Category : Dentist in Gallup

How To Choose The Right Orthodontic Treatment In Gallup, NM

Do you have crooked or misaligned teeth?

It’s more common than you think! Nearly 4 million Americans wear braces. 

Sadly, when asked about it, many individuals have difficulty finding the right Invisalign orthodontics experts. 

Keeping the same in mind, we take a closer look at: 

  • What Is The Orthodontic Treatment About?
  • Type Of Orthodontic Treatment Options
  • Invisalign Vs. Braces: What’s Right For You?
  • Tips To Choose The Right Orthodontic Treatment

Let’s learn more about how to find the proper orthodontic treatment in this blog. 

Introduction:

Straightening your teeth or correcting misaligned bites is a significant issue for several people. 

If we look at it, most Americans (adults and children combined) aren’t happy with their smiles. Many of them have broken or chipped tooth that takes away the confidence in their smile. 

How To Choose The Right Orthodontic Treatment In Gallup, NM

But does that mean you have no other options? 

No, it’s not! This is where orthodontics in dentistry steps into the picture. Many individuals use braces and other oral appliances with teeth and bite issues today. 

But what is an orthodontic treatment about? More importantly, how do you choose the right one? 

Continue reading as we learn more about it in the following sections. 

What Is The Orthodontic Treatment About?

Orthodontic definition revolves around correcting issues in your oral cavity. The treatment uses different oral ailments to straighten teeth and address bite problems. Other orthodontic treatments are designed to enhance the look of your smile, improve your bite, and add to your oral health. 

The results of an orthodontic treatment can be life-changing. However, selecting the appropriate therapy for your requirements is critical before you opt for it. With so many options available, deciding which orthodontic treatment is best for you might be difficult. 

Keeping this in mind, let’s look at the various orthodontic treatment choices in the next section. 

Type Of Orthodontic Treatment Options

As mentioned earlier, several orthodontist teeth options are available in the market. When opting for it, your options range from traditional braces to self-ligating ones. 

Let’s look into some of the most common orthodontic treatment options in this section: 

  • Traditional Braces:

Traditional braces are many individuals’ go-to orthodontic treatment option. These appliances are made of metal brackets affixed to the teeth and linked with wires and bands. 

How To Choose The Right Orthodontic Treatment In Gallup, NM

The brackets are adjusted regularly to gradually shift the teeth into the appropriate position. Traditional braces can help with various dental conditions, including severe bite difficulties.

  • Clear Aligners:

Invisalign transparent aligners are constructed of clear plastic and are designed to fit over the teeth. Each patient’s aligners are custom-made and are replaced every few weeks to reposition the teeth progressively. 

Clear aligners are an excellent choice for people seeking a more discrete treatment option because they are nearly undetectable.

  • Lingual Braces:

Lingual braces resemble standard braces in appearance, except that you wear them on the back of your teeth instead of enhancing the front of your teeth. This reduces their visibility, making them more challenging to clean and adjust. 

Lingual braces are a fantastic alternative for people who desire the efficacy of standard braces but don’t want to be seen wearing them.

Interestingly, however, that’s not all. There are several other orthodontic treatment options available in the market. Other options include self-litigating and ceramic braces to help you flawlessly correct your smile. 

Invisalign Vs. Braces: What’s Right For You?

Invisalign vs braces is a highly talked about difference in treatment options.

How To Choose The Right Orthodontic Treatment In Gallup, NM

However, when it comes to it, both treatment options are unique and treat individual patients in a specific manner. Keeping the same in mind, we’ve listed a thorough difference between the treatment options in the chart below. 

Braces Invisalign
Treatment Length Average span of two years. Anywhere between six months to two years.
Removable? No Yes
Works Best For Moderate, minor, and complex cases. Minor cases.
Requirements
  • Brush and floss well
  • Avoid hard or chewy food
  • Wear 20-22 hours a day.
  • Remove when eating and brushing.
Gum Irritation Yes No
Visibility Highly visible. Nearly invisible.

Tips To Choose The Right Orthodontic Treatment

  • Check Qualifications and Certifications

Take the time to confirm the staff’s credentials and certifications. Inquire about their experience, areas of specialization, and certificates or licenses.

Check with the licensing board in your area to determine if the orthodontist dental providers are licensed and in good standing. Check the service provider’s internet reviews and ratings as well.

Note: Orthodontic treatments are not one-size-fits-all. A knowledgeable orthodontist will evaluate your situation and explain your alternatives. They make sure that you make an educated decision regarding your treatment.

  • Be Updated With the Latest Treatments and Technologies

Since the orthodontic discipline is constantly developing, keeping current on the newest treatments and technology is critical. Orthodontists provide cutting-edge procedures, including Invisalign aligners, ceramic braces, and mini-screws. 

Learning more about these options will help you make an informed selection that suits your specific requirements. Look for an orthodontist with expertise in various procedures and who is familiar with your requirements. 

  • Ask About Personalized Care

Look for doctors who can provide a thorough consultation and a personalized treatment plan. This will not only guarantee that you receive the attention you require, but it will also assist in offering the greatest possible results. 

Some dentists in Gallup may even include 3D images and digital smile designs. This enables the professionals to devise a specific action plan, reducing the likelihood of unanticipated consequences and ensuring that the outcome of your therapy meets – or exceeds – your expectations.

  • Read Online Reviews and Testimonials

Before deciding on orthodontics in Gallup, research is usually a good idea. Examine the feedback and testimonials of other patients who have used their services. This gives you a better idea of what to expect and gives you insight into their level of care.

Reading through reviews offers you an idea of how efficient they are at organizing appointments and how well they manage communication. Testimonials are precious since they allow you to hear firsthand descriptions of the services that patients have experienced.

  • Consider Location and Accessibility

When selecting a provider, it is critical to examine the location of an orthodontic practice as well as the accessibility of its services. You don’t want to have to drive an hour each way or use multiple modes of public transportation to get to your appointment on time.

Look for an orthodontic clinic close to you so you can easily attend your appointments. It would be even better if Gallup Orthodontics is nearby for you to walk or bike there. This saves you time and money on transportation.

Takeaway

  • Nearly 4 million Americans wear braces. 
  • Lingual braces resemble standard braces in appearance, except that you wear them on the back of your teeth instead of enhancing the front of your teeth.
  • The results of an orthodontic treatment can be life-changing. 
  • Give yourself a chance to remodel your smile and renew your grin with our experts at Sundance Smiles.  

Root Canal Procedure: A Step-By-Step Guide

You may need to undergo a root canal procedure if you’re experiencing severe tooth pain or have been diagnosed with a root canal infection

Root canal treatment is a standard dental treatment performed by endodontists, specialized dentists who focus on diagnosing and treating dental pulp and root canal-related issues. 

However, not many patients are comfortable with the thought of undergoing a root canal treatment. It is primarily due to the lack of information and myths about the treatment procedure. 

This article focuses on being your guide to the root canal procedure. So continue reading as we provide a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you better understand the root canal procedure, from diagnosis to recovery. 

Why Choose A Root Canal Procedure?

Choosing a root canal procedure offers several benefits. Firstly, it allows for preserving the natural tooth, avoiding needing tooth replacement options. Additionally, a root canal eliminates severe tooth pain caused by infection or damage to the dental pulp. 

Removing the infected pulp and disinfecting the root canal system prevents further infection and its spread. Furthermore, root canals restore tooth functionality by placing a dental crown, ensuring comfortable biting, chewing, and speaking. 

Ultimately, opting for a root canal is cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing, providing long-term oral health benefits. The dentist at Sundance Endodontics will explain the root canal treatment steps to the patient.

So now that we have an idea of the perks of a root canal let’s jump into the stages involved in the treatment in the following section. 

Stages Of Root Canal Treatment

Step 1: Consultation With Your Dentist

The first step in the root canal process is to consult a dentist, such as those at Sundance Endodontics, who can diagnose the problem and determine if a root canal is necessary. The dentist will inspect your tooth during the consultation and may use X-rays to determine the severity of the infection or dental pulp damage.

Step 2: Administering Local Anesthesia

Once the dentist confirms the need for a root canal, the following root canal treatment step is to administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth. This ensures that you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.

Step 3: Creating An Access Point

After the anesthesia takes effect, the dentist will use specialized tools to create a small access point in the tooth. This access point allows the dentist to reach the infected or damaged dental pulp inside the tooth.

Step 4: Removing Infected Pulp

Using a series of files, the dentist carefully removes the infected or damaged dental pulp from the tooth. The dental pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, and its removal is necessary to eliminate pain and prevent the spread of infection.

Step 5: Cleaning and Shaping the Root Canal Cavity

Once the infected pulp is removed, the dentist will clean and shape the root canal cavity using small files. This process ensures that all infected tissue and debris are thoroughly eliminated from the tooth.

Step 6: Irrigation and Disinfection

The dentist will flush the area with an antimicrobial solution to clean the root canal system. This helps to disinfect the tooth and eliminate any remaining bacteria.

Step 7: Filling the Root Canal

After thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the tooth, the dentist will fill the root canal cavity with a biocompatible gutta-percha material. Gutta-percha seals the canal and prevents future reinfection.

Step 8: Placing a Temporary Filling

At this stage, your dentist will place a temporary filling over the access point to protect the tooth until filling the root canal and placing the final restoration.

Step 9: Final Restoration

In most cases, a dental crown is placed as the final restoration for a tooth with a root canal. The dental crown strengthens and protects the treated tooth, restoring its functionality and appearance.

Root Canal Recovery Timeline

Following the root canal procedure, it is normal to experience some discomfort and sensitivity in the treated tooth. Over-the-counter pain medications can help alleviate any pain or swelling. 

The recovery timeline varies for each individual, but most patients can expect their tooth to feel back to normal within a few days to a week. Good oral hygiene during root canal recovery is essential, as brushing and flossing regularly is essential. 

Now You Know!

In conclusion, a root canal procedure is a common dental treatment to save a tooth from extraction and alleviate pain caused by an infected or damaged dental pulp. Following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can better understand the root canal process, from diagnosis to recovery. 

So if you are experiencing tooth pain or suspect you may need a root canal, consult a reputable dentist in Gallup, such as Sundance Endodontics, to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment for your dental condition. All the best! 

Choose The Right Root Canal Experts!

Choosing the right root canal experts is the key to receiving an effortless treatment procedure. At Sundance Dental & Orthodontics, we bring experts with years of experience executing hassle-free root canal treatment. Visit our clinic today or book an appointment with our experts to learn more. 

Most Common Dental Emergency Procedures

You might brush your teeth twice daily or floss and gargle with mouthwash every night. While these oral care tips can save you from many dental problems, you might still experience dental emergencies. 

Dental emergencies are uncalled for! Studies suggest that anybody can experience medical issues at any moment. However, when they do, most people know that they need urgent care in Farmington, NM, or your nearby locations.

This could occur anytime, anywhere, for several reasons. For example, the issue might worsen at night, on weekends, or when a dentist is on vacation. So it’s essential to comprehend how to deal with dental crises.

Learning about dental crises and what you should do in the case of an injury requiring immediate dental treatment is crucial. As a result, we’ll discuss a few dental problems that qualify as “dental emergencies” in this post.

Common Dental Emergencies You Might Come Across

Broken Teeth

Few things can sour delight faster than a broken tooth. Perhaps you lost a tooth through a violent tackle or slip-and-fall during a basketball game practice. You must immediately visit a dentist in Gallup, New Mexico, no matter the cause. 

If you come to the clinic as soon as possible, they might be capable of just saving the teeth and restoring your beauty.

To preserve your teeth and the roots, you should maintain the tooth that has been knocked out moist. Your jaw, whether in its original socket or wedged between your lip and gums, is the greatest location to keep a broken tooth.

If you can’t do that, put your tooth in a container with milk, water, or a dental preserver and seal it. Make sure to carefully wash out any dirt when placing it in a moist environment.

Severe Toothache

You should seek immediate medical attention if you have severe or ongoing dental pain. The intense pain could be a symptom of a more significant illness or an infection in your teeth.

The dentist in Gallup, New Mexico, advises treatment with root canals to cure the condition and preserve your tooth if the problem does not entirely disappear.

Call a dentist in Gallup, New Mexico, immediately because failing to treat or identify them could result in tooth loss.

Significant Oral Infection

An abscess is an infection in the mouth. If you have an abscess, discharge appears on your tooth, gums, or lips. Dental abscesses may be quite painful. In addition, the affected side can cause a sharp, prickling sensation that spreads to your jaws.

On your face, you can also feel some discomfort or puffiness. Dental abscesses are among the emergency dental services. However, delaying medical care increases the likelihood of the condition worsening and spreading.

Injury To Soft Tissue

The mouth’s soft tissues include the tongue, lip, gums, inside of the cheekbones, and gums. If any of the above tissues have indeed been harmed, you should seek emergency dental treatments for guidance on what to do next.

Some circumstances could necessitate seeking emergency dental procedures, while others might not. For example, gashes, puncture wounds, and tears in soft tissue should be cleaned with hot water after putting pressure to stop the bleeding.

Swelling Of The Face

Your face swelling could be a sign of an infection or clogged teeth. Do not ignore facial edema; immediately contact urgent care in Farmington, NM. Infections and illnesses that cause swelling can become dangerous and even lethal if addressed.

Before your emergency dental treatment visit, you can reduce the swelling and some of your problems by applying an ice pack to the swollen area.

What Causes Dental Emergencies Most Frequently?

Accidents and tumbling, bike crashes, vehicle accidents, physical injuries, work-related accidents, and sometimes even auto accidents can cause dental emergencies. 

You should always exercise caution and utilize the necessary safety gear, such as a mouthguard, to prevent dental-related injuries.

Glasses should always be handled with extra care, and hard sweets should never be consumed because they are likely to break or break your teeth.

Conclusion

You never know when you might encounter an emergency, so being prepared is essential. With prompt action, you can protect your dental health. Make a dental emergency phone call immediately if you or somebody you know is experiencing pain.

Your Emergencies Now Have A Permanent Destination

Looking for the ideal dental emergency clinic can be a hassle during an emergency, and we understand that better. However, our expert professionals and supporting staff at Sundance Dental & Orthodontics are adequately trained to help you during such trying times. So the next time you feel any of these emergencies, walk into our clinic at 1601 South 2nd Street, Gallup, NM 87301, or call us at 505-722-4422 to help you through such trying times.

How To Prepare Yourself for a Dental Implant Surgery?

Dental procedures are scary, even if it’s something as simple as teeth cleanings. Let alone the stress and discomfort of crucial processes like root canal treatments, tooth extractions, and dental implants.

The good news is that the dental implantation is not as painful as you think. You won’t feel any pain if you get it done by a skilled professional who uses high-quality local anesthesia.

If you are considering having dental implant surgery, it is essential to properly prepare yourself beforehand to ensure a successful and smooth procedure. First and foremost, you should have a detailed conversation with your dentist or oral surgeon about the benefits, risks, and expectations of the dental implant surgery you will be undergoing. Additionally, it may be beneficial for you to do some research on the internet about the process of dental implant surgeries to understand what will happen during the procedure. Finally, get plenty of rest and follow your physician’s guidelines for food and drink restrictions before the operation.

To help you prepare yourself for dental implant surgery both mentally and physically. You can also discuss the expectations and other preparation tips from your periodontist at a reputed Farmington dental implants clinic for better results.

Here are some useful tips:

  • Prepare Your Body for the Surgery

If your dentist uses local anesthesia, you may need to fast up to 12 hours before the surgery begins. You may also be advised to wear loose, comfortable clothes during the surgical procedure. Yes, tight clothes will make you feel suffocated and reduce your ability to be at ease.

  • Make Some Changes in Your Work Schedule

Sometimes the thought of returning to work or school immediately after the surgery day is painful and disturbing. Try to schedule your work, or better still, get all your urgent tasks done on the day before the surgery.

Ensure you are not thinking about the list of jobs you would need to manage the next day during the surgical process. It will make things worse. Try to wait a day or two after the dental implant procedure before returning to work. Besides, you don’t know how you will feel or whether you can work immediately after the treatment.

  • Stock Up on Adequate Drinks and Soft Foods

You may not be able to leave your house right after the dental implantation, even if it’s at the grocery store down the street. Stock on soft foods, water, soup, and other nutritional drinks.

Remember that you must rest for a few days, including a break from cooking your meals. But never skip your meals, even if you are tempted to. And avoid hard foods as well because you will need soft food items for several weeks after the dental procedure.

  • Get Adequate Sleep Before the Surgery

Ensure you have sound sleep at night and complete your sleep cycles before the surgery day. It will help to soothe your anxiety levels and worries. A well-rested body can also manage discomfort and stress better, thus making the surgery more successful.

Although dental implantation surgeries are totally safe and have higher success rates, you can boost your healing process by getting proper sleep before the appointment.

  • Treat Yourself on the Previous Day

Since your periodontist will put several restrictions on your diet for a good number of days after the dental implant surgery, you can treat yourself on the day before the appointment. To ease your nerves, you can treat yourself to your favorite foods or meals the day before the surgery.

  • Find a More Comfortable Commute

Make sure your commute to the clinic is a comfortable one. Try booking a cab if you don’t have a private vehicle to relax and ease your nerves. Also, get enough hand-written notes from your dentist since you won’t be able to speak properly after the surgery. It will help you to get back home without hassle.

Key Takeaways

To learn more about the expectations and success rates, you can discuss that with your dentist. Also, you should choose a proper Gallup dental clinic for getting your dental implants efficiently. Booking your appointment with a skilled and specialized periodontist will provide peace of mind and quick healing.

Tips About Cleaning Your Teeth with Metal Braces

You only want a beautiful dental aesthetic with straight and aligned teeth structure. That’s why you have those braces! Although, there is a big challenge to keep your teeth healthy and clean sporting those metal brackets, wires, and other pieces. 

Cleaning your teeth with metal braces can be tricky, but the effort will be worthwhile. The key to success is consistency – you must care for and clean your braces properly at least twice daily. Before brushing or flossing, carefully remove food particles from the wires and brackets with an interdental brush. Next, use a toothbrush to scrub your teeth and braces for about two minutes, paying extra attention to areas that are harder to reach. Flossing with orthodontic flossers made especially for braces should also be done routinely. Finally, gargle with a mouthwash containing fluoride for additional cleaning power.

Learning the correct way to brush your teeth with braces involves a little practice, but surely it gets better with practice. This is vital to avoid tooth decay and inflamed gums while wearing braces. If you aren’t taking the necessary measures, it can invite other dental problems when you finally remove the braces. 

Orthodontist Gallup NM suggests some tips related to cleaning teeth with braces. Let’s get started!

Tips to help you with Proper Teeth Cleaning

  • Make it a Routine

When you wear the braces, there are chances to miss the buildup on your teeth. To reduce the likelihood of food particles and plaque lingering longer on your teeth follow brushing after every means. 

This is a great way to prevent plaque and bad odors and maintain the pearly whites of your teeth effectively. 

  • Gather Proper Tools

It’s always easy to complete any task when you have things at your disposal. Dentist Gallup New Mexico advises their patients have access to the proper dental cleaning toolkit. This includes:

  • Non-abrasive manual or electrical toothbrushes
  • Medicated toothpaste
  • Floss equipment
  • Proxabrushes
  • Mouthwashes
  • Mirror 
  • Cup

This will make the cleaning task of the teeth having the braces much easier. 

  • Start with a Swish

After having access to the proper cleaning toolkit, take the cup, fill it with water and rinse your mouth. It’s better to swiss the interior of the mouth properly to loosen the accumulation of food particles and other debris to make it easier to remove everything. 

If there are any removable orthodontics pieces or elastic bands remove them and store them in a safe place. 

  • Know the Angle

Now take a handful quantity of the medicated toothpaste on your non-abrasive toothbrush and start holding the brush at a 45-degree angle and gently brush along the gumline. Move the toothbrush carefully to an angle so that you can brush the top of your brackets. 

Reposition it accordingly to brush under the brackets and wires. Don’t forget to get to the interior surfaces using a proxabrush for a thorough cleaning experience. There is no need to rush, you can take some time to clean it properly. 

  • Floss

It can be a bit difficult to clean the teeth having brackets and wires but flossing shouldn’t be skipped as it’s an important part of dental hygiene. Try to be gentle when you are using a flosser around the teeth and gumline.

You can also use a water flosser to clean the accumulation between the teeth. 

  • Rinse Again

When everything is completed it’s time to rinse the mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash. This is an important step recommends the Gallup orthodontics to eliminate germ and freshen up the bad odor. 

Once you are done take a little effort to look in the mirror and evaluate the entire process. 

Don’t Skip Cleaning!

Braces are the major investment to reshape your crooked teeth. It’s crucial to clean the teeth with braces to avoid the buildup of tartar, cavities, and stains. 

To explore a better orthodontic possibility, schedule a consultation with dentist Gallup NM. Their services can help you with a properly aligned smile along with a host of other dental treatment plans. 

Cosmetic Dentist Gallup NM: To Never Let Your Smile Fade Away!

Always flaunted by the perfect smile shown in the movies? Always wanted to have that perfect big, bright smile? Guess what? Cosmetic dentist Gallup NM has made it possible for you! Now, adding to your bit of confidence is as easy as visiting our dental services. 

The expert cosmetic dentists present at dental in Gallup NM, focus on restoring your smile via different methods involved in cosmetic dentistry. With expert guidance at your disposal, achieving the perfect smile won’t be a distant dream anymore. 

Still wondering what cosmetic dentistry is all about? Let’s find it out…

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry refers to any dental structuring or work that helps you achieve the perfect smile. The process involved in such methods is generally focused on improving the appearance of gums, teeth, and/or bites. Primarily, cosmetic dentistry is a wing of study that focuses on improving dental aesthetics in terms of position, color, size, alignment, shape, and overall smile appearance of the teeth. 

Typically, cosmetic dentistry is a branch of study that involves:

  • Including dental materials to your gums or teeth can involve gum grafts, porcelain veneers (laminates), bonding, and crowns (caps).
  • Eliminating or removing gums or tooth structure – Gingivectomy, Enameloplasty. 
  • Neither removing nor adding tooth structure, gums, or dental materials – Laser whitening, gum depigmentation, Teeth whitening (bleaching).
  • Fixing the alignment of teeth, accompanied by improving the appearance of the face – orthodontics.

Types of Cosmetic Dentistry in Gallup NM: 

  1. Cosmetic Bonding – The process of cosmetic bonding is an affordable and convenient method that helps you reshape your tooth, which might have been lost or broken in an accident. Your cosmetic dentist executes a cosmetic bonding treatment in this process where they use a specially designed composite resin to mold it against your tooth. Once done, your dentist will bond the resin with your tooth to make it complete and reshape it for a seamless finish.
  2. Porcelain Veneers – Porcelain veneers are a reliable option to help you fix cracks, chips, crooked teeth, and similar problems. Here, the dentist crafts veneers individually into each mold skilfully.
  3. Teeth Whitening – Teeth whitening is easily a widely used cosmetic dental method. In this method, your dentist helps you achieve that white, radiant smile you have always dreamt of!
  4. Dental Implants – If you are missing a tooth or want a suitable replacement, you can go for the dental implants. Dental implants are titanium replacements for the natural roots of your tooth. These implants make for one of the most reliable and robust methods to restore your smile. 

Restore Your Smile and Your Lost Confidence! 

Your smile is perhaps the most highlighted attribute about your face; ensure that you make it flawless in the best possible way. Lastly, while you have cosmetic dentistry at your disposal, always try to maintain oral hygiene naturally! 

Gallup dental clinic specializes in exceptional dental care focusing on aesthetic treatments to ensure your smile stays beautiful and healthy. A team of dental professionals is dedicated to providing excellent results, including tooth whitening and smile makeovers, to restore your confidence and boost your self-esteem. So schedule your appointment today and take the first step towards achieving a confident, radiant smile.