Inlays and Onlays

When a tooth becomes damaged due to decay, you’re faced with the decision on how to repair it. Depending on your budget and aesthetic needs, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS or Dr. Stephanie Herbst, DDS can provide you with dental inlays or onlays. In certain cases, inlays and onlays are a non-invasive alternative to dental crowns and are a stronger, longer-lasting solution to repairing a damaged tooth. 

Typically, an inlay or onlay procedure is completed in two dental visits. During the first appointment, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS or Dr. Stephanie Herbst, DDS, will need to prepare the damaged tooth for the restoration. Dental inlays and onlays are the same kinds of restoration, except they cover different portions of the tooth. Once the tooth is prepared, a molded impression of the tooth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory where the inlay or onlay is created. During your second visit, the temporary filling is removed and your inlay or onlay is placed. If cared for properly, the durability of these materials can last for up to 30 years.

If you have questions or concerns regarding inlays and onlays or restorative dental services, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.comfor more information. To schedule an appointment in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Interdental Cleaners

Flossing between the teeth is important to remove food particles that have been left behind. If these food particles aren’t removed by thorough brushing or flossing, they will linger and cause bad breath and potentially lead to gum disease. Most of our patients tend to stick with basic floss, but interdental cleaners are gaining popularity. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, would like to explain how an interdental cleaner differs from threaded floss.

Interdental cleaners are thin, round, or cone-shaped devices that come in different shapes and sizes. These devices have a small head with bristles held on by wire, and they are designed to gently be inserted between the teeth. People who benefit from interdental cleaners include those with braces, those who have gapped teeth and for people with limited mobility. Also, if you don’t feel comfortable using floss, an interdental cleaner may be a better option.

If you have questions or concerns regarding preventive dental services or oral care, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.comfor more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Why Must We Brush For Two Minutes?

You’ve heard the rule before. The American Dental Association recommends brushing the teeth for at least two minutes, after every meal, to prevent dental diseases and tooth decay. Brushing for two minutes will give your teeth and gums the attention they need and this will boost your oral health overall. If you get bored easily and find it difficult to brush for two minutes, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, suggests utilizing these tips.

Brushing the teeth for two minutes will eliminate more plaque than it would if you were to brush them for 30 seconds. When you brush your teeth, you should be reaching for the front of the teeth, the sides closest to the cheeks, the back of the teeth, and the sides of the molars closest to the tongue. It may help to play a song that lasts two minutes, watch something on TV for that duration of time, or simply time yourself and reward yourself with something healthy once you finish the task.

If you have questions or concerns regarding preventive dental services or oral care, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.comfor more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Common Retainer Options

Retainers help to stabilize teeth after orthodontic treatment has been completed. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS offers a couple of options to protect your investment, long-term. After transforming your smile, it’s important to wear your retainer as much as possible. Some of the options that Dr. Morehart may suggest are removable and fixed retainers.

• Removable Retainer – a removable retainer is the most common type, but depending on the individual, it may not always be the best choice. A removable retainer is crafted from a clear plastic that is formed by heat and a model of your teeth.  Removable retainers can be virtually invisible, and easy to wear.


• Fixed Retainer – also known as a bonded retainer, a fixed retainer consists of a wire being bonded to the back of the six bottom teeth. Bonded retainers tend to protect fewer teeth than removable retainers, but are ideal for the patient that may forget to wear his or her retainer at night.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontics, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

Thank You for Your Positive Reviews!

Here at the dental practice of Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS our entire staff appreciates feedback from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team.  In this post, we would like to personally thank Carol C. for being a dedicated patient of ours. If you’ve recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know! 

"Dr. Morehart accepted me as a new patient with an urgent problem, that another dentist had neglected, and he fixed the problem immediately. I made another appointment to have the problem fixed permanently. DR. Morehart performed a very thorough exam; he gave me a detailed plan of care to fix other issues. The dental work was completed in a timely manner and without pain. The dental staff is very knowledgeable, friendly and caring! I highly recommend Dr. Morehart and his staff."

-Carol C.

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Treatment for Chronic Bad Breath

Chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be detrimental to a person’s mental health as well as his or her oral health. This is because chronic bad breath is something that mints, mouthwash, or countless hours of brushing can’t fix. Unlike a smell that lingers after a pungent meal, halitosis may be a sign of an underlying condition. To prevent bad breath it’s important to visit Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, to get the odor under control.

Dental issues such as cavities or periodontal disease can cause bad breath because bacteria are lingering and haven’t been removed. Bacteria are constantly forming inside the mouth which is why it’s important to keep the oral cavity as clean as possible at all times. Lifestyle habits such as smoking or chewing tobacco can also wreak havoc on your breath. Tobacco also tends to dry out the mouth which can additionally place a factor in bad breath. If you notice that your breath is less than fresh, treatment will depend on the cause.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic treatment or orthodontic care, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

Foods to Eat and Avoid with Traditional Braces

It’s natural to think that once traditional braces are applied to the teeth, you won’t be able to enjoy the foods that you’ve grown so accustomed to eating. Though traditional braces come with limits, there are ways to modify your diet to adjust to this new lifestyle of wires and brackets. Once you complete your orthodontic appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, he may give you a list of the foods that are safe to eat and the ones to avoid such as the following.

Because you are likely to experience some discomfort during your first week with braces, you’ll probably want to incorporate more soft foods into your diet. Avoid foods that are tough, and opt for something like yogurt, cheese, mashed potatoes, pasta, or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It’s critical to avoid hard and crunchy foods, especially during the first few months, as they can loosen your wires and brackets. We understand that the urge to resist pizza crust, potato chips, and sticky foods like gum, licorice, or any type of candy, but we assure you that you will be able to enjoy these foods to the fullest at some point.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic treatment or orthodontic care, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

Risks Associated with Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth tend to appear during the ages of 17-21. They are the final sets of teeth that emerge, but they don’t always erupt. An impacted tooth is a tooth that lies below the gum line and doesn’t have room to erupt because of surrounding teeth. Teeth that are impacted will need to be extracted by Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS to avoid infection and prevent damage to healthy teeth. 

Wisdom teeth can grow sideways, emerge partially, or remain completely trapped below the gum line. When they are trapped, this means that they are impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth may cause headaches, pain, swollen gums, and cysts, but it is possible for them to cause no symptoms at all. To determine if wisdom teeth are impacted, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS will need to take X-rays to locate their exact position. If teeth are impacted and you are opposed to extraction, you may find yourself with chronic mouth discomfort, misalignment of teeth, and infection of the tooth or gums.

If you have questions or concerns regarding wisdom teeth extraction, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

Dental Implants

Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or all of the teeth. A dental implant is a surgical fixture that is placed into the jawbone and allowed to fuse with the bone over a span of a few months. Today, dental implants are considered the stand of care for the replacement of missing teeth. If you have missing teeth that are leaving you self-conscious and are hindering your desire to smile, discuss your treatment options with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS.

Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. If you wear dentures that are uncomfortable or don’t want to have healthy tooth structure removed for a dental bridge, then you may want to discuss dental implants with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS. Most patients find that a dental implant is secure, stable, and a sturdy replacement for replacing a natural tooth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental implants or restorative dentistry, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

When to Replace Your Toothbrush

A toothbrush is a primary instrument we need to keep our oral health in optimal condition. Though we may know when to replace old shoes, and old clothes, you may not realize that it’s time to replace your toothbrush. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS encourages patients to get in the habit of replacing a toothbrush several times throughout the year. How often a person changes their toothbrush will depend on several factors, but it’s always good to have a new one on hand.  

According to the American Dental Association, a toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months. You should consider replacing your toothbrush sooner if you’ve been sick, or if your toothbrush is kept in close proximity to one that may be contaminated with a virus, or germs. You should always keep your toothbrush away from others to avoid cross-contamination. Be sure to store your toothbrush in a vertical position, with the bristles positioned so that they can air dry.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental health or oral hygiene, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

Invisalign Treatment

Whether you’ve had traditional braces once before, or you’re new to orthodontic treatment, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS can recommend Invisalign. Invisalign is ideal for adults and teenagers who wish to have a straighter smile, but don’t want to deal with wires and brackets that come with traditional braces. Invisalign provides a better fit, more comfort, and is effective for a wide variety of malocclusion cases.  

Before beginning Invisalign treatment, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS will develop a custom and precise treatment plan for you. Once your aligners are created, they will need to be worn for a minimum of 20-22 hours a day for optimal results. As you wear each set of aligners, the teeth will gradually shift into place. The duration of treatment will depend on the individual case, but the biggest advantage of Invisalign is that you are able to remove your aligners to brush, floss, and eat.

If you have questions or concerns about orthodontic treatment, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

Scaling and Root Planing for Gum Disease

The three stages of gum disease – from least to most severe – are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gum tissue that could affect the teeth and supporting bone in your mouth. If you think the metal scaling tool we use on you during a professional cleaning is scary, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS doubts you want to get to the point where you’ll need scaling and root planing.

Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS will start the procedure with a thorough examination of your mouth. Next, an ultrasonic scaling device will be used to eliminate the plaque bacteria with sonic vibrations. Root planing involves detailed scaling of the root surface to decrease inflammation of the gum tissue. If your gum tissue is sensitive and diseased, local anesthesia will be administered to numb the tissue. Dental scaling and root planing may take two to four visits based upon the level of oral disease in the mouth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding periodontal disease or scaling and root planing, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

Wisdom Teeth Headaches

Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that develop between the ages of 17-24. Depending on the patient, they may be left alone, but because they are problematic, they are commonly extracted. Impacted wisdom teeth also known as those that reside underneath the gum line can increase a patient’s risk of infection and lead to frequent headaches if left untreated. If your wisdom teeth are still intact and causing you discomfort, it may be time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS.

Before discussing extraction, Dr. Morehart will take X-rays and discuss the process with you in detail. Common symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth aside from headaches include throbbing pain in the back of the mouth, swollen gums, and/or swelling around the jaw. The pain will likely get worse as the surrounding teeth become affected. Impacted wisdom teeth can push the teeth around them, forcing them out of place, leaving you in pain.

If you have questions or concerns regarding wisdom teeth extraction, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

Nocturnal Bruxism

Clenching your teeth in a bout of stress may seem harmless, but it actually does more harm than good. Teeth clenching and tooth grinding are symptoms of bruxism, a condition in which a patient performs these actions while awake or asleep. When bruxism occurs during sleep, however, it may be a symptom of an underlying condition such as obstructive sleep apnea. Fortunately, regardless of the cause, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS provides a service to treat the problem.

A patient who suffers from nocturnal bruxism can benefit from wearing a night guard during sleep. The purpose of a night guard is to alleviate pressure that is put on the jaw and to create better airflow during sleep. Wearing a night guard protects teeth from further damage and from becoming worn down, broken, or cracked. Bruxism cases can range from mild to severe, depending on which kind you are diagnosed with, treatment options may vary.

If you have questions or concerns about bruxism, give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

Thank You for Your Positive Testimonials!

Here at the dental practice of Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS our entire staff appreciates feedback from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team.  Though this patient chose to remain a mystery, we would like to thank them for being an excellent patient! If you’ve recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

"I want you to know that Dr. Morehart is a wonderful dentist. He fixed my whole mouth, but he fixed my front teeth so I can smile again and be proud of my teeth. I would certainly recommend him to anyone interested in finding a good dentist. "
-VP

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Hookah Tobacco and Teeth

Smoking a hookah has become super trendy in restaurants, cafes, and bars. Though people have tried to pass it off as a safer way of smoking tobacco, this has been proven false, and hookah tobacco can wreak just as much havoc on your teeth and gums as regular cigarettes. Research shows that periodontal disease increases by fivefold in water pipe smokers. Dr. Dennis, Morehart, DDS doesn’t want to put a damper on your fun, but he wants you to be aware of the risks associated with smoking hookah.

Though a hookah as a water chamber that filters smoke, this isn’t safe for the teeth and gums. It’s true that filtering tobacco through water removes some of the dangerous toxins, however, the smoke itself contains levels of nicotine that are three times the amount of actual cigarettes. Overall, the act of smoking provides no benefits to your oral health, therefore if you only smoke hookah as a recreational activity try to find something else to do that will be better for your smile.

If you have questions or concerns about dental health, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

Extrinsic Tooth Stains

Unlike intrinsic tooth stains which we’ve mentioned in an earlier post, extrinsic tooth stains are easy to remove. Extrinsic stains occur on tooth enamel and are usually caused by frequent coffee, wine, or cola consumption. Fortunately, if you’ve fallen victim to this category of tooth discoloration, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS can treat the problem with a professional whitening treatment.

Extrinsic stains occur on the outer surface of the tooth which makes them easier to remove than intrinsic stains. Extrinsic stains may appear dark brown or yellow in color. Though they aren’t problematic to the status of your oral health, they can diminish a person’s self-esteem and confidence. A professional whitening treatment can remove these stains and make teeth appear a few shades whiter.

If you have questions or concerns about tooth stains or teeth whitening services, give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

Veneers

Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS provides veneers to patients who desire to aesthetically enhance their smile. Veneers are routinely used to fix teeth that are discolored, worn down, chipped or broken, and can transform a smile in just a few visits to the office. To determine if you are a candidate for veneers, you will need to visit Dr. Morehart for a dental exam.

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials that are designed to cover the front surface of teeth. Though veneers are usually used to treat cosmetic issues, they have restorative benefits as well. This is because they protect the teeth and may eliminate the need for more extensive treatment in the future. Veneers are irreversible, so it’s important to relay any questions you have about the process to Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS. He will assure that you are comfortable with your overall decision.

If you have questions or concerns regarding veneers, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

Brush Before Bed

Bad habits are hard to break and good habits can be hard to start. Think about how long your day is and the foods you are consuming at work or on-the-go. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS understands that his patients lead busy lives, but he hopes that each of them is taking care of their dental health throughout the day. It’s recommended to brush your teeth at two times a day, one being before bed.

Every time we eat a meal, the bacteria reside and feast on the leftover food particles. Just like every other living organism, these bacteria excrete waste. This waste is highly acidic and attacks tooth enamel causing cavities. Brushing your teeth before bed can reduce the yucky feeling that morning breath leaves behind. If you’re too exhausted to brush before bed, leave a toothbrush in the nightstand because even a little cleaning goes a long way.

If you have questions or concerns regarding oral hygiene or dental health, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

Drink More Water!

If you want to protect your teeth from decay, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS hopes you’re staying hydrated. Our bodies are made of 60% water, and it’s no secret that it keeps our system healthy. Drinking beverages that contain sugar may taste good, but they do more harm for your teeth. Instead, water cleans your mouth with every sip, leaving you with a healthy, fresh smile.

Water contains fluoride – nature’s natural cavity fighter. Fluoride fights against cavities by strengthening tooth enamel and remineralizing teeth that have been damaged by acidity. Drinks like juice, soda, or sports drinks will leave unwanted sugar on the teeth and will eat away at the enamel if not brushed away. Since dental health is linked to overall health, you can’t go wrong with drinking lots of water.

If you have questions or concerns about the status of your oral health, give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.