We Love Patient Referrals!

Posted on
Categories: Beautiful smile, Dental Health, Family Dentistry

pediatric dentist Provo

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, many of our new patients come to us on the recommendation of a current patient.

This is, of course, very flattering. It’s important to any dental practice to get new patients, but when they come to us because a current patient is pleased with our care, it is very satisfying.

We strive for excellence in dentistry and have built a positive track record in the community. When our patients acknowledge this by telling others about their positive experiences here, it goes a long way toward improving our standing.

What do we mean by striving for excellence? Dentistry is at the core of what we do, but excellence is more than that. A positive patient experience begins with their initial contact, whether it’s on the phone with one of our staff members or a visit to our website. We do our best to make scheduling appointments easy. Use our site to find our office, and get useful information about services.

Of course, we work hard to make our office a pleasing environment. Staff members are welcoming and efficient. At every point of contact, you can expect us to meet your needs.

So when our patients recommend us to others, it tells us we’re doing things right. People from American Fork and Lehi come to us at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo for complete family dentistry, and specialties like pocelain veneers. Please call us to 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 8192

A Fresh Start After Losing A Tooth

Posted on
Categories: Dental Implants

Provo Permanent Tooth Replacement

At least three million Americans have replaced a missing tooth with a dental implant, and that number grows each year. You can restore your smile with a dental implant from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo.

A dental implant is a titanium post that is placed into your jaw. An artificial tooth goes on top of the post. They blend in with your remaining teeth, and look and function like the real thing. Dental implants are a long-term tooth restoration.

Dental implants also prevent bone recession, which is common in people who have lost teeth. The titanium post goes where the tooth root used to be, and helps strengthen the bone.

Implants can also be used to anchor dentures, providing a much firmer, more secure fit. Many patients report newfound confidence in  themselves, after years of embarrassment caused by missing teeth.

Dental implants are one of the most significant advances in dentistry. To find out more, call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. Patients from American Fork, and Lehi come to us for complete family dentistry. 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 3066

What If My Child Loses Their Baby Teeth Too Early?

Posted on
Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

baby teeth fall out early? Provo

Baby teeth are imporant. Your child needs them to eat and to speak, of course, but they play an important role in the permanent teeth that come in as your youngster grows up. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, our job includes helping kids’ baby teeth stay healthy.

When pre-teens lose their baby teeth too long before their permanent teeth are ready to come in, it can influence tooth spacing. We may recommend an artificial space maintainer to keep the remaining baby teeth in place. This ensures that there will be adequate space for the permanent teeth to come in.

When Is It ‘Too Early’ Or ‘Too Late’ For Baby Teeth To Fall Out?

Most youngsters begin losing their baby teeth around age 6. If your child’s baby teeth starting falling out before they are 4 1/2, let us know so we can perform an exam.

If your child hasn’t lost a tooth by 7 or 8 years old, it may also indicate a problem. Hopefully, you are already maintaining a twice-yearly dental visit schedule for your child. If not, we recommend that you start. Your child’s current and future health is at risk.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we have a welcoming office with family-friendly dentistry for kids. We also create beautiful smiles with cosmetic dentistry. Patients from American Fork, and Lehi come to us for all their dental needs. 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 8135

Gently Now (Protect Your Gums When You Brush)

Posted on
Categories: Dental Health

cosmetic dentistry Provo

Everyone wants nice, pearly white teeth. It makes sense, then, to brush our teeth more often to get them – right? Well, no. As we explain in this post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, brushing too aggressively can result in receding gums.

Gum recession is when your gum line exposes more of your teeth, or in severe cases, your tooth root. It creates a pocket of space between your teeth and gum line.  Decay-causing bacteria can grow and fester in that pocket. This leads to serious issues down the line. Even tooth loss.

Longer or Harder?
A common misconception is the idea that if you want to lighten your teeth, you should scrub them really hard.

The best way to get white teeth is to brush longer, not harder. The key, though, is to use a very light touch. Gently brush your teeth until they’re squeaky clean. Run your tongue over them. Doesn’t that feel great?

Why?
When you brush your teeth too quickly, you may not remove all the food particles. You don’t want this debris turning into plaque.

If you truly want whiter teeth, brush in a slow, circular motion for about five minutes. Methodically go over each tooth surface.

Use a whitening toothpaste with fluoride. That way, you get all the recent gunk off and your teeth get a little bit whiter each time you brush. The fluoride helps your enamel re-harden.

Let’s Review
Brushing too aggressively can lead to gum recession. Gum recession can (and most likely will) cause a space to form between your teeth and gum line. This pocket collects bacteria. Bacteria causes cavities. Plus, if the gums continue to recede, the tooth can become loose.

The best approach is to brush longer, and with a light gentle touch. Don’t forget to floss!

If you’re gums have already begun to recede, don’t despair! It’s a treatable condition. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we offer complete family dentistry, and specialties like dental implants. Call to 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 8128

Think You May Have A Cavity?

Posted on
Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

white dental fillings Provo

To maintain good dental health, your teeth need a lot of good ol’-fashioned TLC. But even when we do our best, bacteria can sneak in and cause tooth decay. At Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Provo, we would be happy to help with your dental issues.

Few of us go through life without getting a cavity. They’re the common cold of dental health!

Cavities are caused when bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine to form plaque. Plaque clings to your teeth, and the acid in it starts to dissolve the enamel. The result is a hole in your tooth.

You can go a long way toward preventing cavities by brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day. That removes that filmy plaque to promote healthy teeth and gums.

It’s also wise to see us at Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Provo twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. Our services include family 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 7266

Dental Implants: What Makes Them Great

Posted on
Categories: Dental Implants, Dentures

dental implants couple with Provo UT dentistThousands of people would agree: dental implants like those available at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo are the next best thing to natural teeth!

There are lots of reasons for this. It’s hard to rank them, but the most important may be that artificial teeth supported by dental implants are nearly as strong as natural teeth. The implants themselves are fused with the jaw bone, meaning they literally become a part of your body. Once the procedure is complete and you’re fully healed, you’ll have the same biting force you used to have.

The replacement teeth supported by implants require the same care as natural teeth. Plaque and other gunk can still build up around them and must be cleaned off. But those replacement teeth will never get cavities. By brushing and flossing like you would with natural teeth, they can last a lifetime.

Dental implants also help to preserve healthy bone. When you lose a tooth the jawbone can actually begin to shink. That’s because of the missing tooth root. When bone recedes, an unfortunate consequence is a shrunken appearance to the face. Remaining teeth can also shift position in the mouth. Implants stimulate the bone, and keep it healthy.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we offer single-tooth dental implants and implant-supported dentures. Call to 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

Is Tooth Decay Contagious?

Posted on
Categories: Beautiful smile, Dental Health, Family Dentistry

tooth decay prevention Provo

This message from Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Provo is about bacteria and cavities. Your mouth has 200-300 types of bacteria, but most of them do not cause tooth decay.

Bacteria that cause decay are in the mutans streptococcus family. They mix with sugar to create a powerful acid. The acid reduces the calcium in tooth enamel. When the bacteria remains on teeth, it produces a yellowish substance called plaque. Plaque is brutally effective at drilling into tooth enamel and causing cavities. Minerals in saliva and fluoride help enamel re-mineralize.

Special Caution for Parents

The tooth decay bacteria can spread through saliva. People in close contact with one another are at risk. Sharing spoons or kissing are two avenues. Mothers, fathers, siblings, and caregivers can give the bacteria to babies.

Young children whose teeth are forming are at a heightened risk. It’s important that moms and dads protect their children from early tooth decay. Start teaching daily oral hygiene as soon as your child’s first tooth erupts. Childhood cavities are so common that some parents believe it’s just part of growing up. It isn’t!

At Hammond Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Provo we strongly recommend daily brushing with fluoridated toothpaste. Don’t forget to floss! Our services include family and cosmetic dentistry. Call for 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 8113

Know The Facts About Oral Piercings

Posted on
Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

health risks of oral piercings Provo

Body piercings are a common form of self-expression. This post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo is for anyone who has an oral piercing or is considering one.

Our brief summary? Bad idea. Unfortunately, these piercings and the jewelry they accommodate can lead to serious issues with not only your teeth and mouth, but your entire body. Oral piercings can bring about tooth damage and decay, gum disease, bone recession, compromised immune system function and even death, though that is rare.

In general, any oral piercing opens you up to an range of potential infections and complications. The mouth is full of germs, and introducing foreign objects permanently is not natural for your body’s health.

A tongue piercing can lead to unnatural chewing patterns that may, in turn, lead to swallowing problems. Metal jewelry also can easily come in contact with your teeth, leading to cracks, chips, or other damage. Your teeth are built to last a lifetime. Damage compromises their durability and shortens their lifespan.

Complications with some piercings develop by the introduction of hepatitis and herpes simplex viruses, and even more complications have occurred with bacteria entering the bloodstream and eventually lodging in the heart valve. In rare cases, such infections are fatal.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we encourage patients with oral piercings to remove their jewelry. If you plan to keep yours, be sure to have regular check-ups. Our services include family and restorative dentistry. Call for 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 7102

These Snacks Are Just As Bad As Candy For Kids’ Teeth

Posted on
Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry

pediatric dentist Provo

Most parents know that candy is damaging for teeth. The sugar in candy creates the acids in the mouth that cause tooth decay. That’s something we remind parents of frequently, at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo.

Because sugar is bad for teeth (and overall physical health), many moms and dads choose what appear to be healthier snacks. Unfortunately, many are nearly as bad for teeth as candy is.

These snacks include:

Dried fruit

Nutrition-wise, a dried apricot is a far better option than a candy bar. The problem is that dried fruits stick to teeth, which poses the same  risk as candy.

Sports and Energy Drinks

Sports drinks are popular with kids, especially as they get involved in sports. When you buy them be sure to inspect the labels. Some have as much sugar as soda.

Soy, Almond, or Rice Milk

Parents whose child can’t tolerate lactose turn to non-dairy milk substitutes. Most brands come in both a sweetened and non-sweetened version. Sweetened types contain a substantial amount of sugar.

Granola Bars

Some brands of granola bars a loaded with sugar. Once again, read the labels before you buy them!

Yogurt

Kids need calcium, and yogurt is a great source. Many brands have a high sugar content. Some parents keep the fridge stocked with hand-held yogurt packets. Kids who eat these throughout the day are subjecting their teeth to a continual stream of sugar.

Sweetened Applesauce

Some manufacturers pack this healthy snack with sugar. Look for a brand without added sugar.

Tooth decay is a serious problem, and the more you read labels and minimize sugar consumption in your kids, the better off they’ll be. (You, too!) At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo our services include family and cosmetic dentistry. Call for 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 8168

It’s Not About Vanity

Posted on
Categories: Beautiful smile, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dream smile

Lehi cosmetic dental and tooth implants

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we create beautiful smiles with cosmetic dentistry.

Smile enhancement with cosmetic dentistry can have positive changes on your life. The smallest improvement can boost your self-confidence. We have many techniques we can use, depending on the state of your smile: we can correct teeth that are discolored, chipped, mis-shapen, and even replace any  that are missing.

Cosmetic dentistry aims to complement your overall dental health. We do more than recommend specific procedures. We consider the shape, alignment, color and condition of the teeth, and the facial shape and coloring of each patient. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment.

Your teeth take a lot of wear and tear over the years, but wanting to look your best is not about vanity. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we use cosmetic dentistry to create your dream smile! Call us today to schedule a consultation.

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 5680