tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78725347512804995492024-02-20T07:03:41.328-08:00ProSmiles Dental | Orbit Dental Blog9400 Clifford Street, Suite 110 <br>
Fort Worth, TX 76108 USA<br>
info@prosmilesdental.com<br>
(817) 369-8000<br>
<a href="www.prosmilesdental.com">Website</a>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-24773309235306854212017-10-27T13:01:00.001-07:002017-10-27T13:01:27.363-07:00Causes of Bleeding Gums<p>When gums are healthy, they don’t bleed. At ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, we aim to protect our patients from gum inflammation and disease. For that, patients need to understand what causes their gums to bleed and what increases their risk factor.</p><br /><p>Gingivitis usually results from plaque building up near the gum line. The gum pockets are a great place for bacteria to hide in, and as they produce plaque, the gums become irritated. Regular brushing can prevent plaque build-up, but it’s still necessary for patients to make biannual appointments for professional cleanings. Bleeding can also result from the gums being bruised, so while it is important to brush regularly and thoroughly, do so with a soft-bristled brush.</p><br /><p>Smokers are especially likely to develop bleeding gums, as are people on blood thinner medications and who suffer from dry mouth. This is because saliva helps to remove tartar and combat the spread of bacteria. Pregnancy also creates hormonal conditions which favor the development of gum disease.</p><br /><p>Dr. Archana Lankupalli operates ProSmiles Dental at 9400 Clifford Street, Suite 110, Fort Worth, Texas, 76108. To schedule an appointment, call 817-369-8000 or visit <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/'>WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com</a> and fill out a <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/contact'>contact sheet</a>.</p><br /><p> </p>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-18112098591820015072017-10-20T14:02:00.001-07:002017-10-20T14:02:38.559-07:00Thumb-Sucking<p>Straight teeth aren’t just better looking; they’re also more comfortable and easier to clean. Although we at ProSmiles Dental are certified Invisalign providers, we value preventive care and want the children visiting our practice to avoid the need for orthodontic correction. One of the most important ways of doing that is by breaking the habit of thumb-sucking.</p><br /><p>Young children often suck their thumbs (or a pacifier) with little ill effect. Their facial bones are flexible until around the age of five, when their first permanent teeth start coming in. But after that, the suction can pull their incisors outward. This results in malocclusions, also known as misalignments, such as overbites and open bites, as well as overcrowding.</p><br /><p>Children should be urged to break their thumb-sucking habit, but this may be difficult if they are relying on it as a means of self-soothing. Often, they simply replace it with a habit of pushing their tongues against their teeth, which has the same effect. It’s best for children to be included in finding solutions, but help from a child psychologist may be necessary.</p><br /><p>Dr. Archana Lankupalli operates ProSmiles Dental at 9400 Clifford Street, Suite 110, Fort Worth, Texas, 76108. To schedule an appointment, call 817-369-8000 or visit <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/'>WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com</a> and fill out a <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/contact'>contact sheet</a>.</p><br /><p> </p>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-15362390920135084242017-10-11T13:32:00.001-07:002017-10-11T13:32:23.577-07:00Dry Mouth<p>Most of us have experienced a dry mouth at some point in our lives. Whether we’re parched, dehydrated, or wake up with morning breath, dry mouth can cause discomfort. Though dry mouth usually isn’t a cause for concern, it can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, or as a reaction to a certain medication. To figure out the causes and treatment of your dry mouth, schedule a consultation with our doctors at ProSmiles Dental.</p><br /><p>When our bodies don’t produce enough saliva, the mouth can become dry and uncomfortable. You may feel like you’re drinking all the water in the world and you still find no relief. To restore moisture in the mouth, our doctors may prescribe an oral rinse that boosts saliva flow. Depending on the cause of the dry mouth, you may need to double-check your prescriptions.</p><br /><p>If you have questions or concerns regarding dry mouth, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit <a href='http://www.prosmilesdental.com/'>www.prosmilesdental.com</a> for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.</p>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-16692490490545638312017-09-29T14:30:00.001-07:002017-09-29T14:30:50.677-07:00Faulty Fillings<p>We provide our patients with high-quality white fillings at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, assuring them of a comfortable, functioning bite. But while some sensitivity immediately following the removal of decayed material is normal, we want our patients to be able to recognize when they need help with a faulty filling.</p><br /><p>Patients should be able to bite down completely after getting a filling. If they can’t, the filling is too high and must be removed. Another problem is that some dentists use material for fillings which can change shape after placement, leaving a gap between it and the seal holding it in. This gap will become a home for decay-causing bacteria. But seals don’t last forever; their usual lifespan is about ten years. As the seal breaks down, bacteria are able to enter it, and the patient will feel pain as a result of the decay. These fillings also need to be replaced, and the sooner, the better, or else the patient will need more extensive restorations, such as partial crowns or a root canal.</p><br /><p>Dr. Archana Lankupalli operates ProSmiles Dental at 9400 Clifford Street, Suite 110, Fort Worth, Texas, 76108. To schedule an appointment, call 817-369-8000 or visit <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/'>WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com</a> and fill out a <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/contact'>contact sheet</a>.</p><br /><p> </p>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-46897552837063685842017-09-21T15:00:00.001-07:002017-09-21T15:00:49.558-07:00Extrinsic Tooth Stains<p>There are two types of stains that can develop on teeth – extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are caused by food and beverages such as coffee, tea, and wine, and occur on the outside of the tooth’s enamel. Intrinsic stains are more difficult to remove because they occur under the enamel in the dentin. Our doctors at ProSmiles Dental can remove both of these stains through whitening treatment.</p><br /><p>Extrinsic tooth stains don’t pose a risk to your oral health but they may diminish your self-esteem. Extrinsic stains can be polished through a professional cleaning or bleached away by a few sessions of whitening treatment. To prevent extrinsic stains, we encourage you to refrain from smoking if this is a lifestyle habit of yours, and minimalize your coffee and wine intake.</p><br /><p>If you have questions or concerns regarding teeth whitening, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit <a href='http://www.prosmilesdental.com/'>www.prosmilesdental.com</a> for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.</p>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-88269421630054739812017-09-13T13:32:00.001-07:002017-09-13T13:32:00.259-07:00Thank You for Your Positive Testimonials! <p>Here at ProSmiles Dental, our staff appreciates feedback from patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank Chelsea Harrison for this positive review, but we would like to thank her for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know! </p><br /><p>“My 3-year-old son has been here twice. I can't recommend them enough. They are very clean and have a nice modern look. They catered to my son in so many ways and what started as a nervous little boy ended with a confident boy telling everyone he went to the teeth doctors to get his teeth pretty. Today we had an emergency because his tooth got knocked back and the root was split in two. Thank goodness they were open on a Saturday and they managed to get him in promptly after calling. They let him pick what to watch in the room and let him pick out prizes. I was upset because he is probably going to lose is tooth and the Dentist showed me her son and how the same thing happened to him. She was so awesome. She searched the internet to find the best specialist to try and save his tooth. You won't regret coming here. We will forever be loyal to this place.” –Chelsea Harrison</p><br /><p>If you would like to leave a testimonial or learn about services we provide at the practice, visit <a href='http://www.prosmilesdental.com/'>www.prosmilesdental.com</a> for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.</p>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-50651468073249168392017-09-11T12:42:00.002-07:002017-09-11T12:42:45.136-07:00Cosmetic Dentistry<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nobody wants a smile that is dull and leaves a bad first impression, which is why Archana Lankupalli, DDS at ProSmiles Dental offers a wide variety of cosmetic services to provide you with the smile that you’ve always dreamed of. Cosmetic dental procedures are designed to improve not only the aesthetics of your smile, but the health of it as well. Common procedures include bleaching, bonding, crowns, veneers, as well as reshaping and contouring.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While traditional dentistry addresses the health of your teeth and gums, cosmetic dentistry focuses on the appearance of your teeth, mouth, and smile as a whole. This type of dentistry is aimed at creating a positive change to your teeth and to your smile. If you have a grin that embarrasses you due to missing teeth, tooth discoloration, or teeth that are chipped or cracked, Archana Lankupalli, DDS at ProSmiles Dental. will restore your confidence. If you’re not sure which procedure may be right for you, schedule a consultation, today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you wish to enhance the appearance of your smile, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit <a href="http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/">www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com</a> for more information. To schedule an appointment with Archana Lankupalli, DDS at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-369-8000.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0Fort Worth, TX, USA32.7554883 -97.330765831.901301300000004 -98.62165929999999 33.609675300000006 -96.0398723tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-73294394542217033352017-09-09T14:02:00.001-07:002017-09-09T14:02:06.714-07:00Back to School Check Up<p>It’s important for everyone to get bi-annual check-ups at the dentist and children especially need professional cleanings and consultations. If decay is allowed to go untreated, they can encounter serious problems at school. Fortunately, it’s still early enough in the year for children to avoid having their development derailed by tooth aches.</p><br /><p>“Caries” is how doctors describe small instances of tooth decay. Children are the demographic that is at highest risk for them. The <a href='https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/children_adults/child.htm'>latest information</a> from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention found that untreated tooth decay is very common in children, occurring in 13% of teenagers and 20% of preteens. The effects of tooth aches can be severe: missed sleep, reluctance to eat, difficulty speaking, difficulty focusing, and grouchiness. But while tooth decay is common, it can also be prevented with sealants, such as those we can provide our patients, and by regular oral hygiene. Tooth decay does not get better on its own, so to prevent children from needing more extensive restorations later in the year, they should get everything taken care of now. We can also ascertain whether the child will need wisdom tooth extractions.</p><br /><p>Dr. Archana Lankupalli operates ProSmiles Dental at 9400 Clifford Street, Suite 110, Fort Worth, Texas, 76108. To schedule an appointment, call 817-369-8000 or visit <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/'>WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com</a> and fill out a <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/contact'>contact sheet</a>.</p><br /><p> </p>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-88083992748691045522017-08-31T15:00:00.001-07:002017-08-31T15:00:31.497-07:00Intrinsic Stains<p>Patients at ProSmiles dental are assured of getting cosmetically-pleasing solutions for all their dental health problems. Most tooth stains do not constitute a threat to the patient’s health, but there are some which indicate a deeper problem. These are called intrinsic stains, and they may not be treatable with whitening.</p><br /><p>Extrinsic stains are on the surface of the tooth and are acquired from smoking and drinking dark liquids, such as coffee and soda. But intrinsic stains are caused by something related to the dental pulp. It may just be that the patient was exposed to excessive amounts of fluoride or tetracycline antibiotics, which cause permanent teeth to develop with a blackish-purple color. These stains can simply be covered with veneers. But if the pulp is inflamed due to an infection, the patient is at risk of developing a severe tooth ache and a bad taste in their mouth. The body struggles to fight off dental infections on its own, and if the infection spreads, the patient could develop a facial abscess.</p><br /><p>Root canals are necessary for removing inflamed dental pulp. Once it’s gone, the tooth will be sealed and can be given a veneer. However, it may be necessary to replace the whole crown, depending on the extent of the stain.</p><br /><p>Dr. Archana Lankupalli operates ProSmiles Dental at 9400 Clifford Street, Suite 110, Fort Worth, Texas, 76108. To schedule an appointment, call 817-369-8000 or visit <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/'>WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com</a> and fill out a <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/contact'>contact sheet</a>.</p><br /><p> </p>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-18256116199431396372017-08-24T15:02:00.001-07:002017-08-24T15:02:29.741-07:00Loose Teeth<p>Permanent teeth should never come loose, but when they do, ProSmiles Dental is here to help. Dentists categorize dental trauma as either “primary occlusal trauma,” if the teeth split without being infected, and “secondary occlusal trauma,” which is the result of gum disease. When teeth come loose over time, instead of from a specific violent event, gum disease is to blame.</p><br /><p>Periodontal disease causes gum tissue to recede, weakening the ligaments holding teeth in place. But what many people don’t know is that it also causes the jaw bone to lose mass. Loss of jaw bone weakens teeth even more, and the effect snowballs once the back teeth come loose. To spare their back teeth, patients often start chewing with the front of their mouths, putting too much stress on their incisors, and pushing them even further out of place.</p><br /><p>Dentists have to get the bacterial infection under control before doing anything else. Treating loose teeth will likely involve putting a splint on them at some point, although the splint may or may not be permanent. When a large amount of bone tissue has been lost, a bone graft will be necessary before a patient can receive implants.</p><br /><p>Dr. Archana Lankupalli operates ProSmiles Dental at 9400 Clifford Street, Suite 110, Fort Worth, Texas, 76108. To schedule an appointment, call 817-369-8000 or visit <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/'>WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com</a> and fill out a <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/contact'>contact sheet</a>.</p><br /><p> </p>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-80980211657461992262017-08-16T15:00:00.001-07:002017-08-16T15:00:26.851-07:00Traditional Braces<p>Though they are usually not aesthetically pleasing, traditional braces are one of the quickest ways to straighten your smile. If you have crooked teeth, and/or a misaligned bite, traditional braces can correct the problem in a matter of months. Fortunately, our doctors at ProSmiles Dental offer this orthodontic option to patients.</p><br /><p>If you desire a straighter smile, braces work by continuously applying pressure over a period of time to slowly move teeth into their appropriate direction. Braces consist of brackets, wires, and bands, that you can customize them to express yourself. How long a patient will need to wear braces depends on the individual case, but most people wear them for one to three years. After orthodontic treatment is over, our doctors will discuss retainers with you.</p><br /><p>If you wish to inquire about orthodontic options, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit <a href='http://www.prosmilesdental.com/'>www.prosmilesdental.com</a> for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.</p>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-58188506125142729042017-08-12T15:00:00.001-07:002017-08-12T15:00:26.718-07:00Wisdom Teeth Extraction<p>With age comes wisdom, and also, wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth usually erupt during the ages of 17-22 and though not everyone needs them removed, extraction is best to avoid damage to surrounding teeth. Wisdom teeth will cause problems if there isn’t enough space for them to grow. If you are noticing pain or swelling in your mouth or stiffness in your jaw, our doctors at ProSmiles Dental may need to suggest extraction.</p><br /><p>There are more disadvantages to keeping your wisdom teeth than there are to keep them. This is because wisdom teeth that don’t erupt properly can allow food to become trapped in the gums, leading to tooth decay. Wisdom teeth that have partially-erupted can give bacteria a place to enter the gums and infection may occur. If our doctors decide that extraction is right for you, they will discuss the details in full during a consultation.</p><br /><p>If you wish to inquire about wisdom teeth extraction, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit <a href='http://www.prosmilesdental.com/'>www.prosmilesdental.com</a> for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.</p>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-58182400672766273792017-08-02T12:31:00.001-07:002017-08-02T12:31:15.115-07:00Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery<p>At ProSmiles Dental, we see many patients who are unhappy with their smiles for various reasons. The overall look of your smile includes the gums, and even when a patient has healthy teeth and gums they may be dissatisfied with the overall appearance of their smile. We are excited to offer cosmetic periodontal surgery because it allows us to give any patient their best smile.</p><br /><p>Cosmetic periodontal surgery is a technical way of saying sculpting the gum line. A lack or excess of gum tissue can cause a smile to have the look of elongated teeth or a gummy smile. To create a balanced look between gum and tooth, the procedure can include removing gum tissue, placing gum grafts, or both. Excess tissue is removed using a laser or scalpel tool. Soft tissue grafts are harvested from a healthy location in the patient’s mouth, and placed where gum tissue is lacking or has receded. The result is an even ratio of tooth to gums throughout the whole mouth. Don’t let your gums keep you from your best smile!</p><br /><p>To learn more about cosmetic gum surgery and all the services we provide, visit <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/'>WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com</a> for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Archana Lankupalli at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-369-8000.</p>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-38094098677893601562017-07-26T14:30:00.001-07:002017-07-26T14:30:13.636-07:00Clear Braces<p>Braces are still the most common way for adolescents and adults straighten their teeth. Clear aligners have become more popular, but aren’t always effective for everyone. If your orthodontic treatment requires brackets and wires, clear braces may be the solution for you. Visit ProSmiles Dental to see if you are a candidate for clear braces.</p><br /><p>Clear braces use the traditional straightening technique of braces with materials designed to avoid the metallic look dreaded by so many patients. Aesthetic improvements made to the components of braces in recent years include brackets that are available in clear and ceramic varieties, and are designed to resist staining. Wires the color of natural teeth are used to connect these brackets. The outcome is a look that’s not totally invisible, but is much more subtle than traditional silver braces and doesn’t look metallic. Almost any orthodontic patient can achieve the same great results as traditional braces offer with a better disguise during treatment.</p><br /><p>To learn more about all the orthodontic options and services we provide, visit <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/'>WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com</a> for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Archana Lankupalli at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-369-8000.</p>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-21216780783354452942017-07-19T15:30:00.001-07:002017-07-19T15:30:42.054-07:00Banish Bad Breath<p>Bad breath that results from consuming potent foods like onions or garlic isn’t harmful to our health. However, when it becomes persistent due to lack of oral hygiene, then our doctors of ProSmiles Dental have a bone to pick with patients. Medically deemed, halitosis, bad breath can be an acute or chronic condition. There are many risk factors, such tobacco products, dry mouth, or poor oral health. </p><br /><p>Bad breath can be made worse by the types of foods you consume or by unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking. When we eat, our food is broken down into particles that cause plaque when not brushed away on a daily basis. The best way to prevent bad breath is by keeping your mouth as clean as possible. In addition to brushing and flossing your teeth, you should brush your tongue to eliminate all leftover food residues. Treatment for bad breath will depend on the cause.</p><br /><p>If you have questions or concerns regarding bad breath or your oral hygiene status, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit <a href='http://www.prosmilesdental.com/'>www.prosmilesdental.com</a> for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.</p>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-84594584370759895372017-07-14T13:31:00.001-07:002017-07-14T13:31:45.489-07:00Thank You for Your Positive Reviews!<p>Here at ProSmiles Dental, our staff appreciates feedback from patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank Charmelle Jonzie for this positive review, but we would like to thank her for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know! </p><br /><p>“The staff is AMAZING! The front office staff makes you feel welcome. My children have seen her as well and they did an awesome job with my kids. I was having tooth pain and needed to have a filling fixed. A lot of other dentists were trying to do extra work, not addressing the problem, and charging way too much money out of pocket. I have good dental insurance. I came here had X-rays and the dentist addressed the problem as well as not charging me a lot of money out of pocket. I will definitely be going back here. Awesome job to the staff here!!!! Thank you again!” –Charmelle Jonzie</p><br /><p>If you would like to leave a testimonial or learn about services we provide at the practice, visit <a href='http://www.prosmilesdental.com/'>www.prosmilesdental.com</a> for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.</p>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-46287405432786084902017-07-06T13:31:00.001-07:002017-07-06T13:31:42.740-07:00Root Tip Infection<p>At ProSmiles Dental, Dr. Lankupalli uses root canal therapies to save infected teeth and prevent a toothache from turning into a major threat to a patient’s health. But sometimes an infection goes beyond the pulpy inner chamber of a tooth and causes inflammation at the tip of its root. This is called a periapical abscess and may require a different approach.</p><br /><p>When bacteria kill tissue, pus develops. An abscess is a pocket of tissue which contains the pus and bacteria. A periapical abscess cannot dispose of pus on its own and must be drained. Otherwise, the patient will remain in pain and experience fever and a persistent bad taste. Furthermore, an abscess may not be able to contain an infection forever, and if the infection spreads, the patient may suffer ulcers in their face and potentially deadly blood poisoning.</p><br /><p>Root canals are the first line of defense for dealing with infected pulp. If they fail, Dr. Lankupalli may decide the patient needs an apicoectomy, which is the removal and replacement of a root tip. With the imaging equipment in our Fort Worth office, we can detect infections early, so it’s to our patients’ advantage to visit regularly.</p><br /><p>Dr. Archana Lankupalli operates ProSmiles Dental at 9400 Clifford Street, Suite 110, Fort Worth, Texas, 76108. To schedule an appointment, call 817-369-8000 or visit <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/'>WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com</a> and fill out a <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/contact'>contact sheet</a>.</p><br /><p> </p>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-72034247858100921742017-06-28T12:31:00.001-07:002017-06-28T12:31:18.446-07:00What is a Frenectomy?<p>At ProSmiles Dental, we perform frenectomies to correct a number of issues patients may have with their teeth, lips, and tongue. A frenectomy is a procedure to remove a frenum, or muscular attachment between two tissues, from the mouth. One frenum is located underneath your tongue, and removing this is called a lingual frenectomy. Patients that have an enlarged frenum underneath their tongue have trouble moving their tongue freely. This is often called ‘tongue tie’, and can interfere with speech development. Lingual frenectomies are typically performed on young patients, who can recover quickly and continue to develop their speech.</p><br /><p>Another frenum in your mouth is between the font teeth (both the upper and lower sets) and connects the inner surface of the lip with the gum. Removing this attachment is called a labial frenectomy. Patients who have receding gums can benefit from this procedure, because a strong frenum from the gum to the lip can cause extra pulling on the gums and lead to further recession.</p><br /><p>To learn more about frenectomies<strong> </strong>and all the services we provide, visit <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/'>WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com</a> for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Archana Lankupalli at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-369-8000.</p>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-10759727491075232202017-06-20T13:01:00.001-07:002017-06-20T13:01:27.891-07:00Night Guards for Bruxism<p>Bruxism is regular teeth grinding or clenching of the jaw. Stress can intensify bruxism, but it is most often caused by an abnormal bite or crooked teeth. Some teeth grinders consciously grind their teeth and clench their jaw, but some only do so while asleep and may not even realize it. ProSmiles Dental offers custom night guards to help patients overcome the negative effects of bruxism.</p><br /><p>Waking up with a dull headache or experiencing pain and stiffness in your jaw are signs you may be grinding your teeth overnight, and shouldn’t be ignored. Patients who continually grind their teeth often end up needing crowns, bridges, root canals and implants. In severe cases tooth loss can occur, and partial or complete dentures may be needed. Having a custom night guard made is a simple step that will help prevent so many issues for teeth grinders.</p><br /><p>Night guards look similar to mouth guards worn by athletes, but serve a different purpose. A dentist uses an impression of your teeth to ensure a custom fit, and the night guard is manufactured in a dental lab. Wearing a custom night guard protects the surface of the teeth, and also properly aligns the jaw to improve breathing and sleep. If you think you a custom night guard could help you, please contact us.</p><br /><p>To learn more about night guards and all the services we provide, visit <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/'>WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com</a> for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Archana Lankupalli at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-369-8000.</p>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-11651418415653122422017-06-17T12:03:00.001-07:002017-06-17T12:03:00.497-07:00Acid Reflux<p>Acid reflux is a common cause of tooth erosion. At ProSmiles Dental, Dr. Lankupalli provides patients with several treatment options to reduce and repair the damage, but we believe prevention is the best thing to ensure patients’ overall health.</p><br /><p>There is a sphincter which separates the stomach from the esophagus. When a patient’s swallowing causes that sphincter to open, acid can escape into the esophagus and the mouth. This is especially likely to occur if the patient eats a large amount of chocolate and fried or acidic food, such as tomatoes and onions, drinks alcohol and caffeine, and eats large meals before bed. When acid reflux occurs twice or more in a week, the patient is said to have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and their teeth could be in danger.</p><br /><p>Tooth enamel erosion from acid reflux is most common on the inward sides of the upper teeth and on the grinding surfaces of the molars. It makes teeth sensitive and less effective at grinding. Acid also causes teeth be become discolored as their outer white layer thins and their inner yellow-grey shines through. The damage can be repaired through restorations such as partial crowns, but patients should change their diets and lifestyles to avoid further harm.</p><br /><p>Dr. Archana Lankupalli operates ProSmiles Dental at 9400 Clifford Street, Suite 110, Fort Worth, Texas, 76108. To schedule an appointment, call 817-369-8000 or visit <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/'>WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com</a> and fill out a <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/contact'>contact sheet</a>.</p><br /><p> </p>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-54186717100721886262017-06-06T14:30:00.001-07:002017-06-06T14:30:11.334-07:00Bone Grafting<p>Bone grafting may not sound like a dental procedure, but a bone graft has become routine throughout medicine because of how it helps a body heal. The bone graft procedure consists of harvesting bone material from a healthy part of a patient’s body, and transferring it to a site that needs reinforcement. ProSmiles Dental performs bone grafts for patients with weakened jaw bones that need dental implants.</p><br /><p>A jaw bone can weaken over time if tooth loss or gum disease has left a certain portion of the jaw vulnerable. When a patient needs a replacement tooth, the jaw bone needs to be strong enough to handle the placement of the implant. There are synthetic options for bone grafts, but a dental graft is usually obtained from a different spot in the patient’s own mouth. This gives the injured or deficient bone a replacement, and encourages growth of new material around the site. The healing process can take several months, and your jaw is monitored by your dentist until it heals enough to handle the placement of an implant.</p><br /><p>To learn more about bone grafting and all the services we provide, visit <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/'>WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com</a> for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Archana Lankupalli at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-369-8000.</p>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-82258072148459677032017-05-30T13:32:00.001-07:002017-05-30T13:32:04.752-07:00Dental Sealants<p>Dental sealants are a preventative measure used to preserve the teeth and tooth enamel. Almost half of all children and adolescents in the United States have had cavities in their permanent teeth. At ProSmiles Dental we recommend dental sealants for pediatric patients to avoid becoming part of this statistic. Most tooth decay in children and teenagers occurs on the chewing surfaces of molars, where the pits and grooves tend to trap food and bacteria. Molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14. It is best to have a sealant placed on each set of molars when they first come in to ensure they are protected early.</p><br /><p>Sealants are applied to surfaces of these molars much like paint. The plastic resin fills any pits and grooves on the surface and hardens. Now the surface is protected from bits of food being stuck, so bacteria cannot multiply and cause decay, and tooth enamel is protected from plaque and acids. Sealants can effectively prevent cavities for up to ten years and can be reapplied of necessary.</p><br /><p>To learn more about sealants and all the services we provide, visit <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/'>WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com</a> for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Archana Lankupalli at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-369-8000.</p>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-42292454126633840222017-05-24T11:30:00.001-07:002017-05-24T11:30:55.629-07:00The Danger of DIY Orthodontics<p>As an Invisalign provider certified by the American Orthodontic Society, Dr. Archana Lankupalli of ProSmiles Dental is concerned about reports of people attempting amateur orthodontic treatments on themselves. Doctors have released several public service announcements within the past year that these practices are often highly risky and unlikely to yield good results.</p><br /><p>The current DIY orthodontic fad began with the publication of an online article by someone who used a 3D-printer to fashion his own invisible aligners. Invisalign patients know that aligners are dispensed three at a time at six-week intervals. The author described this as a deliberate effort to prolong treatment to extort more payments from patients.</p><br /><p>In fact, orthodontic work takes time because teeth and jaws are living bones and moving teeth through jaws requires that the bone have time to dissolve and heal. Speeding up tooth migration does not give the jaws enough time to solidify, which may result in teeth coming loose, falling out, traveling back to their previous position, or becoming otherwise misaligned. Other DIY orthodontic ideas, such as binding teeth together, pose a risk of cutting off teeth’s blood supply or that the binding material will get lost in the patient’s gum tissue. We urge anyone who is frustrated with their bite or the appearance of their teeth to inquire with us about professional treatment and our office’s payment options. Attempting cheap, amateur solutions will only make things much worse.</p><br /><p>Dr. Archana Lankupalli operates ProSmiles Dental at 9400 Clifford Street, Suite 110, Fort Worth, Texas, 76108. To schedule an appointment, call 817-369-8000 or visit <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/'>WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com</a> and fill out a <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/contact'>contact sheet</a>.</p><br /><p> </p>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-17232307884808195072017-05-20T11:02:00.001-07:002017-05-20T11:02:34.354-07:00Dry Sockets<p>At ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, Dr. Archana Lankupalli carries out dozens of extractions every month. Her expertise has relieved many patients of problems from overcrowding or readied them for restorations. The main risk following extraction is a dry socket, and Dr. Lankupalli is committed to helping patients understand post-op instructions and what will happen if they suffer an emergency.</p><br /><p>A simple extraction, in which a tooth is pulled straight out, usually does not require sutures. It does, however, require something to seal off the socket to prevent infection and dryness until it closes naturally, which will take a few days. If the patient is not taking a medication which interferes with clotting, the blood clot which forms after the tooth is extracted should be enough to protect the socket, but the patient needs to avoid activities which may cause it to dissolve or break off. Sipping through a straw is one such risky behavior, as the suction can dislodge clots.</p><br /><p>Unfortunately, complications are more likely in the cases of extractions which required incisions to the patient’s gums or jaw bone. The follow-up appointment for suture removal will provide Dr. Lankupalli with an opportunity to see if the healing is progressing normally. But if patients feel severe pain or can see that their socket is exposed, they should schedule an emergency appointment immediately. Dr. Lankupalli will numb clean the socket and provide wound dressing with antibacterial medication.</p><br /><p>Dr. Archana Lankupalli operates ProSmiles Dental at 9400 Clifford Street, Suite 110, Fort Worth, Texas, 76108. To schedule an appointment, call 817-369-8000 or visit <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/'>WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com</a> and fill out a <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/contact'>contact sheet</a>.</p><br /><p> </p>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872534751280499549.post-77199537343406441662017-05-10T13:01:00.001-07:002017-05-10T13:01:43.752-07:00Mouth Guards for Sports<p>Are you and your family getting active in sports this season? The staff at ProSmiles Dental wants you to know you may be overlooking an important safety precaution. Athletes participating in any contact sport are advised to wear some kind of mouth protection. A mouth guard helps prevent damage to the teeth and jaw, and also helps prevent injuries to the cheeks, tongue, and lips. Most sporting goods stores carry mouth guards, but not in many sizes. These generic mouth guards often end up feeling uncomfortable, leading to child and teenage athletes in particular not wearing the protection at all. A bulky or cushioned mouth guard can even interrupt breathing and speaking.</p><br /><p>Custom mouth guards can be fit over braces and won’t interrupt normal activity. Come see us at ProSmiles Dental and have a dentist perform a custom mouth guard fitting for a mouth guard made of thin, hard plastic that protects your teeth and still fits comfortably. This is an easy precaution to take for athletes, and you can go right back to playing your best!</p><br /><p>Dr. Archana Lankupalli operates ProSmiles Dental at 9400 Clifford Street, Suite 110, Fort Worth, Texas, 76108. To schedule an appointment, call 817-369-8000 or visit <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/'>WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com</a> and fill out a <a href='http://www.whitesettlementdentisttx.com/contact'>contact sheet</a>.</p>ProSmiles Dentalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15182289055112235025noreply@blogger.com0