Stop Being So Darn Sensitive !

We've all noticed it from time to time - have some ice cream followed by good cup of hot coffee and OUCH! - your tooth is telling you not to do that!  But how do you know if your tooth sensitivity is a sign of (pardon the pun) a deep rooted problem?

Let's start with a little quiz.  What is the hardest substance in the human body?

a) Fingernails
b) The thigh bone, also known as the femur
c) Your hard-headed uncle's skull'
d) Tooth enamel

If you guessed tooth enamel, you're not only on your way to a winning appearance on Jeopardy but you're ready to understand tooth sensitivity. 

The enamel that covers your teeth is an extremely hard substance and acts as a great protectant.  Inside the enamel is something called dentin, which is a bit softer and actually has small hollow tubes leading right into the nerve chamber.  Irritate that layer and your tooth will let you know!  So if the enamel on your teeth is worn away, sensitivity can set in.  The roots of your teeth are in a similar situation, and receding gums which cause the roots to be uncovered can cause sensitivity as well.  So what can you do? 

First of all, be gentle when you brush and always use a soft toothbrush.  Lots of pressure and stiff bristles do not clean your teeth any better and actually can wear away enamel and gums. 

Some people find that acidic foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes can cause sensitivity, so avoid those if you are in that category. 

Also, there are over-the-counter products, such as special toothpastes and rinses, that can help.  Let us know and we'll be glad to recommend the right one for you.

Unfortunately, many of the causes of tooth sensitivity are also signs of much larger dental problems.  Things such as cavities, defective fillings, or crowns, receding gums due to gum disease, grinding, and many other conditions can cause sensitivity and all of these things definitely need attention from a dental professional. 

At Fairlington Dental we want you to be comfortable and have healthy teeth and gums!  If tooth sensitivity or any other dental issues are causing you concern, please give us a call at 703-671-1001 and we will be glad to see how we can help.  For additional information, visit our website at www.FairlingtonDental.com

We want to get you comfortable again!

Just Like The Real Thing! - Flash Your Pearly Whites Again!

Thanks to today’s advancement in dental procedures and care, the use of implants has become more and more recognized as “the” most viable, efficient and practical method of tooth replacement.

Simply put, implants are artificial tooth roots that replace an missing tooth - these implants are, for all intents and purposes, identical to the “real” tooth, in that they look and perform exactly like the real one and this is thanks to modern technology that allows the dental surgeon to actually place the tooth directly into the bone.

Implants are now used to support dentures and crowns and this process can be applied for one tooth or for a series – depending on the requirements of the patient. Implants are extremely versatile and can be made to accommodate any situation as needed.

Amazingly, the patients, for the most part, get accustomed to these new implants quickly, easily and without any major discomfort and, of course, because the implants look exactly like “the real thing”, many people have also reported a huge increase in personal confidence – finally being able to flash that beautiful smile without worrying about “what their teeth look like”.

Thanks to modern technology and, of course, to those wonderful dentists who actually come up with these breakthroughs – flashing those pearly whites is now something that you can do with pride (again!).