Modern Dentistry for Patients of All Ages

In addition to visiting the dentist twice a year for routine teeth cleanings and examinations, there are a lot of practices you can integrate into your daily oral hygiene regimen.

Brush your teeth twice a day, and avoid going to bed without brushing your teeth. When brushing, use gentle, circular motions to remove plaque from the grooves of your teeth and tough-to-reach areas. Remember to brush your tongue, floss, and consider using mouthwash, fluoride toothpaste, or an electric toothbrush.

You should also limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods, as these can erode the enamel and make you more susceptible to cavities. Staying hydrated, getting enough calcium, and eating crunchy fruits and vegetables can help your teeth.

When a tooth becomes severely injured, damaged, or infected, root canal therapy can help to preserve and protect the tooth. During this procedure, we’ll remove the innermost layer of the tooth (the pulp) and clean the area. After disinfecting the area, we’ll place a composite filling or dental crown over the tooth.

Are you experiencing persistent toothaches, sensitive teeth, swollen gums, or tooth discoloration? If so, you may need root canal therapy. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw to the skull. When the TMJ becomes misaligned, whether due to an injury, bruxism (teeth grinding/clenching), stress, or arthritis, it can cause a painful and uncomfortable condition known as TMJ disorder (TMD).

You may have TMJ disorder if you experience the following:

• Frequent jaw or facial pain
• Lockjaw
• Frequent headaches
• Grinding, clicking, or popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth
• Pain or difficulty speaking, chewing, or yawning
• Radiating pain in the neck, shoulders, or ears

There are several TMD treatment options, which include mouth splints/guards, prescription medications, and Botox® injections.

Our dentists will work closely with you to determine the cause and severity of your TMJ disorder. We’ll then personalize a treatment plan to help you better manage your symptoms and make adjustments to your lifestyle, which may contribute to your TMD pain.

If you’re struggling with TMJ pain, contact us today.

With the development of tooth-colored composite fillings, traditional amalgam fillings have become a thing of the past. Because they’re made from acrylic and ceramic, composite fillings are custom-blended to match the natural color of a patient’s teeth. No more unsightly silver fillings or exposure to harmful mercury and metals. Plus, composite fillings preserve more of a tooth’s structure than silver fillings.

At Southland Smiles, we also utilize CariVu™ laser-based technology to detect cavities in the earliest stages, allowing us to diagnose and treat cavities sooner and more efficiently.

If you suspect you have a cavity, call 708-794-4253 today.

A dental crown is similar to a cap, which covers, protects, and restores a damaged or decaying tooth. There are several instances where dental crowns can be beneficial. They’re often placed over teeth following root canal treatment, large cavity fillings, or when a tooth is fractured or weakened.

Dental crowns are often placed on dental implants once they’ve healed. They also anchor and attach to dental bridges, which replace and restore multiple missing teeth that are adjacent to one another or in the same row.

Not sure if you’d benefit from a dental crown? Call 708-794-4253 to schedule an appointment.