Author: Paris Mountain Dental

How Restorative Dental Services Can Restore Your Quality of Life

Posted December 15, 2021 by Paris Mountain Dental

Losing a tooth can impact your confidence — and losing multiple teeth can impact the way your smile functions altogether. But if you’ve lost one or more of your teeth, you don’t need to give up hope in your smile. Restorative dentistry is designed to help improve the appearance and function of your smile if you’ve experienced damage due to decay, injury, or other concerns. Here is a review of the restorative treatments we offer at Paris Mountain Dental.

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are used to fill cavities. It’s important to fill the small holes in your teeth caused by cavities in order to prevent further damage in the future. Dental fillings are made from sturdy, composite materials that blend in with the natural appearance of your tooth.

Dental Crowns

Crowns, or caps, are placed over the top of an existing tooth for various reasons to enhance and strengthen your smile. After a root canal, a dental crown can strengthen the existing tooth. Crowns can also improve the appearance of weak teeth. The original tooth stays in place so your jaw density remains strong, however the part of the tooth that doesn’t look too great is covered up. The crown will look like a strong, natural tooth and hide the tooth that is chipped, cracked, or misshapen. Crowns can also replace missing teeth when they finish off a dental implant.

Bridges & Dentures

If you are missing multiple teeth in a row, a dental bridge is a convenient and affordable way to replace the string of teeth and fill out the empty space of your smile. Dentures are designed for those who have lost all of their teeth, whether in one jaw or both.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are as close to replacement natural teeth as you can get. They are composed of a titanium rod that is surgically placed under the gum line. Over time it fuses to the jaw and becomes a strong base for a crown, bridge, or dentures depending on how many teeth you’re replacing.

Root Canal Therapy

If you have an infected tooth, root canal therapy can clear out the infected tissue and salvage your natural tooth, allowing you to have a pain-free smile.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

When your wisdom teeth are impacted, they can grow in at a wrong angle and pose damage to your existing teeth. They can even cause straight teeth to move out of alignment. Oftentimes people develop infections around their wisdom teeth since they are hard to keep clean when they’re so far back in the mouth. Wisdom tooth removal helps keep your smile clear of any issues down the line.

Tooth Extractions

If no restorative treatments can help salvage your tooth or teeth, we may opt for a total tooth extraction. This is especially common if that particular tooth is preventing other teeth from growing in properly or is severely infected. After a tooth is extracted, we’ll work with you to determine the best replacement solution.

Affordable Restorative Dentistry in Travelers Rest, SC

Your smile is designed to help you chew, talk, and smile with confidence. Unfortunately sometimes patients lose teeth either to injury or infection. Whatever the problem, we can find a solution through restorative dentistry. Our friendly staff will work with you to determine the right course of action from our extensive treatment options. We’ll help you develop a plan that will make your treatment affordable. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get ready to smile with confidence again!

Restorative dentistry will have you smiling again!

What To Do After a Sports-Related Dental Injury

Posted November 12, 2021 by Paris Mountain Dental

Cartoon of a child getting hit in the face with a soccer ball and showing a chipped tooth.

Image by Authority Dental under CC 2.0

Sports Related Emergencies

Sports injuries happen so fast, and it can be difficult to determine the next best steps to take. If you or your child have serious, non-dental related injuries that need to be taken care of first, it’s better to visit an emergency room before coming to our office. However, if the emergency is mostly tooth, gum, or mouth-related, visiting Paris Mountain Dental Care for emergency dental care should be the top priority. Please call our office as soon as you can so we can clear our schedule and prepare for your arrival.

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

One of the most common sports-related dental injuries is knocking out one or more adult teeth. When this happens, it’s important not to panic, but still get to your nearest emergency dentist as soon as possible. Locate the tooth and pick it up by the crown. If it has broken into pieces, gather them together if possible. We may be able to repair the tooth and reattach it. Rinse the tooth off, and place it back in the socket if it’s not too painful. Gently bite down on a clean piece of cloth to hold the tooth in place. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, put it into a cup of milk or saliva. This will help keep it alive while you are in the process of getting to our office.

Cracked Tooth

If one or more teeth were not knocked out but were still cracked, broken, or otherwise damaged, we will want to see you for an emergency dental appointment right away. If your gums are bleeding profusely, hold a piece of gauze or cloth over the area and resist the urge to check if the bleeding has stopped for at least 15 minutes. Ibuprofen is a good over-the-counter pain medication to take if there is a lot of swelling. However, Tylenol is a better choice if there is any dental bleeding, since it is not a blood thinner.

Preventing Sports-Related Dental Injuries in Travelers Rest

At Paris Mountain Dental, we always prefer to help our patients avoid needing restorative dental care in the first place. That’s why we recommend that patients who are involved in aggressive contact sports have custom athletic mouthguards created for them. Custom mouthguards are comfortable to wear, even during long practices and games. They are also very durable and can be used to protect a patient’s smile for many years before they need to be replaced. Getting a sports mouthguard can be a great investment for patients who want to protect their beautiful smiles and avoid emergency dental treatments.

Restorative Treatments at Paris Mountain Dental

Once a dental injury has occurred, restorative dental work will likely be necessary. We hope that doesn’t happen, but if you have a dental injury you can count on our team to help you find the best restorative treatment to get your smile back to a healthy state. Contact us today to schedule an athletic mouthguard or consult about our other comprehensive dental services.

Sports mouthguards can prevent serious dental sports injuries!

When Are Dental Bridges Necessary?

Posted October 20, 2021 by Paris Mountain Dental

When you are missing multiple teeth in a row, it can be difficult to chew, talk, or smile with confidence. Dental bridges are a restorative option that can fill in the gaps left by multiple missing teeth. Paris Mountain Dental offers dental bridges as part of our restorative services. If you are missing teeth, a dental bridge might be the best option for you.

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are designed to replace multiple missing teeth in a row. They are composed of realistic-looking false teeth which are usually made of ceramic or porcelain. The bridge is secured on either side by permanent teeth or dental implants topped with dental crowns. Dental bridges are designed specifically for each individual patient to naturally fill in their smile.

Process for Dental Bridges

The dental bridge procedure usually takes place over the course of two appointments. During your initial consultation, you and Dr. Ghimire will determine if a dental bridge is the right option for your needs and budget. Next, our team will take impressions of your teeth so that the bridge will be custom made for your smile. You may also receive a temporary bridge while your permanent bridge gets made.

During your second appointment, we will place your permanent bridge in your mouth and make any necessary adjustments to it. You will also receive instructions on how to properly care for your bridge. Dental bridges can last up to ten years when cared for well!

Affordable Dental Bridges in Travelers Rest, SC

Wondering if a dental bridge is the best option for you? The best way to find out is to set up a consultation with Paris Mountain Dental. If a dental bridge won’t solve the problem with your teeth, we’ll find a restorative option that will! We look forward to your visit.

A dental bridge can fill the gaps in your smile!

Prevention Saves Money in the Long Run

Posted September 14, 2021 by Paris Mountain Dental

Staying on top of your oral health can have a positive impact on your smile and your wallet! Preventive dentistry is the key to preventing cavities and avoiding more costly dental issues down the road. Here’s what you need to know about preventive dental care and how it can benefit you!

The Importance of Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry is the foundation for a healthy smile. Preventive care includes dental cleanings and examinations as well as at-home oral hygiene regimens. With biannual cleanings and exams, your dental team can thoroughly clean your teeth and gums by removing any plaque and tartar buildup that you may have missed when brushing your teeth at home. After your cleaning, your dentist will examine your mouth to ensure you don’t have any signs of dental issues, such as cavities. In addition to regular dental visits, you should also maintain a strong at-home oral hygiene routine by brushing twice a day for two minutes each and flossing daily.

Extra Prevention for Kids

Teaching kids good dental hygiene habits will set them up for success maintaining a healthy smile as an adult. Dental sealants and fluoride treatments are two procedures we offer in the office that are especially effective preventive treatments for kids.

Don’t Leave Dental Issues Untreated

If you have any dental concerns, please don’t push them by the wayside! The sooner you seek treatment, the better. If an issue arises in between your biannual visits, contact your dentist right away. When small problems are left untreated, they can turn into more complex and costly dental issues in the long run. If you are experiencing any of the following dental issues, please call Paris Mountain Dental right away.

Bleeding, Sensitive Gums

Chronic & Throbbing Toothache

Sensitivity to Hot & Cold

Sudden Tooth Discoloration

Protection Is Part of Prevention

Preventive dentistry also includes preventing damage to teeth when possible. This means that the athletes in your family should wear an athletic mouthguard when participating in contact sports. The cost of a custom-fitted mouthguard is negligible when compared to the cost of replacing a knocked-out tooth.

Looking For a Dental Home in Travelers Rest, SC?

Finding a good dental home can help you prevent tooth decay and keep your smile healthy. At Paris Mountain Dental, we are passionate about helping patients of all ages achieve and maintain great oral health! We understand that taking care of your smile is a big responsibility and we’re ready and equipped to assist you along your dental health journey. Please contact us to book your consultation!

Regular preventive care will save you money in the long run!

When Should a Tooth Be Extracted?

Posted August 19, 2021 by Paris Mountain Dental

We always try to save a natural tooth if we can. That often means performing a root canal, but this therapy is not always the best option for all teeth or all scenarios. Sometimes, tooth extraction ends up being better for your health. When would you need a tooth removed? Here are the most common reasons.

Excessive Trauma or Decay

If a tooth has been severely damaged or decayed, taking it out is the best choice. Decay is preventable when you take good care of your teeth and visit the dentist. To avoid dental trauma, wear a mouthguard when you play sports and chew hard foods carefully. However, sometimes accidents happen and an extraction is necessary.

Gum Disease Damage

Severe gum disease makes your gums pull away from your teeth. This causes teeth to become loose. Gum disease can also cause bone loss and infections. Rather than waiting for your teeth to fall out, a clean extraction is better. You can avoid gum disease by brushing, flossing, and coming in for professional cleanings twice a year.

Crowded or Impacted Teeth

Sometimes crowded teeth damage your smile. Teeth that are too close together are harder to clean, which makes them more vulnerable to decay. They can also grind against each other. Impacted teeth refer to teeth that haven’t erupted properly. Wisdom teeth are often impacted, so it’s common to need some or all removed.

Dental Extractions at Paris Mountain Dental

If Dr. Ghimire decides a tooth extraction is the best choice for your health, our Travelers Rest team will ensure that the experience is as comfortable as possible. A topical anesthetic is always applied, so you may feel pressure when the tooth is pulled, but no pain. If you’re nervous, we also offer nitrous oxide sedation. For a smooth healing process, we’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions for the next 2-3 days of recovery. Wondering if you need an extraction or want to know more about our other services? Please contact us today!

We make tooth extractions as comfortable as possible.

How to Maintain Healthy Gums

Posted July 12, 2021 by Paris Mountain Dental

You can’t have healthy teeth without healthy gums as their foundation! Maintaining healthy gums is one of the most simple and powerful ways to boost your oral health. Here are Paris Mountain Dental’s top tips for maintaining healthy gums.

1. Floss

Flossing is one of the best ways to keep your gums healthy. Plaque, food particles, and bacteria can get trapped in the tight spaces under your gum line, and can’t be removed through simple brushing. Flossing helps remove bacteria from under the gum line to keep them clean and prevent gum disease, which starts with gum inflammation, swelling, bleeding, and pain.

2. Avoid Smoking

Smoking is extremely damaging to your health, and is one of the leading causes of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and many more deadly ailments. Smoking begins in your mouth, and the harmful chemicals in cigarettes can cause dry mouth and increased bacteria growth, accelerating your chances of developing gum disease.

3. Eat a Balanced Diet

Diets that are high in sugars, starches, and acid speed up the development of cavities and decay. Eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, protein, and fiber supports healthy saliva production and naturally curbs bacteria growth.

4. Have a Consistent Oral Hygiene Regimen

One of the most simple and powerful ways to maintain your oral health is by brushing and flossing your teeth thoroughly twice a day. If you use a fluoridated toothpaste, even better! Consistent brushing and flossing helps keep your teeth and gums free of bacteria.

5. Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year

Dentists and dental hygienists are specially trained in detecting oral health issues even before they’re visible. They can perform any necessary deep cleanings using professional tools to keep your gums clear of tartar and buildup. At Paris Mountain Dental, we offer a suite of preventive services designed to improve your oral health.

Comprehensive Dentistry in Travelers Rest, SC

Our staff is committed to helping you have a healthy, beautiful smile, starting with strong gums. Whether you need a preventive or more advanced, custom treatment to suit your needs, we’re here for you. Contact us to schedule an appointment and take a look at our financial page to learn more about our flexible financing options.

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile.

How Do Dental Anesthetics Work?

Posted June 21, 2021 by Paris Mountain Dental

Dental anesthetics are designed to help you feel at ease during your dental treatment. This might include numbing the area around the tooth or soothing you into a light sleep. Dental anxiety affects millions of people, but it shouldn’t hold you back from getting access to the treatments that keep you healthy and safe. Paris Mountain Dental offers a few different types of anesthetic and sedation options to accommodate different kinds of patients and treatments. Below is a breakdown of each option we offer and what makes it unique.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, which is also called “laughing gas” is a sweet-smelling, colorless gas. We administer it through a soft mask to help you feel relaxed and in a carefree state of mind during your treatment. The effects of laughing gas are almost immediate as you take a few deep breaths in. Likewise, the effects of nitrous oxide wear off almost immediately after we remove the mask. After a few minutes, you should feel like your old self again and can safely drive yourself home.

DentalVibe®

Many times, your dentist will numb the surrounding areas of your tooth with a novocaine injection. But if you’re afraid of needles, that simply isn’t an option. Luckily, we offer DentalVibe® technology. This sends out a wave of small vibrations that numb the area without the use of needles!

Topical Anesthesia

Topical anesthesia is a gel or cream that is applied to the area around the tooth to numb it. The most you will feel is pressure within the area during treatment, but not much else!

Is Dental Anesthesia Safe for Everyone?

Yes! And before we move forward with any type of sedation or treatment plan, we will review your medical history and current circumstances to make sure you’ll be safe throughout your treatment.

Sedation Dentistry in Travelers Rest, SC

If you suffer from dental anxiety or just want to feel a little more comfortable during your treatment, know you’ll be in good hands at Paris Mountain Dental! Apart from anesthesia, we also provide a comfortable, relaxing office environment, with amenities like candles and aromatherapy and soft pillows and blankets. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with us, call our office or schedule an appointment by clicking the contact link. Be sure to check out our flexible financing options before you visit us, too.

We use dental anesthesia to keep you comfortable during your treatment!

How Clear Aligners Work

Posted May 11, 2021 by Paris Mountain Dental

Clear aligner therapy is a revolutionary teeth straightening method. Aligner therapy utilizes retainer-like trays to straighten teeth. But how do aligners straighten teeth? It’s a valid question that many patients ask when considering aligners. Keep reading to learn more about how they work and what they can do for your smile!

What Is Clear Aligner Therapy?

Unlike traditional metal braces, clear aligner therapy uses clear, plastic trays to straighten teeth over time. To create the aligner series, dentists utilize digital scanners to create a 3D model of the teeth. With the model, a series of aligners are designed to move teeth incrementally over the treatment period. Clear aligners use gentle force to push teeth into their desired positions. Each new aligner tray gets you closer to the finish line!

How Clear Aligners Straighten Teeth

Clear aligners are worn for one to two weeks at a time. They are specifically designed to not fit perfectly so that they can push the teeth gently into their new positions. After one to two weeks, patients swap out their current trays for a new set. These are worn until the teeth have adjusted to fit in the newest trays. This cycle continues until the preferred smile results are achieved! Aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours a day to stay on the estimated treatment timeline.

Benefits of Clear Aligner Therapy

Wondering if clear aligner therapy is the right choice for you? This advanced orthodontic treatment provides a wide array of perks for patients!

Aligners are removed before eating
You can easily brush & floss
Subtle appearance
Smooth, comfortable aligners
Minimal pain & discomfort
Fewer appointments
Reduced treatment time on average

Clear Aligner Therapy in Travelers Rest

Ready to achieve your dream smile without having a mouth full of metal? At Paris Mountain Dental, we are pleased to offer clear aligner therapy. We love watching our patients gain a straight, beautiful smile without having to deal with the stress or embarrassment of braces. Please contact us to schedule your orthodontic consultation!

Discreetly straighten your teeth with clear aligners!

Chronic Diseases & Dental Health

Posted April 12, 2021 by Paris Mountain Dental

Cartoon of a white haired woman in the dental chair for a preventive exam & hygiene cleaning.

Image by Authority Dental under CC 2.0

Chronic diseases can have an impact on your dental health. Fifty percent of people have a chronic condition and 25% of adults have two or more, according to The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. It’s essential to let your dentist know if you have a chronic disease. Read on for a couple of the conditions that Dr. Ghimire and the Paris Mountain Dental team will want to know about to better care for you when you visit our Travelers Rest office.

Diabetes

Diabetes doesn’t just affect your blood sugar. People with diabetes are more likely to develop dental issues like gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss. It also may take longer for mouth infections to heal. The good news is that taking care of your oral health can improve diabetes control. You should let your dentist know if you are diabetic and when was the last time you took insulin.

High Blood Pressure

Chronic high blood pressure can have an impact on your dental health. Medication to control your blood pressure could have a side effect of gingival enlargement. This is where your gums swell and grow over your teeth. Even if you don’t experience this side effect, you’ll still want to let your dentist know if you have high blood pressure. Local anesthesia or numbing cream could potentially raise your blood pressure therefore it’s important to keep Dr. Ghimire informed about your condition and medications.

Cardiovascular Disease

If you have heart disease it might be necessary to take antibiotics before some dental procedures to protect your heart from potential bacterial infections. Additionally, heart medications can impact your oral health so it’s always important to let your dentist know what type of prescriptions you are using.

How Can You Protect Your Oral Health?

Regardless of any chronic disease, you can save yourself from future dental health problems by taking care of your teeth. Everyone benefits from a proper dental hygiene routine. Here are a few tasks that should be part of your daily hygiene routine.

Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste

Floss daily

Use mouthwash after brushing and flossing

Schedule regular dental checkups

Avoid using tobacco products

Comprehensive Services at Paris Mountain Dental

Patients of all ages receive quality dental care at Paris Mountain Dental. Our hardworking and caring team can help with a variety of dental issues. Please give us a call to schedule an appointment. We look forward to taking care of your smile.

Protect your oral health with a good hygiene routine!

Dental Crowns Myths & Facts

Posted March 11, 2021 by Paris Mountain Dental

If you have one or more teeth that have suffered from severe damage or decay, a dental crown could be the procedure you need to save your smile. Dental crowns restore not just the function, but also the appearance of your teeth. Millions of people have benefitted from this procedure, however, there are still a lot of misconceptions floating around. To help set the record straight, we looked into the most common myths about dental crowns.

Myth #1: Getting dental crowns is a painful process.

Fear of pain is often one of the biggest reasons people put off dental procedures, even when they’re badly needed. Fortunately, modern dentistry makes use of dental sedatives to make the process comfortable and stress-free.

Myth #2: Dental crowns look unnatural.

Porcelain or ceramic are most often used to make dental crowns. They offer a durable and natural appearance, and we go even further by using an impression of your tooth to make sure that the crown will fit in with your smile. They can blend in so well, that friends and family won’t even notice.

Myth #3: Dental crowns are prone to stains.

Dental crowns are actually more resistant to staining than your natural teeth. It’s worth keeping in mind however that crowns can’t be put through whitening treatments. Fortunately, they’ll still benefit from regular professional teeth cleanings.

Myth #4: Fillings are a valid substitute for dental crowns.

Fillings can sometimes prevent you from needing a crown, but they need to be done very early on. If tooth decay has advanced past a certain point, a crown will be necessary to stabilize the tooth.

Myth #5: Dental crowns are too expensive.

The actual cost of dental crowns can vary quite a bit depending on factors unique to the patient. Fortunately, dental insurance often offsets the costs associated with dental crowns. At Paris Mountain Dental we also offer affordable treatment options including our Dental Savers Plan. Most importantly we want to work with you to make sure you can get the treatment you need. Contact us in Travelers Rest to schedule your dental crown.