What to Expect When Dental Dentures May Be Needed

If you may be in need of Dental Dentures, this can be a very anxious time for you. Not understanding what to expect, how will they look and are they going to hold up when eating and talking to others may give some a very uneasy feeling. At Three Rivers Family Dentistry in Murfreesboro, TN, we understand the anxieties that you may be going through and want to help calm some of those nerves. Dr. Mark Connolly has helped thousands of patients with dentures and overall denture and oral care and we would like to provide you with some information about the process to help familiarize yourself in your journey and to reduce those lingering doubts you may have when it comes to dentures. You can check out our dentures page for more information.

The Dental Denture Process

We would like to provide you with the dental process when you first set up your consultation with Three Rivers Family Dentistry. The entire denture development process, from the time you and your dentist make the decision that dentures are right for you to the delivery and placement of your new denture may take anywhere from 1 to 6 weeks. During that time you will have several visits with your dentist for measurements and fittings to ensure that when you finally get your dentures, they fit and look as best they can.

Step 1: Taking Your Exact Measurements
The first thing Dr. Connolly will do is to take impressions of your mouth using a soft putty-like material. He will then assess how your upper and lower jaws align to one another and measure the space between them.
Step 2: Creating Your Initial Cast
The impressions and measurements that Dr. Connolly takes are used to create the new teeth set in wax. When the initial denture is ready, you will return to Three Rivers Family Dentistry to determine if the shape, fit and color are the right fit for you. If there is anything you don’t like about the coloring, fit or look of the dentures, this is when we work with you to re-design your dentures to ensure a perfect fit and look.
Step 3: Your Final Denture is Cast
Once you are fully satisfied with the way the trial denture looks, feels and fits, it is sent back to the technician to make the final version.
Step 4: Your Final Denture Product
You come back in for your final denture setting appointment to receive your new dentures. Dr. Connolly will ensure that you are extremely comfortable with your new dentures and helps to answer any questions you may have.
Regular Checkups Are Required Even After You Get Your New Dentures
Once you start wearing your new dentures, there will be an adjustment period. Dr. Connolly will ask you to return to assess your progress. If there are any problems, small adjustments may have to be made to rectify any lingering issues. This is to be expected and it’s nothing to worry about. You may have some initial discomfort getting used to your new dentures however the discomfort will diminish quickly as your mouth and the muscles of your tongue and cheek adjust to the new dentures.

Call Three Rivers Family Dentistry today to schedule your denture examination. We would love the opportunity to help you with all your denture and overall dental needs. You may also schedule an appointment through our online form.

615.907.3456

About Three Rivers Family Dentistry

Three Rivers Family Dentistry in Murfreesboro, TN is dedicated to quality care and compassion to all of our patients dental needs. Our staff of professionally trained dentists, dental hygienists, and office staff are here to serve you each and everyday with the most thorough dental services in middle TN. Dr. Mark Connolly has the experience and abilities to handle all of you and your families needs when it comes to dental and oral procedures. Our staff can help you with every day dental cleanings, implant restoration, periodontal services, dentures, root canals and more.

In addition, our dental practice is very friendly and welcomes families with children of all ages. We have an area for children to play and read in the waiting room area that your kids will love. We help to ensure the process of taking your children to the dentist is fun and caring so your children will learn to want to keep their teeth and overall oral hygiene clean.

We work with most insurance providers and will help you with any insurance claims that you may have. Our staff will handle all of the processing and forms to ensure that your insurance provider is up to date with the correct information.

Pediatric Dentistry: Good Dental Hygiene Checklist For Your Children

At Three Rivers Family Dentistry in Murfreesboro, TN, we understand how difficult it can be to maintain proper dental and oral hygiene for your children. With everything that we have going on in our lives, proper oral hygiene can be tough for yourself, let alone your children. You should set hygiene habits for your children to follow everyday and eventually it will become a habit. This will not only make sure that they have clean teeth and healthy gums, it can also help prevent them from suffering from future dental and oral hygiene problems. We provide compassionate pediatric dentistry for children of all ages and would love to have the opportunity to serve you and your children. Here is a simple checklist of items you can use to help ensure your children pick up proper dental and oral hygiene habits.

Toothpaste: Your kids should use toothpaste with fluoride as it can help them remove plaque to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

Toothbrush: Have fun with it! Choose a toothbrush that has their favorite character on it so they can begin to enjoy brushing their teeth. Choose the product that has soft bristles to prevent damaging their tooth enamel and their gums.

Rinsing: Be careful when choosing a mouthwash for your children. Some may not be appropriate for them and may even place them at risk. To ensure the safety of your kids, you may just ask them to wash their mouth with water after eating or when brushing their teeth is not possible due to some valid reasons. Three Rivers Family Dentistry has recommendations for children’s mouthwashes if this is something you would like to use for your children.

Dental Hygiene Visits: As soon as the first tooth breaks through, bring your child to the dentist with a focus on pediatric dentistry. Our dental office is very accommodating for both parents and children. We have a play area in the lobby and the dental staff has been trained to be compassionate and caring to children of all ages. Place the name and the contact number of the dentist somewhere where everyone can see so anyone can make a call in case of a dental emergency.

Tongue Cleaner: Buy a tongue cleaner to allow your kids to clean their tongue thereby preventing the buildup of bacteria, fungi and food debris. This will also avoid getting bad breath.

We hope that these tips can help you and your children develop strong dental and oral hygiene habits. Please feel free to give us a call or schedule an appointment through our online form. We are a family and pediatric dental office located in the heart of Murfreesboro, TN.

615.907.3456

About Three Rivers Family Dentistry

New Year New You: Dental Resolutions To Improve Your Smile

Now that we have all had time to enjoy spending time with family for Christmas, opening our gifts and eating more food than we ever thought possible, it is time to start thinking about our new years resolutions for 2019. Some go into this with a positive attitude ready to get the new year started on the right foot while others know that they need to change or modify some things in their life but maybe don’t quite have that motivation to get started. Three Rivers Family Dentistry in Murfreesboro, TN would like to provide you with a few things to consider as you put together your new years resolutions in regards to your smile, teeth and overall oral hygiene. Some of these are very simple to help you be able to stick to your new years resolutions much easier than some of those hefty goals we often sought after. It will also help improve your oral and overall health.

Avoid Gum Disease

Daily brushing and flossing will help prevent gum disease. Improving daily oral care routines is a simple way to improve your health. For successful plaque removal, brush at least twice a day using a good toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste. Position the bristles at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline and move the toothbrush across the teeth. Floss at least once per day to remove unwanted goodies that may have accumulated throughout the day. Replace toothbrushes every 3 to 4 months as recommended by the American Dental Association.

Dental Cleaning

Get rid of unsightly plaque that builds up around lower front teeth. If it has been more than 6 months since your last dental cleaning, you’re due. The icky sticky goo can cause gum disease and make your breath unappealing. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today.

Quit Tobacco

Stop tobacco use. Discontinue cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco to improve overall health. Consider free online programs, progress apps, and support from groups to assist with saying no.

Restore Teeth

The new year is the perfect time to complete recommended dental work. Crowns, implants, and fillings help preserve tooth structure and maintain proper tooth alignment.

About Three Rivers Family Dentistry

Types of Dental Fillings

With all the information that is out there to filter through when it comes to your teeth and oral care, Three Rivers Family Dentistry in Murfreesboro, TN would like to provide you with some information around the types of dental fillings for when it may be time for you to get this simple procedure completed. There are several different types of fillings and they each have their advantages and disadvantages and we feel that it is important to understand all aspects of everything that may be going in your mouth from a health perspective. There can be both short and long term implications so before you make that decision on the type of dental filling you want, check out our list of dental filling types.

Amalgam Dental Fillings

Amalgam is a mixture of silver, tin, zinc, copper and mercury. Mercury is nearly 50% of the mixture. This is your more traditional type of filling that you will typically see. (non-bonded). These are primarily used for fillings in the back teeth and can last for at least 10 years and usually even longer. This is the least expensive type of restorative material and is a very strong filling that is less sensitive to moisture.

Some disadvantages are that amalgam fillings don’t match the color of your teeth and can corrode over time. Amalgam fillings are not bonded to your teeth and requires your dentist to cut ledges in your existing tooth to keep it in place. Some people may also be allergic to Mercury which is something to consider.

Composite Resin Dental Fillings

Composite resin fillings are a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles.There are both direct and indirect options. Direct fillings are placed by your dentist using a bright blue light that hardens the soft material. For indirect fillings, your dentist prepares the tooth and takes an impression of it. A laboratory or the dentist then will make the filling from the mold. During a second visit, your dentist cements this filling into place. These are small and large fillings, especially in front teeth or the visible parts of teeth.They last least five years or more and cost more than amalgam but less than some other type of fillings. These also will match the color of your teeth, can be completed in one dental visit, and is bonded to the tooth which makes the tooth stronger than with an amalgam filling.

Some disadvantages of composite fillings are mainly that it may cost a bit more and that they may not last quite as long requiring another dental visit between the 5-10 year timeframe. If there are gaps in your teeth, you could be more susceptible to cavities.

Cast Gold Dental Fillings

These are made of gold alloy (gold mixed with other metals) and used for Inlays and onlays, crowns. They can last for at least 15 years, usually longer and cost more than most other materials; 6 to 10 times more expensive than amalgam. Gold doesn’t corrode which is the reason for the long lifetime and longest of all fillings, and some people prefer gold color over the silver color of amalgam.

Disadvantages include you must visit the dentist at least twice to receive a gold filling. At the first visit, the dentist makes an impression of your tooth and places a temporary filling. The gold filling is made from the impression which is placed at a second visit. The cost is higher because of the higher cost of gold and the work involved. If gold and amalgam fillings are right next to each other in your mouth, an electric current can result from interactions between the metals and your saliva. This can cause discomfort, called “galvanic shock.”

Ceramic Dental Fillings

These are made of porcelain, most commonly and used for Inlays and onlays, crowns, veneers, implants, and orthodontic brackets. They typically last more than seven years and the cost is generally more than composite and can cost as much as gold depending on the filling. Ceramic fillings are tooth-colored and are more resistant to staining and abrasion than composite resin.

Some disadvantages of ceramic fillings are that they are more brittle than composite resin and can break. A ceramic inlay or onlay needs to be large enough to prevent it from breaking. This means that the tooth must be reduced in size to make room for the extra bulk.

Glass Ionomer Dental Fillings

These are made of acrylic and a component of glass called fluoroaluminosilicate. In a traditional filling, the material sets without a bright light. Resin-modified or hybrid composite glass ionomer fillings are stronger than traditional ones. A bright blue light is used to set the material. These are most commonly used as cement for inlay fillings. It also is used for fillings in the front teeth, or around the necks of your teeth, or in roots. As filling material, glass ionomer is typically used in people with a lot of decay in the part of the tooth that extends below the gum (root caries). It is also used for filling baby teeth and as a liner for other types of fillings. They generally last for five years or more and are comparable in cost to composite resin. Glass ionomer matches the color of the teeth, but not always as well as composite resin. Resin-modified glass ionomer is usually a better match than traditional glass ionomer. Glass ionomers release fluoride, which can help protect the tooth from further decay and restorations bond (stick) to the tooth. This helps to prevent leakage around the filling and further decay.

Disadvantages of glass ionomer fillings is they are significantly weaker than composite resin. It is much more likely to wear or fracture. A resin-modified glass ionomer filling needs to be applied in thin layers. Each layer must be cured, or hardened, with a special bright blue light. Then the next layer can be added. This makes the tooth stronger, but can lengthen the time of the dental appointment. Traditional glass ionomer does not match your tooth color as precisely as composite resin.

At Three Rivers Family Dentistry in Murfreesboro, TN, Dr. Mark Connolly has provided all types of dental fillings for his patients depending on their unique circumstances and and health conditions. Give us a call today for all your dental fillings and oral care needs. You may also fill out our online form to schedule an appointment.

615.907.3456

About Three Rivers Family Dentistry

Root Canal Treatments Murfreesboro TN

At Three Rivers Family Dentistry in Murfreesboro, TN, we want to help you take a look at root canal as a treatment option and why it is sometimes important to get to your dentist to get a root canal completed early. We are going to review what a root canal is, statistics on root canals in America and root canal treatment procedures. Dr. Connolly provides comprehensive dentistry and root canal treatments for his patients in a very caring manner understanding that this treatment can cause a lot of anxiety for people. He has the training and experience to be able to carry out root canals for his patients to provide relief and long lasting care. In reality, root canals can help to ultimately relieve the pain you are currently having and can help improve your life and other oral complications.

We would love to set up an examination to see if root canal treatment is best for you. Give us a call or schedule an appointment through our online form.

615.907.3456

Root Canal Statistics

15 percent of people in the U.S. avoid seeking critical dental procedures like root canals every year due to common myths about root canal therapy. Root canal treatment, or endodontic therapy, is considered the most feared of all dental procedures, yet it’s a much better option than extracting a tooth.
15 million root canal procedures are performed in the U.S. annually. Root canal therapy is the most common of endodontic procedures as it is very safe and effective.
41,000 root canal procedures are performed every day in the U.S., relieving patients from tooth pain and decreasing their risk of dental complications from tooth infections and abscesses.
97 percent of root canals are successful. If done well, a root canal along with an appropriate tooth filling or dental crown can last many years. 85 percent of root canals can even last a lifetime if you take care of your teeth and see your dentist for regular professional teeth cleanings and exams.
10.9 million root canals are performed by skilled general dentists annually. 72 percent of dental patients trust their dentists to carry out this common, safe, and effective dental procedure every year.

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is the endodontic treatment of the tooth where the dentist treats the inside parts of the tooth to help relieve pain and discomfort. Root canal treatment involves the removal of blood vessels and nerves contained in the pulp to help relieve pain when the tooth is affected by some sort of disease or complication.

The pulp contains connective tissues, blood vessels and nerves which are required to provide nourishment to the tooth as it grows but when the truth is fully grown, the pulp can be removed and the tooth will go about with its function as normal. This is possible because the tooth will now be receiving nourishment from the tissues surrounding it.

When Root Canals Are No Longer An Option

Root canal treatment is therefore necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or is infected by certain bacteria. The inflammation can arise from tooth decay, cracking teeth or dental injuries. When inflammation occurs, the pulp is heavily affected and the highly sensitive nerves contained in the pulp pick up the signals and send them to the brain where the receptors process them as pain.

If left untreated the inflammation can further affect the tooth and eat into the enamel causing complete damage of the tooth. Root canals can help save a tooth because only the affected pulp is removed. This prevents the infection from spreading further to other parts of the tooth and relieving pain from the patient.

Root Canal Procedure

Three Rivers Family Dentistry would like to provide you with the root canal treatment procedure so that you are fully aware of what to expect and to give you the peace of mind of knowing you are in good hands with Dr. Connolly.

Examination of the tooth

Dr. Connolly first examines the tooth to ascertain the severity of the infection of the pulp. Using x-rays the practitioner can see how badly the tooth is damaged and will devise the most appropriate means of treating the tooth.

Numbing of the tooth

Before starting to remove the pulp, Dr. Connolly first administers a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and make the subsequent procedures literally painless. He then uses a dental dam to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and saliva-free during the procedure.

Making of an incision

To access the affected area, Dr. Connolly makes a small opening in the crown of the tooth using a special scalpel and using special cleaning equipment, he is able to clean the pulp and remove all the matter within the cavity.

Filling the space with substitute material

Once the pulp cavity is empty, then Dr. Connolly uses special biocompatible material called gutta-percha to fill up the space left behind. The gutta-percha is held into place using a special adhesive cement.

Dr. Connolly with Three Rivers Family Dentistry has the experience and technology to provide you with the highest levels of root canal treatments. For more information, call our offices in Murfreesboro, TN or fill out our online form to set up your root canal examination.

615.907.3456

About Three Rivers Family Dentistry

Three Rivers Family Dentistry in Murfreesboro, TN is dedicated to quality care and compassion to all of our patients dental needs. Our staff of professionally trained dentists, dental hygienists, and office staff are here to serve you each and everyday with the most thorough dental services in middle TN. Dr. Mark Connolly has the experience and abilities to handle all of you and your families needs when it comes to dental and oral procedures. Our staff can help you with every day dental cleanings, implant restoration, periodontal services, dentures, root canals and more.

Quality Cosmetic Dentistry Murfreesboro TN

Three Rivers Family Dentistry is a local Murfreesboro, TN dental practice that provides quality cosmetic dentistry for our patients. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of the teeth, mouth and smile. Cosmetic dentistry generally provides elective treatments or services to help improve appearance and anxiety levels.

Cosmetic treatments may also provide restorative benefits. Historically, most dental fillings were composed primarily of gold, amalgam and other materials that left visible dark spots on the teeth. Todays dental fillings may be considered cosmetic to a certain extent because you can select fillings made of porcelain or composite materials that closely match the color of your teeth, thus maintaining the natural appearance of your teeth and smile. Many people may choose to have their older fillings replaced with newer, tooth-colored fillings to enhance their oral appearance.

Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment Options

Three Rivers Family Dentistry provides many cosmetic dental treatment options for our patients in Murfreesboro, TN. Some of the cosmetic treatment options include:

Inlays/Onlays: Also known as indirect fillings, inlays and onlays made from porcelain or composite materials are a long-lasting yet aesthetically pleasing way to provide a “filling” to teeth with tooth decay or similar structural damage. Whereas dental fillings are molded into place within the mouth during a dental visit, inlays and onlays are created in a dental laboratory before being fitted and adhesively bonded into place by our dentist.

Composite Bonding: Chipped, broken, discolored or decayed teeth may be repaired or have their appearance corrected using a procedure called composite bonding. A dental composite material with the look of enamel and dentin is applied into the cavity or onto the surface of a tooth, where it is then sculpted into shape, contoured and hardened with a high-intensity light. The result is a restoration that blends invisibly with the remainder of the surrounding tooth structure and the rest of your natural teeth to create a healthy, bright smile.

Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening is perhaps the most commonly recommended cosmetic dentistry procedure. Teeth are often stained from smoking, food, drink (coffee, tea or red wine) or poor oral hygiene. Bleaching the teeth can enhance the appearance of your smile.

Dental Veneers: Composite or porcelain laminates that are adhesively bonded to the surface of a tooth to correct and repair chips and cracks will improve a worn appearance or severe tooth discoloration. Veneers may also be recommended if you have gaps in your teeth or if you have not had success with teeth whitening. Evaluate porcelain veneers cost and determine whether dental insurance may offset the cost.

Dental Implants: Dental implants are artificial tooth root replacements that are used as a part of prosthetic (artificial replacement) dentistry in order to compensate for tooth loss. Often the result is not only an enhanced smile, but also a more youthful appearance, since missing teeth cause the face to collapse, making you look older.

Smile Makeover: Smile makeovers involve a comprehensive assessment of your smile aesthetics in order to improve its overall appearance. Typically one or more cosmetic procedures, such as dental veneers, dental implants, gingival sculpting and teeth whitening, will be required for several teeth in both the upper and lower arches in order to achieve the look you want.

Full mouth reconstruction: While consulting with you about a smile makeover to primarily improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile, our dentist may discover that there is a need to provide necessary treatment to correct functional problems with your bite, muscles, teeth and bone structure. If you need full mouth reconstruction, the materials available today make it possible for our dentist to provide you with durable, functional and clinically sound treatments that also look natural.

If you are looking for an experienced and compassionate cosmetic dentist in the Murfreesboro, TN area, call Three Rivers Family Dentistry today, or send us a message via our online form.

615.907.3456

About Three Rivers Family Dentistry

Three Rivers Family Dentistry

Give us a call or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment with us!615.907.3456