanent adult teeth. You can always play the tooth fairy card in order to make the experience more fun for them. Baby teeth will continue falling out over the course of the next few years until they are about 10–12 years old.
Teeth can fall out naturally or because of an impact. You can prevent a baby tooth from coming out before its time by ensuring your child always wears a mouthguard when playing team sports. Most kids lose their baby teeth between 5–12 years of age. However, the exact timeline will vary for each child.
Refrain from pulling out a tooth that becomes loose. Instead, you should ask your child to use a tissue or clean finger to gently wiggle it. The tooth will come out whenever it’s ready. Yanking out teeth before they are ready can damage your child’s gums. It can also cause unnecessary bleeding and trauma. In severe cases, it may potentially harm the underlying permanent tooth.
Milestone 4 – Eruption of All Adult Teeth
Permanent adult teeth will start replacing baby teeth as they fall out. This is not as painful as a baby’s teething stage. Baby teeth essentially act as placeholders for underlying adult teeth. Your child should ideally have a set of 28 permanent teeth by the age of 13. There will be no wisdom teeth at this stage.
You may want to consider braces during this time. Speak with your family dentist once your child has a full set of adult teeth. Misaligned teeth are far too common because of genetic reasons. Misaligned jaw and overcrowding are just a few issues that can create gaps between teeth and make them crooked. Some children may experience pain in their jaw because of a crossbite or overbite.
Once the adult teeth are all in, it’s a perfect opportunity for investing in braces. Your child’s teeth will look great for years to come if you invest in braces and follow the orthodontist’s advice. This is the time when most of your child’s peers will have braces, which makes it less socially awkward for them. This is also a good time as younger children are more likely to form healthy oral habits, such as wearing a retainer and flossing as compared to older kids.
You should consider speaking with an experienced family dentist like David Wilhite DDS about getting braces for your child if their teeth are misaligned or crooked. It’s best to choose a dentist who is equipped to offer the best in dental technology from dental fillings to dental sealants to orthodontic solutions, and more.
Milestone 5 – Wisdom Teeth
The arrival of wisdom teeth is usually the last dental milestone for a child. These are back molars that typically pop in between the ages of 16 and 24. These extra teeth were useful to early humans to replace any teeth they may have lost over the years. With that said, they are largely unnecessary in modern times.
Wisdom teeth often cause overcrowding and pain in the mouth. They may result in dental emergencies as well if not timely removed. Your child may have anywhere from 0 to 4 of these late-bloomers. Dentists largely recommend removing them, but it depends on the angle and position of each tooth.
You may place your child at an increased risk of overcrowding and other dental problems if you don’t have their wisdom teeth removed. Licensed dentists don’t usually have a problem getting rid of these molars. You should refer to your family dentist for preventive care and advice if your child begins experiencing dental pain because of these late-blooming molars.
Importance of Early Dental Care through Each Milestone
Early comprehensive dental care is vital for forming and maintaining oral health in children. Parents and caregivers should establish diligent dental care habits during infancy and continue them into adolescence and adulthood.
The American Dental Association recommends that quality dental care and regular checkups begin when the teeth are grown.
The health of milk teeth plays a major role in how permanent teeth emerge as your child grows older. These are a few key benefits of early dental care:
Helps Develop Good Oral Habits at an Early Stage
You can help your child preserve their permanent teeth by establishing basic oral hygiene through flossing, mouthwash gargling, and teeth brushing. In a sense, milk teeth are practice teeth. The habits your child develops while young could mean the success of their oral health when they are older. Children’s dental care should begin at an early age so that they can learn how to take care of their temporary teeth and then permanent ones.
Ensures a Healthy and Bright Smile
Your child should keep their primary teeth healthy and prevent decay by brushing and flossing every day. Routine visits for children’s dental care will also help in ensuring that primary teeth are kept as healthy as possible. Your child will get a boost of confidence from knowing they have good oral health and a nice smile.
Prevents the Occurrence of Gum Disease
Gum disease or gingivitis can develop at any age. You don’t want the gum line of your kids to get infected before permanent teeth start to appear. Gingivitis and periodontitis can occur at an early age if food particles remain stuck around chewing surfaces in absence of proper oral hygiene. This will cause bacterial pockets to form and may result in loose teeth.
Children’s dental health is not the same as adult dental health. Continuing regular visits to your family dentist are essential. You should be comfortable taking your child to the dental office for all their dental needs. This can be for routine checkups or even emergency appointments.
Prevention and education depend on early visits. During a routine appointment, a comprehensive oral examination and thorough cleaning will be performed by the dentist and dental hygienist. Topical fluoride treatment and prophylaxis will be provided if necessary. The dental provider will also perform an assessment for evaluating the risk of decay and will provide treatment and preventive strategies if tooth decay is found.
Visiting a Dentist for the First Time
One of the greatest joys of parenting is watching your children go through a lifetime of firsts. Taking your kids for their first dental treatment or visit can be one such joy. Scheduling regular checkups in young children is a great way of preventing cavities and decay at a young age.
Tooth decay is a common chronic disease affecting children in the US. More than half of American kids require some form of dental work treatment plan before age 8, as per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Child oral health is a pressing nationwide issue. You need to make your child feels comfortable visiting the dentist. This is best done when you introduce them to a true professional that understands the dental needs of the entire family.
You can also use the opportunity to discuss dental milestones with the dentist. You can ask about potential future concerns, such as dental treatments for a misaligned jaw, a bad bite, or a fractured tooth.
Importance of Your Child’s Visits to a Family Dentist
You can take your kid to any general dentist practicing family dentistry. You should visit David Wilhite DDS, a Plano dentist you can trust and where you and your child will be comfortable with the dentist and office staff.
The growing teeth play a vital role in the formation of permanent teeth. It will have an impact on your child’s smile, speech, and oral development and a dentist can check that the teeth is growing healthily.
Your child will have their baby teeth until around their sixth birthday. This is when permanent teeth will begin coming in and baby teeth start falling out. Unfortunately, most kids have accumulated a build-up of juices, soda, sugary foods, and milk that settles on the gums by this age.
Cavity and tooth decay in baby teeth can harm the foundation of healthy teeth. You should try and ensure that your kids have a healthy diet and regular teeth cleanings through brushing and flossing. Proper dental hygiene makes sure that underlying teeth are free of decay and can prevent the need for emergency dentistry.
Preparing the Child for the First Visit
You should prepare your child for their first visit to the dentist in Plano, TX to make it a more positive experience. Here are some tips:
Remain positive: Your kids will pick up on your anxiety and reservations. You should remain upbeat and relaxed during the appointment. Let the kids know that the dentist is their friend and someone they can trust.
Brush before the visit: Another way to prepare is to have your kids brush their teeth and gums. This will ready them to see the dentist while reinforcing the value of optimal oral health. It will also make it easier for the hygienist to examine them.
Reduce nervousness: Let your children know what they can anticipate to help in reducing their nervousness. Toddlers are curious by nature and will want to see the dentist for the first time if they know a bit about what will happen.
You may want to bring along a few toys if your child finds new experiences frightening. You can bring their favorite books to read during the wait time. Staff at the front desk should be adept at making younger patients feel less apprehensive.
Maintaining Good Dental Hygiene Starts Early
Babies can get cavities, meaning you need to start good dental hygiene habits right away if you want their teeth to stay healthy. Generally, teething begins at the 3–6 month mark. This is when the child will also have inflamed or red gums. You can rub the gums gently with a cold damp cloth, or give them a chilled teething ring or cold compress to soothe the gums.
Cleaning the gums after every feeding can be an early way of starting your baby on good dental hygiene. Baby teeth are critical even though they will eventually fall out. You should take care of them like permanent teeth. You can continue massaging the gums after the first tooth emerges and should regularly check for cavities by looking for spots on the teeth.
Do Baby Teeth Really Matter?
Primary, baby, or milk teeth fulfill the following vital roles:
Help the baby smile, speak, and chew.
Hold space in the jaw to let permanent teeth grow beneath the gums.
Facilitates healthy chewing, which strengthens jaw muscles and prevents bone loss.
Primary teeth play an essential and unique role as the child grows. The baby tooth acts as a placeholder for permanent teeth. Baby teeth are not enough to accommodate the size and extent of an adult jaw. If the primary tooth gets knocked out accidentally or removed because of a cavity, it will cease to act as a placeholder. Permanent teeth may not grow in the proper manner if any babyteeth are removed.
It may also cause overcrowding concerns in the child’s mouth and the shifting of teeth. Early detection by a dentist may prevent any areas of concern from developing. Clearly, you need to make sure that you take care of their primary teeth in the same way as you would their adult teeth.
Proper dental visits to a great family dental practice for baby teeth care is necessary to prevent cavities and other issues from developing.
Schedule Your Child’s Dental Appointment in the North Dallas Area Today
The experienced and compassionate team at the office of Dr. David Wilhite DDS will make it their goal to help your child feel safe and welcome. We have the necessary experience required to detect any early problems and provide preventive dental treatments for your child.
From giving a friendly tour of the facility to completing a thorough oral health exam and professional teeth cleaning, we will do everything your child requires for a healthy and happy visit to our Plano family dental practice. Call us at 972-964-3774 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment and take the first vital step towards ensuring your child’s excellent dental health.
There are over 7,000 languages and 3,000 cultures around the world. One universal thing that transcends and unites them all with ease is a smile. Whether in personal relationships, social settings, or professional spaces, giving a captivating smile can make people feel at ease with you and help make interactions more comfortable.
Apart from making other people warm up to you and trust you, a wonderful smile can also impact your own physical and mental health in quite unexpected ways. Not surprisingly, we smile more often during our childhood than at any other point in later life.
Why Do We Smile Less Often as We Get Older?
Stress and the rigors of modern life sometimes leave us with little to smile about. And even when we have a genuine reason to break into a winning smile, many among us shy away from it. The reason? Poor oral health or other factors that contribute to misaligned/discolored teeth.
Fortunately, restorative and cosmetic dentistry services can offer highly effective solutions to this dilemma. If you are in the north Dallas area, the dental practice of David Wilhite, DDS offers comprehensive dental care, including advanced cosmetic dental services to help improve your smile and achieve better dental health.
Before we look at the plethora of dental procedures and services offered at our Plano, TX dental health office, let’s take a closer look at just how much of a difference a smile can make in our lives.
The Power of a Smile
The ability to smile naturally and frequently can have a transformative impact on a person’s life. It is not an exaggeration. Numerous studies on the topic have indicated that the benefits of a smile can include the following:
Mental health benefits
General health benefits
Social benefits
Economic benefits
Let’s explore each of these in further detail to gain a true understanding of how important smiling can be to modern human life.
Mental Health Benefits of a Smile
A Powerful Anti-depressant
The ancestors of human beings first started smiling over 30 million years ago, according to some experts. Over time, our body has built up hidden connections between our brains and this seemingly innocuous movement of muscles around the mouth.
Whenever we smile, the brain is conditioned to release chemicals called neuropeptides. These neurochemicals activate the cells in our brains (neurons) and help fight stress. We know of over 100 such chemicals, including oxytocin and vasopressin.
Also called the “love hormone,” oxytocin creates the positive vibes that we feel when we fall in love or have babies. Low levels of oxytocin have been linked to severe depression. Similarly, vasopressin has potent anti-stress and anti-pain effects on the brain.
Along with neuropeptides, a smile can also trigger the release of other brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Of these, the most popular ones we hear about are dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins – the so-called “feel good” neurotransmitters.
Both dopamine and serotonin have a huge impact on our mood and emotions. They can help us feel intense pleasure and positivity. At high levels, they create feelings of bliss and euphoria. Frequent smiling can help keep these neurochemicals at healthy levels.
And the shocking thing is this – the smile doesn’t even have to be genuine for the brain to activate these chemicals! Even a forced smile can trigger the response automatically.
Confidence Booster
Apart from the chemical impact on the brain, the ability to show off an attractive smile also boosts our overall confidence and self-esteem levels. This point is fundamental because many of us forcefully suppress smiles out of peer pressure.
This usually happens in public or social settings, where our beauty standards are often artificially high. When we suffer from imperfections in the teeth or gums – things you see when we smile, basically – we are afraid to reveal these to others.
Discolored teeth, crooked or protruding teeth, and gum imperfections are common culprits. Fearing ridicule or embarrassment, many people try not to smile openly when in the company of others.
This can have serious negative consequences on our confidence and happiness levels. It is a vicious circle – the less we smile, the lower our levels of neurochemicals. This can make us feel more miserable, compounding the depression we already feel due to our insecurities.
In stark contrast, when we smile, we feel more confident. It can leave us feeling more positive and energetic. The self-esteem boost we get from a healthy, radiant smile is quite immense indeed.
Other General Health Benefits of Smiling
Endorphins like serotonin have important roles to play in other major organs in the body besides the brain. Along with reducing stress levels, these chemicals also improve our digestion, circulation, and overall blood pressure levels.
They stimulate the release of cortisol, a hormone vital for many key bodily functions. Cortisol regulates our blood sugar levels and stimulates the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbs in the body. It also assists in the management of our sleep-wake cycles.
Perhaps most importantly, cortisol has immense implications for our immune system and the body’s ability to fight disease and inflammation. It affects nearly every major system in the body. Maintaining stable levels of cortisol is vital for overall health.
And people who smile often throughout their lives tend to have healthy levels of cortisol. Due to their generally positive and confident attitude and outlook, they also tend to live longer, healthier lives.
In an interesting study involving 1950s baseball cards, researchers discovered something astonishing. Players who had beaming smiles in their pictures were found to live almost 8 years longer on average than players who did not smile at all!
Social and Economic Benefits of Smiling
Smiling also has massive implications for our social lives and careers. Here are some ways in which showing your pearly whites can benefit you:
It can make you look younger
Strange as it may seem, this is actually quite true. It is a matter of perception more than actually reducing your age. When we are young, we tend to smile more often – children smile a whopping 400 times per day on average while most adults can barely manage 20.
When researchers showed college students a series of photographs of older people, the individuals with smiles were universally rated as younger than their true age. The ones with scowls and frowns on their faces were seen as older.
It can make you more attractive to your dates
A healthy smile is a big asset whether you are looking for a casual date or a life partner. It makes people perceive you as more attractive and approachable. Of course, many folks also find dark and brooding personalities attractive.
However, even those appearing “mysterious” need to smile once in a while – otherwise, it can get quite tiresome! Like the baseball card study, another one that looked at photos of college students found that smiling gives you a better chance at longer, happier marriages.
Gives you a winning personality in social and business circles
Just as in the romance game, smiles can also come in handy in other social situations. While excessive or fake smiles make you seem suspicious, a simple, genuine smile has a disarming effect on most people.
Smiling can help you get assistance in unfamiliar situations or when you are traveling overseas. Smiles help you bond quickly with other people and make new friendships. They can help you disarm potentially dangerous situations and prevent conflicts.
Very often, when you smile at someone, they return the courtesy. This is a natural human instinct of reciprocity. This is why people say that a smile is contagious.
Smiling can even improve your career prospects, be it in interviews or when dealing with clients. It can contribute to a positive work environment and make your colleagues or subordinates like you more. And in general, when you stay positive, your productivity also increases accordingly. Some studies even suggest that it can help you earn more money in life.
People with attractive smiles tend to earn at least 12% more income than those who are perceived to have less attractive teeth. Discolored or uneven teeth decrease your attractiveness by a whopping 20%.
In the long run, this can even scuttle your chances of success in the workplace. in a survey, over 74% of respondents believed that having a less attractive smile can impact your ability to gain promotion or succeed in business.
Anyone Can Have an Attractive Smile
The evidence is quite overwhelming. Poor oral health and dental health can have a negative impact on your chances of living a long and happy life. But all is not lost if you don’t have a winning smile already.
Advanced dental procedures in the field of restorative and cosmetic dentistry can make a huge difference. Through state-of-the-art treatments and procedures like dental implants, teeth whitening, and Invisalign, Plano dental health specialist David Wilhite, DDS MAGD can help you retain a beautiful smile, improve your oral health, and brighten up your whole life!
In this next segment, we will explore the various treatments and dental services that are used by millions of people around the globe to improve their smiles. The following are some of the dental treatments available at our Plano, TX dental office:
Dental implants crowns
Invisalign
Full mouth restorations
Porcelain crowns and veneers
Teeth whitening
Dental Implants
Nothing ruins a smile quite like a gap created by missing teeth. Whether it is right in the front row or a bit to the side, it can seriously affect your appearance and confidence. Folks suffering from this common issue often keep their mouths closed as much as possible in social settings. They may even try to avoid speaking as much as possible, let alone smile.
Dental implants offer an idealsolution to missing teeth. Whether you lost it due to injury, accident, or tooth decay, implants can help sort things out. A dental implant is actually a replacement for the root of the tooth, hidden inside your gums.
Once it is surgically placed on your jaw, it provides a stable foundation on which a realistic replacement tooth can be added. Implants are a much better alternative to dentures, the traditional treatment option for missing teeth in the past.
The implant crownsare made from durable substances and look like your real teeth. Apart from improving your smile, a dental implant can also improve speech, and make it easier to chew food.
Invisalign
This is a popular orthodontic treatment that provides a less embarrassing alternative to braces. Invisalign is a proven restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatment method that is designed to straighten out misaligned or protruding teeth.
Instead of visible and fixed metal braces, this new dental technology uses clear plastic trays that cover the entire row of teeth. While staying discreetly out of sight, the Invisalign trays gently moveyour teeth back into a proper position.
These removable braces are made from entirely safe, non-toxic plastic. Both teenagers and adults can use Invisalign without any concerns. Please note that you should not use these over the counter – a visit to an experienced Plano, TX cosmetic dentist is essential to making sure they actually work.
Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign is far more comfortable and easier to maintain. You will also have to make fewer visits to the dental office with these clear braces.
Porcelain Veneers and Crowns
There are two popular options used by our expert cosmetic dentist in Plano, TX to give you a more attractive smile. While they serve the same basic dental needs and are made from the same substances, veneers and dental crowns are quite different in nature.
A veneer is a thin covering placed overthe front portion of your toothto give it a more pleasing and even appearance. The cosmetic dentist will not make any serious adjustments to the tooth before attaching the veneer.
On the other hand, dental crowns cover the entire visible portion of the tooth. Both treatments are used for teeth that have been cracked or damaged due to tooth decay or fractures.
Teeth Whitening
With regular brushing and flossing, most people can maintain a healthy white shade on their teeth. With that said, due to diet or poor maintenance, yellow stains and discolorations can creep in over time.
Teeth whitening is a relatively simple and painless solution to this problem. The dental care solution uses whitening products – either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide – to remove stains and help your teeth appear pearly white.
You can choose from a wide range of teeth whitening solutions. While some can be applied at home, others may require a single visit to our Plano, TX dental office. Overuse of these substances can damage your teeth, so always use them after consulting a dental health professional.
Full Mouth Restorations
When your lack of a beautiful smile is not due to any single issue, it might be time to consider a full mouth restoration. This treatment plan is used in situations where the patient is suffering from multiple dental health issues like tooth decay, stains, poor alignment, and gum disease.
In a full-mouth restoration, the dentist will use a combination of cosmetic and general dentistry procedures. They can include implants, veneers, crowns, root canals, tooth extraction, whitening, Invisalign, and more.
This kind of dental work is often required for people who avoided going to a dental office for years. It is highly undesirable to ignore your dental health to an extent where a full-mouth restoration becomes necessary.
In the next segment, we will explore why poor oral health can have far more serious implications beyond just an ugly smile.
Importance of Healthy Teeth
Your mouth can offer a window into the general health of your entire body. Most people don’t realize this fact. Poor oral health often has direct and serious consequences for the rest of your body.
It impacts your access to nutrition
This one is fairly simple – you need strong teeth to chew a wider range of food items. A balanced diet made up of carbs, proteins, vitamins, and fats are essential for a healthy body. And that often involves eating harder fruits, nuts, and of course, meat for non-vegetarians.
If you are missing teeth in key areas, you may be unable to bite or chew certain food items. It is hard to maintain adequate nutrition based on a soft-foods diet. It requires extra effort that many people tend to avoid. This can lead to severe health issues.
It can affect key organ systems
The mouth is a critical gateway to the inside of your body. We make a lot of effort to ensure that we eat clean food that is free from microorganisms like bacteria. But if you ignore oral health, dangerous bacteria can multiply in your mouth.
These organisms can enter the rest of the body via multiple routes:
Through the digestive system
Through the bloodstream
Through the airways and lungs
The same bacteria that cause tooth decay and other gum diseases may also cause inflammation in the heart when they reach the organ via the bloodstream. This can have life-threatening complications like clogged arteries and heart disease (endocarditis).
Pneumonia in the lungs is another potential complication from bacteria in the mouth. Chronic oral infections have also been linked to pregnancy complications in mothers, with the baby suffering from premature birth and low birth weight.
Constant infections in the mouth can also put a strain on your body’s immune system. It can lead to worsening conditions such as diabetes, and in some cases, even oral cancer.
It leads to avoidable pain and healthcare costs
The most disheartening thing about many oral health issues is the fact that they are all preventable to some degree. Poor diet, bad lifestyle choices like the use of tobacco and drugs, and inadequate cleaning and maintenance are all factors that can be removed entirely or mitigated to a great extent.
When you neglect the health of your teeth and gums, eventually, effects like gum disease, infections, decay, and plaque set in. They all gradually lead to one common outcome – loss of teeth.
Once that happens, you have no option but to consult a dentist because the pain or discomfort becomes unbearable. With modern restorative and cosmetic dentistry services, you can solve most dental health issues and even get your teeth back (artificial or natural).
Prevention is a far better option for your dental health and general health in every way. And that involves several things:
A healthy and balanced diet with adequate calcium and minerals.
Regular cleaning and flossing of your teeth, minimum twice per day.
Regular visits to your family dentist for checkups and cleaning.
The Importance of Family Dentistry
A family dentist is a trusted expert offering preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental services for your entire family, including kids. When you visit your family dentist at least twice a year for a dental checkup, you can get the following vital benefits:
Early Detection of Cavities and Gum Disease
Even with constant flossing and brushing, our teeth can developcavities. Gum disease can also creep up on us with minimal warning or symptoms, eventually escalating into periodontal disease, which may result in loss of teeth. Your regular dentist can quickly identify these conditions when they are developing and nip them in the bud.
Improving Oral Hygiene
An experienced dentist can quickly tell if you are being disciplined and regular in your daily cleaning and maintenance. This is particularly important with kids – a dentist can help instill the habit of good oral hygiene at an early age, reducing the need for dental office visits in the future.
Timely Diagnosis of Oral Cancer
Unlike many other forms of cancer, oral cancer is not easily spotted. Dentists are usually the first ones to discover it. With regular visits, you can drastically improve your chances of early detection and survival, especially if you smoke or drink heavily.
If you are a resident of Plano, TX or the Dallas area, you can rely on David Wilhite, DDS for all your general dentistry, family dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry needs. Our dental offices are fully equipped and our team is dedicated to restoring healthy smiles for people in all age groups.
Choose an Award-Winning Dentist to Transform Your Smile and Restore Oral Health
As a doctor of dental surgery, David Wilhite, DDS is a highly respected dentist devoted to the cause of improving the oral health of Texans and restoring their natural smiles through cutting-edge dental procedures and technology. Dr. Wilhite has been conferred with the Mastership Award (MAGD), which is the highest honor given by the Academy of General Dentistry to dental professionals who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to exceptional dental care.
He has also been named “Dentist of the Year” three times by the Texas AGD. Dr. Wilhite pursues extensive continuing education year after year (far beyond the mandatory requirements) in order to provide the latest and most effective dental services and solutions to his patients. To request an appointment with David Wilhite DDS, call us at (972) 964-3774 today! We’ll have you smiling again in no time!
With 6 in 10 Americans feeling anxious and afraid to visit a dentist, we understand how challenging it can be for you and your family to make dental health a priority. But that’s what we are here for!
At the dental office of Dr. David Wilhite DDS in Plano, TX, our goal has always been to take this fear out of the equation and make our patients confident and comfortable while achieving their dental health goals.
“For years, I was scared of visiting a dentist. However since I met Dr. Wilhite, everything changed. The personalized, compassionate care he provides to his patients is exceptional. Dr. Wilhite and his staff go above and beyond to make sure you are comfortable and are OK from start to finish.” – N.H.
Dr. Wilhite is one of the most respected dentists in Texas, with a specialization in family, cosmetic, and pediatric dentistry. He along with his staff are dedicated to providing safe, proven, and advanced oral care for the patients to create healthy, beautiful smiles.
In the words of Dr. Wilhite, “My goal is that you should be able to keep all of your natural teeth in great condition for the rest of your life.” And that’s what our practice is all about – to give you access to state-of-the-art dental care performed by industry-leading professionals who are as invested in your oral health as you are.
Take Control Of Your Dental Health With Ease
We understand that in today’s post-pandemic world, you probably have dozens of reasons to neglect your annual dental hygiene exam. In addition to the fear of potentially painful procedures, you may have other concerns, like taking time off work for your appointment. But have you ever heard the phrase, “prevention is better than cure”? Let us give you a few reasons why prioritizing your oral health is critical:
The Importance Of Oral Health And Preventative Care As It Relates To Overall Health
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, more than 90% of all systemic diseases first manifest in the form of a dental health issue. In other words, your dentist could be the very first professional to diagnose a serious health condition.
For example, if you have gum disease, it could be an indication of undiagnosed rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, respiratory disease, diabetes, or heart disease. Studies have also shown that people with gum disease have three times the risk of having a stroke and twice the risk of dying from a heart attack than others.
Generally speaking, if your mouth is full of bad bacteria, they can enter your bloodstream, compromise your immune system, and result in a host of diseases. When someone has gum disease, for instance, the harmful bacteria bleed into the mouth and can cause infections in other parts of the body.
While many factors influence your overall health – like your diet and lifestyle habits – a healthy mouth is one of them.
Why Regular Dental Checkups Are Essential?
Here’s a fact: most oral problems are preventable. Except in rare cases, the purpose of routine dental examinations is to keep as much of your natural teeth intact as possible. Your dentist can help you spot problems early and build healthy habits for prevention. When it comes to your health, keeping a problem from happening is far better than fixing it after it happens.
Dental checkups are important because that’s when your family dentist recommends the best preventative strategies to keep your teeth and gums healthy. For example, they can show you the right way to brush and floss your teeth twice a day. This may seem inconsequential but one-third of Americans either over-brush or under-brush their teeth on a daily basis!
Additionally, when you visit a dentist twice a year for regular tooth cleaning, you get to know them better over time. This helps build trust so you can feel more comfortable about talking to them. If you have kids, this early relationship will also help them avoid feeling anxious when visiting the dentist.
These routine visits are how Dr. Wilhite and our team get to know our patients and their special needs. Since we keep thorough dental records of each patient, it becomes easy for us to track their oral health and provide them personalized care based on their dental history.
Why Dr. Wilhite Is The Best Dentist In Plano for General Dentistry and Specialty Services
Whether you need implants, veneers, a full-mouth restoration, or oral treatment for sleep apnea, Dr. Wilhite can provide you with a customized treatment plan along with a seamless experience to get it all done with no hassle. Dr. Wilhite and his team are dedicated to creating exceptional smiles.
Here’s what makes Dr. Wilhite the best in Plano, TX:
Advanced Expertise
Dr. David Wilhite is a Texas native and graduated from the Baylor College of Dentistry, one of the oldest and most distinguished institutions in the country. He has been nominated for the Dentist of the Year award in 2005, 2008, and 2015 by the Texas Academy of General Dentistry, making him one of the handful of dentists in the US who has had the honor more than once. He has also been nominated yearly for the Texas Super Dentist award by the esteemed Texas Monthly Magazine since 2006.
He also served as the Chairman of the Peer Review Council of Texas Dental Association for 7 years.
If that doesn’t impress you, consider this: Dr. Wilhite has received the Mastership Award as well as his Fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry – less than 1% of American dentists have been able to achieve this distinction so far! The Mastership Award is only bestowed on dentists who have taken more than 1,100 extra hours of continuing training and education across a wide range of disciplines, such as Periodontics, oral surgery, restorative dentistry, treatment planning, and more.
If you are looking for a dentist with remarkable expertise and unequaled experience, you can’t be in better hands than that of Dr. Wilhite. Continuing education is also of great importance for Dr. Wilhite and his team. Each team member attends a minimum of six days per year outside of the office, learning different aspects of hygiene advancements, dental lab procedures, practice management, cosmetic dentistry, and restorative dentistry.
Committed To Preventative Care
Our team believes in prevention more than in procedures, which is why we put so much focus on preventive dental care so you and your family are educated about how to properly take care of your teeth and mouth, and avoid oral diseases.
Once you contract an oral health issue, it can be much more uncomfortable to experience and expensive to treat, so we offer a variety of preventive services to catch the problems early. This includes x-rays, oral evaluations, professional cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments (especially for kids), as well as education on proper nutrition, tobacco cessation, and correct techniques for flossing, brushing, and use of oral hygiene aids.
Kid-Friendly Environment
“Before meeting Dr. Wilhite, we used to have two different dentists, one for us parents and one for our kids. Finally, a close friend recommended Dr. Wilhite for the whole family and we have never looked back. He has a way with the kids that puts them at ease and makes them enjoy their conversations with him. The kids no longer cringe when we have to go see the dentist! Their whole team treats us like family and in my opinion this is what sets them apart….believe me….I’ve been to many different practices!”– Christina Steinauer
When it comes to caring for children, simply providing comprehensive pediatric dental services is not enough. Dr. Wilhite and his team work hard to create an environment that helps little ones feel comfortable and have fun during their visit.
Relaxing Atmosphere
“After years of neglect due to childhood fears of any dentist, I found Dr. Wilhite when I moved to Plano in 2007. He and all of his staff treated me like my fear of dental treatments was not unusual and went out of their way to make my experience much less stress-inducing than I had ever thought possible. Had it not been for the care and patience the whole staff showed toward me, I don’t think I would have kept coming back. I think of the entire staff as friends and, can you imagine it, I even look forward to my appointments!” – MaryLee Nielson
For most people, the words “relax” and “dentist” just do not belong in the same sentence. But we do things differently here. You will sense the calm as soon as you enter our office in Plano as you are warmly greeted by our friendly staff. From the color scheme to décor to indoor temperature, everything is set up to promote feelings of calm and healing.
Services Offered By The Best Dental Office In Texas
We provide high-quality dental care services to the residents of Plano, Dallas, Carrollton, Frisco, McKinney, Richardson, and Allen, TX. Our team led by Dr. Wilhite approaches dentistry from a whole-body health perspective, regardless of how old you are. Here’s a brief overview of our services:
General Dentistry
Routine dental care is essential in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. To that end, our general dentistry services can prevent many common diseases such as gingivitis or cavities, and diagnose and offer treatment options for all kinds of conditions affecting your jaw, gums, and teeth.
Dental Check-Ups & Exams: A twice-yearly examination of your teeth and gums, which includes teeth cleaning and polishing, x-rays (if applicable), and treatment recommendations (if necessary). Regular exams are critical for catching problems early.
Cleaning and Dental Hygiene: Our professional dental cleaning services will remove the plaque buildup that can turn into tartar and may lead to gum disease and cavities if left unaddressed. Basic cleaning appointments are recommended twice a year but it varies depending on your oral health. Diabetic patients usually need 4 cleanings per year, while patients at risk of developing gum disease may also need more frequent cleanings.
Dental Sealants: Applying sealants to your teeth helps them protect against decay, cavities, and plaque buildup for up to 10 years. Our team generally recommends sealants for kids because their teeth have small depressions in them that make them harder to properly clean via brushing alone. The process doesn’t require any tooth removal or drilling and can be done within a few minutes.
Patient Education: In our experience, a well-informed patient is a healthy patient. So, during each visit, our team sits down with the patient, answers their questions, and discusses tips they can start using right away for better oral health. In addition to the right way to brush and floss, we also talk about your calcium intake, your diet and its impact on your teeth, using oral appliances like mouthguards, and more.
Cavity Detection & Prevention: We use sophisticated diagnostic technologies to identify tooth decay early during your regular visits. Dr. Wilhite will check your mouth for any signs of cavities and discuss treatments and other ways of prevention. If you have severe tooth decay, we have many treatments available to repair the damage and restore your beautiful smile, including root canal therapy, dental crowns, and dental fillings.
Periodontal Gum Disease Treatment: We provide gum disease treatment for all stages of the disease to restore your oral health and prevent future damage. This painful disease is effectively treated by Scaling & Root Planning. Your current condition, the extent of tooth damage, and dental history will be evaluated first to determine which will be the best option for you.
TMJ Disorder Treatment: If you are experiencing popping/clicking noises when opening and closing the mouth, tenderness of the jaw, grinding of the teeth (bruxism), headaches, pain in and around the ear, neck aches, or an uncomfortable bite, it could indicate Temporalmandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ).
Book an appointment with Dr. Wilhite right away to start treatment. He has devoted several hundreds of hours towards TMJ disorders and specializes in using the least invasive treatments possible.
Dental Fillings: If you have a cavity, it will need to be filled to prevent further damage to the teeth. During your dental checkup, if we suspect any abnormality, we will X-ray your entire mouth (or a section of it) to determine the extent of the decay. We use natural-looking, composite fillings, which are considered the gold standard and can last 5-7 years. Fillings are quick, painless, and performed under local anesthesia.
Dental X-rays: Since teeth are bones, it’s very easy to diagnose their health using X-Rays. We use both Panoramic X-rays (to examine the entire jaw) and traditional X-rays (to examine a single tooth). This is an essential part of dental care for children as it allows us to see how their teeth are forming.
Dentures: Whether you are looking for partial dentures, full dentures, implant-supported dentures, a replacement for your old dentures, or a brand-new pair, we can help. Our custom-made dentures are comfortable and top of the line. We work with a local dental lab and master technician to ensure your dentures fit you like a glove.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Wilhite is one of the leading cosmetic dentists in Plano and surrounding areas in Texas. He has dedicated his career to perfecting the art of cosmetic dentistry from full mouth rehabilitation with crowns and veneers to simple dental fillings.
Dental Implants & Implant Dentistry: Missing teeth no longer have to undermine your self-confidence with dental bridges and implants that use advanced materials.
During your appointment, our team will explain how your implants will be placed and they will also carry out a thorough oral exam to accurately diagnose your condition and create the best treatment plan. Dr. Wilhite will refer you to a trusted oral surgeon or periodontist for the implant placement. Once healed, you will return to Dr. Wilhite for your implant crown.
Full Mouth Restorations: When you have one damaged tooth, Dr. Wilhite is usually able to crown it or fill it quickly and effectively. But if you have multiple infected, damaged, or broken teeth as well as gaps, a full-mouth restoration might be a better option.
Dr. Wilhite’s extensive training and interdisciplinary approach in treating full mouth cases makes him the best dentist for major dental reconstruction. He will examine your gums and oral health to determine the condition of any teeth that are whole and what needs to be removed completely. He will fully evaluate your mouth to make a note of any cracks, wear, decay, cavities, gum disease, root canal issues, and the health of your jaw before creating a treatment plan.
Invisalign Braces: When it comes to straightening your teeth, there’s nothing that beats Invisalign in efficacy and aesthetics. To straighten your crooked or misaligned teeth, we offer convenient Invisalign braces, regardless of your age. We begin by taking digital dental scans of your teeth and then send these to a dental lab where the aligners are custom-fabricated. Once the aligners are completed, Dr. Wilhite will personally ensure that your Invisalign braces fit you perfectly.
Porcelain Crowns: Porcelain crowns and bridges are used to cover damaged teeth and replace missing teeth, respectively. Dr. Wilhite has pioneered an advanced technique that blends your natural teeth with the crowns for enhanced appearance.
Porcelain Veneers: We frequently use high-quality porcelain veneers to disguise discolored teeth (if teeth whitening has failed) as well as to close gaps between teeth. These are a poignant option if you’re looking to enhance your smile and correct any kind of tooth imperfection, such as chips, stains, gaps, and misalignments.
Dr. Wilhite can custom-design porcelain veneers to match the exact shape and color of your surrounding teeth, helping you achieve a vibrant, confident, and natural-looking smile.
Teeth Whitening: This is one of our most popular cosmetic services in Plano, TX. If your teeth have darkened due to medications, smoking, certain foods and drinks, aging, genetics, or any other reason, our teeth whitening procedure is just what the doctor ordered! Our in-office Zoom whitening treatment gives you immediate results.
Full Mouth Restoration And Dental Surgery
“I lucked into Dr. Wilhite and his delightful staff about a year or so ago. I’ve had some fairly serious dental issues for a while, lots of crowns and implants. Dr. Wilhite takes his time during exams, carefully explains what is going on, discusses options and then recommends the treatment (or in my case, treatments) needed. After 4 crowns, 2 implants, a few fillings, several cleanings and a lot of time and care, my mouth is in better shape than it’s been in, in decades.” – Todd Myerscough
If you have several missing, discolored, broken, chipped, or cracked teeth, you can count on Dr. Wilhite and our entire staff to give you the glorious smile you’ve always dreamed of. Dr. Wilhite has successfully transformed the smiles of hundreds of men, women, and children in Plano.
Unlike a mouth makeover, which is strictly cosmetic in nature, a full-mouth restoration involves correcting several problems of the teeth, gums, and jaw. From broken teeth to the loss of tooth enamel to severe tooth decay and cavities, a complete restoration treatment can do it all.
During this treatment, Dr. Wilhite will evaluate your specific dental needs and goals to determine which procedures may need to be performed. He will create a customized action plan during your initial appointment. While every person is different, some of the most common procedures in a full-mouth restoration include:
Dental Fillings: The purpose of fillings is to restore teeth that have been damaged, restore their normal function and appearance, and prevent further damage.
Dental Crowns: Crowns not only protect your existing teeth that have been cracked, chipped, broken, or decayed, but also improve the appearance of your smile.
Root Canals: A root canal is performed to repair teeth that have been severely damaged by infection or decay.
Dental Implants: If the root portion of one or more of your teeth is missing, an implant can be placed. It is placed into the jaw surgically and serves as a permanent and solid foundation for artificial teeth, restoring your ability to chew as well as the appearance of your smile.
No matter what state your teeth are in right now, once Dr. Wilhite is done, your teeth will be healthier and stronger, and your smile will be as glowing as you’d ever imagined.
Pediatric Dentistry
“I’ve been going to Dr. Wilhite since I was 11 years old! Even though I’ve now moved out of state, I consider Dr. Wilhite the only dentist I trust and make a point of scheduling my appointments during my visits home. The entire staff from the front office to the dental hygiene staff to the dentist himself makes it a priority to make you feel like a valued patient. My whole family including the kids love Dr. Wilhite’s office, and are loyal patients.” – Julia
Our goal is to provide your little ones with a cozy atmosphere to help them build excellent oral care habits early in their lives. Dr. Wilhite and his team treat each child with compassion and respect as they become comfortable with dental treatment, be it a regular checkup and cleaning or something more complicated like orthodontics, bondings, crowns, and cavity fillings.
From the initial appointment at your child’s third birthday to the day they graduate and “leave the nest”, our practice is committed to providing the very best dental care through clinical excellence, clear communication, and genuine concern.
Here are just a few things that make us the best pediatric dental practice in Plano:
Anxiety-Free Care: Dr. Wilhite as well as our dental hygienists and other staff go the extra mile in alleviating any anxiety associated with dental appointments. We offer drawing books and other fun incentives to encourage our little patients to look forward to their visit with us.
One-On-One Relationship: Every child is different and we try our best to treat them as such, which helps them gain confidence in us. We explain what we are doing in easy, friendly language so your child can understand what’s going on – we have found that this works wonders in taking away any anxiety they may be feeling.
Comprehensive First Visit: Before we do any work, you and your child will be introduced to our entire team. Depending on what’s necessary, x-rays may be taken to assess your child’s oral health. During this examination, we will check their mouth, neck, and head, and then discuss with you the results of the exam and required treatment. We may also do a teeth cleaning and preventive fluoride treatment during this first visit.
Preventive Dentistry: Dr. Wilhite believes in teaching and motivating children on how to care for their teeth so they build good oral hygiene habits early on and stay away from dental issues. It’s a joint effort between us, you, and your child to create these habits! Teeth cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatment, and preventive resin restorations (when necessary) are measures taken to prevent a cavity. A check-up every 6 months will also help ensure your child’s teeth are growing the way they should.
Restorative Dentistry: If your child has developed cavities, we offer a variety of restorative procedures in combination with the most appropriate sedation techniques for their safety and comfort.
We offer complete dental care for children, including:
Digital x-rays
Fluoride treatments
Tooth extractions
Dental sealants
Metal-free dental fillings
Emergency dental services
Nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and general anesthesia
And much more
Note: Dr. Wilhite doesn’t see children below the age of 3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visiting a new dentist can be nerve-wrecking. If you’re feeling a little anxious or you just want to be best prepared for your visit with us, check out these answers to some of the questions we routinely get from new patients like you regarding their first visit:
What will happen during my first visit?
There’s no need for you to be apprehensive about your initial appointment, unless, of course, you are facing an urgent care dental emergency! Our friendly receptionist will welcome you to the office and give you a couple of forms to fill out. After you are checked in, one of our dental assistants will take you for a checkup and go over your medical and dental history. We will also take some digital images and x-rays of your mouth.
Then you’ll meet Dr. Wilhite and have chat about your dental health and goals. He will discuss what issues you may have and possible treatment options. Depending on what you want, he will create a treatment plan, and from there you’ll be able to schedule your next appointment.
Will I get my teeth cleaned during the initial appointment?
Yes, patients usually receive a cleaning at the first appointment.
What information do I need to bring with me?
For your new patient form, you’ll need to bring a list of any current medications you are taking (including vitamin and herbal supplements), your insurance cards, and any notes about your dental and/or medical history. If you are transferring from another dental practice, we’d also suggest asking them to forward all your dental records to us for a better experience.
Will you take x-rays?
If you have had your dental x-rays taken within the last 6 months or so, this is usually not necessary. Otherwise, we will need these digital images to see what’s going in within your tooth structure and under your gums. If we notice any issue while taking your x-rays, we will take a few more for a clearer picture of your mouth.
Will I have a chance to talk to Dr. Wilhite?
It can be reassuring to be able to speak directly with your new dentist and ask them questions regarding your situation, especially if you suffer from dental fear. During your appointments, Dr. Wilhite will spend time with you going over your oral healthcare needs. While talking with you, he will answer any questions and ease any fears or concerns you may have. His goal is to comfort and educate his patients.
How do I know what my insurance will cover?
We recommend calling your insurance provider directly to learn what they will cover. You can usually find this information on their website. You can also read your dental policy paperwork to see whether the procedure you want is covered or not. If it’s something major, our office can provide you with an estimate. This will help you know what you are likely to owe after any deductible, co-insurance, and policy maximum.
Will you provide a quote for the recommended treatments?
Yes, we will. We don’t like to throw unexpected costs on our patients, so we always provide a detailed estimate for all treatment services.
What do I do if I don’t have any dental insurance?
We have worked with many patients who didn’t have any insurance so don’t worry, just call us to learn about your options. Dr. Wilhite has always emphasized accessible, affordable, and quality dental care, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
For Healthy Teeth And A Great Smile, Visit The Dental Offices Of Dr. David Wilhite
If you’re looking for the most skilled and dependable dentist in Texas, look no further than Dr. David Wilhite. With unrivaled expertise, countless awards and accolades, and a deep commitment to his patients, there isn’t a challenge Dr. Wilhite can’t handle. Now that you know what to expect from your first visit with the dental offices of Dr. David Wilhite in Plano, TX, it’s time to set up your appointment.
Start the journey towards better oral health and get your dream smile today! You can fill out this form or call our office directly at 972-964-3774 to request a dentist appointment. If you have any questions or concerns, we are ready to answer you promptly.
Root Canal vs Extraction: wondering which is better? Both are procedures for infected teeth to prevent further tissue and damage later down the road. A root canal is a procedure that saves part of the natural tooth. Alternatively, an extraction is for times when the tooth or root is irreparable.
Dentists perform a root canal procedure when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed. This procedure aims to rid the tooth of bacteria, prevent further infection, and save the natural tooth. The treatment involves a dentist or endodontist making an opening in the tooth’s crown into the pulp chamber. They then use tiny instruments to remove the nerve or pulp from the chamber and canal of each root of the tooth. Finally, they restore the tooth with a crown or a permanent filling.
Types Of Tooth Extractions
The difference between a root canal vs. an extraction is that a tooth extraction occurs when a tooth or the root is beyond repair. Dentists can perform two main types of tooth extractions. The first is called a simple extraction, which involves a dentist starting by numbing the extraction area. The dentist will use an instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth from the socket before removing it with forceps.
The second type of tooth extraction is called a surgical extraction. Dentists or oral surgeons can perform this type of extraction if a tooth is broken off at the gumline’s point or has not fully grown into the mouth yet. In this procedure, they will make a small cut into the gum to remove it. In some cases, they may need to remove bone blocking around the tooth. Likewise, they may need to cut into the tooth to extract it.
The extraction of a tooth itself is virtually painless. Dentists numb the area, and patients may only feel some pressure. After the procedure, patients can expect some amount of pain. However, the procedure removes the infected teeth. The infected teeth contain the nerve endings that sense most of the pain. A dentist essentially cuts these off at the beginning of an extraction.
The pain after an extraction depends on a few things. A dentist removes the infected teeth that contain nerve endings. Therefore, the tissues around the extracted teeth determine pain after an extraction. Depending on what the procedure requires, the degree of tissue damage can vary, which affects the amount of pain.
The severity of infection that accumulated before the procedure also influences how much pain is present after. The state in which the tissues are in can affect the healing process and pain involved. Additionally, some patients have more tissue sensitivity than others.
When considering a tooth extraction vs. root canal, keep in mind a root canal procedure causes little to no pain. Even though it can sound scary, it is similar in scale to have a deep filling performed. The mouth pain leading up to the root canal is what patients usually remember. The pain before a root canal involves the soft inside of the tooth with nerves and lymphatic tissue. Once the root canal occurs, pain is alleviated, and the feeling left is only mild to moderate pain and soreness.
Dentists recommend root canals and tooth extractions depending on each patient’s individual needs. Weighing each procedure’s pros and cons can be helpful when deciding with your dentist on the best option to meet your needs. Here is essential information on what to expect before, during, and after either one is performed:
Risks
Root Canal: There are not as many risks with a root canal. One of the main dangers is that if a dentist does not do it properly, the procedure can damage the enamel. Another risk is that an abscess can develop and spread if any infected material is left behind.
Extraction: An extraction leaves an empty hole in the mouth. This hole makes it possible for bacteria to grow and cause an infection. An infection can spread to other teeth quickly and start a domino of extractions that are needed. Additionally, tooth extractions can endanger surrounding teeth by causing teeth to shift within the mouth due to the new gap. If one of those teeth loosens up, other teeth tend to become loose and can even begin to fall out.
Prevention of Future Problems
Root Canal: Root canals are not entirely risk-free. However, going without the procedure will only cause the infected tooth to worsen. As a result, the infection can lead to an abscess or other severe conditions like oral bone degeneration. Likewise, infection can cause functional issues.
Extraction: Before dentists perform an extraction, they determine whether a tooth is likely to cause future problems. Having a tooth extracted can solve issues related to infection and a crowded mouth. Dentists often see a crowded mouth with patients who have wisdom teeth in the back of their mouths that are hard to care for.
Recovery
Root Canal: Saves part of the natural tooth. The natural tooth helps with a quicker recovery time. As a result, pain or discomfort from a root canal usually dissipates a couple of days after the procedure.
Extractions: Require individuals to avoid certain foods and chewing in that area to reduce the risk of infection. Tooth extractions require individuals to rest for two to three days to up to one week before returning to normal physical activity. This is to allow time for the affected area to clot.
Costs
Root Canal: Patients should know that root canals have high upfront costs when deciding on either an extraction or a root canal. These upfront costs may be hundreds or a few thousand dollars.
Tooth extractions: May only cost a few hundred initially. However, tooth extractions lead to continuing appointments and more money later down the line. For example, if a dental bridge or implant is needed.
Root canals and tooth extractions are essential options to become familiar with for anyone wondering how to fix their infected tooth. The team here at the office for David Wilhite DDS strives to provide a comfortable and relaxing dental experience for the Plano, Texas community. Whether you are interested in getting an extraction or a root canal, give us a call today at (972) 964-3774 for a happier, healthier mouth.
It is essential to fix decay under the crown of a tooth as it can lead to serious health concerns. Brown and grey spots show up on the tooth material around a crown where pearly whites should be. These spots indicate tooth decay, which can be the culprit of nerve damage. Decay under crowns starts with a buildup of a sticky yellow plaque film. Plaque contains bacteria that attacks the teeth and combines with saliva to mineralize into a hard, crusty yellow or brown tartar. Tartar deposits adhere to the teeth, trap stains, and accumulate. If the problem persists, it can damage nerves, lead to root canals and other complicated procedures. The cavity under crown repair process is to remove the old crown, remove the decay, and replace the crown.
What causes Decay Under Crown?
After someone eats, the food left on the teeth and surrounding areas becomes a feast for harmful bacteria. So what causes tooth decay under crowns? This bacteria lives within the plaque that lives inside of mouths. The bacteria microbes sustain themselves through sugar. Consequently, they flourish from leftover food. Acid develops from the bacteria, attacking and damaging the enamel. This acid creates holes in the teeth, also known as tooth decay.
Regularly brushing and flossing teeth removes plaque. Having a dentist monitor and clean one’s teeth also helps remove plaque. Most importantly, dentists can notice signs of decay before the decay worsens. Neglecting these oral hygiene steps will result in plaque becoming trapped under crowns and in the cracks of teeth. As a result, the plaque causes decay under crowns.
What happensif you get a rotting tooth under a crown?
Crowns are covers that are connected on top of teeth to improve them when they have problems. These problems include cracked teeth and cavities that are too large for a filling. When decay occurs, it happens around the crown’s edges on the natural tooth and quickly spreads underneath the crown. Consequently, the old crown needs to be removed, along with the decay.
After that, dentists must add a new crown. Sometimes the decaying eats through the natural tooth entirely and destroys the nerves. In these cases, if dentists can still save the tooth, a root canal will need to be performed before adding a new crown.
When a tooth has already had a crown, the new crown’s edges will need to be deeper. The process requires this additional depth because of the space left from where the dentist removed the decay. Fixing a rotting tooth under a crown is a difficult process and may require a crown specialist.
How to identify cavity under crown symptoms
Sometimes the size of the area affected by decay under crowns is relatively small. However, decay under a crown is always unpleasant, with the ability to cause severe damage. There may be brown and grey spots that one can see. But some of the signs of decay are less specific. Dentists can X-ray to look for decay under crowns. Even so, a more in-depth examination may be necessary through a second opinion.
Other signs of a cavity under a crown to look for include crown tooth pain or sensitivity, inflamed gums, and bleeding while practicing routine oral hygiene. Keeping up with regular dental appointments and going in as soon as one suspects any signs of decay under crowns will make a difference in their oral health.
How to preventdental crown pain
Crown tooth pain is caused by plaque, which can be removed by brushing and flossing. To avoid having the bacteria in the plaque cause damage and pain under the crown, one should keep up with routine oral hygiene. That includes brushing twice a day, flossing every day, and visiting a dentist regularly. One final way is to preserve a dental crown’s integrity is to avoid chewing on hard or crunchy foods, especially ice.
Stop decay before it starts with regular checkups from Dr. Wilhite’s dental team. Our practice is here to deliver high-quality dentistry to the Plano, Texas, community. We want to keep you happy and your smile healthy!
Crown tooth pain, swollen gums, tooth sensitivity, and fever can all be signs of an infected tooth crown.
Why does my crown smell bad?
Dentists use dental cement to put crowns in place. Over time the cement wears down, leaving space for material like bacteria and food to enter. This bacteria can lead to a bad smell. Space for bacteria to flourish can also occur if a crown becomes loose for any reason.
How do you clean under a crown?
Good flossing technique keeps plaque from causing issues. Floss should be threaded and moved through the space between the crown and the gumline. Regular brushing also helps clean around the crown.
How does a dentist remove a crown?
Removal of temporary crowns is standard practice. Dentists gently pry temporary crowns. This action causes the dental cement that holds the crown and tooth together to break. Dentists may take alternative methods for other more permanent crowns. The first of these methods is cutting a hole in the crown and using it to lift the crown from the tooth. The second is cutting into the crown with a high-speed rotary instrument in which case the crown is not reusable.
David Wilhite is a