Replace Missing Teeth with Dental Bridges

If you have missing teeth and desire a non-invasive treatment option, then dental bridges may be the right choice for you. Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth and help restore your smile and ability to speak properly. At Top Choice Dental, our staff is certain that you’re already aware of the aesthetic disadvantages of missing a tooth, but missing teeth could also cause structural changes to your mouth and jaw, as well as making it difficult to eat or speak properly.

In addition to improving your speech and chewing ability, dental bridges can strengthen damaged teeth and improve a tooth’s appearance, shape, alignment, and dental occlusion. A bridge is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap – these two or more anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth – and false tooth/teeth in between. These false teeth are called pontics and can be made from gold, metal, allows, or porcelain. Bridges are typically supported by natural teeth, implants, or both.

If you think you may benefit from a dental bridge, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.hoptowndental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Greg Fort at Top Choice Dental in Hopkinsville, KY, call 270-886-8585.

Should My Child Wear a Mouthguard?

If your child plays a contact sport such as hockey, football, wrestling, or basketball, they should wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth during play. Imagine if your child suddenly had a tooth knocked out. Smiling, talking, and eating would suddenly be affected. At Top Choice Dental, we provide pediatric patients with custom-made mouthguards to help prevent against dental injuries so you don’t have to worry.

Wearing a mouthguard helps prevent injuries such as lacerations to the cheeks, tongue and lips. Though many mouthguards are available in any sporting goods store, a custom-fitted mouthguard offers the best level of comfort, because it is made for your child’s mouth and his or her mouth only. At Top Choice Dental, our custom made night guards are created with thin plastic that is hardened to protect your teeth. The thinness allows for easy breathing and easy communication so that you can maintain the highest level of performance on the field or the court.

If you believe your child will benefit from a mouthguard, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.hoptowndental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Greg Fort at Top Choice Dental in Hopkinsville, KY, call 270-886-8585.

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Does sipping on a hot or cold beverage send a sharp shooting pain into your tooth’s nerve? If you’ve answered yes, then you’ve likely developed tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity occurs when the enamel that protects our teeth gets thinner, or when gum recession occurs, exposing the underlying surface called the dentin, thus reducing the protection the enamel and gums provide to the tooth and root. At Top Choice Dental, the treatment for your sensitive teeth will depend on the cause.

If you brush your teeth too hard or use a hard-bristled toothbrush, you may be setting yourself up for disaster. This method of brushing can wear down enamel and expose the dentin, causing you pain. Also, tooth decay, teeth grinding, and gum disease are also culprits of tooth sensitivity. The best way to control the sensitive situation in addition to scheduling regular dental checkups is by practicing and maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine.  

If you suffer from sensitive teeth, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.hoptowndental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Greg Fort at Top Choice Dental in Hopkinsville, KY, call 270-886-8585.

Cavity Basics

There’s a lot going on in your mouth throughout the day. One event that is occurring consists of bacteria swimming around and constantly building up on teeth in the form of a sticky film called plaque. When this plaque stays on your teeth it creates acid attacks on the enamel and creates holes called cavities. In order to prevent plaque buildup and cavities, you should schedule regular dental checkups at Top Choice Dental at least twice a year.

Many people think that only children get cavities, but changes in your mouth as you age make them an adult problem, too. As you get older, your gums pull away from your teeth and expose the roots of your teeth to plaque. If your diet is high in sugar and carbohydrates, you are the top candidate for cavities. If you’ve had a cavity for a while, you may develop a toothache. However, sometimes cavities don’t cause any pain. Dr. Greg Fort will find your cavities during a dental checkup. Treatment depends on how bad the cavity is.

If you suspect you have a cavity, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.hoptowndental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Greg Fort at Top Choice Dental in Hopkinsville, KY, call 270-886-8585.