Only an Emoticon is Happy with a Discolored Front Tooth

Have you noticed someone with one dark front tooth?  A dark, discolored front tooth becomes the focal point of a person's face.  It changes their entire appearance, resulting for many in an embarrassing smile.

Only an Emoticon is Happy with a Discolored Front Tooth!

The good new is that a discolored front tooth can be fixed by a dentist.  

A. Let's look at why the tooth turned dark.

Perhaps the number one reason a tooth turns dark is due to trauma.  The tooth has been injured and the internal nerve tissue has died and is staining the inside of the tooth dark.  

B. What does a dentist do to fix the tooth?

If a tooth has died from trauma, a dentist will need to perform a procedure called a root canal. The procedure is designed to remove the dead tissue, clean the internal structure, and fill it with Gutta Percha, a rubber material.  Sometimes, a dentist will suggest a few extra appointments to internally bleach the tooth before it is filled.  These procedures usually take care of the dark tooth problem, giving back the beautiful smile once enjoyed. 

The dentists at +Verde Pointe Dental Associates believe a beautiful smile is important to how people feel about themselves.  If you are suffering from a less than perfect smile, let our Marietta cosmetic dentists help by offering new patients a $100 dental coupon good towards services in the dental office.  

If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It!

When it comes to dentistry, there's a legion of people with the philosophy; If it ain't broke, don't fix

it!  Although this sounds good on the surface, dental disease like many other diseases of the body doesn't necessarily hurt until it's too late for a minor repair. 

Disease involving the mouth, such as dental decay and periodontal gum disease usually does not cause discomfort in the early stages of easy repair.  A cavity can progress invading the inner most portion of the tooth causing the need for a root canal.  When the bacteria invades the nerve from decay, the more extensive and costly root canal becomes necessary to restore the tooth.

Gum disease is much the same as decay.  When it is left to progress, scaling and root planning, gum surgery and extractions can be the only treatment to get the mouth healthy. 

Regular dental cleanings at the dentist gives opportunity for early detection, less expensive restorations and a healthier you. 

If it ain't broke, FIX it!

The dentists at +Verde Pointe Dental Associates . +Kirk Kimmerling DDS,  +Suzanna Aguilera DDS and Garrick McGrath DMD are happy to welcome new patients to the dental office. If your dentist suggests necessary #dental work is necessary, and you disagree, do not ignore the situation.  Get a second opinion about the tooth, toothache, dental emergency, dental decay, periodontal disease, crowns bridges, a root canal, denture or implant.
Ignoring necessary dentistry is a mistake. 

 

Ancient Egyptians Were Tatted and Suffered Toothaches, But There Were Remedies

Ancient Egyptians Suffered Toothaches While Building the Pyramids

Ancient people were not that different from you and I, according to mummies exhibited in  the "Ancient Lives: New Discoveries," at the British Museum.  Eight mummies dating between 3,500 BC to 700 AD were examined by CAT scan, infrared technology and carbon dating.  The procedures proved mummies suffered oral disease and had tattoos. One woman was found to have the Archangel Michael tattooed on her inner thigh, while almost all suffered poor dental health; tooth decay, tooth abscesses, and terrible toothaches.

The earliest known dentist was the "Chief of the toothers," an Egyptian named Hesy-Re also spelled Hesy-Ra from the third dynasty. He was not only the chief dentist, but also a physician for Pharaoh Djoser in 27th century B.C.  He died with his tombstone being inscribed with "Doctor of the Tooth."  He tended to the dental health of people working on the pyramids. He was the first known man to recognize gum disease.

Let's take a look at some of the remedies;

1. Egyptians turned to superstition as a prevention.
2. The body of a dead mouse was applied to the aching tooth while still warm.
3. Drilled holes in teeth to drain infection to treat abscesses with out anesthesia.  Pre-cursor to dental fillings and root canals.

Suffering toothaches in ancient Egypt would have been common. +Verde Pointe Dental Associates, +Kirk Kimmerling DDS and +Suzanna Aguilera DMD would have been treated like Gods.

Depression and Anxiety Lead to Tooth Loss

People that are depressed or suffer anxiety are more likely to lose a tooth than others.

A recent study from the International & American Associations for Dental Research found depression and anxiety were linked with tooth loss. Participants over 19 years of age were used in a complex telephone survey by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and state health departments called the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) where complete data on depression, anxiety and tooth loss was gathered.

The study concluded that there was a link between those that suffer depression and anxiety with tooth loss. Individuals with anxiety may avoid professional dental care, and those suffering depression neglect to perform home care.  Since cavities and gum disease occur from complex and chronic conditions, neglect and avoidance over time will result in tooth loss.

If tooth loss does occur, there are ways to restore your smile with procedures such as dental implants, dental bridges, dental partials. If you find yourself in need of an emergency dentist for a dental extraction, root canal or emergency dental visit +Verde Pointe Dental Associates can help.  We at +Verde Pointe Dental Associates, Dr.+Suzanna Aguilera and Dr. +Kirk Kimmerling DDS will offer options and associated fees when tooth loss occurs.

Monkey Gets Root Canal byTwo Veterinarians and Dentist

A collaboration between a dentist and two veterinarians have made life a whole lot happier for one Allen root canal specialist , Kimberly Lindquist came together to perform a root canal on Noqui, an Allen swamp monkey with a toothache.

Allen Swamp Monkey Gets Root Canal

swamp monkey at Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth, MN.  Veterinarian, Louise Beyea, veterinarian Michael Overend and human

 The zoo noticed a lesion on Noqui's face and determined the necessary treatment would be a root canal, just like humans get.

However, the dental procedure posed interesting challenges to the team.  Noqui's root length was extremely long compared to a human tooth, so human instruments were impossible to use.  Specialized tools needed to be located.

The palate of an Allen swamp monkey is very thin and shallow, and the accompanying narrow jaw made the root canal difficult, yet not impossible.  All in all, the procedure went well and was considered a success.  Noqui now lives pain free and able to get back to enjoying the things monkeys enjoy without chronic pain.

Root Canal Technology Has Changed

Root canal therapy to treat a tooth is much different than years past.  Modern dental instruments and techniques give dentists more sophisticated ways to treat teeth in need of endodontic or root canal therapy.  Patients can now get the procedure done in just one pain-free visit.

Let's take a look at some on the new technology.

A. Modern anesthetics allow for easier numbing of the entire tooth.  More fearful patients can request nitrous oxide.

B. High-torque motor hand pieces are faster and enable dentist to better shape root canals.

C. Ultra sonic instruments vibrate to clean the root before a filling is placed.

D.  Modern digital x-rays allow a dentist with less radiation to develop immediate x-rays to check the status of a tooth.

E.  Apex locators help a dentist to clean and fill a tooth to the very end of the root.  The instrument measures the root and finds the apex with sound waves, help guiding the dentist, so infection is not left behind.

F. Dentists use a medicated rinse sodium hypochlorite to wash away leftover debris and infection.  A tooth is then dried with paper points, absorbent paper files.

G. Filling material, Gutta percha is used to fill and seal the tooth from reinfection.

Other than extraction, sometimes a root canal is the only treatment for a badly decayed, toothaches or infected tooth. Root canals in the past have had a bad reputation of being painful, when actually it is usually no worse than having a filling replaced.  The procedure doesn't cause pain, it relieves it.  Saving your natural teeth, when possible is always the best course of action in a dental emergency.

+Kirk Kimmerling DDS and +Verde Pointe Dental Associates want to help you understand a root canal and the lastest technology available.

Shockingly, Your Tooth Can Be Dead!

Did you know people can have a tooth that's dead?  It's true, just because a tooth is in your mouth, does not mean it is alive and well.  The inside structure of a tooth is living and can actually die requiring a treatment from a dentist.  People walk around every day with a tooth that needs attention, because it is dead.  So, let's take a look at the facts.

How does a tooth die?

The answer is multi-fold.  A tooth can die for different reasons, such as a deep cavity reaching the living part of the tooth called the pulp. When the pulp becomes infected with bacteria, it dies and a decaying process begins.

Trauma is another way a tooth can die. A sever blow can sever the nerve at the root tip causing it to die. Sometimes, it dies quickly or takes several years.

Dental procedures can cause a tooth to die.  Although the procedures are necessary, it can add stress to teeth, where it may not be able to withstand the drilling. The pulp inflames and dies.

Another reason a tooth can die is it fractures.  Some teeth crack deep into the pulp and can be repaired.  It is possible for the tooth to be cracked, and the only fix is an extraction.

Facts about a dead tooth are universal.

Generally a tooth becomes abscessed after the pulp dies, and requires a root canal to remove the dead, decaying tissue.  An abscess will form at the tip of the root and a pus pocket appear.  The puss formed in the area of the dead tissue, and if left go, will infect the bone around the root.  Sometimes, people develop a pimple on the gums, allowing the pus to drain.  This can cause a bad taste in the mouth.  The infection can spread to neighboring teeth.

In rare cases, people have died. Dead teeth require either a root canal therapy or an dental extraction.  If you have a dead tooth, see a dentist today!  Your health depends on it says +Kirk Kimmerling DDS.

Is There Ever a Convenient Time for a Toothache?

There is never a convenient time for a toothache.  That's why preventative care at the dentist makes so much sense.  Preventative care not only keeps your mouth healthy, it allows the dentist to diagnose necessary procedures before they become more costly or the need for an emergency dentist.  Kirk Kimmerling DDS believes most dental emergencies can be avoided if patients would get their teeth cleaned at least twice a year.  "Many of my patients understand the connection of a healthy mouth to a healthy body and come in four times a year for a dental cleaning. It's a healthy way to live," says Dr. Kimmerling.

At the dental practice of Kirk Kimmerling DDS, time is taken with every patient so that they understand why the hygiene of their mouth is important.  It's like taking vitamins or working out at the gym, a good oral condition is just as important, and helps to avoid the dreaded inconvenient toothache.

Let the dental professionals at Kirk Kimmerling DDS ensure a healthier you.  For additional information on dental health and your overall health, visit the American Dental Association's site today.

Kirk Kimmerling DDS, Marietta Dentist

Why Replace Old Fillings Explains Marietta Dentist

Dental fillings do not last forever says dentists in Marietta.   So, how do you know when one needs replaced?   Many patients wait until a tooth hurts to seek treatment. Dentists hear, "Why should I replace it, it doesn't hurt?"   However, waiting on a filling that needs replaced is not smart.  By the time a tooth hurts, more expensive treatment is usually necessary.

Old fillings overtime discolor, darken, crack, leak and can pull apart from tooth.  A filling is considered leaking if does not fit tightly against the tooth.  In some circumstances, the leaking causes sensitivity and it  is obvious it needs replaced with a new filling.  If decay has advanced deep into the center of the tooth, the nerve will die requiring costly root canal therapy.  Since it is not possible to brush between a filling and the tooth, the decay process may not noticeable until it causes pain.  It is important to repair the tooth before it progresses to root canal therapy.

An old filling can be detrimental to your gums.  It can trap plaque along the gumline causing a periodontal gum condition. Unhealthy gum tissue allows bacteria to enter the blood stream causing an inflammatory response linked to disease.  As a professional Marietta, Ga dentist, we will let you know at your cleaning appointment if it is time to replace your old fillings.

If you clench or grind your teeth, the stress may cause fillings to need replacement sooner.  Clenching and grinding can crack your teeth and cause small craze lines to develop. Although, not all cracks and craze lines need repaired, this  may be an indication that you need to ask your dentist if an appliance will help your fillings last longer.   At your cleanings, ask your dentist if you are a candidate for special fluoride that can be applied at home.  It helps strengthen teeth and possibly remineralize beginning decay.

Techniques in restoring teeth from decay have come a long way says dentist in Marietta, GA.  Teeth that have discolored spots are not necessarily cavity, but could be.  The most common method for a dentist to determine if a tooth needs repaired is a simple examination with a dental instrument called an explorer.  Decay in a tooth is softer and the explorer will stick to the tooth.  Healthy dentin is much harder and the explorer will not stick.  Other methods are also available to detect decay.  X-rays show large decay, but are more difficult for the dentist to detect smaller areas of decay.  Cavity-dye is another option.  It can be placed on the tooth and does not rinse away from the decay.  This allows a dentist to clearly discern a cavity.  Diagnodent by Kavo is a laser that helps detect a cavity early.  A wand scans your tooth, and indicates if decay exists.  Your dentist also has access to a software called Logicon that compares your personal x-ray to a database of x-rays.  It is sophisticated and able to accurately diagnose.

See your dentist twice a year for  a checkup and cleaning.  He will let you know if an old filling needs replaced.  It may save you from a more extensive problem in the future.


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Kirk Kimmerling is a cosmetic dentist in Marietta, Georgia (GA) at Verde Pointe Dental Associates. Dr. Kimmerling is extremely passionate about helping every patient reach their optimum dental health. Having practiced as a dentist in Marietta, Georgia (GA) for over 26 years, Dr. Kimmerling strives to provide the very best treatment in a secure, relaxing environment. While Dr. Kimmerling specializes in cosmetic dentistry, he runs a full-service practice that provides everything from routine cleanings to dental implants. He and the courteous staff at his state-of-the-art office are dedicated to helping patients achieve beautiful smiles and maintaining a lifetime of excellent dental health.

For the top cosmetic dentist in Marietta, Georgia (GA), please call Dr. Kirk Kimmerling at Verde Pointe Dental Associates, or visit the website for more information.
www.drkirkkimmerling.com