Michael J Morris, DDS
Posts for: May, 2015
Many people fear the dentist and delay visits at all costs. Some would prefer to avoid a dentist’s chair unless they develop a major toothache. But avoiding the dentist can come at a high price. If you feel that something isn't right with your oral health, it pays to see your Spring, TX dentist Michael J. Morris, DDS, sooner rather than later.
Signs of Trouble
Pain or sensitivity in your teeth can be a red flag that something isn’t right with your oral health. Sometimes pain can indicate tooth decay or enamel damage. Other times it may represent gum infections or soft tissue damage. In all cases, any discomfort in your mouth should be addressed by your Spring dentist Dr. Morris immediately.
Tooth Decay
When the hard surface of your teeth develops small holes, bacteria can make its way into the sensitive pulp of your tooth. Infection in the tooth’s root will cause pain and could lead to permanent tooth loss if not addressed quickly. But if you visit your Spring, TX dentist at the first sign of discomfort, they may be able to save the tooth with a simple filling or a root canal, depending on the condition of the tooth.
Gum Disease
When your gum become inflamed from bacteria and plaque buildup, periodontitis can develop. This is a gum disease that causes pockets to form between your gums and teeth which trap food debris and bacteria. As more bacteria develops, the gum tissue becomes further damaged. If this disease is left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. If you feel any pain around your gums or experience bleeding when you brush your teeth, a visit to your Spring dentist can help avoid an extraction.
If you notice your teeth are loose, your mouth bleeds, or your bite has become uncomfortable for any reason, it’s your mouth trying to tell you something isn’t right. But a simple visit to your dentist can help preserve and protect your smile to keep your teeth healthy and strong for years to come. If you notice something’s wrong with your oral health, contact the friendly staff of Dr. Michael J. Morris dentistry in Spring, TX for a consultation at (281) 379-6939.
Dental implants have become the standard for long-term tooth replacement. From mechanics to movie stars, people from all walks of life have discovered the advantages of replacing a missing tooth with an implant. Obviously, restoring your smile is a definite advantage, but an implant can also help to maintain the health of your jawbone and adjacent teeth.
The implant is a small, screw-like titanium post that is placed into your jawbone to function as the root part of the tooth. The living bone tissue will actually attach to the titanium post, fusing them together. This will not only provide a sturdy anchor for a natural-looking crown, but will provide stability for bridgework or dentures. You will then be able to smile, chew and talk as if all of your teeth are natural. The procedure will also help to stabilize the bone, reducing long-term bone loss that occurs when a missing tooth is not replaced.
At this point, if you are thinking that there must be a lot of pain involved, I have good news for you. There is very little pain involved after the procedure is completed and no pain at all during the procedure. Typically, it is a routine surgery that takes place in a dentist’s office under local anesthesia where the immediate area is numbed. If there is any apprehension at all about the procedure, we will offer alternative anesthesia or sedation options during the planning process.
To determine who will be a good candidate for the implant procedure, a plan must be in place to assure the success of the implant. Part of the plan includes:
- Reviewing your past medical and dental history. We must know your complete past and present medical history and medication use, since good health is essential. There are certain conditions and diseases that can affect the healing of an implant.
- Performing a comprehensive dental examination. An evaluation of your dental problems and needs will determine if implants are in your best interests. An assessment of the health and mass of the jawbone as well as the number and location of the implant(s) that are needed to restore your bite and smile back to health will also be determined.
When the implant procedure has been successfully completed, there is one more step. As with your natural teeth, preventive maintenance is crucial for long-term success. A daily routine of brushing and flossing along with regular professional dental cleanings and checkups will help ensure continued gum health and proper functioning of your implants.
If you are wondering whether dental implants are right for you, contact us for more information or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about dental implants by reading the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Dental Implants” and “Dental Implant Surgery.”
It is not often that you find a celebrity who is willing to speak candidly about any cosmetic or restorative dentistry that he or she has had. Instead, most prefer that their fans just assume that their dazzling “Hollywood” smile is something that just happened naturally. However, that is not the case with Kathy Ireland, the former Sports Illustrated cover girl, current business mogul and founder of kathy ireland Worldwide, a billion dollar marketing and design firm. In a Dear Doctor magazine cover story she talks openly about her dental experiences, injuries and treatment so that people worldwide can understand what may be possible for them.
For Kathy, it happened several years ago when she was playing with her husband and children in their driveway. Kathy decided that she would stand in her children's wagon and surf across their driveway. Instead, she ended up “face-planting,” as she describes it, in a freak accident that left her with a broken nose, split forehead and several broken teeth. She recalls that it sounded like a watermelon had smashed. Luckily, her husband, an emergency room physician, was on hand to care for her. Kathy is just as thankful to her cosmetic and restorative dentist who restored her trademark smile with some veneers and a dental implant. Today, the only reminder she has from this accident is a small scar on her nose that she covers with a little makeup.
You would think that this accident would be enough trauma for one person; however, Kathy describes an earlier accident where she knocked out a tooth and then later knocked it loose again. Kathy also wanted to take the time to let readers know that her dental implant experiences were “pretty easy.” She did recall, “hearing all the sounds while all of it was going on” and then added, “but I have to tell you, that after being a mom and having kids, going to the dentist...is like going to the spa!” She said that she has even fallen asleep in the dental chair.
To learn more about Kathy Ireland, continue reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Kathy Ireland.” Or if you think cosmetic or restorative dentistry is right for you, contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your specific goals.
Michael J Morris, DDS
Spring, TX 77379
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