A healthy smile is an important part of overall health. However, there is a lot more to it than brushing and flossing.

A dentist can help coordinate your dental and medical health care. But how do you choose one?

Dr. Frank Orlando is a highly rated Manhattan Dentist. He uses world class training to help his patients achieve a beautiful and natural looking smile.

Dental Hygiene

The best way to prevent oral health problems like tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath is to practice good dental hygiene. That means brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time and flossing once a day with an Orlando dentist-recommended tool, such as a floss holder, pick or water flosser. It also means visiting your dentist for X-rays, exams and professional cleanings at least once every six months.

Routine dental cleanings remove plaque, tartar and some surface stains from your teeth above, around and just below the gum line. Your hygienist will usually perform this treatment, and you may also schedule a professional teeth whitening treatment for cosmetic benefits.

To become a registered dental hygienist, you must complete an accredited entry-level dental hygiene program and pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination as well as a state or regional clinical examination. You can find dental hygiene programs at many community colleges, vocational schools and technical schools.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is an inexpensive cosmetic dental procedure that can lighten the color of your teeth. It is one of the most popular and effective ways to make your smile look younger and brighter.

However, it is not suitable for everyone. People who have sensitivity to the bleaching agent should not undergo this treatment. Also, the whitening procedure does not work on naturally colored or gray teeth, and it cannot change the appearance of crowns, fillings, or other dental restorations.

The whitening process involves covering the teeth with a whitening gel containing either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The whitening solution is placed on the surface of your teeth and typically requires a light or laser to activate the peroxide. It sits on the teeth for 30 to 60 minutes and is then rinsed. The whitening solution may need to be reapplied at several intervals before you achieve the desired color. The procedure is safe and quick, but it can cause tooth sensitivity and irritation of the soft tissues in the mouth.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a permanent alternative to dentures or bridges that replace missing teeth. They also can improve speech, chewing and overall oral health. The process of getting dental implants involves a consultation with an oral surgeon. The surgeon evaluates a patient’s general oral and facial health and develops a treatment plan.

The implant is surgically placed in the jaw bone. A metal spacer called an abutment is screwed onto the implant. A replacement tooth called a crown is then attached to the abutment.

Some people don’t have enough natural bone in their jaw to support the implant, so they need a bone graft. The graft is made from natural bone or a synthetic material. It takes time for the graft to heal and for the implant to fuse with the bone. If the implant doesn’t integrate, it can be removed. Patients with uncontrolled chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer or long-term steroid use can experience slower healing and integration of the implant.

TMJ Treatment

TMD symptoms include pain or tenderness in the chewing muscles or jaw joint (temporomandibular joints), which are located on either side of your head, just in front of your ears. Your lower jaw hinges on the temporal bones of your skull on each side and moves in three dimensions thanks to a cushioning disk, large pairs of muscles, and the two TMJs themselves of dentist Orlando fl.

Symptoms usually improve with home therapy, such as eating soft foods and using moist heat or ice packs on the area. Relaxation and jaw-strengthening exercises may also relieve discomfort. Medications that reduce inflammation or relax the muscles may be prescribed, including pain relievers and anti-inflammatories.

Only when more conservative remedies have been exhausted should surgery be considered, such as arthroscopy or arthrocentesis, which involves inserting a small tube into the joint space to flush out chemical byproducts of inflammation. Other surgical options may include a stabilization splint, which is a plastic bite guard that controls the interaction between the upper and lower teeth, or an artificial joint replacement.