Root Canal

When someone you know says they need a root canal procedure, there is often a negative connotation associated with it, leaving you to feel badly for your friend. The misconception that root canals are painful, cause illness or will further cause damage to your teeth is decades old and holds no truth. Science has come a long way since the first root canal procedure occurred in the 1700’s.

 

The whole point of a root canal procedure is to alleviate pain, not cause more. Root canals are performed by removing the pulp of the tooth that has become inflamed, infected or dead. The pulp is a soft substance that is in the center of the tooth, it consists of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. The most common causes of pulp damage are cracked tooth, deep cavity and an injury to a tooth. We use this procedure to save a tooth that is badly decayed and would otherwise be extracted. After the pulp is removed, it is thoroughly cleaned and then functions properly.

 

One of the main misconceptions regarding root canals focuses on the idea that the procedure “kills” the tooth rather than repairing it. Once the pulp is cleaned and disinfected, the area filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called “gutta-percha.” Afterwards, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth. People also think that a root canal procedure is an invasive procedure that takes hours to complete. Modern root canal procedures are often compared to having a routine filling and can be completed in just one visit.

 

We are proud to offer pain-free root canal procedures at Bishop & Bishop Dental in Silver Spring, MD. Call 301-608-9270 to schedule your appointment today!

Sleep Apnea

While most dental practices offer a very narrow scope of procedures, we have established a full-service dental practice that specializes in preventative, restorative and cosmetic dental procedures. For patients hoping to restore their smile after an accident should be aware of the many options we have available to fix their smile.

 

With restorative dentistry, we are able to replace or restore missing teeth or missing parts of the tooth structure. Tooth structure can be damaged due to decay, deterioration of a previously placed restoration or the tooth could fracture. We offer the following restorative dental procedures at our Silver Spring, MD office:

• Bridges
• Crowns
• Dentures
• Bonding

The goal of restorative dentistry is to preserve your natural teeth as much as possible. In cases where we cannot save the natural teeth, full dentures might be necessary. Most people do not know that a missing tooth can cause serious damage to your mouth. When a tooth a missing, the rest of your teeth will begin to shift, causing your teeth to become misaligned. When teeth become misaligned, they are more difficult to clean, and decayed teeth are susceptible to periodontal disease which can lead to tooth loss. Missing teeth also put extra stress on your remaining natural teeth because you don't have as much surface area to chew with.

 

If you are missing any teeth, consider restorative treatments at Bishop & Bishop Dental in Silver Spring, MD. Our staff has years of experience and specialize in these restorative treatments. 

Dentures

Dentures are a great option for those looking to replace missing teeth with a non-permanent solution. There are two type of denture and they are used depending on each individual case. At Bishop & Bishop Dental, we offer both full and partial dentures to help our patients retain their original smile quickly and effectively.

 

Dentures are replacement teeth that can be removed and worn at your convenience. In many cases, patients have very different needs when it comes to having their dentures created. Dentures are made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals depending on the situation.

 

At Bishop & Bishop Dental, we offer conventional-full, immediate-full and partial dentures to patients hoping to restore their smile. Conventional-full dentures are used when all of the teeth are removed. The tissue is given time to heal before the dentures can be placed; this usually takes a couple months to heal completely. Immediate-full dentures are made before the original teeth are removed. The doctors will take measurements and have the dentures fitted for each specific patient mouth. Once the teeth are removed, the dentures are able to be immediately placed. Partial dentures are used to replace multiple teeth at one time, not all teeth. This removable option is similar to a bridge, but it is not permanent.

 

If you have lost one or more tooth and are interested in dentures, visitwww.bishopdental.com or call 301-608-9270 to set up an appointment at Bishop & Bishop Dental in Silver Spring, MD.

Brushing While Having Orthodontic Treatment

Brushing While Having Orthodontic Treatment

Patients who visit our dental practice in Silver Spring, MD for orthodontic treatment are encouraged to not ignore the importance of brushing and oral health. Not only is brushing important for preventing tooth decay and keeping breath fresh, but food particles can get stuck in between the brackets and wires, which puts our orthodontics patients at an even higher risk for plaque and gum disease. Brushing while having ortho treatment, such as braces, is easy to do once patients learn the proper technique.

 

We ask any patient getting orthodontics treatment to continue brushing their teeth multiple times a day, using a toothbrush that has soft bristles. Their regular fluoride toothpaste is acceptable for brushing over and around braces, though they need to hold it at an angle in order to get around the brackets and remove all of the food particles. During orthodontic treatment, our dentist, Dr. David Bishop, asks his patients to brush up to four times a day, including in the morning after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and just before bed.

 

Keep in mind that you may need to replace your toothbrush more often when you are wearing dental appliances, such as braces. For this reason, be sure to examine your toothbrush regularly for wear and frayed bristles, which are indications that it’s time for a new toothbrush.

 

Call us at 301-608-9270 to learn more about brushing while having orthodontic treatments.

Dental Bonding

If you live in Silver Spring, MD and have cracks or gaps in your teeth, you might want to consider a dental bonding treatment to restore your smile. Dr. David Bishop has become the go-to local dentist for bonding procedures. Unlike veneers, which are manufactured in a laboratory and require a customized mold, bonding can be done in a single visit.

 

The procedure for dental bonding is non-invasive and quite simple. Patients are not required to be sedated for the procedure. Dr. Bishop will utilize a shade guide in the beginning to match the resin color to the natural color of your teeth so it looks perfectly natural. Dental bonding is not just used to repair teeth that are cracked or damaged, it is also used to:

• Repair decayed teeth
• Improve discoloration of teeth
• Change the shape of teeth

After selecting the proper shade, Dr. Bishop will begin the bonding process. It begins with abrading or roughening the surface of the tooth. The tooth will then be coated lightly with a conditioning liquid. This liquid will help the bonding material adhere to the tooth. Once the tooth is prepared, Dr. Bishop will simply apply the tooth-colored putty and mold it to the proper shape and size. The material is then hardened with an ultraviolet light. The final step is polishing the area to give you a fresh, vibrant smile.

 

Come on by Bishop and Bishop Dental in Silver Spring, MD for your dental bonding procedure!

Dental Bridges

If you are missing any teeth, you have probably noticed a difference in chewing and speaking. Missing teeth can greatly affect jaw position and tooth alignment as well. Dental bridges are a unique solution for those with missing teeth. We offer all of our patients the opportunity to restore their smiles with this non-invasive, safe procedure.

 

Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Creating a bridge is quite simple. Dr. David Bishop will create an abutment out of your existing teeth where the bridge will be attached. The existing teeth are reshaped to support the base of the bridge. After the abutments are created, a mold is cast of the area and sent to a dental lab. The lab uses the mold to create a permanent bridge. He will then fit you with a temporary bridge in order to keep your teeth from shifting.

 

In your follow-up visit with Dr. Bishop, he will set your bridge in place. The bridge will be placed on the abutments and an adhesive will be used to make sure the bridge is set. While getting used to your bridge, it is a good idea to eat soft food for the first couple days. After this period, you will be able to return to your normal eating habits.

 

If you are missing a tooth, you should strongly consider having it replaced with a dental bridge. Dental bridges will restore your smile, help maintain the shape of your face and can prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.

 

Come to our Silver Spring, MD location for a consultation with Dr. David Bishop today!

Proper Oral Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene is essential to maintaining your good looking smile. Regular visits to your dentist are the best preventative measure you can take when it comes to proper oral hygiene upkeep. We believe that patient education is a key factor in keeping your mouth healthy!

 

We provide our patients with the tools necessary to maintain a healthy smile. Regular brushing and flossing is a must when it comes to proper oral hygiene. You should also know which toothpaste is best for you.  With the wide array of options available, you need to know which product will work best for their oral hygiene goals.

 

Proper brushing technique is lot more in depth than you might think. While the goal is to prevent cavities and to have a white smile, you might be interested in learning what is known as “correct” brushing techniques. First, your brushing ritual should last at least two minutes. You also need to use the appropriate brush style; this varies person-to-person, so ask us at your next cleaning. You should be using short, gentle strokes and make sure to pay attention to the gum line and hard-to-reach areas such as fillings or crowns. The last step would be to brush your tongue in order to have fresher breath.

 

When it comes to flossing, most people just not their head “yes” when they see their doctor. Flossing is extremely important in maintaining a healthy smile. It might be hard to believe, but flossing is actually more important than brushing. While brushing twice a day is extremely beneficial, you’re not optimizing your oral health potential. Through flossing, you’re able to get in the small parts of your mouth that brushing cannot reach. Places where if bacteria goes untouched, could cause serious damage to your oral health.

 

Give us a call today to schedule your appointment!