What Is a Deep Cleaning?

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A deep cleaning has a tendency to be confused with a standard teeth cleaning, and for good reason. When a dentist in Lighthouse Point, FL cleans your teeth, they scrub off all the plaque and tartar that you can’t reach with even the best brushing and flossing techniques.

However, a deep cleaning actually refers to a type of gum cleaning, one that gets into the pockets of the gums and cleans out all of the food particles and bacteria that may have built up over time. Here, we’ll look at how it works and why you might need one.

How Deep Cleaning Works

Deep cleaning is a non-surgical treatment for gum disease. (Gum disease typically develops when your gums become infected from bacteria from leftover food particles). If you have mild to moderate gum disease, a deep cleaning clears out any gum pockets and then smooths back the root of the tooth so that the gums can reattach.

Does Everyone Need a Deep Cleaning?

No. Some people may never need a deep cleaning, depending on anything from genetics to their oral hygiene routine. However, if you do have gum disease, it’s important to take care of it sooner than later.

The longer you wait, the bigger the pockets will get and the more your gums will separate from your teeth. If that happens, you may need anything from gum surgery to tooth extraction. If you’re looking for the best steps to take at home to prevent this, we highly recommend stepping up your flossing routine!

If you have questions about a deep cleaning in Lighthouse Point, FL or you’re just looking for a good periodontist, contact Florida Smiles Dental today to learn more about how our services can help you maintain your oral health!

All-on-4 Implants vs. Dentures: How to Decide

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If you’re missing a full arch of teeth, whether on the upper or lower jaw, all-on-4 implants or dentures are both potential options to fill in your smile. If you’re wondering which one is better, we’ll look at the two procedures from the core angles.

Comparing Implants to Dentures

Here, we’ll look at the main categories that you’re likely considering and how they break down across the spectrum:

  • Time commitment: Implants take several weeks, sometimes several months to complete. Dentures may only take one or two appointments to complete.
  • Cost: Because implants are a more involved procedure, they’ll cost more than the initial investment of dentures.
  • Strength: Implants are overwhelmingly stronger than dentures, which can give you more freedom to enjoy your favorite foods (plus offer you more protection in the case of unexpected falls or physical trauma).

Why All-on-4 Implants?

Dental implants may take more effort, but they’re better for your long-term oral health. With all-on-4 implants, the dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL will implant a full arch of artificial teeth using just four metal implants to secure it. This means there’s less pressure on your mouth, which makes for a less demanding healing process.

Can Everyone Get Implants?

No, not everyone will have healthy gum or bone tissue, both of which can cause the implant to fail over time to fail to take hold in the first place. Because the post needs to fuse with the bone, acting much like the original root of your tooth, you need to be healthy enough to sustain the full procedure.

If you’re interested in dental implants in Fort Lauderdale, FL, the team at Florida Smiles Dental can help you weigh the pros and cons. Contact us today to learn more about what’s right for you!

How to Avoid Jawbone Loss

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When you think about your oral health, you might focus on the most visible parts, like your gums and teeth. What you might forget is that your jawbone supports your oral health, otherwise known as the very foundation of your facial structure (not to mention your ability to eat and speak). Here, we’ll look at how to keep your jaw healthy, so you can keep using it for many years to come.

Tips to Avoid Jawbone Loss

Here are some quick tips to avoid jawbone loss in Lighthouse Point, FL:

  • Strong routines: Consistent brushing, flossing, and dentist visits are a strong start to preventing loss. These activities don’t just remove the bacteria and plaque that eventually start to eat away at all of your tissues (including gums and jaw), it’s also the best way to catch any deterioration well before it starts to interfere with your lifestyle.
  • Healthy Diets: Calcium and Vitamin D are both great for bone health (also, your general health). Eating more dark greens, like kale and chard, or adding a few calcium supplements can help you keep all of your bones strong enough to handle the wear and tear of time. (Just keep in mind that some foods, mainly the saltiest ones, may limit your body’s ability to absorb calcium.)

Talk to Your Dentist in Lighthouse Point, FL

These general points are great to get started but, ideally, you’ll work with a qualified dentist in Lighthouse Point, FL every six months to better understand how your mouth changes over time. At Florida Smiles Dental, we invest in cutting-edge technology that can catch problems like jawbone loss before they start becoming more costly procedures. When bone loss can result in anything from tooth extraction to a sagging face, we’re here to help you keep it at bay.

Why Is My Tooth Discolored?

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A discolored tooth can be more than just an aesthetic blip, it can signify a much deeper oral health issue. Here, we’ll look at how discoloration works and when you might need to see a dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL for more than just cosmetic services.

What Will Discolor a Tooth?

The most common cause of discoloration is food and drink, usually due to highly pigmented foods like blueberries, coffee, and red wine. If you have one tooth that’s severely discolored, it may be because that tooth has less enamel than others, or it might mean that the problem is internal rather than external:

  • Decay: Tooth decay doesn’t always result in significant pain; instead, resulting in noticeable spots that can spread across the whole tooth.
  • Injury: Physical injury can damage the nerve, which affects the overall coloring of the tooth. Since the roots of the tooth provide much-needed nourishment, nerve damage can slowly cause discoloration.
  • Aging: Just as your bones can eventually yellow over time, so too can teeth as they become more brittle.

Will Teeth Whitening in Fort Lauderdale Whiten My Teeth?

Professional teeth whitening in Fort Lauderdale, FL can help whiten external stains, typically stains caused by food and drink. If you have internal staining, you’ll need to treat the root problem first. If you’re looking for a more official diagnosis, especially if you have a single discolored tooth, the right dentist can help you figure out what’s causing the problem and how you can fix it.

At Florida Smiles Dental, we offer both cosmetic and general dental services, so our patients leave with big smiles. Whether you’re concerned about your profile picture or your long-term oral health, we’re here to help you with the big picture.

Replacing a Lost Filling

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At [Practice_Name] in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, Florida, we know how frustrating it can be to lose a filling. Whether it cracks and is damaged or falls out completely, it’s important to call our office right away to discuss replacing your lost filling and protecting your tooth from any additional damage or decay. 

Why Do Fillings Fall Out?

There are many reasons why dental fillings can fall out. The main reason is due to the normal wear and tear on a filling from daily use. The type of filling material and your habits, such as grinding your teeth, can also influence how long a filling lasts. 

Is a Lost Filling an Emergency?

Usually, losing a filling isn’t an emergency. However, there are times when losing a filling can become an emergency, such as if there is heavy bleeding or if you’re in significant pain. 

 

When you lose a filling, call our office to set up an appointment. We will talk to you about how it is feeling now and if we think you can wait to be seen based on where the filling was and your current symptoms. If you are not symptomatic or have no pain, you may be able to wait longer before getting the filling replaced, but it’s still a good idea to do it within a few days when possible.

Call [Practice_Name] To Replace a Lost Filling in Florida

If you think you’ve lost a filling, it’s time to reach out to our team at [Practice_Name] in Fort Lauderdale or Lighthouse Point, Florida. We will be happy to talk to you about your options and get you in for an appointment to replace your filling as soon as we can. 

4 Common Dental Concerns & Solutions

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It is common to have some dental issues. Whether it is bleeding gums or a knocked-out tooth, there is always a solution. Usually, the solutions are preventative and include seeing your dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL, for a permanent fix or to avoid the problem altogether.

1. Tooth Decay

Problem: The number one dental problem that affects even babies is tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when plaque builds up on the enamel of your teeth. The bacteria in the plaque produce an acid that eats away at the enamel to create a hole.

Solution: Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. Floss at least once a day. Also, use products with fluoride for extra protection.

2. Gum Disease

Problem: An astounding 42% of adults have some form of gum disease, according to Medline Plus. It is a disease that is preventable in many cases with good dental care.

Solution: Along with regular brushing and flossing, see your dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL, twice a year for a deep cleaning.

3. Tooth Sensitivity

Problem: There can be several reasons why teeth are sensitive to hot and cold, but the most common is enamel erosion or gum recession. That exposes the dentin in the teeth where the nerves live.

Solution: Avoid highly acidic foods. Also, if you’re grinding your teeth, ask the dentist about a mouth guard to protect them.

4. Bad Breath

Problem: Everyone gets it once in a while, but chronic bad breath is a sign of oral health problems.

Solution: The best solution is to see the dentist and find out the underlying cause of the bad breath.

Find out more about practicing good oral hygiene and fixing common dental problems when you make your next appointment with your dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Give our office a call to schedule it today.

Avoid These 4 Things Before Oral Surgery

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Your oral surgery services in Lighthouse Point, FL should be taken just as seriously as you would major surgery in a hospital. Although the procedure may be less complex, there are still commonalities between the preparation steps that a patient should take for a big hospital operation and an oral surgery procedure. You’ll be fully briefed by Florida Smiles Dental ahead of time, but here’s what to expect as far as what to avoid before undergoing oral surgery of any kind.

1. Avoid Taking Aspirin

If your dental problems have to do with any kind of pain, you may be reaching for something from the medicine cabinet. But steer away from aspirin. Aspirin thins the blood, and is very effective. But it also makes patients undergoing surgery to bleed more than they might otherwise.

2. Eating and Drinking 24 Hours Prior

If your procedure involves sedation or general anesthesia, you’ll likely be instructed not to eat or drink anything beforehand. This is crucial for your safety and to avoid complications during anesthesia.

3. Wearing Contact Lenses

If you’re undergoing sedation, wear glasses instead of contacts. Your eyes may be closed for an extended time, and lenses can dry out or cause irritation, making them challenging to remove.

4. Arriving Without a Plan for Transportation

Both sedation and anesthesia can make you too groggy to drive yourself home safely. Make arrangements ahead of time for a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you during initial recovery. You’ll need some extra TLC for the first few days of recovery!

With offices in two locations, your dentist at Florida Smiles Dental has a convenient location for you. Consult your Fort Lauderdale orLighthouse Point, FL dentistto learn more about what to expect on the scheduled day of your oral surgery procedure.

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4 Good Reasons to Avoid Dental Tourism

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In a bid to circumvent perceived barriers, some people pursue dental tourism. This is when a person chooses to go abroad for needed dental care instead of visiting a dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL, or from wherever the person lives. But there are serious and inherent risks in dental tourism so before you pack up your dental troubles in your old kit bag and smile, smile, smile, consider what you’ll be risking in terms of your health.

1. Lack of Regulation and Oversight

Dental standards vary widely between countries, and you can’t trust that you’ll be getting care from someone who really knows their stuff. Foreign clinics may not be held to the same strict regulations, sterilization protocols or licensing requirements as those in the U.S.

2. Limited Follow-Up Care

Complications after dental procedures don’t always appear immediately. If an issue arises once you return home, finding a local dentist to fix the problem can be challenging and costly. Follow-up visits, adjustments, or corrective treatments may not be included in the initial price of dental tourism.

3. Hidden Costs

While the upfront price may seem lower, unexpected costs can add up quickly. Additional treatments, corrections, travel expenses and time off work can make dental tourism less of a bargain than it initially appears. Also, many more complex treatments like dental implants in Fort Lauderdale, FL can require about six months of treatment. Can you really see yourself spending that long away from home?

4. Risk of Complications

Poorly done dental work can lead to infections, bite issues, or long-term damage to teeth and gums. Many patients who seek cheaper alternatives abroad end up paying more to fix complications later.

Saving money on dental care is understandable, but prioritizing safety, quality, and long-term results is more important. Choosing a trusted, well-regulated local provider is often the best decision for both your health and your wallet.

What Are Some Common Types of Oral Surgery?

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When you think of surgery, you might think mainly about the OR. However, there’s another healthcare profession that performs surgery regularly, and you may need it at some point to fix a major oral issue. Below, we’ll look at common types of oral surgery in Fort Lauderdale and why a dentist might refer you to a surgeon.

When Do I Need Oral Surgery?

The question is more complex than it seems, largely because the same cause might result in two solutions. For example, not all root canals need surgery, but some do. Here, we’ll look at common reasons for oral surgery and how the procedures work for clarity:

  • Implants: Dental implants require minor surgical procedures because the dentist will need to go below the gumline to implant a small post. General dentists can perform this service, though you may need an oral surgeon in the case of complications.
  • Extractions: Not all tooth extractions are simple (whether it’s your wisdom teeth or a canine). In the most difficult cases, you may need surgical removal.
  • Gum disease: If your gums are damaged, a gum graft can help you repair and restore your gums. This service requires a surgeon to properly suture the healthy tissue onto the damaged tissues.
  • Sleep apnea: If your tissues interfere with your ability to breathe at night, finding a solution is important. If non-surgical options fail, a surgeon may be able to correct the obstruction

Find the Right Dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL

If you’re looking for the right dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL understands a wide range of issues. Whether you need a referral or a general service, contact the team at Florida Smiles Dental today to learn more about our practice and how we can help!

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Understanding the Difference Between Plaque And Tartar

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At Florida Smiles Dental, we excel at helping our dental patients to maintain fresh and clean teeth and gums. One of the ways we do this is with dental cleanings in Fort Lauderdale, FL. We recommend coming in for a cleaning at least once every six months, or more frequently if you really want to prioritize your oral health. During your dental cleaning, your dental hygienist will rid your teeth of plaque and tartar using a combination of special dental tools.

What is Plaque?

You know when you wake up in the morning and your teeth feel kind of, well, icky? Plaque is that sticky substance that forms on your teeth overnight. But it’s not just overnight. During the day and evening, plaque can slowly build up on your teeth. Plaque forms when sugars and starches from food interact with bacteria in your mouth. Due to its sticky nature, the plaque sticks to the enamel of your teeth. When you brush and floss, you’re brushing and flossing away the plaque, which is why your teeth feel so nice after brushing.

What is Tartar?

Essentially, tartar is hardened plaque. If you don’t do a thorough job of brushing away plaque, any plaque left behind hardens into tartar. To understand how hard tartar is, it can be likened to cement. So you can see why, when you come in for a dental cleaning, your dental hygienist might have to work a little harder to get rid of tartar. Don’t try this at home because you won’t get far. To get rid of tartar, special tools are needed. It’s very stubborn, and bonds to teeth enamel like nobody’s business.

For dental cleanings that will get rid of tartar and plaque, visit your dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL as often as possible. We look forward to seeing you!