All on Four Procedure - What You Need to Know About Teeth Replacement

The All on Four method of dental implants is an outstanding option for anyone who needs their dentition restored. While other replacement options like dental bridges or dentures are also potential successes, the All on Four method, once completed, requires the least hassle and provides permanent results.

For the most functional prosthetic teeth, a quality dentist or oral surgeon will complete the All on Four procedure. The All on Four procedure, including the added restoration, can be completed in one day, unlike traditional dental implant treatments. Healing should occur following the procedure before any intense chewing can be performed on the new prosthetic teeth, but once healing is accomplished, your implant teeth will look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth.

All on Four

The All on Four technique uses four implants per arch to anchor sets of prosthetic teeth. Due to the angled placement of the implants, typically no bone graft will be needed for this procedure, unlike traditional dental implants. Your All on Four replacement teeth will look and feel like natural teeth, be permanent, and they should be brushed and flossed regularly. Your new teeth will not be removable, and they do not require adhesives to hold them in place. All on Four prosthetic teeth are more comfortable than other tooth replacement options. They won't put pressure on your gums or slide out of place constantly like dentures do. You will also be able to experience sensory responses in your teeth. All on Four is a fast, efficient, and attractive solution for missing teeth.

Criteria for All on Four

If you are a candidate for traditional dental implants, you will be a candidate for All on Four typically. Total edentulism (missing teeth) will be necessary for a successful All on Four procedure. If you are currently missing most of your teeth but not all, the remaining teeth will more than likely be removed. Fortunately, your new prosthetics will be more attractive and functional than what remaining teeth you have. If the majority of your teeth are remaining and healthy, you should consider a traditional implant instead. All on Four is an excellent option for people who currently wear full dentures.

Added Benefits of All on Four

With All on Four, your facial structure and muscle tone will be completely restored. You will look decades younger, feel more confident, and be able to eat the food you once loved. You may even become healthier since you will be able to consume much-needed nutrients without a problem. You won't have to worry about continued jawbone deterioration or an unattractive appearance, and your new teeth will be straight, white, and perfect.

To learn more about whether or not you are a candidate for the All on Four procedure, make an appointment with our Portsmouth office. We can provide you with a needed solution for multiple missing teeth that will better your quality of life permanently.

Cosmetic Dentist  >  Family Dentist

Visit Us For Root Canals and Crowns After an Accident

In our Portsmouth dental office, we use root canals and crowns to save teeth that have become infected or injured.  While root canals are typically associated with a tooth that has become severely infected and is sore, they are also performed when a root has become damaged due to dental trauma.  Understandably, when a tooth is damaged in a car wreck, sporting accident, or workplace injury, the exterior of the tooth will show the damage but the interior (roots) may be irritated as well. This is one reason that we take x-rays when a dental trauma has occurred.  We need to see what is happening inside of the tooth so that we can take it into consideration and address it during the course of the treatment.

The Process of Getting Root Canals and Crowns After an Accident

After examining your tooth and determining the best course of treatment, we will numb the area.  Next, a small hole will be created in the tooth so that we can remove the infected portion of it.  If your root canal is not to remove an infection, but to smooth out the root, we can do that as well.  The key is to visit an experienced dentist that knows how to access the interior of the tooth with minimal disruption to it.  Once done, we will seal up the hole with a rubber-like substance.  This will prevent anything from entering the tooth and at times we will recommend a course of antibiotics as a precautionary measure.  Next, we will begin the process of restoring the tooth.

Before a crown can be placed, the tooth must be prepared.  This is done by removing a portion of the enamel from around the tooth so that when the cap (crown) is placed, it does not disturb the surrounding teeth.  To prevent any unnecessary discomfort, our Portsmouth dentist office will provide you with medication and numb the area first.  Afterwards, you can expect to feel some discomfort and sensitivity.  This can typically be controlled with ibuprofen.  Since it takes time for the dental lab to create a crown, we will place a temporary crown around the tooth to prevent anything from touching it.  This is secured in place using a removable, water-based glue, so it is important to be careful with what you eat and how you eat to prevent it from slipping out of place.  Once the permanent crown is ready, you will come back in for it to be bonded in place.  You will then be able to eat like normal.

Recovering From Root Canals and Crowns

The process of root canals and crowns is easier and more comfortable than ever before.  Still, this is a major procedure that changes the tooth.  Keeping that in mind, you should prepare to experience some level of irritation and take ibuprofen to feel better. You can also use a cold compress to reduce any swelling.  You will want to be careful with what you eat for a few days while your teeth are getting used to the crown.  For example, you may not want to eat something that requires biting down with excessive force.  This, however, is only temporary, and you will be back to normal in short order.

Cosmetic Dentist  >  Family Dentist

The Facts About Dental Fillings

You, or your child, may need dental fillings in order to protect a tooth and to keep it safe after it sustains damage or experiences an infection. Fortunately, there are several options available for people needing a filling, with tooth-colored materials as one option to hide the dental work. At Pretlow L. Stevenson Jr DDS and Associates, we are experts at providing the care your family needs while keeping smiles beautiful. 

Most often, we will use dental fillings to treat a cavity. If you or your child has a cavity, we will need to remove the infected or decayed area. Removing the infection will leave a small hole or at least dent that we will need to fill in with a safe and strong material. If the gap in the tooth is left open and exposed, it will become an excellent resting place for bacteria, leading to future oral health problems.  

Dental fillings can also restore worn down or damaged teeth after an accident. Chipped or broken teeth can also be treated with a filling. This is most often seen when people grind their teeth. 

The Process 

If the dentist decides that a dental filling is necessary, they will numb the area before doing any work. This is typically done with local anesthesia so that the patient doesn’t feel any pain but is still awake during the procedure. A dental tool will then remove the damaged area of the tooth. Once we completely remove the damaged or decayed area, we will clean it to make sure that there are no lingering bacteria.  

If you have a standard metal filling, we will place it into the clean area and smooth it out to blend in with the tooth as much as possible. If you have a tooth-colored filling, we will need to place it in layers. After each layer, a special light is used to harden the material before the next layer is placed. This process helps to create a natural appearance that patients desire. 

Types of Fillings

There are several types of dental fillings to choose from, and the decision must be made based on personal preference, goals, cost, and lifestyle. 

Gold fillings. These are extremely durable and can sustain hard chewing without needing to be replaced for ten to fifteen years.  They are easier to look at than silver fillings but also more expensive. 

Silver fillings. These will also last for ten to fifteen years but will not blend in with your tooth, and we may need to remove the additional area from the tooth in order to make space for it. 

Composites. A composite or tooth-colored filling will blend in with your tooth and be bonded to it for additional strength.  They do take longer to place, extending a dental visit by at least twenty minutes.  Additionally, they only last for around five years vs. ten to fifteen. 

Dental Fillings in Portsmouth

As a patient, it is important to review your options with the dentist prior to deciding which type of dental filling is right for you.

Live in Portsmouth, VA and have questions about dental fillings? Give us a call at (757) 397-5611.

Cavity Treatment For Kids with Autism

As a family dentist, our goal is to provide a cavity treatment for kids that makes it possible for our young patients to experience good oral health.  We are innovative, gentle, thorough and considerate, making us the ideal dentist to treat your child – especially if they have autism.  We understand that parents of autistic children have a lot on their plate.  There is often a need to identify new and different ways to do everything from educating autistic children to having cleaning their teeth and filling their cavities.  Doing things differently is okay as long as you have people that are willing to work with you.  We are.

When you first call to make an appointment, please let us know if there are any special requests that you have.  Think about your child and the things that make them either happy or stressed out.  If your child needs it to be quiet, let us know, we can schedule their appointment for first thing in the morning.  If they are happier at night, let us know and we will give them the last appointment of the day.  We even want to know if they have a favorite sports team or superhero since we can incorporate these facts into our conversations with them. While simple, these little things can help the child to feel much more comfortable while receiving dental care.  Regardless of what it is that makes the child feel better, we want to know about it so that we can create a plan for how to treat them.

Cavity Treatment For Kids Portsmouth

As a children’s dentist, we understand that the little details are what turns a scary dentist appointment into something that a child actually looks forward to.  We are willing to work with you and your children to find the perfect formula so that they welcome the chance to receive ongoing dental care.  With our treatment methods, your child will be much more calm about coming in for a cavity treatment.

You may also want to consider giving your child sedation.  We can provide them with nitrous oxide as a way to relax them. They will still be awake and feel in control but they will be incredibly calm, relaxed and happy.  Sedation will help them to hold still during treatment and to have an overall sense of wellbeing.  This is important for any child and can be particularly important for an autistic child that may have more difficulty visiting the dentist.

Cavity Treatment for Kids – What to Expect

If you are bringing your child in with a toothache, there is a good chance they have a cavity that needs treatment.  If the cavity is incredibly small, we may begin with a simple fluoride treatment.  This may help the tooth to become strong enough to fight off the decay.  If the tooth begins to decay, we will treat it by removing that portion of the tooth, cleaning it and then giving your child a dental filling.  We use tooth-colored resin, which will make the filling look like a natural tooth structure.  After the procedure, the child will go back to feeling comfortable and their tooth will look intact.

Whether you have an autistic child or one in need of a cavity treatment for kids, call us.  We will care for their teeth and look forward to doing so.

Live in Portsmouth, VA and have questions about cavity treatment for kids? Give us a call at (757) 397-5611.

Dental Veneers and Dental Bonding: Comparing Restorative Solutions from Our Portsmouth Dental Office

In our Portsmouth cosmetic dentist office, we can restore your teeth using dental veneers and dental bonding. We find that regardless of how hard you try to protect your teeth, there are certain issues you cannot prevent. For example, you cannot prevent your tooth from cracking when you bite into a piece of hard candy. You cannot prevent accidentally chipping your tooth when you play softball at your family reunion. Still, these simple activities often put your teeth at risk for becoming cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged. When this happens, you do not need to worry, but you do need to seek out an immediate dental restoration. The sooner you seek out immediate dental restoration, the better chance you have at not experiencing unnecessary discomfort and decreasing your risk of getting a subsequent infection.

We can immediately help you by restoring your tooth. Two of the solutions we use to do so are dental veneers and dental bonding. Both can achieve similar goals, but the procedures are completely different. With dental veneers, we will be placing a thin porcelain shell on the surface of your teeth. As long as you do not mind that we will need to remove the enamel and require you to wear temporary veneers, this is a good solution. Once the dental veneers are in place, they can give you a gorgeous looking smile for years to come. However, if you need a solution that is good for sensitive teeth or a solution that we can complete quickly, dental bonding is the right solution for you.

The interesting thing about dental bonding is how few people know about it. If you damage a tooth or simply do not like how it looks, dental bonding will help the tooth to look much better. In this procedure, we prepare the teeth by simply roughening them up and by using a moisturizing solution. This means your enamel will remain intact, so the entire procedure is non-invasive and perfect for sensitive teeth. Once the teeth are ready, we will apply the bonding material to the teeth and shape it on the tooth. We will then harden the material in place for a durable and beautiful restoration. This is an excellent solution that looks as good as it feels.

Which one is better, dental veneers or dental bonding?

This is a personal decision that has to be made after we have examined you and taken X-rays. Both solutions work for improving the appearance of your teeth and for correcting any aesthetic issues. If you are on a time crunch or have sensitive teeth, you will greatly benefit from scheduling a bonding appointment. Dental bonding is the only restorative solution that we can complete in one appointment outside of CEREC. Dental veneers, on the other hand, are more durable and are well-respected for creating long-lasting, beautiful smiles. In fact, dental veneers are what most Hollywood stars use to improve their smile. Just remember that this is not a race to the finish line, but solutions with long-term implications. To learn more, call and schedule an appointment with our Portsmouth dental office.

Dental Crowns  >  Dental Veneers

Health Warnings from Your Portsmouth Childrens Dentist

As your Portsmouth childrens dentist, our priority is the health of your children – both now and in the future. We want your children to maintain strong and healthy teeth as they age. While this involves regular trips to our dental office, it also involves taking steps for preventative care at home. When you come into our office, we will show you how to properly brush and floss your childs teeth, discuss foods that are healthy to eat and also discuss things that they need to avoid. It is in that spirit that we issue this health warning:

Avoid Soda. It is Terrible for Your Childrens Teeth

There is no food or drink more dangerous for your childs teeth than soda. A child needs to avoid soda at all costs because it is full of sugar and incredibly acidic. When you look at various drinks, you need to compare their pH levels. Water is neutral, which means that it is entirely healthy for their teeth. Milk is also a good option. However, soda is closer to battery acid than water when it comes to pH levels. It is so acidic, that soda can unclog your drain. Now imagine what it is doing to your childrens teeth.
As children drink soda, the acid content is literally attacking their teeth and causing their enamel to erode. The erosion can lead to tooth sensitivity, making their teeth more susceptible to decay and breakage. If there is one thing you restrict in your childs diet, it should be all types of soda. There is a myth that clear sodas are okay where darker sodas are not. Both are bad for the teeth and children need to avoid them. The same is true for diet soda since it is only slightly better for the teeth than traditional soda. Switch to water and your childs teeth will thank you.

Stay Away from Sour Candy

As your Portsmouth childrens dentist, many of our warnings comes down to the acid levels in what patients eat or drink Sour candy is at the top of our “do not eat” list because it is full of sugar and is also acidic. Just like the acid in soda that can attack your childs teeth, the acid in candy can as well. In combination with sugar that naturally leads to increased plaque, sour candy can be a deadly combination for your childs teeth and lead to numerous cavities.
When you visit our Portsmouth childrens dentist office, we can provide you with a list of foods and drinks to avoid. However, when grocery shopping, the one thing you can remember is to review food and drink in the light of how acidic it is. Anything high in acid content should be avoided, especially when combined with sugar. Instead, buy your children things like apples, nuts, single servings of cheese, and cut vegetables. These are snacks that will fill them up, provide sustained energy and essential nutrients – all while being good for their oral health.

Portsmouth Dentist   >  Dental Fillings

Teeth Whitening: Visiting a Dentist in Portsmouth Makes a Significant Difference

There are some things in life, like teeth whitening, in which doing it right is important.  If you have teeth that are discolored or stained, whitening them is a fast way to improve your smile and your overall appearance.  If you whiten teeth with the correct method, the results will be beautiful.  If not, you may irritate your teeth and cause more discomfort.  The risk makes it important to contact a professional dentist in Portsmouth for teeth whitening service prior to making a choice.

Why do I need to be careful when whitening my teeth?

Erosion

Put simply, there is a limited amount of enamel on your teeth and this enamel is what protects them.  If the enamel erodes or dissolves, it will not grow back. Once enough of the tooth enamel erodes away you will be left with permanently sensitive teeth.  There are several things that can cause erosion, and acid is a major culprit.

Unfortunately, most of the home remedies for whitening teeth involve an acidic agent like lemons or limes. Upon placing acid on your teeth it will cause the enamel to erode; so while this can make them appear whiter, it is also extremely dangerous.  Additionally, store bought whitening kits can also pose a risk.  Not because the solution will erode the enamel but because overusing it will.  Many people find that the results are not dramatic enough when they use a store-bought kit and use it repeatedly as a result.  Overusing a whitening solution is dangerous and we recommend visiting our office instead.

What makes a dentist teeth whitening better?

Our solution

We use a professional grade whitening solution that is designed to penetrate the enamel and remove the deep stains and discoloration that comes from within your teeth.  This works through the process of oxidization where the molecules inside of the teeth are made to reflect less light and appear colorless as a result.  The process works quickly and produces dramatic results.  What you buy in the store can typically only remove surface stains so this makes a significant difference overall.  Additionally, our solution works much faster than anything you can buy in the store.  One in-office treatment can whiten your teeth in an hour while an at-home dental treatment can produce dramatic results in around a week.  As a result, our teeth whitening treatments are dependable and incredibly effective.

What if the stains do not go away?

Another benefit to whitening your teeth with a dentist is that if you have stubborn stains, we have other solutions to address them.  A non-invasive one is to place bonding material on the surface of your stained tooth.  The bonding material is tooth-colored and will blend in with your surrounding teeth.  It is shaped in place and hardened with a dental light for a natural appearance.  We can complete the bonding procedure in one appointment so that you can walk in with stains and leave with beautiful teeth.  if you have other issues that you want to address, we can do so using dental veneers.  By bonding veneers to the surface of your teeth, we can close gaps, cover stains, and even change their shape or appearance.

To learn more about teeth whitening or our other dental solutions, call and schedule an appointment today in our Portsmouth dental office.

Cosmetic Dentist  >  Dental Veneers

Why Would I Need an Emergency Dentist in Portsmouth?

If you have ever wondered why you would need an emergency dentist, you are in luck because that probably means you have never needed one. If you have healthy teeth and very rarely have a cavity, you are fortunate to have gotten by with preventative care alone. Our ultimate goal is to keep you healthy enough that you do not have any major dental issues.

The reality, though, is that most people will have some sort of dental emergency in their lifetime. Most people will have a dental problem that causes great discomfort and requires immediate relief. This includes:

• A bad toothache.
• Chipped tooth.
• Sudden infection.
• Cracked tooth.
• A tooth that has been knocked out.
• Damage to dentures.
• A crown becoming loose or falling off.

These are just a few of the dental emergencies that can happen when you least expect it. When a dental emergency does occur, you need to know who to call and where you can go for help. We recommend that you call our Portsmouth dental office.

Why Visit an Emergency Dentist in Portsmouth Over the Emergency Room?

Very simply, nurses and doctors in an emergency room can triage the symptoms, but cannot treat the dental issue. If something happens that affects the rest of your body, either an accident or bad sickness, you can visit the ER and will likely receive excellent care. However, they are trained on how to treat your body and not on how to treat your teeth.

If you have a dental emergency, a health problem impacting your teeth or gums, you need to speak with someone who specializes in treating that area of the body. As an emergency dentist, that is exactly what we can do for you.

It is extremely important that you visit a dentist right away because if you go to the ER or your local doctor first, you may be wasting valuable time and also cost yourself more money. Remember that a traditional doctor will not be trained in treating teeth and gums. If they have some limited experience, excellent. However, for the most part, they do not know, and being cared for by them could have consequences as a result.

Additionally, even if you go to the emergency room for help and get medication to treat an infection or to help manage the pain, you are still going to need to visit the dentist after the fact. Otherwise, you will continue to suffer unnecessarily. An ER can provide you with antibiotics in order to heal your infection, but they cannot put a crown or cap around your tooth to prevent it from becoming infected again in the near future. At best, the ER can provide immediate and temporary healthcare before you need to see your provider.

You never know when you will need an emergency dentist in Portsmouth. That is because you never know when a baseball will fall from the sky or your toddler will crack your tooth while playing. The good news is that if you do have an emergency, we can help.

Portsmouth Dentist   >  Dental Bonding

A Dentist in Portsmouth Shares Facts About Dental Care That You Should Know

As a dentist in Portsmouth, we believe that our patients should be informed about dental care. We believe that once people understand the basics of dental care, they can make an educated decision about their treatments.  Since there are multiple ways to address dental health problems, it is important to select the right procedure.  By taking the time to discuss all of the options, we are confident that patients will make the right decision for their lifestyle and smile goals. During these meetings, we find that there are many misconceptions about dentistry.  Since many of the questions are the same from client to client, we are providing the answers for you here.

Will my tooth need to be pulled?

In general, no.  We prefer to restore a tooth that has become damaged or infected with a variety of proven methods.  It is better for the health of your jawbone, eating and speaking to keep a natural tooth intact. Thus, we will do whatever we can in order to save it.  For example, if you crack your tooth while playing basketball, we can use a crown to restore it, protect it and save it.  Likewise, if your tooth is chipped, we can use a crown or veneer.  Even infected teeth can typically be saved by performing a root canal procedure to remove the infected area only.  The remaining tooth structure can stay in place and a filling will replace the tooth structure that was lost to an infection.  In order to ensure that we do not have to pull your tooth, visit our office right away upon damaging it.

Can my sensitive teeth be fixed?

Yes, they can.  As a local dentist, we can protect your sensitive teeth, by sealing up the exposed dentin and nerve endings.  Teeth become sensitive when the outer protective layer (enamel) wears away due to age, health or eating habits. When it does, the dentin underneath is exposed. Since the nerve endings are inside the pores of the dentin, whenever anything touches the tooth, a pain signal is sent to the brain. This is why the only way to permanently treat the problem is to seal up the dentin using a dental procedure.

How can you improve my smile?

As a cosmetic dentist, there are multiple ways that we can improve the appearance of teeth.  We often start with a teeth whitening procedure.  Once teeth are no longer yellow, or the stains have been lifted, we can go to work addressing other issues.  For example, we can use dental veneers to make your teeth look natural and uniform.  Many people like this option because their teeth are too small or have different shapes.  Veneers can also cover dark stains that will not fall off if one goes through a whitening procedure. Veneers will help close the gaps and make the teeth appear straight.  They are so versatile that there is virtually nothing they can not address.  If this is not the right solution, we can use other treatments like dental crowns or bonding.

Tooth Extractions   >  Family Dentist

Common Questions about Partial Dentures in Portsmouth

If you live in or around the Portsmouth area and are looking to replace one or more missing teeth, partial dentures may be the perfect solution. However, many, if not most, people usually have a number of questions before or even after they are fitted with dentures. The more common ones being:

Why Is It Necessary to Replace Missing Teeth?

Not only do missing front teeth make you look older than you are, but over time, the teeth on either side of the gap will lean inward, which can lead to uneven wear and problems with your bite. Missing teeth contribute to bone loss. Like every other bone in your body, the ones in your jaw need stimulation to maintain density. Without the action of the teeth, the bone will not build more cells and will begin to deteriorate. Partial dentures can solve all these problems.

How Can Missing Teeth Be Replaced?

Although it depends on several factors, including the number and location of the missing teeth and the condition of the remaining ones, the simplest solution is one or more removable false teeth called a partial denture. This replacement tooth, or teeth, are attached to a gum-colored plastic and held together by a metal framework with an attachment that fits around the adjacent natural teeth

How Long Does It Take to Become Used to a Partial Denture?

This varies from person to person. Initially, the denture feels awkward, but most patients get accustomed to it in a matter of days. You may want to begin by eating soft foods that are easier to chew and avoid sticky foods like chewing gum or toffee. Please make sure you chew on both sides of your mouth to keep an even pressure on the denture. If enunciating certain words are difficult with the denture in, remember that this too will sort itself out in time.
It also takes some practice to insert and remove the denture without forcing it or biting down, which could break the clasp. Also, the initial breaking-in period will quickly reveal whether the partial fits exactly as it is supposed to. Should an area of your gum become sore, we will make the necessary adjustments to your partial dentures.

Should I Wear My Partial Denture 24 Hours a Day?

Once you are fully accustomed to your new denture, we recommend that you wear it all day, then remove and clean it thoroughly before bedtime.

How Should I Take Care of My Partial Denture?

You should take care of your denture just as you do your natural teeth, as it needs to be gently brushed at least twice a day to get rid of food debris and plaque and prevent staining. However, most commercial toothbrushes and toothpaste are too harsh for dentures. You will need a specially designed brush and toothpaste made for dentures. Some gentle soap or dishwashing liquid will also work. Rinse the denture thoroughly, then moisten the brush and gently clean all surfaces, taking care not to bend any of the attachments.
Remember, your partial is very likely to break or crack should you drop it onto a hard surface, which is why it is a good idea to remove and clean it over something soft like a folded towel.  It is also exceedingly important to keep your denture moist; however, many soaking solutions can tarnish the metal parts. Therefore, you should soak them in plain cool water.

How Long Will a Partial Denture Last?

Properly taken care of, a partial denture can last between five and 10 years. However, because the natural aging process causes changes in your gum ridges, as well as the underlying bone, they may need to be adjusted from times to time. Never continue to wear loose or ill-fitting dentures as they can cause sores and related infections.
Should you have any additional questions about your partials, we will be more than happy to help you.

Dental Crowns  >  Teeth Whitening

Visiting a Periodontist in Portsmouth Can Improve Your Gum Health

If you are experiencing concerning dental symptoms, you may need to visit our Portsmouth dental office for a periodontist. Many times our patients develop a periodontal disease because they were not aware of the symptoms and took no action to prevent the condition. If you become more aware of why and how periodontal disease and other gum diseases and dental infections occur, you could save yourself from a future of negative dental health and potential gum and tooth damage.

Due to many factors, plaque and bacteria develop in your mouth as a normal occurrence. When bacteria growth gets out of hand and plaque hardens into tartar, you should pay attention because you are in the beginning stages of serious and detrimental gum disease. When gum disease originally develops, it is in a minor form called Gingivitis. If you have Gingivitis, you will notice that your gums are swollen and that they tend to bleed when you brush, floss and eat certain foods. At this point, you should visit our office to receive a deep dental clean and to obtain information on how you can prevent the condition from further developing into periodontitis. When you have periodontitis, you will experience worse symptoms including constant gum swelling, bleeding, pus discharge, loose or receding gums, and loose teeth.  

With time and a lack of treatment plaque or tartar can spread under your gum line. The toxins and infection created by the present bacteria in the plaque will begin to irritate and inflame your gums. Without treatment, this will turn into a chronic inflammatory response. If your gums remain in a stage of constant inflammation, they will begin to deteriorate, causing gum recession and tooth loss. Periodontitis can be stopped by our dental office.  It needs to be before it causes your gums to recede and your teeth to fall out. If you visit our office after this stage, there is still hope for restoration, but it can be prevented by taking action now.

You are at risk for gum disease if you have diabetes, are pregnant, or are aging or going through puberty. During these times, your hormones are imbalanced, and it can be hard for certain aspects of your body to work properly. It is important that you keep up with regular periodontist dental appointments if you are in any of these categories. Preventing periodontal disease is incredibly important for your health. You are also at risk for periodontitis if you have poor oral hygiene, eat unhealthy foods, use tobacco, or drink alcohol consistently. Visiting our office can help you remain aware of your dental structure's state and help you learn how to care for your teeth and gums properly.

As a periodontist in Portsmouth, our main concern is the health of your gums and teeth. If you would like any information about how to care for your dental health or if you have any concerns regarding unusual dental symptoms, please feel free to contact our office for more information. Don't take your dental health lightly. If you already have periodontitis, we can offer you treatment, and if you have experienced dental damage because of periodontitis, we can repair your gums and teeth.

Family Dentist  >  Dental Office

You Never Know When You Will Need Restorative Dentistry in Portsmouth

We provide restorative dentistry in our Portsmouth dental office and very often, the patients that come in seeking help are those who never thought they would need it.  If you take good care of your teeth, brush and floss daily, and visit us for regular teeth cleaning, it would stand to reason that you would not need any type of emergency or restorative care.  While that would be nice, it is not necessarily realistic.  We have found that accidents can happen to patients of all ages and sometimes in the least likely of ways.  In fact, according to the National Fall Safety Institute (NFSI), there are more than 9 million people that visit the emergency room every year after being hurt in a slip or fall accident.  These are both men and women, people that have hurt themselves at work, school, grocery shopping, at the game, etc.  Additionally, the NFSI stated that every year one out of every three people over the age of 65 has a fall.  With statistics like these, it is not so much if you will ever be in an accident but when you will be in an accident.  If your teeth are damaged in the process, it is important to understand who to call for help.

As a restorative dentistry practice, we specialize in helping people who have cracked or chipped a tooth to regain the functionality and appearance of their smile. As such, we recommend that if you damage a tooth in an accident, you visit our dental office for care.  If you have hurt other areas of your body, visit the ER for help.  If, however, your teeth were the only thing that was damaged, you should visit our office instead.  This is an important distinction to make because so many people visit the ER for dental care.  This is unwise because an ER physician is not trained in how to care for your teeth.  They are only trained in how to treat your overall body and, as such, will typically give you a prescription for medication and send you on your way.  They will never get to the root cause of what is wrong with your tooth or provide you a solution for correcting it.

When you visit our Portsmouth restorative dentistry office, your experience will be entirely different.  We will start by examining your mouth and taking x-rays so that we can determine the full extent of the damage.  Next, we will clean the area so that your risk of an infection is reduced before discussing your treatment options with you.  If your tooth has been cracked or chipped, we can restore it using a dental bonding procedure, a dental veneer, or a dental crown.  If your tooth has been knocked out and you were able to find it, we may be able to reattach it but you would need to get here quickly for that to be a possibility.  Otherwise, we can provide you with a dental bridge or a dental implant to restore the tooth that was lost.  Regardless of how extensive your damage is or what happened to cause it, we can restore your tooth in a way that is both beautiful and natural looking.

Dental Fillings  >  Dental Bridge

Pretlow L. Stevenson Jr DDS and Associates Shares About The Link Between Gum Recession and Smoking

Smoking is a common habit, but many people do not realize it is a direct link to gum recession. There are many alarming stories about smoking and the negative effects it may have on your general health, but many people do not know that it can also greatly affect your oral health by creating an increased risk for gum disease and even oral cancer. Gum recession is a common issue in adults, and the cause is often not realized. If you have a history of smoking, you may fall victim to gum recession, or you could possibly already be experiencing it. The risk of gum disease and one of its major accomplices, gum recession, increases substantially when you smoke cigarettes or use tobacco in any form.

One of the first signs of periodontal disease, a detrimental condition that develops in your gums and causes deep infection and tooth loss, is gum recession. When you have not kept up with dental visits or made oral hygiene a priority, you may fall prey to periodontal disease. A few other factors, like smoking, can also contribute to the potential development of the condition. Since smoking involves direct contact with nicotine, smoke, and other toxins to your teeth, gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth, all of those tissues become weakened over time, increasing your chances of gum recession. Every time that you smoke you become more susceptible to developing problems with your gums. If gum recession is caught in the beginning stages, it can be slowed and nearly reversed, but if smoking continues and gum recession persists, you can have irreversible and unappealing damage that causes great discomfort. Even if your gum recession can be helped, smokers have a slower healing process because their oral tissue is generally weaker than the average non-smoker.

Not only does gum recession mar your appearance, it can also cause you to experience discomfort when you eat due to the exposed nerve endings near your teeth. These exposed nerve endings make your teeth more susceptible to decay. Even if your teeth are worked on and preventative measures are taken, you may still be subjected to tooth loss because of continued smoking. These problems are a physical and financial burden. Replacing lost teeth can be expensive and time-consuming, and your replacement teeth may never be as high-functioning as your natural teeth were. However, if you have your gums treated at the first sign of gum disease, the damage can be reversed, and your teeth may be saved.

If you smoke and already have some gum recession, Pretlow L. Stevenson Jr DDS and Associates is able to help. If you are a smoker and are not sure if your gums are showing signs of recession, we can tell you. You can also watch for signs that include red and swollen gums, bleeding gums, and teeth that appear longer than normal. If you have neglected your oral health by continued smoking, now is the time to start paying attention. Visit Pretlow L. Stevenson Jr DDS and Associates at the first sign of a problem to give yourself the best chance of having healthy gums and retaining your natural teeth.

Dental Bonding  >  Periodontics

Pretlow L. Stevenson Jr DDS and Associates Provides General Dentistry Services to Make You Smile

General dentistry is the most commonly provided services from Pretlow L. Stevenson Jr DDS and Associates. This puts Pretlow L. Stevenson Jr DDS and Associates in a unique position to provide you with care and help ease some of the anxieties you may have developed about visiting a dentist. Practitioners of general dentistry know that many people are afraid to visit the dentist and that this fear is widespread around the world. Here in the United States, there is an entire segment of the population, 26 percent, in fact, that will never visit the dentist unless it is an emergency, even though they admit to knowing that visiting the dentist can help them have better oral hygiene and health. Roughly between 9 percent and 20 percent of all Americans suffer from severe anxiety when it comes to the idea of general dentistry. An additionally large segment of patients we see have anxiety because it has been so long since they had an examination, they do not know what condition their teeth are in. Even more concerning for these patients, they do not know what remedies will be required to restore their teeth to perfect health.

General dentistry tips for overcoming your fear of dentistry

All of these are legitimate fears that seem very real to the person experiencing them, and as a provider of general dentistry services, we are well aware they cannot be talked away. However, over the years, Pretlow L. Stevenson Jr DDS and Associates has learned that there are three steps a person can take to help them overcome these fears of dentist visits. Step number one is to identify what exactly you are afraid of. Some people are afraid of the tools we use being placed in their mouth, others are afraid of the loss of control, and still others are afraid of feeling pain or discomfort. The great thing about knowing what you are afraid of is that it takes this great big fear, pares it down into a manageable part, and then allows us to isolate it so we can work through or around it. When you know what you are afraid of, we can proceed to step two.

Step two involves education and demonstration. The more you understand what we do and how we do it, in addition to learning from us how safe and secure you are during any procedure, the less you will fear what is going on. Education is key to overcoming fear in general dentistry and in life. The third step is both the most difficult and the easiest. Pretlow L. Stevenson Jr DDS and Associates tells people who are afraid of procedures that the best way to overcome a fear of dentistry is to make it a regular practice to see your dentist at least two times per year. When you come in for routine and often quick examinations and cleanings, it becomes a habit and shows you have nothing to fear from the dentist. It also builds a relationship of trust between you and your provider, so in the event that there is more intense work to be done, you already have that relationship to build on.

Dentures  >  Dental Bridge

When to Call an Emergency Dentist

If you are experiencing oral pain, an emergency dentist visit may be in order. There are certain types of pain that you should be on the watch for as they may signify a larger oral health issue. If your teeth have gone from being mildly sensitive to painful, making it difficult to eat, schedule an appointment right away. Simultaneously if your dental pain is accompanied by a fever or other flu-like symptoms, you should be seen immediately.

Cavities start out small and may cause minor discomfort. Eating something hard like party nuts or hard candy may cause temporary pain as the object touches the tooth and the cavity. Simultaneously, extreme temperatures may cause discomfort. If this is the case, schedule your routine dental exam to have your teeth inspected, and if a cavity is found, the dentist will treat it.

Unfortunately, many people don't schedule a dental exam at the first sign of discomfort, choosing instead to ignore the problem. This is dangerous because when a cavity is left untreated, the infection can spread into the gums and even into the jawbone. When this happens, the infection can turn into a dental abscess which is incredibly painful and lead to an emergency dentist appointment. In order to treat the infection, a dental professional has to drain the abscess and let the infected puss leak out, then the infection has to be removed, and the area treated. If the infection has spread to the lower part of the mouth or neck, this must be done surgically. It is much better to simply schedule an appointment at the first sign of oral discomfort.

An emergency dentist may also be needed if you injure your tooth in an accident. With millions of car wrecks, slip and fall accidents, workplace injuries, and sports injuries happening on an annual basis, it isn't a matter of if your tooth will become injured during your lifetime, but when. By visiting the dentist immediately, we can work to save your damaged tooth. This is an important, preventative measure, as saving your tooth is ultimately better for your health than having to pull it out. We can do this by using a variety of dental procedures including dental veneers and dental crowns. The key is to be seen as quickly as possible.

Traditionally, dentists keep limited hours which make it difficult for patients to get the help they need in the evenings and weekends. This leads many people to go to the emergency room where the doctors are not equipped with the training or tools to treat a damaged tooth. As an emergency dentist, we make it easy for our patients to receive the care that they need. If your tooth is injured outside of our normal business hours, call the office and leave a message. We will return your call as quickly as possible and schedule an appointment for a dental exam and treatment. We take the health of our patients very seriously and will do whatever we can to take care of your situation quickly.

Dentist  >  Dentures

Our Dentist Treats Patients with a Dental Abscess

As a local dentist, we treat patients and help them to stay in good oral health. We focus on preventative care that can keep a patient healthy in between visits to our office. This includes educating people on steps they can take at home, including flossing daily, brushing after meals, not using tobacco products, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash.  During teeth cleanings, we remove bacteria and plaque that the at home routine wasn't able to get to.

Unfortunately, many people don't have a regular dental exam and are at risk for cavities, gum disease, or getting a dental abscess. When cavities and gum disease are treated quickly, we are able to remove the infection and save the tooth or teeth. Left untreated, the infection can spread throughout the tooth, into the gums, and eventually into the jaw and face bones.  When this happens it is called an abscess.

A dental abscess can be extremely painful. It is much more severe than an infected tooth or cavity. It can cause your face and jaw to become red and swell. Pain will often shoot through your tooth, gums, and into your jaw. Additionally, the entire area will be tender to the touch and many patients feel like they have the flu on top of these symptoms. This can be a truly miserable experience. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to schedule a dentist appointment immediately so that we can diagnose and treat the problem.

During the dental exam, we will identify the cause of the infection, clean the area around it, and remove whatever infection that we can. This is often done by cutting open the abscess and draining it of infected puss.  If the abscess has spread into the floor of the mouth or the neck, this may need to be done surgically. Patients that do not have an abscessed professionally drained are likely to have it burst on its own, which is not recommended. By draining the infection, the area can begin to heal.  We often prescribe antibiotics to help support the healing process.

Since an abscess is extremely uncomfortable, we recommend avoiding the infection in the first place. Many people don't give their teeth and gums the same level of attention that they give the rest of their body. There are certain things that people do to avoid being sick.  For example, if it is ten degrees outside, people wear a warm jacket and a hat.  It is important to apply the same common sense to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.Taking simple steps can help you to stay healthy. A regular, twice a day routine is an important part of avoiding problems with teeth and gums before they turn into bigger problems like dental abscesses. The same holds true for skipping dentist appointments. People that visit our office twice a year have a decreased risk of all oral health issues, including a dental abscess. People that have a dental exam every few years, significantly increase their risk and the likelihood of experiencing dental pain. Take preventative measures to avoid oral health issues by scheduling your dental exam today.

Dentures  >  Periodontics

Why an All-on-Four Implants Are an Easy Way to Improve Your Smile

We can improve your smile with an All-on-Four dental procedure. This is a fast and easy way to get the smile you want after losing teeth or needing to have them replaced. This is a type of dental implant procedure that is faster than traditional ones because instead of every tooth being implanted individually, only four implants are placed per arch. Patients can elect to have both their upper and lower teeth done together or only have one at a time, based on their current needs.

The procedure is ideal for people that are currently wearing dentures but want a more permanent solution that doesn't require additional maintenance or taking them in and out. Once the implants are installed you can care for them like natural teeth by brushing with a regular toothbrush. There are no adhesives or additional components to worry about. This makes it possible for people to wake up in the morning and start their day, without worrying about their teeth. People with active lifestyles will appreciate the convenience. Additionally, they are incredibly strong so you can bite down with normal force and not worry about them breaking or cracking.

All-on-Four dental implants are an easier, faster, and a cheaper procedure than traditional implants which have to be installed one at a time. The procedure is less invasive since only four implants are used per arch. It generally takes around two and a half hours per arch to have them installed so they may be able to be implanted in one visit then the temporary or permanent teeth will be connected. Once completed, they have a 98 percent success rate which makes them a good option for most patients.

Tooth loss can impact people of all ages. Even young adults suffer from this condition with 30 percent of people over thirty having lost at least one adult tooth. Dentures can be uncomfortable and be inconvenient for those with a busy lifestyle that simply want to get up and go in the morning. All-on-Four implants are an ideal solution for people of all ages that either have dentures or need to get them. They are created in a dental lab using a mold of your mouth. This way they will fit perfectly, feel great, and look natural. Once they are implanted, no one will be able to tell that they are not natural teeth.

Patients that are considering getting dental implants should schedule an appointment to discuss the various options that are available. There are several cosmetic dentistry options that can improve a persons' smile and provide a fully functioning set of teeth. The correct procedure is determined after you are examined by the dentist and discuss the goals that you have for your smile. Creating a custom treatment plan is important for producing real results that look and feel amazing. To learn more and to schedule your consultation call today.

Dental Veneers  >  Tooth Extractions