Decay Could Be Lurking Under Your Old Fillings

Dental Bonding is a quick and inexpensive procedure that can give you the smile that you have always dreamed of having. Talk to your dentist about Dental Bonding to fill that gap in-between your teeth or to replace those unsightly silver amalgam fillings that you have had for years. Most people have no idea that those 10, 15 or 20 year old silver fillings could be covering up tooth decay.

Constant pressure on your teeth caused by chewing, clenching or grinding can crack, chip, or wear away at your dental fillings, and although you may not have any idea that your fillings are wearing down, but your dentist certainly can.

According to Dr. Rick Barkley, it is actually the seal that lies between the fillings and the enamel on your teeth that is to blame. If there is a leak or the filling was never put in properly in the first place, you could have additional decay under that filling. Unfortunately, like all tooth decay it will not just go away. If left untreated, those cavities underneath your filling could eventually infect the pulp in your tooth leading to a dangerous abscessed tooth.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately if you suspect tooth decay under your fillings. You may not have pain, but any sensitivity in the area could indicate tooth decay.

Large fillings that have recurrent decay may not have enough support in the tooth for a replacement filling. If that is the case, you may need a dental crown.

If new fillings are not staying put it is time to find a dentist, as your old dentist may not have properly prepared the decay before filling the tooth. Other problems with new fillings could be contamination, chewing trauma, or restoration fractures.

When you schedule a check-up with your dentist, he will do a thorough examination taking x-rays of your teeth and gums. Dr. Barkley will be able to determine if you have tooth decay underneath your old fillings and discuss your options. If the decay is too close to the nerve, a root canal may be your only option.

Even if you brush twice and floss once a day you could still be dealing with tooth decay. Schedule an appointment today.

If others are turning away It Could Be Your Breath

Most dentists have seen their fair share of patients with bad breath, and if you have been turning people away because of your chronic halitosis, it may be time to make an appointment with your dentist.

A number of things including poor oral hygiene can cause chronic bad breath. Brushing once and flossing twice a day can help your chronic bad breath, but if tooth decay and gum disease have set in, you may need a deep cleaning to get rid of the plaque and tartar.

When you schedule an appointment your dentist will be able to determine if your teeth and gums cause your bad breath. If it is something else entirely, Dr. Barkley may recommend that you see your doctor.

Bad breath can also be caused by certain physical conditions including diabetes, kidney, or liver disease. Other conditions that may be causing your bad breath include bronchitis, colds, and sinusitis, and of course, tooth and gum infections. Respiratory tract infections will eventually break down the tissue beginning a cell flow loaded with mucus that will feed the bacteria in your mouth causing halitosis.

It’s a fact that you cannot smell your own breath, which is a shame really, as that new colleague that you were out to impress just may be turned off by the foul smell coming from your mouth.

Your mouth houses billions of bacteria and literally grows faster than weeds. Bacteria will thrive on every surface in your mouth including your gums, cheeks, teeth, and tongue. Bacteria produces waste giving you the breath that sends others running for the hills. Just like all living creatures, bacteria has to get rid of the waste somewhere, and when it’s your mouth that is producing the bacteria, the waste ends up in between your teeth and below your gum line.

Talk to your dentist the next time you have a check up if you are constantly dealing with chronic bad breath. If your halitosis is a direct result of your oral hygiene, Dr. Barkley can help. 

Start the New Year off Right With a Goodlettsville Dentist

Too much good food and drink can be just as dangerous to your waistline as your teeth, and if you are trying to stick to your New Year,’s resolution, why not add another must to your list and pay a visit to your dentist.   

Remember, regular check-ups are the best way to keep tooth decay from ruining your smile. If you are not true to your teeth today, they will be false to you tomorrow.

Seeing Dr. Rick Barkley is a pleasant experience and because he believes in preventive education and care, you can feel confident knowing that your mouth is safe.

During your appointment, the two of you will sit down and discuss your medical history in order to determine if anything could be affecting your overall oral health. After a thorough examination of your teeth and gums checking for early signs of gum disease and tooth decay, x-rays may be necessary.

Preventive dental care is more than just check-ups. Regular cleanings, flossing, sealants and fluoride treatments are all part of a regular routine and if adhered to will help keep you from having unnecessary fillings, root canals and more invasive dental procedures.

Of course, if you do need a thorough cleaning, your dentist will perform a scaling and planing treatment in order to prevent further gum disease. If gingivitis is not taken care of right away your gums will not heal on their own. Without scaling and planing gingivitis will quickly get worse. If allowed to progress gingivitis will become periodontal disease. If your dentist discovers that plaque and tartar have formed below the gum line he will begin the healing process with a deep cleaning. A follow up appointment will be made to check on the progress of your teeth and gums.  

Improve your smile, add another item to your New Years checklist, and schedule an appointment with your dental professional today.