What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning

what to expect during a dental cleaning - lexington dentist

What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning 

What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning

Regardless of how meticulous your oral hygiene regimen is, every one needs a professional dental cleaning. These regular dental visits to your dentist in Lexington, KY, will help you avoid dental problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. You may be wondering what to expect during a dental cleaning at Park Hills Family Dentistry. Dr. Kim shares more in the blog below.

When Should I Get a Dental Cleaning?

Many patients underestimate the power of professional dental cleanings. Over time, tartar and plaque buildup causes teeth to stain and cavities to develop. When you see us for a professional teeth cleaning, our hygienists will remove the tartar. This can only be done by a professional, which is why many Lexington dentists recommend two dental cleanings per year. Here’s a closer look at what to expect during a dental cleaning with our team.

What Do You Do Before a Dental Cleaning?

A dental cleaning is a simple procedure that requires little preparation. Make sure you’re practicing good oral hygiene on a daily basis. Then, before your visit with Dr. Kim, brush your teeth. Your hygienist can clean more thoroughly, but a simple brush helps remove debris and frees up your time for more thorough cleaning. If you have dental anxiety, this is a good way to reduce the amount of time spent in the chair. Do you have any questions or concerns? Write them down so that you can ask them at your appointment.

Your Dental Cleaning

After checking in at the front desk with one of our team members, your hygienist will walk you to one of the rooms. The hygienist will give you an apron or bib to wear to protect your clothes from stains. One of the first things they do is look at your gum lines. You will be asked a few questions about any problems or sensitive areas. Next, your hygienist will start your cleaning. At this time, x-rays will be taken if necessary. You won’t have to leave the room if your dentist has a handheld x-ray device from Digital Doc. 

For the first part of your cleaning, your hygienist will gently scrape tartar and plaque off your teeth. If you have a lot built-up, then this part will take longer than the polishing. Then, each tooth will be polished, followed by flossing. This can also eliminate surface stains, allowing your smile to shine brighter. If you are ever dissatisfied with the color of your teeth, you should inquire about teeth whitening.

The Assessment

Once your cleaning portion is complete, Dr. Kim will come in for a full-mouth evaluation. Dentists used to only use a metal probe and an angled mirror, but now we use a variety of tools. The target is the same: to detect any signs of tooth decay. Your dentist will examine your gums for problems such as deep pockets, redness, and inflammation. 

Your dental professional will also examine your upper and lower jaw for signs of temporomandibular joint disorder. She will examine the soft tissues in your mouth, palate, lymph glands, and neck for signs of oral cancer. During this time, Dr. Kim will address any concerns she may have. This is also the time for patients to address any questions or concerns they have. 

Dental Anxiety

Dental cleanings are quick and easy! They’re an important part of maintaining a happy and healthy smile. Understanding what teeth cleaning entails may alleviate any concern you may have about scheduling your next appointment. However, if you are still nervous, ask about our sedation dentistry options. Sedation dentistry is also known as sleep dentistry, but it does not put you to sleep. Instead, you are awake and aware of all that is going on around you. You can hear and respond to questions and instructions as well. However, it makes you feel less anxious and worried about the treatment.

Sedation dentistry may also help with other issues that can make a dental visit uncomfortable. It can make sitting in the dental chair more relaxed. Please contact Park Hills Family Dentistry if you’re in need of a dental cleaning or other dental services in Lexington, KY. 

Types of Dental Restorations

types of dental restorations - Lexington dentist

Types of Dental Restorations 

Types of Dental Restorations 

Dental restorations have become increasingly popular. The most simple concept of a restoration is the return of something in its lost state. Dental work is no exception. In some cases, your dentist in Lexington, KY, may recommend that you restore your tooth’s original function. In this article, Dr. Jinyoung Kim discusses the types of dental restorations that you may get at our dental office.

Most Popular Dental Restorations 

There are several different types of dental restorations, ranging from material to price. Filling a cavity caused by tooth decay, for example, is a quick dental restoration technique. Placing dental implants in areas where teeth are missing can be a more complicated and pricy restoration. The good news is that as technology advances, dental restorations have stronger, more practical outcomes that will change your life for the long term. Here, we discuss the types of dental restorations patients in Lexington, KY, can choose from.

Dental Implants

If there ever comes a time where you are without a tooth, Dr. Kim will likely recommend dental implants. Implants are false teeth that work and look just like natural teeth. They are anchored down into the jaw bone and topped off with a dental crown. They are an excellent alternative to dentures and are a permanent solution to missing teeth. However, dental implants aren’t for everyone. You must have a good bone structure to support the dental implant. Ask Dr. Kim if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. 

Inlays & Onlays

Inlays are a great alternative to silver and composite fillings. A custom-made filling made of composite material, gold, or tooth-colored porcelain is known as an inlay repair. Broken or fractured teeth, decayed teeth, or fractured fillings are all reasons you may need an inlay repair. Onlay dental restorations are suitable for teeth that have wide, deep cavities. An onlay can also be referred to as a partial crown. They are made up of custom-made fillings and are designed to restore teeth in a more conservative manner.

White Fillings

Composite fillings are similar to traditional fillings in that they are engineered to withstand stress and resistance and to last. In reality, many composite fillings have a lifespan of more than ten years. Composite fillings are often tooth-colored, making them the more aesthetically pleasing choice.

Dental Crowns

Crowns are used to cover a tooth or a dental implant. They are typically used when a tooth has extensive decay and cannot be restored with a traditional dental filling. Crowns are usually cemented to the tooth and are designed to look just like natural teeth. Our friend, Dr. Josh Eastham, a dentist in Grand Junction, CO, says that dental crowns are on the more popular side of dental restorations to choose from. They’re affordable and effective.

Dentures

Dentures may be used as an alternative to dental implants. Furthermore, dentures may be removed from the mouth, unlike dental implants. Dentures today are made to look and feel as natural as possible. They’re much more affordable than dental implants but do have to be replaced eventually.

Dental Bridges

Fixed bridges are usually made up of two or more dental crowns that are used to fill the gap between two or more teeth. Bridges may be reinforced by either natural or artificial teeth, such as implants. This type of dental restoration is minimal but cost-effective. 

Root Canal Therapy

Root canals are typically done on infected teeth. They’re known as the last-chance option, where the dentist removes the infected pulp in hopes of saving your natural tooth from further damage. If the tooth is too far damaged, then tooth extraction will be needed.  

Find a Lexington Dentist 

As you can see, there are many restorative dentistry options. Park Hills Family Dentistry has been helping restore the smiles of residence of Lexington, KY, for years. Contact us today to find out which dental restoration is best for your smile. We look forward to hearing from you!

How Your Dentist Can Help With Snoring

sleep apnea lexington KY

How Your Dentist Can Help With Snoring 

How Your Dentist Can Help with Snoring

Snoring can be annoying to anyone who is trying to sleep near you. It could also be a symptom of a dangerous condition called obstructive sleep apnea. If you think you may suffer from sleep apnea, consult your Lexington KY dentist, and see how your dentist can help with snoring.

Snoring can be Debilitating

If you have sleep apnea, your throat and tongue will collapse on the back of your throat, blocking your airway, and stopping you from breathing. This will cause you to frequently wake up in the middle of the night due to breathing trouble. When left untreated, sleep apnea can cause excessive daytime fatigue, headache and memory loss.

Risk of Serious Health Problems 

Untreated sleep apnea raises your risk of more serious health problems, including:

  • High blood pressure, high blood pressure
  • Illness of the heart
  • Diabetes
  • Chronic acid reflux
  • Erectile Disorder

Sleep apnea is not a condition that should go untreated explains sleep dentist Parker CO, Dr. Christopher Green. A lot of people who snore don’t have obstructive sleep apnea, but getting tested is the only way to be safe. 

Snoring or Sleep Apnea 

Our Lexington KY dentist can tell if you have obstructive sleep apnea or simple snoring by taking a sleep study. Regardless of the results, Dr. Jinyoung Kim can treat both sleep apnea or snoring with our Silent Nite snore prevention device approved by the American Dental Association.

Sleep-disordered breathing can occur at different levels of severity and can affect your sleep and health to varying degrees. Whether you need to treat sleep apnea or simply relieve snoring, it’s very likely that we can help.

The Silent Nite appliance is worn in the mouth only while you sleep and fits like a sports mouthguard or an orthodontic bracket. It supports the lower jaw into a forward position by means of special connectors that are attached to transparent flexible upper & lower forms. The fit is excellent and comfortable.

Quality of Life 

The experience of having a restful sleep can be life-changing. We also hear from a lot of grateful partners!

At Parks Hills Family Dentistry, we specialize in the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea. We provide our Lexington KY patients with state-of-the-art sleeping appliances. If you’re having trouble sleeping, contact us today! 

Gum Disease Must-Knows

gum disease must-knows

Gum Disease Must-Knows 

Gum Disease Must-Knows

In honor of Gum Disease Awareness Month, Dr. Kim is sharing gum disease must-knows! If you’re not familiar with gum disease, it’s one of the most common dental problems in the world. In fact, more than 40% of adults in the U.S. have gum disease. Most dentists in Lexington, KY would rather you prevent gum disease than treat it. Here are few answers to the questions often asked about gum disease. 

What’s Gum Disease?

Gum disease is also referred to as periodontal disease, which is a very common dental condition. Those who develop gum disease have a good amount of plaque build-up. Plaque may be extracted by shaving, flossing, and mouthwash regularly and thoroughly. Even with great oral habits, it is still necessary to get a good dental cleaning every six months from your Lexington, KY dentist.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gingivitis or gum disease is usually caused by bad habits:

  • Poor oral health habits
  • Uses of tobacco products such as chewing tobacco or smoking
  • Medications: Our friend, Dr. Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, says that gingivitis is a side effect of some steroids, anti-epilepsy products, calcium channel blocks, birth control, and cancer drugs.
  • Genetics: many individuals are naturally more vulnerable to gum disease.

Signs of Gum Disease

Although there are several stages of gum disease, the symptoms are pretty straight forward. First, you’ll notice that your gums start to bleed when you brush or floss. As the gum disease progresses, your gums will start to recede and bleed after doing everyday tasks like chewing. They will become swollen and red. If gum disease is left untreated, your teeth will eventually fall out. It’s important to stop gum disease as soon as possible.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

The three effective ways to avoid gum disease are by cleaning your teeth, flossing regularly, and seeing your dentist in Lexington, KY for a professional dental cleaning twice a year. Many normal citizens would not know whether they develop gum disease. That’s why it’s necessary to see Dr. Kim. There is a widespread belief that if you wash and floss daily, there is no risk of having dental problems. Since certain causes of gum disease are not specifically related to oral health, preventative dentistry is necessary. If you live in Lexington, KY, give our dental office a call to set up an appointment! Our team is happy to help you and your family with any dental concerns.

Signs You Need a Tooth Extraction

tooth extraction Lexington kentucky

Signs You Need a Tooth Extraction

Signs You Need a Tooth Extraction

Are you experiencing dental problems or discomfort? Thinking that you may be in need of tooth extraction? Although a tooth extraction can seem scary, it may be the best option for your smile. When other dental treatments are ruled out, dental extraction is typically the best bet. Extraction is only done in rare situations, but it is a necessary procedure from time to time. So, how do you know if it’s time for a tooth extraction? Below, Dr. Kim, a dentist in Lexington, KY, shares five signs you need a tooth extraction.

Misplaced Teeth

One of the top indicators that you will need dental extraction is missing teeth. Teeth begin to shift, which causes overcrowding or impaction. The effect happens when your tooth is misplaced and has changed slightly, or has evolved in the wrong direction, and is now in a position it shouldn’t be. The location of the tooth may not be as it should be and maybe useless to you in its current position.

Overcrowding, on the other hand, is when your teeth are crowded in one place. There are so many teeth coming together during crowding, and there is not enough space for all of them to fit together correctly.

Although these two conditions can differ slightly, both problems can be solved with a simple tooth extraction. It’s best that you visit your dentist in Lexington, KY, for a tooth extraction consultation. 

Extensive Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is usually a result of poor oral hygiene, poor diet, and plaque build-up. Tooth decay is a major concern, and if left unchecked, it can progress into serious dental problems. For instance, you may experience damaged or cracked teeth and tooth loss. 

Fortunately, tooth decay is preventable. If you can detect tooth decay early, you may be able to reverse it. However, if you have severe tooth decay, your tooth may not be worth saving. Therefore, a tooth extraction might be the only option. Be sure to consult with a Lexington, KY dentist to find out what the best course of action is for you.

Tooth Infection

When tooth decay progresses due to lack of treatment, it is likely that an infection will form. Once a tooth infection has reached the pulp of the tooth, it can cause significant damage to the teeth and gums. Unfortunately, the infection will not go away on its own and can even spread throughout the body. Infections are dangerous and must not be overlooked. 

It is necessary to speak to an emergency dentist in Lexington, KY, as soon as the tooth decay or infection starts. Although the infection can lead to an extraction, the risk of infection can often involve an extraction as well as a preventive measure. 

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is another common cause of why a tooth will need to be removed. The disease is an infection that may affect the gums, teeth, and other underlying tissues and structures. Serious periodontal disease can lead to damage to the alveolar bone and periodontal ligaments. It may also contribute to an increase in the rate of tooth decay.

Periodontal disease is reversible if caught in its early stages. So, there may not be a need for tooth extraction. Your dentist may recommend root scaling, dental sealants, cavities, dental crowns, and other treatments to stop your periodontal disease from progressing. Dr. Ben Kacos, an emergency dentist in Shreveport, LA, agrees that a tooth extraction can help prevent further harm from happening and is, in many cases, the only solution available.

Tooth Pain or Tooth Loss

Apart from damage associated with tooth decay, gum disease, and positioning problems, there are other causes of tooth pain or tooth loss. Any harm that has occurred as a result of a car accident or other serious injury will also need a special remedy. Although solutions can differ greatly, serious damage may often lead to the need for a tooth to be fully removed. If you have very serious tooth pain or trauma, you may need a tooth extraction and dental implant.

Visit Your Emergency Dentist in Lexington, KY

Now that you have a brief understanding of the signs of a tooth extraction, you can decide if you need to see a professional about your dental problems. You can always visit our dental office in Lexington, KY, for a consultation. We will see you for a full-mouth evaluation and recommend the best treatment for your needs. In need of quality dental care? Please contact Park Hills Family Dentistry today.

Dental Crown FAQ

dental crown FAQ

Dental Crown FAQ 

Dental Crowns FAQ

Dental crowns are commonly used to restore the look and feel of your smile. If you’re looking for a long-lasting, affordable treatment, your dentist in Lexington, KY, will likely recommend dental crowns. Below, Dr. Jin Young Kim answers the dental crowns FAQ. 

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is put over a tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and/or enhance its appearance. When cemented into place, the crowns completely enclose the entire visible portion of the tooth lying on and above the gum line.

Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are useful in a wide range of circumstances. These situations include the prevention of weak teeth decay, the keeping of cracked teeth together the support of large filling teeth when there is little tooth structure remaining, the covering of misshapen teeth, or the repair of worn teeth.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Although no one can guarantee how long your dental crown will last, numerous studies have shown that the average crown lasts between 5 and 10 years. Additionally, our friend Dr. Ben Kacos, a restorative dentist in Shreveport, LA, agrees that many dental crowns can last up to 30 years. If you have diligence and care during the manufacture of your crowns, you will obtain a more predictable long-term outcome.

Do Dental Crowns Require Special Treatment?

While dental crowns are specifically designed to work and look normal, and thus do not require special care, proper care is required for the tooth as it is still vulnerable to decay and gum disease. Make sure to continue with good oral hygiene habits.

What Can I Expect During My Dental Crown Placement?

The creation of a crown involves approximately two visits to our dental office in Lexington, KY. Initially, we can extract the decay, form the tooth, make an impression, fit it with a temporary acrylic crown, and make an impression on the final crown.

On the next visit, Dr. Kim will remove the temporary crown, custom fit, and change the final crown and finally cement it.

Are There Other Restorative Alternatives?

Inlays and onlays are commonly used to restore teeth. Patients who have cracked or fractured teeth are likely to forgo this treatment. Your Lexington, KY dentist will assess your dental needs and recommend the best treatment for you. 

Is My Dental Crown Noticeable?

If the porcelain is fabricated in such a way that the colors are formed within the crown rather than with surface stains, and if the correct amount of translucency is used the tooth will look natural. 

Trust Park Hills Family Dentistry with your dental crown placement. Dr. Kim will ensure that you’re happy with your new and improved smile. Contact our dental office in Lexington, KY, for a dental crown consultation.