Dental emergencies have no given hours. A serious problem can happen at any time of day, including during nights and weekends.

Finding emergency dental care in the local Springfield, VA, area can be challenging. Springfield Healthy Smiles offers timely care for emergent dental issues causing pain or illness.

What To Do In Case Of A Dental Emergency

When faced with dental trauma or an oral injury, many patients feel lost or confused. This quick guide classifies dental emergencies into three categories according to their severity.

Call or Visit the Hospital Emergency Room:

• Traumatic dental injuries: Uncontrolled bleeding, oral lacerations, broken facial bones, any severe symptoms of illness or infection

Seek Emergency Dental Care:

• Severe tooth or gum pain, including pain that comes and goes when biting down
• Broken or knocked-out tooth
• Milder symptoms of infection like low fever or chills
• Pimple-like swelling or pus along the gumline that could indicate a dental abscess
• Large or painful cracks in teeth need immediate attention because these injuries may expose the pulp chamber
• Extreme tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that could indicate the need for an emergency root canal

Call For a Prompt Weekday Appointment:

• Mild toothache
• Lost restorations (bridges, crowns, fillings) unless causing significant pain. You can treat mild pain with over-the-counter analgesics.
• Chipped teeth
• Food stuck between the teeth

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentistry

What should I do with a knocked-out tooth? Can the dentist save it?

Primary teeth (baby teeth) are not salvageable when knocked out. If you lose a permanent tooth, the dentist may be able to replant it in the gum.

Find the tooth and hold it only by the crown, rinsing it gently with water. Carefully place the tooth back in the socket as soon as possible, biting down on a roll of clean gauze to stabilize it.

If putting it back in the socket isn't possible, put it in a small container of saliva or milk and bring it to the dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you see the dentist, the better chance your tooth will have. 

The dentist may splint your tooth to its healthy neighbors to encourage the root and jawbone to bond. The healing process could take several months.

Is a cracked tooth an emergency?

A cracked tooth is not typically an emergency unless it is causing severe pain. Broken teeth, however, can be dental emergencies, especially if the pulp becomes exposed. Call us if you have any questions about whether your tooth is broken or cracked.

Call Springfield Healthy Smiles

Not all dental problems can wait for a scheduled appointment. In many cases, time is of the essence when saving teeth.

Local residents can call our Springfield, VA, office at 703-866-7000 for help in a dental emergency. We can assess your problem during and after regular business hours and determine the best way to help you.

Veneers are a cosmetic enhancement for your teeth. They can conceal imperfections and give you a new and improved smile. 

 

If you want to feel more confident about your smile, you may be considering veneers. Some common questions include: how long do veneers last? Are veneers permanent? What can I do to make my veneers last as long as possible? Learn the answers to these questions and more before deciding if veneers are right for you.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are thin, tooth-shaped shells that attach to the front side of your teeth. They can be made of porcelain or composite material, both of which resemble natural tooth enamel. Veneers cover the visible side of the teeth to conceal stains, chips, uneven lengths, gaps, and crooked teeth. They are not designed to be restorative, so any necessary fillings or root canals will need to be done before veneers can be placed. 

Average Lifespan of Dental Veneers

A typical set of porcelain veneers should last an average of 10 to 15 years, possibly longer with excellent care and maintenance. Composite veneers may last only 4 to 8 years. Due to the higher quality of porcelain veneers, the initial cost is higher than composite veneers. And since veneers are a cosmetic treatment, they are not covered by insurance. 

Are Veneers Permanent?

Before veneers can be placed on the teeth, a thin layer of enamel must be removed. This creates space for the veneers so that they look natural. It also helps if the surface is coarse for attaching the veneers more securely to the teeth. This means that once the teeth are prepared for veneers, they can’t remain uncovered if the veneers are removed. 

 

Veneers are semi-permanent, meaning they are fixed to the teeth, but your dentist can remove them. As veneers wear out over time, they may need to be removed and replaced with a new set of veneers. 

 

How To Get the Most Out of Your Veneers

When you invest in a set of veneers, you want them to last as long as possible. Here are some tips to keep your veneers in the best possible condition:

• Mindful eating. Porcelain veneers are very strong, but they can be damaged by biting into particularly hard foods. If you want to eat something hard or chewy, cut it into small pieces you can chew with your back teeth. Veneers are stain-resistant, but they can develop discoloration over time due to the consumption of certain foods and beverages. 

• Wear a night guard. If you grind your teeth you can protect your veneers by wearing a night guard when you sleep. This is especially important if one of the reasons you got veneers is to correct the appearance of worn down teeth. 

• Avoid chewing or biting non-food items. Try to avoid absent-mindedly chewing on things like pens, pencils, paper clips, etc. These items may damage your veneers. 

• Teeth are not tools. A lifelong tip, avoid using your teeth to open things or remove tags from clothing. This is a common cause of damage to teeth as well as veneers. 

• Regular dental visits. It is important to go to the dentist every 6 months to have your teeth and veneers cleaned and examined. 

Are Veneers Right For Me?

If you’re wondering if veneers are right for you, ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you satisfied with your smile? 
• Do your teeth look dull or discolored and teeth whitening products have not worked?
• Are your teeth basically healthy but don’t look their best?
• Would you smile more if you felt confident about the appearance of your teeth?

 

Your answers to those questions should give you a pretty good idea of whether or not you should consider getting veneers. An evaluation by your dentist can determine if you are a good candidate. 

Schedule a Consultation Today

Springfield Healthy Smiles provides a wide range of cosmetic dental procedures and treatments including veneers. If you want to improve your smile, schedule a consultation today. 

Call 703-866-7000 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

A root canal is a fairly common dental procedure. Although patients must go through a brief recovery period after treatment, said period typically lasts no more than a week.

 

Are you getting a root canal in the near future? If so, you will likely need to avoid certain foods as you heal during the first few days following the procedure.

 

Speaking with your dentist is the best way to learn what you can and can’t eat after a root canal. In the meantime, however, the following guide should give you an idea of what types of foods you should stock up on before your appointment, and what foods you should avoid during your recovery.

Foods to Stay Away from After a Root Canal

You may experience some sensitivity after getting a root canal. Eating certain foods can cause discomfort as you recover from treatment. Additionally, eating these foods may interfere with a temporary filling the dentist may have provided you with.

 

Foods to avoid eating until you thoroughly heal from a root canal include the following:

 

• Any significantly hot or cold foods and beverages, as they may cause pain due to sensitivity
• Gum, candy, and other sticky foods
• Hard foods, like nuts, that may become stuck in or between teeth
• Anything chewy, such as tough meats
• Crunchy foods, such as chips and other such snacks

 

It’s also important to avoid chewing on non-food items, such as pen caps or fingernails. Breaking these habits will improve your overall dental health. In the aftermath of a root canal, these habits could result in complications during your recovery.

What You Can Eat After a Root Canal

You’ll be less likely to eat the foods you should be avoiding after a root canal if you take the time to stock up on the foods that you can eat ahead of time. Examples of foods that are safe to eat after a root canal include:

 

• Smoothies, yogurt, and other such liquid or near-liquid foods, as you should stick to a primarily liquid diet during the first 24 hours following treatment
• Scrambled eggs, soup, mashed potatoes, and other such soft foods, ensuring they aren’t so hot that they cause discomfort due to sensitivity to extreme temperatures
• Pasta, and soft produce, such as avocado, which you may begin introducing back into your diet about 72 hours following treatment

 

Be careful as you slowly reintroduce certain foods. If you’re still experiencing tenderness, introduce foods gradually, only eating what you genuinely feel comfortable with.

Additional Post-Root Canal Tips

Other tips that may make your recovery from a root canal procedure even easier include:

 

• Use over-the-counter medications to address your discomfort, and contact the dentist if your discomfort is particularly severe
• Attempt to take a few days off of work
• Make sure someone is available to drive you home after your appointment
• Refrain from engaging in any strenuous physical activity during your recovery

 

As always, you may also discuss this topic in greater detail with your dentist. They can help you better understand what you may do to ensure your recovery is as comfortable and easy as possible.

Learn More ABout Root Canal Treatment in Springfield, VA

At Springfield Healthy Smiles, our goal is to ensure your root canal is successful and free of complications. Find out what we can do for you by calling us today at 703-866-7000 to request an appointment.

Dental veneers are the ultimate solution to achieving the perfect smile you've always desired. These thin, custom-made shells are designed to cover the front surface of your teeth, instantly transforming your smile into a work of art. But what exactly are dental veneers, and how do they work?

In this article we'll delve into the world of dental veneers, exploring their benefits, the different types available, the process involved, and what to expect during and after the procedure. Whether you're looking to correct minor imperfections or completely revamp your smile, this article will provide you with all the essential information you need to make an informed decision.

Advantages of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers offer several advantages that make them a popular choice for people seeking to improve the appearance of their smile. Veneers can dramatically enhance the color of your teeth. Whether you have stubborn stains that don't respond to teeth whitening treatments or naturally dull or yellow teeth, veneers can provide you with a bright, white smile.

Additionally, veneers can correct minor imperfections in the shape and size of your teeth, giving you a more symmetrical and balanced smile. They can even help to fill in gaps between teeth, eliminating the need for orthodontic treatment in some cases. Another major advantage of dental veneers is that they are a minimally invasive option compared to other cosmetic dental procedures, such as dental crowns. The procedure typically requires minimal removal of tooth enamel, preserving the natural structure of your teeth.

However, it's important to note that dental veneers are not suitable for everyone. They may not be recommended for individuals with weak or decayed teeth, as the veneers require a healthy foundation to bond to. Additionally, if you grind or clench your teeth, known as bruxism, veneers may not be the best option for you, as they can be prone to damage under excessive force. In such cases, your dentist may recommend alternative treatments, such as dental crowns or orthodontic procedures, to address your dental concerns.

Disadvantages of Dental Veneers

While dental veneers offer numerous advantages, they also come with a few disadvantages that should be considered before making a decision. One major drawback is the cost associated with getting veneers. Compared to other cosmetic dental treatments, veneers tend to be more expensive. The cost can vary depending on factors such as the material used, the number of veneers needed, and the location of the dental practice. It's important to discuss the cost with your dentist and consider your budget before proceeding with the treatment.

Another potential disadvantage of dental veneers is that they are irreversible. Once the veneers are bonded to your teeth, a small amount of enamel may need to be removed to ensure a proper fit. This means that if you later decide to have the veneers removed, your teeth may be more sensitive and require other restorative treatments to protect them. It's crucial to carefully consider your decision and consult with your dentist to ensure that veneers are the right choice for you.

Different Types of Dental Veneers

There are two main types of dental veneers: porcelain veneers and composite resin veneers. Porcelain veneers are the most commonly used and are known for their durability and natural appearance. They are custom-made in a dental laboratory to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth.

Porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant and can last for many years with proper care. On the other hand, composite resin veneers are made directly on your teeth by your dentist and can be completed in a single visit. They are more affordable than porcelain veneers, but they are not as durable and may require more frequent maintenance and replacement.

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

The lifespan of dental veneers can vary depending on several factors, including the material used, your oral hygiene habits, and your lifestyle. On average, porcelain veneers can last between 10 to 15 years, while composite resin veneers may last around 5 to 7 years.

However, with proper care and regular dental check-ups, veneers can potentially last even longer. It's important to follow good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly, to maintain the longevity of your veneers. Avoiding biting or chewing on hard objects and wearing a mouthguard during sports or activities that may cause dental trauma can also help prolong the lifespan of your veneers.

Taking Care of Dental Veneers

Taking care of your dental veneers is relatively simple and similar to maintaining your natural teeth. It's important to continue practicing good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Flossing daily is also crucial to remove plaque and prevent gum disease. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings every six months are essential to monitor the condition of your veneers and ensure their longevity.

Additionally, it's important to avoid habits that can damage your veneers, such as biting or chewing on hard objects like ice or pens, opening packages with your teeth, or using your teeth as tools. These actions can potentially chip or crack the veneers, leading to the need for replacement. If you grind or clench your teeth, wearing a nightguard can help protect your veneers from excessive force during sleep.

Dental Veneers in Springfield

Dental veneers are an excellent option for individuals looking to enhance the appearance of their smile. They offer several advantages, including improved tooth color, correction of minor imperfections, and a minimally invasive procedure. However, it's crucial to consider the potential disadvantages, such as the cost and irreversibility of the treatment.

To learn more about dental veneers, contact us at 703-866-7000.

Dental implants are a great way to replace your missing teeth, and with proper care they can potentially last the rest of your life. However, even though implants aren’t made of the same materials as your normal teeth, they can still fail overtime. Cavities can’t develop in dental implants, but bacteria build up can cause the gums surrounding implants to loosen, which in turn can cause your implants to fall out.

 

As such, it is vital that you practice good oral hygiene habits to maintain both your natural teeth and your dental implants. Need a few suggestions to better take care of your dental implants? Learn from the dental experts at Springfield Healthy Smile to improve your oral hygiene and make your dental implants last for years to come:

 

Tip #1: Follow post-surgery recommendations

Dental implants can be inserted into your mouth after just a couple visits, but it is important that you allow your mouth time to adjust to your replacement teeth. While pain and discomfort will often fade quickly, full recovery time for dental implants can take up to six months. For the first week after surgery, it is highly recommended you only eat soft foods and mild liquids.

 

Furthermore, you should try to avoid the following for at least six months after dental implants, as the foods and liquids below are known to irritate gums and can damage implants:

 

• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Hot liquids
• Spicy foods
• Chewy foods
• Sticky candies

 

Tip #2: Care for dental implants like normal teeth

Some patients are concerned about getting dental implants because of the belief that implants require special care. The truth is that implants should be maintained just like the rest of your teeth. By practicing good oral hygiene habits, you’ll be able to maintain all of the teeth in your mouth, be it your natural teeth or your dental implants.

 

A few best habits to practice include the following:

 

• Brushing at least twice daily
• Flossing and using mouthwash at least once daily
• Eating a healthy and balanced diet
• Reducing your consumption of sugary and highly acidic foods and drinks

 

Tip #3: Get semi-annual cleanings and examinations

Prevention is often the best treatment in life, and catching issues early can save you time, money, and pain. It is highly recommended that you visit your dentist for a semi-annual teeth cleaning and examination. Even if they don’t find any issues, your deep teeth cleaning will help rid your mouth of harmful bacteria that can lead to oral problems developing later on.

 

Semi-annual checkups will also allow dentists to perform examinations to see how your mouth is taking to your implants. If implants are starting to loosen, or if other problems are developing, your dentist can try to resolve the issue early and reduce the risk of your implants falling out.

Get dental implants from Springfield Healthy Smile

If you live in the Springfield, Virginia area, we hope you’ll consider dental care from Springfield Healthy Smiles. We are an experienced dental office dedicated to family dentistry, be it helping children straighten their teeth through orthodontic services to helping adult patients with general, cosmetic, and restorative treatments.

Whatever your oral needs, we will do our best to help you have a happier and brighter smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and we look forward to seeing you here at Springfield Healthy Smile!

If you’re looking for a permanent, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing solution for missing or damaged teeth, it’s time to get serious about dental implants.

Dental implants improve not only oral health but also the quality of life. With proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime. And unlike dentures, which require daily removal and cleaning, dental implants require no special maintenance beyond regular brushing and flossing.

In this article, we discuss the types of implants, their longevity, and what causes dental implant failure.

Types of Dental Implants

There are several types of dental implants available, each designed to meet specific needs and preferences of patients. The following are some of the most common types of dental implants:

• Endosteal implants: These are the most common type of dental implant, consisting of a small screw-shaped post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone. Once the implant has fused with the bone, an abutment is attached to the post, which serves as the anchor for the dental crown or other restoration.
• Subperiosteal implants: These implants are designed for patients who have a shallow jawbone or who cannot undergo bone grafting. Subperiosteal implants consist of a metal frame that is placed on top of the jawbone, with posts that protrude through the gums to support the restoration.
• All-on-4 implants: This is a type of implant system that allows for a full arch of teeth to be supported by only four implants. The implants are strategically placed to maximize support and stability for the restoration.
• Zygomatic implants: These are designed for patients who do not have enough bone in the jaw to support traditional implants. Zygomatic implants are anchored in the cheekbone, which provides greater stability and support for the restoration.

Mini implants: These are smaller than traditional implants and are often used to support dentures or other removable restorations. Mini implants can be placed with less invasive techniques and require a shorter healing time.

The choice of dental implant type depends on various factors, including the patient's oral health, bone density, and aesthetic preferences.

Longevity of Dental Implants

With proper care, dental implants are intended to be permanent. However, the longevity of dental implants depends on factors like the patient's oral hygiene habits, overall health, and the quality of the implant and materials used in the procedure.

Research studies have shown that dental implants have a high success rate. According to the American Dental Association, the success rate for dental implants is around 98 percent. The implant itself is made of titanium, which is a biocompatible material that allows it to fuse with the jawbone, creating a stable and durable foundation for the replacement tooth or teeth.

Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, it is capped with a restoration, such as a dental crown, bridge, or denture. The restoration is designed to look and function like a natural tooth, allowing the patient to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.

 

To ensure the longevity of dental implants, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. Patients should also avoid smoking and limit their alcohol consumption, which can affect the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure.

 

And while the implant itself is designed to be a permanent solution, the crown can detach due to normal wear and tear. Research shows that between 50 to 80 percent of crowns need to be replaced in 15 to 20 years.

Factors That Cause Dental Implant Failure

There are several reasons why dental implants may fail, including:

• Poor oral hygiene: Poor oral hygiene can lead to bacterial infection around the implant, which can cause inflammation and bone loss.
• Inadequate bone density: Dental implants require a sufficient amount of bone to support them. If there is not enough bone, the implant may not integrate properly, leading to implant failure.
• Incorrect placement: If the implant is not placed correctly, it may not fuse with the bone properly, leading to instability and eventual failure.
• Overloading: Placing too much pressure on the implant before it has fully integrated can cause it to fail.
• Infection: Infection around the implant can cause bone loss and lead to implant failure.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders, can affect the success of dental implants.
• Smoking: Smoking can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure.

It is important to note that while dental implant failure can occur, it is relatively rare. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime, providing a permanent and reliable solution for missing or damaged teeth.

Learn More about Dental Implants

When you’re ready to restore your smile, we’re here to help! Springfield Healthy Smiles provides a wide range of dental services in Springfield, VA.

Contact us at 703-866-7000 to learn more and schedule an appointment.