Dental Health

What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

wisdom teeth Provo

When a wisdom tooth tries to come in but is obstructed by the adjacent tooth, it becomes impacted and can result in such complications as pain, inflammation, or tooth decay. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, we can extract wisdom teeth.

It’s challenging to clean partially-erupted wisdom teeth. Since they have a high risk of decay, we pay special attention to them. They can also cause decay in the neighboring molars.

For most people, wisdom teeth come in in the late teens or early twenties. As many as 85% of wisdom teeth need to be extracted. It is a routine outpatient procedure; most patients experience minimal discomfort and recover in a few days.

If you or your teenager has wisdom teeth that need attention, please call us at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT. People from American Fork and Lehi come to us for complete general and cosmetic dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 8078

You Don’t Have to Live With Bad Breath

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

bad breath treatment Provo

Chronic bad breath can happen even when you do everything right: brushing and flossing after meals, using mouthwash, and having regular checkups at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT.

If you are doing everything right but still coping with bad breath, don’t make any changes right away. Brushing longer and more forcefully isn’t likely to make much of a difference. In fact, brushing too vigorously is dangerous to gums and contributes to gum recession.

Ordinary bad breath is usually caused by the things we eat and drink. Food debris builds up on the teeth and forms plaque, which is bacterial. The best defense against it is to brush and floss after every meal.

Whatever the cause, you don’t have to live with bad breath. The best thing to do is to let us know. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, we help patients from American Fork and Lehi with effective brushing and flossing. Our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 8569

What If My Tooth Gets Knocked Out?

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Categories: Dental Health, Restorative Dentistry

tooth injury Provo

It can happen in an instant: a blow to the mouth so violent, it knocks out a tooth. This is an authentic dental emergency and you need immediate care, like what we offer at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT.

If you venture on to a playing field, even if it’s only for touch football, it can happen. It might also be the result of a household accident. Regardless, if it happens, here it what you should do:

  1. Find the Tooth
    You may be in panic mode, so try to remember asking for help. When you find the tooth, handle it carefully. Keep it in the best condition possible. We may be able to reinsert it.
  2. Don’t Touch the Root!
    Remember to NOT touch the tooth by the root. Only hold it by the crown (the chewing part). It’s okay to gently rinse the tooth in water, but don’t scrub it or remove any tissue fragments. This is crucial and bears repeating: do not remove any tissue from the tooth. That bloody goo is valuable. It can help your tooth re-attach. At this point, the best place for the tooth is back in the socket. If you decide to put it there, place it gently. It may not be possible, so don’t force it. If it’s an injured child, don’t even try.
  3. Keep the Tooth Safe
    Holding the tooth between the lip and gum or under the tongue is a good option, but be careful you don’t swallow it. If neither of these is possible, place the tooth in a cup of milk, or wrap it in cloth moistened with saliva.
  4. Get To The Dentist ASAP!
    Remember, a knocked out tooth is a clear-cut dental emergency, and you’re in a race against the clock. If you receive treatment within an hour, chances are good the tooth can be saved.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT we offer emergency dentistry, along with complete general dentistry services. Call ahead if you can, but if there’s a knocked out tooth, getting here as soon as you can is the main thing! We serve satisfied patients from American Fork and Lehi. Request an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 8157

A Noteworthy Dental Experience

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry

cost of dental crowns Orem

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, we make each appointment a noteworthy experience with our attention to detail, and commitment to each patient’s dental health.

Good dental health means having healthy teeth and gums. Maintaining it is something that you have to work at every day. It can be a real balancing act: using the right oral care products, your personal oral care habits, and regular checkups.

Crucial Steps in a Good Dental Routine

  • Daily brushing and flossing: You should brush and floss twice a day. Just before bedtime is especially important, because it cleans out the germs and plaque that build up during the course of the day.
  • Proper brushing: It’s important not only to brush, but to brush properly. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush in a gentle, circular motion along the gum line. Take your time; a minimum of two minutes is recommended. Don’t forget to brush your tongue!
  • Fluoridated toothpaste: There is a myriad of choices when it comes to toothpaste. Whether you prefer mint flavored or bubble gum, fluoride is the most important consideration. It is your best defense against cavities.
  • Limited sugar intake: Fruits, teas, and coffee all contribute to enamel erosion. Sugar converts into acid when it’s in your mouth. You don’t have to avoid these foods entirely, but choose carefully and minimize.
  • Check-ups twice a year: Your daily dental health care habits are essential, but so is the attention and care of a dentist. A professional teeth cleaning alone is worth the trip, but we can also identify issues before they become serious and treat them.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT we want every checkup to be a noteworthy experience, and for all our patients to enjoy excellent dental health. People from American Fork and Lehi come to us for a wide range of cosmetic dentistry options, including teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. Contact us to schedule your next checkup!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 6735

Feel Like A Movie Star With A Smile Makeover

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health

Lehi Best Teeth Whitening

When you see pictures of celebrities, most look like they have perfectly beautiful, white teeth. It’s very impressive! Can ordinary people obtain a celebrity-caliber smile? With cosmetic dentistry from Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Provo UT, absolutely!

Cosmetic dentistry refers to a range of procedures that use proven dental techniques to improve the appearance of a patient’s smile. Whether it is relatively minor or more involved, it can give you the beautiful teeth you have always wanted.

Available procedures include:

Teeth whitening. Professional teeth whitening surpasses any whitening product you can buy at the store. We offer a powerful in-office treatment, or professional-grade take-home kit.

Porcelain veneers. Veneers are thin ceramic shells custom-fitted to† your teeth. They are permanently attached to mask chips and cracks, replace lost enamel, or to cover gaps between teeth.

Crowns and bridges. Crowns and bridges can replace lost teeth or restore damaged ones.

Any one of these procedures will have an immediate, noticeable effect. Put them together and you’ll have a stunning new smile!

At Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Provo UT, we use cosmetic dentistry to improve the smiles of our patients every day. People from American Fork and Lehi also come to our practice for complete porcelain veneers and teeth whitening. Contact us today to find out what we can do for your smile!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 4557

What Is Lurking Under Your Gumline?

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

Gum Disease Treatment Provo

Your overall dental health depends on healthy teeth and gums. Along with regular checkups at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, regular brushing and flossing helps keep everything in good shape.

You already know how to brush your teeth. But there are best practices that you may not be aware of. Bearing in mind that there is always room to improve, we offer up these tips:

  • Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle with the bristle tips aimed at the line where the tooth and gum meet.
  • Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles.
  • Get all over your teeth: the front and the sides, inside and out, and the tops.
  • Use fluoridated toothpaste.
  • Use dental floss!

Remember, poor brushing and flossing allows plaque to build up on your teeth, and in between. This puts you at risk for gum disease. Regular brushing and flossing, done properly, is the best way to prevent plaque from building up.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we can treat gum disease.  People from American Fork and Lehi come to our practice for complete general dentistry services, and much more. Call us to schedule your next checkup today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 4592

Gum Health Affects Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

gum disease increases diabetes risk Provo

There is a link between type 2 diabetes and gum disease, which is another reason to have regular cleanings and checkups at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo.

Diabetes affects the way the body uses glucose (blood sugar). Scientists have known for a long time that people with diabetes have higher rates of gum disease. For diabetics, maintaining proper blood glucose levels is the key to minimizing the risk of gum disease and related issues.

Diabetes affects the ability to fight off bacteria that can cause gum infections. It can also affect the ability to control blood sugar. People with diabetes are at greater risk for:

  • Gingivitis, which is mild gum disease
  • Periodontitis, which is advanced gum disease
  • Thrush, a type of fungal infection
  • Dry mouth, which can increase the risk of infection, cavities, and mouth sores

If you have diabetes it is critical that you control your blood sugar as recommended by your doctor. It’s also essential to brush twice a day and floss at least once.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we can treat gum disease. People from American Fork and Lehi come to our practice for complete general dentistry. Please call us today to schedule your next cleaning and checkup!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 7024

5 Critical Things To Know About Periodontal Disease

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

gum disease exam ProvoPeriodontal disease, also called gum disease, is inflammation or infection of the gums. For the most part, periodontal disease is preventable. It is also treatable, at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo.

Gum disease is so pervasive in the US that it has been called a health crisis by the American Dental Association.

  1. If left untreated, it can cause irreversible damage such as tooth loss.
  2. Daily brushing and flossing and regular dental exams are the best way to prevent gum disease.
  3. Periodontal disease can occur without the presence of decay.
  4. Almost half of all 30+ adults in the US have periodontal disease.
  5. In some cases, periodontal disease generates no noticeable symptoms.

Risk factors for periodontal disease include tobacco use, poor oral hygiene (especially failing to floss), genetics, teeth grinding, inflammatory conditions, and poor nutrition.

Gum disease may be one of the best examples of prevention being the best medicine. With regular brushing and flossing, and checkups at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, you can prevent gum disease. People from American Fork and Lehi come to our practice for complete general dentistry services. Call to schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 7464

Halitosis And Xerostomia (Bad Breath And Dry Mouth)

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

dry mouth treatment Provo

In this post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we address the unpleasant topic of halitosis, also known as bad breath.

While poor dental hygiene is the most common cause of halitosis, many elements can contribute to it, or even make it worse. One of these is the lack of saliva, or xerostomia.

Saliva and Oral Health

One of the functions of saliva is moistening the teeth and gums and removing odiferous dead cells. Saliva also neutralizes the ever-present acids on the tongue, gums, and cheeks and the minerals in saliva help to maintain enamel stability.

Immunoproteins in saliva curb the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth, thereby shielding the gums from gingivitis. Saliva also functions as a disinfectant by cleansing the mouth of leftover food, bacteria, and fungi. This protects against cavities and infections.

Most of us have a dry mouth now and then, like when we’re anxious or under stress. Limiting caffeine, chewing sugar-free gum, using over-the-counter saliva substitutes, and using a humidifier can add moisture to the mouth.

If you have occasional periods of dry mouth, there is probably nothing to worry about. Constant dry mouth, however, can result in additional oral and physical health problems.

If you are coping with either condition, be sure to tell us at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. We’ve helped patients throughout American Fork and Lehi discover the source and guide them on treatment. Our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 7334

Save Your Breath

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

bad breath treatments Provo

This post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo focuses on a problem experienced by many people, bad breath.

Bad breath, or halitosis, has several causes. The most common is poor oral hygiene. Halitosis often happens in the middle of the day, due to an inability to brush between meals. Small food pieces on the teeth, gums, and tongue grow bacteria. This in turn creates a sulfur compound, which emits the unpleasant odor.

While poor oral hygiene is the most common cause, other circumstances can contribute to or worsen the problem. The best remedy is regular brushing and flossing, but other actions might also be needed.

For example, a salivary gland problem or certain medications can cause dry mouth. Saliva moistens the teeth and gums, clearing away odiferous dead cells. Saliva also neutralizes the ever-present acids on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. Limiting caffeine, chewing sugar-free gum, using over-the-counter saliva substitutes, and using a humidifier can add moisture to the mouth.

Remember, the best defense against bad breath is a good dental care routine – daily brushing and flossing, and regular visits to the dentist.

If you struggle with bad breath in spite of vigilant oral hygiene, talk to us at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. Our services include general and cosmetic dentistry. People from American Fork and Lehi trust us with their dental health. Schedule an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604