The Difference Between Cosmetic Dentistry and Restorative Dentistry

Venture Creative on November 27, 2020

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. So naturally, you want it to be as perfect as possible. However, before you go ahead and make a consultation at your dentist, make sure you know the difference between cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry.

 

To put it plainly, restorative dentistry is the process of restoring your mouth and your overall health. Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, is more about the cosmetic aspect of it and improves the alignment, color, shape, and size of the client’s teeth.

 

Cosmetic Dentistry

 

Now that you know the basics of cosmetic and restorative dentistry, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty.

 

Cosmetic dentistry focuses more on veneers, crowns, bonding, and even teeth whitening. This means that although you may not have any prominent issues with your teeth, there may be some imperfections that you are eager to get fixed.

 

Veneers are a thin layer of covering that goes over your natural tooth. Despite this, they still look like natural teeth. They are typically the only option for people whose teeth are too far gone and can’t be fixed via whitening or braces.

 

Getting your teeth whitened is also another version of cosmetic dentistry. It’s ideal for getting the bright smile you have always dreamed of without having to spend money on whitening procedures that won’t work.

 

Your teeth can change color over the years as a result of cigarette smoke, coffee, medications, and more. However, this isn’t always a problem you can fix with just regular toothpaste. Over time, you will have to rely on the services of a professional.

 

Restorative Dentistry

 

This type of dentistry isn’t as fun as cosmetic dentistry. This is the type of dentistry you’ll need when you have a cavity, need an implant, or more. This could involve getting a crown or a filling for a cavity. It’s also not necessarily something you have a choice in.

 

If you do end up having to get one, be sure to avoid having to get another by not eating hard or sticky foods, brushing often and flossing as often as you can.

 

Restorative dentistry also involves replacing an entire tooth on its own. If you have lost a tooth as a result of an accident or some other reason, restorative dentistry is the type of service you’ll need.

 

In Conclusion

 

There are some important things to take away from restorative and cosmetic dentistry. For one, restorative dentistry isn’t optional and is something you need in order for your mouth to be as healthy as possible. Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, is an option and something people get in order to make their smile look better than it already is.

 

If you have any questions about getting either of these procedures done, be sure to reach out to your local dentist’s office for more information. At the end of the day, the health of your teeth is one you shouldn’t compromise.

Top 5 Problems Created by Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Venture Creative on November 21, 2020

The last set of adult teeth to emerge is the third molars or ‘wisdom teeth.’ They erupt at the back of the mouth when an individual reaches adolescence or adulthood. It is pertinent to mention that the experience does anything but make you wiser. It can be extremely problematic, not to mention painful.

 

In addition to this, if it does not have enough room in the mouth to erupt through the gum or happens to get stuck under it, it is an impacted wisdom tooth. In that case, they are more prone to infections, tooth decay, and other severe dental issues.

Symptoms

When a wisdom tooth passes through the gum, one can see the parts of it. This occurrence means getting partially-impacted wisdom teeth that can be quite painful. This is because small crevices can trap, which can get difficult to clean.

In case the tooth suffers from an infection, the symptoms include a swollen jaw in addition to red, painful, bleeding gums. You may also suffer from bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. You may even face trouble opening the mouth, which can lead to difficulty in eating.

Common problems

1. Pressure on the surrounding teeth

Most wisdom teeth tend to erupt at an angle that puts pressure on the surrounding teeth. This pressure can cause the other teeth to shift, thereby damaging them. This increases the risk of contracting an infection.

2. Tooth Decay

Partially erupted wisdom teeth means food gets stuck in those small gaps. Normal brushing cannot help with the cleaning. As a result, entrapped food ends up, causing the teeth to decay.

Without timely intervention, the decay can make its way to the nerve. This can lead to dental problems like abscesses, and you might then have to go for a root canal.

3. Gum infection

Gums can suffer from infections due to untreated tooth decay. This dental problem is pericoronitis, which means painful and swollen gums. Your breath goes bad, and you experience swelling in the lymph nodes. As a result, you might not even get to open your mouth properly. Pericoronitis is what often leads people to get their wisdom teeth extracted. The pain can get so unbearable that the only solution is to get rid of the wisdom tooth.

4. Cysts

They are another major, but quite rare, complication that wisdom teeth can cause. It can get painful. Therefore, one must take it seriously. The cyst can end up damaging the nerves and lead to serious issues, like benign tumors.

5. Sinus

Are you wondering how? Well, teeth come with a long root. When wisdom teeth emerge, the root can put constant pressure on an individual’s sinus system. As a result, you might face severe headaches and sinus pain.

If you consider wisdom tooth extraction, call at (435) 228-7282 and schedule an appointment now!

Southern Utah’s Best Oral Surgeon

Venture Creative on November 13, 2020

When you are looking for an oral surgeon, one of the most important things is to find a doctor that really, truly cares about their patients. Not only are you looking for someone who is obviously skilled, well-trained, and proficient at what they do, but you also want them to be enthusiastic about getting the results that are going to make your smile look its best. That is why Dr. Shawn Davis is among the best in his field, and the absolute best oral surgeon in Southern Utah.

 

In the words of Dr. Davis himself, “The most rewarding part of my practice is being able to give my patients a healthier lifestyle, a beautiful smile, transforming their lives, and making them happy. That is the reason I come to work every day!” This is the sort of enthusiasm and drive that makes Dr. Davis the premier oral surgeon in his region.

Education

Earning his Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in 1999, he hit the ground running that same year and began training for his Doctorate at Temple University College of Dentistry. During this time he also completed a Masters of Business Administration concurrently. Four years later he had completed his Doctorate and gained acceptance to the University of Oklahoma and their top-tier oral and maxillofacial surgery program. Following his love of dentistry and his skill in his studies, he was chosen as the Chief Resident in the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, where he still participates as an occasional guest lecturer.

Memberships And Industry Achievements

In addition to being on the leadership committee of the Resident Organization of the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, Dr. Davis helped create and author the American Associate of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Pocket Reference Guide. This guide is now given to all students of dentistry who enter Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Residency nationwide and is used consistently by surgeons across the country.

 

Dr. Davis stays at the forefront of dentistry developments, attending and lecturing at multiple meetings and conferences every year to learn about and in some cases provide cutting-edge technology and emerging surgical techniques to his patients. He helped to found the Seattle Study Club of Southern Utah, ad the Spear Continuing Education Study Club. He also holds and maintains membership in scholarly organizations such as:

  • American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
  • American Dental Association
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
  • Utah Society of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
  • American Society of Dental Anesthesiologists
  • University of Oklahoma Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Lecturer
  • Southwest Society of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons

 

Dr. Davis also is also the team surgeon for facial trauma, in the Dixie State University Department of Sports Medicine.

Personal Achievements

Dr. Shawn Davis was raised in Idaho and northern Utah, and now for nearly a decade as lived in St. George. He and his beloved wife are the parents of three children, with whom he loves to spend a large portion of his free time. He also enjoys playing multiple sports, reading, and camping.

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