If you have a tooth that is badly decayed, you might experience bad breath. Dental decay is generally due to a build-up of bacteria on the tooth. Bacteria form and build up on a tooth that is not properly brushed and flossed allowing plaque to form on the tooth and at the gum line. Seeing your dental provider for a professional cleaning and exam twice per year can aid in preventing excessive plaque build-up.

Another contributing factor to a rotting tooth and the resulting bad breath can be gum disease. Gum disease can occur for many reasons. Contrary to popular opinion, gum disease is not hereditary. If there is a history of gum disease in your family, you can break the cycle by listening to your dentist and following the basic rules of good oral hygiene. Daily flossing and brushing at least twice per day with a fluoridated toothpaste or gel will give you the edge in fighting gum disease.

Heavy smokers and tobacco users also experience a higher incidence of gum disease. Research has proven that smokers have many more dental problems than those who abstain from tobacco use.

Once your dentist has found the source of your bad breath, you will have several options. If you are suffering from a rotting tooth, based on the extent of the damage to your tooth, your dentist might be able to save it. Perhaps a root canal will be the answer to remove any underlying infection in the root of your tooth. Treatment following a root canal is needed to seal the tooth.

If gum disease is the culprit, root planning and scaling above and below the gum line might be in order to restore healthy gum tissue. Or if your periodontal condition has escalated, there are other options your dentist can recommend to return your gums to a healthy state.

Bad breath can result from many sources, from what we eat to dental problems. Chewing mints will only mask the problem. Seeing your dentist to get the care needed will not only solve your problems now, but might save you from more extensive dental work in the future. Don’t wait to see if this problem will take care of itself – call our dentists in San Antonio today at 210-616-0858.

A dental bridge is an apparatus used to close the span of space between missing teeth. A patient who is seeking a permanent replacement for lost teeth might consider a bridge as a solution, but as with any procedure, your dentist will want to make sure you are a good candidate for success.

A good candidate for a dental bridge is a patient who has maintained relatively good dental health. Your dentist will assess your dental health to confirm that the anchor teeth and surrounding gum tissue are capable of supporting a bridge.

A person considering dental bridges must understand the commitment needed to care for their new bridge. Daily flossing and consistent brushing are required to maintain good oral health. Failure to observe excellent oral hygiene habits can lead to decay, which is a leading cause of bridge failure.

A patient that is susceptible to dental decay or has experienced dental decay in the teeth needed to anchor the dental bridge will not make the best candidate for this procedure. However, there are other options available when presented with this situation.

What are the rewards that accompany receiving a new dental bridge?

• Self-confidence is restored thanks to your new smile.
• Filling in the gap where teeth are missing will lead to curtailing additional dental problems that can occur if your existing teeth shift.
• The ability to return to eating your favorite foods will improve your outlook, as well as your diet.
• If you were experiencing difficulty pronouncing words due to your tooth loss, you will once again be able to adjust to normal speech patterns.

If this describes the outcome you’ve been seeking, you could be an excellent candidate for a dental bridge. A consultation with your dentist to make sure your dental health allows this procedure as well as your commitment to caring for your new bridge are all that stand between you and your new bridge.

Your dentist will prepare your teeth by taking dental impressions and preparing your supporting teeth for their final restorations. A temporary bridge will be made to protect your teeth and gums while awaiting your new bridge.

When the lab returns your new bridge, your dentist will make sure you are satisfied with the tooth shade and appearance. When completely satisfied, your new bridge will be permanently cemented in place. The finished result will bring smiles to last a lifetime. Call our San Antonio dental team today to see if you are the right candidate for a dental bridge.

When Is a Root Canal Necessary?

Root canals are typically performed when the tooth is severely damaged or is suffering from severe infection. In these cases, the tooth is so damaged that it cannot function without the root canal treatment, or the discomfort from the injury or infection has become severe enough that you are unable to use the tooth comfortably. Having a root canal treatment can enable you to keep your tooth, but eliminate the discomfort. 

In most cases, root canal treatments are successful, and the tooth remains functional for many years. Sometimes, however, infection can return, especially if it was not completely eliminated in the initial procedure. If infection returns, it might be necessary to remove the tooth.

How a Root Canal Works

In a root canal procedure, the interior tissue of the tooth, called the pulp, is removed along with the nerve that serves the tooth. The chamber in which the pulp resides is called the root canal—thus providing the procedure with its common name. The dentist drills a small hole in the tooth, through which he then inserts tools of various sizes to extract the infected tissue.

After the infected or damaged tissue is removed, the interior of the tooth is disinfected and filled with a special, sterile substance. A crown is then placed over the tooth, after which normal function is restored and any discomfort should be gone. With a root canal, a tooth that otherwise might have been lost is preserved.

If you need more information about the root canal procedure, or believe you might need a root canal, please contact the office of Drs. Bonner and Huriega at 210-616-0858 today.

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces

Traditional orthodontics to correct crooked teeth or misalignment uses metal braces affixed to the teeth. The braces are connected with rubber bands that create pressure on the braces to move the teeth into the appropriate place. For major malocclusion or extremely crooked teeth, braces are still often the most effective option. However, for less severe alignment problems, Invisalign can be a preferred option.

Invisalign uses clear plastic trays, custom made for the individual patient, to gradually move the teeth into the proper position. Each tray is worn for about two weeks, and the full treatment can last six to eighteen months, depending upon the patient’s individual needs. Trays can be removed for cleaning, eating, and for special occasions. Because they are made of clear plastic, they have the added advantage of being virtually invisible.

Am I a Candidate for Invisalign?

Not all misalignments and malocclusions can be effectively treated with Invisalign. The best way to determine if Invisalign is a good option for you is to schedule a consultation with your dentist to discuss your needs and goals. If your dentist believes your goals can be met through Invisalign treatment, then you will move on to discuss how long your treatment will last and how to ensure the best long term results. You will have to wear your aligner trays at least twenty-two hours every day, and after treatment is completed, you will wear a retainer periodically as recommended by your dentist to be sure your teeth remain in the proper position.

To find out more about how Invisalign can correct your misalignment or minor malocclusion, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.

What are Lumineers?

Lumineers are a brand of dental veneer that is thinner than standard porcelain veneers. Usually, porcelain veneers require a thin layer of enamel to be removed from the surface of the tooth to make room for them. Lumineers can be placed directly on the teeth without modification. In addition, Lumineer treatment is reversible.

Lumineers are placed in a two-part process. On your first visit to your cosmetic dentist, a mold is made of your teeth. This mold is sent to a special lab where only Lumineers are crafted. There, your custom-made Lumineers will be manufactured in the exact shape and color to match your teeth and create your beautiful smile.

When the Lumineers return from the lab, you will return to the cosmetic dentist to have them affixed. They are bonded to your teeth with a special agent that is activated with a light. Lumineers are long lasting and durable, and can keep your smile perfect for as long as twenty years.

Conditions Treated With Lumineers

Lumineers can be used to treat the same cosmetic issues that standard veneers can treat. These include:

• Severe staining
• Minor misalignment
• Small gaps between the teeth
• Chipped, pitted or cracked teeth

With Lumineers, you can correct these issues without using more complex and uncomfortable treatments such as braces or dental crowns. Lumineers provide a simple, comfortable and non-invasive way to give you the beautiful, perfect smile you’ve always wanted.

To find out if Lumineers are a good treatment option for you, please contact the office of Drs. Bonner and Huriega at 210-616-0858 for a consultation.

Caring for Crowns

How crowns should be cared for depends on what type of crown your dentist uses. Dental crowns can be made from various types of materials. The most common types of crowns are:

• Metal crowns
• Porcelain crowns
• Metal crowns covered with porcelain

In general, teeth with crowns can be brushed and flossed just like your other teeth. If you have difficulty flossing between teeth with crowns, consult your dentist for recommendations.

Porcelain crowns, or porcelain-covered metal crowns, are susceptible to staining just like natural tooth enamel. They could also be damaged if you bite very hard substances such as metal. If you have porcelain crowns, avoid staining agents such as coffee, tea or nicotine. Also avoid biting ice, metal, or other objects such as pens to avoid chipping or cracking the porcelain.

Choosing the Type of Crown

When you have a crown placed, your dentist will provide recommendations about what type of crown is best. Porcelain or tooth-colored crowns are best for teeth that are visible when you smile. Metal or porcelain-covered metal crowns are often recommended for molars, because the metal stands up better to the extreme pressures of chewing.

If you habitually grind your teeth, be sure your dentist is aware of this. A porcelain crown on a back tooth could be damaged if you grind your teeth. Using a metal crown or acquiring a nightguard to protect your teeth overnight can help protect your crowns.

Regardless of the type of crown or the reason why you need a crown, proper care can help them last for many years. For more information about crowns and how to take care of them, please call our San Antonio office at 210.616.0858 today.

How Bridges Work

Because dental bridges only replace a few teeth, they need to be anchored to the remaining teeth on either side in order to remain in place. The bridge can be anchored in different ways. A common technique is to treat the adjacent teeth to receive crowns. The replacement tooth is then manufactured so that it is attached to the crowns that will be placed over the adjacent teeth. This method can look very natural when completed. The major disadvantage is that the adjacent teeth must be altered to receive the crowns.

Bridges can also be anchored to adjacent teeth with wires. This type of attachment requires much less restructuring of the adjacent teeth, but is also more visible. The type of attachment that works best will depend upon your individual situation, and is best determined in a detailed consultation with our dentists.

Advantages of Dental Bridges

A fixed partial denture can look very natural, giving you back your smile. Crowns and bridges made of porcelain are color-matched to your other teeth, and are custom made to match the overall shape and size of your original teeth. Fixed bridges do not have to be removed for cleaning, and care of your bridges is very much like care for your natural teeth.

Dental bridges also tend to be less expensive than dental implants, another common treatment for missing teeth. Implants are placed directly into the jawbone, and require surgery as well as a series of healing intervals. Depending upon your individual situation, dental bridges might provide an easier, more practical alternative.

To find out more about dental bridges, your options for replacing missing teeth, and other issues concerning your dental health, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Changes in Oral Health During Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes numerous hormones to be circulated throughout the body, helping your baby grow and ensuring a safe delivery. However, these hormones can also have side effects that affect your oral health. You might discover, for instance, that your gums are more sensitive and more likely to bleed when you brush and floss your teeth. You will also be more susceptible to gingivitis and gum disease during your pregnancy.

Because of these changes, it’s very important to maintain good oral hygiene and to visit your dentist regularly throughout your pregnancy. In the early days, be sure that your dentist is aware that you are pregnant in order to protect your baby from possibly harmful exposure to X-rays.

Oral Care During Pregnancy

During your pregnancy, be sure to brush and floss regularly and see your dentist for your normally scheduled cleanings and other appointments. Your dentist will probably want to delay diagnostic X-rays unless they are absolutely necessary. Dental X-rays produce a very small level of radiation, but since your baby is growing very rapidly, it is best to avoid any exposure at all.

You might also need to check the fluoride levels in your drinking water, especially if your water comes from a well. If there is not enough fluoride in your water, your dentist might recommend a supplement to be sure your baby’s teeth develop properly. On the other hand, if there is too much fluoride in your drinking water, your dentist might recommend bottled or filtered water to prevent discoloration on your baby’s teeth.

To find out more about how to take care of your teeth during pregnancy, please call 210.616.0858 to schedule an appointment.

A removable partial denture is a commonly used replacement for missing teeth. Generally anchored to either an acrylic or metal base, artificial teeth and gums can be designed to fit into the space previously occupied by the missing teeth. For stability, a removable partial denture must span the distance of the entire upper or lower jaw. This full-mouth restoration is most useful for patients who are missing multiple teeth on both sides of the mouth. Where the goal is to replace a single tooth, this option is generally considered to be excessively bulky and aggressive.

There was a time when the fixed dental bridge was the most popular choice for replacing a single missing tooth. This restoration literally “bridges the gap” between two natural teeth, where a tooth has been lost. With this option, the natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth must be modified and reshaped, and then capped (or crowned) in order to properly seat the bridge.

Dental implants have revolutionized the delicate science of replacing a single missing tooth. The size of an implant, virtually the same size as a natural tooth, is significantly less bulky than a removable partial. Implants conserve more of your natural tooth structure, since they do not require the unnecessary removal of any tooth structure. Once the implant becomes permanently fused to the underlying bone, stability is gained and bone loss is effectively prevented.

Tooth replacement is an important decision. Contact our implant dentist today to find out which choice is best for you.

Invisalign treatment is a great way to straighten your teeth without having to give up the food you love. So what makes it better than braces? You can take them off when you eat and of course, when you drink tea, coffee or red wine. This comfortable breakthrough in orthodontics allows you to indulge in whatever food your heart desires.

The dentist will take an impression of your bite, as well as x-rays. The rest is up to the Invisalign 3D computer imaging system. A machine creates a series of clear custom-made “aligners” for your specific orthodontic needs. Each set of trays is to be worn for about two weeks and then progress to the next pair. Your teeth will be moved at a slow pace to allow your sockets time to adjust to each gentle push.

Invisalign therapy has worked for different cases. Dentists have treated overbites, crossbites, overly spaced diastemas, underbites and even complex overcrowding of teeth. If you have worn braces but did not wear your maintenance appliance (retainers) religiously, chances are that the bite will relapse. Invisalign “aligners” can take care of that problem as well.

The number of trays used varies per person. As long as you follow your dentist’s instructions, there shouldn’t be a problem. Since this therapy is gentle and teeth are moved at a slow but steady pace, older individuals can undergo Invisalign treatment, provided that they do not have osteoporosis or take certain calcium supplements.

If you believe that you may be a potential candidate for this specific treatment, call 210-616-0858 to schedule a visit today. Orthodontic treatments don’t have to involve countless bracket replacements and wire readjustments. Choose a clear and fun way to get straighter teeth.