General Dentistry

What is a Dental Abscess?

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Certain dental terms cause more fear and anxiety in the general public than others. One of them is certainly “root canal.” Yikes! Another is a dental abscess. It’s worse when you don’t even know what the word actually means, relating to dental problems. Learning that you have a dental abscess may sound like you have a huge gaping hole in your mouth (and we’re not talking about your throat!), but that’s not the case. Knowing what certain terms are all about can go a long way toward alleviating fear, and instead ensuring that you get prompt, quality treatment from your Fort Lauderdale, FL dentist.

What is a Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess is a serious infection that occurs in or around a tooth, usually as a result of bacteria entering through cavities, cracks, or gum disease. When bacteria reach the inner part of the tooth or gums, the body’s immune system reacts by sending white blood cells to fight the infection, which leads to a buildup of pus. This collection of pus forms a painful swelling, which is what we call a dental abscess. The condition can cause intense discomfort and, if not treated, may lead to severe complications. We don’t want that.

Symptoms of a Dental Abscess

A dental abscess typically causes throbbing pain, which can be sharp and persistent. The pain may radiate to the jaw, neck, or ear, and it often worsens when lying down. Swelling is another common symptom, affecting the gums, face, or neck. The area around the affected tooth might become extremely sensitive, and even eating or drinking can trigger discomfort.

The thing is, you can’t diagnose your own dental abscess. You might think it’s an abscess when it’s something else entirely. Why guess? Contact Florida Smiles Dental today to book an appointment with your Fort Lauderdale, FL dentist.

Services

Why Should I See the Dentist Every Six Months?

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Visiting the dentist is one of the most important things you can do to maintain clean, healthy teeth. Most people need to see the dentist in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, FL every six months.

Twice a year can seem like a lot! In this article, we’ll discuss important reasons to keep seeing the dentist every six months.

Seeing the Dentist Keeps Your Teeth Clean

Every time you visit the dentist for a checkup, you can expect a qualified dental professional to clean your teeth. During the cleaning, the dental professional will remove plaque and tartar. They’ll clean and polish your tooth enamel, which makes it easier to prevent plaque from building up on your teeth. This helps keep your breath fresh.

Dental Professionals Recommend Exams Every Six Months

Another good reason to see the dentist twice yearly is that dental professionals recommend it. Seeing the dentist every six months is important because it’s good for your teeth.

During the checkup, the dentist will look for problems that need to be corrected. The dentist will also answer your questions about preventive maintenance. When the checkup is over, you’ll have cleaner teeth and more information about how to care for your dental health.

Preventive Maintenance Helps You Avoid Cavities and Infections

Preventive maintenance like checkups helps you avoid cavities and infections that can cause bad breath, pain, and even tooth loss. Going for regular dentist appointments in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point FL is good for you and can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums long into your adult years.

To make your next dental appointment, contact the professionals at Florida Smiles Dental today.

Dental Implants

Restorative Dentistry: 4 Procedures to Fix Your Teeth

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Broken and missing teeth can cause problems like pain and discomfort. A broken tooth can even lead to dental infection if bacteria enters a crack in the tooth enamel.

Your dentist in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, FL can help with restorative dentistry procedures like cavity fillings, dental crowns, implants, and dental bridges. If you’re missing a tooth or have a tooth that’s been damaged, the restorative dentistry procedures at Florida Smiles Dental can provide relief.

1. Dental Implants

If you’re missing a tooth, a dental implant can fill the hole and restore your smile. Dental implants are implanted directly into the jaw. They look like (and function like) natural teeth.

2. Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a cover that your dentist can place over your tooth to reinforce weakened or broken tooth enamel. Whether you’ve had a root canal or have broken your tooth, a dental crown can prevent the tooth enamel from breaking further.

3. Cavity Fillings

A cavity is an area of tooth decay that causes a pit or hole in the tooth enamel. Cavities can cause pain and, if they go untreated, can lead to dental infection. At Florida Smiles Dental, we offer composite and amalgam fillings to make your tooth whole again.

4. Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that fills a space between two natural teeth. Dental bridges look natural and can last a long time.

Do you need restorative dentistry in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, FL? Contact professionals at Florida Smiles Dental. We offer a range of restorative dentistry procedures to make your smile healthy and beautiful.