Emergency Dentistry
At Lone Star Smiles, we understand that life happens, and with it, comes the unexpected. If you’re experiencing pain or need emergency dental services in Sachse, Wylie, Murphy, Garland, Lavon, and the other surrounding areas, we will get you in as quickly as possible with compassion and understanding. Whether you're a current or new patient — we are here when you need us the most. Dr. Stephanie Vera and staff are committed to being here for you.
Tooth Extractions
The removal of a tooth is sometimes necessary prior to orthodontic treatment or the creation and placement of dentures. Commonly, we extract wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, when they cause concerns. Other times, trauma, gum disease, cracked or broken teeth, and severe tooth decay means that an extraction is the best option for your dental health.
Do you need a tooth removed? Lone Star Smiles is here to help — Dr. Vera offer a safe environment and will make the process as comfortable and pain-free as possible.
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Tooth removal is one of the dental procedures that has a bad reputation, and while patients feel pressure during the procedure, there should not be any pain involved. Dentists will usually only recommend the removal, or extraction, of a tooth as a last resort. Extraction of a tooth is typically planned when treatments to restore or repair a tooth would not be sufficient or may not have good long term results.
There are two types of tooth extractions, simple and surgical. A simple extraction is completed simply by applying pressure to loose the tooth. A surgical extraction involves a more technique sensitive approach is often used for broken or impacted teeth. Below are 5 reasons a dentist may recommend or plan a tooth extraction:
Severe tooth decay
Over-crowded teeth or lack of space - usually for at the request of an orthodontist
Impacted or poorly positioned teeth - often wisdom teeth
Broken tooth
Gum disease with tooth mobility or pain
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It is normal to experience some post-op discomfort following tooth removal. Please take all medications as prescribed and following all post-op instructions. Immediately after the procedure, it is recommended that you relax and avoid any strenuous activity for 24-48 hours to allow healing to begin. After that, a patient should be able to return to normal physical activity. The soft tissue will usually fully heal in about 2-4 weeks and the bone will heal within 8-12 weeks.
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Once a tooth has been planned for removal, your dentist can discuss the replacement options with you. Of course, no treatment is always a valid choice! Different ways to replace teeth include partial or full dentures, bridges, or implants. You dentist will discuss what treatment would be best for you based on what tooth was removed and how healthy your overall oral health is to support the different replacement options.
Root Canals
Although root canals are common, they have a bit of a bad reputation, but they are the same as any other dental treatment. Before starting, patients are given anesthetic and Dr. Vera will ensure you are completely numb.
In the simplest terms, a root canal is a procedure where the dead or dying nerve is removed from inside of a tooth, giving patients immediate pain relief. The space where the nerve used to be is then shaped, disinfected, and sealed, allowing patients to keep their natural tooth in place.
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Often, it is thought that extracting a tooth is the most convenient solution when experiencing dental pain. However, you are left with the choice of how and when to replace the tooth or teeth - and the costs can quickly add up. While there are several options to replace missing teeth, nothing is a good as your natural tooth, and a root canal procedure may be your dentist’s recommended treatment option to save your tooth.
Since a root canal is completed to remove dead or dying nerve tissue, there are several tell-tale symptoms indicating that a root canal is necessary. While a clinical examination and X-rays are needed to confirm the diagnosis, common signs to look out for are:
Significant, lingering or prolonged sensitivity to heat, cold, or pressure
A dark or discolored tooth
A pimple like bump, or abscess, near the tooth
Tenderness or swelling around the gums or root area of the tooth
History or previous trauma to the tooth or teeth
Broken, fractured, or severely decayed tooth
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In order to access the dead or dying nerve tissue inside the tooth, local anesthetic is administered and the tooth is numbed fully prior to starting treatment. Once you are comfortable, a small hole is created and and decay or infected tooth structure is thoroughly removed along with the infected nerve tissue. Next, the canal where the nerve once was is shaped, disinfected, and sealed with a material called gutta percha. From there, the tooth is restored to it’s normal size and shape using filling material and a dental crown is often placed as the final restoration to protect a once damaged tooth and maintain your beautiful smile.
Tooth Colored Fillings
A chipped, fractured or broken tooth, especially a front tooth can be disheartening. Traditionally, metal fillings were the standard material for fillings to repair broken teeth, but today everyone can enjoy a natural-looking solution with bonded tooth colored fillings.
Composite resin, or tooth colored fillings, allow our doctors to repair minor damage or tooth decay with a conservative, metal-free technique that gives patients long-term results they can smile about.
Crowns & Bridges
A strong and functional set of teeth is essential to a confident smile, but over the years, our teeth can be weakened by an injury, normal use, or decay. Crowns and bridges are custom-made porcelain coverings that are cemented over teeth to restore their shape, size, appearance, and function. At Lone Star Smiles, Dr. Vera selects the most natural looking materials available from our dental laboratory partners to create beautiful crowns and bridges, allowing our patients to reclaim the beauty and strength of their smile.
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DENTAL CROWNS
A “cap” or crown is a common dental restoration used to repair a severely damaged tooth. The dental crown is made specifically for each patient, and will fit completely over the damaged tooth, or teeth, to protect them and improve functionality. Crowns are cemented in place and created to blend naturally with the neighboring teeth.
DENTAL BRIDGES
Bridges are one of the ways we can help patients replace a missing tooth or teeth. A dental bridge is made up of a replacement tooth with single crowns on either end. These crowns are cemented over the remaining natural teeth to hold the bridge in place, allowing us to “bridge” the gap between natural, healthy teeth.
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Both dental crowns and bridges are created in an two-appointment process. During the first visit, the natural teeth used to anchor the crown or bridge is prepared and an impression is created for the dental lab to design and create the restoration. Before you leave, a temporary crown or bridge will be placed to protect your tooth, or teeth, and maintain the space for your final restoration. Once we received your crown or bridge, you will return to our office for a second visit when the temporary will be removed and your flawless, custom crown or bridge will be cemented in place.
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How Long Will my Crown or Bridge Last?
Crowns and bridges are an investment, and with the proper care, can last you up to a decade or longer. In order to maintain the integrity and health of your new restoration, you should continue brushing and flossing your teeth as usual. One of our team members will be happy to walk you through optimal at-home care, review your oral hygiene products, and help you to make the most of your dental care. The following tips can also help your restorations last:
When brushing, use an extra-soft tooth brush and non-abrasive toothpaste
Don’t use your teeth as tools
Don’t chew overly hard or sticky foods
Wear an athletic mouth guard for sports
Wear a night guard if you clench or grind your teeth
Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup