Blog - Bradenton FL - Parkwood Dental

Why Preventive Care is Important

September 3, 2018 by Tara Castaldi

Preventive care is absolutely critical to your physical and mental health. Through regular exams, screenings, and immunizations, you can detect health problems early on and act to prevent them from worsening.

Getting healthy, maintaining good health, and enjoying a long life all require preventive care. Through preventive care, doctors can help patients avoid many different issues by detecting problems before symptoms begin to appear.

There are many types of preventive care, with the most recognizable of these varieties being the annual exam known as a physical. However, what many people tend to neglect when they think of preventive care, or healthcare in general, is dental health.

You might also hear dental health services referred to as dental care or oral hygiene care. The importance of this type of care cannot be overstated, and it is actually more crucial to your overall health thank you may have realized.

The truth is that preventive care for dental health is just as important as physical health screenings. Gum disease, for example, can lead to other more serious issues if not treated promptly.

As you can see, proper care at every stage of life will help you stay healthy, avoid issues, and keep pre-existing conditions from becoming major problems down the line. Not to mention, it can help you maintain a beautiful smile for the rest of your life.

Make an appointment at Parkwood Dental to get started with dental care. Contact us today to book a consultation in West Bradenton or East Bradenton. We look forward to working with you!

Finding the Right Bradenton Dentist

August 6, 2018 by Tara Castaldi

Most people are well aware of the importance of dental care, as this is something that can impact your quality of life, other areas of your health, and even your appearance. Making sure you take good care of your teeth and gums is vital, which is why you need to develop a good oral health routine. In addition to this, you need to ensure you pay regular visits to the dentist for checkups as well as have any necessary treatment. In order to do this, you need to ensure you find the right Bradenton dentist for your needs such as the professionals at Parkwood Dental.

When it comes to finding the right Bradenton dentist, you need to look at a number of key points. This will make it much easier for you to make your choice and find a dentist that is ideally suited to your wants and needs. Some of the things to look at when choosing a Bradenton dentist include:

WHERE THE DENTIST IS LOCATED

One of the things you need to consider is the location of the dentist as this is something that can have an impact on convenience levels. When you visit a Bradenton dentist, you don’t want to be sitting in traffic for long periods. You should be happy to know that we have locations in East Bradenton and West Bradenton.

THE SERVICES OFFERED

You should also make sure you look at the services offered by the Bradenton dentist before you make your choice. Some people want a dentist that offers basic services such as checkups and fillings while others are looking for a dentist that can also provide other treatments and procedures such as cosmetic dentistry.

THE REPUTATION OF THE DENTIST

One key point you should always check on is the reputation of the Bradenton dentist you are considering using. This is a crucial step as it means you benefit from peace of mind and you can boost the chances of finding the right dental expert.

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE DENTAL EXPERTS

If you want access to a range of high-quality dental treatment, get in touch with the experts at Parkwood Dental in East Bradenton and West Bradenton. Contact us today to book a consultation!

2nd Annual Little Smiles, Lots of Fun!

July 18, 2018 by Nik Martinez

Veneers in Bradenton – Can They Make You Smile More?

July 2, 2018 by Tara Castaldi

Veneers have become extremely popular in recent years because of their myriad benefits. You might need veneers to correct many aesthetic dental problems and even some orthodontic issues. The market is flooded with many options that can be confusing. However, if you have been recommended veneers to enhance your facial cosmetic appearance or rectify other dental problems, then you should definitely opt for a procedure without hesitation. You will not be disappointed with the dramatic results. Parkwood Dental in Bradenton, FL provides exceptional service for individuals looking to acquire veneers in Bradenton.

WHAT ARE VENEERS?

Veneers are strong and durable, made of dental ceramic that is customized to look exactly like your natural teeth. They are bonded on top of your regular teeth to enhance the cosmetic appearance of your face or to address some other dental issue like gaps between the teeth. They can make your teeth look whiter by covering yellow stains that can alter your smile. You can also use veneers to correct a tooth that is different from others in appearance or color. Veneers in Bradenton are customized to suit individual dental needs and are made to be durable. In fact, some veneers can last up to 20 years with proper care.

WHO ARE VENEERS RECOMMENDED FOR?

There are many people who can make good candidates for veneers in Bradenton. If you have multiple teeth that are stained or contain gaps and spaces, then veneers can work like a charm. This treatment is highly recommended if you have teeth that are uneven. Sometimes, veneers can be used instead of braces to fix crowded teeth, rotated teeth and even broken or chipped teeth.

HOW TO CARE FOR VENEERS

The best part about permanent veneers is that they do not alter your lifestyle at all where hygiene is concerned. You can simply brush and floss as normal to maintain dental hygiene. Regular dental checkups are always advised to maintain good oral health.

BOOK A CONSULTATION TODAY

Veneers in Bradenton can change your smile and make your life exciting. Schedule an appointment with the qualified professionals at Parkwood Dental in East and West Bradenton, FL to get veneers that can help you put your best smile forward. Contact us today to book your appointment.

$500 OFF Braces or Invisalign!

June 4, 2018 by Parkwood Dental

What to Expect from Invisalign in Bradenton, FL

June 4, 2018 by Parkwood Dental

While most people associate wearing braces with children, there are also many adults that have teeth that are crooked and out of alignment. However, wearing metal braces can be difficult for an adult. They are impossible to hide and can be inconvenient. Over recent years, many people in Bradenton, FL have decided to try an innovative solution: Invisalign. This treatment is available from specialist dental and orthodontic facilities such as Parkwood Dental.

What the Process Involves

If you decide to opt for Invisalign in Bradenton, FL, it is best to familiarize yourself with what to expect. The whole process is pretty straightforward and simple. Once you’ve completed the treatment, you can look forward to many benefits, including improved appearance, a higher level of self-esteem, and a far more practical solution to deal with damaged and misaligned teeth. The basic process involved when you choose Invisalign is:

An Initial Assessment

Your first step when considering having Invisalign in Bradenton, FL is to visit a specialist clinic to have an initial assessment. The dentist will need to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this treatment and the process begins with an examination of your teeth.

Creating the Trays

Once an examination has been carried out and the dentist has decided you are suitable for Invisalign, the next step is to get comprehensive records together. This includes scans, dental impressions, photos, and more. These are then sent to a specialist laboratory so that computer technology can be used to create the trays you will be wearing to reposition your teeth.

Wearing the Aligners

When you have Invisalign in Bradenton, FL, you have to wear the trays for a set amount of time. Your aligners can be removed, but only for short periods at a time. It’s important to keep them clean so you can reduce the risk of getting cavities.

Ongoing Visits

While you are having the treatment, you will need to visit our dentist regularly so that we can make sure everything is going smoothly.

Getting Invisalign in Bradenton, FL

If you are interested in trying Invisalign, your first step is to make an appointment for an assessment at Parkwood Dental in East Bradenton, FL or West Bradenton, FL. Contact us today to book an initial assessment!

Teeth Whitening in Bradenton and Preventing Stains

May 7, 2018 by Parkwood Dental

There any many over-the-counter options available when it comes to teeth whitening, but do they really work? In short, the answer is no. Parkwood Dental proudly offers professional teeth whitening in Bradenton. The treatments are very safe and effective, and during your treatments, we’re also able to educate you on ways to prevent further stains.

How Your Teeth Become Stained

Beverages such as coffee, tea, and acidic juices can stain your teeth. The same is true for certain medications (antibiotics), smoking, and highly-pigmented foods. The natural tooth color ranges from light yellow to reddish light yellow. But with age and regular consumption of foods and drinks known to stain the enamel, which is the outer layer of the tooth, the result can be a dingy appearance and darker color.

Further aggravating the situation is the presence of plaque and tartar, which makes it easy for stains to latch onto teeth. Also, the cracks in the enamel expose the dentin, which is the interior of the tooth that is quick to absorb food color.

Amazing Results with Teeth Whitening in Bradenton

The very best option for teeth whitening is having a professional whiten your teeth using a safe and effective treatment. The procedure is performed in the comfort of our office in Bradenton, and the results can be truly incredible.

DIY Teeth Whitening to Avoid

Unlike hair and nails, with teeth whitening, you’re dealing with a living tissue and so you must proceed with caution when doing any DIY teeth whitening treatment. Just to be on the safe side, it’s never a good idea. Some online how-tos advocate the use of lemons or strawberries mixed with baking soda to whiten one’s teeth. While they may sound like an easy, innocuous way to get a celebrity smile, take note that the acid from these fruits can actually erode your enamel, predisposing you to tooth decay, and paradoxically, to an even duller appearance of the teeth.

Enjoying a Brighter Smile

To learn more about teeth whitening, consult our team at Parkwood Dental in East and West Bradenton. We provide a wide range of cosmetic dentistry treatments and dental services. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

The Benefits of Removing Wisdom Teeth

April 2, 2018 by Parkwood Dental

Most people have heard of or know someone who has had their wisdom teeth removed. There is a reason removal is so common. Wisdom teeth can cause a variety of oral issues when they come in. It is for that reason there are many benefits of removing these teeth.

What are Wisdom Teeth?

You may be familiar with the name, but are unclear what they really are. Wisdom teeth are a type of molar. They are sometimes called the third molars. It is possible to have your wisdom teeth come in and have no issues. The biggest problem with these teeth happens when they are impacted. Impacted molars are those that are partially covered with gums or bone.

Why are Impacted Molars Harmful?

When wisdom teeth are impacted, the best solution tends to be removal. Although there may not always be pain associated with the issue, there can still be adverse effects. Ultimately, you can be at risk for periodontal disease if you do not address impacted teeth.

Signs that you may have impacted molars are:

Jaw pain
Jaw swelling
Inflamed gums
Irritated gums
Bone loss
Foul breath
Loss of gums
Surrounding damage

If you have any of the above issues and are concerned impacted teeth may be the cause, it is important you speak to a dental professional.

The Benefits of Removal

1) Prevent Infection and Inflammation

The limited space and impaction of your wisdom teeth can lead to inflammation and gum disease. Inflammation is hard to treat and can spread to other areas of the gums. Impacted teeth also allow for a space between the tooth and gums where bacteria can breed. The presence of bacteria leaves you susceptible to infection.

2) Crowding

These teeth can often cause overcrowding of your teeth.

3) Cysts And Tumors

It is possible to get small cysts or tumors in areas of your jawbone where your teeth are impacted.

4) Hygiene

One of the most immediate and noticeable signs of impacted molars is the effect they have on your oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing around your wisdom teeth can be difficult. They are hard to reach. With crowding, the situation is exasperated. Plaque build-up and cavities are common concerns.

Oral care is something many of us put off. However, your overall health can be affected by issues with your teeth, so it is best to address them. For more information about the benefits of wisdom teeth removal, talk to the experts at Parkwood Dental in Bradenton, FL. We look forward to answering any questions that you might have! Contact us today to book your appointment.

Am I a Good Candidate for Root Canal Treatments in Bradenton, FL?

March 5, 2018 by Parkwood Dental

A root canal is a dental treatment done to save a tooth by removing a damaged or inflamed nerve. It is often an alternative to extraction. The visible part of the tooth is the hard enamel. Beneath it is a softer substance called dentin, and beneath that is the pulp that contains nerves and blood vessels, some of which go all the way down the roots of the teeth. In severe cases of tooth decay, the pulp gets infected. During a root canal, the dentist will remove the inflamed pulp.

What happens during a root canal?

Root canals are performed by a dentist or a specialist called an endodontist who concentrates on treating disorders of the pulp. If they suspect the patient might need a root canal, they will start by examining the affected tooth and taking an X-ray of it.

If the patient is very scared, the dentist may provide an anti-anxiety medication or an oral sedative. In most cases, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic. They will remove the infected parts. The dentist will disinfect the remaining part of the tooth and fill the canals and pulp chamber with a rubbery filling to strengthen the tooth. The dentist will further protect the tooth by implanting a crown or filling. The treated tooth will work like a normal tooth afterward.

Why would somebody need a root canal?

People need root canals when they develop an infection or inflammation of the pulp inside their teeth. That infection can have a variety of causes that include the following:

Extensive decay
Crack or chip in the tooth
Tooth weakened by multiple dental procedures
Defective crown

If the infection or inflammation goes untreated, it can lead to pain or an abscess. The inflammation or infection won’t go away on its own; it will just get worse and cause more problems.

How can you tell if you might need a root canal?

While some patients don’t experience any symptoms, most experience at least some of the following:

Prolonged sensitivity to cold or heat
Discoloration of the tooth
Pain
Sensitivity to chewing or touch
Swelling around the affected tooth
Tenderness and drainage of the neighboring lymph glands
Other gum and bone problems

Benefits of undergoing a root canal

A root canal enables the dentist to save the tooth and protect neighboring teeth and tissues from the infection. It is actually less complicated than an extraction which would require the dentist to make and install an implant to replace the lost tooth. The patient would have to schedule follow-up appointments to have the implant fitted and installed.

Contrary to the stereotype, a root canal is actually less uncomfortable than a tooth extraction. If the patient follows practices good dental hygiene, their treated tooth can last the rest of their life.

The crowns and fillings used in root canals are tooth-colored and thus look quite natural. The treated tooth will look like the rest of the patient’s teeth.

Benefits of Visiting a Cosmetic Dentist in Bradenton, FL

February 5, 2018 by Parkwood Dental

Maintaining a bright, white and overall healthy smile is a vital part of maintaining high levels of confidence. This is just as true in the professional arena as it is in the social arena given that people in all environments are becoming increasingly appearance-conscious, and increasingly likely to make instant judgments of others based upon how they look. For these and many other reasons, visiting our cosmetic dentist in Bradenton, FL can have a significant impact on your overall life quality. Following are some of the impressive benefits that cosmetic dental treatments can provide.

Regain a Complete and Healthy Smile After Tooth Loss

If you have lost one or more teeth or have several teeth that have been affected by impact injuries or pervasive tooth decay, our cosmetic dentist will give you the opportunity to regain a complete and healthy smile. Dental implants and dental bridges can replace missing or badly damaged teeth with natural-looking, tooth-colored prostheses. Best of all, both dental implants and dental bridges can brushed and flossed just like your own natural teeth. Moreover, with diligent care and routine examinations, these improvements can be maintained for a very long time. There are even all-on-four implants that can be used for patients who have last all or nearly all of their natural teeth and who want a permanent and entirely natural-looking alternative to dentures.

Prevent Additional Tooth Loss and Other Oral Health Issues

Failing to address issues with tooth loss, severe tooth decay, or impact-related, structural damage can actually result in a range of progressive problems. Whenever one or more teeth are either missing or incapable of functioning like they should, the remaining healthy tooth structures are forced to perform more work. This additional effort can lead to stress fractures and cracks that allow harmful microorganisms in. Treatments like dental implants will not only create a complete and aesthetically-pleasing smile, but they will also balance out natural bite forces to prevent additional damage.

Eliminate Dark and Unpleasant Tooth Stains with Advanced Whitening Treatments

Although there are a number of over-the-counter products that can be used to brighten the teeth at home, severe tooth stains often require professional remedies. It is also important to note that store-bought whitening solutions are often capable of both irritating and damaging the gums and other soft tissues. For this reason alone, it is generally best to have your whitening treatments performed by a licensed and qualified professional. Our cosmetic dentist can even offer a number of permanent whitening solutions that include porcelain caps, full-mouth veneers and similar aesthetically-pleasing coverings. Treatments like these are good for both brightening the smile and for evening out short, misshapen or otherwise structurally unsound teeth.

Surprisingly, cosmetic dental treatments can even be used to reverse the signs of advanced facial aging. Dealing with tooth loss in a proactive fashion can fill in hollows at the cheeks and prevent sagging skin along the jawline.

Regardless of what your aesthetic goals may be, there are numerous ways in which our experienced cosmetic dentist can help you meet them at Parkwood Dental, located in Bradenton. Contact us today to learn more!