How Do I Know If I have Gum Disease?

Have you ever rushed through brushing or skipped it altogether because of convenience or time constraints? If the answer is yes, you’re putting yourself at risk for gum disease, a serious condition that can affect your oral health and overall wellbeing.

Gum disease is a “silent,” disease that usually develops as a result of poor oral hygiene. If you’re not brushing well, bacteria can build up near the gums, causing inflammation. Some patients with great hygiene habits can still contract gum disease depending on their overall systemic health, daily medications or women who are pregnant. Not everyone experiences the tell-tale signs of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.

The Signs of Gum Disease

Signs of gum disease include redness, receding gum line, bleeding when brushing or flossing, consistent bad breath, ulcers or signs of pus, and loosening teeth. If you start to notice any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dentist immediately. The progression of gum disease, or periodontitis, will continue to damage soft tissue, bone and may result in tooth loss. When the bacteria is left to get into your blood stream, it can lead to systemic diseases such as heart disease, stroke and Diabetes.

Because pain is not among one of the disease’s first signs, people who have noticed some of its symptoms may choose to ignore them, mistakenly assuming they aren’t serious. Nothing could be further from the truth as anything that lasts more than a few days, should be looked at by your dentist.

Prevention

Even though gum disease is dangerous, preventing it is simple. The first step is simply brushing and flossing more. Gum disease occurs when plaque builds up. Frequent, thorough brushing and flossing can remove bacteria before it has the chance to turn into gum disease. The second step is cutting down on risk factors, such as tobacco use, stress, and teeth grinding. The final and most important step is to visit your dentist frequently for biyearly professional cleanings. Your dentist and hygienist are experienced with identifying the early signs and can treat the condition in the early stages.

Brushing can help you keep gum disease and its complications at bay, and visiting a dentist regularly can help you stay on top of your oral health. Contact Bailey Dental Group to schedule an appointment today!

How Custom Whitening Trays Work

A bright white smile is within reach with the use of one of the most popular dental treatments available today – teeth whitening solution. In fact, teeth whitening and bleaching has become the number one requested cosmetic therapy and its use has increased more than 300% in the last 20 years.

Whitening products are vast and varied both in price and in quality, and a range of over-the-counter products are available to use without the help of a dentist. However, one of the most effective and safest treatments is a bleaching procedure using customized whitening trays and a professionally prepared solution. The treatment combines the effective impact of custom-fitted appliances with the convenience of whitening teeth at home.

Advantages

Recommended by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, custom-fitted mouth trays tend to contain the whitening gel, preventing it from spilling out onto the gums. And, because the tray is designed to closely fit the mouth and the bite, it can whiten teeth as evenly as in-office treatment. Other benefits include:

• Comfortable Experience – The trays are made from a clear plastic material that is designed to closely fit the teeth, adjusting for bite. They are more comfortable than one-size-fits-all trays found in generic over-the-counter whitening kits, and prove more reliable than gel whitening strips. And, because the treatment can take place at home, the overall experience is more relaxing.
• Fast Results – Not to be confused with in-office whitening treatment, at-home treatments do not yield immediate results, but often results are noticeable within 7-10 days. Results will vary depending on the extent to which teeth are discolored and stained, but the dentist is usually able to provide a good estimate on how soon results will be visible.
• Price – Generally, after the initial upfront costs, custom-fitted trays are less expensive than any other teeth whitening therapy. The trays are reusable, and the solution can be refilled, which means money is saved over time. 

What to Expect

Treatment should only ever be administered to an otherwise healthy smile, so teeth will be cleaned and treated for any dental problem, such as gum disease or decay. The dentist uses impressions of the teeth to make molds. The molds provide details of the teeth and bite, and are used to fabricate the trays, which can take a few days.

The dentist provides specific instructions on how much bleaching solution should be placed in the trays, and the length of time they should be worn. Trays can usually be worn for up to four hours a day, and the entire smile transformation process is usually complete within two weeks.

For more information on teeth whitening procedures or to schedule an appointment at Bailey Dental Group, please contact our Northwest Houston dental office today.

Inlays and Onlays

An alternative to large fillings and crowns, dental inlays and onlays offer a secure, customized and durable solution to restoring a damaged tooth. Inlays and onlays are used to cover a minimal to moderate area on a single tooth. Also referred to as “indirect fillings”, inlays and onlays are made of hard, tooth-colored materials custom fit to fill larger cavities, or significantly diminished tooth structure. They are designed to match the adjacent teeth, provide a comfortable bite and restore dental function, including biting, speaking and chewing.

Dental Inlays

Dental inlays are most similar to traditional fillings. An inlay fits inside the center of the tooth – on the cusp tips – and securely seals the affected area, which minimizes any recurrence of decay. It can be made from various materials, including gold, porcelain and composite resin and all offer strength and durability.

Customized to precisely follow the tooth’s natural shape, inlays help patients recover their daily activities, and restore their dental function. Biting, chewing and talking are no longer challenging or difficult, and the smile looks healthier and more attractive.

Dental inlays can initially cost more than direct fillings, however patients find they are less likely to require repair or replacement. And, because they minimize the amount of damage done to the remaining tooth structure, inlays can help preserve teeth and prevent further decay.

Dental Onlays

Dental onlays cover a more extensive area of the tooth than inlays. Onlays provide a cover for a large section of the tooth, and extend over the cusps of the affected tooth. Treatment is very conservative and usually allows the dentist to avoid removing more of the natural tooth than if resorting to a traditional crown.

As with a dental inlay, an onlay is custom designed to fit the natural shape of the treated tooth using a solid material such as gold or porcelain. Gold is often used for its strength, but composite and porcelain materials increasingly demonstrate they too can last for a long time and provide a seamless smile.

At Bailey Dental Group, a Northwest Houston dental office, inlays and onlays are a part of our conservative approach to better oral health. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cory Bailey.

Implant Supported Dentures vs Traditional Dentures

Restoring a smile impacted by disease, trauma or simple wear and tear means finding the right balance between appearance and functionality. And making the decision between options can be impacted by other factors, such as cost over time, and durability.

Traditional dentures have many benefits, and ultimately help patients recover some of the activities affected by tooth loss. However, implant-retained dentures offer significant results in aesthetics, function and health.

Traditional Dentures

Dentures are affordable dental appliances that restore basic chewing function and require less upfront investment than the implant supported counterpart. There is minimal time spent prepping the area and most patients qualify for full or partial arches. However, traditional dentures require adhesives and will need to be adjusted and/or replaced which continuously adds to the initial investment over time.

While traditional dentures do replace teeth, they do not prevent bone loss. Dentures sit on top of the gum and shift as the bone loss causes changes in the shape of the mouth. Over time, bone quantity shrinks and the structure deteriorates causing changes in the appearance of the mouth and face. When this happens, it is necessary to have new denture plates made.

Dentures are temporarily fixed to the gums using denture creams and adhesives, rather than permanently fixed. This can cause issues such as dentures slipping or moving out of place – even popping out of the mouth, entirely. Progress in dental technology and adhesives have resulted in some improvements being made, so patients are always encouraged to talk about all the options available to them before choosing the denture option they feel is best for them.

 Dental Implant Retained Dentures

Implants are known as “long-term” tooth-replacement options because they are durable and are permanently placed within the jaw bone. That means that the initial upfront investment is more than traditional dentures, but the long-term savings makes up for it. Dental implants do not require frequent repairs or replacements, they require less chair time to restore the denture plates and prevent bone degeneration for improved oral health over the long-term.

Implants are a result of advances in dental technology; they are titanium posts that function as prosthetic roots. Because the posts fuse with existing bone, they offer a stable anchor for new dentures and crowns. The various components – posts, abutments and dentures – are firmly fitted into the mouth in line with the mouth structure. This means implant retained dentures not only stay in place, but they also protect the integrity of the facial structure.

Implant retained dentures function like natural teeth – patients can eat without restrictions and bite using their natural bite pressure. The jaw bone is stimulated, which encourages damaged tissue to regenerate, maintains healthy bone, and protects the mouth structure from further deterioration. Patients will not have to worry about their dentures slipping throughout the day.

Although both traditional dentures and implant supported dentures are popular choices for replacing teeth, it’s always best to discuss all treatment options with your dentist. With a thorough exam, Dr. Cory Bailey will determine whether or not someone is a good candidate for implants, or if traditional dentures would better suit their lifestyle and dental wellbeing.

Contact Bailey Dental Group of Northwest Houston to schedule an appointment.

The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer screenings are performed in order to detect cancer of the mouth in its early stages; the earlier cancer is detected, the higher the chances of successful treatment. Although an oral cancer screening by a dentist does not replace a physical exam by your primary physician, it’s an important part of overall wellness.

Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

There are several risk factors that increase the chances of developing oral cancer. If you have one or more of these risk factors, regular screenings are a good idea. Risk factors include:

• Tobacco use. This includes not only traditional cigarettes but also cigars, snuff, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes
• Heavy sun exposure on the face.
• Excessive and/or long-term alcohol use.
• A previous diagnosis of oral cancer

If you don’t have any risk factors, it’s still a good idea to consult with your dentist about being screened for oral cancer.

Screening Basics

Much of the oral cancer screening process involves your dentist inspecting your mouth with gloved hands and a bright light. During this inspection, your dentist is on the lookout for sores or discolored patches. In some cases, your mouth will be rinsed with a blue liquid that causes abnormal cells to become visible.

What’s Next?

If your oral cancer screening doesn’t detect any abnormalities, your dentist will advise you when another screening is recommended. If abnormalities are detected, your dentist will either take a wait-and-see approach or schedule a biopsy.

Our Exams

At Bailey Dental Group, Dr. Cory Bailey offers an array of dental services to suit your family’s needs. Oral cancer screenings are a part of every exam, which makes routine dental checkups with Dr. Bailey an important part of overall healthcare. At your comprehensive dental exam, you will receive the following services from our staff of experienced professionals:

• Dental X-rays
• Gum disease screening
• Examination of teeth
• Examination of existing fillings, crowns, and other restorations
• Oral cancer screening

During your exam, we can perform a professional dental cleaning. This procedure includes:

• Tartar removal
• Plaque removal
• Tooth polishing

Along with regular oral cancer screenings, regular cleanings are a great way to keep your mouth its healthy best.

Full-Service Dentistry in Houston

Contact our Houston dental office today to schedule your appointment. Give us a call at 281-469-3282 or email drcorybailey@gmail.com  Good dental health can make all the difference when it comes to looking and feeling great, so don’t wait any longer — scheduleyour appointment today!

                                                                                              

Signs You Need a Root Canal

Tooth pain can be caused by a number of factors, including gum disease, tooth decay and trauma. While easy to brush off, when tooth pain stems is caused by an infection of the tooth’s inner nerve or root system, a root canal is the most conservative way to treat the problem and protect the tooth from extraction.

A root canal is a minimally-invasive procedure during which infected tooth pulp and tissue are removed and root canals, or the passages that contain nerves and nourishing blood vessels are treated. As the pulp becomes infected and inflamed, it attacks the nerves and soft tissue, causing irreversible damage to the affected area.  

• This endodontic procedure may be needed if you experience any of the following:
• Tooth pain when eating, biting down or putting pressure on the tooth
• Significant sensitivity to heat and cold items
• Darkening of the tooth color
• Small bump, swelling and tenderness near the affected area

What to Expect

Thanks to advancements in dentistry, the procedure and recovery take little time. The first step of the treatment is to assess the extent of the infection which is completed using x-rays or digital imaging.

During the actual procedure, patients are given a local anesthetic to prevent any discomfort or pain. Once a small access hole has been made in the top or behind the affected tooth, infected tissue and pulp are removed. The inner chamber and root area are then thoroughly cleaned, filled and temporarily covered to protect the area until the tooth is ready for the permanent restoration.  

After four to seven days the patient returns to receive the final restoration. During this visit, the tooth is covered with a porcelain crown, reinforcing the tooth and preventing reinfection. Once the crown has been placed, patients are able to return to their normal routines with a fully functional smile.

Our Cypress dentist, Dr. Cory Bailey performs root canals to save as much original tooth possible. This form of conservative dentistry will preserve the natural tooth to support the integrity of a healthy bite. If you are suffering from tooth pain that does not subside, please contact Bailey Dental Group to schedule an appointment.

Welcome To Our Blog

We're excited to announce the official launch of our Bailey Dental Group blog.

We'll be posting helpful dental tips, news from the dental industry, news from our practice, and more about the latest in dentistry.

We built our practice on the notion that we're there for our patients when they need us and we want our online presence to be a reflection of that principle. We hope this blog provides an extra level of service to our current and future patients.

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Here's to your best oral health ever!