Bishop & Bishop Dental Employee of the Month: Shanice Miller, our Dental Hygienist

As many of you know, we here at Bishop & Bishop Dental are committed to providing our patients with excellent dental service and gentle, personalized care.  That is possible thanks to our accomplished team of professionals. This month, we’d like to recognize our hard working dental hygienist, Shanice Miller.

Many of you know Shanice, and like us, you appreciate her for her clear dedication to excellent service, friendly, welcoming attitude and gentle touch. All of these reasons and more are why we’ve chosen Shanice as our Employee of the Month.  Next time you come in for a visit, we encourage you to show your appreciation of her as well. Shanice, thank you for all that you do and keep up the great work!

Dental Crowns

When you have a crack, chip or large cavity in a tooth, it could serve as a safe haven for harmful bacteria and lead to additional tooth damage.  Here at Bishop & Bishop Dental, one of the ways we correct such issues is with beautiful, strong dental crowns.  Crowns restore and protect the structure of your tooth like a small suit of armor.  They are custom fabricated and securely bonded to be indistinguishable from the rest of your smile. They do not require any dietary modification or special maintenance beyond good oral hygiene habits and regular dental exams and cleanings.

We have a full explanation of the crown placement process and other details right on our website, but we’d be happy to see you for a full consultation. 

Transition into Dentures

Did you know that many of the problems that are commonly associated with dentures are not inherent to the prosthetics alone, but due to improper fit or poor quality? Modern dentures are actually beautiful, functional and secure.  Here at Bishop & Bishop Dental we help our patients avoid such denture trouble through personalized care and utilization of only high quality restorative materials.  We’ll also work closely with you to help you through your transition into dentures and ensure that you are totally satisfied. To make your denture adjustment go smoothly and ensure your get the most out of your prosthetics, follow these guidelines:

• Get additional adjustments when specified and as needed if your dentures feel too crowded or too loose.
• If you dentures become damaged, see us for an assessment and repair as soon as possible.
• Clean your dentures with a denture specific brush, paste and be sure to soak them in cleaning solution every day.
• Make sure to clean your gums, tongue, the inside of your cheeks, and the roof of your mouth to keep your oral cavity healthy.

If you’re ready to make the transition into dentures, or you’re in need of a new pair that looks great and functions reliably, see us here at Bishop & Bishop Dental. 

Restore Your Smile

Need to restore your smile due to extraction, tooth loss or severe damage? Bridges provide many advantages for correcting smile gaps and protecting your oral health, including:

• Bridges restore your smile in full. They are custom created to be indistinguishable from your other teeth, are fixed, and require no visible framework.  
• Bridges restore the function of your teeth, eliminating the dietary restrictions and risks associated with missing teeth and exposed gum.
• Bridges are a long term dental solution. With proper care, this prosthetic can to last up to fifteen years.
• Bridges can be used to replace one or more missing teeth, and since they’re aesthetically pleasing and custom crafted, they can be used in highly visible portions of your smile.  
• Bridges are cost effective and are covered by most insurance plans, whereas dental implants are often not.

You can learn more about bridges, our placement process and what you can expect from this restorative right on our website.  Please call us directly here at Bishop & Bishop Dental, and we’ll be happy to answer all of your questions.

Smile Makeover

If you’d like to makeover your smile-- from the overall effect down to the individual tooth-- veneers are one of the best methods for doing so. We provide this cosmetic dental treatment right here at Bishop & Bishop Dental, and many of our patients are thrilled with the possibilities.

Veneers are essentially thin porcelain shells that are individually fabricated and bonded to prepped teeth. Each veneer is an effective way to reshape and refinish your tooth enamel to be smoother, brighter, and whiter and more esthetically shaped.  If you have healthy teeth but you’re not pleased with the appearance of your smile, you may want to consider veneers as a cosmetic improvement.  They are favorable for patients who are seeking a solution to discoloration that won’t respond to whitening, or to correct the presence of chips, cracks, gaps or teeth that need to be lengthened. 

For more details and to determine if they are the best option for your smile makeover, see us for a consultation.  

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a severe oral health problem that affects about 10% of the population.  Although the infection begins as a minor inflammation, it can quickly escalate into tooth loss, hard tissue damage, and have an effect on your overall systemic health.  

Fortunately, it is easy to prevent periodontal disease with diligent oral care.  I always remind my patients to brush twice a day, floss and schedule appointments for bi-annual cleanings and exams.  In the event you do find yourself with periodontal disease, it’s important to catch it in its earliest stages.

If you notice any of the following signs of periodontal disease developing, schedule an appointment and be proactive about your oral health:
•    Bleeding gums during or after brushing and flossing your teeth
•    Swollen, tender or sore gums
•    Gums that appear to be receding from your teeth
•    Bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth, even after brushing
•    Loose teeth or teeth that can be physically moved in the gum bed
•    Changes in your bite alignment
•    Lack of stability in any restoratives or prosthetic dental work

Source:
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/FindDataByTopic/GumDisease/PeriodontaldiseaseAdults20to64

Root Canals

Root Canals

When you hear the term “root canal,” you probably associate this infamous procedure with a sense of dread.  However, this association is actually based in a number of common misconceptions.  Modern technology has made root canal procedures virtually painless.  New advancements and technologies have improved the efficiency and comfort of a procedure so that patients no longer have to be afraid of the process.  Digital x-rays, precision instruments and effective dental anesthetic have made it possible to accurately target infections.  Since the entire process is less invasive, patients have a reduced healing time and can return to their normal activities without pain.  Any discomfort that is felt during the healing period can be easily relieved with over-the-counter painkillers.

If you are still nervous or have concerns about your root canal or endodontic procedure, feel free to call my office.  I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.