Gateway Family Dentist

Dentist, Implants, Sedation - Clarksville TN

413 North Thompson Lane
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Call Today! (615) 962-8505

Monday - Saturday | 8am - 5pm
(after hours upon request)

Dental Cleanings: Should You Really Get Two Cleanings Per Year?

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Annual Dental Cleanings Couple Smiling

Do you really need two annual dental cleanings? The answer may actually surprise you.

For over 50 years, popular wisdom has said that two dental cleanings per year is the standard for a healthy smile. Recently, however, more research has come to light. Surprisingly, that research says something different.

Everyone (And Every Set of Teeth) Is Different

New research has shown that for some people, two dental examinations/cleanings per year is beneficial to extending the life and health of their teeth. For others, two annual cleanings had no discernible benefit; in fact, one cleaning per year was perfectly fine for individuals who had few risk factors for periodontal disease and who maintained good oral hygiene.

Everyone’s teeth, risk factors, dental habits and concerns are different.

It’s important to discuss your dental health with your dentist during each visit. Be aware of your risk factors and habits, and be honest about your lifestyle. Doing so will allow your dentist to recommend the optimal schedule for exams and cleanings.

When Do You Need More Than Two Dental Cleanings Per Year?

Over one-half of the population of adults in the United States has periodontitis, an advanced form of periodontal disease. This means many individuals actually need more than two dental cleanings per year.

In addition to individuals who have periodontal disease, a huge portion of the population has significant risk factors for developing gum disease.

Smoking, diet, lifestyle habits, genetic history and diabetes are just a few of the risk factors that increase your odds. Having one or more risk factors may necessitate more annual dental exams or cleanings.

Annual Dental Exams at Gateway Family Dentistry

Do you want to get on top of your dental health? You need a dentist you can trust.

Gateway Family Dentistry in Murfreesboro, TN is proud to offer general dentistry, pediatric dentistry and sedation dentistry, as well as cosmetic dental services. We’re one of the highest-rated dental practices in the Murfreesboro area, and we strive to make each of our patients feel comfortable and confident during every visit.

Contact our office today to schedule your appointment or learn more about our practice.

Here’s Why Your Child Needs A Back-To-School Dental Exam

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Back to School Dental Exams Classroom with Maps

August is the time when many children head back to school. While you’re focusing on your child’s vision exams, hearing tests and physicals, it’s important not to forget their dental health.

Why is it important to schedule a dental examination before your child goes back to school?

Let’s discuss.

More Than Half of Children Ages 5-9 Have a Cavity

Cavities are exceedingly common in children. They are also a painful distraction–especially when children are trying to focus on learning in the classroom.

Many children are afraid of or intimidated by going to the dentist, so they won’t openly express tooth pain or discomfort. Dental pain can cause children to become anxious, irritable and even unmotivated. This can become a huge distraction during the school year.

Schedule a dental check-up before the school year starts, and make sure any dental issues he might have are fixed before the demands of school get underway.

It’s Easier to Schedule a Dental Exam During the Summer

When many parents think of the school year, one word comes to mind: busy.

Whether your kids are involved in fall sports or academic clubs, there’s always more to do when school is in session.

It’s easier to schedule one of your child’s biannual dental examinations during the summer months when your schedule is less hectic.

Many Children Don’t Brush Properly

The mechanics of tooth-brushing and flossing can be difficult for children to master. Plus, many children simply don’t like brushing and flossing, and as a result, don’t brush as long or as well as they should.

This can lead tooth problems in childhood and early adolescence that can plague your children for years to come.

Scheduling regular dental exams will help your child establish good oral hygiene habits. It will also help ensure he is brushing and flossing properly. This can give parents extra piece of mind as the school year starts.

Want more information on children’s dental health? Check out another one of our blogs.

Ready to schedule your child’s back-to-school dental exam with Gateway Family Dentistry? Contact us today!

All About Dental Fillings

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Dental Fillings

Do you have a dental filling coming up? Here’s what you should know about the procedure, the process and the recovery.

Dental fillings can be an intimidating concept. Do they hurt? How long do they take to perform? How long does a filling last? These are important questions…and we’re here to answer them.

What is a Dental Filling?

A dental filling is a procedure that restores a decayed tooth.

During a filling, your dentist will remove decayed or damaged tooth matter. He or she will then fill the area with a particular filling material, depending on your needs.

A variety of materials can be used for dental fillings:

  • Gold
  • Amalgam
  • Porcelain
  • Composite Resin

Amalgam is perhaps the most common material used for fillings. Amalgam filling consists of liquid mercury, copper, silver and tin. These fillings are more affordable than gold or porcelain, but they are also more visible, giving a repaired tooth a silver or metallic appearance. Amalgam isn’t often used for tooth decay occurring on the most visible teeth, but can work well for premolars and molars.

Gold and porcelain are equally expensive, but can last longer than other filling materials and are also less noticeable to the naked eye.

Do Dental Fillings Hurt?

Your dental filling procedure shouldn’t be painful.

Your dentist will numb your mouth, teeth and gums beforehand. He or she can then adjust the numbness level according to your own pain levels and needs.

After the procedure, some individuals do experience tooth sensitivity when air pressure reaches the affected tooth or when they eat hot or cold foods.

However, this sensitivity should subside over time. If it doesn’t, your filling might be placed too high.

Another cause of long-term pain following a dental filling is pulpitis.

During your filling procedure, your dentist will use heat and vibration to get rid of decayed tooth matter. This can cause the pulp of your tooth to become inflamed and swollen–a condition known as pulpitis. This pain often subsides as the tooth continues to heal. If it doesn’t, however, you may need to get a root canal procedure to get relief.

How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?

The lifespan of your filling depends on two things: the material used and your own dental hygiene practices. With good dental hygiene, gold or porcelain fillings can last up to 20 years.

Composite resin fillings, on the other hand, don’t last as long. Most estimates put the lifespan of composite resin at around 5-7 years.

Amalgam fillings are somewhere in between, clocking in at a lifespan of about 12 years.

Depending on your budget, needs and expectations, you may prefer one filling material over another. Talk with your dentist about your dental health and options for fillings.

Have more questions about dental procedures or cosmetic dentistry? Check out our blog for regular updates.

Dental Extraction: 3 Signs You Might Need That Tooth Pulled

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Dental Extractions

None of us likes to think about getting a tooth pulled. It’s painful, messy, and can ruin our smiles. But sometimes it’s necessary–especially if you’ve been neglecting your dental health and are experiencing significant pain in your day-to-day life.

Here are a few key signs that you might need a dental extraction.

You Can See New Signs of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay (also known as dental caries) manifests in several different ways. You may notice unusual tooth sensitivity or discoloration (specifically brown or black stains) on the tooth’s surface. There may also be a pit or a hole somewhere on your tooth when decay sets in.

It’s important to schedule regular dental visits and exams to stay on top of any dental caries. Decay left untreated can lead to a necessary dental extraction.

Contrary to popular belief, tooth decay doesn’t always take years to materialize. Just because the tooth decay you can see with your naked eye doesn’t look serious doesn’t mean it isn’t. Many cavities can be 20%-30% larger on x-rays than in a visual exam.

Your Tooth Has Become Impacted

For most of us, our wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come through. In fact, the average age for wisdom tooth eruption is 18-25 years of age.

Wisdom teeth can become impacted because of limited space in the mouth or sideways orientation. As a result, the wisdom teeth are blocked during eruption. This can cause severe gum inflammation and infection. Impacted teeth can also cause an infection called pericoronitis, which can lead to hospitalization.

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you could have an impacted tooth:

  • Pain in the jaw
  • Red, inflamed, tender gums
  • Unpleasant breath odor
  • Bad taste in the mouth
  • Pain radiating from one tooth

It’s important to visit your dentist if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.

You’ve Got Long-Term Tooth Pain–and Other Symptoms

Tooth pain is never a good sign. However, sometimes a pain in the tooth can be caused by an ear infection or inflamed sinuses–and these problems usually subside after a few days.

Tooth pain that persists (or gets worse) over a period of time, however, necessitates a trip to the dentist. This is especially true if your tooth pain is accompanied by drainage around the painful tooth, facial swelling or a fever. These could be symptoms of a tooth abscess, a nasty infection that can spread to the tissues surrounding the tooth. 

Regular visits to your dentist can help you stay on top of any dental-related concerns, including problem teeth, tooth decay and oral injury. By tackling dental issues early, you can decrease your chances of needing a dental extraction or other painful procedure in the future.

Have more questions about getting a tooth pulled, tooth decay or other dental procedures?

Contact us today or check our blog for regular updates.

Cosmetic Dentistry: 3 Ways to Improve Your Smile

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Cosmetic Dentistry

Our teeth are important–whether it’s eating, speaking, smiling or emoting, they shape our faces and are the centerpieces of our smiles.

So what happens when your teeth are discolored, chipped, or otherwise unsightly? Discolored teeth can cause self-consciousness and self-doubt and can even cause us to miss out on personal and professional opportunities.

Luckily, cosmetic dentistry has come a long way in the past few years, revolutionizing procedures to improve dental appearance and the health of teeth. If you’re unhappy with your smile, you have so many options for improving it–all you have to do is consult a trustworthy local dentist.

Here are a few cosmetic dentistry procedures that can give you the smile you want.

Professional Dental Whitening

Do you teeth have persistent, stubborn dental stains and discoloration? There are many causes of discolored teeth, but very few over-the-counter whiteners have the power to reverse truly stubborn tooth stains.

Some tooth stains are extrinsic, meaning the staining is contained on the outer layer of the tooth. Other tooth stains are intrinsic, which means they exist within the pulp or nerve of the tooth.

If only one of your teeth is discolored, it could indicate that the tooth has experienced trauma; it could also mean the tooth is dead. A dead tooth will eventually fall out by itself. At that point, you will need to seek other dental procedures to replace the tooth.

For stains caused by smoking, medication use, alcohol or food, your dentist can create a custom-molded whitening tray especially for your mouth. Talk to your dentist about whitening versus bleaching your teeth.

If the staining persists after a whitening session, you may need to explore other ways to improve your smile.

Dental Veneers

As we age, our teeth can become worn down and weak. This increases the likelihood of chipping. . Trauma, illness or poor dental hygiene can also contribute to unsightly or unhealthy teeth.

Teeth that have significant chipping can be painful and cause lacerations and sores on the inside of the mouth. Chipped teeth can also cause compromised chewing. In addition to these side effects, chipped teeth can also cause embarrassment and lack of self-confidence.

Cosmetic dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are meticulously attached to your teeth. Veneers can improve your teeth’s appearance, but they also improve chewing and the feel of your teeth in your mouth.

Dental Implants

Dental implants can do more than make your teeth look better. They can also improve your gum health, your speech and the way your mouth feels.

We’ve written about dental implants in detail here, noting how implants actually function as a replacement tooth root. After your dental implant is put in place, a permanent crown can be fitted to it, restoring your smile. Dental implants also last longer and require less upkeep than other tooth replacement options.

Have more questions about how cosmetic dentistry can improve your teeth and smile? Check our blog for regular updates.

Ready to schedule a cosmetic dental appointment? Contact us directly today!

 

Seasonal Allergies + Oral Health: What Do You Need to Know?

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Oral Health

It’s that time of year again–the time when sneezing, itchy eyes and runny noses reign supreme.

If you experience seasonal allergies, you’re probably dreading the rising pollen levels that springtime brings. While you’re fighting itchy eyes, irritated sinuses and constant sneezing, however, your teeth are fighting another set of battles.

Did you know that seasonal allergies can affect your oral health? Let’s find out how.

Seasonal Allergies Can Cause Toothaches

One of the main symptoms of allergies is sinus irritation.

When your sinuses fill with mucus during an allergy attack, the pressure can push down on nerves of your upper molars, causing pain. This pain can be especially pronounced during movements, such as going down stairs or shifting your body to sit or lie down. Allergy-related tooth pain can also cause sensitivity to hot or cold foods.

Antihistamines can help alleviate tooth pain associated with allergies. However, if the pain persists even when your sinuses clear, you might need to see a dentist.

Seasonal Allergies Can Cause Dry Mouth

In the same way that allergies can cause sinus irritation, they can also cause sinus congestion. When your sinuses are congested, it’s difficult to breathe through your nostrils. This forces you to constantly breathe through your mouth.

Mouth breathing causes saliva production to decrease, leading to dry mouth. Mouth breathing also makes it nearly impossible for your mouth to regulate its pH. Unregulated acids and pH in the mouth are bad news; corrosive effects like tooth decay are not far behind.

Mouth breathing also allows a constant flow of bacteria into your mouth, which can also contribute to tooth decay and even cause bad breath.

Seasonal Allergies Can Cause Gum and Tonsil Swelling

Allergies are notorious for causing post-nasal drip. For many people, post-nasal drip can cause a sore throat and swollen tonsils, which–when combined with dry mouth and bacterial build-up–can also lead to swollen, sore gums.

Swollen gums can make it difficult to brush efficiently. You may also find that you get canker sores on the inside of your mouth from the mouth dryness and soreness that allergies can cause.

The best tip for fighting tooth issues caused by seasonal allergies? Make sure you’re treating your allergies efficiently and smartly. An allergist can help you formulate a game plan for getting ahead of your symptoms.

If you’re experiencing allergy-related tooth issues that won’t go away, it might be time to visit your dentist!

Have more questions about dental health? Check our blog often for updates and new content!

What Do You Need to Know Before Getting Dental Implants?

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Dental Implants
Your teeth are an important part of your overall health and self-confidence. So what happens when you unexpectedly lose a tooth?

Whether you’ve chipped a tooth during an accident or gotten a tooth pulled due to a health condition, the experience can leave you feeling deflated. A missing tooth can make you self-conscious. It can also affect your self-esteem in your personal life and in the professional world.

If you’re searching for ways to replace one or more lost teeth to correct your smile, one option is getting dental implants.

Today, we’re discussing what dental implants are and what to expect if you choose to get an implant.

What Is A Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a surgical component that actually fuses with the jaw or skull bone to create a support system for a crown, bridge or denture. It can also act as an orthodontic anchor or even secure a facial prosthesis.

Dental implants are a relatively new development in oral solutions. Unlike dentures, crowns and bridges, dental implants are essentially replacement tooth roots. They provide a strong, long-lasting foundation for replacement teeth that will look and feel more like natural teeth. Unlike dentures, crowns or bridges, they don’t need to be replaced every few years.

Dental Implants Require Time

The process of getting dental implants requires several steps. First, you’ll need to choose a dental practice you can trust to perform your dental implant procedure. Schedule an appointment with your chosen dentist to discuss your options and have x-rays taken of your mouth and jaw.

These x-rays will give your dentist insight into your jaw and gum health. If your mouth and jaw tissues are healthy, you’re likely a good candidate for dental implants. Talk with your doctor to learn more about the health of your gums and mouth.

After x-rays, your dentist will take a dental impression.

A dental impression is a negative mold of your teeth that your dentist gets by having you bite down on a tray full of a semi-liquid substance that hardens to a mold.

This mold will help your dentist create a customized dental implant for your particular mouth and tooth size.

Once your impressions are finished, you may need to have a tooth extracted.

Your dentist will let you know how long to wait between the extraction and the implant process. Once you’ve healed from the extraction, you can move on to the process of getting your dental implant.

Talk with your dentist about pain levels, what to expect during the procedure and how to care for your dental implant and gums afterward.

Once your implant has healed, your dentist will have you come back in to have an abutment placed. After the abutment is placed, you’re ready to have your permanent crown put on–and your smile restored!

Dental Implants With Gateway Family Dentistry

At Gateway Family Dentistry, we specialize in implants and crown work to help our patients get back their confidence and their comfort. After all, your teeth are a vital part of living. You use them to chew and eat, they impact how you talk and they can cause significant and debilitating pain if they’re infected or broken.

We’re proud to offer dental implant services to Middle Tennesseans and beyond.

Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your appointment with our team!

Children’s Dental Health Month: How Can You Improve Your Child’s Tooth Health?

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Children's Dental Health

February is Children’s Dental Health Month. It’s the perfect time to focus on teaching your kids the benefits of good oral health.

A healthy smile is one of the keys to confidence and happiness in life. For your kids, building great oral habits early on will help them maintain their tooth health throughout their lives. How can you impart healthy oral habits to your kids this year? Let’s discuss.

Fight Tooth Decay

In the United States, tooth decay is among the most common chronic childhood conditions.

According to the CDC, about 20% of children aged 5-11 suffer from some form of untreated tooth decay.

You can fight this statistic by making sure your kids are following good tooth brushing habits. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled brush, focusing the majority of the brushing on the back molars, where most early tooth decay occurs.

Fluoride toothpaste is also an important component of protecting your child’s teeth from decay. It’s important to wait until after they are two to begin fluoride toothpaste treatment. Consult your dentist if you are unsure about the proper time to start a fluoride regimen.

Introduce Flossing

Flossing is a major aspect of good oral health. However, teaching your children to floss can be tricky.

When it’s time to introduce flossing to your children, it can be helpful to make an event out of picking out dental floss together.

Take a special trip to the store, and encourage them to choose their favorite colors or designs.

Create a rewards system for encouraging them to floss every day.

You can even create a special board with stars or stickers that accumulate over time. When they earn the right amount of stars, reward them with a treat or special outing.

If you can help your kids build a habit of flossing when they’re young, the likelihood that they’ll continue to floss in the future is higher. This improves their chances of healthy teeth for life!

Make a Dentist Appointment

The general rule is that your child should visit the dentist around six months after their first tooth. The age of first tooth eruption will be different for everyone, but a dental check-up is important to ensure that there are no signs of tooth decay or other issues.

Are you searching for a great family dentist that will help your kids develop great oral habits?

Gateway Family Dentistry is one of Middle Tennessee’s leading providers of family dentistry.

Our team is dedicated to helping Murfreesboro children develop great toothcare habits for life.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

New Year’s Resolutions for Better Tooth Health

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Tooth Health

You know tooth health is important, but did you know that your teeth can provide a window into your overall bodily health?

If you have a goal of improving your personal health in 2018, you can’t forget about your pearly whites.

A few easy changes to your brushing and flossing routine can help improve gum health, eliminate bad breath and even make your teeth whiter and brighter. Want even more ways to improve your tooth health?

Check out a few new year’s resolutions for better teeth this year.

Change Your Toothbrush Every 3-4 Months

If you have a habit of keeping your toothbrush until the bristles look frayed and bent, this resolution is for you.

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months.

Why so often?

Over time, as you repeatedly brush your teeth, your toothbrush’s bristles get worn down. They start bending and fraying. Frayed bristles won’t clean your teeth properly. They might even hurt your gums.

If you’re guilty of keeping your toothbrushes too long, 2018 is the perfect time to set a goal: replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.

A fresh, soft-bristled toothbrush will clean your teeth more efficiently and won’t cause gum damage or gum pain.

Floss More Often

According to a recent survey from Perio.org, more than a quarter of Americans lie to their dentists about how often they floss.

Are you one of those Americans?

It can be difficult to get into a habit of flossing, but a fresh new year is the perfect time to start. Flossing can help improve the health of your gums, fight bad breath and help you avoid serious dental conditions like gingivitis and periodontal disease.

The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day to keep your teeth and gums in top shape.

Make a Dentist Appointment

If it’s been awhile since you’ve visited your dentist, 2018 is the time to get back on a regular schedule.

The American Dental Association recommends one dental visit per year for patients with few tooth issues. If you have a history of dental problems, the ADA recommends two annual visits to your dentist.

Don’t have a trusted dentist in Middle Tennessee? Gateway Family Dentistry is one of the highest-rated dental practices in the area.

We offer a full range of services, including cleanings, examinations, fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions and cosmetic dental services.

If you’re ready to improve your tooth health, contact Gateway Family Dentistry and make your 2018 appointment today!

Holiday Tooth Health: Keep Your Smile Bright This Season

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Holiday Tooth Health

The holidays are finally here, and for many of us, that means traveling and spending time with loved ones. It also means eating lots (and lots) of sugary, delicious foods.

The holidays wouldn’t be the same without the traditional treats and drinks (hot chocolate, anyone?) but it’s important to take care of your teeth while you’re indulging.

Check out these easy tips for maintaining tooth health while enjoying a slice of pie or two this holiday season.

Brush And Floss More

If you’re traveling, it can be difficult to get into a toothbrushing and flossing routine. However, brushing and flossing are the best way to keep your teeth healthy during the holidays.

If you’ve eaten a sugary meal or indulged in a few Christmas cookies, it’s important to brush carefully afterwards. Sugar left on the teeth can create an acidic environment that increases the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth. This bacteria can cause a host of problems, from bad breath to tooth decay.

It’s also important to floss. Many holiday foods are sticky and viscous, sinking into every crevice between your teeth. Flossing will help remove the sugar and food that’s trapped between your pearly whites.

Drink More Water

If you do indulge in sugary treats like pecan pie or oily foods like gravy this season, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water.

Not only will water help you feel fuller faster and aid in digestion, it also helps wash some of the sugars and oils off your teeth as you eat.

This can reduce the amount of harmful bacteria produced in your mouth after a sugary dessert.  Less bacteria lowers the likelihood of bad breath and can decrease the risk of tooth decay.

Don’t Skip Your Dentist Appointment

For most people, the holidays are a super busy time, full of shopping, traveling and visiting with loved ones.

If you’re particularly busy, it can be tempting to cancel all your appointments to free up more time. Your dentist appointment is one appointment you should definitely keep.

If you’re due for a tooth cleaning, you don’t want to skip it–especially during the holidays when you might be eating more sugar and drinking more alcoholic beverages.

A thorough tooth-cleaning and oral examination will help you get on top of any tooth problems before they get worse.

Gateway Family Dentistry is one of Murfreesboro’s leading dental care providers, offering everything from dental cleanings to dental implants. Want to schedule a dental cleaning or examination with us? Contact us today to learn more or speak to an appointment specialist!

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David R.

Patient

I hate going to the Dentist, but I feel like I can drop in at Gateway Family Dentistry and have a cup of coffee, like stopping in at a good friends house. No kidding :-). Yes that's how comfortable Dr. Irwin, Terri (Office manager) and the rest of the staff make you feel. For me that is the first hurdle, to be comfortable then relaxed. OK now lets talk treatment. I am 60yrs old and have been to my share of Dentists. The treatment at Gateway Family Dentistry is second to none. Stop in and say hi to my new friends at Gateway Family Dentistry. Oh and don't forget your cup of coffee :-).
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Joe C.

Patient

Dr. Erwin is very skilled at what she does, and you can tell she is very enthusiastic about dentistry and helping her patients.