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Dental Bridge Procedure: What You Need to Know Before Getting One

You’re missing a tooth and wonder about your options. You could:

Ignore it and hope a new tooth grows
Live without the tooth
Wait months for a dental implant
Get a dental bridge

As you probably already know, a new tooth won’t grow in its place, and living without it isn’t a great choice. While dental implants are good options, they take time. Therefore, you might turn to a bridge.

If so, you’ll want to learn about the dental bridge procedure before going through it. This procedure is commonly used to replace missing teeth. Here is a breakdown of what to expect with a dental bridge procedure.

The Basic Components of a Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is a device dentists use to replace missing teeth. They consist of several parts and require two or more visits to complete. People opt for them not just for a perfect smile, but also for oral health reasons.

The first component of a dental bridge is the pontics. These are the artificial teeth that will “bridge” the gap. They fill in the missing teeth.

The next component is dental crowns. Dental crowns are artificial teeth that cover your natural teeth. They help support the pontics on the bridge.

Finally, a bridge requires abutments. These are parts holding the bridge together and providing the support it needs.

There are several types of bridges, but your dentist will determine the right type for your situation. A bridge can hold one artificial tooth or multiple teeth, depending on the situation.

The Beneficial Reasons to Replace a Missing Tooth

Your oral health matters, as it affects your looks, your ability to eat and speak, and your general health. As a result, every tooth matters.

Losing a permanent tooth can affect the way you look and feel about yourself. You might smile less often or smile with your lips locked together. A gap in your mouth can make you feel self-conscious or embarrassed.

Each tooth also plays a role in how you speak. Your tongue relies on your tooth to enunciate sounds, and if one is missing, you might experience trouble speaking clearly.

You also use your teeth for chewing. Without them, chewing and eating the foods you enjoy might be difficult.

A missing tooth also has deeper consequences. Using your teeth stimulates the jawbone below or above the teeth. This process keeps the jawbone dense and strong.

When a tooth is absent, the jawbone suffers. Without a tooth there to stimulate the bone, it gradually wears away. This can cause several issues, including affecting the shape of your face.

If left unaddressed for too long, you may need a full-mouth reconstruction if you want to fix your teeth. These procedures, performed by an oral surgeon, can be intense.

It’s better to replace a missing tooth immediately after it’s lost. You might lose a tooth due to trauma, decay, or another reason, but there are always options for replacing teeth.

One additional purpose of teeth is to hold the others in place. Once a tooth is gone, the other teeth may shift out of place. Unfortunately, this can be detrimental to anyone who has had braces at some point.

How the Dental Bridge Procedure Works

The dental bridge process requires multiple steps and begins with an evaluation. You must meet with a dentist to determine whether this option is feasible. If so, your dentist will explain the process and how to proceed.

First Visit

The dentist may use the first appointment to prepare your teeth for the bridge and create a plan. This visit generally requires four steps.

First, the dentist will offer local anesthesia to numb the area. This is the same anesthesia dentists use for repairing tooth decay and extracting teeth.

Next, the dentist will work on the teeth next to the gap. They call these the abutment teeth, as the dentist uses them to hold the bridge in place.

Dentists prepare this by removing the outer portions to make room for the crowns. This step is essential for the crowns to have room to fit over these teeth.

After doing this, the dentist will begin making impressions. This step is crucial for the dental bridge process. They will use these impressions to create the crowns for the abutment teeth and the artificial tooth they’ll hold.

Finally, the dentist will place a temporary bridge with crowns in your mouth. This device protects the teeth while waiting for the permanent crown and prevents the teeth from changing while you wait.

Second Visit

The second visit takes less time in most cases but can vary. It generally occurs within a few weeks after the first appointment. During this visit, the dentist removes the temporary bridge and installs the permanent one.

If it fits properly, the dentist will bond it in place. If it doesn’t fit properly, the dentist will make any necessary changes before cementing it in place.

Once cemented, the bridge should stay in place and function like your normal teeth.

Aftercare for a Dental Bridge

After getting a dental bridge, while your teeth may look perfect, you’ll need to care for your bridge. You can do this in several ways.

First, care for the bridge like you do for your other teeth. This requires brushing, flossing, and visiting a dentist for routine cleanings.

Secondly, watch what you eat. While a bridge is durable and can last long, eating sticky or hard foods might dislodge it. Avoid eating sticky things for this reason.

Replace Your Missing Tooth With a Dental Bridge

The dental bridge procedure provides a solution for your missing tooth. Dental bridges are durable and look natural. They last long and provide a fully-functioning replacement tooth to fill the gap.

Are you looking for quality dental services in Lexington, KY? Look no further.

Justice Dental offers high-quality dental services from a team of caring dentists. We provide customized services with an emphasis on improving appearance and oral hygiene.

Does Tooth Enamel Toothpaste Really Work?

in Justice Dental/by Justice Dental

Though we don’t have much of it, tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. With a score of 5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, enamel is as hard as steel!

Despite how tough it is, enamel can still wear down over time, which you may know if you’ve started experiencing sensitivity or discoloration.

That’s where tooth enamel toothpaste comes in. Oral health brands love to promise that these products will help restore your smile, but it’s hard to tell if you should take them at their word. Do these toothpastes work?

Let’s clear things up right off the bat: the answer is yes! There are a few caveats, but certain toothpaste can help restore your enamel. Here’s what to know before you buy.

How Does Enamel Get Damaged?

Enamel is made of calcium and phosphorus, which enhance the strength of your teeth. Together, these minerals combine in a crystalline structure called hydroxyapatite.

Hydroxyapatite is incredibly strong and resistant to wear and tear. However, it isn’t invincible, and our habits over time can cause deterioration.

This creates weak spots where the tooth enamel is “demineralized.” Demineralization opens us up to further tooth decay from acids, bacteria, and sugar. Here are a few causes of demineralization and damage:

Acid Erosion

Acids in common foods and drinks can damage our enamel. You’ll find these acids in things like sodas, wine, and certain fruits.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene can contribute as well. When we fail to brush and floss, we let bacteria build up in our mouths. This bacteria can attack and weaken our tooth enamel.

Wear and Tear

Certain ways of using our teeth can wear them down. Chewing hard substances like ice, hard candy, or fingernails can damage the enamel. Tooth grinding, or bruxism, is another common culprit.

Dry Mouth

Our saliva helps wash away lingering food particles after we eat. It also neutralizes acids. Without enough saliva, our enamel has a harder time protecting itself.

How Does Remineralizing Help?

You might not realize your enamel is always losing and gaining minerals! This happens because your mouth has a natural remineralization process of its own.

As your body absorbs nutrients from the foods you eat, it sends crucial vitamins and minerals to your teeth. Substances rich in calcium, phosphate, and fluoride are helpful for this. Consuming foods and drinks with these minerals can remineralize your teeth.

With the right diet, oral care habits to maintain your teeth and gum health, and regular dental visits, some people experience little to no thinning enamel.

How Does Tooth Enamel Toothpaste Help?

Sometimes, we need a bit of extra help maintaining our tooth enamel, and there’s nothing wrong with that!

Enter remineralizing toothpaste, which helps supplement your body’s natural remineralization process. Toothpastes that support enamel health have extra minerals:

Fluoride

Fluoride is the most common mineral added to these toothpastes. There’s a reason why many cities add fluoride to the water supply: this mineral is great at strengthening the enamel and reducing sensitivity. In some cases, fluoride can even help repair the early stages of tooth decay.

Note that while many traditional toothpastes contain fluoride, remineralizing toothpastes often contain a higher amount.

You may see terms like “stannous fluoride” or “sodium fluoride” in the list of ingredients. Both of these can help enhance your enamel, but stannous fluoride is an anti-bacterial agent that can also help with plaque and gingivitis. This makes it a great addition to your toothpaste!

Calcium and Phosphate

As we’ve mentioned, these are the most important minerals in your tooth enamel. By providing them to your teeth, you give them the building materials they need to repair weakened enamel.

Hydroxyapatite

This crystalline substance is great for your smile because it helps promote remineralization. By bonding with demineralized areas of your teeth, it helps create a harder, more durable enamel surface and restores the mineral balance.

What Are the Benefits of These Kinds of Toothpaste?

We’ve already touched on some of the benefits, but it’s safe to say these toothpaste can help in more ways than one. You might want to pick up some remineralizing toothpaste for a few reasons:

Repair weakened tooth enamel
Strengthen existing tooth enamel
Protect teeth from acid erosion
Shield teeth from bacteria
Reduce tooth sensitivity
Prevent and repair white spot lesions in the enamel
Prevent cavities

Because of their effectiveness at enamel restoration, these kinds of toothpaste can even help keep teeth strong and white. If you’re looking for a bit of extra help whitening your teeth at home without abrasive materials, try a remineralizing toothpaste!

What Are the Limitations?

These toothpastes are great for strengthening tooth enamel, but they aren’t a wonder product. These products won’t regrow lost tooth enamel. They can only help remineralize tooth enamel that has weakened.

Once your tooth enamel is gone, it’s gone. If you have severe enamel loss, talk to your dentist about alternative ways of protecting your teeth.

In addition, these products won’t get rid of any current cavities in your mouth. While remineralizing toothpaste can help prevent cavities and even strengthen areas of your teeth with minor surface decay, it won’t help if you’ve developed a cavity.

This is because cavities are holes in your teeth that happen after significant tooth decay. Cavities cause permanent damage that enamel repair can’t reverse. The only way to fill in a cavity is to see a dentist.

Protect Your Smile

If you’re looking for a way to reduce sensitivity, strengthen your enamel, and protect your teeth, you can’t go wrong with tooth enamel toothpaste. These products aren’t just gimmicks; they really work! To brighten your smile, consider choosing a remineralizing toothpaste the next time you’re at the store.

Need help cutting through the noise to find oral care products you can trust? Talk to a specialist!

Here at Justice Dental, we’re happy to help patients get the smile of their dreams through transformative dental services. Whether you need preventative dentistry, a cosmetic procedure, or an expert to help you find better ways to maintain your oral health at home, reach out to our team about your dental goals. Schedule an appointment today for your custom dental treatment plan!

Are Your Teeth Worn Down? Why You Should Care

in Justice Dental/by Justice Dental

Quick question: what’s the hardest substance in the human body? Most people guess bones, but the truth is that your tooth enamel takes the prize. At a 5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, tooth enamel is about as hard as steel! That’s why it can be so confusing to see your enamel slowly wearing away. When your pearly whites start turning yellow or brown instead, you may be wondering how this dense substance is disappearing.

Worn-down teeth can happen for several reasons, and they can quickly become a source of sensitivity and discomfort if you aren’t careful. If you suspect premature tooth wear, here are a few things to keep in mind.

What Causes of Worn-Down Teeth?

Worn-down teeth, or “teeth substance loss” (TSL), can happen for several reasons. Depending on the cause, you may lose enamel on the top and/or sides of your teeth.

Tooth Grinding

Tooth grinding is one of the most common causes of TSL. This happens when you grind your teeth against each other. Over time, the chewing surfaces of your teeth begin to wear down.

Teeth grinding can be a side effect of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). Other conditions or chronic diseases may increase your risk of grinding.

Sometimes, patients aren’t aware that they’re grinding their teeth. It can happen as an unconscious reaction to stress, for example, or at night while you’re asleep.

Figuring out how to stop grinding teeth can help you prevent future enamel loss.

Enamel Erosion

Dental erosion happens when a substance, often a highly acidic one, wears down your enamel.

This is common with certain foods, drinks, and medications. If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or suffer from bulimia, your stomach acid may also cause erosion. If you have a health condition or take medications that reduce your saliva, you may be at greater risk of enamel erosion.

Often, patients don’t notice their enamel is beginning to erode. Sensitivity and pain are uncommon until the erosion grows severe.

Tooth Abrasion

Abrasion happens through friction. When an object slides or rubs against the surface of your tooth over and over, the enamel may begin to wear down.

Dental abrasion is common if you use a toothbrush with firm bristles, brush too hard, or use an abrasive toothpaste. Certain habits like chewing toothpicks and pens or holding hairpins between the teeth can also cause abrasion.

How Do You Spot Worn-Down Teeth?

If your enamel has begun to wear away, it might be hard to spot. In the early stages, you won’t see a difference in your smile at all.

Over time, however, the signs will grow more obvious.

When tooth wear affects the chewing surfaces of your teeth, you might notice that these surfaces look yellow or dull. Depending on how much of your enamel has been stripped away, you might have more sensitivity to hot or cold foods.

If there’s severe enamel loss, your teeth may begin to look shorter and shorter over time. The peaks of your teeth (also called “cusps”) may wear down, making your teeth look flatter.

When tooth wear affects the sides of your teeth, you might notice yellower or darker teeth when you smile. If the cause is abrasion, you may even see indentations in your teeth.

When erosion is the cause of your TSL, you’ll likely see damage all over your teeth, though it will be most obvious on their inner sides. Uniform discoloration is more common in these cases.

In the worst-case scenario, you might notice chipped edges or even fractures. This may happen as your enamel wears down severely, weakening the tooth. It’s also more common if you’re grinding your teeth (and thus putting excess force on them).

Can You Reverse Enamel Loss?

Eroded or damaged tooth enamel does not grow back. Because it isn’t a living tissue, your body will never make more of it on its own.

This is why it’s so crucial to catch TSL as early as possible.

Addressing the common causes above and getting preventative treatment can help you avoid nasty side effects like discomfort, sensitivity, and pain. Keeping your enamel healthy can also protect your teeth against future damage and decay.

Most toothpastes, mouthwashes, and other products that claim to address enamel loss will not regrow your enamel, though studies suggest that better treatments may be on the horizon.

Instead, most products help re-mineralize your teeth. By pushing calcium, phosphates, and fluoride into the tooth, they help the surface harden again, strengthening your existing enamel and lowering your risk of future TSL.

Treatment for Worn-Down Teeth

If you can’t regrow your enamel, what can you do? Don’t stress! There are plenty of ways your dentist can help with TSL.

Resin Bonding

When you’re dealing with mild enamel loss, your dentist may recommend resin bonding. With this procedure, they’ll apply a tooth-colored material to your teeth.

This protects the tooth and covers any discoloration or wear. Your dentist can also use resin to reshape the tooth if it has lost volume, chipped, or become malformed.

Porcelain Veneers

When you’re dealing with moderate to severe enamel loss that affects the front of your teeth, your dentist will likely recommend dental veneers, though implants are also an option. Veneers are hard tooth-colored shells that can cover, lengthen, and protect your teeth.

Porcelain Crowns

When your moderate to severe enamel loss has stripped away the chewing surfaces of your teeth, crowns are your best friends. These tooth-colored caps cover the tops of your teeth. They’re great for hiding discoloration and damage, lengthening the teeth, and restoring your smile.

Treat Your Enamel Loss Early

Here’s the bottom line: the best way to treat worn-down teeth is to stop them from getting damaged in the first place! If you’ve noticed signs of TSL, it’s crucial to reach out to a dental expert early. Fast treatment can protect the enamel you have left for a healthier, happier smile.

That’s where we come in! At Justice Dental, our experienced cosmetic dentists are here to help you restore and protect damaged teeth, no matter the issue. Contact us for an appointment at one of our Lexington dental clinics.

Dental Implants vs Veneers: Which Is Right for You?

in Justice Dental/by Justice Dental

There’s a good reason why the job outlook for dentists is expected to increase by four percent over the next decade. Not only do these professionals help us maintain our oral health, but they can also provide restorative dental procedures. These procedures have the potential to not only improve the appearance of a smile but also the functional aspect as well. These days, dental implants and veneers tend to be the most popular restorative procedures offered by dentists. But which one is right for you: dental implants vs. veneers?

If you aren’t sure, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll briefly walk you through what you can expect, as well as the pros and cons associated with both options.

What Are Dental Implants?

When a tooth is missing or damaged, it can be replaced with a dental implant. Through surgery, a man-made root is installed into the gum of the patient.

Specifically, titanium screws are fused with the jawbone. This is how dental implants differ from crowns. Crowns simply encase the tooth while dental implants replace the root itself.

The result is essentially a new permanent tooth. It’s nearly impossible to spot the difference between them, and your natural teeth (especially if they’re done on your back rows of teeth). Check out our full guide to learn more about the specifics of how dental implants replace teeth.

What Are Veneers?

Compared to dental implants, veneers are a much more casual cosmetic procedure. When you get a veneer you’re not replacing a tooth at all. Rather, porcelain or ceramic material coats the exterior of a damaged tooth.

Sometimes the tooth might be broken, discolored, or chipped. However, the tooth-colored material can cover up all of this. So how are veneers different from crowns? Crowns will apply the material to the entirety of your tooth.

Most types of veneers are usually only applied to the front of the tooth. As such, it’s more of a cosmetic procedure that’s designed to improve the appearance of your tooth.

Pros of Dental Implants

The biggest advantage associated with dental implants is their relatively permanent nature. Compared to things like removable dentures, implants retain stability while you’re eating.

There’s no fear of them falling or slipping out. What’s more, dental implants are extremely realistic looking. They can often restore confidence in a smile from someone insecure about their missing teeth or dentures.

Most types of dental implants can also help preserve both your jaw bone health, as well as any remaining teeth you have. In short, dental implants provide both the cosmetic value of veneers, as well as the permanent functionality of dentures.

Cons of Dental Implants

Because dental implants require both surgery and high-quality materials, they’re often one of the most expensive teeth replacement options you’ll encounter. As such, if you’re on a budget, or don’t have great dental insurance, you might be better off going with dentures.

What’s more, the recovery from dental implants is a lot more intensive. It’s not uncommon for the procedure to take several months to complete. This is especially true if you need to get damaged teeth removed first.

Pros of Veneers

One of the biggest pros of getting veneers is their appearance. Whether you suffer from a gapped tooth or simply some discoloration, veneers can work magic. Just look at this veneer makeover featuring Miss Kentucky Kaitlynne Postel.

The confidence that comes with getting a bright, straight smile can be hard to put a price tag on. However, speaking of price tags, veneers are far more affordable than procedures like dental implants.

Once more, the procedure is much quicker. You won’t need to wait months to get an appointment. Often, you’ll quickly be in and out of the office with your new smile.

Cons of Veneers

The major disadvantage of veneers is that they aren’t permanent. The porcelain or ceramic material is fragile, just like your regular teeth. As such, it can be prone to chips and breaks.

Stains are also quite common if you’re not actively cleaning your teeth. Generally speaking, if you take care of them you can usually expect your veneers to last around fifteen years.

It’s also important to note that not everyone can get veneers. If you grind your teeth at night or have an especially damaged tooth, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to put them on.

Many people with veneers are also more prone to sensitivities with hot or cold food because some of the enamel has been removed.

Dental Implants vs. Veneers: Which Is Right for You?

If you have one or more missing teeth, you should consider dental implants. The same goes if your tooth is so damaged it can’t be saved. Why? Because without the roots of your teeth in your jaw bones, the bone structure will gradually begin to shrivel away.

While jaw bone loss might not be as painful as it’s happening, it can eventually affect the way you talk and chew. As such, if you’re part of the 26% of adults with tooth loss, you should consider dental implants.

Not only will it improve your smile and tooth function, but it will also help halt the deterioration of your jaw bone. Veneers on the other hand should be used on natural teeth.

If you want to improve the appearance of your smile, whether that’s in shape or color, veneers can help you do it. Also, keep in mind that the two aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive.

If your dental implants are getting discolored, you can apply veneers over them to improve their appearance. If you still aren’t sure which option is right for you, consult with your dentist. From there you can work out a plan that best fits your needs and vision.

Ready for Your New Smile? Contact Justice Dental

We hope this guide helped you choose between dental implants vs. veneers. Here at Justice Dental, we know that no one likes going to the dentist. That’s why we do our best to create the most comfortable environment possible.

What’s more, we combine state-of-the-art dental technology with decades of combined expertise. That way, the final result is always worth any discomfort you might go through. So if you’re ready to restore your smile, schedule an appointment with us today.

Teeth Whitening Aftercare: How to Protect Your Teeth at Home

in Justice Dental/by Justice Dental

You aren’t alone in thinking that your less-than-perfect teeth impact your personal and professional life. About 90% of Americans hold this belief, which is only reinforced by the impact of social media and influencers with seemingly perfect teeth. This insecurity pushes many people to get teeth whitening services.

Once your teeth are beautifully white, you will want to protect your results. That way, they stay looking white for longer. Follow these tips to protect your newly whitened teeth.

Follow a Strict Cleaning Routine

Adhering to a strict cleaning routine is paramount in teeth whitening aftercare. A dedicated oral hygiene regimen includes regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing. A soft-bristled toothbrush, whitening toothpaste, and alcohol-free mouthwash ensure gentle, effective cleaning.

This routine helps remove surface stains, plaque, and debris. Consistency in your cleaning routine contributes to sustaining a radiant, dazzling smile.

Brushing Techniques

Your brushing technique post-teeth whitening is pivotal in preventing stains from reappearing. Opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush along with a whitening toothpaste. These can be gentle yet effective in removing surface stains without harming your enamel.

Ensure you brush all surfaces of your teeth for at least two minutes during each session. This thorough brushing routine helps remove food particles and plaque. This reduces the chances of stain build-up and supports the longevity of your teeth whitening results.

Do not push too hard when brushing your teeth. Aggressive brushing with excessive force can have the opposite effect you want.

It will wear down your teeth’s outer enamel. The outer enamel is white, while the dentin layer underneath is yellow. Wearing down the outer layer can make your teeth look more yellow than you would like.

Flossing

Flossing is essential for maintaining your bright smile after a teeth whitening procedure.

It helps remove plaque and debris from areas between your teeth and along the gumline. These are the areas that your toothbrush might not effectively reach.

Removing these particles improves your oral hygiene and reduces the risk of new stains forming.

Mouthwash

Opting for an alcohol-free mouthwash post-teeth whitening is a wise choice. Alcohol-free mouthwashes can help remove bacteria, freshen your breath, and maintain a healthy oral environment.

Choose a mouthwash that your dentist recommends. It needs to be compatible with your teeth whitening procedure.

Change Your Diet

After whitening, you need to make protecting your teeth a priority. This could mean making changes to a tooth-friendly diet.

Certain foods and beverages are more likely to stain your teeth. So, continuing to consume them can stain your teeth quicker.

Avoid Staining Foods

After your teeth whitening treatment, stay mindful of foods that could affect the brightness of your smile. Foods like blueberries, soy sauce, curry, and tomato sauce have intense pigmentation.

They can gradually stain your teeth. Try to avoid these foods or enjoy them in moderation.

When you eat them, rinse your mouth with water after consuming them. That way, you reduce potential staining and help maintain the brightness of your newly whitened smile.

Limit Teeth-Staining Beverages

It is wise to limit the consumption of teeth-staining beverages to maintain your bright smile after teeth whitening. Beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas, grape juice, cranberry juice, and pomegranate juice contain pigments that can gradually discolor your teeth.

One option is to cut these beverages out of your diet. Consider drinking with a straw if you don’t want to give them up.

Moderate consumption if a straw won’t work, such as with hot coffee or wine. After you drink them, rinse your mouth with water. This will remove any remaining staining beverage and rinse your teeth.

Drink More Water

Staying hydrated plays a role in preserving your bright smile. Water helps wash away food particles and reduces acidity in your mouth.

Embrace Crunchy Foods

Including crunchy fruits and vegetables in your diet is helpful. These foods contain natural abrasives and high water content. Examples would be apples, carrots, or celery.

They aid in cleaning teeth by removing surface stains and stimulating saliva production. This can contribute to a cleaner and brighter smile.

Stop Using Tobacco

Tobacco products, whether smoked or chewed, contain harmful chemicals. They will stain and discolor your teeth. These stains undermine the effectiveness of your whitening treatment.

Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings

Regular dental cleanings are key to protecting your teeth whitening treatment results. It’s highly recommended to schedule dental cleanings with your dentist every six months.

These professional cleanings help remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains that can accumulate. This happens even with diligent oral hygiene practices.

By visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings, you can maintain the brightness of your smile. You can also strive for optimal oral health. Both contribute to a lasting and vibrant outcome from your teeth whitening procedure.

Use Touch-Up Products

Touch-up products like whitening toothpaste, gels, or strips can help maintain your bright smile.

These touch-up products can help manage surface stains. When used as directed, you can maintain the brightness of your teeth between professional treatments.

Consult your dentist for guidance on the most suitable at-home whitening products.

Always use products that your dentist recommends. That way, you know they’re compatible with your initial whitening procedure.

Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions

Adhering to your dentist’s instructions post-teeth whitening is crucial for maintaining the results. Your dentist will provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific treatment.

These instructions may include following a specific oral care routine. They could also prescribe products for better maintenance of your whitened teeth. That way, you can enjoy the long-lasting brightness of your smile.

Schedule Teeth Whitening Services

If you invest in your teeth by getting them whitened, you will want to protect the results. By practicing proper tooth care post-whitening, you will prevent stains. That way, you can enjoy pearly white results for longer.

Justice Dental provides teeth whitening services in conjunction with cosmetic dentistry services. Our patients appreciate that we help them maintain oral health while also helping them feel confident about their smiles.

Enjoy white teeth today by scheduling an appointment at one of our two convenient locations.

Lexington Family Dentistry Services: How to Choose Your Best Option

in Justice Dental/by Justice Dental

Do your family’s teeth sparkle? A stunning smile can make an amazing first impression on everyone you meet! If you’re neglecting your family’s dental care, however, a smile could start scaring people off!

Before that happens, visit the best Lexington family dentistry practice around. Not sure which dentist in Lexington, KY to choose? Read on to simplify your search and start prioritizing your family’s oral health today.

Check Credentials

Start your search by speaking with other parents in Lexington. Ask if they can recommend a Lexington dental care practice. If they can, ask about their experience at the practice.

For example:

Where is the practice located?
Was the staff friendly?
Is the dentist experienced?
Does the dentist have a specialty?
Did you encounter any problems?
Do your kids like their dentist?

If the parent encountered problems during an appointment, ask for more information. For example, what did the staff do to fix the problem? Look for a dental team that cares about their patients.

Once you have a short list of dentists to choose from, look into each dentist’s credentials. Determine where they completed their education and dental training. Confirm they have a diploma from an accredited institution.

You can find this information on the dentist’s Healthgrades.com profile. If you can’t find information about the dentist’s education and training, continue your search.

Consider when each dentist graduated. If it was decades ago, consider if they continued their education. Make sure the dentist is aware of new technologies, techniques, and procedures.

A dentist with up-to-date knowledge is more likely to offer a higher standard of care. If the staff doesn’t continue their education, keep searching. They could work based on outdated information.

Look for Experience

The best Lexington dental care team will have years of hands-on experience. There are already over 185,990 dental businesses in the US. As the industry grows, new dentists will start opening practices.

Unfortunately, a new dentist is more likely to make mistakes with your family’s dental care. Instead, look for an experienced team and established dental practice.

An established dental practice likely operates with efficiency. These teams already have processes in place to ensure the best possible patient experiences.

A less experienced team may still need to work out operational issues. For example, you may encounter a billing or scheduling problem. These issues can affect your experience as a patient.

If you have young children, they may not feel comfortable visiting the dentist. You’ll want a smooth, problem-free patient experience.

Unfortunately, about 36% of people in the US have a fear of dental treatment. Another 12% have extreme fear. Look for a dental staff that has experience helping patients (especially younger patients) with dental anxiety.

For example, the staff may recommend sedation dentistry. You can rest while receiving treatment. Your dental anxiety won’t keep you from receiving the care you need.

Once you’ve found an experienced dentist, look into their professional history. Determine if they participate in any organizations or have professional memberships. Look for dentists who have won accolades and strive to become better in their field.

Read Reviews

You can learn more about each dentist from the patients before you. Check online for patient reviews. You can find reviews on:

Healthgrades.com
Yelp
BBB
Google Business

Read a handful of reviews from each site. Look for a dentist who already has a glowing reputation. You’ll feel more confident choosing a dentist other patients have loved in the past.

You may find one or two negative reviews. That’s normal. If you find many patients have encountered the same problem, however, you may too.

Look for comments about the dentist’s bedside manner. Consider how they are around children. If the dentist doesn’t have any online reviews, remove them from your list of options.

Explore Services

Before choosing a dentist in Lexington, KY, consider your family’s needs. Are you looking for a dentist who can maintain your smile or more specific services? Check online to determine what dental care services each practice offers.

For example, your family may need:

Routine check-ups
Dental cleanings
Preventive dentistry
Crowns
Dental sealants
Dental bonding
Teeth whitening
Dental surgery

If the practice doesn’t offer a comprehensive list of services, remove them from your list of options. You won’t want to visit more than one dentist in the future. Finding a dentist that offers a range of services will benefit your entire family.

If your family has specific needs, learn more about the dentist’s experience offering those services. For example, maybe you need dental implant surgery. Ask how often the dentist completes that procedure.

Make sure their experience and expertise are relevant to your family’s specific needs.

Costs

Ask each family dentistry practice for a list of all the services they offer. Compare prices between three Lexington practices. Comparing prices between practices can help you recognize who charges extreme prices.

If one practice charges more than the rest, determine why. Ask if they accept your dental insurance (and which procedures they cover). If they don’t, ask if they offer financing options.

Check a Map

Determine where each dental practice is located. Try to find a practice near your home or work. If you have children, make sure the practice is near their school.

If the practice is far away, attending appointments could become stressful. Confirm that each practice is in a safe location. Make sure they have ample parking.

Prioritize Comfort

Schedule a consultation appointment with three dentists in Lexington. Prepare a list of questions you want to ask each dentist. Make sure they have experience relevant to your needs.

Consider your comfort after speaking with each dentist. Were they professional and kind? Make sure your family will be comfortable around them, too.

The Best Lexington Family Dentistry Practice

Finding the best Lexington family dentistry practice is easier than you may realize! Use these tips to simplify your search. Prioritize finding a family dentist with your family’s needs in mind.

We can help streamline your search! Look no further than Justice Dental. Our trusted general and cosmetic dentists have years of hands-on experience.

Understanding the Purpose and Process of Crown Lengthening

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You’ve broken your tooth – maybe for the first time – and now you need to get a crown. However, the dentist informs you that there’s a problem that needs to be solved first. Your gums are too high up and they can’t put a crown on you yet.

What does this mean for you, though? There’s not much a person can do to shorten their gums or cause them to recede. That’s where your local periodontist comes into play.

Here’s everything you need to know about the crown lengthening procedure and why it may be vital for your mouth.

What is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening surgery is a procedure where the gums and bone tissues surrounding a tooth are reshaped. The gums are cut down to allow more space for a crown on a tooth that has recently had a root canal.

Unfortunately, your dentist can’t just cut back your gums on the same day that you get a new crown fitted. Your gums need time to heal, which could take over a week. Additionally, it’s a whole procedure to get your gums ready, and they can only follow up on your crown order when you’re healed.

Another reason why you may need crown lengthening is if your gums are too high. This works more as a cosmetic dentistry procedure in that it improves your smile without being medically necessary.

Why Crown Lengthening is Important

Tooth erosion can happen to anyone due to things like carbonated drinks or even acid reflux. If your tooth becomes too damaged, it can break and develop an infection. The only way to save an infected tooth is with a root canal.

The problem with root canals is that they always require a crown afterward to hold the tooth together. If there isn’t enough space for one, then your dentist can’t get a good mold of the tooth and fit a crown.

Without a crown, you’ll have a good deal of pain and likely need the tooth removed. Even worse is if you have an ill-fitting crown placed.

Some of the problems you face with a poorly fitted crown include gum disease, fractures, and even popping off in the middle of a meal. All of these will leave your mouth generally worse for wear.

Crown lengthening surgery corrects that issue by reducing the visible gum tissue around the tooth to an acceptable level. Once healed, the crown can be placed as normal.

The only downside is that it’ll push back your fitting by at least a week or two. However, there’s not much else a doctor can do about the issue than with the procedure.

Crown Lengthening Surgery Types

In total, there are three types of crown lengthening procedures. These are a gingivectomy, apically repositioned flap surgery, and surgical extrusion. All of them aim to accomplish a similar goal, though they may be used to facilitate different end results.

Gingivectomy

One of the oldest types of crown lengthening procedure is a gingivectomy. It involves cutting away and removing gum tissue. In some cases, your surgeon will also need to reshape the bone to limit the gum’s regrowth.

You can expect local anesthetic to numb the pain. In some cases, they may need to use a sedative if they’re working on multiple teeth.

The good thing about a gingivectomy is that it’s an outpatient procedure and it doesn’t take more than an hour to complete.

Apically Repositioned Flap Surgery

This is the most common type of crown lengthening performed these days. It involves removing portions of the gum by creating a flap of tissue. The flap is lifted up and the parts of your gum tissue are cut away.

The gums are then cleaned and the flaps are closed with sutures.

Your dentist may prefer this method as a way to maintain some keratinized tissue instead of cutting away your gum line.

Surgical Extrusion

Surgical extrusion is one of the more invasive forms of crown lengthening. With this procedure, the periodontist will physically reposition your teeth.

Your dentist may suggest this procedure if your tooth is badly damaged and needs repositioning. How the surgeon goes about this depends on the damage.

With simple repositioning, your surgeon will use special tools to pull the tooth into the right position. In other cases, they may need to extract the tooth entirely to reshape it before reimplanting it into your mouth.

Recovery Process

The recovery process from a crown lengthening will depend on the procedure.

With a gingivectomy, you only have to wait for the cut area to heal up. The oral surgeon will suture it shut, but it shouldn’t take more than a couple of weeks to heal enough for a crown placement.

The same applies to an apically repositioned flap surgery.

However, surgical extrusion will require a bit more time to recover from. The reimplanted tooth will need to be splinted to surrounding teeth for up to a few weeks, so you’ll need to be careful until then.

Cost of a Crown Lengthening Procedure

Generally speaking, crown lengthening is the least expensive part of repairing a broken tooth. The root canal will cost you upwards of $1,000, while the crown can be anywhere from $500 to $3,000. However, the crown lengthening should only cost a few hundred dollars.

Once again, it all depends on the type of procedure your oral surgeon is performing. You also have to take into account the added cost if they need to use sedatives when you get a crown extension.

If you have trouble making any of these payments, you can always set up payment plans or use a medical loan.

Speak to Your Dentist in Lexington

A crown lengthening procedure is a low-risk outpatient surgery that may be needed for reasons other than getting a new crown placed on your teeth. In some cases, they’ll perform it to give your smile a better appearance. Either way, expect recovery to take at least a week or two.

Justice Dental provides care for our patients in the Lexington area. Our services include general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and dental surgeries. Contact us if you have any questions and to set up an appointment today.

How to Improve Your Smile: 10 Ways to Improve Your Teeth

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Did you know that more than half (57%) of Americans cover their mouths when they smile because they’re insecure about their teeth? If this sounds like you, take heart. Even if you’ve spent a lifetime lamenting how your grin looks, it’s never too late to enhance and improve it. When you know how to improve your smile from the inside out, you can start putting those steps into practice!

Today, we’re sharing 10 tips to help you proudly display your pearly whites, both off and on camera.

1. Start Flossing

If you want an attractive smile, flossing is one step you can’t afford to skip. Yet, a disheartening 32% of adults say they never do it!

Flossing not only removes plaque from between your teeth. It also keeps it from forming underneath your gumline. These are two places where your toothbrush can’t easily reach.

Plaque and tartar can build up over time and develop into periodontal disease. To floss correctly, wrap the piece snugly around your finger and gently glide it between and around each tooth two to three times.

2. Try Teeth Whitening

Are you concerned about stained teeth? There are many reasons your smile might not be as bright as you’d like. These can include dietary choices, lifestyle habits, and even general older age.

Thankfully, there are teeth whitening services that can help. This is a type of cosmetic dentistry that brightens your teeth back to their natural white appearance. The procedure is quick, painless, and delivers impressive results.

In our office, we offer traditional whitening services and an innovative procedure called KoR Whitening that enhances your teeth’s ability to absorb oxygen. This one procedure often lightens smiles up to 16 shades or more!

3. Don’t Skip Dental Appointments

There’s a reason why your dentist recommends coming in for a regular checkup at least twice a year. A routine cleaning every six months is essential to maintaining your oral health.

Without thorough cleaning, your teeth and gums can become irritated, swollen, and damaged. Your teeth can also become discolored. Not only are these conditions unsightly, but they can also lead to more serious health issues such as stroke, diabetes, and sleep apnea.

At each appointment, your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. They’ll also screen you for health concerns, such as oral cancer.

4. Ask About Veneers

Are you self-conscious about your smile because your teeth are cracked, damaged, or otherwise misshapen? If so, be sure to ask your dentist about veneers. These are a great way to conceal a variety of imperfections, including:

Discolored teeth
Chipped or broken teeth
Crooked teeth
Worn-down teeth
Misshapen or uneven teeth
Gaps in teeth

Veneers are thin pieces of different kinds of porcelain fitted over each tooth. They adhere tightly, so the final result looks and functions just like normal — but better.

5. Stop Smoking

There’s no way around it. If you want a vibrant smile, it’s time to kick your smoking habit to the curb.

In addition to all of the ways they can damage your overall health, cigarettes can also stain your teeth. This includes superficial, surface-level stains as well as deeper discoloration that seeps into your enamel. In addition, smoking can also damage your gums, causing them to recede and leaving large pockets around your teeth.

6. Look Into Implants

If you have one or more missing teeth, you may be tempted to hide your smile. Whether the loss was due to tooth decay, injury, gum disease, or any other ailment, the good news is that there are treatments that can help, such as dental implants.

These are synthetic structures placed in the area where your tooth once was, centered on the root. As they fuse with your jawbone, they create a foundation upon which your dentist will place a dental crown or permanent bridge. Dental implants can drastically improve your quality of life, making it easier to speak, chew, and live in confidence.

7. Upgrade Your Toothbrush

Are you still cleaning your teeth with the same toothbrush you had last year? If so, it’s time to toss it. When you do, go ahead and upgrade, too.

Electric toothbrushes can help you remove more plaque and keep your gums healthy. While they may cost more than their manual counterparts, they’re a worthy investment. While the bodies are designed to last for years, you can easily swap out the heads when it’s time for a refresh (after three months or so).

8. Drink Lots of Water

It might sound silly, but drinking a significant amount of water throughout the day is a great way to keep your smile looking fresh! Not only does it do wonders for your overall health, but it also helps gently wash away bacteria from your teeth so they can stay clean and look their best.

9. Fine-Tune Your Brushing Technique

You already know that you should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day. However, are you sure you’re brushing the right way? It’s easy to get off-track, especially if you’re in a hurry.

To achieve optimal results, tilt the bristles of your brush at a 45-degree angle. Then, brush with a gentle amount of pressure, pressing just enough to make your gum tissue slightly lighter. Instead of sweeping motions, make small strokes instead, focusing on just a few teeth at a time.

10. Follow Treatment Recommendations

We get it. No one loves coming in to get a cavity filled! Yet, it’s important to heed your dentist’s advice when it comes to these necessary dental treatments. A small amount of tooth decay can quickly transform from a small cavity into a large, painful abscess.

When that happens, you’ll need more than just a filling. Instead, you’ll likely require a root canal and crown. By taking a proactive approach and treating these issues early, you can keep your teeth structurally intact and lower the price of your treatments.

We Know How to Improve Your Smile

Everyone deserves to feel bold and beautiful when they smile. If you’re currently hiding yours, let us help! Our team at Justice Dental knows how to improve your smile, and we’d love to help you put these tips into practice.

At our two Lexington locations, we provide a variety of dental treatments and services, including general, cosmetic, and surgical procedures. To learn more and schedule a visit, contact us today!

Do You Need Sedation for Tooth Extraction?

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Are you about to undergo a tooth extraction procedure? It happens more often than you might realize! Dental caries are the most common reason for tooth extractions (accounting for 52.2% of procedures).

However, dentists also recommend this procedure for patients with periodontal disease or damaged teeth. Don’t worry; you don’t have to remain awake. Consider sedation for tooth extraction instead.

Do you need dental sedation for your procedure? Read on to find out!

Types of Sedation

Before your tooth extraction procedure, your dentist will review the different dental sedation options available. Sedation dentistry is often used to help patients manage their anxiety. It can also reduce the likelihood of pain after the procedure.

If you’re having a tooth extracted, schedule a consultation appointment with your dentist before the surgery. They can help you weigh the pros and cons of each sedation option.

Make sure you understand the potential side effects of each option before making your choice. Regardless of which you choose, you’ll experience no pain throughout the operation. However, you might feel a little sore afterward.

Here are a few types of sedation your dentist might recommend for your upcoming tooth extraction procedure.

We provide both oral sedation and IV sedation at our offices. Both are conscious forms of sedation.

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is the most common type recommended for tooth extraction procedures.

During your procedure, an anesthesiologist will inject a numbing medication into the area surrounding your gums and tooth. The injection should feel like a small pinch or sting. It shouldn’t be painful.

Local anesthesia:

Is safe for all ages
Reduces recovery times
Doesn’t require special equipment
Has little risk of complications
Has few long-term side effects

After the procedure, you might notice a tingling or throbbing sensation in your cheek or lip. This should only last for an hour or two.

IV Sedation

IV, or intravenous sedation, involves injecting a sedative directly into your bloodstream.

The dental team will continuously monitor the sedative during the procedure. They’ll ensure you’re receiving the proper dose for optimal comfort.

With IV sedation, you’ll remain in a semi-awake state. This option can reduce your anxiety. However, you won’t need assistance to breathe or maintain normal health rhythms during the procedure.

Since you’ll remain conscious during the procedure, you can give the dentist or hygienist signals to answer questions. You likely won’t remember the treatment once the sedation wears off. Effects usually wear off by the next morning.

However, IV sedation doesn’t numb pain. Your dentist might recommend an anesthetic and a sedative during the procedure.

This option is ideal for patients who have dental anxiety or a strong gag reflex. It can be difficult for a dentist to perform extractions on patients with a strong gag reflex.

IV sedation is both safe and effective. It’s also fast-acting. If you’re concerned about spending too much time at a dental office, talk to your dentist about IV sedation.

This is also an ideal option if you have to remain in a chair for an extended period of time.

Oral Conscious Sedation

If your dentist recommends oral conscious sedation, you’ll take medication orally before your procedure. Though this option is most commonly used for tooth extractions, it’s also recommended for other procedures.

After taking the medication, you should feel calm and relaxed during the procedure. You won’t have to feel anxious or nervous about the extraction process. You might feel mild drowsiness.

Sleepiness is a normal side effect.

This option doesn’t require a needle or IV. It also offers a quicker recovery time compared with general anesthesia. If you choose this option, make sure you have a friend or family member available to take you home following the appointment.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

If your dentist recommends nitrous oxide sedation, you’ll breathe gas in through a mouthpiece or mask before the procedure. Nitrous oxide can help you feel relaxed during the procedure. If you tend to experience dental anxiety, this is an ideal option.

About 36% of people in the US have a fear of dental treatment. Another 12% have an extreme fear of treatment. Patients develop dentophobia due to:

Family history
Feeling embarrassed
Feeling helpless
Hearing someone else express their fears
Traumatic history
Past negative experiences

Dental anxiety can keep you from getting the treatment you need. Delaying your tooth removal procedure could compromise your dental health.

Nitrous oxide sedation won’t put you to sleep. However, it will take away some of your awareness during the procedure. Sedation usually lasts 30 minutes to an hour.

How long the effects last will vary based on the dose and whether other medications were used.

What To Expect

Once you arrive at the dentist’s office, you’ll get comfortable in the dental chair. Your dental team will then administer the sedative. This process will vary based on the type of sedative used.

During the tooth extraction procedure, the dental team will monitor your oxygen levels and vital signs. They’ll also ensure your airway remains open, allowing you to breathe on your own.

You’ll remain safe during the entire procedure.

After the tooth removal procedure is complete, you’ll need to get a ride home from a friend or family member. It’s normal to feel a little groggy after the procedure. Effects should subside by morning.

Let your dentist know if you experience any side effects following the procedure.

Dental sedation can help ensure a fast, easy operation. You can get your tooth removed without dental anxiety getting in the way. If you’re feeling anxious or stressed about your procedure, talk to your dentist about sedation options.

Consider Sedation for Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction procedures don’t have to feel scary. Instead of letting your anxiety take over, consider sedation for tooth extraction procedures. Dental sedation can ease your fear and anxiety while ensuring you receive the care you need.

Talk to your Lexington dentist about dental sedation today.

Ready to schedule your next tooth extraction appointment? We can’t wait to see you!

How to Choose the Best Dentures for Your Teeth

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According to the American College of Prosthodontists, about 15% of Americans with missing teeth get dentures each year. If you’ve lost any of your teeth over time, you may want to consider joining them. The best Lexington dentist will be able to help you with getting dentures. But you will need to spend some time learning about the different types of dentures before picking out the ones that’ll be the right option for you. It’ll help you embrace the many benefits of dentures from the start.

So, what are the different types of dentures, and how exactly should you go about choosing dentures? We’ve created a guide that’ll help you pick the right ones out.

Discover how to choose dentures through the best Lexington dentist below.

Begin by Finding the Best Lexington Dentist

If you know you might need to go through the process of getting dentures soon, you may be tempted to jump online to start learning about the different types of dentures right away. But you’ll be making a mistake if you take this approach to buying dentures.

Prior to doing any research on dentures, you should search for the best Lexington dentist. They’ll be able to guide you down the right path as you seek to choose the dentures that’ll prove to be a perfect fit for you.

There is certainly no shortage of options in the U.S. today, as there are more than 200,000 dentists throughout the country at the moment. This includes quite a few options in the Lexington area.

Your job will be to find one that has a wealth of experience, especially when it comes to cosmetic dentistry and dentures in particular. A dentist like this will be able to speak with you at length about getting dentures and can even offer up advice on which ones to choose.

Check Out the Different Types of Dentures

Once you have the best Lexington dentist in your corner, you can start to educate yourself on the different types of dentures that are out there. You may be surprised to see how many of them there are.

Some of the types of dentures that’ll be available to you will include:

Traditional complete dentures
Partial dentures
Implant-supported dentures
Snap-in dentures
Custom dentures

In some cases, it’ll be relatively obvious which type of dentures you need. If, for example, you’re missing just about all your teeth, traditional complete dentures might be the only real option for you.

But there will also be other instances in which you might be able to choose from any number of types of dentures. This will be when you’ll need to put some real thought into it and select the best option of the bunch.

Consider the Right Factors When Choosing Dentures

There will be a handful of different factors you’ll need to consider when you’re choosing dentures. The current condition of your teeth will be one of the top factors, but it’ll be far from the only factor you’ll need to keep in mind.

Here are several other factors that should be considered when you’re comparing the different types of dentures and trying to choose one over all the rest:

Your specific comfort level when it comes to wearing dentures
Your budget for buying dentures
The dental requirements you’ll need to meet to wear certain types of dentures

Each of these factors will play a big part in which dentures will be the right ones for you. Make sure you take each of them into account as you set out to decide which dentures you’d like to buy.

See How to Care for the Various Kinds of Dentures

From the second that you start wearing dentures, you’re going to need to get yourself into the habit of maintaining them. If you fail to clean your dentures in the right way, it’ll lead to you having to replace them much sooner than expected.

Ideally, you’ll want to choose dentures that will be very easy to care for at all times. At the very least, you should make it a point to see what the maintenance associated with each type of denture is like. It’ll let you know what you’ll be in for if you decide to go with one kind of denture over the others.

Talk to Your Trusted Dentist About Dentures

If you’ve never had dentures before, you’ll likely have a million and one questions about them. You’ll wonder what will keep them in place, what they’ll be made out of, and so much more.

It’s one more reason why it’s worth taking your time when you’re trying to track down the best Lexington dentist. You’ll be able to run any and all questions you have about dentures by this dentist to make yourself feel more comfortable about getting them.

In a perfect world, you’ll also be able to continue to see this dentist as you move forward so that they can help you take great care of your dentures. You’ll appreciate having the best Lexington dentist around on your side since they’ll be ready to help you at every turn.

Contact Us to Get Help With Getting Dentures

Do you believe you could benefit from getting dentures? Then Justice Dental will be the best Lexington dentist for you.

We invite you to visit either of our Lexington offices to get more information on buying dentures. We can walk you through the different types of dentures and let you know which ones might be the best choice for you based on everything from the condition of your teeth to your personal budget. We even offer financing options for those who would like to take advantage of them.

Reach out to us now to schedule a consultation with the best Lexington dentist.