Patient Education

nashville dental implants Dr. Makeya Jenkins, DDS. Mission Dental. General, Family, Cosmetic, Restorative, Preventative, Emergency Dentistry. Dentist in Nashville, TN 37217

Everything You Need to Know About Dental Implants

Every patient deserves a beautiful, healthy smile that boosts their confidence. At Mission Dental, we offer restorative dentistry services to bring back your smile and make it even better than before! We can help in Nashville to fix anything from chipped or cracked teeth to problems like missing teeth or discoloration with options such as dental implants. We provide various treatments, and our friendly staff is here to listen and create a personalized plan for you. So don’t delay bringing back your beautiful smile – see us today! Dental implants are a necessary dental procedure that can help restore teeth and enhance oral health. If you are considering getting dental implants, you may have many questions. Fortunately, we are here to help. As your friendly dental providers at Mission Dental, we have outlined everything you need to know about dental implants.   What Are Dental Implants? Dental implants are an excellent option for people who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, decay, or periodontal disease. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are made from titanium. These roots are placed into your jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge.   How Do Dental Implants Work? Dental implants work by fusing to your jawbone over time, which creates a strong and sturdy base for your replacement tooth. Once the implant has appropriately fused, Dr. Makeya Jenkins will attach a replacement tooth or bridge. The process usually takes several months to complete as you must allow the dental implant to osseointegrate with the jawbone.   Are Dental Implants Safe? Yes, dental implants are safe and are considered one of the most successful dental procedures, with a success rate of up to 98 percent. They are a safe and durable option for people who want to restore their teeth and improve their overall oral health.    What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants? Dental implants offer many benefits, including improved oral health, comfort, and aesthetics. They feel and function like natural teeth, which makes it easier for people to eat, speak, and smile confidently. Additionally, dental implants support your jawbone and prevent it from degenerating, keeping your face youthful and healthy.   What is the Procedure for Getting Dental Implants? The procedure for getting dental implants usually involves several steps, including consultation, implant placement surgery, and attachment of the replacement tooth or bridge.  Dr. Jenkins will assess your oral health during your consultation and discuss your options. Implant placement surgery involves the placement of the titanium implant into your jawbone, which usually takes one to two hours.  We may place a temporary crown to protect the new dental implant until the permanent crown is ready. This temporary crown is vital in ensuring that the implant heals properly. We will check up on the temporary crown regularly, and it should last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on how long it takes for the new implant to complete its integration process with the jawbone.  Once this process is complete and healing has taken place, and the implant has sufficiently fused with the jawbone, we can place the permanent crown. You can count on me to provide you with optimal care and monitor your progress every step of the way!   Quality Dental Implants in Nashville, TN We hope that this guide has helped you understand what dental implants are and why they may be a good option for you. At Mission Dental, we are committed to providing the best possible care for our patients, and we offer a range of dental implant services to help you restore your teeth and improve your overall oral health. If you have any questions or would like to set up a consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

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nashville tooth extractions Dr. Makeya Jenkins, DDS. Mission Dental. General, Family, Cosmetic, Restorative, Preventative, Emergency Dentistry. Dentist in Nashville, TN 37217

What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction Procedure

Sick of dealing with your dental health issues all by yourself? Mission Dental provides comprehensive dentistry that focuses entirely on you and the best possible care for your health. Our mission in Nashville is to ensure you have a healthy smile that will last for years to come, no matter what kind of dental situation you are in, whether it be tooth extractions, root canal therapy, or dental fillings. We strive to provide friendly customer service so you feel comfortable and confident as we guide you through our services. If you need a tooth extraction, call us to schedule a consultation today! Tooth extractions are a standard dental procedure that most people go through at least once in their lifetime. Whether you need to have a tooth pulled due to decay, damage, or overcrowding, Mission Dental makes the process easy and painless. In this blog post, we will discuss what to expect during a tooth extraction procedure, so you can feel more comfortable and confident when visiting our dental office. There are quite a few options for avoiding an extraction. Before recommending a tooth extraction, we will do what we can to save your natural tooth. We can fill caries cavities or treat fractured teeth with crowns, or you can opt for a root canal to repair the inner part of the tooth suffering from an infection. Additionally, many times a filling will suffice. Whatever your needs, we’ll use our years of experience and expertise to assess the best treatment option and get you back smiling with as little effort as possible.  But sometimes, an extraction is the best option. The first step in a tooth extraction procedure is numbing the area where the tooth will be removed. Dr. Makeya Jenkins will give you a local anesthetic that will dull the pain and make you feel more comfortable during the extraction process. You can expect to feel pressure and pushing as we remove the tooth, but you should not feel any pain. If you are particularly anxious or nervous about the procedure, you may request a sedative to help you relax. Once we remove the tooth, Dr. Jenkins will place gauze on the socket to stop bleeding and help with clotting. We will give you post-extraction instructions, including steps for keeping the area clean and minimizing the risk of infection. You may experience some swelling and pain for a few days, so avoid strenuous activities and eat soft foods until the extraction site has fully healed. If a tooth is impacted or requires more advanced extraction, we may recommend a more complex procedure. For example, a surgical extraction may be necessary if the tooth is situated deep within the gum tissue or is broken and cannot be easily pulled.  Dr. Jenkins will make a small incision in the gum tissue during a surgical extraction to remove the tooth. The recovery time for a surgical extraction may be longer than a simple extraction, but we will provide you with detailed instructions on caring for the extraction site.   Tooth Extractions in Nashville, TN At Mission Dental, we understand tooth extractions can be intimidating, but we are here to make the process as easy and painless as possible. Whether you need a simple extraction or a more complex procedure, our team will work with you to ensure you feel comfortable and confident throughout the process.  We offer emergency dentistry services to help you relieve pain and save your teeth. From general cleanings and check-ups to mouthguards, whitening treatments, and everything in between, our team of experts is here to help keep your teeth looking their most beautiful while protecting them from damage. Plus, if there’s ever an emergency – no problem! Stop waiting around for better dental care – book an appointment at Mission Dental today!

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nashville dental crowns Dr. Makeya Jenkins, DDS. Mission Dental. General, Family, Cosmetic, Restorative, Preventative, Emergency Dentistry. Dentist in Nashville, TN 37217

All You Need to Know About Dental Crowns

At Mission Dental, restorative dentistry is one of our specialties! We are dedicated to helping our patients get their smiles back. Whether it’s through dental crowns, bonding, or implants, we’ll be sure to provide the most effective treatments and restore your smile to its full beauty in Nashville, Tn. Dr. Makeya Jenkins is always ready to assist and answer any questions about these fantastic restorative procedures. Visit us today, and we’ll do everything we can to help give you a beautiful, confident smile.  We are here to guide you through everything you need to know about dental crowns. Have you been suffering from dental problems such as weak, broken, or discolored teeth? Worry no more because dental crowns have got you covered. They are an excellent option for many dental issues and are available in various materials such as porcelain, metal, or resin.    What are Dental Crowns? Dental crowns are customized caps placed on top of teeth to protect and restore their appearance. The crown fits over the tooth to the gum line and is used to fix broken teeth, protect weak teeth, or improve the appearance of a discolored tooth. They also anchor bridges, cover implants, and protect teeth after a root canal treatment.   Different Types of Dental Crowns There are different types of dental crowns, and Dr. Jenkins will recommend the best option for your specific needs. The most common crown materials include porcelain, metal, porcelain fused to metal, and resin. Porcelain crowns are popular because they match the color of natural teeth, making them appear more natural. Metal crowns are the most durable and are often used for back teeth. Porcelain fused to metal combines the strength of metal with the appearance of porcelain, making them popular for front and rear teeth. Resin crowns are less expensive and aren’t as long-lasting as other materials.   The Dental Crown Process The process of getting a dental crown involves two appointments. During the first appointment, tooth prep includes reducing the area of your tooth so that the crown will fit properly while preserving as much healthy enamel as possible. We use advanced techniques to ensure accuracy and precision with tooth prepping.  Temporary crowns are placed on the tooth until the permanent crown is ready. During the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed. Once we place the permanent crown, and if any adjustments are necessary, Dr. Jenkins will make them before bonding it in place. Rest assured that your teeth are in great hands when you come to see us! Our team will then take an impression of the tooth and send it to a lab to create a custom crown.   Maintaining Your Dental Crowns Dental crowns can last for five to fifteen years with proper care. Maintaining crowns is similar to caring for natural teeth, and it involves brushing twice daily, flossing once a day, and visiting the dentist regularly. It’s essential to avoid eating hard foods, grinding teeth, and using mouthguards if you participate in sports. What’s critical is to take care of our dental crowns by ensuring we engage in regular checkups and care for our teeth.   Nashville Dental Crowns Dental crowns are an excellent option for restoring your teeth, and it’s a more straightforward process than you might think. They offer a long-lasting solution to many dental issues and can improve the appearance of your smile. Remember that the dental crown process requires an experienced dentist, and at Mission Dental, we are here to offer you the best services that meet your dental needs. Contact us today to learn more about dental crowns or schedule an appointment.

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Different Stages of Teeth Root Canals

Important Things To Know Before Getting A Root Canal

  Root canal is one of those dental procedures that makes folks feel a little nervous, but it needn’t be that way! To put your mind at ease, here’s all that you need to know about the root canal treatment.   What is a root canal treatment? The purpose of a root canal treatment is to remove bacteria from an infected root canal; the idea is to preserve the natural tooth and stop the tooth from becoming infected again. During a root canal treatment, a dentist will remove the infected pulp, clean the inside of the tooth, and then fill it and seal it.   What are the signs that you need a root canal? There are several signs which indicate that you may need root canal therapy. Firstly, you may experience a severe toothache or pain from simple activities like chewing. You might also notice that your tooth is oversensitive to cold or hot temperatures. Other signs include swollen gums or a tooth that’s become discolored.   What to expect when having a root canal treatment? First, your dentist will take an X-ray to check for an infection. Your dentist will then apply an anesthetic on the treatment area. Next, your dentist will remove bacteria, infected pulp, or any decayed nerve tissue. After this, your dentist will drain the infection, and scrape the root canal at each side. Your dentist will use a ‘gutta-percha’ to fill the open canal space. Finally, the tooth is sealed. For a root canal treatment in Nashville, TN, contact us at Mission Dental.   Will my root canal need a crown? Yes, sometimes a crown is added to the tooth, a crown can prevent your tooth from becoming damaged. A crown can also help to keep the natural look of your tooth. Your dentist might apply a crow right away, or they might do this at a later date. For example, if you have an infection, the dentist will give the infection time to heal first.   What can I do to ease the pain of a root canal procedure?  Your dentist will use an anesthetic to reduce pain and discomfort during the root canal therapy procedure. If you experience pain afterward, you can try over the counter medications such as Tylenol or ibuprofen. Your infected root canal has likely caused you significant pain, and so after the procedure, you should start to feel better.   What to expect after a root canal procedure? Once you’ve had a root canal procedure, it’s important to keep taking good care of your teeth. Ensure that you visit the dentist for regular check-ups, use fluoride toothpaste, and don’t forget to floss. Many people fear a root canal procedure, but there’s nothing to worry about. It’s a very common procedure, and you’ll be able to resume your normal activities right away!   Root Canal in Nashville For root canal therapy in Nashville, TN, contact us at Mission Dental. With our years of experience and high-end equipment, we can provide you with an excellent dentistry service. Many patients feel anxious before a root canal; let us put you at ease by answering all of your questions! As well as root canal services, we also offer other dental procedures, including Dentures, Teeth Whitening, Clear Braces, and Oral Surgery.  

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teeth whitening before and after

What Types Of Teeth Whitening Treatments Are Available in Nashville, TN?

As we age, the enamel of our teeth wears away, meaning that our teeth may appear discolored. What’s more, the foods and drinks that we consume can also cause unsightly stains. Thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do to improve the appearance of your teeth.   Whitening Toothpaste Whitening toothpaste can help you to remove stains from your teeth and achieve a brighter smile. These toothpastes may contain silica, an abrasive ingredient to scrub against the surface of your teeth. Some of the leading brands of whitening toothpaste include, Colgate Optic White Platinum Express and Crest 3D Whitening Two-Step System. Some people prefer to use an activated charcoal whitening paste. Charcoal is a mild abrasive, and so it may help to tackle stains.   Teeth-Whitening At-Home Kits Perhaps you’ve tried a whitening toothpaste, and you haven’t noticed much difference? In this case, your teeth may require a stronger whitening treatment. There are plenty of teeth-whitening kits that you can purchase, allowing you to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home! Opalescence offers an excellent teeth-whitening kit. It’s simple to use, just fill the tray with the whitening gel, and insert the tray to cover your teeth. Dentists invented opalescence, and it’s well known for its thick consistency which allows the peroxide to penetrate the enamel.   Teeth-Whitening At The Dentist Maybe the idea of whitening your teeth yourself makes you feel anxious? In this case, it’s best to leave it up to the professionals! At Mission Dental, we offer a fantastic teeth-whitening service. You’ll be left with the perfect set of sparkly whites in no time at all.   The process of teeth whitening is both safe and straightforward. All whitening products contain either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. These bleaches work by fading the stains on your teeth so that your smile gleams again! Teeth bleaching gel seeps into the pores of the enamel, eventually reaching the dentin of the teeth. The bleaching agent contains oxygen molecules, which encourage the discolored particles to break away, leaving the natural color. For a fantastic dental teeth whitening service in Nashville, reach out to us at Mission Dental.   Other Teeth-Whitening Options  Teeth whitening is not suitable for everyone; it depends on the type of discoloration. If your dentist advises that teeth-whitening is not for you, they may suggest veneers. Veneers are made of porcelain, and they are designed to fit over the top of your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are a popular choice for anyone with worn, uneven or stained teeth. Before making any decisions about your treatment, it’s best to have a full consultation with your dentist.   Mission Dental Teeth Whitening in Nashville At Mission Dental in Nashville Tennessee, we offer superb teeth whitening services, leaving you with a beautiful smile on your face. We have Opalescence kits available for purchase, or if you prefer, book a teeth whitening service (and have one of our dentists do the hard work)! As well as teeth-whitening, Mission Dental offers a range of dentistry services including Clear Braces, Dentures, Oral Surgery, and Restorative Dentistry. For a full discussion of your teeth whitening needs in Nashville, Mission Dental has all the answers.

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clear braces

Benefits of Clear Braces

The term ‘clear braces’ or ‘invisible braces’ refers to a discreet orthodontic device used to straighten the teeth. Clear braces are usually a short-term orthodontic treatment; they are discreet because they are made using a transparent polycarbonate (plastic) or ceramic. There are plenty of benefits to getting a set of clear braces, so let’s dive in!   Straighter teeth First up, clear braces can help patients to straighten their teeth and achieve the perfect smile. When you choose clear braces, you’ll be provided with a set of clear aligners. The aligners work by putting pressure on the teeth, (depending on the direction of movement you need). As a tooth moves, the pressure stops, and you then replace the aligner. For clear braces in nashville, Mission Dental offers Invisalign; the leading brand of clear braces.   Easily removable Unlike traditional braces, invisible braces are easily removed, making the experience of having braces far more convenient! No need to worry about getting food stuck in your braces, simply remove the braces to eat, brush your teeth and pop them back in.    Discreet & natural Let’s face it, traditional braces are not discreet, and this is a huge drawback for many people. With clear braces, you get a discreet and natural-looking brace, meaning you won’t feel so self-conscious about wearing braces. People will barely notice you’re wearing them, (unless they are super close)! Clear braces are perfect for those who want the benefits of braces without an ‘obvious brace’ look.   Maximum comfort Clear braces are comfortable, meaning you won’t feel too much pressure on your teeth or mouth. Of course, you’ll feel some pressure, (because the braces need to move your teeth). However, compared with metal braces, these are far more comfortable. There’s nothing worse than a brace that distracts you from your daily activities, but with invisible braces, you can forget you’re wearing a brace and go about your day. For clear braces in Nashville, Mission Dental can offer both comfortable and affordable products.   Simple to clean your teeth When you have fixed metal braces, it can sometimes be tricky to brush your teeth around them. With clear braces, you can remove them, clean your teeth properly and put them back in. To clean your invisible braces, ensure that you brush your teeth regularly and avoid too many foods that are likely to stain your teeth. In general, clear braces do not stain so quickly, so you don’t have to worry too much.   Clear braces in Nashville If you’re looking for a pair of clear braces in Nashville, Mission Dental can help. Mission Dental offers top quality Invisalign clear braces; these braces can help you to achieve a straighter smile without the obvious appearance of traditional braces. The first step is having an invisible braces consultation with your dentist. Your dentist will provide a digital scan of your teeth and then customize an orthodontic plan for you. For the best dentistry service in Nashville Tennessee, be sure to visit Mission Dental.

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