Fredericksburg Dental Center

What Are Dental Bridges? Bridges are natural-looking dental appliances that can replace a section of missing teeth. Because they are custom-made, bridges are barely noticeable and can restore the natural contour of teeth as well as the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth. Bridges are sometimes referred to as fixed partial dentures, because they are semi-permanent and are bonded to existing teeth or implants. Types of Dental Bridges There are several types of fixed dental bridges (cannot be removed), including conventional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges and resin-bonded bridges. Unlike a removable bridge, which you can take out and clean, your dentist can only remove a fixed bridge. What Are Dental Bridges Made Out Of? Porcelain, gold alloys or combinations of materials are usually used to make bridge appliances. Appliances called implant bridges are attached to an area below the gum tissue, or the bone. Schedule a Dental Bridge Consultation To schedule Dental Bridge consultation or make an appointment with a specialist, please call us at 540.373.5642 or fill out an online contact form and our office will be in touch with you. Thank you for choosing Fredericksburg Dental Center, we look forward to hearing from you!

What Are Dental Crowns? Crowns are synthetic caps, usually made of a material like porcelain, placed on the top of a tooth. What Are Dental Crowns Used For? Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth’s function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root canal. When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed, crowns are often used to restore the tooth. Crowns are also used to attach bridges, cover implants, prevent a cracked tooth from becoming worse, or an existing filling is in jeopardy of becoming loose or dislocated. Crowns also serve an aesthetic use, and are applied when a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance. The Dental Crown Procedure A tooth must usually be reduced in size to accommodate a crown. An impression is then made from the existing tooth to create a custom-designed crown. The impression is sent to a special lab, which manufactures a custom-designed crown. In some cases, a temporary crown is applied until the permanent crown is ready. Permanent crowns are cemented in place. Crowns are sometimes confused with veneers, but they are quite different. Veneers are typically applied only to relatively small areas. Caring for Dental Crowns With proper care, a good quality crown could last up to eight years or longer. It is very important to floss in the area of the crown to avoid excess plaque or collection of debris around the restoration. Certain behaviors, such as jaw clenching or bruxism (teeth grinding), significantly shorten the life of a crown. Moreover, eating brittle foods, ice or hard candy can compromise the adhesion of the crown, or even damage the crown.

If you are looking to restore missing teeth and regain your beautiful smile, dental implants may be the answer you’ve been looking for! Dr. Kent D. Archibald offers Dental Implant consultations to patients in Fredericksburg and the surrounding areas. Call 540.373.5642 today to learn more or to determine whether you are a candidate! What are Dental Implants? Before development of dental implants, bridges or dentures were the only alternative to replacing a missing tooth or teeth. Dental implants are synthetic structures that are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the root. Implants are anchored to the jawbone or metal framework on the bone and act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge. In some cases, implants can be used to attach dentures. dental implants | dentist | fredericksburg Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants? Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant, however. For a successful implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and have a strong immune system. In all cases, dental implants require strict oral hygiene. Do Teeth Implants Look Natural? Dental implants are so well designed that they mimic the look and feel of natural teeth. Implants are usually made of a synthetic yet biocompatible material like metal or ceramic. Dental Implant Surgery Implant dentistry surgery is necessary to prepare the area for an implant and place the implant in the mouth. Following the procedure, a period of time is required for the implant to take hold and for bone tissue to build up and anchor the device. In some cases, metal posts are inserted into the implant during a follow-up procedure to connect the tooth. Because implants require surgery, patients are administered anesthesia and, if necessary, antibiotics to stave off infection following the procedure. How to Care for Implants Like any restoration, implants require diligent oral hygiene and proper care to ensure they last a long time.

What Are Dentures? A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It is made of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals. What are the Benefits of Dentures? A denture improves chewing ability and speech and provides support for facial muscles. It will greatly enhance the facial appearance and smile. Types of dentures We offer two main types of dentures: Complete Dentures Complete dentures replace all teeth. They are called “conventional” or “immediate” according to when they are made and when they are inserted into the mouth. Immediate dentures are inserted immediately after the removal of the remaining teeth. To make this possible, the dentist takes measurements and makes the models of the patient`s jaws during a preliminary visit. An advantage of immediate dentures is that the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums can shrink over time, especially during the period of healing in the first six months after the removal of teeth. When gums shrink, immediate dentures may require rebasing or relining to fit properly. A conventional denture can then be made once the tissues have healed. Healing may take at least 6-8 weeks. Candidates for complete dentures have lost most or all of their teeth. You can have a full denture on your upper or lower jaw or both. Partial Denture A partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from changing position. A partial denture is suitable for those who have some natural teeth remaining. How are Dentures Made? The denture process takes about one month and five appointments: the initial diagnosis is made; an impression and a wax bite are made to determine vertical dimensions and proper jaw position; a “try-in” is placed to assure proper color, shape and fit; and the patient`s final denture is placed, following any minor adjustments. First, an impression of your jaw is made using special materials. In addition, measurements are made to show how your jaws relate to one another and how much space is between them (bite relationship). The color or shade of your natural teeth will also be determined. The impression, bite and shade are given to the dental laboratory so a denture can be custom-made for your mouth. The dental laboratory makes a mold or model of your jaw, places the teeth in a wax base, and carves the wax to the exact form wanted in the finished denture. Usually a “wax try-in” of the denture will be done at the dentist`s office so any adjustments can be done before the denture is completed. The denture is completed at the dental laboratory using the “lost wax” technique. A mold of the wax-up denture is made, the wax is removed and the remaining space is filled with pink plastic in dough form. The mold is then heated to harden the plastic. The denture is then polished and ready for wear. Getting used to your Dentures For the first few weeks, a new denture may feel awkward or bulky. However, your mouth will eventually become accustomed to wearing it. Inserting and removing the denture will require some practice. Your denture should easily fit into place. Never force the partial denture into position by biting down. This could bend or break the clasps. At first, you may be asked to wear your denture all the time. Although this may be temporarily uncomfortable, it is the quickest way to identify those denture parts that may need adjustment. If the denture puts too much pressure on a particular area, that spot will become sore. Your denture can be adjusted to fit more comfortably. After making adjustments, you may need to take the denture out of your mouth before going to bed and replace it in the morning. Start out by eating soft foods that are cut into small pieces. Chew on both sides of the mouth to keep even pressure on the denture. Avoid sticky or hard foods, including gum. How to Maintain Your Dentures: It’s best to stand over a folded towel or a sink of water when handling your denture, just in case you accidentally drop it. Brush the denture (preferably with a denture brush) daily to remove food deposits and plaque, and keep it from becoming permanently stained. Avoid using a brush with hard bristles, which can damage the denture. Look for denture cleansers with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. Pay special attention to cleaning teeth that fit under the denture`s metal clasps. Plaque that becomes trapped under the clasps will increase the risk of tooth decay.

Dental technology has improved the way dentists practice their craft. Thanks to science, modern techniques allow patients to receive dental treatment without the pain and time associated with old-fashioned dentistry. Dental technology is even being developed to make dental X-rays safer and more convenient. While dental X-rays emit low amounts of radiation and every precaution is taken to protect patients from exposure, some dental patients may still put off dental X-rays for safety reasons. Dental X-rays bring up other issues for patients, including the wait time for film to be developed and environmental concerns. Dentists are addressing these issues with digital radiography, a high-tech replacement for traditional dental X-rays. Digital Dental X-Rays The physical process for digital radiography is actually similar to traditional dental X-rays that use film: With digital radiography, your dentist inserts a sensor into your mouth to capture images of your teeth — but that’s where the similarities between conventional and digital dental X-rays end. Although it resembles the film used for bitewings and other X-rays, the digital sensor is electronic and connected to a computer. Once the X-ray is taken, the image is projected on a screen for your dentist to view. There are several benefits to using digital radiography over traditional film X-rays: Less Radiation — The equipment used in digital radiography exposes dental patients to much less radiation. In fact, digital X-rays use up to 90 percent less radiation than film X-rays. While conventional dental X-rays are relatively safe, digital radiography is an excellent option for those who take X-rays on a regular basis or for those who are concerned about radiation. Shorter Dental Appointments — Digital radiography can also shorten your dental appointment! With traditional dental X-rays, you’ll have to wait while your dentist develops the film. With digital radiography, the sensor develops the picture almost instantly and projects it onto a computer screen right before your eyes. Higher Quality Images — The standard size of traditional X-rays can make viewing difficult, but digital radiography has done away with the “one size fits all” mentality. Once on the screen, digital X-rays can be enlarged or magnified for a better visual of the tooth’s structure. Brightness, contrast and color can also be adjusted, allowing your dentist to see small cavities easier. If you need a hard copy of your X-ray, digital images can also be printed out. Transferring Dental Records — Digital images can be e-mailed to a dental specialist for immediate review. Digital X-rays are taking away the expense and time needed to copy files and mail them to another dentist, making it easier to transfer dental records or get a second opinion. As more offices are turning to electronic patient charts, computers may eliminate the need to mail dental records altogether. Environmentally Friendly — Digital dental X-rays are better for the environment! With digital radiography, no chemicals are used to develop film. There’s also no wasted space of a darkroom and no need to store film, which can pile up in a dentist’s files.

Invisalign’s® invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners will give you the beautiful straight teeth you’ve always wanted. And best of all, no one can tell you’re wearing them. Invisalign® is great for adults and teenagers. What is Invisalign®? Invisalign® is the invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces. Invisalign® uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets. Invisalign® has been proven effective in clinical research and in orthodontic practices nationwide. How Does Invisalign® Work? You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the their final position. You’ll visit us about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9 – 15 months and the average number of aligners during treatment is between 18 – 30, but both will vary from case to case. How Are Aligners Made? You’d Be Amazed… The aligners are made through a combination of our expertise and 3-D computer imaging technology. Visit the Invisalign® website Book an Invisalign Consult with Dr. Archibald! To learn more about Invisalign aligners, or to determine whether they are right for you, be sure to schedule a one-on-one appointment with Dr. Kent D. Archibald today. Call 540.373.5642 or click here to send us a Consultation Request Form. Our practice looks forward to serving you!

What is Root Canal Therapy? Root canals are tiny passageways that branch off from beneath the top of the tooth, coursing their way vertically downward, until they reach the tip of the root. All teeth have between one and four root canals. Many tooth problems involve infections that spread to the pulp, which is the inner chamber of the tooth containing blood vessels, nerves and other tissues. When the infection becomes worse, it can begin affecting the roots. A traumatic injury to a tooth can also compromise the pulp, leading to similar problems. dentist A diseased inner tooth brings a host of problems including pain and sensitivity as the first indications of a problem. However, inside a spreading infection can cause small pockets of pus to develop, which can lead to an abscess. Root canal therapy is a remarkable treatment with a very high rate of success, and involves removing the diseased tissue, halting the spread of infection and restoring the healthy portion of the tooth. In fact, root canal therapy is designed to save a problem tooth; before the procedure was developed and gained acceptance, the only alternative for treating a diseased tooth was extraction. Root Canal Procedure Root canal therapy usually entails one to three visits. During the first visit, a small hole is drilled through the top of the tooth and into the inner chamber. Diseased tissue is removed, the inner chamber cleansed and disinfected, and the tiny canals reshaped. The cleansed chamber and canals are filled with an elastic material and medication designed to prevent infection. If necessary, the drilled hole is temporarily filled until a permanent seal is made with a crown. Most patients who have root canal experience little or no discomfort or pain, and enjoy a restored tooth that can last almost as long as its healthy original.

Dental anxiety is a very real hurdle that keeps countless people from gaining the necessary care to ensure their oral health. At Fredericksburg Dental Care, Dr. Kent D. Archibald offers the latest Sedation Dentistry techniques to patients in Fredericksburg and the surrounding areas of Virginia. Call 540.373.5642 today to learn more or schedule a Sedation Dentistry consultation! What Is Sedation Dentistry? Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry,” although that’s not entirely accurate. Patients are usually awake enough to respond to simple verbal commands such as the request to turn one’s head a certain direction or to open a little wider. The levels of sedation used include: Minimal sedation — you are awake but relaxed. Moderate sedation (formerly called “conscious sedation”) — you may slur your words when speaking and not remember much of the procedure. Deep sedation — you are on the edge of consciousness but can still be awakened. General anesthesia — you are completely unconscious. What Types of Sedation Do You Offer? The following types of sedation are offered to our patients: Inhaled Minimal Sedation You breathe nitrous oxide — otherwise known as “laughing gas” — combined with oxygen through a mask that’s placed over your nose. The gas helps you relax. Our doctors can control the amount of sedation you receive, and the gas tends to wear off quickly. This is the only form of sedation where you may be able to drive yourself home after the procedure. Oral Sedation Depending on the total dose given, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation, you take a pill. Typically, the pill is Halcion, which is a member of the same drug family as Valium, and it’s usually taken about an hour before the procedure. The pill will make you drowsy, although you’ll still be awake. A larger dose may be given to produce moderate sedation. This is the type of anesthesia most commonly associated with sedation dentistry. Some people become groggy enough from moderate oral sedation to actually fall asleep during the procedure. They usually can, though, be awakened with a gentle nudge IV Moderate Sedation You receive the sedative drug through a vein, so it goes to work more quickly. Because of its rapid effects many patients prefer this option. This method also allows Dr. Archibald to continually adjust the level of sedation, making your sleep dentistry experience more customized to your personal needs. Regardless of which type of sedation you receive, you’ll also typically need a local anesthetic — numbing medication at the site where the dentist is working in the mouth — to relieve pain if the procedure causes any discomfort. Am I A Candidate? Sedation is most appropriate for people with a real fear or anxiety that is preventing them from going to the dentist. Sedation dentistry may also be appropriate for people who: have a low pain threshold or very sensitive teeth have difficulty getting numb can’t sit still in the dentist’s chair have a bad gag reflex need a large amount of dental work completed Sometimes, children are given sedation if they are terrified of going to the dentist or refuse to cooperate during the visit. Nitrous oxide is a very safe and effective aid for children who are nervous about their treatment. A smaller percentage of pediatric patients need more sedation than nitrous oxide gas alone can provide. In these cases we may refer your child to be seen by a dentist specializing in pediatric sedation. Why Choose Fredericksburg Dental Center Most dentists can administer nitrous oxide. However, an increasing number of patients require deeper sedation than nitrous alone can deliver. Only a small percentage of dentists in Virginia have completed the extensive training and are permitted to provide these deeper levels of sedation. Dr. Archibald is one of these highly trained dentists, who can not only perform the dentistry you need, from the simplest filling to the complexities of dental implants or oral surgery, all while keeping you safe and sleepy. How Safe Is Sedation Dentistry? There is always a risk in getting anesthesia. It is usually safe, though, when given by an experienced dentist who monitors your vital signs closely and is trained and experienced in keeping you safe and comfortable. However, certain people, such as those who are obese or who have obstructive sleep apnea, should talk to their physician before having sedation. That’s because they are more likely to develop complications from the anesthesia. Before the day of your appointment, Doctor Archibald will review with you your medical history and determine if you are a good candidate for sedation dentistry.

What is Sleep Apnea? Waking up from a night’s sleep without getting any sleep—it’s a problem. And that problem could be obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). What is OSA? OSA is a sleep disorder, in which case the upper airway is obstructed by excess tissue, airway muscles collapsing and relaxing during sleep, nasal passages and position of the jaw. The word “apnea” is Greek for “without breath.” OSA is one of three sleep apnea disorders, the others being mixed and central sleep apnea. sleep How Many People Does Sleep Apnea Affect? An estimated 18 to 20 million adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with OSA, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Sleep Apnea Symptoms Most people go undiagnosed for a long time because they are unaware of the symptoms. In most cases, a loved one will have noticed the symptoms before the patient. Common symptoms of OSA include loud snoring, waking up abruptly and gasping for air. When apnea occurs, it sends impulses to the brain to wake a person up, allowing them to restart normal breathing patterns. If there are 30 apneas during an average night of sleep (7-8 hours), a patient can be diagnosed with sleep apnea disorder. Will Sleep Apnea Go Away on it’s Own? This is a disorder that needs to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. If a patient continues without treatment, he/she raises the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat, heart attack and stroke. Also, a person suffering from sleep apnea will have trouble functioning during the day, which could result in accidents and lack of productivity. A sleep study is the only proper way to diagnose OSA. Sleep Apnea Treatment Options- Oral Appliance Therapy To treat OSA, there are many different appliances that can help lessen an obstruction to the airways. Oral appliances are a primary treatment for mild to moderate OSA. What does an oral appliance do? It repositions the tongue and lower jaw forward, allowing the airways to remain open. Dentists typically use oral appliances as their main treatment option. And most dentists offer custom-made oral appliances. Sleep Apnea Treatment Alternatives The Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) remains the standard therapy for OSA. A CPAP uses air pressure to keep the airway open. If a patient can’t tolerate a CPAP, an oral appliance is the recommended treatment. Obstructive sleep apnea isn’t something to snore at. To schedule a sleep apnea consultation or make an appointment, please call us at 540.373.5642 or fill out an online contact form and our office will be in touch with you. Thank you for choosing Fredericksburg Dental Center, we look forward to hearing from you!

Food particles are naturally attracted to a tooth’s enamel by a certain protein. Products like coffee and tea, berries and soy sauce are notorious for staining teeth. Over time, teeth actually become more absorbent and vulnerable to staining from food and other substances. The darker tissue of your teeth, the dentin, can become exposed as the outer layer of enamel is worn away by the effects of aging or things like caffeine and tobacco. Whitening procedures have effectively restored the smile of people with stained, dull, or discolored teeth. Types of Teeth Stains One type of stain—caused by traumatic injuries, medications and fluorosis—actually begins inside the tooth; brushing and flossing don’t help. Another type of stain—one that can be more easily attacked by brushing, flossing and rinsing—is caused by external factors such as foods. More and more people today are choosing tooth-whitening procedures to reverse the effects of aging and abuse from food and tobacco stains. Why Get Teeth Whitening at a Dentists? Some commercially available “whitening toothpastes” can be somewhat effective at removing stains and making teeth a few shades brighter. However, many of these products have abrasive substances that can actually wear away your tooth’s enamel. Whitening agents actually change the color of your teeth, but only are effective on certain types of stains. For example, bleaching agents have a difficult time removing brownish or grayish stains. These products also are not as effective on pitted or badly discolored teeth, or on restorations such as crowns, bridges, bonding and tooth-colored fillings (porcelain veneers or dental bonding may be more appropriate in this case). Professional whitening performed by our office is considered to be the most effective and safest method; done properly, teeth whitening can last as long as five years. Over-the-counter whitening systems are somewhat effective as long as they are monitored and directions followed closely. Call 540.373.5642 or schedule a consultation to learn more