Dental Services

Bad breath, bleeding gums, swollen gums . . . these aren’t merely annoying symptoms to be ignored. These are all common signs of gum disease. Gum disease is defined as inflammation of the gums, and it can lead to damage to the bone and the supporting structures of the teeth. If left untreated, eventually the teeth can become loose. In adults, gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss. The prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease is known as periodontics.

Gum disease does not just affect your teeth and gums. It may also play a role in your overall health. Research has indicated that bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream increasing your risk of other medical conditions. For instance, gum disease has been linked to conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

In order to prevent these health conditions, you first need to know how gum disease develops in the first place. It is essentially the end result of plaque. The foods and beverages you consume combine with the bacteria in your mouth to form plaque on your teeth. Bacteria in plaque produces toxins that inflame the gums, which can lead to gum disease.

There are different stages of gum disease including gingivitis and periodontitis. It’s best to recognize and treat gum disease in its earliest stage. Signs of gum disease include:

• Bad breath
• Gums that bleed when brushed
• Swollen gums
• Tender gums
• Receding gum line

Periodontal treatment may vary depending on the stage of your gum disease. Treatment may include cleaning, scaling and root planing.

Scaling and root planing are sometimes called deep cleaning. The procedure involves cleaning the infected root surfaces.

Additional treatment may be needed, such as removal of the damaged tissue and regenerative procedures to treat bone loss. At Austin Dental Cares, our dentists will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan to treat gum disease and prevent the condition from becoming worse.

The word surgery may make some people nervous. Any surgery should be taken seriously, and that includes oral surgery. Oral surgery may involve simple extractions or more complicated procedures. We strive to make your procedure as stress-free as possible. Your comfort and safety
are our top concern.

Your dentist will do their best to save your teeth, but there may be instances where a tooth cannot be repaired with a filling or crown. For example, a tooth that has extensive damage from trauma or infection may require extraction. In some cases, a tooth extraction may be the best
treatment choice to preserve your oral health and treat pain. An extraction is classified as either a simple extraction or a surgical extraction. A simple extraction involves removing the tooth when it is visible. The tooth is loosened with a dental tool called an elevator. Forceps are then used to remove the tooth.

A surgical extraction is a little more complex. The procedure involves surgically removing a tooth that has not erupted in the mouth or one that has broken at the gum line. An incision is made in the gum to allow removal of the tooth.

At Austin Dental Cares, we’ll keep you informed every step of the way of what to expect, before, during, and after your surgery. Contact us to schedule your appointment.

There is more to your teeth than meets the eye. Underneath the enamel and dentin of each tooth is a soft core called pulp. Pulp runs from the visible part of the tooth to the root in the jawbone. Tooth pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The pulp helps with the formation of dentin during tooth development and also provides nourishment to the tooth.

When tooth pulp is infected or damaged, it requires a special kind of treatment. The damage or infection can occur as the result of a cracked or chipped tooth, as well as deep decay, and if left untreated, the infection can become severe and lead to an abscess, bone loss, and the loss of the tooth. This is where endodontic treatment comes in to save the tooth.

Endodontics is a root canal treatment that removes the pulp and saves the tooth. While the mention of a root canal earns its fair share of groans, it allows your dentist to treat a severely damaged tooth instead of removing it. During the procedure, the pulp is carefully removed, and the inside of the pulp chamber and root canal is shaped and prepared for a filling.

In many instances, a tooth that requires a root canal has a large filling or is weak from decay. A crown may be recommended to restore the tooth and protect it from future damage. If you are experiencing dental pain and infection, schedule an appointment with our Austin Dental Cares staff today.

With proper dental care and oral hygiene, your teeth and your smile can last a lifetime. While many dental treatments aim to save teeth, sometimes the best thing to do is replace a missing or severely damaged tooth. This falls into the category of prosthodontic dentistry. Missing teeth are usually the result of trauma and tooth decay. Even though a missing tooth may not bother you aesthetically, unfortunately your smile is not the only thing you need to worry about. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth can shift and deteriorate. Your bite may
also change leading to problems with the jaw.

With all the complications fractured, decayed, and missing teeth can cause, it’s best to restore the tooth or replace it as soon as possible. Fortunately, you have options when it comes to repairing a missing tooth, all of which are offered at Austin Dental Cares:

• Crown
  A crown is a prosthetic tooth that is usually used to cover a damaged tooth, which is weak and likely to break. A crown is often needed if the tooth is too damaged to be repaired with just a filling, such as a fractured tooth. Crowns may be made of porcelain, ceramic, and stainless steel. If you opt for a dental crown, the decay is removed from your tooth. The tooth is then filled and prepared to support the crown. The last step is cementing the crown to the natural tooth.
• Dental Bridge
  A dental bridge is often recommended to fill a gap due to a missing tooth or teeth. A bridge involves preparing teeth on adjacent sides of the space to support the bridge. The healthy teeth are called abutment teeth. The bridge is a single unit that includes a prosthetic tooth to fill the gap, which is supported by two crowns on each side, which attach to the abutment teeth.
• Dentures
  Dentures are a replacement for missing teeth that can be taken out of the mouth. Dentures may be a good option for people who have several or most of their teeth missing. If missing teeth are not replaced, it can lead to facial muscle sagging and problems eating and speaking properly. Full and partial custom-made dentures are available. Dentures made today are comfortable and natural looking.

Prosthodontic treatment helps restore your teeth cosmetically and functionally. It’s important to restore a missing tooth as soon as possible before complications develop. Prosthodontic dentistry is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Our staff at Austin Dental Cares will help you to determine which treatment is best for you.

Cracked, chipped, and decayed teeth can affect your chewing, speaking, and smile. At Austin Dental Cares, our restorative dentistry procedures will return your mouth and your smile to its beautiful, healthy and natural state.

At Austin Dental Cares, our team will work with you to help you decide, which filling material is best for your specific situation. Whichever filling you choose, our staff will clean the tooth, remove the decay, and restore the tooth back to its original beauty and health.

Dental work is not something anyone looks forward to, but taking proper care of your teeth by having your cavities treated stops the decay from advancing. If left untreated, cavities may lead to infection and even tooth loss. Fillings are an effective treatment that helps you restore your tooth and prevent the need for more extensive procedures, such as crowns and root canals.

Give us a call today to set up your dental appointment at our Austin office at (512) 535-5530 or fill out a contact form and our staff will be in touch with you soon!

Prevention is often the best medicine, and that’s true when it comes to your dental health. Research has found that your oral health can affect your overall well-being. With the proper preventative care, patients can keep their teeth and gums healthy and also reduce the chances of certain health problems.

An overall preventative dental plan involves a collaboration between the dentist and patient. With proper dental care, you can prevent the onset and progression of dental disease and promote and maintain good oral health. Our prevention services include:

• Exams
  Preventative care starts with routine dental exams. Although the general rule of thumb is to have a regular dental exam twice a year, everyone is different. In certain situations, you may need more frequent exams. At your checkup, our dentists examine your teeth, gums, and mouth and check for signs of gum disease and cavities. Regular dental exams help catch any dental problems early before they become extensive, costly and painful.
• Fluoride Treatments
  Fluoride is a mineral that can prevent cavities and play a role in preventing tooth decay. Although fluoride is often found in toothpaste, professional fluoride treatment by your dentist is sometimes recommended. Topical fluoride is applied to the teeth in the form of a gel or solution. Fluoride treatments may be recommended every three, six or 12 months depending on your oral health and risk factors for developing gum disease.
• Cleaning
  According to the American Dental Association, most people should have their teeth cleaned at least every six months. In some cases, more frequent cleanings may be recommended. During a cleaning, tartar and plaque are gently removed from your teeth.Your teeth are also polished to help remove stains. Regular cleanings are one of the best ways to decrease your chances of developing gum disease.
• Sealants
  Daily brushing and flossing are essential to decrease your risk of tooth decay. But there is also an extra measure you can take to prevent cavities from developing. Sealants are a thin material painted on the outside of the teeth. The sealants act as a barrier keeping acids and bacteria off the grooves of the teeth where cavities often form. After your teeth are cleaned and dried, the sealants are placed on the chewing surface of the teeth. Usually, sealants are placed on the back teeth, which are often more vulnerable to cavities. People of any age can have sealants placed, and they often last several years before they have to be reapplied.

Remember, preventative dental services are an investment in your oral health. With proper preventative care, you’ll protect your smile for years to come!