Our Blog
Cavities – Not Just Kids’ Stuff
February 17th, 2012
Cavities occur as a result of the destruction of tooth structure, called tooth decay. Tooth decay can affect both the enamel (the outer coating of the tooth) and the dentin (the inner layer of the tooth). While it is very important to brush and floss every day to remove food particles and plaque, regular cleanings and checkups at Dr. David M. Lewis Dentistry is the best way to help avoid cavities.
Dr. David Lewis can discover cavities during your regular dental checkup. The tooth surface feels soft when probed with a dental instrument. X-rays can also show cavities before they become visible to the eye. In advanced stages of tooth decay, you might experience a toothache, especially after consuming sweet, hot, or cold foods or drinks. Other signs of tooth decay are visible pits or holes in the teeth.
Don’t wait for a toothache!
Remember, the longer you wait to treat a cavity, the more extensive your treatment will be. A small cavity can be treated with a filling, while a large cavity that weakens the structure of your tooth may require a crown. If the decay is so bad that it causes the nerve or pulp of the tooth to die, a root canal or tooth removal may be your only options. If you think you may have a cavity, contact Dr. David M. Lewis Dentistry and schedule an appointment. We’ll make sure you leave with a healthy, pain-free smile!
Dr. Lewis and team, celebrating National Dental Health Month
February 10th, 2012
Did you know February is National Dental Health Month?
It’s a great time of the year to renew those resolutions about continuing to practice great dental hygiene. Today, we thought we’d discuss the importance of preventative oral care. While most people are familiar with traditional heart-saving practices such as eating healthy and exercising regularly, lesser-known are the benefits that great oral hygiene provides to one’s cardiovascular health.
Here are a few tips to help you continue those New Year’s resolutions:
*Remember that poor oral hygiene is linked to serious common diseases such as cardiovascular disease, bacterial pneumonia and osteoporosis. Teeth are the only non-shedding surface in your body, which suggests teeth have the highest bacterial levels in the entire body.
*Brush and floss every day to remove the plaque that can lead to cavities. Flossing daily removes food debris that your toothbrush cannot reach.
*Replace your toothbrush on a regular basis. You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months or after a cold or illness to prevent re-infection. Remember to use a soft toothbrush so you won’t wear off the enamel of your teeth.
*If heart disease runs in the family, a diagnosis of gum disease increases the likelihood of developing heart disease, but an improved oral care regimen and healthy diet can lower the risk.
*Visit our office regularly. The American Dental Association recommends you visit Dr. Lewis every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. Fluoride treatments twice a year will help prevent tooth decay.
Each February, our team at David M. Lewis Dentistry focus on the preventive oral care of our patients. Have you visited our office the past six months? If not, it’s time to give us a call and schedule an appointment!
How do I fix my lower denture?
February 1st, 2012
Dr. David Lewis and our team are proud to offer miniMARK Miniature Dental Implants at our Sacramento, CA office. Dental implant therapy is a significant advancement in the dental industry that has greatly improved the lives of many patients with dentures. There are several different types of implant and restoration options, but the choice often depends on the amount of bone available and your general health. The introduction of mini dental implants has enabled us to broaden the spectrum of patients who can be treated with implants.
The miniMARK Dental Implant System consists of a small implant that acts like the root of a tooth and a retaining fixture that is incorporated into the base of dentures. Mini dental implants give you stability plus the confidence to eat, smile, and enjoy life. The best part? Mini dental implants can be placed in a single office visit and they are affordable!
As with any procedure, ask Dr. Lewis if mini dental implants are right for you. To learn more about this great advancement in dentistry, give our office a call or ask us at your next appointment.
Is sedation dentistry right for you?
January 23rd, 2012
While Dr. David Lewis and our team strive to offer a comfortable experience for all our patients, we realize that fear or anxiety while visiting the dentist can affect a lot of people anyway. For patients who need extra comfort and relaxation during their dental visit, we are pleased to offer sedation dentistry.
Do you feel nervous or stressed about your upcoming dental treatment? Well you’re not alone; in fact, almost 30 percent of the population experiences “dental phobia” when faced with visiting the dentist!
The reasons for patients’ fear of the dentist can be numerous, but are usually due to a traumatic experience during their childhood. This overwhelming anxiety can cause one to avoid modern dental care, resulting in poor oral hygiene and possible mouth-related issues such as gum disease.
If you experience one or more of the following, you could benefit from sedation dentistry:
* High fear of dental care
* Complex dental problems
* Traumatic dental experiences
* Fear of needles and shots
* Trouble getting numb
* Sensitive teeth
If you suffer from dental phobia, sedation dentistry may be the answer. Please give us a call for more info about sedation dentistry, and we’ll be more than happy to answer your questions.