Suffering from a Cracked Tooth?

You may have a very common problem in your mouth!

Teeth may crack when subjected to the stress of chewing hard foods or ice or by biting on an unexpected hard object.  Teeth with or without restorations may exhibit this problem, but teeth restored with typical "silver" alloy restorations are the most susceptible.

Symptoms and Signs of Cracked-Tooth Syndrome may include the following:

• PAIN ON CHEWING
• PAIN ON COLD AIR APPLICATION
• UNSOLICITED PAIN ( USUALLY LEAKAGE OF SUGAR INTO TOOTH CRACK)
• NO X-RAY EVIDENCE OF PROBLEM
• EASY VERIFICATION OF CRACK WHEN TOOTH IS PREPARED FOR RESTORATION

Treatment of Cracked Teeth:

1.  Simple Crack:  The majority of cracked teeth (about 9 out of 10) can be treated by placement of a simple crown (cap) on the tooth.  When the tooth is prepared for the crown and a temporary restoration is placed your symptoms usually leave immediately.  If this is the case with your tooth we will place the final crown at your next appointment. 

2.  Complex Crack:  Occasionally, (about 1 out of 10) the tooth cracks into the pulp (nerve) of the tooth.  If the pain persists after placement of the temporary crown, you may have a crack into the nerve of the affected tooth.  This tooth may then require root canal therapy before the final crown is placed.  On occassion a tooth may crack or fracture to the point where it is no longer able to be saved and will have to be removed.  That is why it is so important to see the dentist on a regular basis. 

Please be sure to visit us if you are showing any of the above listed symptons.

MI Paste is HERE!

We are so excited to tell you about MI Paste

 and MI Paste PlusTM.! 

This special tooth "conditioner" is a blend of calcium and phosphate that restores teeth suffering from acid erosion.  MI Paste can be applied in the office or at home.  There are many benefits to using MI paste including preventing and reversing white spots (often from ortho), reducing tooth erosion, and relieving dry mouth.  Many people use MI Paste to relieve tooth sensitivity caused by exposed roots , tooth whitening and cavities. 

Hundreds of Medications that we take every day have a listed side effect of "dry mouth".

 MI Paste helps relieve dry mouth by restoring a "normal feeling" of saliva to the teeth and gums. 

If you are taking drugs to treat cancer or are receiving chemotherapy or head and neck radiation, you may be suffering from dry mouth.  In addition, nausea associated with chemotherapy can result in stomach acid being present in the mouth.  This can lead to dental erosion and decay. 

Talk with any one of our ENVISION Dental Team members about how you can start protecting and healing your teeth.

No more flossing excuses!

There are many excuses I've heard over the years why people do not floss.  All of which are not hurting anyone but the individual giving the excuse.  The bottom line is if you do not floss on a regular basis (at least every 24 hours) you leave food debris and bacteria in between your teeth that your toothbrush can't reach.  Would you leave food out on your kitchen counter for a couple of days and then pack your lunch?  Yikes!  The reality is bacteria are living, breathing and moving organisms around your teeth. Flossing breaks up this pesty party going on in your mouth. So, all the talk you hear at your dental appointment about the importance of flossing is to give you the inside scoop we already know. Maintain a healthy diet, good overall health, regular dental visits, and toothbrushing and flossing after meals will give you the confidence you need for your next dental appointment. No excuses!    -Lynne.