Archive for the ‘Dentists’ Category

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5 Ways to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2016

Dentist

Has your morning coffee woken you up, not only with caffeine but with a sharp pain? Has your ice cream met you with a stinging feeling? Chances are you have sensitive teeth. When your teeth are sensitive, this can produce a range of mild discomfort to great pain in your mouth when exposed to heat and/or cold. Many people experience this sensation between their late teenage years and their mid-thirties.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity happens when nerve endings in your teeth are exposed directly to the elements – like deep sea diving in the Arctic without a wetsuit. Dentin is a tubelike structure that’s dense with nerves but shielded from direct stimuli in healthy teeth. Tooth enamel covers dentin in the visible part of the tooth; cementum covers the dentin located above the gum line. However, these coatings are prone to wearing thin over time – especially near the gum line. When either protective layer dissipates, the nerve endings in your dentin get exposed to the full brunt of the heat and cold, causing pain and sensitivity. There are many ways this can happen:

Toothbrush Abrasion: This basically just means you’re brushing too hard. The rough back and forth motion on your teeth can cause the enamel to become thin and expose the dentin underneath.

Tooth Grinding: If you wake up in the morning with jaw pains or headaches and don’t know why, it could be due to grinding your teeth at night.  The clenching or grinding of teeth can remove the enamel due to the constant pressure placed on your teeth

Tooth Whitening: Teeth may typically become sensitive for a brief moment when undergoing bleaching or similar procedures.

Dental Erosion: Acidic foods that come in constant, direct contact with your teeth can break down the enamel and cause your teeth to be more sensitive.

Dental work: Sometimes a routine cleaning could make the teeth feel temporarily sensitive. If you had some sort of surgery, such as a root canal, expect this sensation to go away in about a month.

Tooth Decay/Gum Disease: Plaque or tartar buildup can cause damage to the gums and the structure of the tooth, making the area sensitive and eventually difficult to clean. Call your dentist to seek the best treatment if you reach this stage.

Aging: Over time, the gums can naturally shrink back with age and expose the dentin underneath. Some research, such as this CNN article, claims that this could also be hereditary. This is no fault of your own.

What Can I Do?

– Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. You can purchase a three pack of Crest Cavity Protection Fluoride Anticavity Regular Toothpaste on Amazon for $12.94 as of July 1, 2016. If you prefer not to brush with fluoride, then another great option is to find toothpastes with potassium nitrate. You can purchase Colgate Enamel Health Sensitivity Relief Toothpaste on Amazon for $16.87. The potassium nitrate is excellent for enamel health and reduces the uncomfortable pain by blocking the nerves in the dentin. Potassium nitrate isn’t for everyone, but it does require continued use to see if this option works best for you. Check this article for other toothpastes to use with sensitive teeth.

– Change your brushing habits. Make sure you brush at least twice daily with a medium to soft bristle tooth brush in a circular motion, instead of back and forth. You can purchase a six pack of medium bristle Colgate Extra Clean Toothbrushes on Amazon for $5.36 or a six pack of soft bristle Colgate Extra Clean Toothbrushes for $5.50 as of July 1, 2016. Take caution against aggressive brushing because it could wear away the enamel and cementum while you brush. It is going to require more effort on your part to make this change to your routine, but your teeth will thank you for it.

– Reduce intake of sugary foods and acidic beverages. If you can’t possibly live without your soda, it is recommended that you drink it with a straw so that the beverage does not come in direct contact with your teeth. After eating, especially when dealing with sugary or acidic foods and beverages, it is advised that you wait at least one hour after consumption to brush your teeth. When consuming some foods and drinks, the enamel becomes softer and you run the risk of brushing the sugar right onto your teeth and rubbing down on your enamel right when it’s in its weakest state.

– Wear a mouthguard. If teeth clenching or grinding is a chronic problem for you, a mouthguard can help relieve a majority of the pressure that you put on your teeth. This tactic is more preferable during the nighttime, as most people find themselves only doing it while they sleep. If you find yourself clenching your teeth during the day, remind yourself to relax your jaw and that your teeth should be slightly separated. This may take a bit of practice, but soon you will be able to develop that positive habit!

– Talk to your dentist. If you have gum disease, think you have some sort of tooth decay, or are planning to get your teeth whitened, it is important to talk to your dentist about the procedures and treatments that it takes to get your teeth back on track in the safest and least painful manner!

Tooth sensitivity can suck the joy out of so many things; it can even make breathing painful on a chilly day. Luckily, applying the tips above can help you manage your sensitivity, slow erosion, and even rebuild enamel. And, if you’re looking for a dentist, use TalkLocal to find a dentist in your area.

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Home Remedy for Toothaches

Tuesday, February 9th, 2016

sensitive teeth

Toothaches can bring even the strongest person to their knees. The tingling, aching, frustrating feeling of a toothache can disrupt your entire day. We try to prevent it by using special toothpastes, such as Sensodyne, but that provides little to no short-term relief. Sure, there’s Orajel, but here are some natural alternatives if you want to make some yourself.

Salt water. Add a spoonful of salt to a glass of warm water. Stir the mixture until the salt dissolves. Swish the mixture in your mouth, focusing on the area of the affected tooth. Do this for 5 minutes then spit out the salt water.

Salt & Pepper. Yes, the two things sitting on your dining room table right now can help alleviate your toothache. Combine ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper with a small amount of water to make a paste. Apply the paste to your tooth and let it sit for approximately 5 minutes. Remove the paste by rinsing with warm water.

Garlic. Make some garlic paste by smashing 3 cloves of garlic with 1 teaspoon of water. After you’ve made a smooth paste, apply a small dab directly to the afflicting tooth. The antimicrobial properties of the garlic should help alleviate the pain. Meanwhile, mouthwash should freshen your breath afterwards.

Asafoetida & Lemon Juice. Mix equal parts of asafoetida powder and lemon juice, about a teaspoon each, to make a paste. Then, apply the paste to the affected tooth, leave on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it out with warm water.

Clove oil. Place 1 drop of clove oil on the affected tooth. If you don’t have clove oil at home or can’t find it in the store, you can make a paste from cloves or clove powder and coconut oil. Apply the paste to the affected tooth, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing your mouth with warm water.

Peppermint oil. If you want to numb the area, add a drop of peppermint oil to the affected area.

These homemade remedies work to help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with a toothache. Remember, toothaches are preventable. If you eat a lot of carbs and sugars, you may want to reduce your intake. They are known to wear down your enamel. Though these home remedies are meant to help, we still recommend you visit a dentist to ensure there is no further issue. Go on to TalkLocal and we’ll connect you to one ASAP.

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What Do Orthodontists Do?

Friday, March 21st, 2014

What Do Orthodontists Do? - Dentists

Men and women who are concerned about their appearance know that a beautiful smile can open many doors. Unfortunately, not all people are blessed with pearly-white, perfectly aligned teeth. Those who want to correct more or less visible dental imperfections choose to consult an orthodontist. What does an orthodontist do? Keep reading to find out.

Orthodontists Help You Smile with Confidence

While dentists strive to ensure the best oral health services, orthodontists focus their entire attention on aesthetic problems that stop you from taking pride in a gorgeous smile. In other words, these specialists:

– Reposition crooked teeth

– Treat so-called “bad bites” also known as malocclusions

– Make the patients’ teeth move and stay in an ideal position, by using a wide range of appliances, including braces, headgear, retainers and aligners.

– Offer the promise of a perfect smile at any age

– Prevent serious problems caused by crooked teeth

Reasons Why You Should See an Orthodontist

High-quality orthodontic services can boost your self-esteem and make you feel more comfortable in your own skin. Moreover, the corrections made by a specialist can also help you avoid major dental problems, including decays and tooth loss. Furthermore, a bad bite can affect the way in which you chew and talk.

These days, there are numerous products and orthodontic treatments that provide amazing results over a relatively short period of time, especially for relatively young patients. Modern braces are virtually invisible, easy to wear and highly popular among teenagers.

Ask an Expert

What do orthodontists do? They guarantee impeccable, perfectly aligned teeth. Want to restore your smile and prevent major health concerns that could affect you in the long term? In this case, rely on professional services provided by certified orthodontists who work in your area. Find the best ones in no time with Seva Call, a free expert tracking tool created to put you in contact with professionals operating in different fields of activity.

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Two Most Common Types of Dental Insurance 1006

Monday, March 17th, 2014

Two Most Common Types of Dental Insurance 1006 - Dentists

Generally, dental insurance works like medical insurance with majority of such plans having a network of providers who offer services at a negotiated discounted rate. The type of dental insurance you have will determine where you can get dental service and how much your out-of-pocket costs will be.

The two most common types of dental insurance are:

Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO)

In this plan, all dental care is provided by the dental professionals who are part of the plan’s network. When you become a member of a DHMO, you choose your primary dental service provider who will coordinate your care and, when necessary, will refer you to other specialists, like an oral surgeon.

Whenever you need dental service, your first visit should be with your primary dentist. One of the advantages of joining a DHMO is the convenience of not having to fill out a ton of paperwork. In terms of costs, you just have to pay a specific co-payment amount and the deductible, if any, upon your visit to a network-affiliated dentist.

Usually, DHMOs have lower out-of-pocket costs than other types of dental insurance as long as you choose a provider within the network. If it’s not an emergency and you decide to get care from an out-of-network provider, you will have to shoulder the full cost of the service.

Dental Preferred Provider Organizations (DPPO)

In this plan, you can choose to get care from dental providers whether or not they are part of the plan’s network. You also don’t have to choose a primary care provider or request for referrals if you need to see a specialist. However, receiving care from an out-of-network provider would still cost you more than going to an affiliated dentist.

The difference in this case would be that you do not have to pay the full cost of the service, just a larger percentage of the cost. Also, there will be minimal paperwork if you choose to stay within the plan’s network of providers since the dentist’s office will take care of sending the claims to your insurer.

If you choose an out-of network provider, you will need to pay for some of the cost and then submit the paperwork for reimbursement to your insurer.

Consult with a Local Dentist

To know more about the different types of dental insurance, speak with your dentist. Looking for a reputable dentist for you and/or your family? That’s where TalkLocal can help. Find the best dentists in your area with our free service. Try TalkLocal now!

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Medicare and Medicaid Insurance for Dentists

Monday, March 10th, 2014

Medicare Insurance for Dentists - Dentists

Dental care is vital for your well-being and overall health, but unfortunately, not all people have the access they deserve to dental care services. Surveys show that one out of two American adults cannot afford dental insurance, or at least are not enrolled in a dental insurance plan. This is true for many categories of people, including those who have Medicare and Medicaid coverage.

Medicare Insurance for Dentists

Like other insurers, Medicare doesn’t provide coverage for dental care services, unless the patient suffers from a condition covered by the insurance company, which requires that person to be hospitalized. This equals almost zero dental coverage. If you have Medicare insurance, and want to go to the dentist for basic, routine services, such as checkups, cleanings, extractions, and fillings, you are unlikely to benefit from coverage. Most dentists do not take Medicare insurance, and you’ll have to pay the bills entirely from your own pocket.

Does Medicare Cover Any Dental Care Services?

However, Medicare insurance can cover some dental care services in particular circumstances. The eligibility criteria are complicated, and coverage is restricted to specific conditions and medical situations, such as those associated with surgical procedures. These may include jaw reconstruction as a result of injury, or infections following extractions.

If you have a Medicare insurance and want to know more about the specific circumstances when you might use your coverage, it is best to discuss the details with your insurer to make sure you know what to expect. As for general dental care, it’s advisable to search for alternative dental plans that will allow you to benefit from dental care.

Regular dental care and prevention are essential for your oral health, as they allow you to avoid further complications, which might require complex and expensive dental procedures to restore your oral health.

Medicaid Insurance for Dentists

Medicaid is a national program, which aims to help low-income people gain access to healthcare services. Eligible categories include children, elderly, impoverished, or disabled people, and pregnant women.

However, when it comes to Medicaid insurance for dentists, things are complicated, as many dentists choose not to participate, and most of them do not accept this type of insurance.  Many people who have a Medicaid insurance have limited or no access to dental care. Most often, Medicaid coverage is limited to emergency services at best.

The Medicaid program requires the state to cover at least half of the costs associated with healthcare services provided to those insured. However, in recent years, less than 50 percent of the states offer assistance in this matter. Medicaid eligibility criteria vary from state to state, and include age, income, and number of family members.

Medicaid Insurance for Dentists and ACA

The controversial Affordable Care Act aims to make dental care available to a larger number of children, and to introduce educational programs with the purpose of promoting preventative care. Unfortunately, for uninsured adults, things don’t look that bright, as only a tiny five percent of them may expect an improvement of their situation as far as dental care is concerned, as a result of ACA.

Dental care is critical for your overall health. That’s why you need to reconsider your options if you have Medicaid insurance, by trying to find ways to benefit from dental services when necessary. Preventative care, periodic screening, and regular checkups can minimize dental services costs over the long term.

Looking for a Dentist?

If you’re searching for affordable dentists, TalkLocal can help. We’ll put you in touch with experienced dentists in your local area to get the dental assistance you need. Our service is effective and free.

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Where Do Orthodontists Work?

Tuesday, February 11th, 2014

Where Do Orthodontists Work? - Dentists

Orthodontists straighten your teeth, fix “bad bite” problems, and make the most of techniques and products utilized to guarantee an envy-generating smile. They apply pressure on the patients’ crooked teeth, make them move, and gradually bring them into an ideal position. But where do orthodontists work? Keep reading to find out.

Things You Need to Know Before Scheduling an Appointment with an Orthodontist

Good orthodontists are specialized in both surgical and non-surgical procedures, required to correct certain dental problems. Their main goal is to help patients take pride in perfectly aligned teeth and provide excellent results, in terms of aesthetics and functionality.

They diagnose the problem and elaborate a suitable treatment plan based on x-rays and realistic models of the patients’ teeth. Orthodontists can create these models on their own, or by contracting the services of a technician.

Where Could I Find an Orthodontist?

Where do orthodontists work? Orthodontists work in modern office environments, equipped with all the tools and the products that they may need, in order to perform surgical or non-surgical orthodontic procedures.

They typically work 5 days a week, from Monday to Friday, but some of them also choose to see their patients in the evening and are extremely flexible when it comes to scheduling appointments.

How to Find a Good Orthodontist in Your Area

Did you know that more than 8,300 orthodontists currently operate in the U.S.? Moreover, 420 new employment opportunities for orthodontists are created on an annual basis in America.

In this context, finding the best specialists can be quite challenging. Check out online reviews and ask your closest friends and coworkers for recommendations, to narrow down your search. Better yet, use Seva Call, a free service, to identify the most respectable orthodontists who provide high-quality services in your area. Save time, money and effort by tracking local experts with Seva Call.

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How Do Orthodontists Put on Braces?

Monday, January 13th, 2014

How Do Orthodontists Put on Braces? - Dentists

In most cases, modern braces worn with pride are the secret element behind that perfect smile that attracts compliments like a magnet. People who flirt with the idea of wearing braces to restore their smile are often troubled by a long series of questions, like for instance: How do orthodontists put on braces? Does it hurt? For how long would I have to wear my braces?

Below you will find pertinent answers to all these questions and more.

Reasons Why You Should Consult an Orthodontist

Surgical and non-surgical procedures conducted to help you take pride in a ravishing smile shouldn’t be considered a luxury. On the contrary, they are a real necessity, especially for kids and adults who have more than a few crooked teeth. Bad bites can generate chewing and speech problems, while bent teeth can cause decays and other major oral health problems, culminating with teeth loss.

How to Obtain Perfectly Aligned Teeth

If you want to straighten your teeth fast, discuss your options with a competent orthodontist who will tell you if braces are the best alternative in your case.

How do orthodontists put on braces? The whole process is time-efficient and pain-free. Orthodontists follow these main steps:

1. First, they determine the exact shape of your teeth by creating a model.

2. They clean your teeth with a toothbrush, using a type of toothpaste that tastes and looks like wet sand.

3. They open your mouth and keep it in an ideal position by utilizing a spacer.

4. They dry off your teeth and blow air into your mouth to eliminate excess saliva.

5. They rub every single tooth with a special solution and then they start to apply the brackets.

6. While wearing glasses, they use a light source to dry the adhesive that keeps the brackets in place.

7. They attach and adjust the wires and let the patients choose their favorite ligatures (available in different colors).

Ask an Expert

Finding a good orthodontist can be quite challenging and time-consuming. Simplify the whole process by relying on Seva Call, your number one connection to the best professional in your area.

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How to Find Pediatric Oral Surgeons

Friday, December 27th, 2013

How to Find Pediatric Oral Surgeons - Dentists

You can take your children to the dentist for general dental care, but some oral problems need to be addressed by a specialist. Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children who have different needs from adults and require a special approach. Besides pediatric dentists, you might need to take your child to a pediatric oral surgeon to correct a dental problem.

What Are Pediatric Oral Surgeons?

They are oral surgeons specializing in treating children’s specific dental conditions. These include teeth or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, jaw defects, or oral diseases.

What Are Some of the Conditions Commonly Treated by Oral Surgeons?

– Misaligned teeth

– Missing teeth

– Dental implants

– TMJ disorders

– Cleft lip and palate

– Jaw deformity or asymmetry

– Jaw tumors

– Cysts and infections

– Fractures of facial bones

– Salivary gland conditions

What Are the Qualities of Good Pediatric Oral Surgeons?

Pediatric oral surgeons are specially trained to diagnose and treat children’s oral problems. It is important for a child to feel comfortable while visiting the dentist. The way a child relates to oral care in the future is determined by his or her childhood experience.

Dental care shouldn’t be traumatizing for kids. Good pediatric oral surgeons have special skills which allow them to calm children and make them forget about their fears.

A pediatric oral surgeon’s office should be a pleasant environment for children, where the staff, along with toys and games will keep them entertained. This way, kids will be distracted from their fear of the dentist.

Good pediatric oral surgeons are able to interact with children successfully. When they come to the dentist, both parents and children may be nervous, especially if the procedure is of a surgical nature. Pediatric oral surgeons are experienced in making both the parent and the child feel comfortable.

Find Pediatric Oral Surgeons

If you need a pediatric oral surgeon, contact TalkLocal today, and we’ll put you in touch with professionals in your local area who can help.

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Oral Surgery Insurance

Monday, December 16th, 2013

Oral Surgery Insurance - Dentists

Health insurance coverage varies significantly from plan to plan. When it comes to oral surgery, some procedures may be covered, while others won’t. Here are some general guidelines to help you get an idea about which oral surgery procedures are covered and which aren’t.

Medical Insurance and Oral Surgery Insurance

Medical insurance generally covers oral surgery procedures, which maintain your health. These may include procedures for facial trauma resulting from accidents and injuries, jaw disorders, or facial deformity correction. Specific dental procedures aren’t usually covered by medical insurance. However, policies may vary. There are distinct dental insurance plans, which offer partial coverage for dental procedures.

What Oral Surgery Procedures Are Covered by Dental Insurance?

Your dental insurance may cover procedures such as fillings, root canals, crowns, or bridges, but only partially. Generally, full coverage is offered for routine checkups, such as cleaning or preventative care. Wisdom teeth extraction may also be covered by dental insurance, at least part of the cost.

Are Cosmetic Procedures Covered by Dental Insurance?

The basic principle for insurance coverage is that the surgical procedure is supposed to make you healthier. Procedures which are considered to be of a cosmetic nature, are not typically covered by dental insurance.

Dental implants, gum grafts, tooth whitening, or veneers, for instance, are regarded as cosmetic procedures, and are not usually covered by insurance. However, there are dental plans, which offer full or partial coverage for some cosmetic procedures, such as braces.

To find out exactly what to expect about the costs of your oral surgery, it’s best to talk to your dentist. Even though many surgical procedures may not be fully covered by your medical insurance, you can discuss your options with your oral surgeon.

Looking for a Dentist or Oral Surgeon?

TalkLocal can instantly put you in touch with experienced professionals in your area who can answer all your questions about oral surgical procedures and dental insurance coverage.

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How to Find Cheap Oral Surgeons

Monday, December 9th, 2013

How to Find Cheap Oral Surgeons - Dentists

Going to the dentist regularly is essential for your oral health. But what happens when you need an oral surgical procedure? If your dentist also happens to be a trained oral surgeon, you need to look no further. However, if he or she specializes only in general dentistry, you need to find an experienced oral surgeon.

What Does an Oral Surgeon Do?

Oral surgeons, or maxillofacial surgeons, are dentists who specialize not only in general dentistry, but also in dental surgeries. Oral surgeons treat various dental diseases, as well as conditions of the mouth, gums, or jaw.

What Surgeries Does an Oral Surgeon Perform?

An oral surgeon can perform a wide range of oral surgeries, including:

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Many people experience problems with their wisdom teeth. They sometimes grow sideways, affecting neighboring teeth, and can cause serious problems such as abscesses if left untreated. In this case, removal is a recommended preventative measure.

Dental Implants

Dental implants consist in inserting a titanium screw into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. This is a surgical procedure, which requires special skills.

TMJ Syndrome

This condition affects the temporomandibular joint in your jaw, and can cause headaches and pain in the neck. An oral surgeon can provide appropriate treatment for TMJ syndrome.

Tumor or Cyst Removal

Oral surgeons are also trained to remove possible tumors or cysts in the mouth, gum, or jaw, which might be caused by a disease or an accident.

Reconstructive Surgery

People suffering facial traumas have reconstructive surgery to recover after an accident or injury. Oral surgeons can reconstruct your mouth, either entirely or partially, with the help of dental implants, bridges, crowns, and inlays, among others.

How Can You Find Cheap Oral Surgeons?

To find the best oral surgeon for your needs, contact TalkLocal today. We’ll put you in touch with up to three reputable oral surgeons in your area, so that you can make your choice.

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