Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental Fillings

Dental Fillings: What You Need to Know

Dental fillings are one of the most commonly performed dental restorative procedures. However, despite their popularity, many dental patients still have questions about what they are, how they are performed, and what types are available. In this blog post, we’ve put together everything you need to know  so that you can be informed and relaxed the next time you need one.

What are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are used to repair decayed, damaged, or chipped teeth so that they can function properly and look just like the original teeth. The procedure involves filling the affected part of the tooth with a durable, composite resin material. The fillings can also be used to treat cavities, fractures, and other dental issues that might compromise the health and strength of your teeth.

Types of Dental Fillings

There are various types available. The most commonly used materials include resin composite, porcelain, gold, and silver amalgam. Your dentist will recommend the best material for you based on your specific oral needs and budget.

How is the Procedure Performed?

The dental filling procedure is usually carried out in two stages. First, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay or damage. This is done by removing the affected part of the tooth using various dental tools. Next, the dentist will fill the prepared section with the chosen filling material. You will then be asked to bite down so that the dentist can put the filling in the correct position.

How to Maintain Your Dental Fillings

Dental fillings will typically last for many years, but this depends on how well you care for them. You should keep up with your regular dental checkups and cleanings to ensure that your fillings remain strong and healthy. Brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding harmful habits such as biting hard objects with your teeth can also extend their lifespan. Remember, oral hygiene is key to maintaining your dental health and keeping your fillings in excellent condition.

 

We hope this post has given you an ample amount of information about dental fillings and how they work. Remember that no matter how small the procedure may seem, it plays a big role in maintaining your oral health. Being informed about the procedure, the types available, and how to maintain them will ensure that you can provide the best care for your teeth. And if you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to talk to your dental provider for more information.

Dental Crowns

What You Should Know About Dental Crowns

Cavities can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort, not to mention long-term damage to your teeth. Thankfully, advances in dental technology have made it possible for dentists to repair cavities with dental crowns. But what are dental crowns and how do they help? Let’s take a closer look.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a cap that covers the entire surface of a damaged tooth to restore its shape and strength. It is usually made of porcelain or ceramic and is designed to match the natural color of your other teeth for an aesthetically pleasing result. There are also metal crowns, although these aren’t as popular because they don’t blend in as well with other teeth.

Why You Might Need a Dental Crown

A dental crown is commonly used to treat a cavity. The procedure involves removing decay and making a mold of the tooth that will be filled with a material, such as porcelain or gold alloy, to restore the natural shape and function of the tooth. Dental crowns are also used to protect weak teeth from fracture and further damage. Additionally, they can be used to restore the appearance of a tooth that has been badly stained or discolored. In some cases, a crown may also need to be placed in order to provide additional support for a dental bridge or other restoration. Ultimately, dental crowns are an important treatment option for restoring the health and function of teeth damaged by cavities or other decay.

How Do Dental Crowns Help With Cavities?

Dental crowns are used when cavities have gone too far and the tooth needs more than just a filling. A dentist will first remove any decayed parts of the tooth, then reshape it so that it can accommodate the dental crown. Once the tooth has been prepared, the dentist will place the crown over it and secure it in place with special adhesive. This serves two purposes: first, it seals off any remaining decay; second, it helps protect the weakened tooth from further damage or decay by acting as an extra layer of defense around it. This also allows you to maintain normal use of your teeth without worrying about damaging them further.

In most cases, a single visit to your dentist is all you need for them to prepare your crown and place it onto your tooth. Afterward, you may experience some sensitivity when eating or drinking hot or cold foods due to the new material covering your tooth—but this should go away after a few days as you get used to having a dental crown in place. Your dentist will provide instructions on how best to care for your new crown so that it lasts for many years without needing replacement.

Dental crowns offer an effective way for dentists to repair cavities and protect weakened teeth from further damage or decay. If you believe you may need one, schedule an appointment with Dr Abiodun Adesanya at My Bowie Dentist today! Our professional team can assess your teeth and determine if getting a dental crown is right for you. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

cosmetic dentistry

8 Reasons To Consider Cosmetic Dentistry

Many people assume that cosmetic dentistry is all about looks and aesthetics, but that isn’t necessarily true. Here are some of the benefits that cosmetic dentistry can offer.

  • Boost Your Self-Confidence

Dental issues can cause someone to lose their self-confidence and become insecure. Cosmetic dentistry gives individuals the opportunity to eliminate their insecurities by resolving their dental issues. We aim to help all of our clients be confident in themselves by helping them achieve their desired outcomes through our procedures.

  • Improve Your Oral Health

Appearance isn’t the only thing that matters when it comes to our teeth. Although cosmetic dentistry aims to improve aesthetics, it also addresses other oral health issues that may affect the client’s health if left unresolved. Our cosmetic dentistry procedures can help clients prevent pain, disease, and infections by fixing any damaged teeth during the process.

  • Reduce Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can be highly uncomfortable. People with sensitive teeth often need to be extra careful as they eat, avoiding anything too hot or cold. Cosmetic dentistry procedures like adding veneers and fillings can help address this issue. Once the veneers or fillings are in place, clients seamlessly eat whatever they please.

  • Strengthen Your Teeth

Cosmetic procedures like veneers and fillings don’t just help with sensitivity, they also strengthen the teeth. These additions are made with high-quality materials that cannot be easily chipped or damaged, allowing individuals to eat what they want without having to worry about damaging their teeth.

  • Enhance Your Appearance

Cosmetic dentistry specializes in improving dental issues that can affect one’s appearance. Our services include various procedures such as teeth whitening, composite fillings, endodontics, and more to help all of our clients enhance their appearance and achieve a new level of confidence in their looks.

  • Achieve the Perfect Smile

Some people hold back from showing their best smiles because they are insecure about their teeth. We have services like teeth whitening to help all of our clients achieve their perfect smiles. Our teeth whitening procedures are affordable and performed by experienced teeth whitening specialists, ensuring that all clients will achieve a picture-perfect smile that can light up the whole room.

  • Correct Your Bite

There are many individuals who do not even realize that they have an incorrect bite. Having an incorrect bite can lead to more extensive and serious problems in the long run, as it causes teeth to wear down over time and may cause damage to the jaw. Our cosmetic dentistry procedures can assist patients in identifying if they have an incorrect bite and resolve the issue by fixing any misaligned teeth.

  • Built to Last

All results from our cosmetic procedures are built to last. Our team is composed of experienced and skilled individuals who are determined to help all clients achieve their desired results. We use high-quality materials in all of our services, ensuring that all improvements will last a long time.

Get Started Today

We’re always ready to help all of our clients enhance their appearance and improve their oral health. Kindly browse our website or contact us for more information about our cosmetic dentistry services.

dental bridges

Types of Dental Bridges

What Is a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges cover the gap created between two or more teeth. On each side of the gap, the bridge is supported by other real teeth. The space in between is filled by a false tooth called a pontic. It is made of gold, porcelain, alloy or a mix of these. If you are looking for a dentist in Bowie, MD for a dental bridge, read on.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

1- Maintain the shape of your face

2- Restore your smile

3- Ensure you can speak and chew without difficulty

4- Prevent force on specific teeth by distributing force equally

5- Prevent remaining teeth from repositioning

Types of Dental Bridges

There are four different kinds of dental bridges you can opt for:

1- Fixed bridge

2- Cantilever bridge

3- Maryland Bonded bridge

4- Implant-supported bridge

1- What Is a Fixed Bridge?

A fixed bridge, also known as a traditional bridge, is quite common and is generally made using ceramics or metal and porcelain.

A filler tooth is created that is supported by crowns located on top of healthy teeth on each gap’s side, so the bridge stays in place. This kind of bridge can only be used when there are healthy teeth on each side of the gap to support the bridge.

2- What Is a Cantilever Bridge?

If there are no teeth on one side of the gap to support the bridge, the cantilever bridge is recommended. A crown is fixed on the side with the healthy tooth, and that supports the bridge.

3- What Is a Maryland Bonded Bridge?

Also known as a resin-bonded bridge, a Maryland bonded bridge is usually the go-to when replacing front teeth.

4- What Is an Implant-Supported Bridge?

In an implant-supported bridge, dental implants are used instead of crowns or other frameworks. For every missing tooth, an implant is placed, and this supports the bridge. An implant-supported bridge is considered the strongest and most stable. It is executed through two surgeries:

  • The implants are embedded in the jawbone.
  • The bridge is placed.

A metal framework is used for them, and porcelain is fused to the metal teeth. Metal or porcelain wings are then utilized on both sides of the bridge to attach the pontic to the healthy teeth.

This is often employed as an alternative to the traditional fixed bridge because you do not need to reshape or add a crown to the healthy teeth on either side. Instead, metal wings are used.

How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost?

The cost for a dental bridge varies based on the type of bridge you opt for and the cost of the dental crown. Depending on your dental plan, dental insurance would pay a percentage of it. To discuss your case further, you can contact your dentist in Bowie, MD, My Bowie Dentist.

Do Dental Bridges Last a Long Time?

It is important to take care of oral hygiene and get frequent checkups. If you do so, your dental bridges can easily last 10-15 years.

Eating With a Dental Bridge

A dental bridge should make chewing and, ultimately, eating much easier for you. It could take a while before you get accustomed to the bridge. Until then, you can consume liquids and soft foods.

Speaking With a Dental Bridge

It is often harder to speak and comprehend due to missing teeth. A dental bridge will make speaking much easier for you.

Do You Need Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are always a practical alternative to dental implants. Your dental treatment should be customized based on your requirements. Consult Dr. Abiodun Adesanya at My Bowie Dentist to discuss what type of bridge is suitable for you.

 

Professional teeth whitening

Professional Teeth Whitening – Is It a Viable Option?

Is professional teeth whitening a viable option?

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American adults spend over $1.4 billion on teeth whitening products available over-the-counter or online. This figure represents the total amount spent in one year.

To further add to the prevalence of teeth whitening in the U.S., more than 38.29 million people in the United States used some form of DIY teeth whitener or had their teeth professionally whitened in 2019.

With so much emphasis on first impressions and smile being the first noticeable feature, people are concerned about the appearance of their teeth.

While professional teeth whitening is seemingly a very commonplace cosmetic dental procedure, you might not be a candidate (the eligibility criteria is not as strict as for a more intensive procedure – though it is still recommended that you consult with your dentist before starting any whitening treatments).

Professional Teeth Whitening

As the phrase implies, professional teeth whitening is a dental procedure that is carried out by a dental professional. Since this is a voluntary cosmetic procedure, people get it done regularly to address intrinsic and/or extrinsic stains.

  • Extrinsic teeth stains are usually caused by the food and drinks that come in contact with your teeth. Wine, tobacco (in cigarettes), tea, coffee etc. are common items that leave a stain behind.
  • Intrinsic teeth stains are those where the discoloration seeps beneath the enamel, creating more permanent stains. Intrinsic stains can also be caused by age-induced enamel thinning.

Typically, people with permanent teeth in generally good dental health are eligible for professional whitening. The gist is that if you haven’t had extensive dental work previously and have healthy gums, you are good to go.

The procedure is not recommended to those who have:

  • Receding gums
  • Mixed dentition – children that still have some of their deciduous or primary teeth
  • Dental work such as crowns, implants, caps and other restorative work
  • Gum bleeding issues
  • Sensitivity to any of the agents used in professional teeth whitening procedures

Do keep in mind that even professional whitening doesn’t work for all kinds of stains. Brown and grayish stains are harder to remove with simple bleach. However, there are other solutions for that such as veneers.

For minor extrinsic discoloration, your dentist may suggest whitening toothpaste and a professional cleaning session. For more stubborn stains, professional teeth whitening along with regular brushing, flossing and maintaining good dental hygiene is the suggestion.

While it might seem easy to determine whether you’re a candidate or not for teeth whitening, having a dentist’s professional opinion is crucial. Dr. Abiodun Adesanya, DDS, PC is based in Maryland and provides professional teeth whitening along with various other professional dental procedures and treatments. He will conduct a thorough physical assessment of your oral cavity, making sure there is nothing of concern. He will give his recommendation based on your current health status and whether the procedure will be effective in addressing your concerns regarding your teeth and smile.

Schedule an appointment with him today to have his expert opinion on how you can maintain dental and oral health and aesthetics.

Six Types of Cosmetic Dentistry | My Bowie Dentist

Six Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

A person’s smile is one of the first few things people notice about them during a meeting, and this is enough reason to always want to ensure that it stays healthy all the time. One of the few ways to do this is by adopting cosmetic dentistry measures that have been proven to better people’s smiles over the years.

However, before deciding on any of them, it is also important to know what options are available and if those options are the ideal corrective measures for whatever tooth conditions they may be trying to fix.  It is always advised to speak with an experienced cosmetic dentist before making any decisions.  Here are a few types of cosmetic dentistry options to consider for a healthier smile.

  1. Professional Teeth Whitening

Certain consistent lifestyle and dietary habits tend to take its toll on the teeth over time causing it to develop a particularly yellow or stained color. This can lead to serious self-esteem issues and low confidence levels. However, to correct this, an affected person can decide to schedule a professional teeth whitening session with a dentist or simply request that the dentist prescribes a professional take-home option for his teeth.

The take-home option for professional teeth whitening usually includes ingredients that are used to lift teeth stains or lighten discoloration. So, it is important to follow every instruction left by the dentist for proper application and effectiveness of the session. According to VeryWellHealth, not everyone’s teeth can be whitened so it is important to check with a dentist first before settling for this option.

  1. Dental Veneers

Veneers are also another effective option for having a better smile. They are simply tiny strips of porcelain material that are placed right in front of a patient’s teeth. They can last as long as a decade and can be used to hide various teeth defects ranging from discoloration to gaps, spaces, stains, etc. Dental veneers can also be made from resin composite materials too.

One great advantage of veneers is that they are designed to appear completely natural. Veneers may sometimes require anesthetic preparation of the teeth before placement. They are quick, easy to prepare, and they cause no form of hindrance to speech or smiles.

  1. Composite Bonding

Bonding requires the use of a composite resin material to correct certain defects and imperfections. The material is usually used for defects located at the front of a person’s smile. These defects could rand from large spaces in between the teeth or uneven teeth issues.

Composite bonding can also be used to fix missing tooth structures caused by cracks or chips in the teeth. The material is prepared chairside by a dentist right after he has prepared the mouth for the application of the material.

  1. Dental Implants

Dental implants are metallic materials that are used when a person has a missing tooth or several missing teeth. They can be used as complete replacements for missing teeth, and they can also be used to hold a denture in place. The process usually involves inserting the implant post into the bone and allowing it to osseointegrate.

This process causes the implant post to bond with the bone of the patient, making the dental implant permanent. After this, a dental crown is placed over the implant to create a wonderful smile.

  1. Inlays and Onlays

Dental inlays and Onlays are two different kinds of cosmetic dentistry options. However, they both serve as suitable alternatives to dental fillings, especially when there isn’t enough tooth structure to support a filling and can be made out of tooth-colored materials.

Inlays can be used to replace dental fillings that no longer look good, by being bonded to the affected tooth. Onlays are also used for fixing teeth holes and gaps, however, they can be extended to the chewing surface of a back tooth to replace multiple cusps. After the application process is complete, they tend to leave the patient with a complete smile.

  1. Cosmetic Teeth Reshaping/Teeth Contouring

Cosmetic Teeth Reshaping/Teeth Contouring is also known as odontoplasty, stripping or slenderizing. It usually involves the removal of minute amounts of a person’s teeth to grant the person an even smile. Teeth Reshaping or Teeth Contouring is usually adopted when a person has tiny chips located on the front teeth or when there are uneven teeth scattered across the mouth.

Most tooth reshaping procedures are conducted on minor dental defects that most people feel insecure about. They are not designed to correct major oral health issues.

Reshaping the teeth by just a few millimeters could make a significant impact on a person’s smile. According to Colgate, it usually produces instant results, and so it is extremely beneficial for patients who would like their smile to look a particular way.

Cosmetic Dentist in Bowie, Maryland

A smile is one of the few biological attributes that help people create a subconscious first impression about a person. So, it is important to take great care of it at all times. However, if you realize that you might be experiencing a few teeth defects that may affect your smile, you may want to consult with an experienced cosmetic dentist in Bowie, Maryland to discuss your options. With over a decade of experience serving Bowie and the surrounding cities, Dr. Adesanya is an expert in cosmetic dentistry.  Give our offices a call today to book a consultation: 301-464-1800.

Everything You Need to Know About Charcoal Toothpaste | Dr. Adesanya | Professional Teeth Whitening | My Bowie Dentist

Everything You Need to Know About Charcoal Toothpaste

When it comes to the preparation of some of our favorite grilled foods, charcoal plays a very important role. However, emerging research has come to establish that the usage of charcoal can go beyond food preparation as we know it. With the emergence of activated charcoal being used in toothpaste these days for teeth whitening, a lot of companies who manufacture this charcoal-based toothpaste tend to leave out a lot of details when it comes to the usage and effectiveness of the product. There are new trends all the time, not all of them are safe and effective. In addition to recommending a safe whitening routine, you can also discuss professional teeth whitening at your next appointment.

As a general rule of thumb, your toothpaste should contain fluoride AND have the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal on the toothpaste indicating that it is safe for use.

Is Charcoal Teeth Whitening Safe?

While activated charcoal is safe to ingest, in most instances charcoal toothpaste is abrasive on teeth and can wear down the enamel, bringing a new set of problems. Many choose to use charcoal toothpaste as a means of whitening teeth, however as the charcoal wears down the enamel it exposes the dentin layer, which is a yellow color. By wearing down the enamel, it also leaves your teeth more susceptible to harmful bacteria which can cause cavities.

Why Charcoal Toothpaste is NOT Recommended

According to Colgate, the research conducted around charcoal toothpaste is still emerging and there are still a lot of unknown effects of the product. While the product has not been proven to be completely bad for human health, users should exercise caution and take into account that many brands also do not contain fluoride. Fluoride is essential for keeping your tooth’s enamel sturdy, whilst protecting it against cavities and decay. Certain researchers have even related the product to tooth decay, especially because the particles tend to accumulate in the tiniest cracks in older teeth. According to ABC, a number of people have also reported having burns and mouth ulcers from using the product.

Traditional toothpaste, however, is still known for its effectiveness and has a lot of extensive research done to prove its credibility. Hence, it is important for people to not get swayed by controversial ads that constantly posit that certain teeth conditions require the use of charcoal toothpaste.

In the event of any tooth or mouth defects, most experts agree that the best thing to do would be to see your dentist. The mouth is a very delicate area in the body, so self-medication is not the safest habit to adopt, especially not with a questionable toothpaste containing charcoal as a base ingredient.

Verification is an extremely important part of any treatment process and gambling with various dental trends in the dental industry could end up making your condition worse, especially without proper expert consultation. If you’re still not sure, contact our office to schedule an appointment to speak with one of our hygienists or Dr. Adesanya himself.

When it comes to how charcoal toothpaste interacts with dental restorations like crowns, white fillings, and veneers, there isn’t much information depicting any negative consequences. However, charcoal particles could also build up between them or leave them colored.
Recommended Ways to Whiten Teeth

Although charcoal might seem to be the next best option regarding teeth whitening, there are so many other tested and proven methods for getting whiter teeth, these include;

● Brush after consuming tea, coffee, soda, and other items that could stain your teeth.
● Whitening toothpaste.
● Whitening strips.
● Book an appointment to discuss professional teeth whitening services.

However, while these are some alternative products, schedule an appointment with Dr. Adesanya to discuss what may be your best course of action as not every method is effective for everyone. This helps ensure that you are getting a product that is adequately tailored to your teeth whitening needs after proper examination. It would also ensure that you get faster and more effective results.

Professional Teeth Whitening in Bowie, Maryland

Dr. Adesanya and staff are ready to answer your questions and recommend affordable teeth whitening solutions. Our office also offers professional teeth whitening services. With patients that call Dr. Adesanya the best dentist in Bowie, Maryland, he takes pride in his work and in the level of care he provides to every single patient. With a focus on general and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Adesanya’s goal and mission is to provide you and your family with the highest quality dental care in a caring, safe and relaxed environment. Give our office a call today to schedule an appointment: 301-464-1800 or click here.

Dental Implants: Your Questions Answered

Dental Implants: Your Questions Answered

Dr. Adesanya’s office cares about your dental health and want you to never think twice before flashing that beautiful smile. That’s why we have compiled the ultimate four reasons why you should invest in dental implants:

What are Dental Implants?

In a recent issue of Your Health Magazine, Dr. Adesanya answered the question of what are dental implants: “A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically anchored into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place.”  Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth.

The implants are strategically placed and used to support permanently cemented bridges.  They are made from different types of metallic and bone-like ceramic materials, which are compatible with body tissue.

Who Can Receive Dental Implants?

In order to be a candidate for dental implants, you must be in good health and have the proper bone structure and healthy gums in order for the implant to remain in place.  Chronic issues such as clenching or bruxism (aka teeth grinding), or systemic diseases, such as diabetes, may prevent you from being a candidate for dental implants as the success rate would decrease dramatically.

If you’re considering dental implants, it’s important to be seen by your dentist who can help determine whether you are a candidate for dental implants and what, if any, alternative may also be available.

What Can I Expect During the Procedure?

In order to anchor the “artificial root” into or on your jawbone, Dr. Adesanya must perform surgery.  The procedure is conducted in his office with a local anesthetic.  The procedure may be conducted across two or more visits.  Here’s why.

The first part of the procedure requires Dr. Adesanya to conduct surgery in order to place the artificial root.  Before placing the ceramic tooth, the artificial root needs to effectively assimilate into the gumline and the jawbone needs to heal completely.  However, for those that have exceptional bone quality, it may be possible to place the artificial root and the replacement tooth in one appointment.

Four Reasons to Consider Dental Implants

Looking for a few reasons to justify implants over the alternatives? Here are four reasons to consider dental implants.

Dental implants Combat Bone Loss

A side-effect of tooth loss is bone loss. When you lose even a single tooth, the bone below starts to recede, causing an uneven facial structure.

Dental implants are the only tooth replacement procedure that allows you to retain your bone structure by preserving natural tooth tissue. Conventional bridgework requires reducing the tooth structure of the adjacent teeth but with dental fixtures, you can avoid that. Who knew the solution was that simple?

It Feel Completely Natural

In addition to appearing completely natural, implants allow you to eat your favorite food and converse with people as confidently as you normally would. Unlike dentures, you don’t have to worry about the implants clicking, shifting, or falling out during the day. In fact, you may even forget they’re even there!

They Require Minimal Maintenance

The best thing about dental implants are that they don’t require any complicated, time-consuming care method that will stress you out and interfere with your daily activities.

They don’t have to be removed during the day or soaked into a solution at night. You just have to floss and brush them like you would your natural teeth and visit the dentist for your routine check-up at least twice a year.

Dental Implants are Less Painful than Other Tooth Replacement Procedures

Dental procedures are typically painless and do not require constant replacement and repair. Hence, you can save on a lifetime of costly maintenance and long time-consuming procedures.

Many patients, in fact, report that implants involve less pain than a tooth extraction and that there is very little discomfort involved during the procedure.

Best Dentist in Bowie, Maryland

While we hope that we have put you at ease and convinced you to get a dental implant, we encourage patients to contact us in case of apprehensions or queries- we would be more than happy to cater to you.

Here at Dr. Adesanya’s, our dentists love getting to know their patients so feel free to get in touch with us, for dental fixtures or any other issue!

Click here to see a full list of our services- we hope to serve you in any way possible! Below are our contact details. Keep smiling, and we hope you conquer the world.