Fighting Plaque by Reducing Gum Pockets

Patients suffering from tooth decay are in good hands at Enid Dental Care. Our treatments stop the progression of periodontal disease and restore the bite function and cosmetics of patients’ mouths. One of the crucial steps of denying bacteria a place to breed is closing gum pockets, so patients should be educated about why it’s done.

Bacteria produces acid and plaque, which stick together and gradually cause the bone and gum tissue they come into contact with to dissolve. In areas below the gum line, the empty pockets where material dissolved are very difficult for patients to clean on their own and become safe havens for more bacteria. This causes the decay process to accelerate as bacteria colonies expand.

During a deep cleaning, Dr. Morehart or a hygienist will remove the plaque or tartar and bacteria colonies, but the pockets still have to be sealed. Usually, this is as simple as making an incision into a healthy portion of the gum, pulling a flap of gum tissue over the pocket, and suturing it. Sometimes, it may require a full gum graft, which involves cutting out a whole portion of the soft palate and sewing it over the pocket. Either way, patients should thereafter have an easier time cleaning their teeth.

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.

Understanding Inlays and Onlays

The Practice of Dr. Dennis Morehart in Enid, Oklahoma offers a number of care options to patients who are suffering from damaged teeth. Dr. Morehart is experienced and highly trained in performing root canals to combat periodontal disease and in placing artificial crowns on lost or infected teeth. But sometimes, tooth damage is much more moderate and doesn’t require such intensive treatments. If the surface of one of the chewing teeth is damaged, a partial crown may be all that is needed.

Partial crowns are divided between inlays and onlays. The difference is merely one of size—inlays fit in between the cusps of a molar or premolar, while onlays replace the cusps as well as the indentation. If the damage to a chewing surface was caused by periodontal disease, Dr. Morehart will drill away the decayed tissue before making an impression of the patient’s mouth. The impression will be sent to a factory where the partial crown will be created, usually by milling porcelain. During a return trip, the inlay or onlay can be affixed to the tooth using dental cement.

Like full crowns and natural teeth, partial crowns have to be maintained through regular oral hygiene. If cared for properly, they can last for decades.

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.

Reduced Radiation with Digital X-Rays

One of dental technology’s most remarkable achievements is the use of digital X-rays to see what’s going on inside your mouth. Radiation from dental imaging has attracted more controversy in recent years as computed tomography (CT) scans become more common in dentistry and as more becomes known about radiation’s long-term effects. Here at the dental practice of Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS our X-rays are panoramic digital images where a digital sensor is placed inside your mouth to take an image and then downloaded into our computer.

Using digital images reduces the radiation by 75%, there is no waiting time for an X-ray to develop, and there are no chemicals used in the process to pollute the environment. While the diagnostic benefits of this technology have been addressed, very few folks may realize that digital radiography is also quite cost-effective. Another added benefit? The digital X-ray is available immediately with a complete view of your mouth in just one shot, reducing your treatment time as well!

If you have questions regarding digital X-rays, 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.

Dangers of Dental Plaque

Plaque develops when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches), are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay. This is why it’s important to schedule regular dental checkups twice a year with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

When left untreated, plaque buildup leads to gum disease. The first sign of gum disease is gingivitis and you’ll know you have it when you spot blood in the sink after brushing your teeth. Gum disease has been linked to conditions such as diabetes, dementia, as well as cardiovascular disease. We want you to stay as healthy as possible, so to keep plaque under control, brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. In addition, use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth.

If you are due for a dental checkup, 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.

How to Keep Tooth Enamel Strong

Tooth enamel is the hard outer surface layer of your teeth that serves to protect against tooth decay. In fact, tooth enamel is considered the hardest mineral substance in your body, even stronger than bone. At the dental practice of Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, we want your enamel to be as strong as the rest of the bones in your body and you can keep it that way by following these simple steps:

• Limit sugary foods and drinks – bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar from foods and drinks. They produce acids, which soften and wear away your enamel. Chewy candies that stick on your teeth can also cause damage.
• Eat foods that protect enamel – calcium in food counters acids in your mouth that cause decay. It also helps keep your bones and teeth strong. Milk, cheese, and other dairy products help protect and strengthen enamel. If you don’t eat dairy, look for foods with calcium added.
• Avoid over-brushing – You can actually wear down your enamel if you brush too fast and hard. Wait for up to an hour after eating sweets or citrus fruits before you brush your teeth.
• Use fluoride – Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter because it strengthens your enamel and helps repair the early stages of tooth decay. Using a fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash can help prevent cavities and keep your enamel strong.

If you have questions regarding oral 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.

Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars in the back of your mouth that usually erupt around the ages of 17 and 25. If you still have yours, then Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS may suggest extraction.

 Reasons for having them extracted include the teeth themselves being impacted, erupting at the wrong angle, or simply because the patient’s mouth isn’t big enough to store extra molars. Impacted teeth and wisdom teeth that can potentially cause problems, like infections, will need to be removed.

When a wisdom tooth only emerges partially, a flap of skin called an operculum may form over the tooth. This can make the tooth hard to clean, and pieces of food may be caught under the skin. This makes it easy for an infection, called pericoronitis, to develop. It will usually go away on its own, but it causes swelling and pain in the area. If you are deemed a candidate for wisdom tooth extraction, it should only take a few days for you to heal and feel back to normal.

If your wisdom teeth are causing you discomfort, 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.

Baby Tooth Care Tips

Baby teeth may be small, but they’re important. To help prevent the buildup of plaque bacteria that can lead to decay, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS recommends regularly cleaning your newborn’s gums with a damp washcloth following feedings. It’s important to start cleaning your child’s teeth before they come in to jumpstart a healthy smile.

Wipe the gums off after each feeding with a warm, wet washcloth or a dampened piece of gauze wrapped around your finger. In addition, take measures to prevent baby bottle tooth decay, a disease that causes severe, swift decay of baby teeth. To help prevent it, do not put your baby to bed with a bottle of formula or a sugary drink, such as juice. The possibility of tooth decay is directly related to the number of times that sugar comes in contact with the teeth. Your child’s baby teeth act as placeholders for adult teeth. Without a healthy set of baby teeth, your child risks having trouble chewing and speaking clearly as they get older.

If you have questions about pediatric oral 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.