Garcia Mayoral Dentistry

Products And Services

• Invisalign®

  Invisalign® in Coral Gables, FLMany people want to perfect their smile but are discouraged by traditional metal braces that impact the look and function of their teeth for several years. Invisalign clear braces allow you to straighten your teeth without a mouth full of metal or painful bracket-tightening trips to the orthodontist. These transparent aligners gently guide teeth into their proper alignment and address various tooth and bite concerns, making them the ideal option for many adults and some teens or children. Garcia | Mayoral Dentistry in Coral Gables, Florida, offers Invisalign as a discreet option to straighten your smile. With more than 40 years of experience, our dentists provide the latest dental techniques and use a patient-focused approach for the whole family. Dr. Oliver Mayoral and Dr. Faustino Garcia take great care to ensure each patient feels comfortable and understands their options for improving their smile and oral health. What Is Invisalign? Invisalign is an alternative to metal braces that moves teeth into a better position using clear aligner trays. These aligners are worn for at least 22 hours a day and removed to eat or drink fluids other than water. Patients brush and floss before placing the trays back in their mouths and switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks. Benefits of Invisalign The most notable benefit of Invisalign is discreet, subtle teeth straightening. Adults and teenagers often struggle with metal brackets and wires that affect their smile's appearance, but Invisalign offers a nearly "invisible" way to correct their bite. Invisalign aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces, with a medical-grade plastic that fits snugly against your teeth and doesn't rub against the gums and other oral tissues. There's no concern about protruding pieces of metal or wire cutting the gums, tongue or inner cheeks. There are no food limitations for Invisalign patients. Metal braces prevent people from enjoying popcorn, apples and other foods that may get caught in the wiring or brackets. Invisalign trays are removed for eating, so you can brush and floss away food debris before placing them back in your mouth. Invisalign requires fewer trips to the orthodontist than traditional options, and these visits are typically not painful. Our dentists will make sure your teeth are moving as intended and give you the next few sets of clear aligners at these appointments. Invisalign treatment is less of a time commitment than traditional orthodontics, with the average treatment lasting 12 to 18 months instead of years with metal braces. Candidates for Invisalign Most adults with mild to moderate tooth crowding or bite concerns will qualify for Invisalign. Children and teens interested in Invisalign must be responsible enough to follow the treatment plan and wear their aligners for at least 22 hours a day. Some kids (and adults) may be tempted to remove aligners more often, forget to switch to a new set or lose them, but this can lead to gaps in treatment that affect final results and lengthen the Invisalign process. Invisalign can address most tooth concerns, including: Crooked teeth Overcrowded teeth Protruding teeth Tooth gaps Crossbite Overbite Underbite Severe jaw issues may still require traditional orthodontics or surgery to correct bite concerns, and patients need to have healthy teeth and gums before Invisalign. How Does the Invisalign Process Work? Clear aligners in Coral Gables, FLInvisalign starts with a consultation to assess your bite and determine if you're a good fit for clear braces. One of our dentists will take a mold or computerized impression of your teeth to calculate your treatment plan and determine how long you'll need to wear the aligners. We will discuss the cost of Invisalign and give you a preview of what your results may look like if you follow the directions. The next step is creating your Invisalign aligners using photos, X-rays and scans of your jaw and teeth at the Invisalign lab. These trays should perfectly match your bite and pop over your teeth comfortably, slowly guiding teeth into a better position. Some patients may need attachments or tooth-colored bonding materials that keep the aligners in place and encourage more tooth movement. You'll receive your first set of Invisalign trays to start your treatment, and the next steps depend on the severity of your tooth and bite concerns. Our dentists will have you check in at follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and pick up new trays. At the end of your Invisalign treatment, a new mold is taken to create a removable retainer that you wear at night to maintain your straighter smile. If you're interested in Invisalign, contact Garcia | Mayoral Dentistry in Coral Gables, Florida. Call (305) 444-4300 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation.

  Link: Invisalign®

• Teeth Whitening

  There are many products and techniques available for patients who want to achieve a brighter smile, and with so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the method that is right for you. The best way to begin any teeth-whitening regimen is to schedule an appointment and talk to your doctor about the differences between in-office professional whitening and at-home whitening. In-Office Teeth Whitening The first professional option is commonly referred to as in-office whitening. This procedure is performed in a dental office. During an appointment, your dental professional will apply a whitening gel to the surface of your teeth. The entire office visit generally takes about 90 minutes and you will be able to see results immediately. At-Home Teeth Whitening Tray Whitening Tray bleaching is a type of professional whitening that uses custom-made trays and whitening gel only available through your dentist. The whitening gel is placed in custom-fitted trays that fit perfectly over your teeth. As the peroxide in the gel breaks down, hydroxyradicals help whiten stained teeth. Unlike strips, this process whitens all your natural teeth and may contain ingredients intended to provide maximum comfort. At-home professional tray whitening generally takes ten to 14 days, although you may notice results in as little as three to five days. Paint-On Teeth Whiteners There are many over-the-counter teeth whitening options, and one type of readily accessible whitening products is commonly referred to as a “paint-on” teeth whitener. Paint-on whiteners can be purchased over-the-counter and generally are less expensive and less effective than whitening strips or professional options. Paint-on teeth whiteners consist of a gel that is applied to the tooth using a small brush. Paint-on whitening gel hardens into a film that coats the teeth, and dissolves in the mouth. As with any teeth-whitening regimen, it is wise to consult with a dental professional before use. Teeth-Whitening Strips Teeth-whitening strips are thin, flexible plastic (polyethylene) strips with a thin film of hydrogen peroxide on one side. Whitening strip kits come with two types of strips: strips for the upper teeth and strips for the lower teeth. The whitening agent is applied by placing the strips across your teeth and gently pressing the strips to ensure contact with all your teeth. Teeth-whitening strips are typically worn for 30 minutes a day, twice a day. The duration of treatment will vary. Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash The least expensive options are whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes. Designed to have “whitening” capabilities, toothpastes and mouthwashes work to remove surface stains using mild abrasives. However, unlike the materials used in professional whitening procedures, these products do not lighten the actual color shade of the tooth. Whitening toothpastes affect surface stains and will mildly lighten your teeth. If you would like to learn more about teeth whitening, please contact our practice to schedule an appointment.

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• Prosthodontics

  A beautiful smile is important to your health, hygiene, confidence, and self-esteem. At our office, we can help you have the most attractive, natural-looking smile possible through advanced prosthodontic care. Prosthodontics, or prosthetic dentistry, is an area of dentistry that concentrates on the aesthetic restoration and replacement of teeth to their proper form and function. As a comprehensive dental practice, we offer our patients a wide range of prosthodontic treatments. Prosthodontic care focuses on complete oral rehabilitation and treatment of numerous dental conditions, such as: TMJ/TMD Traumatic injuries to the mouth’s structures Congenital or birth anomalies to teeth Snoring and sleep disorders Oral cancer reconstruction and continuing care Prosthodontic Treatment Options In order to restore your smile, we may recommend the following prosthodontic treatments: Bridges A bridge may be used to replace missing teeth, help maintain the shape of your face, and alleviate stress on your bite. A bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth, looks great, and literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth may have been. Your bridge can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials and is bonded onto surrounding teeth for support. Crowns Crowns are a restoration used to improve your tooth’s shape or to strengthen a tooth. Crowns are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn, or have portions destroyed by tooth decay. Think of a crown as a “cap” cemented onto an existing tooth which fully covers the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth’s new outer surface. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth and are very strong. Dental Implants An implant is an artificial tooth made of metal and porcelain that looks just like your natural tooth. It's composed of two main parts: one is the titanium implant body that takes the place of the missing root, and the second part is the tooth-colored crown that is cemented on top of the implant. With dental implants, you can smile confidently knowing that no one will ever suspect you have a replacement tooth. Dentures Dentures are natural-looking replacement teeth made by your dentist that are removable. There are two types of dentures: full and partial. Full dentures are given to patients when all of the natural teeth have been removed. Partial dentures are attached to a metal frame that is connected to your natural teeth and are used to fill in where permanent teeth have been removed. Fillings A filling is often used to repair a tooth that is affected by wear, decay, cracks, or fractures. The decayed or affected portion of the tooth is removed and replaced with a filling, which can be made up of many different materials, such as gold, porcelain, composite, ceramic, and plastic compound. Occlusal Disease Treatment Occlusal disease is caused by a misalignment between the teeth of the upper and lower dental arches, also called malocclusion. If left untreated, occlusal disease and can damage your teeth, the supporting bones and gums around your teeth, temporomandibular joints, and the jaw muscles you use for chewing. Many people dismiss excessive or abnormally accelerated tooth wear as natural aging or wearing of teeth, however, prosthodontic treatment can alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by occlusal disease. Veneers Veneers are thin, custom-made shells made from tooth-colored materials, such as porcelain, designed to cover the front side of your teeth. Veneers are natural in appearance and a great option for patients who want to make adjustments to the look and feel of their smile.

  Link: Prosthodontics

• All-On-4 Implants

  All-On-4 Implants in Coral Gables, FLMissing multiple teeth is a health issue for your mouth and overall well-being. One missing tooth often leads to further tooth loss as the adjacent teeth shift to fill the gap, and the jawbone degrades from the lack of stimulation. People may lose teeth from injury, tooth decay or disease, but many options exist to restore a healthy, full mouth with prosthetics and dental implants. All-on-4® is a restorative dentistry procedure that replaces an entire arch of missing teeth in the upper or lower jawbone using four strategically placed dental implants to anchor the prosthetic. Our dentists at Garcia | Mayoral Dentistry have more than 40 years of experience providing exceptional dental care. Dr. Oliver Mayoral and Dr. Faustino Garcia are dedicated to the dentistry field and participate in continuing dental education and training courses annually. Our Coral Gables, Florida, office offers comprehensive dentistry services for the whole family using the latest dental techniques and technologies. What Is All-on-4? Removable bridges and dentures are the traditional ways to replace multiple missing teeth, but these prosthetics have drawbacks. They may slip in the mouth, affecting speech and eating abilities and don't protect the jawbone from resorption. All-on-4® is an alternative option that uses a reduced number of tilted dental implants to secure a whole arch in place and prevent further bone loss. All-on-4® is less invasive than other implant-supported treatment options and is nicknamed "Teeth in a Day" because it provides immediate dental restorations. Dental implants are titanium posts that look like screws. These rods are surgically placed in the jawbone and fuse with the bone over time, like artificial tooth roots. Once the jaw has healed, an arch of natural-looking artificial teeth (pontics) is attached to abutment connections on the implanted posts. Who Is a Candidate for All-on-4? All-On-4 Implants IllustrationPeople missing most or all of the teeth on their upper or lower jaw can qualify for All-on-4®, and this procedure may be an option for someone needing multiple tooth extractions. Our dentists will take X-rays to evaluate your bone structure and determine if you have enough bone to support the implants and a proper bite alignment. Most people in good health with strong immune systems can qualify for All-on-4®, but lifestyle factors (tobacco use) and medical conditions (diabetes) may affect eligibility. Benefits of All-on-4 Implants All-on-4® allows patients to enjoy a better quality of life and improve their self-esteem with a fixed dental prosthetic. Dentures can pose a psychological and social burden on people missing multiple teeth, affecting their food choices, appearance and speaking abilities. Modern, implant-supported restorations, such as All-on-4®, give these patients functional and aesthetically appealing teeth. Removable dentures and bridges only replace the visible tooth structures, but All-on-4® establishes artificial tooth roots that strengthen and stabilize the jawbone to stop bone loss. Replacing missing teeth improves oral and overall health and encourages proper oral hygiene at home, reducing the risk of gum disease. All-on-4® restorations are easier to care for with daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to our dentists for cleanings. Patients with tooth loss tend to look older than their chronological age because the lack of teeth gives their lower face an aged, hollow or gaunt appearance, and the missing structures can worsen wrinkles. All-on-4® can help patients look younger by restoring a complete set of teeth and supporting the facial tissues for a facial profile that makes them look 10 to 20 years younger. All-on-4® produces predictable, successful results with a single dental surgery for permanent teeth replacements that may last a lifetime. If you're interested in All-on-4®, contact Garcia | Mayoral Dentistry in Coral Gables, Florida. Call (305) 444-4300 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation.

  Link: All-On-4 Implants

• Bridges

  A bridge may be used to replace missing teeth, help maintain the shape of your face, and alleviate stress on your bite. A bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth, looks great, and literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth may have been. Your bridge can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials, and is bonded onto surrounding teeth for support. The success of any bridge depends on its foundation — the other teeth, gums, or bone to which it is attached. Therefore, it's very important to keep your existing teeth, gums, and jaw healthy and strong.

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• Dental Implants

  People are living longer than ever, and while regular brushing, flossing, and checkups allow many of us to maintain our natural smiles for a lifetime, sometimes our teeth just can't keep up. If you've lost a tooth (or a few teeth) due to injury or disease, dental implants can rejuvenate both your smile and your oral health. An implant is a synthetic tooth root in the shape of a post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. The “root” is usually made of titanium: the same material used in many replacement hips and knees, and a metal that is well-suited for use with human bone. A replacement tooth is then fixed to the post. The tooth can be either permanently attached or removable. Permanent teeth are stabler and feel more like natural teeth. The ideal candidate for implants is a non-smoker who has good oral health, including a sufficient amount of bone in the jaw, and healthy gums with no sign of gum disease. Single or Multiple Implants Implants are versatile. If you are only missing one tooth, a single implant with a replacement tooth attached will do the trick. If you are missing several teeth in a row, a few strategically placed implants can support a permanent bridge. Similarly, if you have lost all of your teeth, a full bridge or full dentures can be permanently fixed in your mouth with a strategic number of implants. Advantages Over Dentures or Bridges Conventional bridges and dentures are not fixed to the bone, and can therefore be unstable. This can make it difficult to eat or smile with confidence. Implants not only look more natural, but feel and act more like normal teeth, providing a stronger biting force. Because they don't directly rely on neighboring teeth for support, implants don't compromise the health of your natural teeth. In fact, bridges are only expected to last seven to ten years — even less with root canals — whereas implants will typically last a lifetime. Post-Treatment Care Consider your replacement teeth to be the same as natural teeth. They require the same daily brushing and flossing, and the same amount of regular checkups. Just like your natural teeth, the better you take care of your replacements, the longer they will last. Implant Services Our implant services include: Sinus Lift Augmentation: Often the sinuses will enlarge following loss of the upper back teeth. This can preclude placement of dental implants in the upper back areas of the mouth since the sinus is an air-filled space and dental implants need to be surrounded by solid bone. A sinus lift augmentation/graft is a surgical procedure that restores the sinus cavity to its original size and replaces the bone that has been lost as a result of the enlarged sinus. This new bone graft typically takes nine to 12 months to heal before the dental implants can be placed into the grafted bone. Autogenous Bone Grafting: Occasionally, the ideal areas for dental implants do not have sufficient bone quantity to support the implants. In these cases, it is often necessary to “borrow” bone from another area of your mouth and graft it into the deficient area. Often, patients choose the chin or the area in the back of the jaw where the wisdom teeth used to be. Implant Site Development: When a tooth needs to be removed due to infection, it is not uncommon to have lost bone around the infected tooth. In these cases, various types of bone grafting can be done at the same time the tooth is removed to facilitate the placement of a dental implant at a later date. Computer-Enhanced Treatment Planning: We have special software on our computer that allows us to evaluate your dental CT scan in three dimensions for bone quality, bone quantity, and bone location, enabling the best possible placement of your dental implants. This also allows us to work closely and smoothly with your restorative dentist to ensure an ideal result where your dental implants are concerned. Implant Maintenance: Once your dental implant restoration is completed, it is important to keep the area clean and infection-free. Dental implants can accumulate plaque and tartar just as teeth can. Whether you have just one tooth replaced by an implant or several, a professional cleaning schedule will be necessary to keep your implants healthy. The time interval for these professional cleanings will be determined by your individual needs.

  Link: Dental Implants

• Dentures

  Dentistry is all about smiles, and having a confident, healthy, beautiful smile is important even for patients wearing dentures. Our practice provides personalized denture services that meet the needs and comfort levels of our patients. All of our patients are unique and we create one-of-a-kind dentures that feel good and look natural. What are dentures? Dentures are natural-looking replacement teeth that are removable. There are two types of dentures: full and partial. Full dentures are given to patients when all of the natural teeth have been removed. Conventional full dentures are placed after the gum tissue has healed, which can take several months. Immediate full dentures are placed immediately after the teeth have been removed and may require frequent adjustments during the first couple of months of use. Partial dentures are attached to a metal frame that is connected to your natural teeth and are used to fill in where permanent teeth have been removed. Partial dentures are considered a removable alternative to bridges. How do I know if dentures are the right choice for me? Dentures are not for everyone. If you're interested in learning more about dentures and want to know if they are the right choice for you, please schedule an appointment. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you might have, and can determine the best course of treatment for your ongoing dental health. Caring for your dentures Dentures, just like natural teeth, require daily maintenance to stay clean and keep bacteria from growing inside of your mouth. Keep your dentures clean and your smile healthy: When handling your dentures, stand over a clean, folded towel or a sink full of water. This way, if you accidentally drop your dentures, they are less likely to break. Your dentures are not immune from plaque and tartar build-up, so it's important that you brush your dentures every day. To brush your dentures, use a soft-bristled brush and gently brush the surfaces of the dentures, being careful not to break or bend the plastic. Between brushings, it's important to rinse your dentures after each meal. Use a gentle cleanser to clean your dentures. Many toothpastes, household cleaners, and mouthwashes can be too hard on your dentures, so it is recommended that you use a mild hand or dish soap to get your dentures clean. Be sure to check for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval to choose products that are safe for your dentures, or ask your dentist about which products may be best for you. When you are not wearing your dentures, they need to be kept moist. Dentures that are not kept in a denture cleaning solution or in water can dry out, lose their shape, or even crack and break. Certain styles of dentures require certain soaking solutions, so be sure to ask your dentist which solution is best for you. Even if you have a full set of dentures, it's important to keep your gums and tongue clean. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean your gums and tongue every day. If by chance your dentures do break, please contact our practice and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Broken dentures that don't fit properly can cause irritation to your gums and mouth. Also, remember to continue scheduling regular dental checkups every six months to make sure that your smile stays healthy for many years to come.

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• Dental Sealants

  Have you ever noticed how your back teeth have jagged surfaces? Unfortunately, the uneven edges on your molars are especially susceptible to accumulating bacteria and food particles, which can lead to tooth decay. While brushing and flossing remain the best way to keep your molars clean, Dr. Faustino Garcia and Dr. Oliver Mayoral recommend dental sealants to some of their patients as an extra safeguard. By keeping bacteria out of the crevices of your teeth, sealants can help you avoid more expensive dental procedures like fillings or root canals. How Dental Sealants Work Cleaning your molars is a difficult task due to all their crevices: even diligent brushers can easily miss spots. Sealants help by covering the jagged edges where food particles most often become trapped. Sealants are made of a plastic resin material that easily affixes to the tooth, smoothing out the rough edges. Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Sealants? Dental sealants are an especially popular treatment for children as soon as their adult (permanent) teeth come in. Because the enamel on kids’ teeth is not as strong, children’s teeth are more vulnerable to infection and decay. Sealants provide extra protection until the teeth become stronger. Additionally, many adults choose dental sealants to improve their oral health. You should ask about sealants if you are prone to tooth decay or you want to be more proactive when it comes to your oral health. Sealant Procedure Details tooth sealant coral gablesThe procedure to apply dental sealants is painless and brief. To begin, Dr. Garcia or Dr. Mayoral cleans the teeth to ensure that all food plaque and bacteria are removed from the molars. Your dentist then dries the teeth and rubs an acid on them so that the teeth better accept the sealant. Finally, he coats the teeth with the sealant. This resin starts in an almost liquid-like state, but then an ultraviolet light hardens the resin so that it stays in place. Sealants Recovery and Results You may resume all normal activities immediately following your appointment, including eating. Your teeth may be sensitive after receiving sealants, but that sensitivity should fade within a matter of hours or days. You should not experience significant soreness. Continue to brush and floss your teeth with sealants as you do your other teeth. Failing to brush and floss your molars only elevates their chance for decay, even with sealants on them. Research by the American Dental Association finds that molars with sealants are about 80% less likely to develop cavities. Sealants are most effective in the two years after the sealants are added, but they can still offer protection for several years, even if not at maximum strength. You should periodically return to Garcia | Mayoral Dentistry for new sealants to continue protecting your back teeth. Make an Appointment If you or your child is interested in trying dental sealants to help avoid cavities, visit our talented dentists in Coral Gables, FL. Since sealants are much less expensive than a filling or root canal, many of our patients view dental sealants as a smart financial investment. For an appointment, please call (305) 444-4300.

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• Mouthguards/Nightguards

  Mouthguards Whether you wear braces or not, protecting your smile while playing sports is essential. Mouthguards help protect your teeth and gums from injury. If you participate in any kind of full-contact sport, the American Dental Association recommends that you wear a mouthguard. Choosing the right mouthguard is critical. There are three basic types of mouthguards: the pre-made mouthguard, the “boil-and-bite” fitted mouthguard, and a mouthguard custom-made by your dentist. When you choose a mouthguard, be sure to pick one that is tear-resistant, comfortable, appropriately sized for your mouth, easy to keep clean, and that allows you to breathe properly. Your dentist can show you how to wear a mouthguard correctly to protect your smile. Nightguards If you often wake up with jaw pain, earaches, or headaches — or if you find yourself clenching or grinding your teeth — you may have a common condition called “bruxism.” Many people are unaware that they grind their teeth, as it often occurs while they are sleeping. If not corrected, bruxism can lead to broken teeth, cracked teeth, or even tooth loss. There is a non-invasive treatment for bruxism: nightguards. Nightguards are an easy way to prevent the wear and damage that teeth-grinding causes over time. Custom-made by your dentist from soft material to comfortably fit your teeth, a nightguard is inserted over your top or bottom arch and prevents contact with the opposing teeth.

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• Extractions & Root Canals

  Wisdom Teeth Wisdom teeth are types of molars found in the very back of your mouth. They usually appear in your late teens or early twenties, though they may become impacted (fail to erupt) due to lack of room in the jaw or angle of entry. When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it may need to be removed. If it is not removed, you may develop gum tenderness, swelling, or even severe pain. Impacted wisdom teeth that are partially or fully erupted tend to be quite difficult to clean and are susceptible to tooth decay, recurring infections, and even gum disease. Wisdom teeth are typically removed at a younger age because there is a greater chance that the teeth’s roots have not fully formed and the bone surrounding the teeth is less dense. These two factors can make extraction easier as well as shorten the recovery time. In order to remove a wisdom tooth, your dentist first needs to numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. Since the impacted tooth may still be under the gums and embedded in your jawbone, your dentist will need to remove a portion of the bone to extract the tooth. In order to minimize the amount of bone that is removed with the tooth, your dentist will often “section” your wisdom tooth so that each piece can be removed through a small opening in the bone. Once your wisdom teeth have been extracted, the healing process begins. Healing time can vary depending on the degree of difficulty needed for the extraction. Your dentist will share with you what to expect and provide instructions for a comfortable, efficient healing process. Root Canal In the past, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, you'd probably lose that tooth. Today, your tooth can be saved with root canal treatment. When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the pulp tissue and germs can cause an infection inside the tooth. If left untreated, an abscess may form. If the infected tissue is not removed, pain and swelling can result. This can not only injure your jawbones, but it is also detrimental to your overall health. Root canal treatment involves one to three visits to your dentist. During treatment, your endodontist (a dentist who specializes in problems with the nerves of the teeth) removes the affected tissue. Next, the interior of the tooth will be cleaned and sealed. Finally, the tooth is filled with a dental composite. If your tooth has extensive decay, your doctor may suggest placing a crown to strengthen and protect the tooth from breaking. As long as you continue to care for your teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups, your restored tooth can last a lifetime.

  Link: Extractions & Root Canals

• Preventive Care

  Preventive dental care is important throughout your life, no matter your age. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular checkups with your dentist, you can help keep your smile bright and healthy for many years to come. Here are a few simple ways that you can prevent the build-up of plaque and cavities: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque from the tooth surfaces. Also be sure to brush the top surface of your tongue; this will remove any extra plaque-causing food particles, and help keep your breath fresh! Clean between your teeth by flossing at least once a day. You can also use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Decay-causing bacteria can linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't reach. Floss and mouthwash will help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line. Eat a balanced diet, and try to avoid extra-sugary treats. Nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, or fruit can help keep your smile healthy. Remember to schedule regular checkups with your dentist every six months for a professional teeth cleaning. Ask your dentist about dental sealants, protective plastic coatings that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts. If you play sports, be sure to ask your dentist about special mouthguards designed to protect your smile. If it's been six months since your last dental checkup, then it's time to contact our practice and schedule your next appointment!

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