Most Common Dental Problems & Solutions

common dental problems St. Petersburg FL

4 Common Dental Problems 

Dental problems are never fun. However, the good news is that you can prevent most problems. Many dental problems can be solved by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, eating properly, and regular dental check-ups with Dr. Brian Leeson, the best dentist in St. Petersburg FL. Educating yourself about common dental problems and their causes can also go a long way towards prevention. Here’s a list of some of them: 

Bad Breath 

Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be quite embarrassing. According to the Journal of Natural Science, Biology, and Medicine, about 85% of people with persistent bad breath have a dental condition that is to blame.These dental conditions include: 

  • Gum disease
  • Cavities
  • Oral cancer 
  • Dry mouth
  • Tongue bacteria

Using mouthwash to cover up bad breath when there is a dental problem will only mask the smell and not cure it. If you have a chronic bad breath, please visit your St. Pete dentist to rule out any of these problems.

Decay of the tooth

Tooth decay, also known as cavities, is second only to common cold as the most prevalent disease in the United States. Tooth decay occurs when plaque, the sticky substance that forms on the teeth, is combined with sugars and/or starches in the food you eat. This combination produces acids that attack the enamel tooth.

You can get cavities at any age.  As you age, you can develop cavities as your tooth enamel erupts. Dry mouth due to age or medication may also lead to cavities, explains our friend and the best dentist in Shreveport LA, Dr. Ben Kacos. 

The best way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing twice a day, flossing every day, and going to your regular dental check-ups.

Eating healthy foods and avoiding high-sugar snacks and drinks are also ways to prevent decay. Your dentist may recommend additional treatments that may help to reduce your risk.

Gum Disease (Periodontal)

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a gum infection that surrounds the teeth. It is also one of the main causes of tooth loss amongst adults.

Everyone is at risk for gum disease, but it usually occurs after 30 years of age. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, and dry mouth. Symptoms include bad breath, red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, and painful chewing.

If you have any signs of gum disease, you should see your dentist and possibly get a deep cleaning St. Pete dentist, Dr. Leeson says. Gingivitis and periodontitis are two major stages of gum disease. Regular dental check-ups with at least twice daily brushing and flossing play an important role in the prevention of gum disease.

Toothache and St. Pete Emergency Dentist 

While many toothaches and dental emergencies can easily be avoided through regular visits to the dentist, accidents can and do occur. It can be very painful and scary to have a dental emergency.

Common problems that require an emergency visit to your dentist include a broken or cracked tooth, abscessed tooth, or an accident tooth.

If you have a fractured or dislocated jaw or severe cuts to your tongue, lips, or mouth, go to the hospital for trauma treatment. If you have a tooth abscess that causes difficulty swallowing, or if you have developed a fever or facial swelling, take emergency care as well.

Contact 4th St Family Dentistry

If you are experiencing any of these four dental problems, it may be time to visit us. Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Leeson so he can get your oral health back on track.

Restorative vs. Cosmetic Dentistry

restorative v. cosmetic dentistry st petersburg FL

Restorative Dentistry vs. Cosmetic Dentistry

4th Street Family Dentistry offers both cosmetic dental care and restorative dental care. Cosmetic dentistry is mainly enhancing your smile and changing the general appearance of your teeth. As far as cosmetic dentistry is concerned, the focus here is on the art, not the actual science behind the procedure. In general, a St. Pete cosmetic dentist is actually a restorative dentist who has studied and trained extensively in the concepts of smile design and the use of dental materials that create the best possible smile for an individual. Check out the difference between restorative vs. cosmetic dentistry.

Determining Whether You Need Cosmetic or Restorative Dental Work

Although cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry do overlap, the main difference between the two is their focus and the level of dental expertise. A cosmetic dentist is one who goes beyond the process of restoration. If a restorative dentist stops helping an individual to achieve a set of fully functioning teeth, a cosmetic dentist will not only correct the functioning of the teeth but will also seek to achieve results that match the individual’s idea of a perfect smile. This requires quite some expertise and a very accurate level of finesse, as a cosmetic dentist needs to pay attention to even the smallest details, such as how many teeth a person should have visible while he/she smiles, etc.

Restorative Dental Treatments St. Pete

Restorative dentistry fixes structural problems. These problems include damaged or missing teeth. Restorative dentists use the below procedures to fix structural problem: 

Restoring your teeth and their proper functioning is where restorative dentistry comes to an end explains Dr. Cody Boals, dentist in Colorado Springs. If you want to make your smile better, seek the help of a cosmetic dentist. Cosmetic dentistry is completely concerned with the enhancement of your teeth. Cosmetic dentistry can eliminate these problems by helping you boost your overall confidence and appearance.

St. Pete Cosmetic Dental Treatments

All dental treatments that involve an esthetic improvement of your smile are considered cosmetic. They simply focus on the appearance of your teeth and help you restore their function and overall oral health. Some cosmetic dentistry treatments may include the following:

These are just a few examples of cosmetic dentistry procedures that you may be able to choose from. However, one major difference between cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry is the actual cost of treatment procedures, which may be a bit high for cosmetic dentistry treatments.

Contact 4th Street Family Dentistry 

You should also feel comfortable asking Dr. Brian Leeson any questions you are still unsure about. You and your St. Pete dentist will need to work together to find treatment options that will make your smile brighter and healthier. Contact us, today! 

New Year, New Smile

How to improve your smile - st. pete dentist

New Year, New Smile

Every January, millions of people are ready to change their lives for the better in the new year. Sometimes, it’s to lose weight, eat healthier, or promote at work. But there is one option that could really boost your health and your life in a variety of ways – no gym needed. Your St. Pete dentist, Dr. Brian Leeson, encourages you to make a unique resolution – new year, new smile! A happy and healthy smile boosts your physical well-being. And, it can also give you more confidence to help you make another positive improvement in your life. Below, we share how you can improve your smile in 2021.

Improve Your Smile, Be Confident

Dentists all over agree that oral health will make or break your smile. Our close friend and cosmetic dentist Shreveport LA, Dr. Ben Kacos, explains some habits of those that aren’t confident with their smiles. These habits include unintentionally covering their mouths with their hands or shying away from contact with others. This can influence confidence, making it difficult to do things like apply for a raise or approach new people.

This can cause self-esteem to suffer, and forego opportunities for a happier, more fulfilling life. Others can also view your actions as being stand-off or aloof unless you plan to do so.

However, if you’re satisfied with your teeth, you’ll feel relaxed and secure while talking to others in a personal and professional environment. You’ll feel confident during business meetings, a date, a presentation, or a lesson. Getting a bright smile will make a difference between reaching positive goals in your life and only sitting on the sidelines for another year. 

Your Body and Dental Hygiene

If you’ve been thinking about improving your health in 2021, you may want to start with your mouth. The list of diseases associated with poor oral health is lengthy. From heart disease to Alzheimer’s to osteoporosis, research has shown that an unhealthy mouth can contribute to health problems across the body.

The good news is, there are a few easy things you can do to improve your oral health this year. Dr. Leeson recommends starting with regular fluoride toothpaste brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist every six months is important for healthy teeth. Replace your toothbrush at least every three months, or earlier if it shows signs of wear.

Visit Your Dentist in St. Pete

If you have pain, bleeding, or other issues in your mouth, tell your emergency dentist at St. Petersburg, FL. Much like you should see your doctor regularly for health issues and screening, your dentist should be an integral member of your health care team. Problems such as cavities and gum disease can be treated with the aid of a trained dentist – and the earlier they are treated, the better. And if you have lost your teeth or problems with misaligned teeth, these problems can be fixed to give you a happy and healthy smile. 
With a little extra work and commitment to your dental hygiene, you will be on your way to a more beautiful smile, a healthy body, and a wonderful year! If you need to schedule an appointment or need a smile consultation, contact 4th Street Family Dentistry today!

How to Repair a Broken Dental Crown

4th Street Family Dentistry - How to fix a broken crown

How to Repair a Broken Dental Crown in St. Pete

Sturdy as they may seem, our teeth aren’t immune to damage. Your teeth are susceptible to tooth decay and physical trauma. That’s where dental crowns come in. Said to be the single most productive procedure performed in dental practices, dental crowns are effective ‘caps’ that are placed over damaged teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance.

Dental crowns are usually used when the tooth is too damaged for dental fillings to restore functionality properly. On average, dental crowns can last between five to fifteen years, depending on the amount of wear and tear and your oral hygiene practices. But did you know crowns can get chipped or broken just like regular teeth? If you notice a chip or fracture in your crown, contact 4th Street Family Dentistry for emergency treatment. 

Before you had your crowns installed, you probably had a conversation with your dentist in St. Petersburg, FL, to determine the type of crown that will work best for you. Crowns are usually made from a variety of different materials, and this determines how resistant they will be to damage. Ceramic and resin crowns are usually the least durable, while crowns made from base metal alloys, gold alloys, and porcelain fused with metal are highly durable.

Signs Your Dental Crown is Fractured or Broken

The best dentists in St. Petersburg, FL, will tell you that spotting a cracked or broken crown may not be easy, especially if you don’t visit the dentist regularly. Digital Doc, the maker of the best intraoral cameras, says that cracks may start out small, making it almost impossible for you to spot them with the naked eye. Seeing your St. Pete dentist twice a year will allow them to catch the issue and treat it while it’s still early.

If the crack isn’t treated soon enough, you may notice increased pain or sensitivity. The sensitivity will occcur while chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, or bleeding at the affected tooth. A crown may break due to a blow to the face, a fall, grinding your teeth, wear and tear, or biting down on something hard. If your crown gets broken from physical trauma or chips off as you chew, contact an emergency dentist in St. Pete for treatment.

In certain circumstances, a painful crown may be a sign that the underlying tooth is the issue. If it can no longer support the crown, your dentist in St. Petersburg may have to extract it and install a dental implant to restore the tooth’s functionality.

What You Should Do if Your Dental Crown Breaks

While broken crowns aren’t usually considered an emergency, you may require emergency treatment if caused by a fall or blow to the face and cause intense pain. If you notice it, the first thing you ought to do is examine the area to see the extent of the damage before contacting a dentist in St. Pete for further guidance. Get a mirror and study the affected area if the broken crown is visible. Use your tongue to check for sensitivity. Are pieces of the crown missing or dislodged? Are there any jagged edges that may cut the inside of your mouth? Does the area feel sensitive to air or food?

While dentists don’t always recommend it, you may have to pull off the crown if there is a risk of swallowing it. If there is any bleeding, use a piece of gauze to gently apply pressure to the area. Dr. Ben Kacos, a sedation dentist in Shreveport, LA, says you can apply a little clove oil with a cotton swab or dental cement directly to the tooth surface if it feels sensitive. This will protect the remaining tooth and reduce the pain and sensitivity until you can finally see a dentist. 

Treatment for a Broken Crown

Make sure you see a dentist within 5-7 days of your dental crown breaking, even if it isn’t causing you too much pain. Leaving it for too long creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and leads to infection down the road. If you are afraid of brushing around the broken crown before your dentist’s appointment, you can use mouthwash or a saltwater solution after brushing to kill off bacteria.

The dentist will thoroughly clean and examine the remaining tooth and crown to assess the damage’s extent. If the crown is too damaged to be reapplied and the tooth is strong enough to hold a new dental crown, you will be fitted with a temporary crown while a new permanent crown is fabricated. Your St. Petersburg, FL dentist can also bond a composite resin to a porcelain crown to repair the crown if it has a minor crack or fracture. However, this requires a very specific porcelain repair kit, and not every dentist has it.

If it turns out that the underlying tooth was the problem, you may have to undergo a tooth extraction. Then have a dental implant installed once you heal. While they can be uncomfortable, broken dental crowns are entirely fixable. Whether through bonding with a composite resin or outright replacing them. Leaving a broken crown in could lead to more severe dental problems down the road. Are you looking for a dentist to fix a broken crown? Contact 4th Family Street Dentistry for emergency treatment today.

Root Canal Therapy Procedure

Root Canal Therapy Procedure - 4th Street Family Dentistry

Root Canal Therapy Procedure

For many people, the term root canal is scary. Plenty of folks believe that the treatment is extremely invasive and painful, but that is far from the truth. As we all know, most dental procedures are preventive, designed to treat issues and prevent them from becoming more severe down the road. Similarly, root canal therapy is known as one of the best and most effective dental treatments out there.

Root canal therapy is endodontic, meaning it treats the inside of the tooth. To get a good idea of what root canal therapy is, you’ll first have to get a better understanding of a tooth’s inner workings. With a good defense, however, you may never have to know what a root canal is. This includes practicing a consistent and thorough oral hygiene routine and visiting 4th Street Family Dentistry every six months to prevent any dental issues from progressing and becoming severe.

What is a Root Canal?

The teeth are made of three layers; enamel, the outermost protective layer, dentin, a hard layer below it, and soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp, which is located right in the middle of the tooth, contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. It extends from the crown of the tooth down to the tip of the roots inside the root canal.

It connects the nerves and blood vessels in the tooth to the ones in the jaw right below the tip of the tooth root. The pulp is crucial during the developmental stages as it aids in the tooth’s growth and development and supplies nutrients needed to sustain its growth. Once the tooth is fully mature, however, it can easily survive without the pulp. Root canal therapy essentially removes pulp that has been infected from the root canal. This saves the tooth and surrounding teeth from further degradation. But how does the pulp become infected?

It can happen in two ways, deep tooth decay or a fracture that creates an opening for bacteria to enter the pulp. All the best dentists in St. Petersburg, FL, recommend brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing for a good reason. If you don’t, bacteria in the mouth will feed on food debris and form plaque. 

Plaque is acidic, and it strips the enamel of minerals, resulting in tiny holes or openings. The cavities will eat into the enamel and dentin if they aren’t treated. Over time, the bacteria enters the pulp causing an infection. If you have dental decay, contact a St. Pete dentist near you to prevent it from progressing to something more severe like dental decay.

Root Canal Treatment Procedure

Once bacteria have breached the pulp and it becomes inflamed, an emergency root canal therapy in St. Petersburg becomes a necessity. If you don’t seek treatment from a dentist in St. Pete soon enough, the infection can spread to the surrounding nerves, bones, and other teeth. Root canal therapy removes the infected pulp from the root canal and fills the space with a rubbery filling material.

The treatment usually consists of two steps, the root canal therapy itself and other dental procedures to restore the function of the tooth. First, your St. Petersburg, FL dentist, Dr. Leeson will take an x-ray of the tooth to see the shape of the root canals and to determine if the surrounding bone shows any sign of infection. A local anesthetic will be applied to numb the area around the tooth and to make you more relaxed and at ease during the procedure.

Your dentist will then place a rubber sheet around the tooth to keep the area free from saliva and to prevent the bacteria in your mouth from entering the tooth. Once this is done, the dentist will drill a small access hole into the tooth using a dental drill. The pulp, along with the decayed nerve tissue, is removed from the root canal. A series of root canal files of increasing diameter will be inserted into the access hole and used to scrape and scrub the sides of the root canals while water or sodium hypochlorite is used for flushing away the debris.

Post Treatment

Some dentists in St. Petersburg prefer to wait a week before sealing the root canal, especially if the pulp was infected. In that case, they may put medication inside the root canal to clear up the infection before sealing it. In the meantime, a temporary filling is placed to keep out contaminants like saliva and food. Once the infection is cleared, the now hollow root canal is sealed with a soft, rubbery material.

Depending on your smile, you may have to undergo further dental treatments to restore 100% functionality. Our friend Dr. Ben Kacos, an endodontist in Shreveport, LA, says most dentists recommend a buildup to fill the hole in the middle where the access is made and a crown to protect the exterior of the tooth. You may experience some pain and discomfort for 3-4 days after the treatment, which is completely normal. If over the counter pain relievers do not work and you are in pain for five or more days after the root canal therapy, contact your emergency dentist in St. Pete immediately. 

Root canal therapy is a treatment designed to save the tooth, the surrounding teeth, and bone and to restore functionality. If you are suffering from deep tooth decay or had an injury to the teeth and are looking for a dentist for treatment, we’ve got your back. Contact 4th Street Family Dentistry for a consultation today.