Extractions

If decay has reached too deeply into one of your teeth or if an infection has damaged too much of the supporting bone or tissue, you will need a tooth extraction, and at Bishop & Bishop Dental, Dr. David Bishop can perform one to help you restore your oral health in Silver Spring, MD.

Before the procedure is performed, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area around the extraction site. If it is a simple extraction, the tooth will be loosened with an elevator and then extracted with forceps. Dr. Bishop may choose to smooth and contour the underlying bone afterward, and once he is finished, he will suture the gums.

After the extraction, it is critical to keep the area clean to prevent infection. A dry, sterile gauze will be placed over the gums to limit bleeding. You must make sure to keep it in place for 30 to 45 minutes while the blood clots. During the 24 hours after the procedure, you should not smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously or clean the teeth immediately adjacent to the extraction site. Strenuous activity, hot liquids and straw drinking should also be avoided. A certain amount of pain and discomfort accompanies an extraction, so a painkiller may be prescribed.

If you are suffering pain from decay, infection or impaction, the dentist can determine if a tooth extraction is required to save your smile. Schedule an appointment at our practice in by calling (301) 608-9270. For more information, visit www.bishopdental.com.

Veneers

If there are aspects of your teeth that you’re unhappy with, you don’t have to live with them. Veneers are an effective method for reshaping and redesigning your entire smile in Silver Spring, MD. Whether your teeth have gaps, persistent stains, cracks, chips or other issues, these thin, ceramic or porcelain shells can cover the existing tooth structure in your mouth to give you a smile you will be proud to show off.

Having veneers placed usually only takes two to three visits to our office. During the first visit, you will be able to discuss the shape and look of the smile you want to accomplish with Dr. David Bishop, and then he will prepare your teeth. Once the enamel has been prepared, an impression will be taken of your mouth so that the veneers can be designed and fabricated to fit over your existing teeth.

Your second visit will be after your veneers have been completed, a process that can take up to two weeks. The veneers will then be bonded to your teeth to create an attractive smile that both looks good and feels natural. With proper home care and regular cleanings at Bishop & Bishop Dental, you can enjoy your new smile for 5 to 10 years, after which they should be replaced.

To schedule an appointment, call (301) 608-9270. For more information, visit www.bishopdental.com.

TMJ Disorders

TMJ is an abbreviation for temporomandibular joint, which is the joint that connects your mandible (lower jaw) to your skull at the temporal bone. While many call disorders associated with this joint, TMJ, those disorders are more appropriately called TMD (temporomandibular disorder), and TMD can have symptoms that range from teeth grinding and headaches to trouble chewing and pain when opening and closing your mouth. TMD is not only an annoying disorder; it is also a destructive one and can cause serious damage to your teeth if left untreated. At our office in Silver Spring, MD, Dr. David Bishop can determine if you suffer from TMD and offer ways to treat the disorder.

The TMJ controls an assortment of jaw functions, including chewing, so if you’re chewing muscles or the joint itself is in pain, it is possible that you have TMD. TMD is often caused by stress, which leads to unconscious clenching and teeth grinding while awake and asleep. TMD’s symptoms include pain, trouble chewing, lock jaw, headaches or ear pain and a popping or clicking sound when opening your mouth. However, these symptoms may be indicative of other health problems as well, so it is important to see a medical professional for a diagnosis.

Grinding your teeth is an especially worrisome TMD-associated behavior since it can lead to further problems with your mouth. If your teeth grinding is left unaddressed, you will cause serious wear to the enamel of your teeth and expose the dentin, which will make your teeth more sensitive to heat and cold and more susceptible to decay. However, you can work with Dr. Bishop to relieve symptoms with mouth guards or night guards.

If you think that you might be suffering from TMD or teeth grinding, schedule an appointment Bishop & Bishop Dental by calling (301) 608-9270. For more information, visit www.bishopdental.com.