What are dental cleanings and why should I have them?
​Dental cleanings involve removing plaque and tartar deposits that have built up on your teeth over time. Since your teeth are continually bathed in saliva, the calcium in the saliva eventually builds up and is deposited onto the surface of your teeth.

The purpose of a dental cleaning and polishing is to leave the surfaces of the teeth clean and smooth so that bacteria are unable to stick to them. Professional cleaning of teeth is called a prophylaxis (or prophy, for short). It’s a Greek word which means “to prevent beforehand” – and in this case, it means to prevent gum disease.

​The reasons to have regular dental cleanings are to prevent gum disease, increase the longevity of your teeth, and provide you with fresh breath and good oral hygiene. Plus, dental cleanings leave your teeth feeling smooth and ​clean, which increases your confidence in your smile.

What is tartar?
Tartar is a form of hardened dental plaque. It’s caused by the continual accumulation of minerals from saliva on plaque on the teeth. Its rough surface allows for further plaque formation, which threatens the health of your gums. If tartar accumulates on teeth, it provides the right conditions for bacteria to thrive next to the gums and harm them.

How is a dental cleaning performed?
An Eastland Family Dental hygienist uses specialized instruments to gently remove the deposits without harming your teeth. The instruments which may be used during your cleaning, and what they feel like, are described below.

​--Ultrasonic instrument
Most commonly, the ultrasonic instrument is used first to knock larger pieces of tartar loose. It sprays a cooling mist of water while it works to wash away debris and keep the area at a proper temperature. The device typically emits a humming or high pitched whistling sound, just like an electric toothbrush.​

With larger deposits, it requires more time to remove these since they have hardened to the surface. Therefore, this initial cleaning may take longer than future cleanings to remove this build-up.​

​--Fine hand tools
​Once the larger pieces of tartar are gone, the hygienist or dentist will switch to finer hand tools (i.e. scalers) to remove smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces. These tools are curved and shaped to match the curves of the teeth, and smaller tartar deposits are able to be removed simply by scraping them off with a gentle to moderate amount of pressure.

--Polishing
Once all the surfaces are smooth, the hygienist may polish your teeth. Polishing is done using a slow speed hand piece with a soft rubber cup that spins on the end. Prophylaxis paste – a special gritty toothpaste-like material – is scooped into the cup and spun around on the teeth to make them shiny smooth.

​Does the cleaning include fluoride and how is it applied?
The Eastland Family Dental dental professionals know the importance in applying fluoride. If recommended by your dentist, this is the final step in your dental cleaning. This in-office fluoride treatment is applied to the surfaces of your teeth for 30 seconds. The fluoride helps to strengthen your teeth, since the acids from bacteria in dental tartar and plaque have weakened the surfaces over time.

Does a dental cleaning hurt?
Most people find dental cleanings to be painless. They know how important it is to get their teeth cleaned every six months for a healthy mouth and beautiful smile. During your dental cleaning, you may experience tickling vibrations, the cool mist of water, and/or slight pressure during the scraping of tartar. However, these sensations do not cause discomfort. A lot of people report that they enjoy cleanings because of the smooth feel of their teeth afterwards!

Be sure to let your hygienist know if you experience any discomfort. We can recommend various options to make your cleaning more enjoyable. If you’ve had a painful dental experience in the past, a spot of nitrous oxide (also called laughing gas) might benefit you. A small fee will be charged for nitrous oxide. Or, you could choose to be numbed with a topical numbing gel. There is no fee for the numbing gel. Please let us know your fears and preferences ahead of time to allow for a positive dental experience.

Why do I need a crown?
​Over time your teeth may weaken and become more susceptible to decay, cracks, or discoloration that filling or bonding cannot correct. During your exam, an Eastland Family Dental staff member may notice that a tooth that is decayed or appears weakened or cracked. A recommendation for a crown replacement may be necessary to make sure you don’t have any additional problems with the tooth.

What is a crown made of?
Crowns can be made from ceramic, ceramic fused to metal, or gold. To maintain a natural look and feel, a ceramic-finished crown is often recommended and it can be matched to the ​same shade of your other teeth. Crowns are durable and usually last about 10 to 15 years.

What is the process?​
The process of installing a crown typically requires two appointments. On your first visit, we will reshape the cracked, weakened, or decayed tooth by filing down the enamel so a temporary crown can be placed over it.

​Next, we will take a mold of the reshaped tooth and the surrounding teeth. The mold will then be sent to a dental lab to create your permanent crown so that it fits in the spot we created and it looks similar to the surrounding teeth. This process takes about two to three weeks for your permanent crown to be created. You will be ​fitted with a temporary crown during this ​first appointment. Your second appointment involves placing and fitting your permanent crown. We will remove the temporary crown, place your permanent crown, and make adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit and bite. Once the crown ​is properly fit, we use cement to ensure the crown is set and permanent.

How do I care for my crown?
Temporary Crown Care: Temporary crowns are not as sturdy as a normal tooth or your permanent crown, so you need to be careful when brushing and eating. When brushing, be gentle in the amount of pressure applied. When flossing, do not pull up on the tooth because it could become dislodged. Avoid sticky or chewy foods while wearing the temporary crown. If you experience sensitivity or irritation after the temporary crown is placed, rinse with warm saltwater (1 tsp. salt added to 8 oz. water) 2-3 times per day and take Advil or Tylenol for pain relief.

Permanent Crown Care: After the placement of your permanent crown, you may experience some sensitivity or irritation. This is normal and you can rinse with warm saltwater rinse (1 tsp. salt added to 8 oz. water) 2-3 times per day and take Advil or Tylenol for pain relief. Be sure to avoid sticky or chewy foods for the first few days after the placement of your permanent crown.

Dental Implants—For a complete smile that you can be proud to show off!

Dental implants are an important part of many advanced treatment plans. Eastland Family Dental has a trained specialist experienced in the placement of dental implants.

What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically anchored into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. The benefits of dental implants are being stable, permanent, and not relying on neighboring teeth for support. Dental implants are a good solution to tooth loss because they look and feel like natural teeth.

Dental implant material is made from different types of metallic and bone-like ceramic materials that are compatible with body tissue. There are different types of dental implants: the first is placed directly into the jaw bone, like natural tooth roots; the second is used when the jaw structure is limited, so a custom-made metal framework is created to fit directly on the existing bone.

How do they work?
Strategically placed implants are used to support permanently cemented bridges, which eliminates the need for a denture. Although the cost is a bit higher, the implant and bridge more closely resembles natural teeth.

Can anyone receive dental implants?
​Either Dr. McClellan and Dr. Trakas, implant trained specialists, will perform an exam and determine if you are an implant candidate. To qualify, you must be in good health, have the proper bone structure, and have healthy gums for the implant to remain in place. People who are unable to wear dentures may be good candidates for an implant. However, if you suffer from chronic problems, like clenching or bruxism, or have diabetes, the success rate for dental implants decreases dramatically. Additionally, people who smoke or drink alcohol may not be good candidates for this procedure.

​What can I expect during the procedure?
​The procedure is done in the dental office with local anesthesia. Dr. McClellan or Dr. Trakas will perform surgery to anchor the "artificial root" into or on your jaw bone. The gum is then secured over the implant, which will remain covered until it fuses with the bone. Next, Dr. McClellan or Dr. Trakas will uncover the implant and attach post to the implant. With some implants, the implant and post is a single unit placed in the mouth during the initial surgery. Finally, an artificial tooth (crown) is attached to the implant post.

How long does the process take?
The process can take up to nine months to complete. The time line varies with each patient because everyone heals at a different rate. Once the implant and post are surgically placed, the healing process can take up to six months, and then the fitting of the replacement tooth is no more than two months. Occasionally if a patient has good bone quality, the posts can be placed and the replacement teeth fitted in just one appointment.

What is the success rate of implants?
The success rate for implants depends on the tooth's purpose and location in the mouth, as well as the patient’s overall health.

How do I care for implants?
Poor oral hygiene is the biggest reason implants fail. Therefore, it is important to floss and brush around the fixture at least twice a day. Your dentist will give you specific instructions on how to care for your new dental implant. To ensure you retain healthy gums, additional cleanings of up to four times per year may be necessary.

What is the cost of implants?
Since dental implants involve surgery and are a more complex procedure, they cost more than traditional bridgework. Fortunately, some dental procedures and restoration work may be covered by your dental and/or medical insurance policies. Call Eastland Family Dental at 816-795-7007 to discuss your benefits with our insurance specialists.

Call 816-795-7007 to schedule your FREE dental implant consultation.

Dentures are a prosthetic device provided for patients who need to replace missing teeth. This is an advanced treatment provided by our trained dentist at Eastland Family Dental.

What are dentures?
Dentures, also called false teeth, are prosthetic devices specially constructed to replace missing teeth. They are supported by surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. Some dentures are removable, while others rely ​on bonding or clasping onto teeth for permanency.

Why do people need dentures?
Patients can require dentures for many reasons. The most common reason is to replace missing teeth lost due to gum disease or tooth ​decay. Other reasons include tooth developmental defects caused by severe malnutrition, genetic ​defects, trauma, or drug use.

What are the advantages of wearing dentures?
There are many advantages to wearing dentures. They include:
--An improved ability to chew and eat food.
--A more natural facial appearance due to the denture providing support for the lips and cheeks, and corrects the "collapsed" appearance that often occurs after losing teeth.
​--The improvement of pronunciation due to teeth being used by the tongue to create certain sounds.​
​--Improved self-esteem with a complete smile.

What are the two types of dentures?

​​Removable partial dentures:
Removable partial dentures are for patients who are missing some of their teeth on a particular arch. Fixed partial dentures, also known as "crown and bridge", are made from crowns that are fitted on the remaining teeth to act as abutments and pontics made from materials to resemble the missing teeth. Fixed bridges are a bit more expensive than removable appliances, but they are also more stable.

Complete dentures:
Complete dentures are full mouth dentures for patients who are missing all of the teeth in a single arch (i.e. the maxillary (upper) or the mandibular (lower) arch).

How do I care for dentures?
​Daily cleaning of dentures is strongly recommended. Plaque and tartar can build up on dentures, just like natural teeth. Removable partial or full dentures require proper denture care to keep them clean, free from stains, and looking their best. For good denture care, follow these tips:​

--Remove and rinse dentures after eating. Run water over your dentures to remove food debris and other loose particles. You may want to place a towel on the counter or in the sink so that the dentures won't break if you drop them.
​​--Clean your mouth after removing your dentures. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush on natural teeth and to clean your tongue and palate.
​​--Scrub your dentures daily. Gently scrub your dentures using a denture cleaner, and use a denture brush or soft toothbrush to remove food, plaque, and other deposits. Avoid stiff-bristled brushes and harsh toothpaste, as these are too abrasive and could damage your dentures. Toothpastes advertised as “whitening” pastes are especially abrasive and should be avoided with removable dentures.
​​--Handle your dentures carefully. Be sure to not bend or damage the plastic or clasps when cleaning your dentures.
​--Soak dentures overnight. Most types of dentures need to remain moist to keep their shape. Place the dentures in water or a mild denture-soaking solution overnight. Don't soak dentures with metal attachments in solutions that contain chlorine because it can tarnish the metal. If you have questions, ask the dentist about properly storing your dentures overnight.
​--Rinse dentures before putting them back in your mouth. This is especially important if you use a denture-soaking solution, because they contain harmful chemicals that could cause vomiting, pain, or burns if swallowed.
​​​--Schedule regular dental checkups. Your Eastland Family Dental dentist will advise you on how often to visit to have your dentures examined and professionally cleaned. Plus, they will ensure your dentures are properly fit to your mouth to prevent slippage and discomfort. If your dentures become loose, call us to schedule an appointment to see the dentist right away to prevent potential irritation, sores, and infection.

What is an Oral Surgeon?
An oral surgeon who is a dental specialist that has completed 4 to 6 years of additional formal university training after dental school. Oral surgery is an internationally-recognized surgical specialty. In some countries, including the United States, it is a recognized specialty of dentistry by the American Dental Association.

​What is oral and maxillofacial surgery?
Oral and maxillofacial surgery treats many diseases, injuries and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws and the hard and soft tissues of the oral (mouth) and maxillofacial (jaws and face) region.

What does an Oral Surgeon treat?
An oral surgeon does various dental procedures including wisdom teeth removal, simple tooth extractions, reconstructive oral surgery, dental implants, treatment of oral infections, and the repair of facial, mouth, jaw and tooth injuries.

What is a tooth extraction?
A tooth extraction means having a tooth removed and is done for a variety of reasons. The decision to extract a tooth is typically made after a disease is discovered, a tooth suffers a traumatic injury, or crowding in the mouth exists.

When would a patient see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon?
Conditions that may require a patient to see an Oral Surgeon include:
--Missing teeth or tooth pain
--Facial pain relating to temporomandibular joint disease (TMJ). Note: Patients diagnosed with TMJ are referred out to a specialist. (This is the only specialty we commonly refer to an outside provider.)
​--Oral cancers
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, get their name by being the last teeth to erupt. Because eruption doesn’t happen until around the age of 17 to 21, there are often problems because there is little room left in the mouth for the wisdom teeth. The result can be wisdom teeth that erupt sideways or only partially erupt, becoming impacted.

What are the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth?
​Symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth typically included pain and swelling of the gum line and lower face. If left untreated, infection is possible, which only intensifies the pain. Regular dental check-ups with a dentist should identify problems with wisdom teeth before they become significant. Skipping dental check-ups may lead to impacted wisdom teeth and problems like infection. If any of these conditions arise, your dentist may determine that wisdom tooth extraction is necessary.

Does everyone need their wisdom teeth removed?
Not every person needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. In fact, some people never develop wisdom teeth. Your dentist will be the best judge of what is right for you based on your regular examinations and dental X-rays. Not having impacted wisdom teeth removed can lead to future problems like the shifting of nearby teeth (causing bite abnormalities), jaw issues, sinus problems, bone-destroying tumors or cysts, gum tissue problems, and a negative impact on orthodontic results for adolescents and troubles with dentures for the elderly.

How long is the recovery after wisdom teeth removal?
The recovery time after wisdom teeth extraction will vary from patient to patient. Generally speaking, it takes anywhere from a few days to one week for initial pain and swelling to subside. From there, the gums should be fully healed in about one month. Your oral surgeon will provide instructions to assure a quick recovery. This will include tips for dealing with swelling and medications to alleviate any pain and discomfort.

What are dental implants?
​After a tooth extraction, an Oral Surgeon may recommend a dental bridge or a dental implant to fill the void left by the extracted tooth. Dental implants are superior to a dental bridge because they offer a permanent replacement tooth that looks and functions just like a normal tooth without damaging any of the other nearby teeth. Eastland Family Dental offers a FREE consultation for dental implants.

What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. It is usually caused by a reaction to the plaque that grows around the teeth.

What are the symptoms of gingivitis?
Symptoms of gingivitis are red, puffy, swollen or bleeding gums.

What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a disorder that affects the supporting structures of the teeth. This infection is often referred to as gum disease. Once the process of has begun, the supporting gum tissue begins to deteriorate.

​What causes periodontal diseases?
Periodontal disease is caused by plaque. Plaque is a colorless film which sticks to your teeth and gum line. If not carefully removed, this plaque will harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus or tartar. The bacteria found in plaque produce toxins that irritate the gums. These toxins and the infections they cause lead to periodontal disease.

What is periodontitis and its affects?
An infection of the gums that affects the supporting structures of the teeth. While it is possible to have gingivitis that does not progress to periodontitis, if gingivitis goes untreated, it will develop into periodontitis.

What are the symptoms of periodontitis?
Early periodontitis can have no symptoms, which is why 3 out of 4 people are affected by periodontal disease. Once the process of periodontitis has set in, the supporting gum tissue, bone and ligaments that hold teeth in place begin to deteriorate. This can lead to bad breath, increasing space between the teeth, tooth mobility or deep aching pain around the teeth. In advanced cases, abscess may form between the roots and gums.

Is periodontitis linked to other diseases?
​Recent studies suggest that having periodontitis may increase the risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and pneumonia. In addition, women with periodontitis have an increased risk of delivering preterm low birth weight babies.

​--Periodontitis and Heart Disease: Recent studies show that periodontal disease may double your risk of having a fatal heart attack. Science suggests that white blood cells become altered in patients with periodontal disease. This causes increased buildup in the coronary artery deposits and constricts blood flow to the heart.
--Periodontitis and Diabetes: Studies show that adults with late onset or Type II diabetes have an easier time controlling their blood sugar when their periodontal disease is properly treated. Plus, periodontitis in diabetic patients is easier to control when a patient maintains healthy blood sugar levels.
​--Periodontal Disease and Pneumonia: It is believed that regular inhalation of the harmful toxins that causes periodontitis increase your risk of a serious infection. Your lung’s regular exposure to these toxins puts you at a higher risk for developing pneumonia.
--Periodontitis and preterm low birth weight delivery: Studies suggest that mothers who have severe periodontitis are at a significantly increased risk for preterm delivery of low birth weight babies. It is believed that the increased gum inflammation caused by periodontitis leads to the inflammation and irritation of other membranes, including the amniotic sac.

After I have been treated for periodontitis, can I get it again?
Yes, periodontitis is a chronic disease caused by bacteria. It must be maintained once under control. The best way to prevent periodontal disease from returning is to commit to a daily regimen of brushing and flossing. Consistent oral care at home partnered with regular dental hygiene appointments is the best way to prevent periodontal disease from returning.

How will I benefit from dental implants?
​Dental implants are life changing. They can restore your active lifestyle and take away the anxiety often caused by missing teeth or loose dentures. With periodontal implants you can work, play and eat whatever you like without worrying about your teeth! Dental implants are the permanent solution to a temporary problem. Plus, you enjoy additional benefits of improved function, ability to chew, improved speech, improved oral health, and improved appearance.

What is a root canal?
A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or has become infected. "Root canal" is the term used to describe the natural cavity within the center of the tooth. The pulp is the soft area within the root canal and the tooth's nerve lies within the root canal.​

How is a root canal performed?
During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.

Why are root canals necessary?
When a tooth's nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. The bacteria and ​other decayed debris can cause an infection or abscessed tooth.

What’s an abscessed tooth?
​An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the roots of the tooth. An abscess occurs when the infection spreads all the way past the ends of the roots of the tooth. In addition to an abscess, an infection in the root canal of a tooth can cause:​
--Swelling that may spread to the face, neck, or head
--Bone loss around the tip of the root​
​ --Drainage problems extending outward from the root. A hole can occur through the side of the tooth with drainage into the gums or through the cheek with drainage into the skin.

What are the signs that a root canal is necessary?
Sometimes there are no symptoms, while other times they are some painful signs that a root canal treatment is needed and needed quickly to reduce discomfort. Signs that a root canal is needed include:
--Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure
--Prolonged sensitivity or pain to hot or cold temperatures
--Discoloration of the tooth
--Swelling and/or tenderness in the nearby gums​
--A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums

How is a root canal performed?
​A root canal is performed by an endodontist. Dr. Moore, an endodontist, is a dentist who specializes in the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and injuries of the human dental pulp or the nerve of the tooth.

​​The first step in the procedure is to take an X-ray to see the shape of the root canals and determine if there are any signs of infection in a surrounding bone. Your dentist or endodontist will then use local anesthesia to numb the area near the tooth. Next, an access hole will then be drilled into the tooth. The pulp along with bacteria, the decayed nerve tissue and any debris will be removed from the tooth.

​​Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed. To fill the interior of the tooth, a sealer paste and a rubber compound is placed into the tooth's root canal. To fill the exterior access hole created at the beginning of treatment, a filling is placed.

​​The final step of a root canal usually involves restoration of the tooth. This is due to the tooth having a large filling, extensive decay or other weakness. Therefore, a crown, crown and post, or other restoration often needs to be placed on the tooth to protect it, prevent it from breaking, and restore it to full function.

Teeth Whitening—Smile A Bright, Confident Smile!​

Teeth whitening is a popular dental service because it improves a patient’s appearance with a brighter, youthful and confident smile.

​Confused about your teeth whitening options?
Our experienced dental team can advise you on what teeth whitening option would work best for you based on your lifestyle, teeth sensitivity, and time frame in achieving your desired whiter smile. Eastland Family Dental wants to assist you in brighter, whiter smile and we are convinced that once you try it, you will see the difference and wish you had tried it sooner.

What can I expect when I get my teeth whitened?
Whitening options come in a wide range of prices and time commitments. Slower take-home whitening is the most popular, but has a time commitment of 2 to 4 weeks. Eastland Family Dental offers many safe and effective take-home whitening products for you to choose from. These kits come with a uniform bleaching tray, or you can request custom-made trays to fit your teeth perfectly.

​How does teeth whitening work?
​Teeth Whitening can be achieved by either bleaching or cleaning agents. Conventional take-home whitening is done with bleaching agents. The bleaching is a result of exposure to a type of peroxide. Kits can be purchased over the counter or from a dentist but should only be used after consulting with a dentist due to the chemical nature of bleaching.

​Clinical data supports the safety and effectiveness of bleaching under a dentist’s supervision. Professional bleaching does NOT weaken teeth or make them more prone to cavities. Possible side effects include tooth sensitivity and gum soreness, but they are temporary and disappear when teeth whitening treatment is stopped. Fortunately, most patients do not experience side effects if they use the product as directed.

For your FREE smile ​analysis, call 816-795-7007 today to schedule an appointment.

What are veneers?
Dental veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, or length.

Why are veneers used?
​Veneers are routinely used to fix the following:
--Discolored teeth: due to root canal treatment; stains from tetracycline or other drugs, excessive fluoride or other causes; or the presence of large resin fillings that have discolored the tooth
--Worn down teeth
--Chipped or broken teeth
--Misaligned, uneven or irregularly shaped teeth
​--Gaps between teeth

How are dental veneers applied?
Getting a dental veneer usually requires two trips to the dentist – one for the consultation and temporary veneer application, and then a second visit to apply the custom-made veneer. One tooth or many teeth can simultaneously undergo the veneering process described below.

​Diagnosis and treatment planning: The first step involves discussing the appearance you are trying to achieve with the dentist. During this appointment, the dentist will examine your teeth to make sure dental veneers are appropriate for you and describe the procedure. Next, the Eastland Family Dental staff will take x-rays and make impressions of your mouth and teeth.

Preparation: To prepare a tooth for a veneer, the dentist will remove about 1/2 millimeter of enamel from the tooth’s surface, which is the amount equal to the thickness of the veneer being added to your tooth’s surface. Before trimming off the enamel, the dentist will apply an anesthetic to numb the area. Finally, the dentist will make an impression of your tooth and then send it off to the dental lab to be made. This custom process usually takes 1 to 2 weeks.

​Bonding: At your return visit, the temporary veneer will be removed and the custom veneer will be permanently cemented to your tooth. Once properly positioned, the dentist will evaluate your bite and adjust the veneer as needed.