9 Fine Reasons to Try Dental Implants

“I've always had a difficult time getting a good fit with bridges and crowns with other dentists but Dr. Whitefield got my bite perfect on the first visit when I got implants. He is very good at fine-tuning until the bite is perfect.”

~ Whitefield Dental Patient Sharon S.

State of the Art in Dentistry Advancing

Today, the state of the art in dental technology is advancing very rapidly. That’s excellent news for anyone hoping to improve upon their smile. In the case of dental implants, it’s extremely good news. Until recently, missing or damaged teeth were replaced with dental crowns and bridges. Now, the implementation of dental implants as an alternative or in place of traditional crowns and bridges has become almost commonplace. As reflected in the testimony above, patients everywhere are sharing glowing testimonials of their experiences with dental implants. Here is a list of the top nine advantages:

ADVANTAGES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS OVER BRIDGES & CROWNS

1. Easier to clean & maintain
2. More natural look
3. Facilitate chewing
4. Do not slip as bridges occasionally do
5. Better “bite” alignment
6. Do not rely on other healthy teeth for support  
7. Can be used to replace more than one missing natural tooth
8. Helps eliminate jaw bone loss (erosion)
9. Long term cost effectiveness

Interested in learning more about dental implants vs. dental bridges and dental crowns? Whitefield Dental can help! Talk to your Greater Nashville Dental Implant Specialist, Dr. Mark Whitefield to discuss whether dental implants, crowns, or bridges will be  the best smile-saving methods for you. We want to help you make the best choices to protect the health of your teeth and gums today. For more information, call Whitefield Dental at (615) 889-5545 today to schedule an appointment.

For information about special offers from Whitefield Dental, click the link here: www.dentisthermitagetn.com

What To Do About a Chipped or Broken Tooth

Ouch! That looks like it hurts! But handling a chipped or broken tooth doesn’t have to hurt. Half the battle  is knowing what to do. At Whitefield Dental, we are here to help you with all of your dental emergencies. So just what do you do to deal with a chipped or broken tooth?

FIRST THINGS FIRST

How you handle it depends upon how the tooth was damaged. If the damage was the result of an accident involving force, the first thing you will want to do is to make sure that there is not greater injury involved. Is an emergency room visit in order? In the case of head trauma, a person may experience a concussion or even brain damage. Make sure the person - yourself or another - is stable before proceeding.

SEE YOUR DENTIST ASAP

Depending upon the type of damage and the tooth you may not feel any pain. Still, the first thing to do is to make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible, the same day if possible. That gives them the ability to evaluate the extent of the damage and determine the appropriate course of treatment. Often, time is of the essence.

RINSE, PRESSURE...MILK?

While you’re waiting:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water
• If bleeding in your mouth, apply pressure with a wet cloth or a tea bag until the bleeding stops
• A cold compress or cloth on the outside of your chin, cheeks or jaw will reduce the swelling
• A mild pain reliever, like Ibuprofen or aspirin, will help relieve the pain
• If you lost the whole tooth out of the socket, hold on to it, and keep it from drying out!
• You’ve heard of keeping it in milk, but you can store it in bottled water, contact solution or tap water. Bring the tooth with you when you visit the dentist, as they may be able to bond it back into place. You can even keep it under your tongue, but we don’t recommend this under anything but extreme circumstances, because it’s not unusual to accidentally swallow the tooth in all the excitement!

CONTACT WHITEFIELD DENTAL

While breaking or losing a tooth can be unsettling, there’s no need to panic. Follow the instructions above and take the best care of yourself possible in the meantime. At Whitefield Dental, dental emergencies like chipped and broken teeth are our specialty. Call Whitefield Dental today at (615) 378-5899. We look forward to helping you!

For information about special offers from Whitefield Dental, click HERE.

Whitefield Dental | (615) 378-5899 | 4251 Lebanon Pike, Hermitage, TN

Whitefield Dental Proudly Announces the Addition of Dr. Hill to the Team!

               

Whitefield Dental is proud to introduce Dr. Reid Hill, the newest addition to our talented staff. A born and bred Nashville, Tennessee native, we are very glad Dr. Hill has chosen to return to Nashville  upon completing his educational journey and beginning his professional work.

He joins us at Whitefield Dental after completing his education at nearby Brentwood Academy, followed by Auburn University where he received a Bachelors of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences. He then attended the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, graduating with Honors.

Upon graduating from the College of Dentistry, he was accepted into a General Practice Residency program at Georgia Regents University (formerly known as Medical College of Georgia). In this residency, Dr. Hill gained experience in treating complex dental cases, as well as treating medically compromised patients. Additionally, he gained experience in Implant Dentistry and I.V. Sedation Dentistry.

Much like Dr. Whitefield, Dr. Hill also enjoys spending his free time in the outdoors; hunting, fishing, and a wide variety of activities that allow him to appreciate the fresh air and beautiful scenery of our region. And speaking of outdoor activities: Dr. Hill remains a passionate supporter of his Alabama alma mater, Auburn U, and makes the trek back to enjoy Tigers football as often as his schedule allows. Look out Volunteers fans!

Dr. Hill shares that he is extremely honored and excited to return home to the city we all love for its rustic rolling countrysides, rich community, and warm, friendly people. He looks forward to getting to know and work with the wonderful staff and patients of Whitefield Dental - and the feeling is mutual. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Reid Hill to the Whitefield Dental team!

For information about special offers from Whitefield Dental, click HERE.

Whitefield Dental | (615) 378-5899 | 4251 Lebanon Pike, Hermitage, TN

Top 5 Facts About Composite Veneers

Top 5 Facts About Composite Veneers

If you’re like us, the warmth of the summer sun shining down just naturally makes us want to smile. But the sad truth is that many people feel too embarrassed by the condition of their teeth to freely smile. Are you one of them? If so, you may already be considering dental veneers as an option to improve your smile.

A dental veneer, or laminate, is a thin, translucent shell custom-crafted to fit each flawed tooth, and then placed onto the tooth’s surface, concealing imperfections. But how much do you really know about composite veneers? At the office of Nashville veneer specialist Dr. Mark Whitefield,  we’ve compiled a list of 5 frequently asked questions about dental veneers to help you better understand your options:

1) What kinds of problems do dental veneers fix?

• Teeth that are discolored from:
• Root canal treatment
• Stains from tetracycline or other drugs
• Excessive fluoride or other causes
• The presence of large resin fillings that have discolored the tooth
• Teeth that are worn down
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped teeth (for example, have craters or bulges in them)
• Gapped teeth

2) What happens to my teeth after veneers? Will I ever get cavities?    

The integrity of veneered teeth is only marginally compromised, and the veneer is bonded to the existing teeth. There is no higher incidence of decay provided the veneers are properly cared for with regular flossing and brushing with toothpaste. In general, it is good dental advice to keep your sugar consumption low and confined to meal times to prevent decay.

3) How long will composite veneers last?    

They can last from seven to twenty years. While the veneer itself is inert and non-living, the tooth or teeth to which they are attached and the surrounding gum tissues are living and may change. For example, gum line shrinkage may expose or reveal root surfaces. If a veneer comes off it can generally be rebonded. If it chips it can sometimes be rebonded or otherwise replaced.

4) If I have my upper teeth treated with composite veneers, will my lower teeth still be a different color, or more yellow?    

This is certainly a factor that will be discussed during your evaluation and smile design so that everything matches and blends well. Most patients usually whiten the lower teeth with whitening (bleaching) procedures to ensure a good match.

5) Do composite veneers stain with normal things like tea, coffee and wine?    

Composite veneers should never stain; however; if your teeth have a propensity to stain you should try to avoid or minimize the behaviors that lead to staining and look after them as recommended above with normal hygiene and maintenance procedures.

Don’t forget to check with your insurance company - some insurance companies will cover up to 50% of the fee they deem customary. Whether or not your coverage includes dental veneers will depend upon what your employer has opted for with your insurance company (rather than what your dentist is charging).

At the office of Whitefield Dental, we want you to know that the confidence of a healthy, natural looking smile can be yours today! Contact us at (615) 889-5545, and begin your journey to a dazzling summer smile!

For information about special offers from Whitefield Dental, click the link here: www.dentisthermitagetn.com

Dental Implants for Your Health

Many Americans – in fact, it’s estimated about 70% - are missing at least one tooth, most often one of the rear molars. The question often arises: if you can’t see the missing tooth, does it truly matter? The answer may surprise you.

Some effects of tooth loss

According to Nashville Dental Implant Specialist Dr. Mark Whitefield, if enough teeth are lost, the ability to speak and chew can be impaired. The contours of the face and lips change, making an individual look noticeably older and gloomier. Eventually, the bite may effectively collapse. And what it can do to a person’s self-image can be devastating!

Tooth loss leads to bone loss

You may or may not know that the biggest problem with tooth loss is actually the bone loss that comes with it. The alveolar bone, which surrounds the teeth, requires regular stimulation in order to stay healthy. Without such stimulation — which comes from tiny stresses transmitted by the teeth themselves — the bone gradually melts away. Tooth loss can cause a 25% decrease in bone width in the first year alone, and more in subsequent years. Fortunately, the implementation of dental implants is an effective way to keep tooth loss from becoming bone loss. But just what is a dental implant?

The Dental Implant

A tooth has two main parts: the dental crown (the pearly-white part everyone sees), and below the gum line, the root, the part that anchors the tooth in the jaw. A dental implant permanently replaces the root part of the tooth with a metal insert that’s placed in the jawbone with a minor procedure. A “crown restoration” is then placed atop the implant. That is a prosthetic tooth that’s created to look and function just like your natural teeth. Together, they create a complete tooth replacement system. That is the basis of a dental implant. Because the implant becomes fused to the living bone, it helps keep bone healthy and functional — all while saving your bite, your smile, and your self-esteem!

Whitefield Dental can help!

Talk to your Greater Nashville Dental Implant Specialist, Dr. Mark Whitefield to discuss saving your smile – and protecting the health of your teeth and gums – with dental implants. For more information, call Whitefield Dental at (615) 889-5545 today to schedule an appointment.

For information about special offers from Whitefield Dental, click the link here: www.dentisthermitagetn.com

Summer’s Coming: Top 5 Reasons for Cosmetic Dentistry

What’s that peeking around the corner… well look at that - it’s summer! Doesn’t summer always seem to have a funny way of sneaking up on us before we’re quite ready? No matter what the season, the best accessory for any outfit is always a sparkling white smile. But there’s something about bright pearly whites against a flash of tanned summer skin!

There are many reasons people struggle with their smiles: badly stained and discolored teeth, chipped, broken and missing teeth, and crooked teeth. Happily, a dazzling white smile is well within reach. Whitefield Dental can help you make your dream smile a reality. And guess what? Now is the perfect time to take action.

After all…

1. Summer is photo season!

Between weddings, graduations, the beach, parties, or gatherings with friends, there’s always someone snapping away. How do you feel when you see your smile on Facebook or Instagram? Are you happy with the way it looks, or does the sight of your smile make you feel insecure and embarrassed?

2. You’ll feel more confident
Do you ever hide your smile behind your hand? Are you hesitant to smile or laugh in public? These are common behaviors for people who are unhappy or embarrassed by the appearance of their teeth. Why let problem teeth steal your joy any longer when you can take action?

3. You don’t have to live with it
Many people assume that there’s nothing they can do about their problem tooth issues. The good news is that you don’t have to live with it. Regardless of the cause, you can transform your teeth, creating a stunning, radiant smile.

4. The technology is terrific
The office of Dr. Mark Whitefield specializes in Greater Nashville cosmetic dentistry and implant technology, and can give you that perfect, pearly white smile you have dreamed about. After you get out of the dental office, you will not be able to stop smiling.

5. You’ll inspire others to make their smiles the best they can be!

When you smile, people will notice how beautiful your teeth look. Get ready for compliments, and watch fas the people around you begin to follow suit. Confident beauty is very attractive - and often contagious!

At the office of Whitefield Dental, we want you to know that the confidence of a healthy, natural looking smile can be yours today! Contact us at (615) 889-5545, and begin your journey to a stunning smile for summer!

For information about special offers from Whitefield Dental, click the link here: www.dentisthermitagetn.com

Oral Cancer Screenings Save Lives!

Whitefield Dental is proud to salute our own Nicki Raines, Oral Cancer Foundation Regional Coordinator, at the 86th Annual Session of the Tennessee Dental Hygienists' Association. The OCF is a national public service non-profit entity designed to reduce suffering and save lives through information, advocacy, research, support, and hope. Committed to being the first line of defense in find oral cancer in its early stages, the OCF urges everyone to schedule an oral cancer screening today. Early detection leads to greater treatment options and higher survival rates.

Nicki recently coordinated the Oral Cancer Foundation Nashville’s Walk/Run for Awareness held at downtown Centennial Park, featuring the OCF’s "I'm Part of the Change®" campaign, a special program in the US and Canada.  The Oral Cancer Foundation Nashville Walk/Run for Awareness was a very successful event enjoyed by all. Nice work Nicki!

Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancers have been on the rise, and are expected to continue to rise steadily, as are morbidity rates. Through addressing the two primary drivers of oral cancer, tobacco and HPV, those rates can be reversed. In addition to early detection through screening, educating our patients about risk factors is key.

Dr. Mark Whitefield and his friendly, professional team believe in making differences in people’s lives. That’s why they do what they do! To schedule a screening, cleaning, or for any other dental need, call to make an appointment with Dr. Whitefield today at 615-889-5545. And remember, cosmetic dentistry and implant consultations are always free!

For information on special offers and updates, click: www.dentisthermitagetn.com

Whitefield Dental

4251 Lebanon Pike

Hermitage, TN 37076