Many people grind their teeth every night because of unresolved stress or anxiety. Grinding your teeth can change your bite pattern. It severely damages your teeth and jaws over long periods of time.

Teeth grinding scars the chewing surfaces of your teeth. This abnormal wear and tear prematurely ages and loosens your teeth. This may cause hypersensitivity due to small cracks exposing the inner parts of your teeth.

Bruxism can also lead to chronic jaw and facial pain, as well as headaches.

Here are a few clues that you may suffer from bruxism:

• Your jaw is often sore.
• You hear popping sounds when you open and close your mouth.
• Your teeth look abnormally short or worn down.
• You notice small dents in your tongue.

Bruxism is treatable:

• Wear a special appliance while sleeping.
• Biofeedback.
• Behavior modification.
• Tongue exercises.

Learn how to properly align your tongue, teeth and lips.

What is a Crown?

A crown sometimes called a “cap.” It is a tooth-like covering placed over a carefully prepared existing tooth.

Crowns strengthen, restore and improve the appearance of your natural teeth. They are placed on individual teeth, like a thimble over your finger. They are also ideal attachments for a fixed bridge.

Crowns support your teeth when there is not enough healthy tooth structure to support a filling. They also are used to protect fractured and broken teeth.

At Mid Cities Dental, we offer several types of crown. We recommend porcelain fused to metal crowns for your back teeth. In special situations, full gold crowns are necessary.

On front teeth, we use all porcelain crowns. They give you a beautiful smile because they are cosmetically superior.

Please ask us any questions you have on what type of crown would be best for your situation.

What is a Bridge and why are crowns involved?

A bridge is a customized set of artificial teeth that are anchored to neighboring teeth. Bridges replace one or more missing teeth.

When a lost tooth is replaced with bridge work, the teeth on either side of the missing tooth are prepared as crowns. These teeth are the foundational attachment for the bridge.

Bridges are not removable. They are fixed in place. They are generally made of porcelain or gold.

A bridge is an excellent option over a removable appliance if applicable. Please call us at Mid-cities Dental if you have any questions about bridges.

You children deserve the best dental care available. When they receive preventive dental care while they are growing up, it will save you thousands of dollars later in life.

Few parents understand just how important good dental care is to a healthy, long life. It’s important to get your kids started off on the right foot.

At Mid Cities Dental, we take care of kids of all ages. Our practice is takes care of your entire family. Below are some answers to common questions about the dental health of your children and the services we offer to help you.

Your Child’s First Dental Visit

Your child should visit the dentist by his/her 1st birthday. You help make your child’s first visit enjoyable and positive.

Your child will appreciate knowing in advance that they will visit our office on a specific date. Assure them that we will explain all procedures and answer any questions.

Use only positive words about your child’s visit to our office. You do not want to frighten your child about a new experience by using word like needle, pull, drill or hurt.

The team at our office is trained to use terms your child can understand. They convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to your child.

Why Are Primary Teeth So Important?

Your child needs a healthy mouth and strong teeth for a lifetime. Your child’s primary, baby teeth are the initial foundation for a efficient, disease free mouth.

Neglected cavities in baby teeth frequently lead to problems that negatively impact your child’s developing permanent teeth. Primary, baby-teeth are important for:

• Proper chewing and eating.
• Providing space for the permanent teeth and guiding them into the correct position.
• Permitting normal development of the jaw bones and muscles.

Primary teeth also affect the development of speech. They contribute to an attractive appearance. While the front 4 teeth last until 6-7 years of age, the back teeth (cuspids and molars) aren’t replaced until age 10-13.

Care of Your Child’s Teeth

Begin daily brushing as soon as your child’s first tooth pushes through the gums. Apply a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste when your child is old enough not to swallow it.

By age 4 or 5, your children should be able to brush their own teeth twice a day with supervision until about age seven. Make sure they are doing a thorough job.

However, each child is different. We can help you determine whether your child has the skill level to brush properly.

Proper brushing removes plaque from the inner, outer and chewing surfaces.

When teaching your children to brush:

1. Place their toothbrush at a 45 degree angle.
2. Start along gum line with a soft bristle brush in a gentle circular motion.
3. Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower.
4. Repeat the same method on the inside surfaces and chewing surfaces of all the teeth.
5. Finish by brushing the tongue to help freshen breath and remove bacteria.

Flossing removes plaque between the teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing should begin when any two teeth touch.

You may wish to floss your child’s teeth until he or she can do it alone.

How to floss correctly:

1. Use about 18 inches of floss.
2. Wind most of it around the middle fingers of both hands.
3. Hold the floss lightly between the thumbs and forefingers.
4. Use a gentle, back-and-forth motion to guide the floss between the teeth.
5. Curve the floss into a C-shape.
6. Slide it into the space between the gum and tooth until you feel resistance.
7. Gently scrape the floss against the side of the tooth.
8. Repeat this procedure on each tooth.

Don’t forget the backs of the last four teeth.

Root canals treat disorders of the nerve or pulp caused by decay, an abscess, infection, or trauma to a tooth.

The nerve is carefully taken out. Then the canal of the tooth is cleaned out and permanently filled and sealed.

The tooth is no longer alive. That relieves pain and discomfort.

This procedure is important because it saves the tooth. It does not have to be taken out. Root canals can lead to complications in the future.

Dental veneers are an excellent cosmetic remedy for problems with your front teeth:

• Spaces between your teeth
• Discolored teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Teeth of different shapes or lengths.

Veneers are durable and color-stable. They are in many cases, the perfect way to restore the natural function and beauty of your teeth. You can smile with confidence!

Veneers are usually fabricated from porcelain. They are a thin, semi-translucent “shell.” They are customized to fit precisely over the front of an existing tooth.

They are permanently bonded to your teeth. A special resin cements the back of the veneer to the front of the tooth.

Veneers:

• Create a strong bond to the tooth.
• Mask discolorations.
• Make your teeth whiter.
• Create a stunning smile.
• Resist permanent staining from coffee, tea, or even cigarette smoking.
• Result in aesthetically pleasing naturalness that is unsurpassed by other restorative options.
• The finished product is extremely strong and durable.

At Mid Cities Dental, we work hard to make you proud of your smile. We also give a two year warranty on our veneers. Please let us know if you are interested in more information about veneers. They may be the perfect option for you.

A bonded filling procedure is where we will carefully place and sculpt a tooth colored resin-based composite to your teeth. This allows quick, economical, and natural looking repairs for dental problems:

• Cavities
• Replacing old fillings.
• Chipped teeth.
• Gaps between the teeth.
• Surface abnormalities.
• Discoloration.

The Dental Bonding Procedure

Dental bonding is unique for each tooth. It depends on the type of problem you are dealing with. Dental bonding is a quick and efficient.

The filling material is made from a specially formulated composite resin. It has a putty-like consistency when applied. This allows us to carefully sculpt the material to look like and function similar to the missing tooth structure.

It usually only takes only one office visit:

• First, your tooth is prepared.
• Any decayed tooth structure is removed.
• Old fillings are safely taken out.
• Necessary structural adjustments are made.
• An etching gel is applied to the teeth.
• This insures the bonding material adheres to your teeth.
• The surface of the tooth is prepared and cleaned.
• We then apply a bonding resin to the tooth.
• The resin adheres to your tooth.
• The composite is then cured with a special light to harden the material.
• In many cases, the material is applied in a series of thin layers.
• The layers are built up to the correct size and shape to minimize distortion of the material.
• Finally, we will check your bite and make any minor adjustments to the size and shape of the composite.
• Then we smooth and polish the surface so it feels and looks natural.

Please call us if you have any questions. You may feel dental bonding would be a good option for your dental needs.

At Mid Cities Dental, we have years of experience and in making Dentures and Partial Dentures. Our patients with dentures are often thrilled with our services. They refer their family and friends to our office. Their joy and satisfaction with their new teeth is contagious.

Learn about Dentures and Partial Dentures

Dentures are replacement teeth that can be removed. Many people who are missing one tooth, several teeth or all their teeth benefit greatly from false teeth.

Dentures improve your chewing and speech. They support your facial muscles. They make a big difference in your appearance. Your radiant smile boosts your self-confidence.

Dentures are often made from acrylic resin. They are very natural-looking. Your dentures are matched in color and appearance to your other teeth.

It normally takes about 4 visits to make a proper denture. Normally a few follow up visits are necessary.

These appointments are necessary for you to reap all the benefits:

• You chew better.
• Your smile is more radiant.
• You are more confident when you speak.

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures are for individuals who have no teeth in their lower, upper or both jaws. Complete dentures should be removed and cleaned two or three times daily. This keeps your gums healthy and to allows your tissues to relax.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are solutions for people who have some natural teeth remaining, or who only need to replace a few teeth.

The benefits are the same as for full denture wearers:

• Your facial muscles are supported.
• Your smile improves.
• Your ability to chew and speak are enhanced.

Partial dentures can be made with metal or non metal materials. It just depends on your situation and dental goals.

Interim Partial Dentures or Flipper

Occasionally, unexpected trauma to your teeth can occur. If a tooth is damaged and cannot be restored, we can create a personalized temporary partial denture. That way, if you need the tooth removed, you can wear the temporary partial denture until a permanent solution is designed for you.

This temporary solution allows you to continue with your professional and social commitments. There is no embarrassing gap in your smile.

Sometimes an immediate denture is used to replace a number of damaged teeth at one time. Generally, it needs to be relined, rebased, or completely remade three to six months later.

Getting Used to Your False Teeth

Even dentures that fit beautifully require time for you and your mouth to get used to them. At first, you may experience minor speech changes.

Biting and chewing your food correctly may be difficult. You may also notice an increased flow of saliva during this period.

While you get used to your replacement teeth, you may want to keep high-profile events to a minimum. Give yourself time to adjust.

You may also want to start with soft food that is easy to chew. It will take a while before you are totally comfortable and confident.

Some denture wearers notice a slight change in their facial appearance. Knowing what to expect helps you anticipate embarrassing questions and situations. As with anything new, it just takes a little time to get the most out of your dentures.

Also, we may advise you to wear your false teeth initially only at night. It takes time for your mouth to become acclimated to your new dentures.

After the break in time period, we recommend you remove your dentures before sleep. Eight hours gives your tongue and saliva a chance to do their natural job of cleaning and stimulating your gums.

Caring for Your Dentures

Handle with care:

• Remove and brush daily.
• Use a brush and cleansers designed for dentures.
• Don’t use abrasive cleaners or abrasive toothpastes…they scratch.
• Don’t sterilize them in boiling water or in the dishwasher — the hot water warps them.
• If you wear a partial denture, remove it before you brush your natural teeth.
• Clean it carefully with a brush and cleanser.
• When the false teeth are not in your mouth, soak them in a glass of water or cleanser.
• Dry dentures can become brittle and crack or break.
• Keep your dentures in the same place.
• Children and pets will destroy them.
• Keep them safe.
• Reduce the chances of losing or misplacing them.

Have your mouth and the dentures checked at least once yearly by Dr. Eberlein.

Dental implants are a great way to replace your missing teeth. They are a fixed solution that saves you from the hassles of removable partials and complete dentures.

Implants provide excellent support and stability for partials and dentures. Dental implants are artificial roots, usually made out of titanium.

They are surgically planted into the upper or lower jaw bone by Dr. Eberlein. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking. They enhance or restore your smile! They make chewing a sheer delight.

Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable. They last many years. Occasionally, they have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

Reasons for dental implants:

• Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
• Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
• Restore a patient’s confident smile.
• Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
• Restore or enhance facial tissues.
• Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.

What does getting dental implants involve?

The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months. Then X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth. This determines bone and gum tissue health and the spacing available for an implant.

While the area is numb, the implant is surgically placed into the bone. It takes from three to six months for healing. It takes a while for the implant to integrate with your bone.

After the healing period, a post is connected to the implant. This secures crowns, bridges, partials and dentures. You again can be confident there will be no slippage when your chew or smile.

Depending on the procedure you choose, one or several appointments are necessary to have the mouth of your dreams. You receive detailed instructions on how to care for your new teeth upon completion.

Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits increase the life of your new implant. Please give us a call so we can give your more information about the miracle of implants.

Frequently Asked Questions About Implants.

Q: Is the implant placement painful?

A: No. It is usually done under local anesthesia. Most procedures can be done in our office.

Q: How much pain will I feel after implant placement?

A: You will feel little if no pain. Dr. Eberlein may prescribe medication if you have any pain

Q: How long does it take to place dental implants?

A: Usually 30-60 minutes, depending on the location and the number of implants.

Q: What can I eat after having an implant placed?

A: Dr. Eberlein gives you a diet outline for the next few days including some soft foods.

Q: How long does placement, healing and construction of the replacement teeth take?

A: The entire process usually takes from 3 to 9 months, depending on your treatment plan.

Q: How do I care for my implant?

A: You brush and floss just like with your natural teeth. Regular dental visits are required for long-term health and success.

Q: How long does an implant last?

A: Once your body accepts the implant, it lasts many years, especially when you take care of your mouth. Many implants have been in place for more than 40 years.

Q: If my body rejects an implant, what happens?

A: In rare occasions when this happens, the implant is removed. The site is allowed to heal. Another implant can usually be placed after healing.

Q: Are dental implants covered by insurance?

A: Dental implants are not covered by most dental insurance plans. Our specialists can often set up a payment plan for you.

Root canals fix problems with the guts of your teeth…the nerve or pulp. They are solutions to:

• Decay
• Abscess
• Infection
• Trauma to a tooth.

Root Canal Procedure Description

First, the nerve is carefully taken out. Then the canal of the tooth is cleaned and permanently filled and sealed.

The tooth is no longer alive. This relieves your pain and discomfort.

Root canals save your tooth. It does not have to be taken out.

Once root canal therapy is performed, you need a crown and crown buildup on the tooth to keep it strong and functional.

Gum Disease (periodontal disease)

Gum disease:

• Hides in your mouth.
• Destroys gum tissue and teeth.
• Can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and pregnancy complications.

Don’t think it’s your problem?

Researchers estimate that up to 80 percent of the population unknowingly has gum disease in some form.

What Are the Signs?

Signs of gum disease:

• Gum that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth.
• Red, swollen or tender gums.
• Pus between your teeth when you press your gums with your finger.
• Pain when chewing.
• Calculus or tartar buildup.
• Teeth that change position.
• Change in your bite.
• Change in the way your partial dentures fit.
• Bad breath or a chronic bad taste in your mouth.
• Teeth that are overly sensitive to hot and cold.

Diagnosis

A thorough oral examination, including x-rays, is crucial to diagnosing periodontal disease. In most cases, we recommend an in-office exam and tooth cleaning for all adults twice a year.

At that time, we may use a special instrument called a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the pocket between your teeth and gum tissue.

The pocket depth measurement, clinical examination and x-rays help us determine the precise location, extent and severity of your gum disease.

Treatment

The treatment you require depends on the advancement of your gum disease.

Bacteria multiplying around the roots of your teeth require up to three months before they start destroying bone. Frequent cleaning can prevent this buildup.