What Causes Tooth Sensitivity and What Can You Do About It?

Chapel Hill Dentist Offering Opalescence Teeth Whitening

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 07:12:18 GMT

Your teeth are the first thing most people notice when you meet someone. Having a welcoming and bright smile can bring out your personality and let you shine! One way to make your smile stand out and be beautiful is through teeth whitening. The Opalescence Tooth Whitening System, now offered by your Chapel Hill dentist, is a way you can whiten your smile safely and effectively no matter how you choose to do it.

There are several ways your teeth become yellow over time. You may be an avid coffee or tea drinker, drinking these daily will slowly leave its mark on your teeth. Smoking will also affect your teeth and cause stains. Many people may not realize that by using certain medication, your teeth can become dull and yellow. Luckily no matter the reason for your less than stellar smile, tooth whitening solutions will save the day and allow you to smile with confidence and pride.

Opalescence whitening is a tooth whitening system that allows you to choose the best way for you to whiten your teeth. There are several methods to choose from.

    Take Home Opalescence: You dentist will create a custom whitening tray that you will take home with you. You will also be given the whitening gel that you will use with the trays in the comfort of your home. With this method, you can whiten when you want on your own schedule. This is ideal for those who want the most customized whitening experience.

    Prefilled Disposable Opalescence: Prefilled disposable trays, is another at home method for you to use. The prefilled trays are easy to use on your own. You can use the trays once a day for 30-60 minutes. This method allows for easy clean up and less mess. After you’re done with the tray, you can just toss it in the trash.

    In Office Opalescence: While it is recommended that you slowly whiten your teeth for the best results, there are times when you may want your teeth to be whitened faster. Maybe you have a wedding or vacation that you need to go to and want you smile to look it’s best. In office whitening is a 1-2 hour procedure administered by your dentist. They will help you get the results you want. At the end, your dentist will also send you home with some trays to maintain your results at home.

Opalescence works for everyone, no matter which system you choose or how heavily stained your teeth are. The different systems also work with every type of budget, and will allow you to whiten your teeth while keeping your wallet happy. Teaming up with your dentist to brighten your smile will get you the best results. To get the best results possible, it’s recommended by dentists to whiten your teeth slowly and gradually. This will allow you to achieve better results over time for a whiter smile that will last. Your dentist will work with you on finding the right system and will ensure that you’re using the system properly to get the best results.

Confidence is important for everyone, and having a stained, yellowed smile can cause your confidence to be low and your smile to be hidden. With whiter and brighter teeth, you’ll gain that confidence back and show your smile off to those around you. You won’t have to hide your smile any longer! Contact Kennedy Dental Group, your Chapel Hill dentist today to learn more about teeth whitening options available to you.

Kennedy Dental Group located in Chapel Hill, NC, has been providing dental treatment and preventative care to their clients since 1967. Call Kennedy Dental at (919) 967-9291 to schedule an appointment today.

Chapel Hill Dentist Offers CEREC Crowns

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 07:06:49 GMT

When you first hear that you need a crown, you may be concerned with the amount of time it’s going to take out of your busy day, if it will be painful, how costly it will be and more. The good news is that these days, the dental field can offer many technologically advanced solutions to a variety of dental procedures. This new technology is allowing procedures to be shorter, less painful and more effective. Everything from cosmetic dentistry to restorative dentistry is seeing growth in technology. CEREC crowns are one such example, making getting a crown faster and more long lasting.

There are many situations that a tooth may require a crown versus a simple filling. It may be that the tooth has a crack or hole that is too large for a filling to cover. If you’ve had a root canal, it will almost always need to be covered with a crown after the procedure. Another reason could be that the tooth has an undesirable appearance such as discoloration, broken surfaces or an uneven appearance. There are many other reasons why a dentist may choose to use a crown on a tooth, which is why it’s good to have choices when it comes to crown placing procedures.

An improved advancement in crown technology is the CEREC unit for dental restorations. CEREC stands for ceramic reconstruction and is a system that assists a dentist in providing high quality, metal-free dental restoration. The process for getting a CEREC crown is simple for both you and your dentist. The process will start with your appointment and examination, photo imaging of your teeth, milling the restoration and end with placing the crown over your tooth using strong bonding material. The CEREC skips the process of taking messy manual impressions and instead takes a picture of the tooth and surrounding teeth to provide a blueprint for the crown. CEREC crowns come in a range of 17 shades to match the color of your natural teeth color, allowing it to blend in unnoticeable when you talk, eat, and smile. Because of the material used, the crowns are considerably stronger than many other materials. The process for a CEREC crown is comfortable and pain free.

Another huge benefit of using the CEREC machine is the time effectiveness of it. With traditional crowns, impressions must be made, a temporary cap needs to be placed, and you must wait for the off-site laboratory to make the crown. You then must schedule another appointment to come back and get the permanent crown placed. Using the CEREC, your dentist can do this all in one appointment. In just one appointment, you will walk out with a new crown and no need to book a series of long appointments and procedures.

Next time you need a crown done, find a dentist who uses the CEREC crowns. You will have a fast, painless crown placement without worrying about quality issues providing you will a long lasting, quick crown.

Kennedy Dental Group located in Chapel Hill, NC, has been providing dental treatment and preventative care to their clients since 1967. Call Kennedy Dental at (919) 967-9291 to schedule an appointment today.

Additional Reading:

When is a Dental Crown Needed?

What Is CEREC? (And Why Does it Matter?)

Top Reasons to Get One-Visit Cerec Dental Crowns

Why You Should Use Your Dental Insurance by the End of the Year

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 07:01:26 GMT

The year is quickly coming to a close, which means so is your dental insurance. While the end of the year is typically busy for most, it is worthwhile to make an appointment to see your dentist. At the end of the year, your dental insurance benefits will expire. If you haven’t been to the dentist much this year, it may be a good time to schedule a few appointments and make use of the benefits you’re paying for. There are several reasons why this is beneficial.

Save Money

Dental procedures can be expensive, even with insurance. You don’t want to be spending more than you have to for dental procedures. Using your insurance by the end of the year can save you hundreds of dollars or more. Most insurance plans run on a calendar year vs a fiscal year. At the end of December, the benefits you have attached to your dental insurance plan are lost. By making appointments before the end of the year, you can save a significant amount of money.

Because insurance companies make money from people who don’t use their benefits, most are not actively telling their clients to use their insurance by the end of the year. Many times, insurance companies count on these clients to let their benefits go unused. Insurance pays out an annual maximum that costs them money every year. When patients don’t use up their yearly maximum when they need it, the insurance company doesn’t have to pay that money. Be sure to check with your insurance company to know what benefits you have remaining and try to use them by the end of the year.

Deductible

Each dental plan includes a deductible. This is the amount of money that you must pay out of pocket for dental services before your insurances will pay. Generally, this amount is under $100, but varies by insurance provider. If you have been using your insurance all year, you will have most likely met your deductible by the end of the year. Deductibles do not roll over to the next year and any money you have put towards the deductible will be lost. Once your deductible resets, you will need to pay towards it again for the next year.

Yearly Maximum

Just like your deductible, your yearly maximum doesn’t rollover to the next year. The yearly maximum is the amount that your insurance plan pays towards your dental work in a year. Typically, this amount is $1000-$2500 per year and varies by insurance provider. Each month you pay a premium towards your benefits. Don’t lose these benefits by letting them go unused – you’ve earned them! Use your yearly maximum before they expire.

Fee Increases

As with many things, your dental insurance carrier may raise their fees the next year. You may be paying a certain amount this year and then end up paying more next year towards your insurance. Your premiums and deductibles could be at risk for increasing. If your dentist finds a dental problem that needs treatment, get it done before the end of the year to avoid paying more due to increases the next year.

Dentists may also raise their fees each year to keep up with costs that come from maintenance and regulations. This coupled with the possibility of insurance costs rising, means that getting your procedures done by the year end is extremely beneficial to you.

Dental Problems Can Worsen

Delaying dental treatment can cause more problems down the road. What may seem like a small issue can worsen later on. Getting regular dental checkups at your dentist allows dental issues to be discovered, identified and treated. Catching problems early means avoiding more extensive treatments when the problem worsens.

There are many reasons to use your dental insurance that can help you avoid issues next year. Contacting your dentist and scheduling an appointment will help you to avoid losing any insurance benefits and can save you money in the future.

Kennedy Dental Group located in Chapel Hill, NC, has been providing dental treatment and preventative care to their clients since 1967. Call (919) 967-9291 to schedule an appointment today.

Recommended Resources:

Dental Plan Basics: Knowing Which Plan to Choose

5 Reasons Why You Need Dental Insurance

Dental Insurance 101

Does Your Teeth Whitening Toothpaste Really Work?

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 07:01:20 GMT

Teeth whitening toothpastes have become one of the most popular and economical ways to improve your smile. An estimated 37 million Americans used whiteners in 2016, according to Statistica, making it one of the most used cosmetic enhancement products on the market.

It’s no wonder that so many people turn to these toothpastes to improve their smile. Nearly 20 percent of people feel so embarrassed by their teeth that they hide their smile during photographs, according to the National Institute of Teeth Whitening and more than 90 percent think that a healthy, white smile makes you look more appealing to the opposite sex. In fact, seven in ten people think that your smile can affect advancement in your career.

The question is, are they worth it? Can whitening toothpastes really help you maintain a whiter, brighter smile in between professional whitening procedures provided by your dentist? The answer is yes, provided you understand how they work and use them correctly.

How Teeth Whitening Toothpastes Work

Your teeth have two layers – an inner dentin layer and a hard outer enamel layer that protects your teeth. Everything you put into your mouth, from coffee and food to cigarette smoke, gradually adds another of foreign material on top of the tooth’s enamel layer. The foreign material builds a substance, known as a pellicle film, on your teeth. In time, the porous enamel can absorb staining agents from the pellicle film. These staining agents can work their way deep into the enamel, where you cannot simply brush them away.
To remove surface stains, many of these toothpastes contain special abrasives, such as silica that scrub the teeth. They also contain chemicals that set off an oxidation reaction, which breaks the stains apart. Many contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is the same chemical you would use to bleach your hair. When carbamide peroxide is applied to your teeth, after a period of time it breaks down into hydrogen peroxide. Some toothpaste also contains a substance, known as blue covarine, which sticks to your teeth to create an illusion of whiter teeth.

For best results, use a teeth whitening toothpaste that has earned a seal of approval from the American Dental Association. To keep your teeth looking great, avoid the activities that stain your teeth, like drinking lots of coffee or smoking cigarettes. Brush your teeth after eating foods that can stain your teeth, such as blueberries.

Using Teeth Whitening Toothpaste and Realistic Expectations

Teeth whitening toothpastes do not provide fast results like professional whitening treatments. In fact, most take two to six weeks to whiten teeth. Although products containing covarine may have an immediate effect, this is a short-term solution.

On the upside, teeth whitening toothpastes are inexpensive and easy to use. They can effectively remove stains from the surface of the teeth and are generally safe. On the downside, they don’t have an effect on the natural color of your teeth, which may already have a yellowish, gray or brown tinge to them, so they may not produce the results you expect.

It’s important to use whitening toothpastes according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Consult with your dentist if you have any questions or concerns about their use, particularly if you are interested in optimizing the results with professional dental whitening.

With proper use, teeth whitening toothpaste really can help you maintain the bright, white smile you have after visiting your dentist for a whitening session.

Kennedy Dental Group located in Chapel Hill, NC, has been providing dental treatment and preventative care to their clients since 1967. We have multiple options to help patients whiten at home, or in our office. Call Kennedy Dental at (919) 967-9291 to schedule an appointment today.

Does Your Dentist Use a CEREC Machine?

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 06:47:31 GMT

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Family Dentistry: 4 Tips to Ease Pediatric Dental Anxiety

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 06:42:53 GMT

Many children get nervous when they face the unexpected. Even though most dental procedures are painless, the fear of the unknown can make a child feel uneasy. A dentist’s office is filled with unfamiliar noises and strange equipment. As a parent, you want to ease their fears while providing access to high-quality dental care. Try these tips to ease your child’s fear of the dentist.

Choose a Family Dentistry Practice

When it comes to pediatric dentistry, experience matters. Choosing a family practice is a great first step to ensuring your child’s dentistry experiences are positive. A family dentist has experience treating patients of all ages. Children are at their best when their life is predictable. Keeping this in mind, a family dentist will work to build a rapport with the child and will keep them informed on every step of the visit in an age appropriate manner.

Portray a Positive Attitude as a Parent

A recent study showed that there is a strong correlation between a parent’s dental fear and anxiety and a child’s. The more a parent, particularly a mother, shows fear or displays anxiety about their own or their child’s upcoming dental treatment, the more affected the child is. Displaying a calm attitude about your own dental appointments as well as your child’s can ease their overall anxiety level. Rather than reinforce negative feelings with phrases like, “everyone hates to go to the dentist,” engage your child positively about their upcoming dental treatment and the life-long benefits of routine dental care.

Distraction Works

You may notice that the dentist asks your child seemingly unrelated questions to his or her treatment. What did you do this summer? Where do you like to go on vacation? Part of this builds a relationship with your child, but more importantly, it provides an important distraction. Most children enjoy talking about their favorite things and this tactic can work to make the appointment fly by.

Be a Reassuring Presence

When a child is stressed, he or she is usually reassured by the mere presence of a loved one. For an unusually anxious child, the dentist may ask you to sit close to the child, hold their hand, or talk to them. The dentist may also ask you to model a procedure before it happens so the child can see it for themselves. This makes the appointment more predictable and therefore, less frightening.

In general, the earlier a child begins routine dental visits the better. Once the first few teeth are visible, you should schedule the first visit. This practice will provide a dental home for your child where they can become familiar with the staff and dentists, all of which reduces future anxiety.

Kennedy Dental Group is a full-service dental practice located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. We specialize in family dentistry, treating patients of all ages. Call Kennedy Dental to schedule your next appointment at 919-967-9291.

General Dentistry Tips: What Is CareCredit?

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 06:30:17 GMT

Welcome to our new monthly blog series; general dentistry tips. Once a month, we will focus on an aspect of general dentistry and share some tips, information, and advice on general dentistry and dental health. Check back each month to see what the new tip is and how it will help you in keeping your smile healthy.

Dental insurance isn’t always readily available to you or those under your care. It may be that your employer doesn’t offer it, you can’t find an affordable plan, you are waiting for your dental coverage to begin, and other reasons. No matter the reason, the care of your teeth is still important and costs may arise to care for them and to fix any issues you may have. You never know when a dental expense might arise and it’s important to be prepared for it.

Luckily, there is an option for those who need important work done on their teeth yet lack dental insurance to pay for it. CareCredit is healthcare credit card designed to help you and your family pay for dental and healthcare costs without having to wait for funds to become available. With CareCredit, you can pay for your dental costs in smaller monthly payments that work for you and your family. You won’t have to pay one large sum of money up front and will have more time to pay off your dental costs.

Another great benefit of CareCredit, is that it doesn’t only pay for emergency dental procedures. CareCredit pays for a variety of dental care treatments from large to small. Here are some of the preventative dental care treatments and procedures you can use CareCredit to pay for:

6-month check-ups
Endodontics
Periodontics
Periodontal scaling
Periodontal disease prevention
Gingivitis prevention
Fluoride treatment
Ceramic fillings
Sealants
Teeth cleaning

Improving the overall look of your smile can also be covered by using CareCredit. Some cosmetic procedures you can get done include:

Veneers
Dental implants
Ceramic crowns
Braces or retainers
Tooth repair
Dentures

These are just an example of the treatments and procedures covered by CareCredit and may vary depending on your dental provider. Call your dentist to discuss what can be paid for using CareCredit.

Don’t let the health and care of your teeth be delayed because of the inability to pay. CareCredit will allow you to get the care you need, when you need without waiting. You can go to your dentist knowing you will be able to pay for the procedures you need.

Kennedy Dental Group located in Chapel Hill, NC, has been providing dental treatment and preventative care to their clients since 1967. Call Kennedy Dental at (919) 967-9291 to schedule an appointment today.

Kids Pediatric Dentistry: Dental Sealants Protect Against Cavities

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 06:10:52 GMT

It’s a fact that kid’s teeth fall out, eventually they will lose the primary teeth that are replaced with permanent ones. While these teeth are temporary, that doesn’t mean dental care for them isn’t important! Dental health and care is important when it comes to pediatric dentistry. Untreated primary teeth, also called baby teeth, can affect the permanent teeth that come in behind them. Poor dental health will also affect children’s speech and nutrition habits.

The good news is there is a quick and easy way to prevent cavities in younger mouths! According to an article by NBC News, dental sealants can prevent 80 percent of cavities in children. Unfortunately, only 43 percent of children have them. These sealants work by providing a protective coating over the molars that prevent tooth decay on baby teeth. When food gets into these parts of the teeth, it can be hard to remove the food even with regular brushing. Food that doesn’t get removed, rots and creates acid that sits on the teeth and starts to form cavities. While many dental procedures can be costly, insurance generally covers the cost of sealants. Dental sealants are also a third of the cost of getting a filling. This process will save families money by preventing cavities before there is a need to fix them.

How do dental sealants work to prevent cavities? Dental sealants are an important part of pediatric dentistry. The sealant is applied directly to the chewing surface of the molars and then dried with a special UV light. This will coat the grooves and pits of the tooth, areas where food can easily get trapped. The sealant will protect the enamel of the teeth, the strongest defense against tooth decay. On each checkup, your dentist will check to ensure there are no issues. If any wear or leaks occur to the sealant the dentist can do a quick repair the same day. This is also a quick and painless procedure, the best kind for a child scared or anxious at the dentist. Your child will also be able to eat and drink as soon as the sealant is dry which means no long wait for snack or meal time!

Though sealants make a huge difference in preventing cavities in children, preventative measures need to be followed as well. This not only prevents issues to the sealant and baby teeth but it also will develop good habits that your child will continue throughout their lives to protect their permanent teeth.

Parents are the biggest resource in encouraging kids to develop good brushing habits. Small children may need a hand to guide them through the motions until they are doing a good enough job on their own. If parents have good brushing habits and oral health, they will set the greatest example for their child!

Prevention steps for children:

Brush for two minutes, twice a day. To encourage brushing, do it together with your child and make it fun with music or a dance!
Floss daily
Visit the dentist twice annually for a checkup and a cleaning

Pairing dental sealants with regular brushing and flossing with allow your child to have excellent dental health for a long time. They will not only protect their temporary baby teeth, but also protect their future, permanent adult teeth.

Kennedy Dental Group located in Chapel Hill, NC, has been providing dental treatment and preventative care to their clients since 1967. Call Kennedy Dental at (919) 967-9291 to schedule an appointment today.

Recommended Reading:

Dental Sealants Prevent Cavities and More Kids Need Them, CDC Says

What are Dental Sealants and Does My Child Need Them?

The Most Trusted Dentist in Chapel Hill, NC | Kennedy Dental Group

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 04:30:55 GMT

Often, it can be a challenge to find a dentist who offers comprehensive care while building a good relationship with their patients. You want to find the most trusted dentist in Chapel Hill that will provide the best care for all phases of your dental health, from preventive to restorative care. You also want to find a dentist where you are not just another number in line, someone that you share a relationship built on trust. For the past 50 years, Kennedy Dental Group has been trusted to provide premium dental care to all their patients, both new and old. They offer the best in dental technology while also maintaining excellent one-on-one patient care.

One-Stop Comprehensive Dental Care

It’s important that your dental provider is able to offer you all the services you need under one roof. This will save you valuable time and effort. A dentist who provides comprehensive dental services should offer:

    Restorative Procedures
    Diagnostic Services
    Patient Education
    Pediatric Dentistry
    Oral Pathology Services
    Periodontal Treatment
    Oral Surgery
    Endodontic Treatment
    Removable Oral Appliances

A Relationship Built on Trust

The most trusted dental office provides excellent preventative and practical care to all their patients. They will focus on how to prevent against cavities and other dental issues before they appear. There won’t be any unnecessary treatments performed and you can believe that there is a necessary reason for any treatment provided. This includes educating patients on the proper way to care for their teeth and how to avoid future problems. Ideally the patient practitioner relationship is found at an early age and carried on through life. However it is not important when you establish trust, but more importantly that you finally find the most trusted dentist.

New Dental Technology is Essential

Dental technology is always evolving and advancing. Dental offices must stay up to date on the latest equipment and training to offer the best dental care. One such advance Kennedy Dental Group uses is the CEREC machine for restorative dental procedures, such as dental crowns, inlays, onlays and veneers. This technology allows Kennedy Dental Group to build these appliances quickly and correctly in-house. You know that you are receiving state-of-the-art services that you can count on.

Make the Right Choice

The staff at Kennedy Dental Group in Chapel Hill, NC is a group of educated professionals who continually work and train to understand the latest dental advancements. Their dentists are graduates of UNC Chapel Hill and have years of experience working with patients in the Chapel Hill area. The doctors and staff pride themselves on building strong relationships with their patients. This means they are building trust and helping their patients achieve the best possible dental health.

Kennedy Dental Group located in Chapel Hill, NC, has been providing dental treatment and preventative care to their clients since 1967. Call Kennedy Dental at (919) 967-9291 to schedule an appointment today.

Pediatric Dentistry: Tips to Get Your Children to Brush and Floss

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 04:26:28 GMT

Parents have a lot of lessons to teach their children. From tying their shoes to riding a bike to good table manners, parents try to instill good habits and healthy processes that will last a lifetime. To this point, parents also have a role to play in pediatric dentistry. In fact, helping your kids learn to brush and floss properly is one of the most important aspects of self-care. Without establishing good brushing and flossing habits early in life, children could grow up to be adults with significant dental problems.

Here are some tips that will help build good brushing and flossing habits into your kids’ routines.

Be a Good Example

Young children want to do everything that mom and dad do. So make sure they see you brush and floss daily. They’ll notice these habits are part of your morning and evening routines, and they’ll be compelled to copy your actions. Go a step further and make brushing time a family event every night before bed. Keep in mind that your kids will need a little extra help brushing until they’re six or seven to ensure good cleaning.

Have Fun in the Dental Care Aisle

Let your kids pick out a toothbrush and toothpaste. Allow your children to choose toothbrushes that feature their favorite cartoon character or favorite color. Browse the flavored toothpaste options and let your kids pick their favorites. Remember, you should not buy fluoride toothpastes for children under the age of three. Make sure that it is labeled safe to swallow.

Set a Routine

Kids to need to brush their teeth in the morning when they wake up and at night before bed. It’s especially important at bedtime so plaque doesn’t have a chance to grow overnight. Use a timer to ensure your children brush long enough and to help them learn the proper length of time to brush. If convenient, have your kids brush after eating candy and sugary snacks like cookies and soda. Brushing after these snacks will remove food particles and cut down on the bacteria that cause erosion and decay.

Make It Fun

Use songs to make it fun to brush and floss. Try using songs like these from the American Dental Association or let your children listen to their favorite songs while cleaning their teeth. The purpose of the songs is two-fold: it makes brushing more enjoyable and it serves as a timer. Tell your kids they need to brush until the song is over so that they clean their teeth adequately.

Create Teaching Moments

If your child gets a cavity and has it filled, use it as teachable moment. Make sure your child knows that the cavity means he or she needs to improve their oral care. Don’t make going to the dentist seem like a punishment, but be sure your little one understands that cavities can be avoided with proper oral care.

Visit the Dentist Regularly

All members of your family should have regular checkups and cleanings with your family dentist. You and your children should have a scheduled appointment every six months to proactively monitor your teeth and remedy any problems before they become problematic.

Kennedy Dental Group located in Chapel Hill, NC, has been providing dental treatment and preventative care to their clients since 1967. Call Kennedy Dental at (919) 967-9291 to schedule an appointment today.

True or False: Test Your Dental Health Knowledge?

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 04:22:36 GMT

In 50 years of helping Chapel Hill residents take care of their smiles, Kennedy Dental Group has heard it all; there’s a lot of misinformation out there about dental health. Do you think you understand how to keep your teeth and gums healthy? Sink your teeth into this true/false quiz to test your dental health knowledge!

If your gums are bleeding, it’s a sign that you need to leave them alone.

False. When your gums bleed during flossing, it’s actually a sign that you might need to floss more often (unless directed otherwise by your dentist, a good rule of thumb is to floss once each day.) If bleeding gums continue to be a problem, there may be a build up of plaque or you may have a vitamin deficiency. Be sure to mention any concerns about bleeding gums to your dentist.

The best time to brush your teeth is right after eating or drinking.

Sometimes true/sometimes false. This one can be tricky. It depends on what you’re eating. If you have eaten carbohydrate-rich foods, brushing right after you finish eating could help keep bacteria from attacking the enamel on your teeth. However, if you ate or drank something acidic like an orange, grapefruit, or citrus fruit juice, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth to protect your enamel.

The more time you spend brushing and flossing, the healthier your teeth and gums will be.

False. While you might think that brushing and flossing for a longer period of time would lead to a healthier smile, there is the concept of too much of a good thing. Experts recommend using a light touch (don’t apply too much pressure) for no more than two minutes at a time. If you’re not sure you’re doing it right, talk to your dentist about it at your next visit.

It’s OK if you’ve been lax about brushing and flossing as long as you get in extra brushing and flossing right before going to the dentist.

False. While your dental hygienist and dentist appreciate a clean mouth when you arrive, there’s no making up for neglecting your teeth between cleanings. Get into the habit of brushing at least twice each day and flossing at least once every day. You won’t feel like you need to get in a make-up flossing session before your next cleaning.

If you are prone to getting cavities, you can blame it on your genes.

True (to a point.) How healthy your teeth are is the result of a combination of how well you take care of them and your genetic makeup. According to a CNN story, approximately 60 percent of your risk for tooth decay comes from genetic factors. If your parents and grandparents had good teeth, that doesn’t give you license to skimp on brushing and flossing. The reverse is also true; if you are genetically pre-disposed to tooth decay, you can still limit it by taking good care of your teeth.

Using sugar-free gum can help keep your teeth clean.

True. While it may seem too good to be true, the science is in, and the consensus is that sugar-free gum can help prevent cavities in between brushing because it removes food particles from the surface of your teeth, and increases saliva production which also helps protect your teeth. There are even some sugar-free gum brands on the market that contain casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), which can help to strengthen enamel, making your teeth stronger.
Schedule Your Dental Visit Today

How did you do? If you got every question right, congratulations! If not, that’s OK too. Want to improve your tooth I.Q.? Regular visits to your dentist assure that your teeth and gums are healthy and are a great way to “get schooled” about effective oral health techniques.

Kennedy Dental Group located in Chapel Hill, NC, has been providing dental treatment and preventative care to their clients since 1967. Call Kennedy Dental at (919) 967-9291 to schedule an appointment today.

Straightening Smiles with Invisalign

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 04:22:34 GMT

In the past, when someone wanted themselves or their kids to have straightened teeth, braces were the go to method of straightening. With braces having a lot of metal and sharp edges, these were often uncomfortable and painful for the wearer. Now there is Invisalign, an alternative to braces. Invisalign is a more comfortable alternative offering teeth straightening with clear plastic retainers that are smooth and comfortable. Straightening your teeth can be a big decision with a big impact on your life. You will want to take into account the commitment, convenience, and appearance of whatever method you and your dentist choose.

What is Invisalign?

The choice to straighten your teeth can have a big impact on your everyday life. Choosing to wear braces can affect how and what you eat as well as your appearance. Invisalign offers an alternative to teeth straightening over traditional braces. Invisalign is a series of computer-generated, 3-D printed aligners that move your teeth the same way braces do. Just like traditional braces, Invisalign uses pressure to make your teeth move. Pressure can be applied to specific teeth ensuring the optimal end result of a straight smile. Using a series of these aligners provided by your dentist, your teeth will move week by week and little by little, gradually moving towards the final position. These aligners end with a straight smile and a modern alternative to traditional braces.

Living with Invisalign

Invisalign aligners offer more flexibility and comfort in comparison to traditional braces. There are many noticeable differences for those who choose Invisalign and many of them increase the overall look and feel during the process of getting a straighter smile.

Fewer trips to the office – Because Invisalign is done in stages with difference sets of aligners, you are able to bring home several sets aligners from the dentist. As long as you are following the dentist’s directions, you can go several weeks without a trip to the dentist.

Eat what you want – Wearing Invisalign you can easily take out your aligners to eat meaning you can eat what you want, no matter how sticky unlike traditional braces.

Discreet aligners – Invisalign uses “sheer” aligners which means people might not even notice you are anything in your mouth. Without any glaring metal or colored bands, the focus won’t be on your teeth.

Improved Oral Hygiene – Traditional braces with all the metal spaces and crevices can be difficult to clean properly and thoroughly. Removing the Invisalign aligners allows you to brush and floss without having to work around wires and brackets.

Wearers Responsibility

The convenience and ability to remove Invisalign also puts responsibility on the person wearing the Invisalign system. You are responsible for keeping them on your teeth and from ensuring that each time. Also each time the aligners are removed they must be cleaned to avoid any staining. Invisalign’s success is on the shoulders of the wearer, if you don’t wear them they won’t work! Keeping this in mind is important when considering Invisalign as an option for straightening your smile.

Straightening your smiles doesn’t have to disrupt your everyday life. A smile can change everything; your confidence, your impact and your life. How you choose to straighten your teeth can have a big difference in the process of getting the smile you want. Invisalign can have a minimal impact on your life and you can use them without much effort at all.

Kennedy Dental Group located in Chapel Hill, NC, has been providing dental treatment and preventative care to their clients since 1967. Call Asa Goldenberg at (919) 967-9291 to schedule an appointment today.

What is Practical Dentistry?

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 07:53:00 GMT

If an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, then preventive dentistry is one of the most valuable and practical tools available to those who wish to maintain good oral health. It’s also the most effective way of protecting your pocketbook. Identifying problems in their earliest stages or avoiding these conditions altogether allows patients to enjoy improved outcomes and lower treatment costs in the long term. Healthcare today can treat conditions better than in the past. How we choose our health care options changes according to our individual needs. Kennedy Dental Group wants to be the Chapel Hill practice you choose to help achieve and maintain your dental health without compromising the other priorities of your life.

Armed With the Right Information

We understand that dentistry is only part of your complex world. And we know you are not like anyone else. That’s why we’ve developed the concept of Practical Dentistry, dentistry tailored to the individual. We work hard to earn your trust. Our unique method is to combine preventive care with patient education and comfort so that our patients can make informed treatment decisions for themselves and their family.

What genuinely delightful experience…Each and every person I came in contact with was so warm and welcoming …. Dr. Webb took so much time in explaining everything to me rather than rushing from room to room, patient to patient, as some of my dentists have done in the past…I could not help but be impressed. – Richard B. (Patient Since 2016).

No Selling

While many dental practices raise costs in order to fit their own agenda, Kennedy Dentist Group is only focused on the health of your teeth and promoting good dental hygiene. Jeffrey R. Kennedy, DDS, says, “We have no monthly sales quota.   Therefore, you won’t see us recommending unnecessary or premature procedures. You also won’t see us selling vitamins or other dietary supplements, or claiming that it will help your oral hygiene.”

In other words, Practical Dentistry is treatment for your health, while also designed around your life and priorities.

The results speak for themselves…Jeff Kennedy and crew are the best dentists I have been to…ever. He is conservative, never suggesting procedures where they would be premature or optional. Amy Ganas is indeed the most thorough and considerate hygienist there is. Period. You cannot go wrong with this crew! – Howard H. (Patient since 2015).

Flexibility

The Kennedy Dentistry Group in Chapel Hill are compassionate and caring. They strive to establish a personal relationship with each and every patient.

That means giving you choices whenever possible. One size doesn’t fit all; patients are all different from each other. Their ability to pay is different. Their roadblocks to treatment are different.   Kennedy says. “We strive to provide a unique experience and personalized treatment plan for each and every patient.”

It is unbelievable that you remember my name each time I come in. I get chided by my own children for calling them the wrong names. There is no tension in the office, except my own, and I always get my favorite dental hygienists. – Barbara H. (Patient since 2014).

Available Resources

Unlike other dental web sites, their FAQ is not prepared by one or two doctors. What Kennedy Dental Group has done is compiled the best answers. For instance, if you have a question about root canal treatments they guide you to the American Academy of Endodontics FAQ section. So instead of getting your answer from an individual doctor, you get it from the most reputable source for root canal treatment issues.*

Some of the topics are:

    General Dentistry
    Oral Health
    Braces and Orthodontics
    Gum Disease and Treatment
    Root Canal Treatment
    Dentistry for Children
    Mouth and Jaw Surgery
    Dentures, Implants, Missing Teeth

The bottom line is that Practical Dentistry allows you to trust your dentists’ clinical skills and fair judgment to help reach your personal objectives in your own life for health, function, comfort and appearance without unnecessary treatment or high pressure tactics.

Amazing dental practice…Dr. Kennedy has been my dentist for more than two decades. His expertise and professional care has provided me with the best possible oral health. I would highly recommend the Kennedy Dental Group. – Carol F.D. (Patient since 1995).

*All the answers provided are for general information only. Your dentist will be able to answer any specific questions about your case. You should consult your dentist before making any decisions regarding treatment for your oral health issues.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity and What Can You Do About It?

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 07:40:46 GMT

Does the thought of eating something cold give you pause because you know it will cause discomfort? If so, it sounds like you may have tooth sensitivity – an extremely common condition. In fact, according to the Academy of General Dentistry, more than 40 million adults in the U.S. have had to deal with sensitive teeth at one point or another.
What is Tooth Sensitivity and What Causes it?

Your teeth are made up of a substance called dentin, which is filled with tiny nerve endings that are protected by hard enamel and a material called cementum. When the protective enamel or cementum becomes worn down, or if your gums have receded, those nerve endings are exposed to everything you put in your mouth.

Tooth sensitivity can actually be caused by several different types of underlying issues; only a visit to your dentist can help you know for sure why you experience discomfort when eating or drinking cold. Some of the things that can lead to tooth sensitivity include:

    Grinding or clenching your teeth while you’re sleeping
    Receding gums, leaving your roots exposed
    Consuming highly acidic foods or beverages over time, which can erode your teeth
    Brushing your teeth too aggressively or using a hard toothbrush
    Tooth decay
    Broken teeth
    Leaky fillings

An Ounce of Prevention…

To prevent further sensitivity issues, be conscious of how you are brushing your teeth and don’t use a hard toothbrush. Dealing with tooth decay, broken teeth or old fillings can also help limit further sensitivity.

Being more conscious of what you are eating and drinking can help too; avoid acidic foods, sodas and high-sugar snacks which can be tough on your teeth.
Tooth Sensitivity Treatment

The first step in treating tooth sensitivity is having a discussion with your dentist about your pain. He or she will examine your teeth and gums to determine what tooth sensitivity treatment options might be available.

If grinding your teeth at night is contributing to your sensitivity, your dentist will discuss ways to address grinding – this may include wearing a dental device while you sleep.
When tooth sensitivity comes from gum loss, you may be a candidate for a gum graft performed by a periodontist.

Sometimes, there is no obvious cause for tooth sensitivity. In those cases, your dentist may still be able to help. Using a fluoride gel applied during an in-office visit can help strengthen the enamel on your teeth. Your dentist may also apply sealants, recommend fillings or root canals for more serious cases.

Finally, there are also several over-the-counter toothpastes on the market, designed specifically for people with sensitive teeth.
Kennedy Dental Can Help

If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, you owe it to yourself to find out why and to treat the cause. Over the past 50 years, the experienced professionals at Kennedy Dental Group have helped many patients get relief – we can help you too.

Kennedy Dental Group located in Chapel Hill, NC, has been providing dental treatment and preventative care to their clients since 1967. Call Kennedy Dental at (919) 967-9291 to schedule an appointment today.