Missing a Tooth? 4 Tooth Replacement Options to Know About

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Even just one missing tooth can make a big difference in your mouth. Luckily, yourdentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, can help. The dental professionals at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry offer a range of artificial tooth options for patients.

From implants to bridges, we can replace missing teeth with fully functional, attractive artificial options. Below are four choices for you if you’re missing a tooth.

1. Dentures

Dentures can replace an entire arch of teeth at one time. If you’re missing many of your teeth, or need to have many teeth extracted, dentures may be a good option for you. Dentures fit over the mouth and are not permanently installed, which means they need to be removed on a regular basis for cleaning. They’re also removed at night to give your mouth time to rest.

2. Dental Implants

A dental implant is an artificial tooth that is surgically installed in the body. Each implant is inserted into a hole drilled in the jaw bone, then the screw is allowed to become fused with the body the way that a tooth root is fused with the body. Dental implants are an option if you are missing a tooth and have a healthy jawbone.

3. Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth that’s held in place with crowns that fit over the teeth on either side of the hole. Dental bridges don’t rely on a healthy jaw bone for installation, but they do rely on healthy teeth surrounding the gap in the mouth.

4. Partial Denture

A partial denture is a denture that can replace several missing teeth. Like regular dentures, partial dentures are worn and are not permanently installed in the mouth.

At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, we provide all these options for our patients and more. Do you need toreplace missing teeth in Beaver Dam and Owensboro KY? Call today.

Are Dental X-rays Safe?

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Dental X-rays are an important tool that dentists use to diagnose patients and provide excellent dental care. Dentists use dental x-rays periodically to take a deep dive into the patient’s oral health status and see things they otherwise wouldn’t be able to see.

When you come in for a dental exam with yourdentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, you may be given dental X-rays. If you have questions about the safety of dental X-rays, you’re not alone. Dental X-rays expose patients to a small amount of radiation, and that leaves many patients with questions. Here’s what you need to know about dental x-rays, their usefulness, and their overall safety.

Why Do I Need Dental X-Rays?

Dental X-rays help your dentist see things that are going on inside the mouth that might not be visible during the examination. Dental X-rays can be used to check the status of your jaw bone, tooth roots, and sinuses. Using dental X-rays, your dentist may be able to identify a cavity or other problems taking place in the teeth.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Dental X-rays are considered quite safe. In fact, the amount of radiation that is released during a dental x-ray is equivalent to the amount of radiation that is released by items like cell phones, televisions, and the earth. In addition, most dentists don’t take dental X-rays at every visit to the dentist. Instead, dentists only take X-rays periodically to help limit patient exposure.

Overall, x-rays are an important tool that can help dentists uncover problems before they become serious. If you needdental x-rays in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, your dental professional at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry will make it happen. We track when our patients get x-rays and recommend x-ray use when our patients need x-rays again.

Call today to make an appointment.

3 Ways to Protect Your Teeth from Injury

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Protecting your teeth from injury is important. When teeth become cracked, chipped or damaged, this can lead to bacterial infection, tooth loss and tooth extraction.

As yourdentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, we can help you protect your teeth from injury. We offer tips and dental cleanings to patients to help them protect their teeth.

1. Get a mouthguard for athletics. 

If you participate in sports, especially if you participate in high impact sports like hockey or football, then it’s important to protect your teeth from injury. You can do this by getting a mouthguard for your teeth.

Mouthguards can be purchased from pharmacies and other stores, but the best type of mouthguards are those that are custom made for your teeth. Your dentist at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry can help you find a mouth guard that will fit over your teeth and guard your smile.

2. Know if you grind your teeth. 

If you grind your teeth, it’s important to protect your teeth from injury. Grinding happens primarily at night, and most people who grind their teeth aren’t aware this is something they do.

Your dentist will be able to tell you if you grind your teeth because your dentist can see the signs of grinding on your teeth when you come in for a dental exam. If your dentist at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry says that you do grind your teeth, get a mouthguard to help protect your teeth from damage.

3. Maintain strong, healthy teeth. 

One more thing you can do to protect your teeth from damage is to maintain good oral hygiene habits and to visit the dentist twice yearly for checkups. To make yourdentist appointment in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, call your dentist today.

woman at dentist

3 Reasons to Make a Dental Appointment In the Next 6 Months

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When was the last time you saw the dentist? The next time you visit the dentist should be six months after your last appointment. Below, we’ve listed three reasons to make adental appointment in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, in the next six months.

1. Dentist Recommendations

Generally speaking, most dentists recommend that their patients come for dental cleanings twice yearly. Every patient is unique, so your dentist may give you a different schedule to follow, but if you’re like most people, you should see the dentist twice annually.

The good news is that most dental insurance plans will cover two dental cleanings annually. This preventative care can help you take good care of your teeth, so take advantage of that dental insurance benefit.

2. Help Prevent Dental Problems

When you go to the dentist for a cleaning and examination, your dentist will look for problems like cavities, impacted wisdom teeth, dental infections, cracks in your teeth, and more.

Going every six months can help ensure that if your dentist does catch a problem, it will most likely be in its early stages. Catching problems early is important for preventing permanent teeth loss and dental emergencies requiring a root canal.

3. Maintain a Healthy, Beautiful Smile

Getting your teeth cleaned frequently can help prevent gum disease and tooth discoloration. This helps keep your teeth white and bright so you can confidently smile.

Is it time for you to see the dentist inBeaver Dam and Owensboro, KY? If so, contact Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to make an appointment.

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3 Things to Know About Maintaining White Teeth

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Teeth have a way of turning yellow over time. Achieving white teeth is a multi-step process. If you want the whitest, brightest teeth possible, maintaining your oral hygiene and seeking whitening services can help.

As yourdentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, we offer dental exams and whitening services. If having white teeth is your goal, we can help. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Good Oral Hygiene Habits Help Maintain White Teeth

Clean teeth are slick, so food particles won’t stick to them, which can help prevent stains. There are many parts to maintaining good oral hygiene habits, including:

  • Visit the dentist twice annually. See the dentist twice per year for a dental examination and cleaning. During the examination, dental professionals will remove plaque and tartar and polish the tooth enamel to help prevent your teeth from yellowing.
  • Brush your teeth twice per day. Brushing twice daily can help eliminate plaque, which can contribute to staining. Brushing your teeth is an important part of preventing stains and discolorations.
  • Floss once daily. Like brushing, flossing also helps remove plaque to keep your teeth clean.

2. Whitening Toothpaste Can Help, But Not for Everyone

Whitening toothpaste can make your teeth somewhat whiter over time. Whitening toothpaste doesn’t work for everyone because it can contribute to tooth sensitivity. You should not use whitening toothpaste if you already struggle with tooth sensitivity.

3. Getting Your Teeth Whitened By the Dentist Is Effective

Seek professionalteeth whitening in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, to make your teeth as white as possible. Getting your teeth professionally whitened can make them several shades whiter quickly. This is much more efficient than DIY and home whitening products, like whitening toothpaste.

Are you interested in teeth whitening services? Call Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to make an appointment. We offer professional teeth whitening services that can help.

What Are the Signs of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

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Wisdom teeth can be a problem because many people don’t have room in their mouth for any more molars. If your wisdom tooth becomes impacted, your dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, can help. Here’s what you need to know about impacted wisdom teeth and how they affect your oral health and hygiene.

What Is An Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

An impacted wisdom tooth is a tooth that has become trapped in your jaws or gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can be partially visible and partially covered by gums or may be fully covered by the gums.

What Are the Signs of An Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

Many people are unaware that they have impacted wisdom teeth and see no symptoms. Other people do notice symptoms but don’t know what they mean. Below are some of the symptoms of an impacted wisdom tooth:

  • Swelling in the jaw
  • Bleeding in the gums
  • Pain in the area around the impacted tooth
  • Difficulty opening your mouth all the way
  • Bad breath

What Should You Do About An Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

Often, dentists will recommend that their patients have their impacted wisdom teeth removed. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause problems like cavities, infection, and gum disease. To prevent this from happening, dentists will recommend extraction.

If you don’t want to have your wisdom tooth removed because it is not causing pain, your dentist may take a wait-and-see approach. It’s important to watch for signs of a problem and to contact your dentist if you start having pain in the area.

If you have an impacted wisdom tooth, you may need a tooth extraction in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY. Call your dentist at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to make an appointment and find out more about what your dentist can do.

Why Doesn’t My Bad Breath Go Away When I Brush My Teeth?

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Bad breath usually goes away when you brush your teeth, but when it doesn’t, it can be an embarrassing problem. If you’re having a hard time treating your bad breath with simple tooth brushing, it could be a sign of poor dental health. If you’re experiencing a problem with bad breath, your dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY can help you determine whether you’re having a dental hygiene problem. Here’s what to know.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath is usually caused by a combination of bacteria and bits of food caught in your mouth after eating. Sometimes, however, bad breath can be caused after food has been consumed and absorbed into the blood stream.

This causes the breath itself to smell like the food that’s been consumed, and can lead to temporary bad breath. Garlic and onions are two foods that are easily absorbed into the blood stream and thus can be smelled on the breath for a while after being consumed.

Why Won’t My Bad Breath Go Away When I Brush My Teeth?

If your bad breath won’t go away when you brush your teeth, this may be because the food has been absorbed into the blood stream (as may be the case with garlic and onions), or it could be that your mouth contains a lot of extra bacteria. If you notice that you have very bad breath no matter what type of food has been consumed, then this may be the result of periodontitis or gingivitis.

If your bad breath is the result of a buildup of bacteria in your mouth, you may need periodontal therapy in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY. Call Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry today to get an appointment.

Mouth with white teeth, malocclusion, health problem. Close-up occlusion, misalignment.

Bite Misalignment Vs. Tooth Decay: How Can You Tell the Difference?

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How your teeth come together has everything to do with how you chew. If you’re hitting too high on a certain side, then you’re putting stress on your teeth every time you eat. If you’re feeling pain when you eat, though, it might not be because your bite needs to be adjusted, as tooth decay is known to cause similar symptoms. If you’re experiencing tooth pain in Owensboro, KY, we’ll tell you what you need to know about the two.

Common Symptoms

With a misaligned bite, you’re likely to have problems chewing, which can mean anything from clicking sounds in the jaw, biting down on your cheeks or tongue, or difficulty speaking. With tooth decay, you’re likely to feel more sensitivity in your teeth on hot or cold foods. You may also be able to see dark spots on the tooth or general discoloration. In general, tooth decay is likely to cause straight pain while you’re eating, though it’s worth noting that a bite issue can too. One general difference between the two is that you’re more likely to feel tooth pain in a decaying tooth even when you’re not eating, though this is not a hard and fast rule.

Treatment for Tooth Pain in Owensboro

The best way to tell the difference between the two types of tooth pain is to visit a dentist in Owensboro who can evaluate your teeth. At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, we’re to do more than just diagnose the problem. From restoration to bite adjustment, the range of options can truly run the gamut. Instead of wondering what’s wrong, and potentially putting your smile at risk at the same time, you should make an appointment so you can correct the problem (sooner rather than later).

Pregnant Woman Brushing Her Teeth in the Bathroom

Is It Safe to Get Your Teeth Cleaned When Pregnant?

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Pregnancy can lead to many changes in the body, including changes in oral hygiene. If you’re pregnant, it’s important to know how to navigate these changes safely. As your dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, we’re committed ot ensuring that you’re safe during pregnancy. Here’s what you need to know.

Can you get your teeth cleaned while you’re pregnant?

Yes, you can get your teeth cleaned while you’re pregnant. In fact, hormone changes have been linked to gum disease, so going to the dentist during pregnancy is important. However, some dental procedures should wait until after your pregnancy is over. For this reason, it’s important to tell your dentist that you’re pregnant.

The best time to go during pregnancy is in your second trimester. During this trimester, some pain medications may be safe to use. In earlier stages of your pregnancy, these medications may not be allowed. In later stages of your pregnancy, spending time in the dentist chair may be uncomfortable.

What can you do to keep your teeth clean and healthy during pregnancy?

If you’re pregnant, it’s important to continue brushing your teeth twice per day and flossing once every day. It’s also advisable to see your dentist when the time comes to get your teeth cleaned. While you’re there, you can ask your dentist about anything you can do to keep your teeth clean during pregnancy. Your dentist can give you advice for maintaining white, healthy teeth.

If you’re ready to schedule your teeth cleaning in Owensboro & Beaver Dam, KY, contact your dentist at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry. Let us know over the phone that you’re pregnant, just in case that affects anything about the level of care you’ll get from your dentist when you come in.

gums and teeth disease

What’s Causing My Gums to Recede?

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Gum recession is a problem that can lead to loose teeth and, eventually, lost permanent teeth. If your gums are receding, it’s important to get help from a dentist in Owensboro & Beaver Dam, KY. Your dentist can help you understand why your gums are receding and what you can do about it. Below is some information that can help you if this is a problem that you’re experiencing.

What is gum recession?

Gum recession is a condition that occurs when the gums pull away from the roots of the teeth, leading the roots of the tooth to be exposed. Gum recession can cause tooth sensitivity and pain.

Why do gums recede?

Gum recession can occur for a variety of reasons including smoking and excessively hard tooth brushing. If you have a tongue piercing, use chewing tobacco or have periodontal disease, you are at risk for gum recession.

What can happen if your gums recede?

Gum recession can lead to loss of the bone around the teeth. Eventually, this can lead to one of your teeth becoming loose and may cause the tooth to fall out.

What should I do about my receding gums?

Gum recession can happen around many teeth, or just around one tooth. If you have gum recession, it’s important to get help from your dental professional at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry.

We can help with gum recession by identifying the cause and by making recommendations to prevent more gum recession from occurring. In extreme cases, gum recession can be treated with surgical procedures.

We offer periodontal disease treatment in Owensboro & Beaver Dam, KY to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. If you have receding gums, contact Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry today to make an appointment and learn more about how you can keep your teeth healthy today.