A chipped tooth can be very detrimental to a smile’s appearance because the irregular shape caused by the damage will draw the eye to it. Thus, even a small chip can become the center of attention, making the chipped tooth’s repair a priority for restoring a smile’s beauty. But how exactly is a chipped tooth repaired? To find out, read below as your Ankeny IA dentist, Dr. Erika Peddicord, discusses three methods for repairing a chipped tooth. (more…)
Ankeny Dentist Answers Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Do you ever experience dental anxiety? Many people in the United States are scared of the dentist and some actually avoid any and all treatment. When you avoid dental visits, you increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. In order to treat patients with anxiety or other difficulties, we provide sedation dentistry. In today’s blog, your Ankeny dentist, Dr. Erika Peddicord, answers frequently asked questions about our sedation techniques.
Ankeny, IA Dentist Discusses the Varying Types of Mouthwash
Did you know that mouthwash has multiple varieties? Most people don’t know that even in their local drugstore, each mouthwash serves a different purpose. To explain the differing types of mouthwashes and their functions, your Ankeny, IA cosmetic dentist, Dr. Erika Peddicord provides this information.
Mouthwash Comes in Number of Varieties
- Fluoride. Act Restoring Enamel Rinse and similar products contain higher levels of sodium fluoride. The added amounts of fluoride help remineralize soft spots on the enamel and provide extra protection against tooth decay. Your Ankeny, IA cosmetic dentist recommends paring these rinses with fluoride toothpaste to make your smile extra resilient to oral illness and diseases.
- Cosmetic. Listerine and Scope, alongside other similar products, serve more as cosmetic mouthwashes. Usually made with alcohol, these mouthwashes temporarily eliminate bad breath (or halitosis). While these do aid in the teeth cleaning process, these mouthwashes don’t necessarily ward off the possibility of tooth decay.
- Antiseptic. An antiseptic mouthwashes is often recommended for patients who have more chronic bad breath. Most antiseptic mouthwashes contain chlorhexidine gluconate, which prevents the growth of oral bacteria. Moreover, patients who have oral infections can receive a prescription for certain antiseptic mouthwashes to eliminate the bacteria.
- Natural. These mouthwashes don’t contain any artificial ingredients, including colors or flavors. Furthermore, natural mouthwashes don’t contain alcohol or fluoride. Some patients even like to make their own natural mouthwash from warm water, salt, and mint extract. This method works effectively and it’s incredibly affordable.
- Complete care. Alongside removing bad breath and any lasting particles that brushing and flossing may have missed, complete care mouthwashes also reduce plaque build-up. Additionally, as with most mouthwashes, the complete care variety helps your mouth stave off gum disease.
Peddicord Family Dentistry Offers Oral Health Advice
For more information about teeth cleaning products like mouthwash, talk to your Ankeny, IA cosmetic dentist. Dr. Peddicord can provide the most effective teeth cleaning products to ensure your smile stays healthy and strong between visits. To schedule an appointment, call us at (515) 963-3339. Also, visit our website for patient forms, oral care tips, and to learn about our team. We happily serve new and existing patients in Bondurant, Polk City, Elkhart, Alleman, and Cambridge, and neighboring areas.
Ankeny Dentist Discusses the Benefits of a Breakthrough Cosmetic Procedure
Across the country, more and more people are realizing the cosmetic and restorative capabilities of porcelain veneers. In as little as two visits, this single procedure can completely transform your smile. In today’s blog, your Ankeny dentist, Dr. Erika Peddicord, uses a fun and informative quiz to discuss the benefits of receiving porcelain veneers.
Ankeny Dentist Improves Smiles with Dental Veneers
For many people, hectic schedules stand between them and their desire for a beautiful smile. When balancing work and home, who has time for the multiple procedures and office visits necessary to correct smile imperfections? Fortunately, Peddicord Family Dentistry offers a procedure that can instantly transform your smile. In today’s blog, your Ankeny dentist, Dr. Erika Peddicord, explains how porcelain veneers can improve the appearance of your smile in as little as two visits.
Ankeny Dentist Answers Questions About Porcelain Veneers
When you look in the mirror and smile, are you happy with what you see? When asked a similar question in a recent Wakefield Research study, over a third of Americans said “no”. Misalignment, unsightly stains, and damaged teeth can all lead a person to feel self-conscious about his/her smile. Fortunately, at Peddicord Dentistry, we offer a procedure that can instantly rejuvenate your smile. In today’s blog, your Ankeny dentist, Dr. Erika Peddicord, explains how porcelain veneers can restore your smile to optimal beauty.
Ankeny Dentist: Learn About Root Canal Therapy with a Fun Quiz
If you’re like most people, the term “root canal” sends a shiver down your spine. Unfortunately, over the years root canal therapy has gained a terrible and undeserved reputation. When a tooth suffers from a painful infection or abscess, root canal therapy helps ease the painful symptoms and restores the tooth to optimal health. In today’s blog, your Ankeny dentist, Dr. Erika Peddicord, uses a fun and informative quiz to explain the importance of root canal therapy.
Ankeny, IA Dentist Talks about Valplast Flexible Partial Dentures
Have you considered partial dentures as your tooth replacement option? Then you should talk to your dentist about Valplast partials rather than going down the traditional route. To teach you more about these partials, Dr. Erika Peddicord, your Ankeny, IA dentist, provides her patients with following informative blog.
The Positives and Negatives of Valplast Partials
Pros:
- Durability. These partials have incredible, long-lasting qualities that make them practically unbreakable. The acrylic material allows the partials to have flexible properties; plus, acrylic can withstand more of the everyday items that make contact with your mouth. For example, foods, beverages, and the natural bacteria in your mouth won’t affect the material as much, unlike traditional partials.
- Color-matching. Many patients who dislike the standard clasps of partials, won’t have the same complaint with Valplast dentures. The bases come in a variety of colors to ensure these color-match your gums. Furthermore, the teeth appear flawless, yet natural-looking. This means patients can wear the partials without worrying if anyone will notice their presence.
- Comfort. Valplast offers a certain level of comfort that other partials can’t promise. These partials dentures forgo the metal, and those who have metal allergies can wear the partials with ease. Additionally, the lack of metal allows the partials to have a smaller structure, which feels more natural and less clunky for wearers.
Cons:
- Relining. With a traditional partial denture, when the base becomes worn, a simple relining makes the tooth replacements look like new again. However, with the Valplast variety the entire base requires replacing.
- Your other teeth. Not everyone qualifies for the Valplast partials due to oral health. If the structure of your remaining teeth is weak, these partials won’t work as effectively. In those instances, patients tend to benefit more from traditional partial dentures.
Restore Your Smile with Partial Dentures from Peddicord Family Dentistry
If you’re already a partial denture wearer and would like more information on the Valplast brand, talk to your Ankeny, IA dentist. Dr. Peddicord can tell you the specifics of this tooth replacement option to help you determine if it’s suitable. To schedule an appointment, call us at (515) 963-3339. Also, visit our website for patient forms, oral care tips, and to learn about our team. We happily serve new and existing patients in Bondurant, Polk City, Elkhart, Alleman, and Cambridge, and neighboring areas.
Ankeny, IA Dentist Teaches Patients Simple Denture Cleaning Remedies
Do you wear dentures? If you do, then you’re already aware of the nightly cleaning procedure. Throughout the day, dentures—much like natural teeth—accumulate quite a bit of bacteria from eating. The lingering food particles nestle in the grooves of the dentures, which can stain the dentures and even cause bad breath. While most patients use traditional denture cleaners, a homemade denture cleanser works the same. Dr. Erika Peddicord, your Ankeny, IA dentist, shares how to make an effective denture cleaning solution right at home.
These At-home Solutions Can Clean Your Dentures in a Jiffy
- Peroxide bath. This brown-bottled solution is found in almost every teeth whitening solution. Plus, it serves as great everyday cleaner. To clean your dentures with peroxide simply add peroxide and a little water to glass. Then, allow the dentures to soak overnight. Peroxide keeps dentures clean and bright; plus, it’s inexpensive and easily found in just about every pharmacy.
- Baking soda and vinegar solution. Denture cleaners usually bubble and fizz when mixed with water. If you would like a similar, cheaper alternative, use vinegar and baking soda instead. Take a teaspoon of baking soda and add it to your denture cup. Then place the dentures inside, and pour enough vinegar (white distilled) to submerge them. Let those soak overnight and follow your morning cleansing routine as usual.
- Bleach water mixture. Bleach is a known germ-killer and it can make your dentures squeaky clean, too. To make a bleach solution, your Ankeny, IA dentist suggests using two parts of water for every one part of bleach. A bleach water bath cleans and deodorizes exactly like a denture cleaner.
Peddicord Family Dentistry Treats Senior Patients
For more tips and tricks on maintaining your dentures clean, visit Dr. Peddicord for a consultation. She can talk to your about proper denture care to ensure your tooth replacements won’t endure any damage. To schedule an appointment, call our Ankeny, IA dental practice at (515) 963-3339. Also, visit our website for patient forms, oral care tips, and to learn about our team. We happily serve new and existing patients in Bondurant, Polk City, Elkhart, Alleman, and Cambridge, and neighboring areas.
Ankeny, IA Dentist Busts Myths Associated with Dental Bridges
Do you want to know more about dental bridges? Then the following blog post can help. Many patients have been misinformed about bridges and Peddicord Family Dentistry aims to change those views. Dr. Erika Peddicord, your Ankeny, IA dentist, debunks a some common myths surrounding the subject of dental bridges.
The True Dental Bridge News
Dental Bridge Myth # 1 – A denture is the same as a dental bridge.
The only truthful comparison with this statement is that both of these tooth replacement options utilize false teeth. However, a denture is typically removable, whereas a dental bridge is permanent solution. Plus, dentures require special care and a bridge functions just like a natural tooth.
Dental Bridge Myth # 2 – All dental bridges fall out.
Bridges tend to stay in place for practically a lifetime; although, occasionally, bridges can dislodge from the mouth. Should this happen, keep the missing component, and visit your Ankeny, IA dentist to replace it.
Dental Bridge Myth # 3 – No dental insurance company will cover the cost of dental bridges.
In the past, bridges were considered a cosmetic procedure and dental insurance wouldn’t cover the cost. Today, bridges serve as a tooth replacement option, similar to dentures. Therefore, a majority of dental insurance companies began to cover the cost—if not fully, then at least partially.
Dental Bridge Myth # 4 – People will know I have a dental bridge.
A bridge is usually manufactured from porcelain or ceramic—the most natural-looking materials available. Unless you tell others that you’ve had the procedure, no one will know you have a bridge.
Dental Bridge Myth #5 – Pregnant women can’t have a dental bridge procedure.
This rule applies more to teeth whitening treatments. Since teeth bleaching involves the use of chemicals, pregnant women have been advised to not have those types of procedures. A routine dental procedure, though, won’t affect the baby.
Peddicord Family Dentistry Can Outfit Your with a Dental Bridge
For patients who have considered receiving a dental bridge to replace missing teeth, consult your Ankeny, IA dentist. Dr. Peddicord can speak with you about the process and answer any questions you may have. To schedule an appointment, call us at (515) 963-3339. Also, visit our website for patient forms, oral care tips, and to learn about our team. We happily serve new and existing patients in Bondurant, Polk City, Elkhart, Alleman, and Cambridge, and neighboring areas.