Admin - Avenue Smiles Philadelphia

November 15, 2021 by Admin

If you have teeth that are decayed, injured, or missing you may require a dental restoration. Common types of dental restorations include crowns, fillings, implants, dentures, and bridges. Never hesitate to call the dentist if you have an issue with your tooth. In many cases our team can save your tooth with a restoration before the tooth damage progresses. It is always important to address any issues with your teeth promptly, or more serious complications may develop.

What Are Dental Restorations?

Dental restorations are various ways your dentist can help restore your teeth. If you are missing parts of your tooth, have an injury, or decay, restorations can help restore your tooth and prevent further damage. If you have a portion of your tooth missing due to decay, or have an old restoration that is in need of replacement, dental restorations can help fix these issues.

Following a good oral hygiene routine at home can help keep your teeth and mouth healthy and prevent decay. We recommend attending your regular exams twice a year to ensure your teeth and mouth look healthy. During your regular visits our doctor will check for cavities, and make sure we don’t see any serious issues.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Restorations?

Fillings: Fillings are the most common type of dental restoration and can help save teeth from decay. There are many filling types from tooth colored composite fillings, to silver amalgam, and composite fillings. Depending on the size of the cavity and location, will determine what type of filling material is used.
Crowns: Crowns are a cap that is placed over a tooth. Crowns restore the shape and size of a tooth, and are matched to blend in with your natural teeth. Crown are used with dental implants, or after a root canal to restore the functionality of a tooth.
Bridges: Bridges are false teeth and help to bridge the gap for missing teeth. Bridges are used along side crowns, and cement is used to permanently secure the bridge into place.
Dental Implants: Dental Implants are similar to a screw that is placed into the jaw. Implants are posts that are made of titanium and attached to a connector or abutment. The implant is then covered with a crown. Implants are permanent and are highly durable, lasting upwards of 15 years.
Dentures: Dentures are made of acrylic resin combined with metal and are a removable replacement for missing teeth. If you still have some of your natural teeth, partial dentures can be used to help bridge the gap and give a natural look.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Restorations?

Dental restorations provide many benefits and help restore your smile. If you are missing teeth or have decay, and are looking to get that perfect smile back, contact Avenue Smiles to help. Dental restorations can help you speak and eat easier, and give you a smile that restores your confidence.

Interested in Finding Out More About Dental Restorations?

If you are interested in finding out more about dental restorations contact Avenue Smiles. Our doctors have years of experience in dental restorations, and love to help patients get the smile of their dreams. Your oral health is important to us, and we make our patients a priority, and always have your best interests in mind. Let our team get you on the road to a great smile!

To schedule your appointment with us contact Avenue Smiles, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

November 14, 2021November 1, 2021 by Admin

Veneers help patients who have discoloration from dental procedures or stains from food and drugs restore their teeth. Veneers can also help those that have chipped, broken, or uneven teeth. Veneers create an even smile, close gaps between teeth, and look natural.

Veneers are similar to shells that cover the surface of teeth. They are made out of a porcelain material and are highly durable. Veneers are stain resistant, and can last between 10-15 years. Once you have your veneers placed it is important to take good care of your teeth. Veneers can become damaged just like any other tooth. Following a good oral hygiene routine at home, and taking good care of your teeth is important to help lengthen the life of your veneers. If you are looking for a long-lasting permanent solution to help restore your smile, veneers can help.

How To Care for My Veneers?

There are things you can do to help take good care of your veneers and lengthen their life. Never bite down on any hard objects or food with your veneers. If you suffer from bruxism or clench your teeth, we recommend wearing a mouthguard to prevent damage to your veneers. Stay away from biting your nails as this also damage your veneers.

Veneers are extremely durable and are a great solution for patients seeking that perfect smile. They can last for years if they are taken care of properly. Always brush and floss your teeth daily to keep your veneers looking and feeling great. We recommend visiting our office twice a year for your exam and cleaning. Our doctors can make sure your teeth are healthy, and your veneers are in good condition.

Interested in Finding Out More About Dental Veneers?

If you are interested in finding out how dental veneers may benefit you, contact Avenue Smiles. Our doctors have years of experience in restoring smiles, and love to help patients achieve that smile they have always wanted. Let our team help you restore your confidence, and give you a smile that looks natural, and is long lasting.

To schedule your appointment with us, contact Avenue Smiles, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

October 5, 2021October 1, 2021 by Admin

Removing impacted wisdom teeth is a little more involved compared to a simple tooth extraction for an erupted tooth. Taking care of yourself after surgery is very important. Our team at Avenue Smiles will discuss how to care for your mouth at home after your wisdom tooth removal, and give you post-operative care tips to keep you feeling great.

What To Expect After My Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Bleeding and Swelling

Many wonder why they feel nauseous after their wisdom tooth removal surgery, and do not know what to expect. After your surgery you may experience some bleeding or oozing and this is very common. We recommend you rinse gently or wipe the blood away. You can use gauze pads provided to help stop the bleeding. You may also experience some swelling around the cheeks or area where the teeth were removed. Ice can be used to help minimize swelling, and should subside after a few days.

Pain and Diet

After your wisdom tooth removal procedure, you may experience some pain. Patients may be prescribed pain medication or antibiotics after their surgery, or we may recommend over the counter pain medication. The pain should subside after a few days, but if you have any persistent pain that does not go away, we recommend calling our office right away.

Following a soft food diet is recommended after wisdom tooth removal while your mouth is healing. Patients should avoid straws and any sucking motions during recovery. Patients should eat balanced meals and stay hydrated.

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common after wisdom tooth removal. In some cases, patients feel nauseous after anesthesia. To help your nausea you can sip coke or ginger ale to help the feeling subside. Typically, nausea should go away after 4-6 hours. If your nausea does not go away, we recommend calling our office. In some cases, patients can feel nauseous 2-4 days after their surgery. This is due to pain medication, or can be caused by dehydration.

What Are Other Complications?

Most patients recover easily, but if you experience any fever or feel dizzy, we encourage you to contact our office right away. Patients may feel stiff after their procedure or have a sore throat. This should also subside, but if these symptoms do not go away, we recommend contacting our office.

Taking Care of your teeth after surgery is important. Patients should still brush and floss gently after having their wisdom teeth removed. If you experience any prolonged pain, this should be addressed right away, and we recommend calling our office.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you are interested in finding out more about wisdom tooth removal and the recovery process, contact Avenue Smiles. Our highly trained staff is happy to answer any questions or concerns you have, and we welcome you to schedule an appointment. If you think you may need wisdom tooth removal the first step is scheduling a consultation with us. Our doctors will complete a thorough exam, and create a customized treatment plan. Your oral health is our priority, and we always provide the very best care for all of our patients.

To schedule your appointment, contact Avenue Smiles, and our staff will be happy to assist you.

September 15, 2021 by Admin

If you have decided to restore your smile dental bonding is a great option. Bonding is not permanent, and can be reversed if necessary. Bonding is very durable, and if you have any wear or tear it can be repaired easily. This treatment can take care of cosmetic issues, is quick, and less expensive compared to other options. Dental bonding is great for repairing decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth. Bonding can even correct discolored teeth, and looks natural.

The composite material used can be shaped to match your natural teeth. Other benefits include changing the length of a tooth, or closing spaces between teeth. The procedure can typically be done in one day, and no anesthesia is needed. Dental bonding can last between 5-10 years before the composite material begins to wear down.

How Does the Dental Bonding Process Work?

Dental bonding does not require any removal of your tooth enamel. During the process your tooth is gently etched using a mild acid solution to help roughen the surface. This allows the composite material to bond to your tooth easily. The tooth-colored resin material is applied to the area, and is then cured with an ultraviolet light. Your tooth is shaped and polished to match your natural teeth. This process takes between 30-60 minutes.

Does Dental Bonding Last?

Dental bonding requires the patients to take care of the area that was bonded. The composite material used is very durable, but is never as strong as your natural teeth. With dental bonding there is risk of the bonding material separating from the tooth. Dental bonding can also chip or break. This is unlikely, but we do recommend patients do take care of the area that was bonded to avoid any complications. The good news is that dental bonding can be repaired. Dental bonding can last between 5-10 years or longer if taken care of properly.

Interested in Finding Out More About Dental Bonding?

If you are ready to find out more about how dental bonding may benefit you, contact Avenue Smiles. Our doctors have years of experience in cosmetic dentistry, and love to help patients achieve that smile they have always wanted.

To schedule your appointment with us, contact Avenue Smiles, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

September 2, 2021September 1, 2021 by Admin

Dry mouth is also known as xerostomia, and this happens when the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva in the mouth. In some cases, dry mouth is temporary, and can be caused by dehydration. In other cases, dry mouth is a chronic problem, and many struggle with this issue. Dry mouth can be caused by medical conditions such as diabetes, or can be caused by an infected salivary gland.

When we do not have enough saliva production this can cause oral health issues. Saliva plays an important role in our oral health, and helps to protect our teeth and gums from acids or erosion. The saliva washes away bacteria or food, and keeps our teeth and mouth healthy.

What Issues Can Dry Mouth Cause?

Dry mouth can cause many issues including gum disease, tooth decay, staining, and erosion of enamel. When bacteria are not washed away, and plaque and tartar collect, this can cause gum disease, and in turn this increases the risk of tooth decay and cavities. If not treated gum disease can cause tooth deterioration, or even tooth loss.

When your saliva production is low the bacteria and acids stay on your teeth longer, and this can lead to tooth decay or enamel erosion. If the acid and plaque levels are high, your teeth can become discolored or stained. It is always important to attend your regular dental exams and cleaning appointments to ensure your teeth and mouth are healthy, and do not have any decay.

How Can I Treat Dry Mouth?

The good news is there are ways to treat dry mouth and restore the health of your teeth and gums. Depending on the level of damage will determine what treatment is required. Restoration options include fillings, crowns, or gum treatments.

Tips To Prevent Dry Mouth

Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water
Use an over-the-counter saliva treatment or substitute
Use a humidifier while sleeping to increase moisture in the air
Chew sugar-free gum to help saliva production
Stay on top of your oral health routine, and brush and floss daily to prevent plaque and bacteria buildup

Ready To Find Out More?

If you are suffering from dry mouth, and have concerns about your oral health, we encourage you to contact Avenue Smiles. Scheduling a consultation with our team is the first step towards healthy teeth and gums. Our doctors will perform a thorough exam, and provide treatment recommendations that work for you. Dry mouth can lead to serious issues, and should always be addressed right away.

To schedule your appointment, please contact Avenue Smiles, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

August 18, 2021August 15, 2021 by Admin

Your diet can play a part in the health of your teeth. Drinking soda is common, and many people drink soda every day without even thinking of the effects on your teeth. Not only is soda bad for your teeth, it is associated with type 2 diabetes and weight gain. At Avenue Smiles, we focus on prevention and recommend patients follow a healthy diet, and avoid foods and drinks with high sugar levels. Your teeth are important, and the choices you make can help prevent many unwanted visits to the dentist.

What Happens to My Teeth When I Drink Soda?

Breaks Down Enamel

When you drink soda the sugars in the soda mix with the bacteria in your mouth to form acid. This acid attacks your teeth and can wear down the tooth enamel. The acid breaks down the enamel on your teeth and softens it, making the enamel more prone to decay. Evan sugar free sodas can damage your enamel.

Cavities

When you drink soda, the acid can also reach the layer of dentin that is under the enamel. This can cause cavities to develop over time for people that drink Coke regularly. If you have composite fillings, the soda can also erode away your fillings.

What Can I Do To Prevent Coke From Damaging My Teeth?

If you have to have a soda once in a while, there are things you can do while enjoying your beverage that can help prevent damage to your teeth.

Use a straw to sip the soda. This will help keep the acid and sugar off of your teeth.
Drink soda only on occasion. Only drink soda for special occasions, or try and limit your intake to one soda per day.
Drink fast to lessen the time the soda has to interact with your teeth.
Rinse with water after you drink a soda. Rinsing after drinking soda can help wash the acids and sugars away from your teeth, and prevent damage.
Don’t brush right away after drinking a soda. Brushing right after drinking a soda can cause damage to your teeth. This is because the acid from the soda was just in contact with your teeth, and this makes your teeth more vulnerable to damage while brushing.
Attend regular cleanings and exams at your dentist. Regular visits will allow our doctors to identify problems before they become more serious.
Do not drink soda before bedtime. Drinking before bedtime just gives the acid and sugar all night to attack your teeth and cause damage.
Choose other beverages such as water or sparkling soda water that will not cause damage to your teeth.

Taking care of your oral health should be a priority, and this includes making good choices when it comes to your diet. Staying away from sugary foods and drinks can really help keep your enamel strong, and your teeth free of cavities. If you think you have damage from drinking soda and would like to come in for an exam, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with us. Our team can help get your oral health back on track, and give you recommendations on what to change in order to prevent future issues.

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?

If you are due for your dental cleaning or exam, or have concerns about the enamel on your teeth and would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Avenue Smiles, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

August 18, 2021August 1, 2021 by Admin

How Come Some people Get Cavities Easier

Cavities are always something we try to avoid with brushing and flossing each day. You may notice you get cavities frequently and others don’t. This doesn’t seem fair, but there are other factors that play into keeping your teeth free of decay that you may not realize. There are ways to reduce your risk for cavities outside of brushing and flossing regularly.

Why Are Some Prone to Cavities More Than Others?

Diet – Reducing the amount of sugar you eat or drink can help prevent cavities. Your chance of getting cavities increases if you eat or drink foods with a high amount of sugar.
Gum Recession – If you suffer from gum disease and your gums are receding, the root of the tooth is exposed. Bacteria can reach the root area of the tooth and cavities can develop more easily.
Dry Mouth – If you tend to have a dry mouth your risk for decay increases. We need saliva to wash away bacteria in our mouths.
Genetics – Unfortunately some people are born with a tendency to develop cavities more frequently than others. This is because some people are more susceptible to a certain type of cavity causing bacteria.

How Can I Reduce My Risk for Cavities?

There are things you can do to help reduce your risk for cavities. This doesn’t mean you will never have a cavity again, but it does mean you are changing your habits, and putting forth a good effort to try and prevent decay from developing.

Regular Visits to Your Dentist – Make sure you attend your regular visits to your dentist. These exams help to identify potential cavities, and allow the dentist to get in front of issues before they become worse.
Reduce Sugars in Your Diet– Try and stay away from foods or drinks that are high in sugar.
Keep Up With Oral Hygiene – Stay on top of your oral hygiene with brushing and flossing at least twice a day. This will help prevent plaque buildup that causes decay.
Use a Toothpaste With Fluoride – Using a toothpaste that contains fluoride can help prevent tooth decay.
Use Mouthwash – Mouthwash can help rinse away bacteria, and if the wash contains fluoride this can help prevent cavities.

Knowing what you can do to help prevent cavities can help you avoid many trips to the dentist. Taking care of our teeth is very important, and can help avoid dental issues. Always practice good oral hygiene habits to keep your teeth and mouth feeling great.

At Avenue Smiles, we discuss what patients are doing at home to help prevent decay. Our staff provides tips and tricks to help our patients keep their teeth looking great. Taking care of your teeth and gums is important, and can avoid serious issues from developing. If you have not been to our office for your regular dental exam, we encourage you to schedule your appointment.

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?

If you are looking for a dentist near you for your regular dental exam, Avenue Smiles is here to help. Our office has state of the art technology and equipment, and we always provide the highest level of service to all of our patients.

To schedule your appointment with us, contact Avenue Smiles, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

August 31, 2021July 15, 2021 by Admin

Many patients long for that perfect straight smile. It seems everywhere you turn; you see people with beautiful smiles as a result of braces. If you have crooked teeth, you may feel isolated and your self confidence is lost. Not everyone is born with perfect teeth, and some people will need help in order to get that beautiful straight smile. The good thing is there are many orthodontic options to help correct crooked teeth, and get you the smile of your dreams. At Avenue Smiles, our doctors have years of experience in orthodontics, and creating beautiful smiles is our passion.

What Are the Common Causes of Crooked Teeth?

Genetics

Genetics is the main cause of crooked teeth in many patients. Unfortunately, we do not have control over how our teeth will develop. If a patient has a smaller mouth, their risk for overcrowding increases. Other causes can be related to jaw issues such as overbites or underbites.

Habits

Many children suck their thumbs or use a pacifier. This can actually do more harm than good, and the damage is typically noticed years later. These types of habits can lead to crooked teeth. If you thrust your tongue or breath through your mouth, this can also cause crooked teeth. Orthodontic treatment is typically recommended to straighten teeth, and keep your teeth aligned.

Injury

If you suffered from an injury in the mouth or jaw this can cause crooked teeth. When teeth are loose or lost, this can cause your remaining teeth and jaw to shift, and cause your teeth to become crooked. Seeking help from an orthodontist is important to help repair your mouth, and get your teeth back in place.

Keeping Primary Teeth

Taking care of a child’s baby teeth is important. Primary teeth help the permanent teeth erupt into the right place. If a child loses their primary teeth too early due to decay or trauma, this can directly affect how their permanent teeth erupt. This can cause a child’s permanent teeth to come in crooked.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Orthodontic treatment can help patients with crooked teeth at any age. If you start early, you can get the best possible results. Today, there are many options for orthodontic treatment such as traditional braces or clear aligners. At Avenue Smiles, we discuss all of the orthodontic options during our detailed consultation process. Depending on the severity of the correction and health of your teeth, we help our patients choose the option that best fits their lifestyle. Your oral health is our priority, and we love to help patients achieve the smile of their dreams.

Looking for a Dentist Near You?

If you are looking for a dentist near you that offers orthodontic treatment, Avenue Smiles can help. Our doctors have years of experience in orthodontics, and we provide the highest level of service to all of our patients. Don’t live with crooked teeth, let our team help you get on the road to a beautiful smile. Correcting your smile can boost confidence, and allow you to feel great around others.

To schedule your orthodontic consultation with us, contact Avenue Smiles, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

August 31, 2021July 1, 2021 by Admin

Choosing the right dental insurance plan is important because dental work can be expensive. Even a simple filling can be costly. Knowing what to look for when choosing a dental insurance plan, and understanding what is covered can help you figure out what plan is best for you. Most dental plans will cover 100% or preventative care if you use in-network dentists. This includes exams, x-rays, and cleanings. Basic procedures are typically covered at 80%, and major procedures are usually covered at 50%.

What Should I Check for When Choosing My Dental Insurance?

Group Coverage

Check to see if your insurance company provides group coverage through your employer or programs such as Medicaid. These types of plans can be less expensive and have better benefits.

Check Individual Policies

Individual policies are always more expensive compared to a group policy. Most come with limited benefits, and patients should plan ahead if they need a large procedure. Many insurance companies require a waiting period before you can use the insurance coverage. If you wish to avoid the waiting period there are other plans that do not require you to wait before coverage is available.

Check for Dentists in Your Network

If you know a dentist in your area that you like, ask what insurance plans they accept. Certain policies allow you to go to the dentist of your choice. Other plans such as PPO or HMO require you to use a dentist in their network.

Understand Your Coverage

Dental insurance can be confusing, and it is important to really understand what is covered, and what your expenses will be. Research what procedures are covered and what is not so you are prepared. Some plans have benefits that are limited, and they also have waiting periods before coverage can begin. Knowing how your insurance coverage works can help avoid headaches, and help you choose the best plan available.

Most insurance coverage is great for preventative care such as exams, cleanings and x-rays. Visiting the dentist is important, and choosing the coverage that is best for you can help you pay for those expensive procedures you may need in the future. Talk to your insurance provider to really help you understand the different plans, so you can choose the plan that best works for you.

Do You Have Questions for Our Team?

At Avenue Smiles, we accept many insurance plans and offer alternative in house payment options for those patients that may not have dental coverage. Our goal is to ensure all of our patients can receive the treatment they need. Our staff is always available to answer any questions you may have regarding insurance or financial options.

We care about our patients, and want you to have the best experience when you visit our office. Taking care of your oral health is important, and knowing what coverage you have can help reduce stress, and make your appointments go smoothly.

Ready to Schedule an Appointment?

If you are ready to schedule an appointment with us, please contact Avenue Smiles, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

August 30, 2021June 15, 2021 by Admin

Root canals involve cleaning out the infected pulp area inside your tooth root. During the procedure the bacteria is removed, and the area is sealed to prevent future bacteria from entering. Root canals can save your teeth, and in some cases a crown is placed on top to restore the tooth.

Any dental procedure involves recovery, and patients may experience some pain. At Avenue Smiles, we offer many endodontic treatments, and our doctors have years of experience with root canal therapy. We strive to provide quality dental care, in a friendly and relaxing environment. When patients visit our office, we want them to feel like family and know they are in good hands.

How Can I Sooth Severe Pain During the Recovery Period?

Once the local anesthetic wears off after your root canal procedure, you may have mild pain or sensitivity. The pain should only last a few days. If you experience severe pain, or think you may have a complication, we encourage you to come back to be seen right away.

Over the counter medications are usually recommended to help with pain during healing. Our staff will discuss at-home care, and we recommend a soft food diet after your root canal. Once you have recovered you can resume eating normally.

Tips to Soothe Pain During Recovery

In addition to over-the-counter pain medication there are some things patients can do at home to help sooth their pain during recovery.

Use an ice pack for immediate pain relief on your jaw near the tooth. This can also help with inflammation.
Patients can gargle with salt water a few times a day to help soothe pain.
Cucumbers placed on the area in your mouth can help the pain and feel refreshing.
Olive oil on a cotton ball placed on the area in your mouth can help reduce pain.
You can mix salt and pepper with a little water to form a paste. Applying this to the area can help sooth pain. Salt and pepper have anti-inflammatory properties.

If pain persists and does not improve after a few days we recommend contacting our office. We will have you come in as soon as possible to examine the area, and check for complications such as infection. Most patients recover normally and complications are rare.

Interested in Finding Out More About Root Canal Therapy?

If you are interested in finding out how you can benefit from root canal therapy, contact Avenue Smiles, and our staff will be happy to schedule your appointment.