The Importance of Removing Wisdom Teeth on Time

Have your wisdom teeth started to erupt? Wondering if you may need to have your wisdom teeth pulled before they become problematic? At Espili Dental we are happy to provide wisdom tooth removal in South Houston and can provide an evaluation of your wisdom teeth, smile, and overall oral health to determine if you should have your wisdom teeth removed. When it comes to timing wisdom teeth extractions, we recommend having them removed during the young adult years, when the roots of your wisdom teeth are not fully developed yet, and there’s a greater likelihood for fast recovery following the procedure. Think your wisdom teeth may be impacted? Some symptoms to look out for include:

  • Bleeding Gums
  • Swollen Gums
  • Toothache
  • Jaw Pain
  • Jaw Swelling
  • Earache
  • Bad Taste in Mouth
  • Bad Breath

If you notice any of the above symptoms, we recommend contacting Espili Dental for a consultation, we’d be happy to determine if wisdom tooth removal is the right option for you and your smile.

Why Early Removal of Wisdom Teeth is Preferable

When it comes to removing wisdom teeth, it is important to do it sooner rather than later for the most successful procedure. When the roots to wisdom teeth are not as established it can make the removal of them much easier and safer, leading to less damage to the surrounding tissues in the mouth. As patients age more, wisdom teeth extraction can be much more complex, making recovery often much more difficult and the risk of complications much higher.

The Wisdom Teeth Extraction Process

During the wisdom tooth removal, your dentist will create an incision to completely remove your wisdom teeth. In some cases, the wisdom teeth may need to be broken prior to removal, then the teeth will be gently removed.

Schedule Wisdom Tooth Extraction in South Houston Today

Do you or a loved one need your wisdom teeth removed in South Houston? Feel free to contact Espili Dental today to schedule a consultation, we’d be more than happy to evaluate your smile, wisdom teeth, and overall oral health to determine if and when your wisdom teeth should be removed.

What Is a One-Visit Crown?

At Espili Dental in Houston, TX, a one-visit crown is a great way to get a crown without the hassle of visit after visit. A one-visit crown is exactly what it says. It’s a dental crown made in one visit, without the multiple trips to the dentist that regular crowns require.

What is a Crown?

A crown is a covering for a tooth that’s damaged or decayed. Made of specialized materials, a dental crown can also hide discolored teeth. Crowns protect and preserve teeth. They also give strength and structural support to the affected tooth.

Why would you need a crown?

  • Broken Tooth. Sometimes a tooth is broken so badly it can’t maintain strength on its own. A crown strengthens and protects it.
  • Severely worn or eroded teeth. Teeth can be worn down by years of exposure to oral acid. Enamel can also wear away and thin.
  • Implants. A dental implant takes the place of tooth roots, but crowns are fitted on the dental implant itself.
  • Appearance. A crown can cover discolored or damaged teeth.
  • Root Canals. Crowns are placed on teeth treated by a root canal, allowing the crown to reinforce the tooth.

How Common are Crowns?

Very common. About 15 million Americans wear at least one crown.

How Is a Crown Prescribed?

Your dentist will take X-rays and determine how healthy your tooth roots are, as well as the health of bone tissue surrounding the affected tooth.

What Is the Process of Getting a One-Visit Crown?

Your dentist numbs the tooth and all surrounding tissue. Next, your tooth will be filed down to make room for the crown. A small tooth will be built up with composite resin. A digital scanner takes an impression, which goes to the lab for construction. A fabricator much like a 3-D printer makes the crown.

What Types of Materials Are Used?

Dental crowns can be constructed from all resin, ceramic, metal alloy, all-gold, all-silver, or porcelain-fused-to-metal.

What If You Don’t Get A Crown?

Without a crown, all problems with your tooth will get worse. If your dentist recommends a grown and you forgo the treatment, you may very well lose that tooth.

Periodontal Gum Disease Prevention Tips

Were you aware that over 64,000,000 adults in America suffer from periodontal gum disease? What’s even sadder is that gum disease is complete, 100% avoidable with just a few changes to your daily life. At Espili Dental in Houston, TX we are dedicated to our patients, their smiles and their overall health, we believe that patient education is an essential part of providing the best care possible to each of our patients. Today, we’ll be covering prevention tips for periodontal gum disease. We hope you learn something new!

About Periodontal Gum Disease

Periodontal gum disease is a common oral condition which is typically caused by a patient’s poor oral hygiene and dental care habits which allows plaque, bacteria, and tartar to build up in the mouth. As more toxins build in the mouth, the gums and other supporting structures that hold your teeth into place become damaged. As the disease continues to advance, further damage is done to the mouth. Eventually, patients tend to experience loose teeth, teeth shifting and ultimately even tooth loss. Other factors such as genetics, age, lifestyle and even diet can also play a role in a patient’s likelihood to suffer from periodontitis.

Gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal gum disease, however, is completely reversible when addressed early. We recommend visiting Espili Dental for routine, professional dental care at least twice a year as it can reduce your risk of decay, infection and even disease such as periodontitis.

Preventing Gum Disease

Change Your Diet

Did you know that certain foods are generally healthier for your smile and overall oral health? Sugary foods, carbohydrates, and soda all play a huge role in plaque formation. We recommend drinking more water and eating more natural whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and even meat.

Improve Your At-Home Dental Care Routine

Are you brushing, flossing and caring for your teeth like you are supposed to? You should be brushing your teeth a minimum of twice a day. We also recommend drinking water after each meal if you can’t brush your teeth afterward. You should also be flossing once a day minimum. Scraping your tongue can get rid of additional bacteria in the mouth responsible for bad breath, decay, and even gum disease. Notice your gums are bleeding while you care for your smile? You may already be suffering from gingivitis. We recommend scheduling your appointment with Espili Dental today.

Schedule Professional Dental Visits

Along with proper at-home care, it is essential to visit your dentist regularly for professional dental care. Professional cleanings and examinations allow your dentist to monitor, diagnose and treat conditions early before they become more problematic like periodontitis.

Schedule Gum Disease Treatment in Houston, TX

Ready to visit our periodontist in Houston, TX? Contact Espili Dental to schedule your appointment!

Botox in Dentistry

When people hear Botox, they often think of cosmetic treatments and the solutionbeing used for a younger looking face. But, did you know Botox can also be used in the dental field? There are numerous conditions that can be treated with Botox injections and they may also be used to improve the area around your smile! Some of the dental conditions Botox can be used for include:

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

The temporomandibular joint (also known as TMJ) functions like a hinge, which connects your jawbone and skull.There is one temporomandibular joint on each side of your jaw. Disorders of the temporomandibular joint can cause pain and issues with chewing and speaking. Luckily, Botox has been proven effective in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders, providing up to 3 months of relief.

Bruxism

Bruxism is a dental condition that causes unconscious clenching and grinding of teeth which can occur while a patient is asleep or awake. Bruxism can lead to painful symptoms and severe dental problems such as cracked teeth. Botox injections can help relax oral muscles and decrease bruxism and the painful symptoms associated with it.

Dental Implant Surgery

Many patients get dental implant surgery to replace missing teeth and obtain a younger looking appearance. When you are missing teeth, you begin to lose bone mass, giving your face a more aged appearance. While implants can help give more youthful looks, the lines and wrinkles will not go away. Botox treatment can help soften the area around your mouth, helping achieve the younger appearance most patients are looking for.

Gummy Smile

When a patient smiles, it’s common for them to expose a small portion of their gums above their teeth; however, people with a gummy smile tend to show a larger section of their gums. Although this doesn’t pose any dental risks, it can often cause self-esteem issues. Botox can be injected into your upper lip to limit the elevation when you smile, causing you to show less gum when smiling.

3 Dental Habits You Should Break

Good dental care is much more than just brushing your teeth. No matter how much you brush and floss, bad oral health habits can be sabotaging your hard work and increasing the risk of damaging your teeth, leading to even more dental problems down the line. Here are three things that could be affecting your oral health—break these bad teeth habits for a safer, healthier smile.

Biting Nails Habit

Biting your nails isn’t just a bad habit. The constant biting can wear down the surface of your teeth, putting them at risk for cracks and damage and making them more sensitive over time. If you’re having a hard time quitting the habit, there are solutions you can put on your nails that taste bad enough to alert you to when you’re biting and help you keep your fingers out of your mouth.

Chewing Ice

It might seem harmless, but chewing ice is one of the worst things you can do to your teeth. Ice can damage the enamel, hurt your gums, and even cause your teeth to chip or break if you’re not careful. As a rule, you should try to avoid chewing hard foods if you don’t want your teeth to break.

Poor Oral Hygiene

While brushing your teeth is important, aggressive teeth brushing or using a toothbrush that’s too hard could actually erode your teeth’s enamel, damaging your teeth in the long run. There’s no need to be forceful with your brushing—a soft brush and slow movements will get your teeth just as clean without causing any damage. It’s also important to floss regularly, as not flossing leads to gum disease which can cause your teeth to fall out if not treated quickly enough. Flossing takes only a few extra moments but can make a world of difference for your teeth.

Breaking these bad dental habits will go a long way towards preserving your oral health in the long run. If you have any questions about your oral health, your dentist will be happy to help. Call our office anytime to book an appointment or ask any questions you might have!

Make Your Smile Shine this Summer with Cosmetic Dentistry

Everyone has heard of getting your body “beach ready” for the summer, but what about brightening your smile? If you suffer from dulled smile due to discoloration, misalignment or decay the experts at Espili Dental can help! We offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry treatments that can help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Some of our cosmetic dentistry options are:

Teeth Whitening

If you suffer from discolored teeth, teeth whitening may be the perfect option for you. At Espili Dental we offer in-office teeth whitening as well as at home teeth whitening kits. Our in-office treatment can dramatically brighten your smile in just one treatment, whereas our at home kits may take a bit longer to achieve results. No matter your choice, we’re always happy to help brighten your smile.

Dental Crowns

For teeth that are discolored and damaged due to trauma or decay, dental crowns can be an affordable, quick method to repairing your smile. Not only do dental crowns improve the appearance of your smile, they can also prevent further damage and decay.

Dental Bridges

For patients missing teeth or that have teeth which need to be removed, dental bridges can be a perfect option. A dental bridge can be attached to adjacent teeth, providing support and replacing the missing tooth. Dental bridges can help prevent migration of teeth and further damage.

Veneers

Teeth that are discolored, chipped or cracked may benefit from veneers. Veneers are typically made from material made to match existing teeth. We’ll pick the perfection color/shade for your smile. Veneers are purely cosmetic and do not prevent further damage.

You don’t have to live with discolored, misaligned or damaged teeth any longer with Espili Dental’s cosmetic dentistry treatments. Give our Houston dental office a call and schedule an appointment to discuss our various cosmetic procedures that can make your smile shine this summer!

Taking Care of Your Dental Health

A bright, healthy smile is a sign of good oral hygiene and overall health. Taking care of your teeth is very important. Poor oral care can lead to a host of dental health issues and other medical conditions such as gum disease, tooth decay, heart disease, bone loss, stroke, and more. Scheduled routine dental health checkups and professional cleanings will maintain your good oral hygiene and can help prevent gum disease and other physical ailments.

Dental Hygiene Tips

But, the first steps in managing your dental health should be taken every day at home. The following is a list of dental hygiene tips that will help you take care of your teeth, improve your dental health, and prevent gum disease.

  • Brushing Technique – Position your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle at the gum line. Both the tooth surface and the gumline should be in contact with the brush. Clean tooth surfaces with a back and forth, and up and down gentle motion. Repeat this process on the inside teeth and gum surfaces.
    Don’t forget to brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper to remove odor-causing buildup.
    Brush your teeth and tongue at least twice a day. If you are not able to do so, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after you eat to loosen and remove bacteria and food debris.
  • Floss Daily – Although many people ignore this step, flossing is just as important as brushing. Flossing between teeth removes particles that your brush can’t reach and that mouthwash and water can’t wash away. Be sure to floss at least once every day.
  • Don’t smoke – Tobacco use can lead to bad breath, oral cancer, and periodontal disease. In addition, you may consume more sugary breath mints or other candies than others to try to mask the smell, which can potentially double the damage.
  • Limit or Eliminate Sodas, Coffee, and Alcohol – Along with the sugary additives and staining properties, these types of beverages are not good for your teeth; they contain a good amount of phosphorous. This is an essential mineral, necessary for a healthy mouth; but in excess, it can deplete calcium resources, leading to dental health problems such as gum disease and tooth decay.
  • Take Calcium and Other Vitamin Supplements – Calcium is an essential nutrient. You need lots of it to maintain healthy teeth and bones. Choose milk, calcium-fortified orange juice, plenty of yogurts, cheese, broccoli and other dairy sources and nutrient-rich foods. In addition, take a daily calcium supplement that includes Vitamin D.
  • See Your Dentist Immediately When Problems Arise – If you experience tooth or jaw pain, call your dentist immediately to schedule an appointment. Your dental professional has the expertise to identify and treat the underlying cause.