When You’re Missing Some Teeth | Suwanee Dentist

There are many adults that have had a couple of decayed or missing teeth replaced. While replacing your missing teeth for aesthetic reasons is understandable, it’s important to have any missing teeth replaced for your oral health. Your teeth are meant to work together to help you chew, smile and speak. When you have missing teeth, these can be difficult to do. The loss of your back teeth may cause your mouth to shift and your face to appear older or sunken in.

So, what can be done if you happen to lose a tooth? Luck for you, with the help of modern dentistry, missing teeth can be replaced. Not only replaced, but undetectable to the average Joe. The following are some of the tooth replacement options that should be available to you by your dental care professional:

Dental implants. Many people opt for dental implants to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or to support a full set of dentures. The process of getting dental implants placed typically involves three phases that take place over several weeks, which is the main disadvantage.

Bridges. If your teeth can be fixed with a dental bridge, which is basically a dental appliance that is used to fill in the missing space. Unlike dental implants that are surgically placed and securely integrated into your jawbone, bridges rely on the neighboring teeth for support.

Dentures. Dentures are removable dental appliances that can replace a single tooth or a full set. Dentures usually have replacement teeth attached to a plastic base that matches the color of your gums and, depending on your case, are either partial dentures or full dentures.

If you would like to find out more about missing teeth options, contact Dr. Kegler II at 770-476-9511 to schedule a consultation or visit www.artisticsmilesofga.comfor additional information.

Dr. Clarence Kegler II proudly serves Suwanee and all surrounding areas

Five Ways to Soothe Dental Discomfort | Suwanee Dentist

There is little we dread more than a painful dental visit. This is one of the reasons we try to dodge our dental visits any chance we get. Unfortunately, ignoring issues like tooth decay will only lead to them worsening. You finally keep your appointment and soon you and your mouth have been treated and on the road to recovery. But you were right – it wasn’t a painless experience.

There’s no doubt that a root canal procedure can cause some of the worst temporary oral pain you could experience. But that’s all it is – temporary pain. And there are lots of ways you can temporarily ease some of that seemingly relentless pain. If you’ve just had a root canal or some other type of dental surgery, be sure to follow your dentist’s advice and keep this handful of remedies in mind to help ease and sooth the pain after your procedure is finished:

Make sure to take the antibiotics prescribed by your dentist.
Relieve pain with anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen.
Avoid eating hard, crunchy or tough foods for the first few days.
An ice pack applied to the affected area can help to relieve pain.
Use a numbing gel such as Oragel once the anesthesia wears off.

We all want healthy mouths. But we need to take the time to maintain proper dental hygiene in order for this to happen. Keeping our mouths in proper working order is our responsibility in between dental visits. Otherwise, you may be stuck to have a major dental procedure done to repair any damage done. If you find that nothing is soothing your sore mouth, contact your dental professional for advice.

If you would like to find out more about dental pain post-surgery, contact Dr. Kegler II at 770-476-9511 to schedule a consultation or visit www.artisticsmilesofga.comfor additional information.

Dr. Clarence Kegler II proudly serves Suwanee and all surrounding areas.

When You Lose Friends Because of Your Breath | Suwanee Dentist

Many patients inquire about their foul breath affecting all aspects of their lives: work environment, social interactions, and feeling good about oneself. What is the bad breath coming from and how do you fix it?

A few of the factors that affect your breath are the diet you maintain (the food you ingest), the condition of your teeth (if cavities are present or not), as well as the bacteria in your mouth. A variety of foods can cause different scents, but the factor that plays the largest role is the bacteria in the mouth. Every mouth has bacteria, some of which are good, and some which aren’t. Removing the bacteria is essential to keeping good overall health as well as reducing the possibility of halitosis (bad breath).

It is necessary to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, but ideally after every meal. When brushing, it is essential to also brush your tongue. It is also critical to see your dentist and hygienist on a regular basis so they can take x-rays, and measure your gum pockets and determine the extent of the bacteria in your mouth, as well as remove the bacteria from above the gums. Occasionally, it is noted that bacteria may be able to get inside the gums and cause gum infections (gum disease) and tooth loss. This is the leading cause of bad breath, and removal of the bacteria is essential. Generally, when this is noted, a deep cleaning might be recommended to remove the bacteria causing the problems. This can be done with lasers and small cameras that show where the bacteria are. Removing these bacteria also removes the bad breath.

Once it has been determined you have gum disease, it is recommended to have cleanings done every 3 months to maintain the health of the gums. Generally, the gum measurements are made to determine how well the gums are responding to treatment and cleaned, to ensure the continued improvement of the bacteria removal. It is necessary to always brush and floss as often as possible throughout the day.

If you would like to find out more about bad breath, contact Dr. Clarence Kegler II at 770-476-9511 to schedule a consultation or visit www.artisticsmilesofga.comfor additional information.

Dr. Kegler proudly serves Suwanee and all surrounding areas.

The New Year Resolution You Should Keep | Suwanee Dentist

I know it’s hard to believe it, but we made it out of 2020. And while we may not be living in the same kind of world we had the year before, it doesn’t stop us from trying to improve upon ourselves when the new year hits. Yes, it’s resolution time again. Will they finally stick this year? That remains to be seen. One area that is generally overlooked but should be considered is your dental hygiene habits. Our dental health is important because it can influence other health issues.

FUN FACT: The average person spends around 30 seconds brushing their teeth, compared to the recommended minimum two minutes. Yes, two full minutes for optimal cleaning. So, for the new year, take a moment to look at your current dental practices – they may need a refresher course:

Brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each session
Flossing once a day before you sleep
Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash before you brush to loosen particles
Limit the daily snacks consumed, especially those full of sugar
Visiting the dentist every 3-6 months for regular checkups and professional cleaning

When brushing your teeth, make sure that every surface is brushed and cleaned as thoroughly as possible. Use short, gentle strokes with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying extra attention to your gums, the back teeth and areas around dental work.

As for flossing, follow the following technique:

Start with about 18 inches or so of floss, hold it between your thumbs and index fingers, then gently slide it in between the gaps of your teeth. Slowly move the floss back-and-forth to bring it away from your teeth without causing any harm. Keep up the good work!

If you would like to find out more about dental hygiene, contact Dr. Clarence Kegler II at 770-476-9511 to schedule a consultation or visit www.artisticsmilesofga.comfor additional information.

Dr. Kegler proudly serves Suwanee and all surrounding areas.

Common Reasons We Hate Going to the Dentist | Suwanee Dentist

Let’s face it – we have all dodged a dental check-up or two. If it doesn’t hurt, why fix it, right? Sadly, that answer would be incorrect. Yes, it is important to seek treatment for dental pains, but it is also wise to keep your dental appointments in order to maintain your good oral health.

Even still, many patients have a definite fear of sitting in that dental chair. So much so, dental phobia is an actual affliction that many face. Thankfully, the dental industry has taken note of this particular affliction and have come up with ways to help their patients feel relaxed and soothed while these dental procedures are taking place. This way, we no longer need to fear the dentist, but can go into an appointment without fear.

Sedation dentistry is just one of the ways that your dental professional will help to settle your nerves while undergoing any dental procedure, from medication to anesthetic administered before the treatment. For those that prefer a more natural way to overcome the fear, offerings like weighted blankets, aromatherapy or other types of relaxing therapies.

There are many reasons people fear the dental chair. You may be surprised how common these symptoms are:

Embarrassment
Loss of control
Sights, sounds & smells
Pain
Needle phobia
Fear of crying or making a fool of yourself
Fear of panic attacks
Abuse survivors
Gagging
Choking
Dislike of feeling numb
Can’t get numb
Extensive treatment
Cosmetic dentistry
Developmental disabilities
Just don’t like the dentist

If you find that you need some type of sedation therapy during your dental visit, mention it when you schedule your appointment.

If you would like to find out more about sedation dentistry, contact Dr. Clarence Kegler II at 770-476-9511 to schedule a consultation or visit www.artisticsmilesofga.comfor additional information.

Dr. Kegler proudly serves Suwanee and all surrounding areas.

How Diabetes Can Affect Your Smile | Suwanee Dentist

November is National Diabetes Month and since it’s in the spotlight, it is important to know that not only does diabetes affect your blood sugar levels, but every part of your body, including your smile. Yes, it’s true – those patients that suffer from diabetes will run the risk of developing dental issues more than non-diabetic patients. So, in honor of National Diabetes Month, let’s take a quick look at some of the things you can do to keep dental issues at bay while you are beginning to figure out how to control your glucose levels.

Since chewing is necessary to eat, and teeth are needed to chew, it is important to keep your teeth healthy. Oral infections can lead to bone damage and may cause tooth loss. Unfortunately, not all dental appliances will be suitable to your teeth so stay on top of your oral hygiene. Use a soft-bristled brush between the gums and the teeth in a circular motion, floss thoroughly and rinse daily.

Please understand that bleeding or swollen gums is a common symptom those suffering with diabetes will encounter. If you notice your gums are bleeding while eating or brushing, see a dentist. Make sure to let them know you have been diagnosed with diabetes so that they can help you maintain your oral health going forward. In fact, notify your dentist immediately if you notice any abnormal changes in your mouth, like frequent bleeding gums. Regular checkups will also be a great time to touch base with your dental professional regarding any other lifestyle changes that need to be made in order to maintain your overall health.

If you would like to find out more about the effects of diabetes on your smile, contact Dr. Clarence Kegler II at 770-476-9511 to schedule a consultation or visit www.artisticsmilesofga.com for additional information.

Dr. Kegler proudly serves Suwanee and all surrounding areas.