Northern Virginia Dental Associates

What Can Cause Tooth Sensitivity?

Many people assume that sensitive teeth are a fairly minor problem, yet they often point to a more serious issue. If you have begun to notice that hot or cold foods make you grimace, or that cleaning your teeth has become an uncomfortable process, it’s time to see a dentist. Teeth sensitivity frequently stems from one or more of the following problems. To avoid future tooth pain and dental expense, make an appointment to get to the root of your sensitivity issues sooner rather than later.

Discomfort from Gum Disease
Studies indicate that approximately half of all adult Americans suffer from gum disease, which explains why so many people also experience tooth sensitivity. Gum disease causes gum tissue to become swollen, inflamed, and can make it prone to bleeding. If brushing your teeth prompts your gums to bleed or become tender, you likely have gum disease. Even early stage gum disease, also known as gingivitis, requires professional treatment, so be sure to speak with a dentist about your problem.

Aching Due to Tooth Decay
Tooth decay occurs when bacterial agents attack the teeth and eat through the enamel. When this happens, nerve endings within the interior of the tooth are more sensitive to extreme temperatures and pressure. While teeth sensitivity may result from tooth decay, it is largely a secondary concern. Without the intervention of a family dentist, tooth decay will continue to compromise the structure of the tooth, which may lead to tooth loss.

Tenderness Because of Cracked Teeth
Teeth may crack under a number of circumstances, including teeth grinding and chewing. Oftentimes, individuals with cracked teeth have no indication that there is a problem other than teeth sensitivity. This occurs because hot and cold foods now have easy access to the interior of the tooth, where nerve endings lie. If you are suddenly suffering from sensitive teeth, you may have a cracked tooth that requires dental care.

Don’t let sensitive teeth hinder your quality of life. Northern Virginia Dental Associates offers gentle dental care to those suffering from teeth sensitivity. Our Springfield office can identify the problem contributing to your sensitivity problem and provide immediate relief from it. Call us today at (888) 862-0095 to schedule an appointment. 

To Learn More About Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures, Read Through These Links

At Northern Virginia Dental Associates, we provide first-rate dental care for the entire family. From pediatric dental care to cosmetic procedures, our dentists will help you smile brightly and healthily for life. Visit us on the Web today or call our office at (888) 862-0095 to schedule your checkup! 

• Take a look at the links between gum disease and diabetes in this article in The New York Times’ Well blog.
• You can learn how dental veneers will be put on your teeth and what to expect during the process in this article on Livestrong.com.
• Discover more facts and benefits of porcelain veneers by clicking on this link from WorlDental.org.
• This article from the American Academy of Periodontology provides an overview of the different types of gum disease and how each affects your oral health.
• Inform yourself on the symptoms of periodontal disease by visiting this page from the Mayo Clinic website, and call your dentist for a checkup if you experience any of them.

Periodontal Disease Myths: Busted

Up to 75% of Americans suffer from some form of periodontal disease. Gum disease causes gum recession, loose teeth, and even raises your risk of stroke or heart attack. Get the facts on periodontal disease below and maintain regular visits with your family dentist to ensure healthy teeth and gums.

Flossing Isn’t as Important as Brushing
Even people who brush their teeth twice a day may not realize the importance of flossing every day. Flossing between your teeth and around the gum line removes plaque that your toothbrush may miss. It’s this plaque that causes gum disease, especially when it’s left to harden into tartar that only your dentist can remove with a professional cleaning.

Only People Who Don’t Take Care of Their Teeth Get Periodontal Disease
Even people who brush and floss regularly can be at risk when other factors come into play. Smoking and tobacco use, genetic predisposition, stress, and conditions such as diabetes can all raise your risk of developing gum disease. Visiting your dentist regularly and discussing these risk factors can help greatly with the prevention or treatment of gum disease.

Periodontal Disease Isn’t Serious
While a little swelling or bleeding from your gums may not seem serious at first, gum disease can quickly progress and result in irreversible damage. In its advanced stages, periodontal disease causes the gums to recede, exposing tooth roots to decay and causing greater tooth sensitivity. Teeth become loose as their supporting fibers are destroyed, and can even be lost or require extraction. Furthermore, gum disease puts you at a higher risk for other conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Your oral health plays a significant role in your overall health, and infection of the gums can spread to the blood and other parts of your body.

Don’t ignore the health of your gums as an important part of your overall health. Visit Northern Virginia Dental Associates today for a professional checkup and cleaning. Call (888) 862-0095 or click on our website to find out how our dentists can help you achieve and maintain excellent oral health. 

All You Need to Know About Root Canals

The root canals inside your tooth contain pulp, made up of nerves and blood vessels that are necessary to keep your tooth alive. During root canal treatment, your dentist removes pulp that has become infected. This can save your tooth from extraction and allow you to keep your natural smile.

Root canals require one to two dental visits and can be a painless experience with local anesthesia. To find out more about what will happen during your root canal procedure, be sure to watch this entire video.

You can depend on Northern Virginia Dental Associates for all of your oral health needs. From pediatric to family dentistry, we offer comfortable dental care for patients of all ages. Click on our website for more information about our practice or call us today at (888) 862-0095. 

The Basics About Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are an easy way to dramatically improve your smile. Whether you’re looking to correct the color, alignment, or shape of your teeth, your dentist can use veneers to address a number of dental imperfections. Often, the procedure requires only two visits to the dentist. Here is an overview of what the process entails:

What Veneers Correct
Dental veneers can be used to correct a variety of dental issues, including imperfections and even tooth injuries. They can correct the appearance of discolored teeth that cannot be addressed with whitening. Your dentist can also use veneers to correct the shape of your teeth or cover teeth that have been worn or broken by grinding or dental injury. Veneers can even be used to address spacing issues such as misaligned, crowded, or gapped teeth if you do not want to undergo orthodontic treatment.

Types of Dental Veneers
Porcelain veneers are used to correct conditions such as chipped or cracked teeth, spacing issues, worn teeth, and discolored teeth. These veneers are comprised of thin shells that fit directly over your existing teeth. They are permanently bonded to the tooth after the removal of a small amount of existing enamel. Composite resin veneers, also known as dental bonding, can be used to correct damaged or misshapen teeth, as well as to improve tooth color.

Why Veneers Are a Good Choice
Veneers are a versatile dental treatment option that can be used to address a wide range of imperfections.  They are less expensive and time-consuming than orthodontic treatment. Dental veneers may be preferable to a crown to restore tooth shape and function. Veneers do not require much in the way of special care, and they will create a smile that lasts for years.

If you have more questions about dental veneers and your other cosmetic options, call Northern Virginia Dental Associates at (888) 862-0095. We are in-network dental providers for many insurance plans, making it easy for your family to receive care. Click on our website to explore our family dental services in greater detail.