Dental Blogs - Parkwood Dental

Teacher Appreciation Credit

July 17, 2019 by Parkwood Dental

Thank you to all the teachers and coaches! To show our appreciation, we’re offering a Teacher Appreciation Credit.

Whether you’re a retired or current teacher or coach, you have access to an exclusive special discount on dental services.

We are happy to offer this special discount to all the teachers and coaches in the communities we serve here at Parkwood Dental. Our Teacher Appreciation Credit is our way to give back to the teaching community.

• On your first visit, we will apply a $250 credit to the cost of your future services after your initial visit*.
• You will receive $100 off each subsequent year as our patient.
• The discount can be applied to your current dental insurance.
• Credit is valid on both products and services at either of our Bradenton locations.
• We offer this discount as a small way to say thank you for everything that you do!

*Expires 12 months after issue date and can’t be refunded for cash

Key Benefits of Routine Dental Care

July 1, 2019 by Parkwood Dental

If you are waiting until you have a toothache to visit our dentist, this is the wrong approach to dental care. We recommend routine dental care to avoid having serious dental health issues that require major treatments. While it is possible to have an injury to a tooth that requires an emergency visit to our dentist, most of the dental problems that we see are caused by neglecting to visit our dentist for many years. Dentists have a standard rule that you should have a checkup every six months along with a professional cleaning. Our dentist knows that patients will rarely develop a large cavity or gingivitis in only six months. There are several benefits from having routine dental care for your gums and teeth. First, you can maintain a beautiful smile with your own natural teeth longer when you have your teeth cleaned every six months to remove plaque. It is important to remember that this doesn’t replace daily oral hygiene with brushing and flossing, but it will remove plaque from hard to reach areas of your mouth. An additional benefit from professional teeth cleaning is that you are less likely to develop gum disease that can infect your alveolar bones and jawbone. The removal of plaque will also help to keep your breath fresh so that you won’t offend others.

Protect Your Internal Organs from the Dangers of Bacteria

When you visit our dentist for your checkup, you will require a complete examination, and we may also obtain X-rays of your teeth. If we notice a problem with a tooth, it is often easy to fix without any sedation or painkillers. You might have a tiny cavity that requires a small filling with a color-matching resin, or alternatively, you can have a tooth that has a small chip that requires a bonding process. These procedures will protect the underlying layers of teeth to avoid having bigger problems later. Keeping your teeth and gums in great condition can also protect you from other health conditions because we are removing harmful bacteria from your mouth.=

Have More Confidence with Perfect Teeth

Having a gorgeous smile can also have mental benefits because you will have more self-confidence. Other people are attracted to nice smiles that indicate that you care about your overall health. If you have attractive teeth, you may feel markedly better about applying for jobs or socializing with others. By visiting our dentist, we can make a customized mouth guard to protect your teeth while you play sports. These protective mouth guards are also suitable while you are using a bicycle or a scooter to avoid any damage to your gums or teeth.

Get in Touch with Us for More Information

To learn more about the benefits of routine dental care, make an appointment with Parkwood Dental. At our convenient location in Brdenton, our caring and dedicated team of professionals will be pleased to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!

Common Questions About Gum Disease

June 3, 2019 by Parkwood Dental

Gum disease is a relatively common issue that is not always well-understood. It is usually avoidable by maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, but this is not always the case. If you have recently found out that you or a loved one has the early signs of gum disease, you may have questions about how this happened and what can be done about it. The following is a list of some of the most common questions we are asked as well as the answers.

What Exactly is Gum Disease and What Causes It?

Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease. It is almost always preventable, but it is the most common cause of tooth loss for adults. The disease develops when plaque builds up just below your gum line. Untreated, this will cause tiny pockets that form, which separate the gum from your teeth. This allows things to more easily penetrate your gums.

The biggest cause of this condition is not maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine. Other risk factors include:

Being pregnant
Having crooked teeth
Smoking or chewing tobacco
Having diabetes
Being genetically predisposed
Having old dental fillings
Taking certain medications (certain birth control pills, steroids, cancer therapy drugs, and more)

How Do I Know if I Have Gum Disease?

Seeing our dentist regularly is the best way to know if you begin to develop the symptoms of this condition. Symptoms that you can look out for at home include:

Gums that bleed after brushing or flossing
Swollen gums that look redder than usual
Gums receding
Pain while chewing
Bad breath
Very sensitive teeth
Loose teeth

Can Gum Disease Be Treated?

Gum disease can be effectively reversed, but only if it is caught in the early stages. Early-stage gum disease is typically called gingivitis. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which can typically only be managed rather than treated. Treatment for gum disease involves having the plaque carefully removed by a dentist. As long as the disease has not progressed too far, your gums will be able to heal themselves once the plaque is gone. It will be extra important to brush and floss regularly afterward in order to prevent the disease from coming back.

Have more questions about gum disease or ready to start treatment? Schedule a consultation at Parkwood Dental. We will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have and can develop a treatment plan that is tailor-made for your situation. Contact us today to book your dental appointment in West Bradenton or East Bradenton.

How Root Canal Treatment Can Help

May 6, 2019 by Parkwood Dental

If you are experiencing tooth pain, it is possible a root canal treatment can help. If you have been told you need a root canal, do not fear. Thanks to scientific and medical advancements, these procedures are far more comfortable than ever before. Plus, they can help you save a tooth that might have otherwise been lost!

What Is a Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal involves removing the pulp from inside the tooth that is infected. The inside of the tooth is then disinfected and expertly shaped. A filing is then used to seal up the space, leaving you with a fully functional tooth. The pulp of your tooth is necessary when it is first developing. Once your tooth has fully matured, it no longer needs the pulp to survive.

When Is a Root Canal Treatment Helpful?

There are many cases when a root canal treatment can help save your tooth. These treatments can also prevent the infected tooth from negatively impacting the surrounding teeth. You may need a root canal if:

Your tooth is cracked
You are experiencing sensitivity to hot or cold
You have a very deep cavity
Your previous filing on the tooth has failed
Your tooth is injured

A root canal treatment has many benefits, including:

Restores normal biting force
Looks very natural
Protects the surrounding teeth from wear and potential strain
Will allow you to chew efficiently once again
Prevents the tooth from being pulled
Will stop the pain and temperature sensitivity

What to Expect with a Root Canal Treatment

Once it has been established that a root canal treatment is necessary, the procedure will typically last 90 minutes to two hours. Afterward, most people feel comfortable enough to return to school or work. You will want to wait until the numbness has worn off before attempting to eat.

After your initial appointment, where the tooth is cleaned out and sealed, you will return for a follow-up. At this follow-up, a crown or other form of tooth restoration will be placed over the tooth. Once this has occurred, this tooth will function like any other in your mouth. There is no reason that the treated tooth will not last as long as the rest of your natural teeth.

Would you like to learn more about root canal treatment at Parkwood Dental and how it can help? If so, visit us in Bradenton, FL to speak with a member of our team. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!

Why Choose FastBraces?

April 1, 2019 by Parkwood Dental

FastBraces® are a revolutionary way to straighten teeth easily, affordably, quickly and safely. The non-extraction system is effective and offers exceptional results. When traditional braces are used, the teeth are moved in two separate stages. This generally requires between two and four years. During the first twelve months, the tooth’s crown moves into proper alignment. During the next twelve months, the root of the teeth are moved into the correct alignment. FastBraces® use a different type of bracket.

The wires have a square shape and the brackets are triangular. This enables the roots of the teeth to be moved into proper placement as soon as the treatment begins. The combination of features enables the crowns and the roots of the teeth to move at the same time. This means root parallelism is achieved during the initial stages of the treatment. The result is FastBraces® only need to be worn for months as opposed to the two to four years necessary with traditional braces.

In most cases, the root is in the wrong position when the teeth grow in crooked. The triangular shape uses a wire as opposed to a square bracket. This nearly doubles the distance between the braces. The increase in space makes the wires more flexible. This is what enables the straightening of the root in just months. In some instances, results can be seen in a period of weeks.

The Benefits of FastBraces®

Research for the past two decades has determined FastBraces® are a safe option. Not only are there no additional risks, but the possibility of tooth decay due to improper brushing and flossing decreases. This is because the braces are worn for a much shorter length of time. The majority of patients were pleased with their treatment and their results. Since the treatment is faster, less dental appointments are required.

The design incorporates new technology. The elbow design is unique and the braces contain an elevated slot. The bracket shape is incredibly important since it is responsible for changing the flexibility and the force. The space between the brackets is defined by the square shape of traditional braces. This is how the wire flexibility is determined. The space between each bracket is increased by the triangular shape of the FastBraces® bracket. This makes the wire more flexible.

Get Started Today

If you are interested in FastBraces®, please schedule your personal consultation with us at Parkwood Dental, located in East Bradenton and West Bradenton. Contact us today to book your appointment!

The Unexpected Benefits of Dental Implants

March 4, 2019 by Parkwood Dental

You’ve looked in the mirror and noticed that some teeth are missing and some are broken. If you see any issues with your teeth that can’t be fixed with a simple filling or by other dental means, then consider the unexpected benefits that dental implants offer. Although this is a multi-step process, you’ll have a beautiful smile and teeth that function like your natural ones in a short time.

After the implant process, you’ll have a smile that you’ll want to show off to other people. You won’t have to worry about empty spaces in your mouth that might make it difficult to talk correctly or eat correctly. This is one of the primary benefits of dental implants that encourage many people to go ahead and take the next step in having the procedure completed.

Implants are reliable and durable. You would think that the implants are your natural teeth or stronger because of the metal posts that are used and because of the detailed work that takes place when the implants are placed in your mouth. A benefit of dental implants is that they won’t slip around in your mouth like dentures. You don’t have to worry about applying adhesive to them so they stay in place while you’re eating. Dental implants can last a lifetime with the proper care.

After not having the normal function of your teeth because they are broken or missing, you’ll enjoy being able to eat just about anything that you want once again. Your words won’t be slurred or difficult to understand when you talk because you’re going to have a full set of teeth instead of having one or more missing or broken. There isn’t a risk of the tooth breaking off and getting lodged in your throat somehow or causing other damage in your mouth once the implants are in place. Your jaw will be positively impacted as well after the procedure because the bone will be allowed to get healthy before the implant is placed. Your dentist will give you antibiotics and other medications that can help with getting rid of any infection that is in your mouth, strengthening your jaw and your teeth as well. Dental implants require the same amount of care as your natural teeth with few other details that you need to provide.

To learn more about dental implants and the benefits that they offer, we encourage you to reach out and make an appointment with Parkwood Dental! At our convenient location in Bradenton, FL, our caring and dedicated team of professionals will be pleased to explain this option in greater detail and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!

FREE Kids Dental Day!

February 12, 2019 by Parkwood Dental

Get a Straight Smile in Less Time with FastBraces

February 4, 2019 by Parkwood Dental

Let’s be totally honest – people do notice your smile and your teeth, and when yours are less than ideal, it can do a number on your self-esteem. As adults, we often believe we have missed the boat for straight teeth and that Hollywood smile, but that is certainly not true. Thanks to the advancements in contemporary orthodontics, you can now achieve perfect alignment with FastBraces®. The patented system is safe, comfortable, and works at an unprecedented speed with its unique components. In as little as three months, you can see and feel a noticeable difference in your teeth.

A Modern Wire and Brackets

These aren’t your old-school braces. Instead, FastBraces® feature just one elastic wire from start to finish, and the triangular-shaped brackets are designed to be flexible and offer fast and gentle straightening of both the crown and root at the same time. These new braces are cosmetically appealing with the ceramic brackets available in a tooth-colored wire. The system features low sensitivity and low friction, and you’ll be making fewer trips to the orthodontist or dentist for check-ups.

Are You a FastBraces® Candidate?

If you have ever thought about wearing traditional braces but were hesitant about the cost and lengthy time to wear them, then, the new system is an option to consider. Also, if you have crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth, FastBraces® can help you. Maybe your smile has a malocclusion such as an overbite, underbite, crowding of teeth, open bite or crossbite. All of these issues can be corrected through this remarkable system. In addition, the braces are comfortable and only require minimal retainer wear for 15 to 20 minutes a day. This system is available for both adults and children.

When your smile disappoints you, like many others, you may try and hide it or abstain from photos. FastBraces® is the modern way to achieve straighter teeth in the shortest time and even beats wearing clear aligners. The brilliance of the system comes from its technology that moves both the crown and the root at the same time. We enjoy helping each patient attain their best smile. To see if you’re a candidate for this revolutionary system, feel free to make an appointment with Parkwood Dental! At our convenient locations in Bradenton, our caring and devoted professionals will be pleased to explain the process in greater detail and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to hearing from you!

Root Canal: How to Know When You Need One

January 7, 2019 by Tara Castaldi

If you have problems with one of your teeth, you may need a root canal. Root canals are administered when the pulp or nerve of the tooth is infected and inflamed because of decay or trauma to the tooth. Here are some common signs that can let you know if you need this treatment:

Tooth Pain and Sensitivity

Pain in the tooth is the most common sign that you need a root canal. If you experience pain when you are eating or drinking, it is important to see a dental professional as soon as possible. When the blood vessels and nerves are inflamed because of an infection, you will probably be given an antibiotic before your root canal is administered.

When you experience tooth sensitivity for several weeks with no improvement, the best treatment may be a root canal. In most cases, tooth sensitivity that lasts more than a few weeks is because of a damaged tooth root. When a tooth root is damaged, it will not heal on its own, which is why it is important to seek treatment.

Swollen Gums

Swollen gums are a sign that you may need a root canal. When the gums are swollen, it could be from from an inflamed tooth root. You may also notice a small bump on your gums if an inflamed tooth root is the cause of your discomfort.

A Broken Tooth

If you have a chipped or cracked tooth, it can cause its nerves to become exposed, which can lead to an infection. When a tooth infection is not properly treated, it can spread to other areas in your body, such as the jaw bone.

How Is the Procedure Administered?

While many individuals are apprehensive about having this treatment administered, it is an easy process that can eliminate pain for good and save your tooth. Prior to the procedure, you will have the area numbed to prevent any discomfort. A tiny hole will be made inside the tooth to access the area that is causing pain. The root canal is the area in the center of the tooth that contains the pulp chamber, nerves, and blood vessels. Once the nerves, pulp, and blood vessels are removed, you won’t have any more pain. The empty pulp chamber will be filled, and you will have a dental crown placed over your tooth. A dental crown is a restoration that will protect your tooth and restore it to full function.

If you are experiencing tooth pain, the professionals at Parkwood Dental in East Bradenton and West Bradenton can help you determine if you are in need of a root canal. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

What are the Benefits of Dentures?

December 3, 2018 by Emily Maag

Teeth are a very important part of human anatomy. They are also the only part of your body that will not try to heal itself when injured. Unfortunately, humans only get two sets of teeth; if the second set is damaged and tooth loss occurs, this can impose a deal of difficulty on daily life as teeth are necessary for chewing, speaking, and smiling confidently. This is where a well-made pair of dentures can greatly improve a person’s quality of life. We at Parkwood Dental are proud to offer dentures to our patients and encourage you to find out more about their benefits.

They Make Eating Easier

If people lose their natural teeth, they may find themselves avoiding certain solid foods. Many people find they can go back to eating nearly everything after getting used to a new set. Being able to eat solid foods easily again is an important reason to consider dentures.

They Make Speaking Easier

In order to make certain sounds, the tongue presses up against teeth. If these teeth or missing, speaking can be quite difficult and cause a degree of self-consciousness. Having dentures can help restore your articulation and make speaking easier again.

They Can Improve Confidence

On top of helping with eating and speaking, having dentures can actually improve a person’s self-esteem. Those who have missing teeth may experience a degree of self-consciousness. They may avoid social situations, including ones that are important to their personal or professional life. Having dentures can give a person back their self-esteem and make them feel confident while smiling.

Dentures can contribute greatly to a person’s improved quality of life; we provide complete and partial dentures for a range of situations. If you have tooth loss and are interested in learning more about the benefits of dentures, we invite you to reach out and make an appointment at Parkwood Dental! At our office in Bradenton, our friendly team of devoted professionals will be happy to explain your options, answer any questions you may have, and help you regain a smile you love to bare. Contact us today to set up your consultation!