Dental Conditions - Melissa, TX

Impacted teeth are those that haven’t erupted fully through the gums. They can occur with stubborn baby teeth, wisdom teeth, and sometimes permanent adult teeth. There are various reasons why adult teeth can have a difficult time erupting. Among the most common reasons are a higher-than-normal number of teeth in the mouth, obstructive growths, and overcrowding from surrounding teeth. Impacted teeth can cause several problems for the patient starting at an early age.

If these teeth cannot come in fully, the child may have difficulty eating normally, as well as pain and tooth misalignment. In many other cases, symptoms may not appear until an X-ray presents the issue. We can offer a few options to resolve impacted teeth, including working with an orthodontist to guide the tooth to the proper placement. In the case of wisdom teeth, we often recommend extraction.

Commonly known as “wisdom teeth,” third molars typically emerge during the late teenage years or early 20s and can potentially cause various oral health problems. Almost 90% of people have had at least one impacted wisdom tooth, indicating insufficient space for the teeth to erupt into a normal position. Their location in the very back of the mouth makes them hard to clean and, therefore, more prone to decay, infection, gum disease, pain, and even the development of cysts or tumors in the surrounding tissues!

They can also throw neighboring healthy teeth out of alignment. Often, wisdom teeth are located close to nerves, sinus cavities, and other teeth, so you must have a skilled expert remove them if they become impacted. As board-certified dentists, we’re exceptionally qualified to remove your wisdom teeth while maintaining comfort and safety.

Teeth can become broken or infected for several reasons, including trauma and decay. Bacterial buildup due to poor dental hygiene is often the cause of dental infections. Sometimes repairs, medications, or a combination of both enable our doctors to save your tooth. In such cases, we thoroughly evaluate your teeth to determine the treatment best suits your specific issue. When extensive damage or decay, some teeth cannot be rehabilitated through treatment. Though we do our utmost to preserve your natural teeth, extraction may be our only option.

The extraction process for most teeth is pretty straightforward. After making you comfortable with anesthesia, we gently grip the tooth with forceps and carefully pull it loose from the socket. Once removed, unless it’s a wisdom tooth, it should be replaced to restore the function and esthetics of your smile and protect your jaw from deterioration. Dental implants are the best overall tooth replacement option, not just in function and aesthetics but also for long-lasting performance.

Missing teeth can limit your ability to eat, speak, and smile comfortably, and they may have more profound implications beyond simple chewing function and smile esthetics. Teeth rely on each other for support. When one is missing, the teeth on either side of the gap can shift out of alignment, eventually requiring orthodontic treatment. Further, the absence of tooth roots in the jawbone can cause the jawbone to begin receding, leading to further tooth loss and giving your face an unhealthy, sunken, and even prematurely aged appearance!

Dental implants, recognized as today’s “gold standard” for tooth replacement, can prevent you from experiencing any of those issues. Suppose you follow a tooth extraction or trauma-related tooth loss with dental implant placement. In that case, you can continue eating the foods you love, speak and smile without embarrassment, and even significantly boost your self-confidence. All this can be yours since nothing looks more authentic or lasts longer than our dental implants in Melissa, TX. Even if you’ve already begun to suffer bone loss, our board-certified dentists can reverse it through bone grafting before placing your dental implants.

Treating chronic gum disease involves a multi-faceted approach tailored to each individual’s needs. Firstly, meticulous oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use, are essential to control plaque buildup and prevent further progression.

Professional dental and deep cleanings, known as scaling and root planing, help remove hardened plaque and bacteria from below the gumline. In some cases, antibiotics or antimicrobial mouth rinses may be prescribed to combat persistent infection. Finally, ongoing monitoring by a dentist or periodontist is crucial to assess the effectiveness of treatment and make any necessary adjustments to maintain gum health.

Treating loose dentures typically involves adjustments and enhancements to improve their fit and function. Denture adhesive can provide temporary relief by enhancing stability, but a more permanent solution often requires professional intervention. We may adjust the dentures’ fit by adding or reshaping the acrylic base or changing the clasps for better retention.

In some cases, denture relining or rebasing may be necessary to ensure a snug fit against the gums. For individuals experiencing severe looseness or discomfort, implant-supported dentures offer a long-term solution by anchoring the dentures securely to dental implants in the jawbone.

Treating gummy smiles involves various approaches tailored to the underlying causes and severity of the condition. Non-invasive options may include botulinum toxin injections to relax the upper lip’s muscles, reducing its elevation during smiling. Orthodontic treatments such as clear aligners may be recommended to correct jaw alignment issues contributing to a gummy appearance.

For more severe cases, surgical procedures like gingivectomy or crown lengthening can be performed to remove excess gum tissue and expose more of the tooth structure, creating a balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile. Our practice utilizes advanced techniques and a personalized approach to ensure optimal results while prioritizing patient comfort. By addressing the root cause of a gummy smile, we help patients achieve a more confident and harmonious appearance. Consultations with our experienced team allow us to determine each individual’s most suitable treatment plan.

Treating bleeding gums typically starts with improving oral hygiene habits, such as thorough brushing, flossing, and using antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce plaque buildup and inflammation. Regular dental check-ups are essential to detect and address any underlying dental issues contributing to bleeding gums, such as gum disease or infections. Professional dental cleanings, including scaling and root planing, help remove hardened plaque and tartar below the gum line, reducing inflammation and bleeding.

In some cases, dentists may recommend lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, as smoking can exacerbate gum inflammation and increase the risk of bleeding. For severe cases of gum disease, more intensive treatments like gum surgery or antibiotic therapy may be necessary to control infection and restore gum health.

Discolored teeth can significantly impact your confidence and willingness to smile. Whether caused by coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, or the natural aging process, tooth discoloration can make even the healthiest smiles appear less attractive. At Magnolia Ridge Dentistry, we offer professional whitening treatments designed to restore the natural brightness of your teeth.

Our advanced whitening procedures are safe, effective, and tailored to your specific needs, ensuring optimal results. With our expert care, you can achieve a radiant smile that enhances your overall appearance and boosts your self-esteem. Say goodbye to discolored teeth and hello to a brighter, more confident smile with our professional whitening treatments!

Mishappen, discolored, or cracked teeth can affect your smile’s appearance and function. These imperfections, whether from injury, wear, or natural development, can diminish your confidence and impact your oral health. We offer porcelain veneers and crowns as effective solutions. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth, providing a natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

On the other hand, crowns encase the entire tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and function. Both options are crafted from high-quality materials that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, offering durable and long-lasting results. With veneers and crowns, we can transform your smile, enhancing its beauty and functionality while boosting your self-esteem.

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often leading to poor-quality rest and health complications. It occurs when the airway becomes blocked or collapses, causing interruptions in oxygen flow to the brain and body. Common symptoms include loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

At Magnolia Ridge Dentistry, we offer customized treatment options, including oral appliance therapy, which gently repositions the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep. Our team collaborates with sleep specialists to ensure an accurate diagnosis and effective management, helping patients achieve better sleep, improved health, and a higher quality of life.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder affects the joints connecting the jaw to the skull, causing pain, discomfort, and difficulty in jaw movement. It can result from stress, teeth grinding, arthritis, or jaw misalignment, with symptoms including jaw pain, headaches, earaches, and clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw.

We offer personalized treatment options to relieve TMJ symptoms and restore comfort. These include therapeutic Botox injections to relax overactive muscles, custom-fitted nightguards to prevent teeth grinding, and lifestyle modifications to reduce strain on the jaw. With a comprehensive approach, we aim to alleviate pain and improve jaw function for lasting relief.

A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth (the lingual frenulum) is too short, tight, or thick, restricting tongue movement. This can lead to difficulties with breastfeeding, speech issues, and problems with oral hygiene or swallowing. At our practice, we diagnose and treat tongue ties using a frenectomy procedure.

This quick and minimally invasive treatment involves releasing the restrictive tissue, often using advanced laser technology for precision and comfort. The procedure is safe and effective and helps restore normal tongue function, improving the quality of life for patients of all ages.

A lip tie is a condition where the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums (the labial frenulum) is too tight or restrictive, limiting the lip’s natural movement. This can cause difficulties with breastfeeding in infants, speech development in children, and even dental issues such as gaps between teeth.

At Magnolia Ridge Dentistry, we treat lip ties with a quick and minimally invasive procedure called a frenectomy. Using advanced tools, such as a laser, we gently release the restrictive tissue to improve mobility and functionality. The procedure is safe, efficient, and designed to provide immediate relief while promoting healthy oral development.