Partial Dentures
Replace missing teeth with partial dentures from an Enamel Dentistry studio in Texas
Fill In The Gaps With Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are a cost-effective, non-invasive alternative to other treatments like dental bridges and dental implants. If issues like gum disease, tooth decay, or an oral injury have resulted in the loss of one or more of your teeth, partial dentures are a great way to reclaim your smile. They are attached to your remaining healthy teeth with clips, enabling you to eat, speak, and smile normally again.
The Benefits Of Restoring Your Smile With Partial Dentures
Improved Aesthetics
Regain your confidence. Filling in the gaps with partial dentures, will help you look and feel your best.
Restored Function
Bite and chew properly. Replacing missing teeth will enable you to enjoy all your favorite foods.
Prevent Shifting
Keep your natural teeth strong. Partial dentures will help your remaining teeth from shifting which could lead to other issues.
Facial Support
Stop your face from sagging. Partial dentures support your mouth and cheeks and prevent a sunken appearance.
Come In And See Us
We'll Have You Grinning From The Chin Up
We're changing the way patients experience the dentist. Our primary concern is your oral health and making sure you feel comfortable coming to see us. We know it can be scary visiting the dentist. But our philosophy of providing an easy and fun experience combined with our use of advanced AI tools, we know you'll feel different about coming to see us.
We offer:
AI Technology That Doesn't Miss A Thing
We've invested in top-of-the-line tools and the latest technology to improve efficiency and patient care. No more goopy impressions! From AI and 3D printers to iTero for digital and diagnostic impressions, we're equipped with proven equipment to ensure that every procedure is comfortable, convenient and ensures an accurate fit. Combining technology and innovations with our highly professional and knowledgeable dental team enables us to deliver the best treatment outcomes consistently.
Don't Let Finances Come Between You And A Beautiful Healthy Smile
We understand the frustration of needing dental care while feeling it may not be affordable. You shouldn't have to worry about paying for your oral health. That's why we have several options to help you easily finance your dental treatment.
Enamel Dentistry Patients Are The Best
The More You Know,
The Better Your Oral Health Will Be
How Can My Dentist Help Me Sleep Better?
Do you snore when you sleep? Wake up in the middle of the night out of breath? Feel tired all the time? If you answered yes to these questions, you may have sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects an estimated 18 million adults in the United States. With sleep apnea, your breathing stops while you’re sleeping, then starts up again. The pause in between breaths can be 10 seconds or longer, and it can happen as often as 30 times or more each hour you sleep. Unsurprisingly, this can wreak havoc on getting a good night’s sleep. It’s not uncommon for patients with sleep apnea to wake up many times throughout the night.
There are three types of sleep apnea; the most common type is called obstructive sleep apnea. With obstructive sleep apnea, the tissues of the throat and palate relax while you sleep, which causes the tissues to sag and obstruct the airway. Although the daytime fatigue that comes with sleep apnea can make it difficult to go about your daily tasks, sleep apnea can have more serious consequences. It’s been linked to numerous health conditions, including:
- High blood pressure and heart problems
- Type 2 diabetes
- Metabolic syndrome
- Complications with certain medications or general anesthesia
- Liver issues
In addition, a lack of sleep can affect your overall well-being. You may find you have memory issues, moodiness, and difficulty concentrating. Fortunately, your dentist can help diagnose and treat sleep apnea!
How’s Your Sleep Quality?
This might not be a question you expect to hear from your dentist, but believe it or not, we have ways of spotting patients who might have sleep apnea. One of the first signs is bruxism, more commonly known as teeth grinding. Teeth grinding causes worn surfaces on your teeth, as well as cracks, broken teeth, and inflamed or receding gums. A sudden increase in cavities can also be a sign of teeth grinding because the force of grinding your teeth can cause damage that makes them more vulnerable to cavity-causing bacteria.
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are often closely associated with sleep apnea, although the relationship between the two isn’t completely understood. A study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that people with obstructive sleep apnea are twice as likely to have TMJ disorders than people without sleep apnea. Other signs of sleep apnea are a tongue with “scalloped” edges, a small jaw, redness in the throat, or unusually large throat tissues.
Dentistry to the Rescue!
There are several ways to treat sleep apnea; in the case of obstructive sleep apnea, you may only need to make some lifestyle changes. These include:
- Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding alcohol or drugs that relax your central nervous system
- Quitting smoking
- Taking antihistamines or other medications that help with nasal allergies
One of the most common ways to treat sleep apnea is with a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. CPAP machines provide a gentle flow of air through a small mask that you wear at night, which helps prevent your tissues from obstructing your airway. Although they’re very effective, they can be bulky, and some patients have trouble sleeping with them.
Nightguards or other oral appliances can also be very effective for patients with mild-to-moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea. They work by moving your jaw and throat into a position that prevents tissue obstruction while you sleep. Although rare, surgery is also an option for severe sleep apnea.
Get the Quality Sleep You Deserve
It might be easy to push aside sleep apnea symptoms as “just a snore” but poor sleep quality can have a serious impact on your well-being and ability to function throughout the day. However, the long-term effects are more concerning. Since sleep apnea affects the oxygenation of your blood and the way your heart and lungs function, it can increase your risk of heart attacks, stroke, and other serious health problems. Sleep is also very important for the body’s immune system and ability to heal!
If you have signs of sleep apnea, don’t ignore them! Schedule an appointment at Enamel Dentistry so we can evaluate your symptoms and create a custom treatment plan.
The Health Benefits of Regular Dental Care
You’ve probably heard it time and time again: brushing your teeth, flossing, and regular dental exams are important. While we can all appreciate having a beautiful smile, it’s often easy to overlook the health benefits of preventive dental care.
The health benefits of going to the dentist regularly go deeper than just making sure your teeth stay in good condition. We’re learning more all the time about how dental issues (like gum disease) can affect your overall health and lead to more serious health problems. That’s why regular dental visits and a good oral hygiene routine at home are so very important!
Six-Month Check-Ups Are Essential
Six-month check-ups give your dentist a chance to keep an eye on your gum and teeth health, which allows any developing issues to be caught early on. A small cavity is easy to fix but if it’s not addressed for many years, it can develop into severe tooth decay or even lead to infection. If a tooth is too badly infected, it may need extraction. It’s much easier to take care of a cavity as soon as it develops – and it can save you money in the long run if you don’t need more extensive procedures. We also do oral cancer screenings at every six-month check-up. Without regular dental appointments, oral cancer is very difficult to detect until it’s reached stage III or IV. By then, it’s already made its way through the body.
Don’t Forget Teeth Cleaning, Fluoride Treatments, or Dental Sealants!
Regular cleanings are important because they remove tartar, plus any plaque that your toothbrush and floss might have missed. While your teeth are being cleaned, our hygienists can look for anything concerning, like cavities or signs of gingivitis (gum disease). Fluoride treatments are also helpful because they remineralize your teeth, which prevents soft spots in the enamel that can turn into cavities. Likewise, dental sealants protect your molars (which are particularly vulnerable to cavities) from things like bacteria, acids, and food particles.
Keep Your Smile Strong and Healthy at Enamel Dentistry
At Enamel Dentistry, we want our patients to have a lifetime of strong, healthy smiles, which is why preventive dental care is at the heart of what we do. Our dental office serves all of Austin, providing complete dental care for children and adults. Contact us online or visit us at our South Lamar, Parmer Park, Lantana Place, Saltillo location. We also have a fifth location at the Domain opening soon!
A Comprehensive Guide to Root Canals (Endodontic Therapy)
Despite the myths, endodontic therapy are key treatments that remove the pulp, save teeth and relieve pain. You will learn about root canal therapy and how to care for your tooth after, so you can confidently handle your dental health.
Endodontic Therapy Step-By-Step
Understanding Endodontic Therapy
What Does a Root Canal Look Like?
The endodontic procedure to remove the infected pulp, clean and disinfect it, and fill it to avoid further issues. Root canal pictures often show the before and after of the tooth’s interior, highlighting the clean, filled, and sealed canals.
Root Canal on front teeth - Root Canal Xray:
Root Canal Before and After:
The Lifespan of a Endodontic Therapy
How long does a endodontic therapy last? With proper dental care, including regular check-ups, cleanings, and good oral hygiene, a treated tooth can last a lifetime. A dental crown after endodontic therapy treatment adds protection and longevity.
Tooth with root canal hurts with pressure? Sometimes, it takes time for the surrounding soft tissues to fully heal after a endodontic therapy. In rare cases, some bacteria may remain in the affected tooth or the surrounding tissues, causing continued discomfort. Pressure on a cracked tooth may cause pain as well if left untreated.
If you're in pain or feeling sensitive after dental treatment, it's a good idea to see your dentist or endodontist for a check-up. They can determine the cause of the discomfort and recommend appropriate treatment to address it.
How long does a root canal last without a crown? The absence of a dental crown can greatly shorten a tooth's life. The crown is essential for protecting the weakened tooth from fractures post-treatment. Without a crown, the tooth is more likely to fail, particularly molars and premolars that handle most of the chewing.
Post-Endodontic Therapy Care
Immediate Aftercare
Can I drive after a root canal? After endodontic therapy, driving is safe as long as you feel well and have no lingering effects from sedation.
What can I eat after a root canal? What to eat after a endodontic therapy is crucial. Eat soft, easy-to-chew foods to avoid discomfort and protect the treated area.
Managing Discomfort
How to stop throbbing pain after root canal? Over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses can alleviate pain. If you have pressure pain on root canal tooth or any other persistent discomfort, contact your dentist.
Root Canal Treatment Side Effects
- Without a crown for protection, the tooth that underwent endodontic therapy may weaken and become more susceptible to breaking. This happens because the procedure removes the tooth's pulp, which can make the tooth less strong.
- Rarely, but a few folks might get an allergic reaction to the things used in the procedure, such as the filling or anesthesia.
- Bacteria can cause another infection if it gets back into the tooth filling material. Signs of a re-infection include pain, swelling, and sensitivity.
- Root Canal Cracked Tooth: Without a crown, the tooth could crack, potentially causing infection and pain.
Common Questions and Concerns
Endodontic Therapy vs. Dental Implants
When considering root canal vs implant, remember that preserving your natural teeth is always preferable. Endodontic therapy can save the natural tooth structure, while implants replace the entire tooth.
Smoking and Oral Health
Can you smoke after a root canal? We advise against smoking because it can delay healing and raise the risk of complications.
Enhancing Your Dental Health
Preventing Root Canals
How to avoid root canal? The key lies in preventing tooth decay and gum disease through regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Addressing issues early with treatments like dental fillings can prevent the need for more invasive procedures.
Emergency Care
What about emergency root canal? When faced with severe pain or a cracked tooth root canal, immediate dental attention can prevent further damage and save your tooth.
Myths vs. Reality
The Truth About Pain
How bad does a root canal hurt 1-10? With modern techniques and anesthesia, most patients experience minimal discomfort.
Are Root Canals Bad for You?
Endodontic Therapy is a safe and effective way to treat infected teeth. The procedure removes bacteria, protecting your tooth and overall health.
Advanced Care and Alternatives
The Role of Dental Crowns
Getting a crown after root canal can help your tooth look, feel, and function normal again. A crown will ensure its strength and durability as well for the long term. The dentist will remove the temporary filling after the endodontic therapy, and complete your dental crown.
Exploring Alternatives
While there is alternative to root canal to consider, most of the time it's better to save your natural tooth.
Conclusion
Endodontic Therapy play a crucial role in dental health, addressing tooth infections and decay to save natural teeth. Knowing about root canals, caring for your tooth after, and preventing more dental issues can keep your smile healthy and free from pain. Remember, the key to a successful dental pulp therapy is early detection, proper aftercare, and regular dental visits. So, embrace your dental health journey with confidence and let root canals be a positive step towards a brighter smile.
Tooth troubles? Here are some common FAQ's
In most cases, the answer is no. Gum health issues like gingivitis are very rare in toddlers. If your toddler’s gums are swollen and tender, this is likely due to the natural teething process. As the teeth begin to move beneath the surface of the gums, the gums may look swollen or red, and seem inflamed. Your toddler may also be cranky or complain of pain in their mouth if they’re old enough to do so. However, this is completely normal. As their tooth erupts, their gums will stop swelling and will become less inflamed. Once the tooth has fully erupted, you will no longer notice any serious inflammation or swelling around the area.
If your gums start bleeding while you’re flossing, should you keep flossing? Absolutely! Bleeding while flossing is often a sign that you need to be flossing your gums more thoroughly or frequently—not that they should be left alone. It might sound counterintuitive, but the more you floss, the less your gums will bleed, unless the bleeding is related to physical damage to your gum tissue or a systemic issue. Many patients will stop flossing an area that bleeds, but the best thing to do is to give that area more attention!
Just about all kinds of toothpaste contain some sort of mild abrasive, as this helps remove plaque and polish your teeth. However, whitening toothpastes usually have a higher level of abrasive particles. Baking soda is often used, as is silica, dicalcium phosphate, and a number of other abrasives. These abrasives are usually formulated specifically to be softer than your enamel. This ensures that they do not wear down your teeth, but they can still be used to buff away surface stains caused by plaque buildup, and keep your teeth looking bright and beautiful.
If you have a persistent or severe toothache, this may indicate that you have an infected tooth. If this is the case, it’s critical to come in for an emergency appointment to get a root canal and restore your tooth. Enamel Dentistry offers emergency care and expert root canal therapy, and we want to make sure that our patients are informed about the signs and symptoms of infected teeth. Here are a few things to keep in mind about emergency dental care and root canal therapy in Austin: