Bridges

Bridges are one of our specialties at Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville. When people need extensive restorative work done, bridges allow multiple teeth to be restored at once. Depending on an individual patient’s needs, there are several forms a bridge might take.

A bridge is a prosthetic device made up of several crowns. The classic dental bridge was designed so that the crowns on its ends would be cemented over natural teeth, and there would be an additional artificial crown suspended between them. This design had the advantage of allowing patients to keep their natural tooth roots, which was good for the structure of their jaw and avoided lengthy surgical recoveries. However, it required the base crowns to be significantly reshaped, which is only ideal in circumstances in which those crowns would need to be replaced anyway.

Bridges can also be made in the form of partial dentures. These devices may clasp onto existing teeth, but they permit healthy intervening teeth to simply be left alone, instead of being extracted or reshaped. A partial denture may be supported by mini-implants. A bridge may also be supported by normally-sized implants if it is not meant to be removable.

Dr. Matthew Garrison operates at Garrison Family Dentistry, 14790 N. 169 Highway, Smithville, Missouri, 64089. To schedule an appointment, call 816-532-8778 or visit GarrisonDentistry.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

National Children's Dental Health Month

We provide dental cleanings to people of all ages at Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, and we’re proud to have educated so many children about their oral health. February is designated by the American Dental Association as National Children’ Dental Health Month, and this year, dentists are focusing on teaching why and how to use fluoridated toothpaste.

Just because baby teeth fall out doesn’t mean decay will be any less painful if they aren’t kept clean. When children suffer from dental infections, their speech development, eating, sleeping, behavior, and academic performance all suffer. Fluoride treatments at our office can help prevent this, but regular use of fluoridated toothpaste also helps to shield teeth from acid caused by bacteria. We recommend that parents begin brushing their child’s teeth as soon as the first one erupts. As children age, their oral hygiene becomes one of the first aspects of their health that is their own responsibility, which prepares them for a lifetime of making self-care a habit. The only thing to look out for with fluoridated toothpaste is to not use it on oral appliances since they lack the protective film teeth have. These should be brushed with a different toothbrush, as well.

Dr. Matthew Garrison operates at Garrison Family Dentistry, 14790 N. 169 Highway, Smithville, Missouri, 64089. To schedule an appointment, call 816-532-8778 or visit Garrison Dentistry and fill out a contact sheet.

 

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.

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.

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.

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!

Bonding and White Filling

When accidental damage affects your smile, you want to opt for the most cosmetically appealing dental solution.  Whether you are looking to correct a chipped tooth or you need to fill a cavity, we offer cosmetically appealing restorative services at Garrison Family Dentistry.  Bonding and white fillings have helped many of our patients restore the health and beauty of their smiles.

 

Bonding is used to restore structural damage like chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth.  It can even correct gaps created by teeth that are too narrow or short.  This affordable, beautiful solution fixes damaged teeth for a realistic look.

 

White fillings have replaced traditional metal amalgam fillings at our practice. Unlike dark, metal fillings, white fillings blend in with your natural tooth color.  You can improve your oral health and correct tooth decay without affecting the aesthetic appearance of your smile.

 

If you are ready to fix your damaged tooth and restore the beauty of your smile, contact our practice and learn about how our bonding and white filling services can help.

Nitrous Oxide

Dental anxiety is a common occurrence among our patients, which is why we offer nitrous oxide. This helps patients take the edge off while getting dental procedures, whether it is a root canal, root planing and scaling, or an extraction.

 

Nitrous oxide is also referred to as laughing gas and given by having a mask placed over the patient’s nose and mouth so they can inhale the gas. The patient is monitored by Dr. Matthew Garrison the entire time.

 

There are many benefits to choosing nitrous oxide as a way for dental sedation, such as the following:

• It wears off quickly, so you can still drive yourself home.
• It is a safe and effective form of sedation.
• The level of sedation can be controlled by the dentist, increasing or decreasing the gas.
• Patients resume normal activities immediately after their dental appointment.
• Sensations experienced with nitrous oxide include relaxation, euphoria, and relief from anxiety and tension.

You can contact us at Garrison Family Dentistry in Smithville, MO by calling 816-532-8778 or by visiting us online at www.garrisondentistry.com for more information.

Proper Oral Hygiene

Proper dental hygiene is important for overall health, oral preventative care, and to decrease the amount of cleanings and procedures dentists need to perform during bi-annual check-ups. At Garrison Family Dentistry, we make sure our patients understand the importance of maintaining dental hygiene and its effects on their oral health.

 

Dental hygiene always starts at home, by gently brushing and flossing the teeth twice a day. This keeps the teeth clean, removes tartar buildup that can lead to cavities or infection, and keeps the teeth looking white. It also helps freshen the breath and reduce the risk of gum disease. Remember to replace your toothbrush every three months, or when the bristles become frayed. Good oral hygiene also includes limiting your intake of sugary foods and beverages that can prove harmful to your teeth.

 

Dr. Matthew Garrison and the rest of our team at Garrison Family Dentistry recommend dental check-ups every six months to keep the teeth clean. While dental hygiene requires regular brushing and flossing, a professional cleaning twice a year will provide even more preventative measures. This also gives us a chance to look for any potential problems, like finding a cavity that needs filled or seeing an erupting wisdom tooth that might need an extraction. Visit our dental practice today in Del Rio, TX, to learn more about proper dental hygiene.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are a very good option in order to replace a missing tooth or teeth. A bridge involves using a crown to replace the missing tooth. The crown is attached to the existing teeth on the adjacent sides of the bridge. The existing teeth act as an anchor and hold the bridge in place.

 

Our team at Garrison Family Dentistry is experienced in all areas of restorative dentistry including dental bridges. Bridges are usually made of metal, alloys or porcelain, which ensures the bridge is both durable and strong. A bridge is also matched to the color of your natural teeth.

 

The process of getting a bridge involves a few steps. First, the dentist will extract the damaged tooth. The teeth on adjacent sides are prepared, which involves creating abutments in order to attach the crown. A mold is taken, and sent to a lab to create a bridge. While you are waiting for the bridge to be made, you will be fitted for a temporary crown. With proper care, bridges can last for many years.

At Garrison Family Dentistry, we believe in providing quality dental services in a comfortable, modern facility. We utilize the most advanced technology in order to provide you with the best care possible.

 

For more information on dental bridges or in order to schedule an appointment, please call Garrison Family Dentistry at (816) 532-8778.

Dental Bridges

Having a missing tooth or several missing teeth together not only makes it difficult to chew properly, but it can also be embarrassing. Here at Garrison Family Dentistry, we believe in giving you a smile that makes you feel confident. Dental bridges allow us to do that by filling in the gaps with an artificial tooth that looks natural with the rest of your teeth

.

The dental bridge lets you fill in missing spaces in your mouth with artificial teeth, as an alternative to getting an implant. The bridge created a crown for the two adjacent teeth and has an artificial tooth where you are missing one. It creates a bridge that doesn’t look obvious to anyone else and offers you a beautiful smile.

 

There are many benefits to getting bridges, including being able to speak and chew properly, improving the shape of your face, preventing your teeth from shifting as a result of the missing tooth or teeth, and filling in gaps.

 

Call us today at (816) 532-8778 to schedule an appointment for your new bridge. 

Dental Implants

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, patients have a lot of options. None of those options, however, are permanent like dental implants. Implants are widely considered the modern-day solution to missing teeth as they provide an aesthetically pleasing, permanent answer to a serious problem. We provide dental implant procedures to help our patients restore their smile and fix their bite after implant surgery.

 

When a patient loses a tooth, it is important to act quickly to fill the space. Apart from the cosmetic issues, patients who have missing teeth will often suffer from compromised chewing efficiency and tooth drifting. The space left behind from a missing tooth causes the other teeth to drift into that space which can lead to misaligned teeth. When teeth become misaligned, they become more difficult to clean, leaving unreachable pockets in the teeth that will collect bacteria. This will almost certainly lead to periodontal issues that will eventually lead to additional tooth loss if left untreated.

 

Receiving a dental implant is a surgical procedure and patients are put under a general anesthetic. A dental surgeon will make an incision into the patients gum line where they will insert the implant. The implant will be secured into the jawbone where it will need to sit for three to six months so the bone can grow around it, this process is called osseointegration. After the surgery, patients will visit us to receive a crown over the implant. This is done so the patient’s teeth do not drift and they can eat normally. Once the implant is secured, Dr. Garrison will place an abutment on top of the exposed implant that will support a permanent crown.  Dental implants are the only completely permanent solution to missing teeth.