Lenox Village Dentistry

What Causes Toothaches, and How Can They Be Treated?

A toothache is a painful condition that occurs most often from tooth decay. If you experience toothaches that last more than a day or two, you need to visit your dentist. Toothaches can be a sign of a much larger problem, so it is best to ask your dentist what might be causing your pain.

Take a look at this video to learn some of the common causes and treatments for toothaches. The surface of the tooth can be worn away by plaque, bacteria, and teeth grinding, exposing the sensitive nerve underneath. Toothaches can also be caused by broken or fractured teeth.

Lenox Village Dentistry in Nashville provides quality dental care to you and your family. Call us at (615) 832-2095 with all of your dental questions or to schedule your next visit.

Three Tips for Choosing Between an Electric and Manual Toothbrush

Good oral health is a key component of good general health. You should make regular visits to your dentist to make sure your teeth and gums are in good shape. In between appointments with your dentist, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. If you are looking to improve your brushing regimen, consider investing in an electric toothbrush:

1. Consider the Cost
If you are on a tight budget, a manual toothbrush is a more economical choice, as manual toothbrushes are much less expensive than their electric counterparts. In addition to their higher price tag, electrical toothbrush heads must be replaced every three months, just like with manual toothbrushes.

2. Consider the Effectiveness
Both manual and electric toothbrushes remove plaque and tartar buildup to keep your teeth and gums healthy. To that end, either kind of toothbrush can be effective when it is used properly. Some people who suffer from arthritis or shoulder problems prefer an electric toothbrush, as a manual toothbrush can be difficult for them to use properly.

Electric toothbrushes use the right amount of circular motion to effectively clean your teeth—if you have trouble using the right brushing techniques, an electric toothbrush may be right for you. Electric toothbrushes may also have another advantage in their features, since some models have automatic timers to make sure you brush for the right amount of time. If you decide to use a manual toothbrush, consider using a stopwatch to time your brushing.

3. Consider the Convenience
If you are a frequent traveler, you may find that a manual toothbrush is a better choice. Manual toothbrushes take up less space than electric toothbrushes and do not require batteries or a charger to function. In addition, if you happen to leave your toothbrush behind accidentally, it is much more economical to replace a manual toothbrush than an electric one.

Your dentist can give you advice on what kind of toothbrush might be right for you. To schedule an appointment at Lenox Village Dentistry in Nashville, call (615) 832-2095. Our dentists provide expert, friendly service to you and your family.

Benefits of Dental Implants Over Other Dental Restorations

When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, dental implants have become the solution of choice in dental restoration. Dental implants offer numerous aesthetic and health benefits over other options.

What Is A Dental Implant?
Dental implants are complete replacements for missing teeth. They can be used to replace single teeth or multiple teeth, depending on your cosmetic and oral needs. The dental implant itself is made of a titanium post, which is implanted into your jaw by your cosmetic dentist, and an abutment to which a realistic crown is attached, designed to look exactly like your missing tooth.

Why Are Dental Implants Better?
Dental implants are ideal because they look and feel natural and are easy to care for. Fixed bridges, another popular tooth replacement option, require that the healthy teeth adjacent to the missing tooth or teeth be filed down during the procedure so that the bridge can be affixed. Over time, the bridge can cause tooth decay and further degradation of the otherwise healthy teeth supporting the bridge, reducing the appeal of such an option. Additionally, fixed bridges and other tooth replacement options cannot mimic the root of the missing tooth, which leads to bone loss in your jaw over time, weakening its structure and causing further oral problems. Because dental implants rely on a metal post meant to mimic your tooth’s natural root, these replacement options not only provide a more stable solution, but one that is more beneficial to your jaw and overall oral health as well.

If you’re considering your tooth replacement options, visit Eastside Dental Medicine of NYC to speak with one of our implant dentists about the best choice for you today. Don’t let missing teeth cause cosmetic or other issues with your mouth; rather, smile, eat, and speak with the confidence of a natural, healthy smile. To learn more, visit our website on call us today at (917) 338-3433 to schedule an appointment.

Check Out These Links To Learn How You Can Get A Great Smile

If you’ve been considering cosmetic dentistry procedures to achieve your dream smile, you should learn a little more about your options. There are several procedures available that can help you enhance the color, size, shape, and placement of your teeth. Check out these links to learn how you can get a great smile:

• A great smile starts with healthy teeth. Learn about preventing gingivitis from this Mayo Clinic article.  
• This WebMD.com guide to cosmetic dentistry is the perfect starting point for those hoping to find out more about cosmetic procedures.
• Do you want to know about the benefits of dental crowns? Find out everything you need to know from MedicineNet.com.
• To learn how a dental bridge can help you get a great smile, take a look at this page from MouthHealthy.org
• Find out about dental bonding on this informative page from ClevelandClinic.org.

At Lenox Village Dentistry, our goal is to provide you and your family with the healthiest, most radiant smiles possible. To learn more about the services we offer, give us a call today at (615) 832-2095.

Understanding the Stages of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease can be incredibly damaging to your oral health. You can help prevent your risk for this condition by routinely visiting your general dentist and maintaining a good oral hygiene routine at home. Here is a guide to understanding the stages of periodontal disease:

Gingivitis
The first stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis. With gingivitis, gum tissues become inflamed, sore, and red. Dental patients with gingivitis often notice bleeding gums while brushing or flossing their teeth. At this stage, periodontal disease is still reversible without permanent damage.

Early Periodontitis
Once early periodontitis sets in, teeth and gum inflammation spreads to the periodontal ligaments. During this stage, there won’t be connective tissue loss or shifting teeth just yet. However, the gums will begin receding, leaving gaps between teeth where bacteria, plaque, and tartar can easily thrive.

Moderate Periodontitis
Once periodontitis advances to the moderate stage, the gums will be severely infected, and the rate of bone loss in the mouth and jaw will increase by about 35% to 50%. Serious gum recession will be obvious, and teeth will begin shifting.

Advanced Periodontitis

Once teeth have worsened to the most advanced stage of periodontal disease, the infection will cause painful gum abscesses and even tooth loss. Patients will be at risk of gradually losing more than 50% of bone support. Teeth suffering from this stage of periodontitis will need to undergo serious dental work by their dentists.

If you or a loved one is currently suffering from any stage of periodontal disease, speak with the dentists at Lenox Village Dentistry. Dr. Brown, Dr. Peaks, and Dr. Filos are dedicated to providing every member in your family with the highest quality treatment and preventative care. Call us at (615) 832-2095 to learn more about our services in Nashville.