FAQ's

1. How do you fix a chipped tooth?  Do you have any before and after pictures of this procedure?

We can use a procedure called Dental Bonding

Bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin is applied and hardened with a special UV light, ultimately “bonding” the material to the tooth to improve a person’s smile. Among the easiest and least expensive of cosmetic dental procedures, bonding can repair chipped or cracked teeth, close gaps, change the shape of teeth, or be used as a cosmetic alternative to silver amalgam fillings.

Your before and after’s below….  Thank you!

chipped-tooth

2. What causes bad breath?

Food you eat: Although garlic and coffee are two main offenders, other eats like onions and spicy food can bring on bad breath. The odors of these foods enter your bloodstream and head right to your lungs, coming out with each exhale.

Food “trapped” in your mouth: We’re not talking about a little spinach on your teeth. After a meal, any food particles that remain between your teeth, in your gums, and on your tongue can release their odor into your breath — which gets worse as that food decays. And without good care of your teeth and gums, this stuck food can set off a cascade of events leading to gum disease.

Tobacco: There are lots of reasons to avoid tobacco; bad breath is another on the list.

Diets that lead to weight loss: We agree that it seems unjust, but when your body breaks down fat, the process releases chemicals that can give your breath an unpleasant smell.

Dry mouth: Feeling parched? Saliva’s job is to serve as a continuous rinse cycle for your mouth. If you don’t have enough, your mouth loses its freshness fast. In fact, morning breath is worse for people who sleep with their mouths open. A dry mouth is a smelly mouth.

Medications or health issues: Drugs that cause dry mouth can also contribute to bad breath. Health problems such as seasonal allergies, chronic sinusitis, bronchitis, respiratory infections, stomach problems, diabetes, and liver and kidney diseases factor in, too. Unrelenting bad breath may also be a sign of gum disease.

Ways you can help to have better breath:

Clean those teeth: Not only does it prevent odor-causing plaque from building up in your mouth; it’s healthy for your gums and teeth, too. If you can’t brush after a meal, give your mouth a good rinse with water to at least loosen up and free those trapped bits.

Clean that tongue: Bacteria on your tongue can contribute to bad breath. When you brush your teeth, brush your tongue, too, or use a tongue scraper.

Use a mouthwash or dental rinse. Mouthwashes don’t typically relieve bad breath for long. But some specialized rinses can help kill bacteria that cause bad breath and help with other underlying issues. Antimicrobial mouth rinses, for instance, help kill plaque-causing bacteria that can lead to gingivitis, an early, mild form of gum disease. Adding a fluoride rinse to your daily routine can help prevent tooth decay.

Drink water: If your bad breath is caused by weight loss, water can dilute the chemicals that cause the odors. Water also helps wash away bacteria and food particles.

Eat breakfast: Even if you brush your teeth when you get up, your morning breath may reappear if you don’t eat. Morning mouth may be associated with hunger.

Eat a hard fruit or vegetable: Apples, carrots, celery, and other hard fruits and vegetables help clear odor-causing plaque and food particles from your mouth.

Chew sugarless gum with xylitol: Gum with the natural sweetener xylitol can prevent the growth of bad-breath bacteria. The gum itself can bring more saliva to your mouth, which will naturally make your mouth fresher.

Take care of health problems: Work with your doctor to keep diabetes, allergies, and other conditions under control.

3. What issues do you address with seniors?

I think WebMD puts it very well so I will quote them:

Advancing age puts many seniors at risk for a number of oral health problems, such as:

  • Darkened teeth . Caused, to some extent, by changes in dentin — the bone-like tissue that underlies the tooth enamel — and by a lifetime of consuming stain-causing foods and beverages.
  • Dry mouth. Dry mouth is caused by reduced saliva flow, which can be a result of cancer treatments that use radiation to the head and neck area, as well as certain diseases, such as Sjögren’s syndrome , and medication side effects.
  • Diminished sense of taste . While advancing age impairs the sense of taste, diseases, medications, and dentures can also contribute to this sensory loss.
  • Root decay . This is caused by exposure of the tooth root to decay-causing acids. The tooth roots become exposed as gum tissue recedes from the tooth.
  • Gum disease. Caused by plaque and made worse by food left in teeth, use of tobacco products, poor-fitting bridges and dentures, poor diets, and certain diseases, such as anemia , cancer, and diabetes , this is often a problem for older adults.
  • Tooth loss . Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss.
  • Uneven jawbone . This is caused by tooth loss.
  • Denture-induced stomatitis . Ill-fitting dentures, poor dental hygiene, or a buildup of the fungus Candida albicans cause this condition, which is inflammation of the tissue underlying a denture.
  • Thrush . Diseases or drugs that affect the immune system can trigger the overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans in the mouth.

Age in and of itself is not a dominant or sole factor in determining oral health. However, certain medical conditions, such as arthritis in the hands and fingers, may make brushing or flossing teeth difficult to impossible to perform. Drugs can also affect oral health and may make a change in your dental treatment necessary.

Our Location

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Dentist in Raleigh

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "Hands down best dentist and hygienist in the triangle. My wife and I both go there - if you have a problem Dr Ashley is going to do her very best to get you in and get you fixed. We love her and her fabulous staff."
    Richard C
  • "DR Lloyd is amazing! I have had two chipped teeth over the past few weeks and she has squeezed me in the same day both times. The most recent one was today which happens to be the day before Christmas Eve. Thank you DR Lloyd!"
    Michael P
  • "Dr. Lloyd and her staff are wonderful. I have always hated to go "the dentist" and therefore put off appointments for years! I am very glad that I decided to trust my teeth and care to this office! They have helped to ease my fear and anxiety and get the job done easily and quickly! I already have my next 6 month appointment made and I will look forward to being there."
    MaryAnn E
  • "Dr. Lloyd and her staff are amazing. I actually look forward to going to the dentist. If you are looking for an outstanding dentist with an excellent staff; look no further, Dr. Lloyd is the best of the best. From cleanings to crowns, it's always a great experience."
    Sandy C