Causes of Filling Failure

When patients suffer from tooth decay, Dr. Dennis Morhart’s Enid dental office is ready to help them. Our fillings are aesthetically pleasing and comfortable, but no filling lasts forever. Recently, scientists have conducted research on what causes fillings to fail, and we want our readers to know when they’re at risk.

Scientists are surprised to find that filling failure is associated with certain gene patterns. Therefore, it is especially important for people whose relatives have poor dental health to monitor their old fillings and maintain regular check-ups. But two of the biggest predictive factors were lifestyle related: smoking and alcohol. The scientists examined male smokers and found that their rate of filling failure was higher than that of male non-smokers. They also found that people of both sexes who consume alcohol have higher rates of filling failure. Because losing a filling is painful and potentially dangerous, we hope our patients will do everything they can to prevent this and will come to us if an old filling becomes sensitive or starts to leak. On a positive note, the researchers also found that white-colored composite fillings work just as well as old grey-colored amalgam ones, making these nicer-looking prosthetics a viable dental health option.

Dr. Dennis Morehart, Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, operates Enid Dental Care at 2411 Heritage Trail, Ste #4, Enid, Oklahoma, 73703. To schedule an appointment, call 580-237-2213 or visit Enid Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

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. 

Filling Sensitivity

If you’ve been having issues with fillings, the office of Dr. Dennis Morehart in Enid is the place to go. White fillings and bonding are some of the most important restorative devices in dentistry, allowing us to repair the aesthetic qualities of a patient’s smile in a minimally invasive way which will help prevent further decay. However, fillings and bonding don’t last forever and sometimes are placed unsuccessfully.

A tooth is usually sensitive immediately after a decayed portion is drilled away and filled in, but pain should not last for more than two days. The new filling also should not interfere with a patient’s bite. If it does, it is misshapen and needs to be replaced. But even when fillings are made well, the seal holding them in only has a lifespan of about ten years. After that, it will begin to crack. Bacteria are able to enter the cracks, where they cannot be removed by brushing and where they will produce more acid, causing more decay.

Of course, fillings may come loose sooner if they suffer trauma or a mouth’s health rapidly deteriorates. Anytime there is a problem with a filling or bonding, the patient should come in for a replacement before decay can resume.

Dr. Dennis Morehart, Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, operates Enid Dental Care at 2411 Heritage Trail, Ste #4, Enid, Oklahoma, 73703. To schedule an appointment, call 580-237-2213 or visit EnidDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

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. 

Beware of Cavities

Only Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS can tell you if you have a cavity, and although he has all of the required materials in his office to fill said cavity, he would rather his patients avoid them altogether. “Cavity” is just another way of saying “tooth decay,” and tooth decay is influenced by lifestyle, what we eat, how well we take care of how teeth, and the presence of fluoride in our water and toothpaste.

Many people think only children get cavities, but changes in your mouth as you age make them an adult problem too. As you get older, your gums pull away from your teeth. This exposes the roots of your teeth to plaque and if you eat a lot of sugary or high-carb foods, you’re more likely to get cavities. Cavities are very serious. Left untreated, a cavity can destroy your tooth and kill the delicate nerves at its center which may result in spending extra time and money in the dentist’s chair down the line.  As always, preventive care can keep micro problems from turning into major ones, so remember to brush at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth and below the gum line.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, give us a call. To learn more about the services provided 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.

Straight Teeth are Healthy Teeth

Swollen red gums can often be the result of having teeth that are crowded or too widely spaced. When teeth are properly aligned, it helps the gums fit more securely around the teeth, allowing for the strongest and healthiest defense against potential periodontal problems. In Enid, OK, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, can provide you with a variety of options to straighten your teeth so that you can have a beautiful healthy smile.

When teeth are properly aligned, they’re easier to clean and when your teeth are clean and dental plaque free, you’re less likely to need a tooth filling or gum disease treatment. When teeth are straight, it helps the gums fit more securely around the teeth, allowing for the strongest and healthiest defense against potential periodontal problems.

Tooth decay and gum disease are caused by bacteria. Left untreated, they can cause mouth sores, tender or bleeding gums, bad breath, and possible tooth loss.  Correctly aligning your teeth can also alleviate the issues that can be caused by an improper bite, speech or chewing difficulties, jaw problems and increased wear on the tooth enamel.

If you are considering braces, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS offers Invisalign as well as traditional braces as options. To learn more about these options visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.