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.

Don’t Let Periodontal Disease Happen To You

Your dentist understands how important regular checkups are and if you have not seen your Dentist in Goodlettsville for some time, it is probably a good idea to schedule an appointment with Dr. Barkley. With over thirty years of experience Dr. Barkley will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums looking for tooth decay, gingivitis and other dental issues.

If periodontal disease has been detected, he will recommend that you schedule a deep cleaning, otherwise known as scaling and planing. Deep cleaning is the first step that needs to be taken in order to get rid of your periodontal disease.

According to Web MD, Scaling and planing is the most effective way to heal your teeth and gums. When your Dentist in Goodlettsville scales and plans your teeth, he may use a local anesthetic in order to make the procedure more comfortable.

Your dental hygenist will use a small dental instrument called a scaler or an ultrasonic cleaner that will remove the tarter and plaque between your teeth and gums. Depending on the extent of your periodontal disease, or the less severe gingivitis, your Dentist in Goodlettsville may schedule your cleanings in quadrants in order to make the treatment less invasive. Dr. Barkley will carefully remove the plaque and tartar by scaling down to the bottom of each pocket.

Once the scaling is completed, the surfaces of the roots of your teeth will be smoothed in order to heal the tissue and cause your periodontal pockets to shrink. Planing also makes it harder for the plaque and tartar to re-accumulate along the root surfaces.

If your periodontal disease is advanced, antibiotic fibers may be used that will be placed between your gums and teeth. The antibiotics will help speed up the healing process and prevent further infection. Your Dentist in Goodlettsville will remove the pockets at a second appointment when he checks on your healing.

Bleeding after brushing and flossing, persistent bad breath and gums that have pulled away from your teeth are warning signs and if you experience any of these symptoms, it is vital that you schedule an examination. Periodontal disease can happen to anyone and if left untreated can cause serious consequences.