Long Family Dental Archives - Page 3 of 4 - Long Family Dental of Cleburne Blog

Drs. Chris and Bob Long Can Help With Your TMJ

January 15, 2014

If you suffer from earaches or find it difficult to open your mouth all the way, you could possibly be suffering from TMJ pain. TMJ pain is something that is very common, but a lot of people do not know what they can do to alleviate their pain. Thankfully, our experienced dentists Drs. Robert and Chris Long are here to help you alleviate your pain.

The temporomandibular joint is located where the lower jaw meets the skull, and it permits your mouth to open and close with ease. There are many things can affect the joint, like stress, high emotions, grinding teeth, and a misaligned bite. The pain associated with TMJ can be sharp and piercing, leaving you orally and physically crippled. Some ways your dentist may help with your TMJ pain is making a mouth guard for you. This mouth guard prevents your jaw from clenching and your teeth from grinding. A custom mouth guard will be made just for you, as everyone’s mouth is different. If left untreated, surgery may be required to repair the damaged joint.

Another way to help with TMJ pain is doing simple jaw exercises and massages. The massages will increase circulation to your jaw, and alleviate some of the pain. The jaw exercises will help you regain control of your jaw muscles, allowing you to open your mouth with ease and prevent clenching.

Having good posture can also help with your TMJ pain. A relaxed jaw and straight back helps align your jaw, releasing a bit of pain. Good nutrition helps as well; try to stay away from hard, chewy foods, take small bites, and alternate chewing between the sides of your mouth.

If you feel as though you suffer from TMJ pain, contact your local dentist, and they will be able to assess your concerns.

At Long Family Dental, we provide quality general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry serviced in Cleburne and Midlothian. Give us a call today to schedule your next appointment. Drs. Bob and Chris Long are here to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

Dental Implants at Long Family Dental Can Restore Your Smile

December 18, 2013

It’s no secret a lot of people are less than confident when it comes to their smiles. For some, it’s the color of their teeth, and for others it’s the misalignment. For a lot of people, though, it is because they have missing teeth. Though dentures partials are ways to handle the issue, dental implants at Long Family Dental may be perfect for you! Simple and convenient, dental implants can definitely revolutionize your life for the better.

The process of dental implanting starts with a consultation with our experienced dentists. They will be able to evaluate your smile and speak with you about your goals for the future. Once you are considered to be a candidate, the adventure begins. A metal implant resembling a screw is embedded into your jaw bone. This metal implant provides security and stability. Then the abutment is added, which is essentially a support system for the metal implant as well as the crown. After that, the crown is cemented to the abutment, completing your new look!

With a 98% success rate, dental implants will give you back the self esteem you lost, as well as improve your speech and ability to eat. Another plus to getting dental implants is the fact they look very natural. Smoothly blending in with your natural teeth, implants are a sure way for you to look as organic and pure as possible. Contact our office to see if you’re a candidate for dental implants, and start off the New Year with a new smile!

At Long Family Dental, we provide quality general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry services in Cleburneand Midlothian. Give us a call today to schedule your next appointment. Dr. Bob and Dr. Chris Long are here to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

Take Advantage of Your Dental Benefits Before 2014

November 27, 2013

Though it may not seem important, taking advantage of your dental insurance before the year ends can save you money in the long run. Because most insurance companies run off of the calendar year, whatever benefits you haven’t used before midnight December 30 is long gone.

Not comparable to your cell phone minutes, your dental insurance benefits don’t roll over to the new year if you have not used them. You work hard for your benefits, and not taking advantage of them before the year is up can possible leave you wasting hundreds of dollars. If you use your benefits before the New Year, you’ll be able to take advantage of your deductible before it resets. It’ll also give you the ability to use up your annual maximums. Another important reason is to take care of any dental woes before they get any worse! Even though it may seem like a small stain or discomfort now, along the line, it can possibly mean a more extensive procedure.

If you are unsure about what your dental benefits may be or when they expire, ask your employer, or use the company handbook as a reference. Either way, being able to use your dental benefits before the year ends is beneficial for your money, and, more importantly, your teeth.

At Long Family Dental, we provide quality general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry services in Cleburne and Midlothian. Give us a call today to schedule your next appointment. Dr. Bob and Dr. Chris Long are here to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

Halloween Candy and Your Child’s Smile

October 17, 2013

Halloween is fast-approaching, so we want to take this opportunity to remind you and your family about candy, sugar and the impact they can have on your child’s smile. It is important to be mindful of the amount of sugar your child is consuming, especially because of the potential impact on their smile.

Children’s teeth are still growing and developing, so they can be especially vulnerable to decay and cavities. Halloween candy is fun and should be allowed, but in a controlled amount. We recommend that after trick or treating is over, that you and your child sort through their candy together. Pick a certain amount of candy that your child is allowed to eat, and pick a certain time for this to happen.

It’s better to snack all at once rather than nibbling throughout the day because each time you’re eating, you’re opening your mouth up to bacteria all over again. Sticky or chewy candies are among the worst for your smile because they stick to your mouth longer than other candies. This gives bacteria a better place to grow and breed.

When you’re having fun collecting candy and celebrating this Halloween, remember to be mindful of what you’re eating and how much. Sugar is fine in moderation. By taking the time to care for your smile, it will last you a lifetime. Call your dentist if you have any questions about decay and cavities.

Teeth Whitening in Cleburne and Midlothian

September 20, 2013

Smiles can become discolored and stained over time for a variety of reasons. If your smile is looking yellowed or dull, you may find yourself trying to avoid the mirror or hiding your smile. There’s no need because your dentist can brighten your smile with teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening is a great cosmetic dentistry solution that can have a substantial impact on the appearance of your smile. If you’ve tried over the counter whitening solutions and been left feeling disappointed by the results, you should give this a try. Professional teeth whitening is stronger and produces better results than other alternatives on the market.

We can even offer take-home whitening trays, making this solution possible for any schedule. Your dentist will fit you for a custom whitening tray that you’ll fill with professional whitening gel and wear as directed. After about two weeks, you’ll achieve maximum results and have a bright, dazzling smile once again.

If your dull or stained smile is bringing you down, give your dentist a call. Teeth whitening is a simple treatment that can have a big impact on the appearance of your smile. You’ll have a smile you can’t wait to share with the world.

Cosmetic Dental Bonding

August 6, 2013

Are you unhappy with the appearance of your teeth? Are small flaws detracting from your smile? Your dentist can help with cosmetic dental bonding. This is a cosmetic dentistry treatment that can revitalize your smile.

Cosmetic bonding is a treatment used to correct minor flaws that are marring your smile. It’s best used to cover up dark spots, stains, misshaped teeth or small gaps. This is a great alternative to porcelain veneers that is also more affordable. Cosmetic bonding uses resin, which is carefully color matched to blend in with the rest of your smile, giving you a natural look.

Your dentist will start your cosmetic bonding treatment by roughing your tooth surface to allow the bonding material to attach to your teeth. A primer agent is used to help the resin attach to the tooth. Once the resin is applied, it is smoothed into place and hardened with a special light. It will be shaped and polished to complete the restoration.

If your smile has some minor flaws that are detracting from the beauty of your smile, your dentist can help. Cosmetic bonding is a great way to help smooth over these minor flaws and enhance your smile. Give your dentist a call to learn more about this great smile solution.

The Importance of Preventative Dental Care

July 9, 2013

Many times, patients feel that if they’re brushing and flossing their teeth at home then there’s no need to visit their dentist for their dental checkup appointments. Unfortunately, this really isn’t the case. By neglecting your dental checkups, you’re putting your smile at risk.

Your regular dental checkup appointments are an important part of preventative dental care. By trying to address problems before they’ve had a chance to develop, your dentist can help to protect your smile and keep it healthy. You should visit your dentist every six months for your dental checkup appointment.

These appointments are important because your teeth will be cleaned and checked for signs of any potential smile issues. Also, preventative dental care can help identify concerns such as oral cancer or gum disease before they have done permanent smile damage.

Additionally, many dentists use sealants, a preventative care tool, to help improve the health of your smile. Sealants can be used to cover the pits and grooves in your teeth where plaque accumulates because it can’t be reached by your toothbrush. This is an important way that your dentist can help you to prevent cavities before they even form, rather than just treating them once they form.

Preventative dental care is an important part of your smile care, so start today by visiting your dentist twice a year for your dental checkup. Brushing and flossing aren’t enough on their own to ensure the health of your smile. Your dentist is here to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

What You Need to Know about Dental Insurance

June 21, 2013

Many people have dental insurance, which is a great thing to have and helps make your dental care more affordable. However, dental insurance is not insurance in the same way as health or life insurance. It’s probably more accurately described as a dental benefit.

The problem is that not many people understand that dental insurance does not work in the same way as health insurance. Health insurance allows you to afford all of the medical care you need to ensure you remain in good health. Dental insurance is more accurately described as a supplement, and is not designed to cover all of your dental treatments or act as a decision maker.

The dental procedures that are covered by your dental insurance are not always what is best for your dental health. It’s important to not view your dental insurance as a hard and fast guide for your dental health. It is important that you visit a dentist that you trust to guide you in the right direction about your dental care.

Next time you’re at the dentist, think carefully about what your smile actually needs rather than just what is covered by your dental insurance. Many dentists offer payment plans or additional dental financing through other companies such as CareCredit, so there’s a way to make the dental treatments that are important for your oral health work with your budget. Talk to your dentist to learn more and make sure you’re making the right decisions for your smile.

Treating Infected Teeth with Root Canal Therapy

June 6, 2013

If you’re suffering from a toothache, it’s important to give your dentist a call right away. If the pain is persistent, you might need root canal therapy to treat the infection inside of your tooth. An infected tooth is a serious threat to your dental health and should be addressed as soon as possible.

The hard enamel on the outside of your tooth serves to protect the soft inner canal where the pulp is found. Whether it’s through damage or extensive decay, when the enamel is breached it allows bacteria to enter the pulp. This causes a root canal infection.

Some signs that you might have a root canal infection include the following:

Pain
Swelling
Increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures or sweet things
Bad taste in your mouth
Pain while biting or applying pressure to the tooth

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you should give your dentist a call. Delaying the treatment will only make things worse. If you end up needing root canal therapy, your dentist will carefully remove the infected pulp inside your tooth. Usually the canal will be filled and covered with a crown to prevent further infection. Your tooth will be restored and your smile will be healthy once again.

Root canal therapy is a good way to treat an infected tooth and restore it to health. If you’re suffering from tooth pain, give your dentist a call today to see if this could be the right solution for your smile. The sooner you call the better before the decay has a chance to spread any further.

Restore Your Teeth With A Crown

May 30, 2013

If you have a tooth that is broken, cracked or weakened, it’s important to repair it to maintain the health of your smile. Often a filling will be used. In cases where the damage is more extensive, your dentist will use a crown to restore your tooth.

Crowns are a great restorative dentistry treatment used to repair your teeth. A broken or damaged tooth not only makes it more difficult to eat, but also impacts the health of your entire smile. A damaged tooth is more susceptible to disease and infection. This type of restoration is also helpful for completing a root canal treatment or treating a large cavity.

It will usually take your dentist two visits to fully repair your tooth using a crown. Your dentist will start off the first visit by removing the damaged or decayed portion of your tooth. Then an impression will be made of your tooth that is used to create your crown. Crowns can be made out of a variety of materials, but porcelain is a popular choice because it more closely resembles a natural tooth. You’ll have a temporary crown fitted to your tooth.

At your second dental visit, the crown will have been completed and will be affixed to your tooth. Your smile is now complete and healthy once again. Some dentists use methods such as the E4D system that allow them to make your crown and complete the restoration all in the same dental visit.

A damaged tooth needs to be repaired quickly to restore and maintain the health of your smile. Your dentist can help by capping your affected tooth with a crown. Call them to learn more and see how a crown can have a positive impact on your teeth.