Below are our dental patient education topics. Please click on any topic to review or click the "show all" to review all topics.
Dental Radiographs (X-Rays)
Radiographic examinations provide your dentist with an important tool that shows the condition of your teeth, jaws and related structures. They can help us determine the presence
or degree of dental decay, periodontal disease and infections; as well as cysts and growths in the jaw. At Fort Bend Dental, we have the latest in digital radiography which uses 90% less radiation
than that of traditional dental film. You can also view your images on a computer monitor with your dentist.
Orthodontics (Braces)
Orthodontics is an area of dentistry concerned with creating proper alignment of the teeth and jaws. Through orthodontic treatment, tooth crowding, spacing, bite problems and jaw position
can be corrected. Fort Bend Dental offers Invisalign™ - "invisible braces," which, in many cases, may be
used to corrct orthodontic problems without the traditional metal brackets.
Bruxism
Bruxism is a term used to describe clenching or grinding of the teeth which can occur at any time. Most patients do this at night and are unaware of the habit. It can cause symptoms
such as headaches, muscle spasms, and tooth sensitivity. Long term bruxism can cause severe tooth wear and fracturing. Your dentist can recommend treatment
if they determine you are clenching or grinding your teeth.
Composite Resins (White Fillings)
Resins are tooth colored fillings which have been in use for over 30 years. Advances in these materials have made them strong enough for use in all parts of the mouth, and they are commonly
used in most dental offices. They are also used to correct and modify the color and shape of the front teeth to improve cosmetics.
Dentures
Complete and partial dentures are used to replace missing teeth. A partial denture attaches to the remaining teeth for support. Complete dentures rest on the tissues and jaws and although
not ideal, help people who have missing teeth to chew and speak.
Wisdom Teeth
Third molars or “wisdom teeth” sometimes do not erupt in the proper position. They can remain impacted or “buried” in the jaw. Wisdom teeth used to be routinely
removed in the late teens or early twenties, but that is no longer the case. Your dentist will make a determination as to whether this may be necessary for you.
Implants
Dental implants are a remarkable way to replace missing teeth or ill-fitting loose dentures. A tiny screw or implant is surgically placed into your jaw bone. Over time, your bone will
attach to the implant and it will become a part of your body.
A crown, or other type of prosthesis, can be permanently cemented onto this implant and restore function. For those with no teeth, multiple implants can be used to support loose upper and lower dentures.
This can also improve function and quality of life.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Most dental offices offer many types of cosmetic procedures to make your smile more attractive. These services range from tooth whitening or “bleaching,” to cosmetic bonding
with white fillings to porcelain veneers which are permanent facings on the teeth. If you want to improve your smile, ask your dentist about what options are available.
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