Dentistry FAQ’s

Products with activated charcoal have grown in popularity due to claims of the material removing stains and toxins from the body. Charcoal toothpaste, in particular, has become marketed as a way to whiten teeth more naturally. With traditional teeth whitening methods, a bleaching process causes a chemical reaction within the tooth, lightening the deep-set stains and overall color of the teeth. Charcoal acts in a similar way to whitening toothpastes — polishing surface stains off the outer enamel — but […]

As you get older, you might notice your gums starting to recede, creating unwanted changes in your smile appearance. When left untreated, gum recession gradually reveals more of each tooth’s root, which leads to more advanced problems. Your teeth may become more sensitive, develop decay, and even begin to loosen. To stop gum recession before it worsens, it is important to determine what is causing the condition in the first place. Several factors can lead to receding gums, with some […]

Most people will lose at least one tooth in their lifetime, whether from an injury, decay, or disease. Although this is a relatively common problem, it’s important to replace the missing tooth as soon as possible to prevent further issues from happening. Initially, one or more missing teeth can take away from your smile appearance, as well as affect your ability to speak and chew properly. Over time, more problems will start to develop, which tend to require more in-depth […]

If your gums are red, swollen, and easily bleed when you brush or floss, you may have gingivitis. This is the mildest form of gum disease, which means your gums have become infected. Fortunately, you can treat this problem before it gets worse. While infected gums are relatively common, it’s important that you seek care as soon as you notice symptoms. This will allow you to get effective treatment through the least invasive approach. A variety of treatment options are […]

Chipping a tooth can be very stressful when it first happens, but with the right treatment, your tooth can be as good as new before you know it! A broken or chipped tooth is a common problem that often results from a blow to the mouth or chewing on a hard food. The tooth is especially vulnerable to breaking if it has already had decay, which weakens its structure. In order to fix a chipped tooth, your dentist will need […]

Most people wouldn’t describe going to the dentist as a fun or pleasant experience, but at Austin Dental Spa, our friendly team has made patients rethink what it means to go to the dentist. While we strive to create a warm and comfortable atmosphere, we also understand that getting dental work done can be nerve-wracking. Our compassionate dentists have helped numerous patients who struggle with dental anxiety overcome their fear. If you tend to dread going to the dentist, potentially […]

Throughout the day, a sticky film known as plaque, or dental biofilm, starts to form between your teeth and along your gum line. While plaque is completely normal, it can be damaging if not removed on a regular basis. This is because plaque contains bacteria and food particles, and as the bacteria starts breaking down the food particles, toxins are secreted. This can lead to gum inflammation and tooth decay when left in contact with the teeth and gums for […]

To be a candidate for dental implant surgery, patients should be in generally good health and not have any conditions that may affect their ability to heal properly. What many people may not realize is that smoking can also complicate the healing process. More specifically, smoking can make good oral hygiene difficult to maintain, increase the risk of infection, slow the healing process, and even weaken bone structure. That’s why refraining from smoking before and especially after undergoing dental implant […]

Porcelain crowns and veneers are two popular dental restorations that can address a lot of the same concerns. Both options can be made using a natural-looking porcelain material, helping restore the look of your smile with durable results. Each restoration, however, is intended for a different purpose. Porcelain veneers are placed over the front of the teeth, acting as a “shell” that conceals imperfections, such as chips, cracks, stains, gaps, and mild misalignment. By covering up these common tooth concerns, […]

If you are concerned about issues such as stains, chips, gaps, or mild teeth misalignment, porcelain dental veneers can often be a great way to improve those common conditions. Composed of a durable ceramic material, these thin shells are custom-designed to fit over the visible portion of the affected teeth. The veneers are color-tinted to match the natural shade of surrounding teeth, and the results can last for decades with the proper care. The cost of porcelain veneer treatment is […]