News Archives - Pillar Dental

All You Need to Know About Overbite

Dr. Anne Pillar — Sat, 06 Aug 2022 23:11:00 +0000

You may already be familiar with different dental conditions like cavities, tooth decay, bad breath, cracked or broken teeth, and gum infections. But have you ever heard about overbite or buck teeth? If not, here’s everything you need to know about it.

What Is It?

Buck teeth is a condition in which there is a vertical overlap or horizontal gap between the bottom and the front teeth. So if your upper jaw sits over your lower teeth, then you might have such a dental problem.

The two main types of buck teeth are dental and skeletal. What sets the two apart is that the former is characterized by teeth alignment problems, while the latter is distinguished by irregularities in the jawbone.

Why Is It a Problem?

Some people with buck teeth don’t want to treat the dental condition. But dentists advise not to ignore it because it can lead to serious health issues. These include breathing challenges, cavities, eating difficulties, gum disease, pain when chewing, speech disorders, and temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

What Causes It?

People have buck teeth for different reasons. Some individuals inherit it from their parents. They are either born with an uneven jaw, or a small upper or lower jaw. Meanwhile, others get it from certain habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting. Teeth problems (missing teeth, impacted teeth, or extra teeth) and cysts and tumors of the jaw or mouth may also cause buck teeth.

How Is It Fixed or Treated?

There are plenty of treatment methods that dentists use to fix buck teeth. For children, they may recommend tooth extraction or the usage of braces, retainers, and palate expanders. Depending on the cause and severity of the buck teeth, dentists may also use braces, tooth extraction, and even surgery in adults.

Can Invisalign Aligners Fix Buck Teeth?

Patients with mild or moderate cases of buck teeth can be treated with Invisalign aligners. For example, if the protrusion is up to 2mm (mild malocclusion), dentists may use Invisalign to create more space for the upper teeth to move backwards, or move the lower teeth forward.

Do You Have Buck Teeth? Contact Pillar Dental Today!

If you have buck teeth, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the dentists at Pillar Dental right away. We provide quality and effective dental treatments for overbite. Call us now to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services. We’re looking forward to hearing from you and assisting you with your needs.

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3 Ways to Clean Your Stained Invisalign Trays

Dr. Anne Pillar — Sun, 17 Jul 2022 23:13:00 +0000

One of the main reasons people choose Invisalign aligners over traditional braces is their virtually invisible or translucent appearance. Your colleagues, friends, or family members may not notice that you wear them unless you tell them.

However, when your Invisalign trays are stained, your aligners can become evident or apparent. Fortunately, there are affordable yet effective ways to clean and remove any discoloration on your trays. You can try soaking them in:

Baking Soda

If your aligners are yellowing, you can use baking soda to remove such discoloration and revert them to their clear or invisible appearance. Such a solution is also good at removing stuck-on food particles and plaque on your trays

Mix one tablespoon of baking soda into one cup of warm water to create the solution. Soak your aligners in the mixture for at least 30 minutes. Once done, you can take them out and brush them.

Clear Antibacterial Soap

Using an antibacterial soap can effectively eliminate odor and calcium and mineral deposits stored in your aligners. All you have to do is soak your invisible brace in lukewarm soapy water for at least 20 minutes. You may also apply the soap directly to your aligners. Make sure to use a clear antibacterial soap as the colored ones can stain your brace.

Distilled White Vinegar

A vinegar solution can eliminate minimal stains on your trays effectively. It is also good at removing bacteria and unwanted odors in your aligners.

The solution is made up of one-part white vinegar and three parts water (1:3 ratio). Simply soak your trays or aligners in the mixture for 20 minutes. Once done, brush and rinse them thoroughly to eliminate the vinegar taste.

Need Invisible Braces? Contact Pillar Dental Now!

If you want a beautiful smile with no wires or brackets, reach out to our Invisalign dentists now! They can also give you more tips on maintaining your invisible braces. You may reach us through our email, info@pillardental.com, or phone number (605) 271-4422. To schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly staff today!

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Two of the Most Common Dental Implant Alternatives

Dr. Anne Pillar — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 05:06:09 +0000

When you need a tooth replacement, many experts would suggest that you undergo a dental implant. Such treatment is said to be the popular choice among many people as the implant functions and looks like real teeth. Dental implants can also help prevent jaw bone loss and keep you free of gum disease.

But, if for any reason, such a solution is not an option for you, there are some alternatives to dental implants you can choose from. Here are two of them:

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is typically made up of metal, ceramic, or a combination of both materials. It can be used to replace one or more missing teeth without having the need for implant surgery.

There are many types of dental bridges you can choose from. Traditional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges, and Maryland bonded bridges are just some of them.

Some people choose dental bridges over implants because they’re more affordable. They also take a shorter treatment time compared to dental implants. You may only need to visit your dentist twice or thrice over the course of one to two weeks. With implants, it can take months before the treatment process is fully complete.

Dentures

Another non-surgical dental implant alternative you can choose from is dentures. They are normally made out of acrylic, nylon, porcelain, resin, or metal. They can also be removed for cleaning and repair purposes.

There are also many types of dentures available. Traditional complete full dentures, partial dentures, custom dentures, immediate dentures, overdentures, economy dentures, and upper dentures are some of them.

Compared to dental implants and bridges, dentures are said to be the most cost-effective solution for teeth replacement. They can also be easily adjusted depending on your needs. If you lose another tooth, for example, you won’t need to replace your denture. You can just have another tooth added to it.

Reach Out to Pillar Dental Now!

If you want to learn more about other alternatives to dental implants, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Pillar Dental. Our dentists will help you look for the perfect solution that best suit your needs. Contact us now to set up an appointment and know more about our complete list of dental services! We’ll be happy to hear from you.

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All About Teeth Whitening Strips

Dr. Anne Pillar — Thu, 26 May 2022 17:28:14 +0000

We all want to have sparkling white teeth, which is probably the reason why there are many tooth whitening products available on the market today. Some of them even claim to do the job instantly. One of them is the popular dental product called teeth whitening strip. If you’ve never used such merchandise before, here are some important things you need to know about it:

Do Whitening Strips Work?

Teeth whitening strips contain hydrogen or carbamide peroxides that can bleach the stains on your teeth. They can penetrate your tooth enamel and blanch the chromogens or the molecules that cause staining. So, to answer the question, “Do whitening strips work?” the shortest reply you can get is yes. However, they’re not as effective as the treatments offered at a dentist’s office.

The whitening ingredients used in strips have lower concentrations than dental professionals’ solutions. Whitening strips can also pose some serious problems.

What Problems Do Whitening Strips Cause?

According to a study, gum irritation is one of the most common problems when using whitening strips. You’ll know your gum is irritated when you feel a chemical burn or notice inflammation or white spots. To avoid such problems, make sure that the strips don’t touch your gums during the application process.

Tooth damage is another issue that is linked to whitening strips. Improper usage of such dental products can soften your enamel. And once it erodes, your teeth can become vulnerable to problems like tooth decay and temperature sensitivity. It would be best to consult your dentist before using teeth whitening strips.

Get in Touch With Pillar Dental Today!

If you need more information about whitening strips, reach out to Pillar Dental. Our friendly dentists will be more than willing to answer your queries and assist you with your needs.

And if you want a more effective solution on how you can whiten your teeth, we have just the proper treatment for you. We’ve been the go-to clinic of many people regarding teeth whitening in Sioux Falls, so you can be sure that we know precisely how to help you. Contact us now at (605) 271-4422 to set up an appointment. We’ll be happy to hear from you.

The post All About Teeth Whitening Strips appeared first on Pillar Dental.

Things You Should Know About Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Dr. Anne Pillar — Thu, 05 May 2022 04:47:01 +0000

A toddler or baby’s teeth are temporary. They are the reason why some parents believe that it’s okay for those teeth to decay since they’ll be replaced by new and permanent ones, anyway. However, a primary tooth is as important as a secondary one. Remember that your kids also need strong and healthy teeth to speak and eat properly.

If you don’t follow the proper dental hygiene for kids, there is a high chance that your child will experience baby bottle tooth decay or early childhood caries (ECC). If it’s your first time encountering such a term, here’s what you should know about it:

What Is Early Childhood Caries or ECC?

An ECC is a type of tooth decay in infants and toddlers that often affects the incisors or upper front teeth. However, the cavities can still affect any of the child’s teeth. If ECC has already progressed too far to be treated, your pediatric dentist may have no other option but to extract the teeth entirely.

What Causes Early Childhood Caries?

There are many possible reasons why a child may develop early childhood caries. But prolonged exposure of the infant’s teeth to sweetened or sugary drinks is one of the most common causes of ECC.

How Can You Prevent Early Childhood Caries?

Practicing proper dental hygiene for kids can help you ensure that your child’s teeth are healthy. But aside from that, here are other ways you can prevent ECC from developing:

Don’t give your child sugary beverages such as juice or soft drinks.
Avoid licking your baby’s pacifier or spoon before giving it to them.
Wipe your infant’s gums after feeding.
Brush your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste after feeding.
Give your baby tap water instead of a bottled one.
Schedule a regular dental checkup with your pediatric dentist.

Reach Out to Pillar Dental Today!

If you have any reasons to believe that your child has early childhood caries, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Pillar Dental right away. Our dentists will be more than happy to assist you with your needs. Call us now to schedule an appointment.

The post Things You Should Know About Baby Bottle Tooth Decay appeared first on Pillar Dental.

Benefits of Laser Treatment for Periodontal Disease

Dr. Anne Pillar — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 20:36:37 +0000

Periodontal disease or periodontitis is a severe infection of the gums that is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. If left untreated, periodontal disease will result in persistent bad breath, swollen gums, sensitive or loose teeth, painful chewing, and more. So, you need to contact your dentist right away if you have periodontitis.

There are plenty of nonsurgical and surgical treatments tooth doctors use to tend to periodontitis. But nowadays, many dentists prefer a new form of treatment called laser periodontal therapy. Here’s why:

Less Gum Bleeding

In the past, the treatment for periodontitis involves aggressive scraping, scaling, and root planing that can cause gum bleeding. But with laser technology, there will be less bleeding, and it can be stopped right away.

Little Effect on Surrounding Periodontal Tissue

Laser-assisted periodontal disease therapy is less invasive than other traditional forms of treatment. This is because lasers target the infected areas of the gums more accurately without causing too much damage to the surrounding periodontal tissues.

Fast Recovery Time

The recovery time for conventional periodontal treatments takes longer because you have to consider the additional time it will take for the damaged surrounding healthy tissues to heal. Since laser-assisted periodontal therapy precisely targets the infected area, all you have to do is to wait for that spot to recover.

Affordable

While the laser technology used for periodontal treatment is valuable, the cost of the procedure is the same, and sometimes even less than other methods that don’t use laser. Often, laser periodontal therapy is also covered by the patient’s dental insurance.

Contact Pillar Dental Today!

If you or your family members have periodontitis, reach out to Pillar Dental right away. We offer laser-assisted periodontal disease therapy in Sioux Falls. Our hygienists have undergone extensive training in treating gum diseases, so you can be sure that we know exactly how to help you.

For questions or clarifications, you may reach us by calling (605) 271-4422 or emailing us at info@pillardental.com. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be more than willing to assist you. Contact us now to set up an appointment!

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Choosing the Right Toothbrush for You

Dr. Anne Pillar — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 11:54:06 +0000

Many of us don’t spend that much time choosing a toothbrush. Whenever we need to buy a new one, we often choose according to its brand, color, or price. However, selecting the right toothbrush isn’t as simple as that. You need to consider factors to ensure that you pick the best one for you. Here are some of them:

Manual Vs Electric Toothbrush

One of the questions you’ll have to answer before buying a toothbrush is whether you prefer an electric or a manual one. Both can do an excellent job at cleaning your teeth. However, a toothbrush powered by batteries or electricity is more effective at reducing the risk of gingivitis and plaque. So, it may cost more than a manual toothbrush.

Size of the Head of the Toothbrush

Brush heads are available in different sizes. Larger ones can make it difficult for you to brush hard-to-clean areas in your mouth like your molars. So, experts recommend brush heads that are one inch in height and half an inch in length. But, it would be best to choose whichever brush head size you’re more comfortable with.

Shape and Type of Bristles

Toothbrush bristles come in different shapes (round or straight) and types (soft, ultrasoft, medium, firm, and hard). Experts recommend using soft nylon bristles with tapered edges as they can’t damage the teeth even when you bear down too much or press too hard. When it comes to the shape of the bristles, consider rounded ones, as they can help protect your gums from infections.

ADA Seal

When choosing a manual or electric toothbrush, make sure that you get one with an American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. This way, you can be certain that the toothbrush you’re buying is safe to use.

Get in Touch With Pillar Dental Today!

If you’re still unsure which toothbrush is right for you, feel free to ask your dentists at Pillar Dental the next time you have an appointment with them. They’ll surely be able to recommend you the best toothbrush. Contact us now to schedule a dental appointment!

The post Choosing the Right Toothbrush for You appeared first on Pillar Dental.

What You Should Do When Your Child Experiences Tooth Fracture

Dr. Anne Pillar — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 11:11:00 +0000

Tooth injuries, from minor chips to fractures, are quite common to kids, especially to those who are learning to walk or engaging in sports. Sometimes, even teeth grinding and eating certain foods like ice or hard candy can also damage the teeth.

As a parent, you may already know what to do when your child has scrapes or bruises. But do you know how to handle chipped or broken teeth? To help you, here are some tips from the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) you should consider:

Go to Your Pediatric Dentist

When your child’s tooth, whether permanent or baby tooth, is chipped, cracked, or broken, the best thing to do is to consult your pediatric dentist immediately. Even small chips can lead to a painful collection of pus called abscess or other dental problems. To avoid further issues, have your dentist check your child’s teeth.

Gather the Fragments

If your child’s tooth gets chipped or broken, try to gather all the fragments you can find and store them in a clean container of either milk, saliva, or cold water. Your dentist might still be able to use the fragments to restore or repair your child’s tooth. If not, your tooth doctor can use fillings instead.

Rinse Your Child’s Mouth With Warm Water

Chipped or cracked teeth can easily get infected with the bacteria in the mouth, especially when the pulp is exposed. If this happens, it can lead to an abscess. One effective way to avoid infection is to rinse your child’s mouth with warm water.

Have Your Child Bite Down on a Wet Gauze

If you notice any bleeding in your kid’s mouth, hold a wet piece of gauze to the injured tooth. You may also have your child bite down on it. This will help stop the bleeding.

Get in Touch With Pillar Dental Today!

If your child’s tooth gets broken or chipped, reach out to Pillar Dental right away. We have friendly and experienced pediatric dentists who are knowledgeable about taking care of the oral health of children. Contact us now to schedule an appointment!

The post What You Should Do When Your Child Experiences Tooth Fracture appeared first on Pillar Dental.

Does It Hurt To Get a Dental Implant?

Dr. Anne Pillar — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 13:02:48 +0000

Having a missing tooth not only causes your other teeth to shift but also increases your risk of getting gum disease. That said, getting dental implants may be best for you. If it’s your first time to get a replacement for your missing tooth, one of the questions you probably have is: does it hurt?

The dental implant procedures involve surgery. Your dentist would have to cut into your gums to put in the titanium post. Although this may sound painful, you shouldn’t feel pain since it is performed with either general or local anesthesia to completely numb your mouth.

However, after the surgery, when the anesthesia wears off, you may experience mild pain. Recovery may also include pain that typically lasts for three to five days, but it can be managed by medication. If the pain lasts longer than five days or if it gets worse, you should seek medical care immediately.

You may also notice some bruising or swelling around the implant, which typically reaches a peak two to three days after your treatment. But either should naturally subside after a few days. If you experience some swelling, you can reduce it by using ice packs or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel.

Dental Implant Aftercare

After your implant surgery, there are certain steps you should follow to ensure that the healing process won’t be delayed. During the first 24 to 48 hours, your dentist will advise you to stick to a cool liquid diet. But you should avoid drinking through a straw as it puts pressure on the implant site.

You should also follow a soft-food diet. This means that you should eat soft foods that are easy to digest, such as yogurt, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, soft bread, and applesauce. In contrast, you should avoid crunchy, tough, sticky, chewy, spicy, and acidic foods to prevent damaging your implant.

To keep your mouth clean and free from bacteria, use a warm saltwater mouthwash. You can also brush your teeth but you should do so with a small-headed toothbrush that has super soft and flexible bristles. Flossing is fine, but dentists recommend oral irrigation or water flossing because your new dental implant can be cleaned without causing damage to the surrounding tissues.

Contact Pillar Dental Today!

If you’re looking for a reliable clinic for your dental implants, Pillar Dental is your best choice. Contact us now to schedule an appointment!

The post Does It Hurt To Get a Dental Implant? appeared first on Pillar Dental.

Everything You Need to Know About Sealants

Dr. Anne Pillar — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 08:49:00 +0000

Fissure or dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, also known as molars or premolars. Once applied, the sealants prevent the teeth from decaying by protecting them from acid or bacteria that attack the enamel.

How Are the Fissure Sealants Applied?

The process of sealant application is painless, and depending on the number of teeth that need to be sealed, it takes about 5 to 45 minutes. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1: The surface of the tooth that needs to be sealed is thoroughly cleaned to ensure that there won’t be any debris stuck between the teeth.

Step 2: The tooth is rinsed off with water to wipe out any fallen debris.

Step 3: The tooth is dried. The dentist may put another absorbent material around the tooth to keep it dry.

Step 4: An acidic solution is placed on the tooth’s surface for a few seconds. This solution will roughen it up and create a bonding surface for the sealant.

Step 5: The tooth is rinsed and dried again.

Step 6: The sealant, in its liquid form, is painted onto the tooth enamel and left to dry until the coating hardens. Sometimes, the dentist uses a special curing light to speed up the hardening process. The tip of the curing light will be held at approximately three to five millimeters from the sealant’s surface.

Who Are the Ideal Candidates for Sealants?

Any person with permanent molars and premolars can get a fissure sealant. They include teenagers and children as young as six years old. Dentists recommend that as soon as the permanent molars of kids come out, they should get a sealant as soon as possible. In some cases, sealants are also recommended for younger children with teeth that have deep grooves and depressions.

How Long Will the Sealants Last?

According to experts, fissure sealants typically last up to 10 years. They need to be checked regularly for chips or wear. People with sealants must also continue taking care of their teeth or practicing good oral hygiene.

Reach Out to Us Today!

If you’re ready to get your dental sealants, get in touch with Pillar Dental right away. We can help you. You may rest assured that we’ll do our best to give you the best dental care you deserve. Contact us now to schedule an appointment and learn more about the services we offer.

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