Biannual teeth cleanings performed by our skilled dental hygienists are central to keeping teeth and gums looking, feeling, and functioning well. If you have gum disease, more frequent visits to the dentist will probably be recommended for your oral and overall health.
During cleanings, plaque and calculus (more commonly known as tartar) are removed from teeth. Plaque is a sticky deposit on teeth in which bacteria grow, and tartar is basically calcified or hardened plaque, so it is more difficult to remove. When tartar builds up under the gumline, causing gum disease, more extensive treatment than a standard cleaning is needed to remove it and help ensure healthier gums. Our hygienists also polish teeth, floss (partly to test the condition of gums, to see if they bleed), and they document any bleeding along with stains they noted during the cleaning in a patient's file.
Dental exams with Dr. Mendez make it so problems can be diagnosed and treated before they grow to be big, often painful, and expensive. A typical exam includes a visual assessment of teeth and occlusion (bite), along with an appraisal of current restorations. When x-rays have been taken, Dr. Mendez will carefully review them to identify areas of decay and other possible areas of concern for cysts, tumors, and other disorders of the mouth. Panoramic x-rays are especially revealing and beneficial to this process. Dr. Mendez will perform a general screening for early detection of gum disease and oral cancer, as well.
In between cleanings and exams at our dental office, brushing teeth at least twice a day (in the morning and at night) is the most important thing you can do to take care of your teeth. Brushing after every meal is even better, if you can. If not, chewing sugar-free gum after meals can get food particles out of teeth. Additionally, clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners, and remember to brush your tongue. Brushing your tongue, especially the back areas, can make a big difference in how clean your mouth feels and smells, and how clean it actually is. Restorations, such as bridges and partial dentures, should be cleaned thoroughly, too, just like natural teeth. Toothbrushes should be replaced every two to three months.
A beautiful smile can make life more beautiful. Studies have shown that a healthy and attractive smile can raise self-esteem, increase confidence, and help you make better first impressions on others. Sometimes it doesn’t take much treatment to see a BIG difference, and there are a variety of subtle, yet noticeable ways that we can enhance your smile. There are also more significant treatments and combinations of treatments – often called “smile makeovers” – that can give you the smile of your dreams.
While there is no true specialist designation for cosmetic dentists the way there is for orthodontists, there are a number of organizations with advanced training and awards associated with cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Mendez believes that all dental procedures have a cosmetic element to them, because his goal is to create smiles that are as beautiful as they are healthy.
Advancements in dental technology have made it possible for Dr. Mendez and our team to address a wide variety of issues affecting your smile’s appearance. We offer professional teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, bridges, and dental implant restorations. Replacing old silver fillings with tooth-colored fillings can also be considered cosmetic in nature, since it improves both the health and appearance of your teeth.
Our goal is to have all concerns and issues known and resolved before a dental emergency occurs. After all, it’s never a good time for a toothache or a broken tooth! We see patients with many different needs for many different reasons, from routine preventive care and dental emergencies to life changing restorative and cosmetic treatments.
A large part of comprehensive dentistry is the development and fulfillment of ongoing maintenance plans, which helps minimize the chance of original problems reoccurring. After your exam and consultation, we will work with you to customize a treatment plan that fits your individual needs and budget. Good oral hygiene at home is also important, but in-office exams are critical to keeping your smile healthy because our dental team has the ability to remove plaque your toothbrush can’t. Panoramic x-rays and intraoral cameras help us monitor structures that aren’t always obvious to the naked eye.
In a way, comprehensive care really refers to our commitment to the present and the future of your smile. Not only do we want to keep it healthy, but we want to make it beautiful, and make it last.
Beneath the top layer of your tooth (the enamel) and the second layer (the dentin), there is a pulp, or nerve, which delivers sensations such as heat, cold, and pain to the brain. Whether from excessive decay or physical trauma, this nerve can become damaged, causing an abscess to form at the root of the tooth. Root canal therapy will prevent further damage or decay, extend the life of your natural tooth, and most importantly, relieve your pain.
Symptoms of an infected root include severe toothaches, tooth sensitivity, discoloration, and upraised lesions on your gums. Though root canal therapy has a reputation for being painful, the toothaches associated with an infected root are most likely causing you more pain than the treatment will. In addition, there are a number of ways to relieve discomfort during and after treatment, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and medication.
Root canal therapy is highly successful, and a tooth that has received the treatment can last you a lifetime. Especially when used in conjunction with a natural-looking crown or composite filling, no one will even notice a difference in your smile.
If you’ve been avoiding that ice cream cone or cup of coffee because of sensitive teeth, you don't have to! Tooth sensitivity has a number of possible culprits: involuntary tooth grinding, jaw clenching, gum recession, and enamel loss can all cause teeth to become extra sensitive, because the usually-protected layer of dentin--the nerve-packed surface beneath the enamel--is exposed to external stimuli. Surface irritants such as braces and teeth whitening can also cause temporary sensitivity.
Because the causes of sensitivity are so diverse, and because sensitive gum tissue can indicate a more serious problem, it’s important to ask Dr. Mendez which treatment is best for you. A softer toothbrush is usually the first step, and special toothpastes can reduce sensitivity over time. There are also over-the-counter and in-office rinses that will protect your enamel against further damage. Ask us about your options at your visit!
Oral conscious sedation medications are measured and evaluated by pharmacists and physicians on a safety scale called the therapeutic index, where the higher the number on the scale, the better the safety rating of the drug. The sedation medications commonly used by dentists have high numbers on this index, and you will probably recognize some of the names of the drugs (which include Valium®, Halcion®, and Sonata®). When Dr. Mendez is working with you to choose a drug protocol (primary sedation agent), he will take such factors as your age, your weight, and the severity of your dental anxiety into careful account. You should also make sure our team is completely up-to-date on your health history, including any medications you’re taking (prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins and supplements) and your alcohol and/or tobacco habits, if either applies. Prior to your sedation visit, Dr. Mendez will go through the proper preparation steps, from diet adjustments and possibly taking a sleep agent the night before, to having a companion drive you to your appointment and what to expect after treatment.
When you feel anxiety, your threshold of pain is lower and dental treatments feel more uncomfortable and stressful than they otherwise would. The most advantageous aspect of oral conscious sedation is that this can be eliminated. The object is to enable you to relax your body and mind so you can receive the dental treatment you need.
Most patients experience little to no discomfort or remaining effects from a sedation dentistry visit. Immediately after treatment, you might feel a little wobbly while the medication wears off, but Dr. Mendez will give you simple, helpful instructions for the rest of your day.
Accidents happen, and they can be especially frightening when they involve our teeth and mouths. It's important to know when home care will suffice, and when a trip to the dentist is necessary. Here are some guidelines to help you through common dental emergencies:
Rinse with warm water to remove any food or debris; if you notice anything lodged between teeth, floss to remove it. Take an over the counter pain medication (but never apply the medication directly to your teeth or gums), and schedule an appointment with Dr. Mendez if the pain persists.
Save the pieces if you can, and rinse them thoroughly. Apply an ice pack or a cold compress to the swollen lip or gum tissue near the chipped tooth to prevent swelling. If the area is bleeding, apply gauze for ten minutes, or until the bleeding has stopped. See Dr. Mendez as soon as possible.
Call our office immediately. With recent advancements in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, you might not lose your tooth. If there is enough remaining healthy tooth structure, Dr. Mendez can create a crown that will “grab onto” your natural tooth, eliminating the need for root removal. While the success of crown lengthening depends on the severity of the break, it’s worth asking about alternatives to complete removal.
Holding the tooth by the crown (top) only, rinse it briefly with warm water. If possible, gently reinsert it into the socket and bite down on gauze or cloth to keep it in place. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, place it in a container of mildly salty water. See Dr. Mendez as soon as possible—if treated within two hours, the tooth may be salvaged.
Our gums, cheeks, lips, and tongue tend to bleed heavily when injured, because the soft tissues in our mouths contain a great deal of blood flow. To control the bleeding, rinse with warm salt water then apply pressure with gauze or a moistened towel for 15 to 20 minutes. Afterwards, to reduce swelling and help stop residual bleeding, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth. If the bleeding is profuse or the damage is visibly traumatic, it's best to stay calm, keep applying pressure, and go to your nearest emergency room.
Dr. Mendez works hard to stay on the leading-edge of restorative dentistry. If you or someone you love struggles with ill-fitting, uncomfortable dentures or a retainer with false teeth, dental implants can give your smile a second chance. They are useful in denture stabilization, but they can also be used in conjunction with crowns, bridges, and in single-tooth replacements.
Dental implants are not only more durable and long-lasting than traditional tooth replacements, they also look and feel more like natural teeth. Most importantly, they function like natural teeth, so you can chew, talk, and smile with confidence again. Because the implant procedure allows for more of your healthy tooth structure to be saved, fixed implants can even prevent bone loss.
Many patients suffering from advanced tooth decay, root canal failure, trauma to the mouth, or just extreme natural wear and tear on teeth are benefiting from this revolutionary option in restorative dentistry. However, there are still some things to consider before you decide on dental implants. For example, they are best performed after adolescence, when the teeth and jaw bone are fully developed. Additionally, the implant procedure can be more complicated for individuals with periodontal (gum) disease, active diabetes, immune deficiencies, and for patients who smoke. To ensure that you get the treatment that’s right for you, keep Dr. Mendez and our team informed and up-to-date about your entire medical history and dental habits.
X-rays, also known as radiographs, are commonly used in dental exams of patients of all ages. Panoramic x-rays, which are taken every five to seven years and show the entire mouth, are particularly useful diagnostic tools. Panoramic x-rays are taken with a machine that circles your head providing a complete overview of all the teeth as well as the roots, upper and lower jawbones, the sinuses, and other hard surfaces in the mouth. Many problems with teeth and the surrounding tissues cannot be seen when we visually examine your mouth. An x-ray examination is needed to reveal:
Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you unnecessary discomfort, money, and time. In cases where x-rays help us detect oral cancer and periodontal disease early, radiographs can also help save your life!
If your gums are not sore, it's safe to assume that the bleeding is not the result of hard brushing or flossing. Bleeding gums that apparently have no cause are always a warning sign, often indicating such conditions as gingivitis or even gum disease. Gingivitis (inflamed, bleeding gums) is not a one-way ticket to gum disease; in fact, if it’s caught early enough, gingivitis can be treated and even reversed. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and high levels of stress can all contribute to gingivitis, so the first lines of treatment are simple lifestyle changes. Choosing a toothbrush with soft bristles can ease gum damage, too, and getting regular dental cleanings will control plaque and tooth decay. It's important to stop gingivitis before it progresses, since studies have shown more and more serious illnesses are associated with gum disease. Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even osteoporosis have been linked to poor oral health.
Though not the first suspect in a simple case of bleeding gums, oral cancer is also a possibility. Oral cancer can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are fairly general and can be mistaken for other conditions. Symptoms of oral cancer include sores, bleeding gums or cheeks, difficulty swallowing or moving the jaw, and a continuous pain in the mouth. If Dr. Mendez finds no other causes for your bleeding gums, he may recommend a visit to a specialist.
Believe it or not, you could have a sinus infection. Recently, direct connections have been made between sinus infections and impacted or damaged teeth. They can also occur after intense dental work or cracked restorations. Pain in the sinuses can mimic the sensation of a toothache (or actually cause one) because of the proximity between the two. If you’re experiencing chronic sinus pain with a general, unidentified toothache, you should ask Dr. Mendez to check it out. A regular check-up and a series of x-rays should be able to determine a tooth-related cause, but if they don't, he can also perform a “percussion test," during which he gently taps on individual teeth to discover the source of your discomfort. After all, when deciding on a treatment plan, it's helpful to know whether it’s a toothache or just your nose playing tricks on you.
Dr. Mendez is a member of the ADA, TDA, CADS and Seattle Study Club. These organizations help provide the standard of care that all practitioners should strive to achieve. By being an active member in these organizations, Dr. Mendez has access to the latest information, technology, and expertise needed to successfully run a dental practice. Dr. Mendez loves to learn and attends as many Continuing Education courses as his schedule will allow. By keeping abreast of the newest dental advances and techniques, Dr. Mendez can provide a modern, up-to-date practice that will appeal to all persons looking for a dental home.
For your convenience, we invite all new patients to download our new patient forms to expedite the paperwork at your first visit. Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed to download these forms.
© COPYRIGHT 2017, Anthony Mendez, DDS | All Rights Reserved
7320 N. Mopac Expy, #200 | Austin, TX 78731 | Call Today! (512) 345-5885
Austin Dentist | Austin Cosmetic Dentist | Austin Dental
Dental Implants | Teeth Whitening | Veneers | Sedation Dentistry
