What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol found in most plant material, including many fruits and vegetables. In the dental world, xylitol is widely used as a sugar substitute and in “sugar-free” chewing gums, mints, and other candies. You already know that sugar is bad for your teeth, which is why at Garrison Family Dentistry we’d like to tell you that when shopping for chewing gum you should look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval on the packaging.

Xylitol tastes sweet but, unlike sugar, it is not converted in the mouth to acids that cause tooth decay. In fact, it reduces levels of decay-causing bacteria in saliva and can help keep a neutral pH level in the mouth. No acid is formed because the pH of saliva and does not fall. After chewing gum with xylitol, the bacteria do not stick well on the surface of teeth and as a result, the amount of plaque decreases.

If you have questions about the benefits of xylitol, give us a call. To learn more about the services provided at Garrison Family Dentistry, visit www.garrisonfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Matthew Garrison in Smithville, MO, call 816-532-8778.

Nutrition and Oral Health

A balanced and nutritious diet is superior for your general health and your dental health. Without the right nutrients, your teeth and gums can become more susceptible to decay and gum disease. Poor nutrition affects the entire immune system, thereby increasing awareness to many disorders. At Garrison Family Dentistry we want you to know that people with lowered immune systems have been shown to be at higher risk for periodontal disease. Try introducing these foods into your daily diet to improve your dental health.

Choose foods from five major food groups: fruits, vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, as well as meat, chicken, fish, or beans. Avoid diets that limit or eliminate entire food groups, because they usually result in vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Always keep your mouth moist by drinking lots of water. Fluorides in drinking water accompanied by a low-sugar diet are important factors in reducing cavities.

If you have questions about how diet affects your oral health, don’t hesitate to call us and ask. To learn more about the services provided at Garrison Family Dentistry, visit www.garrisonfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Matthew Garrison in Smithville, MO, call 816-532-8778.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Excellent dental care is essential during pregnancy. Hormonal changes that occur can hinder the body’s normal response to bacteria which can cause periodontal infections. If you already have gingivitis, being pregnant can make it worse. At Garrison Family Dentistry we want pregnant mothers to be aware of pregnancy gingivitis and schedule a checkup with us if symptoms arise.

Swollen gums, which may be sore and more susceptible to bleeding, are common during this time. Pregnancy gingivitis is caused by the hormonal changes that increase blood flow to the gum tissue and cause your gums to be more sensitive, irritable, and swollen. If gingivitis is left unchecked, it may lead to a more serious gum infection called periodontitis. Periodontitis during pregnancy increases the chance of preterm birth. To manage swollen gums and to keep your mouth healthy, brush your teeth twice per day, especially after vomiting from morning sickness and schedule at least one oral checkup with Dr. Matthew Garrison during pregnancy.

If you are pregnant, please inform us while scheduling your next appointment. To learn more about the services provided at Garrison Family Dentistry, visit www.garrisonfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Matthew Garrison in Smithville, MO, call 816-532-8778.

Don’t Let Your Toothbrush Make You Sick

Cold and flu season is upon us, therefore if you’ve been unlucky enough to catch a bug you may want to be safe and replace your toothbrush. Once you’ve been infected with a particular strain of a virus, germs can hide in toothbrush bristles and lead to reinfection. At Garrison Family Dentistry, we hope you stay healthy in this chilly weather, and here are a couple of ways to prevent your toothbrush from making you sick.

We advise that you keep your toothbrush away from others, because airborne bacteria can be shared between toothbrushes stored near each other in warm, moist environments like the bathroom. Let’s say you have family members and all of their toothbrushes sit in the same holder. Even if you don’t put their toothbrushes in your mouth, the infected item might contaminate yours. When toothbrushes are stored in the same cup, their bristles can come into contact with one another, spreading germs in the process. To completely sterilize your toothbrush if you don’t want to replace it, we suggest submerging it in boiling water.

To learn more about the services provided at Garrison Family Dentistry, visit www.garrisonfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthew Garrison in Smithville, MO, call 816-532-8778.

Cavity Prevention

Cavities – also known as caries – are small openings or holes in the teeth caused by tooth decay. They form as a result of built-up plaque and bacteria on the surface of teeth, poor dental hygiene, and a lack of essential minerals in a diet. In most cases, cavities are irreversible and if Dr. Matthew Garrison spots one, he will use fluoride treatments, fillings or extractions to treat it.

Many people think only children get cavities, but changes in your mouth as you age make them an adult problem too. As you get older, your gums pull away from your teeth. They can also pull away because of gum disease. This exposes the roots of your teeth to plaque, and if you eat a lot of sugary or high-carb foods, you’re more likely to get cavities. If you experience tooth sensitivity, toothache, or pain when you bite down, you may have a cavity. You can help prevent cavities by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth daily with floss.

If you suspect you have a cavity, give us a call today. To learn more about the services provided at Garrison Family Dentistry, visit www.garrisondentistry.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthew Garrison in Smithville, MO, call 816-532-8778.

How to Reduce Dental Plaque

Plaque develops when foods containing carbohydrates, such as milk, soft drinks, cakes, etc. are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay. This is why Dr. Matthew Garrison at Garrison Family Dentistry wants patients to know how they can reduce dental plaque to avoid advanced dental procedures in the future.

To prevent plaque you must first pay attention to your diet. Since plaque needs carbohydrates to form, the fewer carbs you eat, the better. Avoid candy, cookies, and other sweet things as much as possible in order to prevent plaque build-up. If you need a snack, choose nutritious foods such as plain yogurt, cheese, fruit or raw veggies. Vegetables such as celery help remove food and help saliva neutralize plaque causing acids.  In addition, the best thing you can do to reduce dental plaque is brush and floss twice a day. Brushing removes plaque that has built up on your teeth, while flossing removes food particles and debris from between your teeth.

If you have questions about oral hygiene give us a call or visit our website www.garrisondentistry.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthew Garrison here at Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO, call 816-532-8778.

Crown Lengthening at Garrison Family Dentistry

For patients who need dental work done on a tooth below the gum line, or for patients who have a “gummy” smile, our skilled and experienced dentists here at Garrison Family Dentistry of Smithville, MO can perform a crown lengthening.

A crown lengthening is the process of removing gum tissue to expose more of the crown of a tooth. This is needed in cases where there is decay under the gum line, or when a tooth needs a replacement crown, but there is not enough tooth above the gums to work with. This is also used for cosmetic reasons. Sometimes when a person has excess gum tissue, it can cause their teeth to look short, when in fact the teeth are just being covered up. This is commonly referred to as the “gummy” smile.

To start the procedure, incisions are made to the gums to allow them to be pulled back. In some cases, when the tooth needs to be worked on below the jaw bone, that will be cut away to gain access to the tooth. The gums are then cleaned and stitched into place. Even if only one tooth needs to be worked on, several teeth in the area have the gums pulled back so they can heal in a natural line.

If you need work done below the gum line, or want to improve the look of your “gummy” smile, the dentists here at Garrison Family Dentistry are experienced in performing crown lengthening. To schedule a consultation, call (816) 532-8778 or visit our website, www.garrisondentistry.com. 

Are You Flossing?

There are several options for cleaning between your teeth. You might choose to use dental floss or another product made specifically for this purpose like a dental pick, pre-threaded flosser, tiny brushes that reach between the teeth, etc. At Garrison Family Dentistry Dr. Matthew Garrison wants patients to know that it doesn’t matter what you use to floss (as long as it isn’t anything crazy) he just wants them to know that the most important thing about flossing is to do it.

Dental floss dislodges food particles trapped between the teeth and under the gums where toothbrushes can’t reach. Left untreated, bacterial build-up can lead to bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. Tips for fabulous flossing include: wrapping 18 to 24 inches of dental floss around your index and middle fingers. Then hold it tightly around each tooth in a C shape while moving it back and forth in a push-pull motion and up and down against the side of each tooth.  

If you have questions about flossing give us a call or visit our website www.garrisondentistry.com for more information about oral hygiene. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthew Garrison here at Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO, call 816-532-8778.

Six Month Smiles at Garrison Family Dentistry

Many adults spend their entire lives unhappy with their crooked smiles because they do not want to wear adult metal braces for years at a time. They may also be concerned that other corrective teeth straightening procedures will be to invasive or too expensive. This is why Dr. Matthew Garrison at Garrison Family Dentistry offers an effective, safe and affordable cosmetic braces solution called Six Month Smiles.

You may be wondering if it’s really possible to straighten your teeth in six months. The answer is yes. The Six Month Smiles technique straightens your teeth with the latest technology in dentistry to move your teeth quickly and safely with clear adult braces that are barely visible. Six Month Smiles is typically less expensive than traditional braces, aligner therapy, or veneers and leave you with the smile that you’ve always dreamed of. With this technique there is no reason to be unhappy, self-conscious or even embarrassed by your smile.

If you have questions about Six Month Smiles adult braces give us a call or visit our website www.garrisondentistry.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthew Garrison here at Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO, call 816-532-8778.

Delay Dental Treatment and Pay the Price

It’s important for people to remember that maintaining proper dental care habits not only reduces the risk of periodontal disease and tooth decay, but can also put less of a dent in your wallet in the long run. Visiting the dentist twice a year and maintaining basic oral health is far less expensive than replacing a lost tooth or undergoing an extensive procedure to cure dental disease. Here at Garrison Family Dentistry, Dr. Matthew Garrison can teach you the importance of oral health and help you sustain a healthy smile.

Taking care of oral health now can help you save money and avoid paying for expensive procedures later. One example of the cost of avoiding dental care is that oral health problems, if left unchecked, may lead to losing your teeth. Something that could be a simple fix, such as filling a cavity, may turn into receiving dental implants down the line because your tooth has become decayed and rotten.

If you have been avoiding the dentist, give us a call before your negligence gets worse and to discuss your insurance options. To learn more about the types of services we offer, visit www.garrisondentistry.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthew Garrison at Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO, call 816-532-8778.

What are Ceramic Braces?

Here at Garrison Family Dentistry, Dr. Matthew Garrison offers a variety of options for straightening your teeth. It’s assumed that every adult who wants to straighten their teeth, most likely want to transform their smile with as little metal as possible. Ceramic braces are the same size and shape as metal braces, except that they have tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend into the teeth. Some even use tooth-colored wires to be less noticeable.

The fundamental difference of ceramic braces is simply the type of bracket that’s used. With ceramic braces, they are clear or tooth-colored (white), not metal. All conventional braces use a metal archwire that runs across your teeth that is held inside each tooth’s bracket via an elastic band. In the case of ceramic braces, a silver one is sometimes used. As a more esthetic alternative, a “frosted” or “esthetic” (white) one can be utilized instead, so it’s less obvious the patient is wearing them. Opting for ceramic braces tends to create a more pleasing, less conspicuous look for the patient’s dental appliance, especially from a distance.

If you are considering orthodontic treatment give us a call to discuss your options. To learn more about the types of braces we offer, visit www.garrisondentistry.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthew Garrison at Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO, call 816-532-8778.

What to Expect Post-Op

Preparing for oral surgery can be a little nerve-wracking. Garrison Family Dentistry wants to make it a little easier on our patients by preparing them for what the period after surgery will be like.

Depending on the type of surgery you are having, your dentist may recommend painkillers or prescribe them to you. Take these as directed and before the anesthesia fully wears off. Ice pressed to the side of your face may also relieve pain, as well as reduce swelling.

When you first come out of surgery, there will most likely be gauze pads on the site of the surgery. This is to control bleeding and to promote the clotting of your blood. It is recommended that in order to reduce excess bleeding you relax for the rest of the day after surgery. Then for a few days, avoid any strenuous activity.

Make sure to drink plenty of water, but not through a straw, as the suction could start more bleeding. A diet of soft foods will be recommended until the healing process is a little further along. Smoking and other tobacco products should be avoided until the area is well healed.

Continue to brush your teeth around the site of the surgery, and brush your tongue.

For a full list of instructions for post-op, visit our website, www.garrisondentistry.com. For any questions or to schedule a consultation, give our Smithville, MO dental practice, Garrison Family Dentistry a call at 816-532-8778 or visit our website.

Tooth Colored Fillings

When you have a cavity, a filling ensures that your tooth is preserved from further decay and the risk of infection is minimized. In the past, fillings were primarily completed with dental amalgam, which was effective and economical but highly visible and unaesthetic. Thankfully, we now have a better solution available. 

Tooth colored fillings fill cavities while being virtually indistinguishable from your tooth enamel, even in easily visible portions of the mouth.  They also offer a number of material benefits that our Smithville, MO patients find favorable, including resistance to structural changes due to hot and cold temperatures, less sensitivity and long lasting integrity that may never require replacement.

To determine whether or not tooth colored fillings are the best option for you, we welcome you to visit our website www.garrisondentistry.com or call 816-532-8778 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Matthew Garrison.

How to Brush Your Teeth Properly

Brushing your teeth helps protect them from decay and discoloration. This is why Garrison Family Dentistry of Smithville, MO wants their patients to know the proper way to brush and how often it should be done.

To get the most of your brushing, make sure to use short strokes. Strokes that are too long could be missing plaque and could irritate your gums. Up-and-down strokes are the best motion to reach every part of the tooth including around the gums. Make sure to brush every surface of your teeth including the chewing surface, the front side, the insides, as well as the backs of your molars. Also make sure to brush your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth, as bacteria can collect in these places, too!

Brushing should be done two to three times per day. Each session should last two minutes. It is important to brush for the right amount of time, but do not over-do it. Excess brushing could wear down your enamel causing sensitivity and cavities. It is also good to make sure you are not bearing down too hard on your teeth while brushing. A light touch is all you need to remove plaque.

Visit your dentist here at Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO for more tips and for your regular cleaning! To schedule, call us at (816) 532-8778 or visit our website, www.garrisondentistry.com. 

How to Choose the Right Toothbrush

Brushing your teeth is part of a home oral care routine that protects your teeth daily and having the right toothbrush is the first step. Here at Garrison Family Dentistry of Smithville, MO, this is why we want patients to know what kind of toothbrush is best for their oral health.

The most noticeable different amongst toothbrushes is that some are manual and some are electric. Studies have shown that manual toothbrushes can do just as good of a job brushing teeth as electric toothbrushes, so it really depends on the brusher. However, for those with difficulty using their hands, like someone with arthritis, the electric toothbrush may help them get a better cleaning. This is because the electric toothbrush does most of the work, so you really just need to hold the toothbrush in the right position.

Manual or electric, your toothbrush should have a small head and soft bristles. A small head allows the toothbrush to reach every surface of your mouth. The bristles should not be too stiff, to avoid wearing down enamel and irritating gums. However, do not choose a toothbrush that is labeled as soft, unless directed to by your dentist. Instead, choose one labeled medium.

For children, toothbrushes that sing and have timers are good ways to get them to brush their teeth. It also makes sure they are brushing for a full two minutes.

For more information about keeping a healthy mouth, call Garrison Family Dentistry of Smithville, MO at (816) 532-8778 or visit our website, www.garrisondentistry.com. 

How to Avoid Staining Your Teeth

Keeping bright pearly whites are a top dental concern for many. Having your teeth regularly cleaned by your dentist helps out, but there are a lot of at-home tips to keep in mind, as well. Garrison Family Dentistry wants to remind their patients in the Smithville, MO area how to keep their teeth sparkling.

Certain foods and drinks can stain teeth when consumed frequently. Watch out for dark foods and drinks like coffee, blueberries, cranberry juice, and soy sauce. When you do consume dark foods and drinks, it is a good idea to rinse your mouth when finished. Another way to enjoy dark drinks with a lesser risk of staining is to drink them through a straw. Straws reduce the amount of time that the liquid is passing through your teeth, and often skip your front teeth altogether.

Keeping plaque away will also combat staining. Plaque is the sticky bacterial film that forms on your teeth. Keeping a good oral hygiene routine of brushing twice daily and flossing once daily will keep plaque from holding in stain causing residue.

Even with good care of your teeth, staining can still happen. To lift stains professionally, Garrison Family Dentistry offers a customized tray whitening system. This can give you a head start on keeping teeth nice and white!

To find out more about keeping teeth white, or to schedule a consultation for professional teeth whitening, call Garrison Family Dentistry of Smithville, MO at (816) 532-8778 or visit our website, www.garrisondentistry.com. 

Options for Tooth Replacement

For missing or extracted teeth, there are several options to choose for replacement. Since everyone is different, Garrison Family Dentistry of Smithville, MO offers dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures to their patients looking to replace teeth.

Dental implants are permanent tooth replacement that can be made to look just like your tooth. When completed, it will fit in with the rest of your teeth, to complete your smile again. Implants are applied with a surgical process to create a bond that is just like a natural tooth. The implant is inserted into the bone socket to bond with the jawbone.

Dental bridges are available to our patients, as well. Bridges are completed by using the teeth adjacent to the open space. The teeth are reshaped to fit crowns, which the replacement tooth is attached to. Bridges are a popular option for replacement and are long-lasting. With good care, a bridge can last over fifteen years.

Full and partial dentures are available here at Garrison Family Dentistry for those who would like a removable option. Full dentures can be installed conventionally or immediately. There is no time spent without teeth with the immediate process, however, the dentures will need to be re-fit when the gums fully heal. Partial dentures are similar to dental bridges, however, they are removable.

Schedule a consultation in our Smithville, MO dental office to find out what type of replacement is best for you. Call us at (816) 532-8778 or visit the Garrison Family Dentistry website, www.garrisondentistry.com. 

How to Avoid Staining Your Teeth

Keeping bright pearly whites are a top dental concern for many. Having your teeth regularly cleaned by your dentist helps out, but there are a lot of at-home tips to keep in mind, as well. Garrison Family Dentistry wants to remind their patients in the Smithville, MO area how to keep their teeth sparkling.

Certain foods and drinks can stain teeth when consumed frequently. Watch out for dark foods and drinks like coffee, blueberries, cranberry juice, and soy sauce. When you do consume dark foods and drinks, it is a good idea to rinse your mouth when finished. Another way to enjoy dark drinks with a lesser risk of staining is to drink them through a straw. Straws reduce the amount of time that the liquid is passing through your teeth, and often skip your front teeth altogether.

Keeping plaque away will also combat staining. Plaque is the sticky bacterial film that forms on your teeth. Keeping a good oral hygiene routine of brushing twice daily and flossing once daily will keep plaque from holding in stain causing residue.

Even with good care of your teeth, staining can still happen. To lift stains professionally, Garrison Family Dentistry offers a customized tray whitening system. This can give you a head start on keeping teeth nice and white!

To find out more about keeping teeth white, or to schedule a consultation for professional teeth whitening, call Garrison Family Dentistry of Smithville, MO at (816) 532-8778 or visit our website, www.garrisondentistry.com. 

Less Noticeable Ceramic Braces Available at Garrison Family Dentistry

Straight teeth both look good and reduce oral complications. Braces are wonderful for straightening teeth. But traditional metal braces are not very nice looking and they make it obvious that you are straightening your teeth. This is why Garrison Family Dentistry provides their patients in the Smithville, MO area the option of ceramic braces. They are less noticeable and better looking!

Ceramic braces have translucent brackets so they blend in with your teeth. In certain cases, the wires may be able to be tooth colored to blend in well, also. In the past, ceramic braces would stain over time. But with the latest advances in ceramic braces, they are stain resistant, so they continue to look nice and blend in well for the duration of your straightening process.

As with any type of braces, a good oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing is required. Combined with regular cleanings from your dentist, the braces will look good for a long time.  When the process is complete, you will have an attractive smile!

The process for applying ceramic braces is the same as traditional braces. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and come up with a step-by-step plan. The brackets are bonded to the front of your teeth and the wire is clipped in.

If you are interested in straightening your teeth but do not want a noticeable metallic smile, schedule a consultation with us at Garrison Family Dentistry at (816) 532-8778 or visit our website, www.garrisondentistry.com. 

Digital X-Ray at Garrison Family Dentistry of Smithville, MO

The safety of our patients at Garrison Family Dentistry of Smithville, MO is of the most importance to us. This is why we like to use advanced technology in our practice and why we have implemented the digital x-ray.

The digital x-ray has many advantages over the standard x-ray systems of the past, and one of them is safety. The digital x-ray uses much less radiation than the standard x-ray systems. It is a much safer process for the patient now. The digital x-rays are also in fact, digital. So there is no more waiting for the images to be developed in a dark room. The images are instantly displayed onto a monitor. Within the computer are tools that allow us to take a closer look at the image than ever possible before. This makes it possible to catch changes that may have been overlooked by the naked eye. Being digitalized also means we can save the photo, email it, or print it however many times we would like. This is helpful for when a patient needs records, or needs to send the images to another doctor or an insurance company. This also makes it very easy for us to refer back to the images during your visits so we can quickly identify any changes.

For more information about the technology we use here at Garrison Family Dentistry of Smithville, MO, call us at (816) 532-8778 or visit our website, www.garrisondentistry.com. 

Diagnodent

Cavities can sometimes be difficult to diagnose, especially when they reside in the grooves and pits of molars, but technological advancements have made detection of tooth decay easier than ever. While the traditional way to check for cavities involved looking for visual signs of decay, using dental X-rays and feeling for soft areas with a dental explorer, dentists can now use DIAGNOdent laser technology to detect even the smallest cavity. In Smithville, MO, Dr. Matthew Garrison uses this technology to provide superior dental services to his patients at Garrison Family Dentistry.

Because the wide use of fluoride in recent years has hardened the outer layer of enamel on our teeth, cavities have become smaller and harder to diagnose, but the DIAGNOdent fluorescent laser provides a revolutionary way to detect decay. By using this laser, Dr. Garrison can find decay that even dental X-rays and intraoral cameras at 30 times magnification can miss. The DIAGNOdent allows the dentist to catch cavities at their earliest stages by reading what’s going on underneath the surface of teeth and detecting even the smallest amount of decay.

Early detection with the DIAGNOdent radically improves the quality of dental health care that the dentist can provide because the technology allows him to preserve more of the patient’s tooth structure. When a cavity is caught early, it not only saves more of the tooth from decay; it also prevents the need for more radical dental treatments required for larger cavities.

Dr. Matthew Garrison employs state-of-the-art technology to provide superior dental care to his patients in Smithville, MO. For the best diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment by calling (816) 532-8778. For more information about Garrison Family Dentistry and its services, please visit www.garrisondentistry.com.

Dentures

If you’re missing multiple teeth and want looking to replace them for a complete smile, dentures are a popular option for many patients in Smithville, MO. There are three different types of dentures available, and patients can choose between partial dentures or one of the two types of full dentures. Whichever you choose, you can rely on the experience and expertise of the Dr. Matthew Garrison of Garrison Family Dentistry to provide you with a solution that works for you. 

Conventional full dentures are one type of full dentures that are used after all of a patient’s teeth are removed, but only once the gum tissue has healed for a few months. During that healing time, the patient has no teeth in place. If you don’t like the idea of having no teeth for several months, you can receive immediate full dentures. For this type, Dr. Garrison takes measurements of the patient’s mouth prior to removing the teeth. Then when the teeth are removed at the next appointment, the dentures are immediately placed in the patient’s mouth. With this method, a follow-up visit is required so that the dentures can be refitted and tightened since the jawbone changes shape slightly as it heals with no teeth.

Partial dentures are commonly used when not all of a patient’s teeth need to be removed. They are similar to bridges, except that bridges are permanent and partial dentures are removable. Whichever type of dentures you get, they do take time getting used to since the flesh-colored base is placed over your gums, which can feel bulky or make your mouth feel crowded. However, as you train yourself, eating and talking will begin to feel more natural.

Whether you’ve already lost a significant amount of teeth or are in need of extractions, dentures are a popular option, and Dr. Matthew Garrison of Garrison Family Dentistry can help patients find which choice is best for them in Smithville, MO. To schedule an appointment, call (816) 532-8778. For more information about our practice and the other services we offer, visit www.garrisondentistry.com.

Inlays/Onlays – What’s the difference?

Inlays/onlays are designed to add strength to damaged teeth while restoring their appearance. We use dental inlays and onlays to restore a tooth that is too damaged to repair with a filling but not damaged enough to need a crown. Dental inlays and onlays save the healthy portion of an injured tooth and provide strength and stability for normal chewing. We thought we would show you the difference between inlays and onlays.

What are Inlays?

An inlay is used when there is no damage to the cusps of the tooth so the inlay can be placed right on the tooth. Cusps are the bumpy structures on the biting surface of your back teeth. These oral appliances are made of tooth-colored materials like porcelain or composite resin. Inlays use your existing tooth as a base for the inlay; this will strengthen the tooth, restore its shape and prevent future damage.

What are Onlays?

Onlays, also known as partial dentures, are similar to inlays because they are both used to treat decay and damage. The only difference comes in the amount of damage and the area treated. Onlays are used when the damage is more extensive, extending to one or more cusps.

Inlays/onlays require two appointments to complete the procedure. During the first visit, the filling being replaced or the damaged or decaying area of the tooth is removed and the tooth is prepared for the inlay or onlay. To ensure proper fit and bite, an impression of the tooth is made by the dentist and sent to a lab for fabrication. During your second appointment, the temporary sealant is removed. Dr. Garrison will then make sure that the device fits correctly. Once the fitting is complete, the inlay/onlay will be bonded to the tooth with a strong resin and polished.

Screening for Oral Cancer

Being screened for oral cancer is an important part of maintaining your oral health and should be a regular part of your oral hygiene routine. At our practice in Smithville, MO, we take oral cancer seriously and are dedicated to keeping our patients safe with thorough screenings.

While everyone is at risk for oral cancer, certain factors can increase your risk in developing the disease. Lifestyle choices, such as heavy drinking or smoking, can greatly affect the health of tissues in the mouth, so it is especially important for you to receive regular screenings if you partake in these activities. If oral abnormalities are caught early, it will not only expand your treatment options, including less invasive and less radical treatments, but it will also increase your chances of beating oral cancer.

Screening for oral cancer can be done during routine checkups by Dr. Matthew Garrison, who uses ultraviolet light to help him spot abnormal tissue in your mouth. Abnormal tissue can then be tested to see if it is cancerous or not.

Oral cancer is a serious issue, and at our office, we strive to protect all our patients. To schedule an appointment, call (816) 532-8778. For more information, visit www.garrisondentistry.com.

Acid Reflux and Teeth

The enamel of your teeth is the thin, tough outer layer of your teeth. Enamel protects your teeth from daily activities like chewing, biting and grinding. The enamel of your teeth also protect against harmful temperatures and chemicals. Although enamel is a hard protector of your teeth, it can chip and crack. There are many factors that affect the health of your enamel, but one of the quickest ways to erode enamel comes from acid reflux disease.

If you suffer from consistent acid reflux, the health of your teeth probably isn’t one of the first things you’re thinking about. You’re probably reaching for an antacid or a glass of milk and moving on with your day. However, new research reveals how gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can severely damage your teeth thanks to an increase of acid in the mouth. The study concluded that acid reflux can ultimately lead to thin, sharp and pitted teeth.

GERD, better known as acid reflux disease, causes chronic heartburn. The stomach contents, including acid, leak into the esophagus and often work their way back up into the mouth, causing burning pain. The damage from acid reflux looks a lot like tooth wear because the acid dissolved the tooth surface directly, softening the surface. Once the surface is softened, it becomes worn down layer by layer. Once the enamel is eroded, it cannot come back. In that case, patients would need a crown, veneer or filling to replace their tooth.

If your teeth have been damaged by your condition, feel free to schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthew Garrison to discuss your treatment options.

Overall Oral Health

Here at Garrison Family Dentistry, we aim to improve our patient’s overall oral health with proper dental education and encouraging them to visit us on a regular basis. Our team recommends patients visit us at least every six months for their routine cleaning and check-up, as this helps us find problems early and offer the best possible treatment. It improves our patient’s oral health and their health overall, as dental health can affect many different parts of the body.

During biannual visits, we will begin by examining your face and neck and checking your lymph nodes and jaw joints. We will also examine your gums, teeth, and the tissues inside your mouth. An oral cancer screening is also included in these routine dental visits. X-rays are often taken during the twice-yearly exams, though not always. We finish the appointment with a professional dental cleaning and recommendations for treatments if we notice any issues with your dental health.

Schedule your appointment with Dr. Matthew Garrison or Dr. Anna Jones by calling (816) 532-8778. You can also visit www.garrisondentistry.com for more information!

NTI Night Guards

Here at Garrison Family Dentistry, we want our patients to have good oral health, and that starts with preventative care. One type of preventative care is through the use of night guards. Night guards are worn by patients who have a problem with grinding or clenching their teeth at night. While it may not seem like a serious problem, teeth grinding can lead to reduced tooth enamel, which weakens teeth. Teeth grinding may also cause severe headaches, jaw pain, and an irritation of the gums. Night guards help prevent these from occurring.

The benefits of night guards include the following:

• Protecting the patient’s teeth so they don’t weaken or crack from being worn down


• Saving patients money on future dental procedures


• Getting relief from headaches and jaw pain


• Eliminating partner disturbance while sleeping and grinding teeth

NTI Night Guards are made custom to the patient, so they fit comfortable and do not interrupt their sleep. Dr. Matthew Garrison or Dr. Anna Jones will start by making impressions of your teeth, those molds will be turned into our NTI Night Guards in less than 45 minutes. We tell our patients to wear their night guards every night while sleeping. Night guards last about 10 years with proper care. 

Root Canals

Among the dental specialties provided by our dentists, Dr. Matthew Garrison and Dr. Anna Jones, endodontics is one of the most important. Endodontics is a specialty in the dentistry field that treats the nerves and roots of the teeth.

 

The primary procedure performed under endodontics is a root canal. Root canals help us remove infected tissue in the nerves and roots of the teeth to help treat an infection and save the tooth. The only alternative to a root canal is extracting the tooth, which then requires a bridge or implant. Most patients prefer going through a root canal procedure.

 

To perform a root canal, we numb the area, and then drill a small hole into the tooth to reach the canal. A special tool is used to remove the infected nerves and roots, and the tooth is filled with a material called gutta percha. In about 2-3 weeks, the patient returns to our office to be fitted for a crown. This is necessary because after a root canal, the tooth is dead and is susceptible to breaking.

 

While a seemingly intimidating procedure, root canals are routine and are done in about 45 minutes to an hour. Call us here at Garrison Family Dentistry at (816) 532-8778 with any questions you have about root canals.

Dental Implants

Patients who have missing teeth are at risk for more than just aesthetic issues. Their adjacent teeth may start shifting, they can experience rapid bone loss, and if multiple teeth are missing, it might cause their cheeks to look shrunken in.

 

To mitigate these risks, here at Garrison Family Dentistry, we offer dental implants for patients who want to replace their teeth permanently. While there are other options in dentures and fixed bridges, dental implants are the most permanent option available.

 

There are many reasons a tooth might have been lost or needs to be extracted. Tooth decay, congenital defects, trauma, injury, or advanced gum disease may all play a role in the causal factors of missing teeth. But with dental implants, our patients have the opportunity for a stable, secure and natural-looking alternative. The implant includes a titanium metal post implanted into the jawbone, where the bone gradually heals and grows around the post. This holds it in place and is healed in about three months. Then, the abutment and crown are placed over the top, which look just like a natural tooth.

Intraoral Camera

Correct patient diagnosis and treatment is the most important function of an effective, state-of-the-art dental practice. The intraoral camera is the latest in a long line of technologically advanced equipment that has been introduced to the dental field in recent years. It delivers incredibly sharp, clear images that enhance our dentist’s ability to properly diagnose and treat patients.

 

The innovative imaging software that accompanies the intraoral camera is perfect for viewing the nooks and crannies missed by X-rays. While the camera snaps crystal-clear images throughout the mouth, the software allows the doctors to manipulate the image to see different angles and zoom in on an otherwise static image. The camera also takes videos that can be streamed to a bedside monitor. Patients are able to view their procedure in real-time. Our dentists here at Garrison Family Dentistry are able to clearly explain what the problem is and how they can best treat it together.

 

When our team utilizes the intraoral camera, they are able to reach places that an X-ray cannot. While X-rays are extremely effective for locating cavities and decay, the doctors are able to see things they would never be able to see through the use of the intraoral camera. Although a traditional visual inspection of the teeth may have sufficed in the past, technology has made it possible for dentists and patients to reap many more benefits from each health exam.

 

For more information on the intraoral camera or any of our services, please call Garrison Family Dentistry at 816-532-8706 or visitwww.garrisondentistry.com.

Periodontics: Caring for your gums

Caring for your teeth is an essential part of maintaining good oral health, but your gums also play an important role in your health, and proper care is crucial. Gum disease can be a serious detriment to your oral health and overall wellness, and Dr. Matthew Garrison of Garrison Family Dentistry provides the regular periodontal and checkups you need to maintain peak periodontal health and prevent gum disease.

 

With periodontal disease responsible for 75 percent of all adult tooth loss cases in the United States, it is critical to check for and treat periodontal issues when they first arise. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that starts when a build-up of plaque on your teeth hardens into tartar. As the tartar accumulates, bacteria collect and attack the soft tissue in the surrounding gums. In its early stages, this gum disease is gingivitis, but if it is left untreated, it becomes periodontis. Periodontis can destroy your gum tissue and lead to tooth loss. Periodontis can even result in a loss of bone mass in your jaw bone, and heart disease, diabetes and stroke have also been linked to poor periodontal health.

 

The state of your gums affects the health of your entire body, so come to our office for periodontal cleanings and treatment. We can even refer you to a recommended specialist if you require special treatment. We will make sure your gums are well cared for. Call (816) 532-8778 to schedule an appointment. For more information about our practice, visit www.garrisondentistry.com.

Preventative Dentistry

We’ve all heard the expression, “prevention is the best medicine” when it comes to your overall health, but the same can be said when it comes to your oral health. Preventative dentistry is the most sensible, efficient and cost effective means of avoiding serious and expensive periodontal health problems.  Here at Garrison Family Dentistry, we’d much rather see you for preventative dental care-- including regular exams, cleanings and health screenings-- than we would for a complex and invasive procedure to correct a problem that could have been avoided.

 

While routine dental care is an essential part of preventative dentistry, your at-home oral care practices play a major role in prevention of gum disease, infection and other issues. At our practice, we work with you to help you take the right steps towards excellent oral health and proper preventative dental care.

 

For more information on the preventative dentistry services we provide here at Garrison Family Dentistry, please view our websitewww.garrisondentistry.com to contact us directly.

Bone Grafting

If you need restoration procedures, such as implants, you may first require bone grafting. In some situations, your jawbone may be too soft or not thick enough to support a dental implant. Bone loss in the jaw typically is caused by periodontal disease. That’s where bone grafting can help.

 

Dr. Matthew Garrison and his team at Garrison Family Dentistry have experience performing various types of oral surgery including bone grafts. The procedure involves removing small amounts of bone from another area of the body, such as the hip. Bone fragments can also be retrieved from an area of the mouth, which was drilled. In some cases, cadaver bone can be used.

 

After the bone is retrieved, it is placed on top of your existing bone in a procedure called grafting. The procedure builds up the bone in the jaw area and increases the chances of success when placing an implant or other type of restoration.

 

In addition to bone grafting, Garrison Family Dentistry also offers other types of oral surgery including extractions. We also offer cosmetic and preventative dentistry. If you are looking for outstanding customer service with an exemplary reputation, consider Garrison Family Dentistry.

 

For more information on bone grafting or any of our other services, please call our office at 816-532-8778 or visit us online at www.garrisondentistry.com. 

Mouth Guards

Does your child play a sport?  Whether they play a sport for fun or for a school team, mouth guards are an essential piece of equipment.  Mouth guards are used to protect your teeth when playing football, hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, basketball, baseball, soccer, and other contact sports.  Athletes of all ages who participate in contact sports should wear a mouth guard.  This dental appliance helps to prevent:

• Tooth damage
•  Jaw damage
• Concussions
• Lacerations to the checks, tongue and lips

We offer custom mouth guards at Garrison Family Dentistry.  We encourage parents to bring their children in for a mouth guard fitting for the best level of protection for your smile!