Why Should We Floss?

You just had your routine dental appointment and perhaps our doctor at Advantage Dentistry told you to floss more. But you didn’t listen and you went home and tossed the floss right in the junk drawer. Well, you better retrieve it because we are here to tell you why you should utilize this tool that fights against periodontal disease, tooth decay, and help you keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime.

Floss removes food particles that weren’t brushed away. These food particles feed on plaque and can turn into tartar if not removed. If you’re afraid to floss because your gums are bleeding this is the number one reason to floss more and not less. Gingivitis can be reversed by flossing at least twice a day for a week straight, but remember, you’ll need to keep up the routine to keep a healthy smile.

If you have questions or concerns regarding oral hygiene and dental health, please give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide. 

Sensitivity with Fillings

When patients suffer from tooth decay, they know they can count on treatment at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore. Our patients’ cosmetic care is of special importance to us, and the fillings we provide are not only high-quality but also colored to match patients’ teeth. But fillings work best when we have the cooperation of well-informed patients, which is why we want them to understand what it means if a tooth with a filling is sensitive.

Before a filling can be placed, the decayed enamel has to be drilled away. This may make a patient feel sore, but only for two days, at most. However, if pain spikes when the patient bites down or if the patient is unable to close their teeth together normally, the filling may be too high and need to be contoured.

High fillings are rare, but at some point, the bonding holding the filling in will break down. Fillings typically have a lifespan of about ten years. After that, cracks in the bonding will become a refuge for bacteria, which will continue to produce decay-causing acid and cause the tooth to need retreatment. Patients can avoid that by maintaining regular visits, so we’ll catch fillings that need to be replaced early.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Root Canal Procedure

When our doctors at Advantage Dentistry suggest a root canal, this means that the tooth or teeth in question are damaged or decayed. Root canals may sound terrifying, but advances in dental technology over the years make them less painful. In fact, it’s more painful living with a decayed tooth than it is to sit through a root canal procedure. If you have a root canal coming up, we guarantee to make you feel as comfortable as possible.

A root canal saves a natural tooth when it has become diseased. This can improve chewing, protect surrounding teeth from becoming damaged and improve your natural appearance. A root canal is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal becomes inflamed or infected. During the procedure, the area surrounding the tooth will be kept dry. Our doctor will then create an opening in the crown of the tooth and clean the pulp that has become inflamed. After the area is sealed, a temporary filling will be placed. Once the tooth heals, you’ll have your final visit where a permanent crown will be placed.

If you have questions or concerns about the root canal procedure, please give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide. 

Dental Abscess

Most of us know how painful a canker sore can feel, and a dental abscess is no different. An abscessed tooth is an infection caused by tooth decay, periodontal disease, or a cracked tooth that hasn’t been treated. This infection occurs when pus builds up at the root tip in the jaw bone. Fortunately, regardless of the cause, our doctors at Advantage Dentistry can help you treat the problem and prevent abscesses from forming in the future.

By practicing proper oral hygiene on a daily basis you are already reducing your risk of developing a tooth abscess. However, if your teeth become loose or chipped, you should visit us immediately to correct the problem. Signs of a dental abscess may include deep cavities, gum inflammation, tooth sensitivity and/or limited ability to open the mouth. Dental abscess treatment may include antibiotics, cleaning the tooth, or root canal treatment depending on the severity.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental abscesses or your oral health, please give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide. 

Gingivitis

The most common symptom of gingivitis is spitting blood in the sink while you brush. It sounds a little gross, but it’s important to know that you can prevent this from happening. Gingivitis develops when poor oral hygiene habits are practiced. If you notice swollen or puffy gums, dark red gums, bad breath, or gums that are receding, please schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Advantage Dentistry.

Our doctors are dedicated to providing patients with healthy gums, but this cannot be achieved by our doctors alone. It’s a dual effort between the doctor and the patient. Anyone can develop gingivitis, but you increase your risk if you’re a smoker, have a poor diet, or suffer from dry mouth. Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis which can eventually lead to tooth loss. Be sure to talk to your dentist about risk factors for gum disease and discuss your treatment options if you’ve been diagnosed with gingivitis.

If you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease, please give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide. 

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. Hundreds of different types of bacteria live on our teeth, gums, tongue and other crevices in the mouth. Some are helpful, but some can be harmful such as those that play a role in the tooth decay process. At Advantage Dentistry, we want our patients to know that good oral and dental hygiene can help you avoid cavities and tooth decay.

When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently – for example if you frequently eat foods or drinks containing sugar and starches – the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. This will cause a white spot to appear if the minerals have been lost. When this happens, this is a sign of early decay.

You can help prevent tooth decay by following these tips:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.


• Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaner.


• Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking.


• Visit us at Advantage Dentistry for professional cleanings and oral examination.

If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide.