Sensitive Teeth And Seniors

senior brushingDo you flinch because your teeth hurt when you drink something hot or cold?  Have you noticed your gums lately? Do they look red or swollen, or are they pink and healthy? As we age, so do our teeth and gums. Our teeth can become discolored, stained, and worn down. Our teeth are much more noticeable than our gums. But gum health is very important to tooth health. If you are suffering from tooth sensitivity consult your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart. He will be happy to discuss the reasons behind tooth sensitivity and available treatments.

(more…)

Answers To Your Questions About Tooth Fillings

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH), 59% of adolescents 12 to 19, 92% of adults 30 to 64, and 92% of seniors 65 and older have had dental caries (cavities) in their permanent teeth. Tooth decay is a progressive bacterial infection affecting your teeth. It continues to eat away your tooth structure if allowed and may migrate into your gums and jawbone if left untreated. If discovered in time, the decay can be removed, and a filling can be placed to prevent further infection. Dr. Stewart answers a few questions about tooth fillings and restorative dentistry below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What Is A Tooth Filling?

A: A filling is a type of restorative dental procedure to repair minimally damaged portions of the teeth due to cavities, fractures, or unusual use. Dr. Stewart prefers placing composite resin fillings because they are biocompatible and do not contain mercury, a harmful heavy metal found in silver fillings. Composite resins consist of a tooth colored bond mix that hardens when cured. 

Q: How Is A Filling Placed?

A: Your dentist will begin with removing the decayed portion of the tooth. Anesthetic is available and is usually administered to reduce discomfort. Once the decay is removed, Dr. Stewart will shape the cavity to place a filling. Soon after, the doctor will fill the cavity with a composite resin bonding material. A curing light is used to harden the tooth filling, and the doctor will shape the filling once hardened to match the repaired tooth’s curvature.

Q: What’s The Difference Between Amalgam (Silver) Fillings And Composite Resin Fillings?

A: The following list shows the advantages of composite resin fillings over amalgam fillings: 

  • Do not contain mercury, a harmful heavy metal
  • Tooth colored (virtually unnoticeable)
  • Bond directly to tooth, creating a stronger structure
  • Require less removal of enamel

Q: Who Is A Candidate For Tooth Fillings?

A: Depending on existing enamel and overall oral health, many people are candidates for tooth fillings. The purpose of a filling is to prevent the progression of decay, which means treating it early and often with regular dental checkups and cleanings.

About Dr. Stewart

James R. Stewart, Jr, DDS, PC and our compassionate staff proudly serve patients of all ages from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.

Gum Disease Symptoms And Treatment

Most people are aware that gum disease exists. However, a large majority of people don’t understand how the disease progresses or how to prevent it from occurring. Nearly half of adult Americans have a gum condition diagnosed as gingivitis or periodontitis. No matter the stage, the disease is serious and can cause more grief if not treated promptly. Understanding that people are usually informed about something and not how it functions, Dr. Stewart takes the time to explain periodontal disease symptoms and treatments. (more…)

A General Dentistry Quiz On Checkups and Cleanings

Have you done your spring cleaning, yet? Like spring cleaning, dental checkups and cleanings tend to get swept under the rug. People are busy with work, family, and hobbies, so much so, that visiting the dentist remains in the back of their mind as a reaction instead of a proactive effort. If you didn’t already know, tooth decay and gum disease are silent until discomfort surfaces. (more…)

An Oral Cavity Isn’t An Empty Hole

Hopefully, you’ve been teaching your children to brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss in between meals to ensure oral health until  their regular dental checkup and cleaning. Otherwise, disease that affect the teeth and gums could develop, specifically cavities.  According to National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 42 percent of children 2 to 11 have had dental caries (cavities) in their primary (baby) teeth. (more…)

Children And Their Habits

As children mature from infancy to toddler to teen, they experience a variety of situations that may cause a myriad of emotions. Most of these emotions they will experience for the first time, and what better way to handle the external pressure than to revert to comfort. A pacifier or thumb, similar to blankets and soft toy-animals, may provoke the feeling of safety and reassurance when called upon. Although seemingly harmless, pacifiers and thumbs could be harming your child’s oral health and development. Dr. Stewart, offering children’s dentistry services, discusses the effect of each habit your child may be forming. (more…)

Root Canal Therapy Relieves Pain

A rumor spreads similar to bacteria in the mouth. If there is a lack of preventive oral care, the infectious bacteria will grow and flourish. Similar to this concept, rumor’s spread due to a lack of knowledge. As someone brings forth a rumor, those without the know-how or knowledge of mentioned subject typically fall into the trap of believing the hearsay, but those educated, whether self-taught or not, tend to question the speaker. Dr. Stewart would like to educate you on how root canal’s relieve pain, not cause it, so that when you encounter someone complaining about their RC therapy, you can educate them with the truth.  (more…)

Beat Bad Breath

Bad breath (halitosis) exists as a condition familiar among many adults. The presence of unpleasant breath affects social and intimate interactions. People generally mask the issue with gum, mints, or mouthwashes, but their efforts produce temporary results.  Certain foods and health conditions paired with poor oral hygiene typically cause some kind of foul odor to emit from the mouth, eventually. Ignoring the issue, or continuing to mask it with over-the-counter products allows for an interim smell to remain. Dr. Stewart encourages you to visit him and our team for a dental examination to determine the status of your oral health.
(more…)

Periodontal Disease Linked To Systemic Health

Many people may not understand that periodontal (gum) disease is a progressive condition. The disease becomes more severe the longer left untreated. Not only does this evoke further dental health concerns, but it also plays a role in affecting the rest of your body. Researchers have discovered that your oral health status could play a major role in maintaining a healthy body or regulating existing conditions. (more…)