Fifty years ago, examinations of people entering the military showed that the average American's teeth were in pretty bad shape and few people took good care of their teeth. There were no guidelines for how often you should see a dentist, and many dental professionals focused on fixing problems rather than preventing them. Dental and health organizations trying to set standards for preventive dentistry settled on a "best guess" recommendation of twice-yearly visits to the dentist for checkups and cleaning.

The recommendation proved to be a useful rule of thumb and has remained common. Even if you take excellent care of your teeth and gums at home, you need to see your dentist regularly so he or she can check for problems that you may not see or feel. Tooth decay generally doesn't become visible or cause pain until it is in more advanced stages.

Regular visits allow your dentist to find early signs of decay and disease and treat problems at a manageable stage. Ask your dentist the best schedule for your routine dental visits.

On average, seeing a dentist twice a year works well for most people. A few people can get away with fewer visits; others may need more frequent visits. People with very little risk of cavities or gum disease can do fine seeing their dentist just once a year. People with high risk of periodontal disease(because of current gum disease, a weak immune response to bacterial infection or a predisposition to plaque buildup or cavities) might need to see the dentist every three or four months, or even more frequently, for the best care.

The schedule for any person may change during a lifetime. In times of stress or illness, it may be necessary to see the dentist more frequently than usual to help fight off a temporary infection or treat changes in your mouth. If you take good care of your teeth and gums at home and your dentist doesn't find any cavities or gum disease for a few years, he or she may choose to lengthen the time between visits.

So just take a few hours out of one of your days and visit Anderson IN Cosmetic Dentistry, Comfort Dental for your dental appointments!

In the blossoming world of cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening reigns supreme. Universally valued by men and women alike, whitening (or bleaching) treatments are available to satisfy every budget, time frame and temperament. Whether in the form of one-hour bleaching sessions at your dentist’s office, or home-use bleaching kits purchased at your local drugstore, teeth whitening solutions abound. Yet only 15 percent of the population has tried the cosmetic procedure, and misinformation on the subject is rife.

The long and the short of it is that teeth whitening works. Virtually everyone who opts for this cosmetic treatment will see moderate to substantial improvement in the brightness and whiteness of their smile. However, teeth whitening is not a permanent solution and requires maintenance or touch-ups for a prolonged effect.

Bleaching vs. Whitening

According to the FDA, the term bleaching is permitted to be used only when the teeth can be whitened beyond their natural color. This applies strictly to products that contain bleach — typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

The term whitening, on the other hand, refers to restoring the tooth’s surface color by removing dirt and debris. So any product that cleans (like a toothpaste) is considered a whitener. Of course, the term whitening sounds better than bleaching, so it is more frequently used — even when describing products that contain bleach.

Why Teeth Whitening? Examining Enamel

Teeth whitening removes the stains and debris, leaving the enamel cracks open and exposed. Some of the cracks are quickly re-mineralized by saliva, while others are filled up again with organic debris.

Come to Comfort Dental of Anderson today for all of your cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening needs! 

Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements that are used to counter tooth loss. The procedure is categorized as a form of prosthetic (artificial replacement) dentistry, though it also falls into the category of cosmetic dentistry as well.

Although you have a number of restorative options for the treatment of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as implants. In many cases, dental implants may be the only logical choice for the restoration of all necessary functionality of the teeth and supporting structures.

Tooth Loss

Teeth are lost because of:

• Tooth decay
• Root canal failure
• Periodontitis (gum disease)
• Trauma to the mouth
• Excessive wear and tear

People who have lost teeth might feel too self-conscious to smile or talk. Additionally, biting irregularities caused by tooth loss can have a negative effect on eating habits and this can lead to secondary health problems like malnutrition. Regardless of the nature of problems related to tooth loss, dental implants may provide a simple remedy with proven results.

Advantages of Implant Dentistry

Dental implants are stronger and more durable than their restorative counterparts (bridges and dentures). Implants offer a permanent solution to tooth loss. Additionally, implants may be used in conjunction with other restorative procedures for maximum effectiveness. For example, a single implant can serve to support a crown replacing a single missing tooth. Implants can also be used to support a dental bridge for the replacement of multiple missing teeth, and can be used with dentures to increase stability and reduce gum tissue irritation.

Procedural advancements, including the development of narrower “mini” implants, mean that more people than ever before are finding themselves candidates for implantation. However, candidacy for implantation still varies, meaning that your dentist may determine that you should opt for an alternative restoration. Keep in mind, too, that dentists do not need a specific license by law in order to perform implant dentistry. A general or restorative dentist may perform the crown and bridge placement that is associated with implant restoration. However, prosthodontists are the specialists who often complete this crucial procedure.

Call Comfort Dental of Anderson today to schedule an appointment to learn more about implant dentistry today!

While traditional dentistry focuses on oral hygiene and preventing, diagnosing, and treating oral disease, cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of a person's teeth, mouth, and smile.

Cosmetic dentistry may also provide restorative benefits. For example, dental fillings are a common procedure used to treat decayed teeth. Previously, most dental fillings were composed primarily of gold, amalgam, and other materials that left visible dark spots on the teeth. Today, dental fillings may fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry, because you can select fillings made of porcelain or composite materials that closely match the color of your teeth, thus maintaining the natural appearance of your teeth and smile. Many people have their older fillings replaced with newer, tooth-colored fillings to enhance their oral appearance.

Cosmetic Dentistry Trends

Technological advancements in cosmetic dentistry have made it possible for dentists to address a wide range of challenges. Two of the latest trends aimed at creating a more attractive appearance are smile makeovers and full mouth reconstruction.

A smile makeover improves the appearance of the smile through one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as dental veneers, dental implants, and teeth whitening.

Full mouth reconstruction may include treatment for functional problems with the bite, muscles, teeth, and bone structure as well as the use of additional cosmetic procedures. Full mouth reconstruction involves advanced restorative treatment designed to address severe wear of the teeth, pain, and other problems. Full mouth reconstruction frequently involves several dentists who focus on their specific areas of expertise in order to obtain the best outcome.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry procedures currently in use include:

• Dental Fillings - As noted above, this traditional procedure can also be included in the category of cosmetic dentistry when porcelain and composite resin materials are used to provide a tooth-like appearance.
• Bonding - The repair of chipped or broken teeth may be done via a procedure called bonding. A dental composite material with the look of enamel is applied to the surface of a tooth, where it is then sculpted into shape, contoured, and polished, making the crack or chip invisible.
• Teeth Whitening - Teeth whitening is perhaps the most commonly recommended cosmetic dentistry procedure. Teeth are often stained from smoking, food, drink (coffee, tea, or red wine), or poor oral hygiene. Bleaching the teeth can enhance the appearance of your smile.
• Dental Veneers - Plastic or porcelain laminates bonded to the surface of a tooth to replace chips and cracks will improve a worn appearance or severe tooth discoloration. Veneers may also be recommended if you have gaps in your teeth or if you have not had success with teeth whitening.
• Dental Implants - Dental implants are artificial tooth root replacements that are used as a part of prosthetic (artificial replacement) dentistry in order to compensate for tooth loss. Often the result is not only an enhanced smile, but also a more youthful appearance, since missing teeth cause the face to collapse, making you look older.

Cosmetic dentistry offers many options for people who are unhappy with their smile. If you are one of these people, we encourage you to read our comprehensive cosmetic procedure articles to learn about the various treatments available to beautify your smile.

For all of your cosmetic dentistry needs in Anderson, IN, visit Comfort Dental of Anderson for your next appointment!!

Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements that are used to counter tooth loss. The procedure is categorized as a form of prosthetic (artificial replacement) dentistry, though it also falls into the category of cosmetic surgery as well.

Although you have a number of restorative options for the treatment of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as implants. In many cases, dental implants may be the only logical choice for the restoration of all necessary functionality of the teeth and supporting structures.

Tooth Loss

Teeth are lost because of:

• Tooth decay
• Root canal failure
• Periodontitis (gum disease)
• Trauma to the mouth
• Excessive wear and tear

People who have lost teeth might feel too self-conscious to smile or talk. Additionally, biting irregularities caused by tooth loss can have a negative effect on eating habits and this can lead to secondary health problems like malnutrition. Regardless of the nature of problems related to tooth loss, dental implants may provide a simple remedy with proven results.

Advantages of Implant Dentistry

Dental implants are stronger and more durable than their restorative counterparts (bridges and dentures). Implants offer a permanent solution to tooth loss. Additionally, implants may be used in conjunction with other restorative procedures for maximum effectiveness. For example, a single implant can serve to support a crown replacing a single missing tooth. Implants can also be used to support a dental bridge for the replacement of multiple missing teeth, and can be used with dentures to increase stability and reduce gum tissue irritation.

Procedural advancements, including the development of narrower “mini” implants, mean that more people than ever before are finding themselves candidates for implantation. However, candidacy for implantation still varies, meaning that your dentist may determine that you should opt for an alternative restoration. Keep in mind, too, that dentists do not need a specific license by law in order to perform implant dentistry. A general or restorative dentist may perform the crown and bridge placement that is associated with implant restoration. However, prosthodontists are the specialists who often complete this crucial procedure.

Periodontists and oral surgeons perform the implant surgical procedure itself.

Sedation dentistry, as the name implies, is a technique used by a trained dentist to provide a relaxing and anxiety-free experience for people receiving dental treatment. A major benefit to the sedation technique is that people often feel the procedure lasts only a few minutes when in fact, it might have taken hours to perform. Most people rarely feel any discomfort after the procedure.

Many people avoid visiting the dentist because of the common dental phobia. Avoiding regular dental treatment often results in neglect of oral health and appearance, up to and beyond the point when drastic measures become necessary. Sedation dentistry addresses this phobia, allowing people to undergo dental work while avoiding this common apprehension. Additionally, sedation dentistry is such that complex dental procedures normally requiring numerous visits can often be performed in just one or two sittings. Many dentists now offer sedation dentistry; however, the level of experience among dentists in sedation dentistry varies.

What is Sedation?

Sedation is a technique that aims to pharmacologically alter your central nervous system (CNS) to produce an overall calm and relaxed (sedated) sensation. Sedative drugs (tranquillizers, depressants, sleeping pills, anxiolytics, etc.) are used to induce sedation and can be administered in a variety of ways.

In the past, IV sedation was predominantly used to produce a sedated effect in dentistry. IV sedation is both safe and effective when administered by a trained professional. Today, there are alternatives available for sedation dentistry patients. Inhalation and oral sedation offer a "no needle" approach that many patients find more accommodating than the traditional IV method.

Seeking the advice of a dentist experienced in sedation dentistry, rather than foregoing treatment because of fear and potential pain, gives people the opportunity to undergo critical procedures that they would have otherwise avoided.

Sleep Dentistry or Sedation Dentistry?

Although you are kept awake throughout the sedation process, sedation dentistry has occasionally been dubbed as sleep dentistry. However, the term sleep dentistry is misleading. In actual fact, you do not sleep during the procedure, but because of the sedation effect produced by the medication, you may feel sleepy. If complex medical problems exist that prohibit you from receiving sedation, you may be given a different medication to induce a deeper type of sleep during the dental procedure. This is called general anesthesia, not sedation dentistry.

For all your sedation and sleep dentistry needs, visit Comfort Dental of Anderson today!

Comfort Dental of Anderson would like to extend an open invitation to all City of Anderson Employees and their family members.  Comfort Dental is the only dental office in Anderson, Indiana that has three full-time family dentists.  Additionally, our dentists routinely perform services such as wisdom teeth removal, sedation dentistry, implant dentistry, and tooth whitening.  Comfort Dental would like to be your family dentist in Anderson, IN.  If you would like more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 765-642-9811.

As a practicing family dentist, I have the opportunity to treat many different kinds of patients.  I get patients that are in pain, patients that need cleanings, patients that want dentures, and just about everything else that you could imagine!  This last week, I had a patient that made me SMILE.

I was doing a routine dental examination on an elderly patient that has been with the practice for a long time.  Everything looked good, as usual.  I commented to the patient about how well she had maintained her teeth throughout the years and expected to see her again in another six months for a check-up.  The patient stopped me an asked how her teeth could look like the picture that we have hanging in the lobby.  The picture is the smile of a beautiful model.  I mentioned to the patient that we could make her smile look the same with cosmetic dental veneers.  As I started to exit the treatment room the patient asked for pricing information.  Being cordial, I gave her a price not expecting her to be interested.  Much to my surprise, the elderly patient was ready to schedule the appointment!  She came in the following day for the veneer preparation.

As I walked away from the treatment room, I began to smile.  My elderly patient made me realize that EVERYONE wants a nice smile.  I can't wait to deliver the cosmetic dental veneers and see my patient with her new beautiful SMILE!

If you are interested in Cosmetic Veneers and are looking for a dentist in Anderson, Indiana then check us out at Comfort Dental of Anderson.

Do you have a dark front tooth? Maybe there is one tooth that just doesn't seem to match the others.There is a good chance that this tooth has trauma in the past and is now necrotic(dead). This is something that may not be bothering you at the present, but it is something you want to take care of. If this is not treated, there is a good chance that it will swell because of infection in the future. To take care of this tooth, you will need to have the tooth evaluated to make sure it is decay or necrosis setting in.  If it is necrotic, you will need to have root canal therapy. then you will need to have either a crown or a filling to help further protect that tooth. The crown will also take care of any cosmetic issue you may have had with that tooth. Visit your family dentist today to have that tooth evaluated.

To have a lifetime of oral health, you must first start with a plan. Go into your family dentist to have a comprehensive oral examination. This will include a full series of radiographs and an intraoral and extraoral exam. A oral cancer screening will also be performed. With the aid of the radiographs, your dentist can lead you in the right direction, whether that starts with a cleaning and an update on oral hygiene or that leads to wisdom tooth removal. Come in and get your directions to a lifetime of oral health.   

At Comfort Dental of Anderson Indiana Sealants are recommended for children and adults who are prone to cavities. Decay is most prevalent in the back teeth(premolars and molars) because that's where deep grooves form on the biting surfaces. Plaque collects in these grooves and causes cavities. To keep healthy teeth cavity free, ask your dentist to place sealants to the chewing surfaces. This prevents bacteria from sticking around long enough to cause damage, thus keeping the teeth cavity free.
Sealing teeth is quick and easy. A family dentist simply brushes the quick-drying light cured liquid onto the teeth, shines a light on it and presto- it hardens on top of the teeth. And it's pain free!!!!!

     Talk to your dentist. For your dentist to truly understand your mouth and all that is going on, you need to tell them. I can study radiographs and study models of a patients teeth, but you may hold the key to understanding your oral health. A patient needs to tell there dentist about any type of oral habit, vitamin deficiency, bulimia or diet because all of these can effect your teeth and /or your tissue. Next time your are at your family dentist , take an extra few minutes to talk to your dentist. Also, share your vision of what you want your mouth to look like, whether that includes tooth whitening, implants or laminate veneers.                                                                                                          

Implant Supported Dentures....This procedure has changed patients lives! This is probably the most rewarding dental treatment a dentist can provide his/her patients. If you or someone you love is not satisfied with there Denture or Partial. I strongly suggest you call Comfort Dental of Anderson for your free consultation.

Most patients have implant dentistry or dental surgery done by a sedation dentist. 

Wisdom teeth removal, cosmetic dentistry, tooth whitening are some of the other dental services we provide at Comfort Dental of Anderson. You can Call our office at 765-642-9811

Sedation Dentistry! WOW! It has changed how many dental patients view going to the dentist office. Patients just love having there dental care done while being sedated by the Anesthesiologist. The common procedures done under sedation are dental surgery (wisdom teeth removal, dental implants) and routine dental care. Next time your at the dental clinic ask your dentist about sedation dentistry. Contact Comfort Dental of Anderson for more information.

At Comfort Dental we strive to do the very best dentistry possible! We will work around your schedule and try to make your dental care easy. From financing plans for easy payments to painless injection techniques, we will make you happy.

People come in every day with toothaches. Most people tell me the same thing.  "This tooth has been broken for quite awhile doc, but it didn't hurt till last night." A large number of the population are in this situation. They put off dentistry for many different reasons. Whether it is an extraction or even a cleaning, the sooner the problem can be taken care of the better. Putting off dental care can lead to dental infections or even eventual tooth loss. With the use of Care Credit, a dental financing company, many of our patients are able to have that treatment sooner rather than later. They have some payment options at 0%. Call Comfort Dental today to see if you qualify for Care Credit.

Sedation dental care can be as easy as falling asleep! A visit to the dental clinic may begin with an interview from the anesthesiologist to discuss sedation dentistry. Once the sedation is onboard, the dental surgery or wisdom tooth removal can commence. After waking up, the staff will give you post operative instructions and you will be on your way home!

A trip to the dentist shouldn't be stressful. It should be pleasant and relaxing. At Comfort Dental of Anderson the relaxation starts as soon as you enter the dental office with comfortable furniture and flat screen televisions in the reception room. The dental clinic provides comfort in many ways ranging from a warm blanket when you feel cold to sedation dentistry when you are nervous. If you are looking for comfortable dental care, visit our dentist office.

If you are interested in bleaching your teeth, the dentist should give you several options. The easiest and least expensive is to go with an over the counter product like Crest White Strips. These do work, although it takes a week or two. The second option would be an in-office alternative like Zoom! It works great in about an hour. The price can range from $300 to $500 dollars. The last option is cosmetic dentistry, such as dental veneers. These look incredible, but cost can be very high. Check with your dentist office to see which option is best for you.

Looking for a quality family dentist? The Doctors at Comfort Dental of Anderson have exstensive training in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, and sedation dentistry. One of our favorite procedures is the instant gratification of teeth whitening. Check us out on the web or call our dental office at 765-642-9811 to experience superb dental care.

To learn more about the dental implants we perform in our office visit www.misch.com or www.biohorizon.com.