What Are the Signs of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

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Wisdom teeth can be a problem because many people don’t have room in their mouth for any more molars. If your wisdom tooth becomes impacted, your dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, can help. Here’s what you need to know about impacted wisdom teeth and how they affect your oral health and hygiene.

What Is An Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

An impacted wisdom tooth is a tooth that has become trapped in your jaws or gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can be partially visible and partially covered by gums or may be fully covered by the gums.

What Are the Signs of An Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

Many people are unaware that they have impacted wisdom teeth and see no symptoms. Other people do notice symptoms but don’t know what they mean. Below are some of the symptoms of an impacted wisdom tooth:

  • Swelling in the jaw
  • Bleeding in the gums
  • Pain in the area around the impacted tooth
  • Difficulty opening your mouth all the way
  • Bad breath

What Should You Do About An Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

Often, dentists will recommend that their patients have their impacted wisdom teeth removed. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause problems like cavities, infection, and gum disease. To prevent this from happening, dentists will recommend extraction.

If you don’t want to have your wisdom tooth removed because it is not causing pain, your dentist may take a wait-and-see approach. It’s important to watch for signs of a problem and to contact your dentist if you start having pain in the area.

If you have an impacted wisdom tooth, you may need a tooth extraction in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY. Call your dentist at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to make an appointment and find out more about what your dentist can do.

Little boy and female dentist in the dentists office

How Can I Tell If My Child Has a Cavity?

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Kids get cavities easily because they have a hard time cleaning their own teeth, and they eat a lot of sugar. If you’re concerned that your child may have a cavity, then it’s important to bring them to see the dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY. Knowing the signs it’s a cavity can help you decide whether your child needs an appointment.

Signs of a Cavity

Only a dentist can tell you for sure if your child has a cavity. However, you may notice some tell-tale signs of a cavity. Below are some symptoms to watch for:

  • Sudden sensitivity to heat and cold temperatures
  • Pain when eating things that are sweet
  • Toothache that comes and goes
  • Pain when biting down on something
  • Brown or black discolorations
  • A visible hole in the tooth

If your child has been complaining about tooth sensitivity or a toothache, you can take a look inside their mouth to see if you notice anything amiss. Even if you don’t see a problem, you should still bring your child to the dentist if they’re experiencing tooth discomfort.

Ways to Avoid Cavities

Cavities are uncomfortable! Fortunately, you can help your child avoid cavities. Some tips:

  • Brush your child’s teeth for them until they turn 7 or 8 years old
  • If your child brushes their own teeth, make sure they’re doing it twice daily
  • Bring your child to the dentist twice per year (or as often as the dentist recommends)

Noticing Signs of a Problem? Call Today to Make An Appointment

If you’re concerned that your child may have a cavity, contact Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to make an appointment for a dental checkup in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY. Our courteous staff can help your child maintain good dental health.

Why Visit a ‘One-Stop Shop’ Dentist?

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When you think about what you need from any business, it would be easy to make a couple of different arguments about where to go and who to see. On one hand, you might want to visit people who are specialists in their field. So when you apply that logic to a dentist, you might say that it makes sense to visit a general dentist’s office for a cleaning and an endodontist’s office for a root canal. However, it’s worth knowing that there are dentists in Owensboro, KY that can do it all. We’ll look at why you would want to visit a one-stop-shop kind of place, and why you’re not sacrificing the quality of your dental care if you do.

You Save Time, Energy, and Costs

A dentist that has assembled a team of people who can take care of anything from gum cleaning to dental implants is a professional who knows that your time is as valuable as theirs is. If you have to make several different appointments and then coordinate your care across two different businesses, the hassles can end up being far more than you anticipated.

From schedules to processes, there’s usually a hiccup or two that no one could have even anticipated. At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, you can find comprehensive dental services in Owensboro, KY, so you can be certain that you’re getting well-rounded care. Plus, because the services are all consolidated, you can bundle your treatments to save costs too!

Dentists in Owensboro

Finding the right dentist in Owensboro, KY can be a hit-or-miss process, but you can start by looking at their menu. Whether you need a complex procedure or a simple cleaning, contacting our office is the first step to get the care you need.

Lingering Pain After a Dental Procedure: What to Do

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Persistent pain after a dental procedure can be one of the most frustrating experiences on the planet. Dental procedures are often difficult to schedule, and not just because of time restrictions. The anxiety of going to a dentist in Owensboro, and Beaver Dam, KY, can be intense, so it really doesn’t help if you think the treatment didn’t go well. We’ll look at what might be causing the issue and why it’s so important to take action.

Why It’s Hurting

Common reasons include:

  • Bite misalignment: Much like you wouldn’t want to run a marathon with a tiny pebble in your shoe, bite misalignment will put serious pressure on your teeth. If the bite is off, chewing will eventually begin to exhaust your mouth.
  • Aggravated nerve: Some dental procedures, like the filling of a large cavity, may have to go closer to the nerve than others. The more forceful the process, the more likely it is that you’ll experience pain afterward.
  • Jaw abnormalities: Jaw tenderness may feel like tooth pain, but that’s only because the joint and the muscles are sore.

What You Can Do

Here’s the rub: it can be difficult for patients to really assess the issues on their own. Sometimes, it’s as easy as popping a Tylenol for a few days or avoiding teeth clenching until your jaw feels better. The truth is, though, you may need to go back for dental reconstruction in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY or another procedure if there’s something bigger going on.

Dentists in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY

At Travis Wilson DMD, we know what it will take for you to come back in for another examination, but we promise, it’s the best possible thing you can do for your oral health. If your mouth is taking far longer to heal, we’re here to help fill in the gaps.

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3 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Dental Insurance

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Your dental insurance is a tool you can use to keep your teeth clean. Using your insurance as often as possible and taking advantage of all the conferred services can help you take better care of your teeth. You can love your smile when you use your dental insurance to keep your teeth healthy.

1. Know What’s Covered

What’s covered by dental insurance varies by policy. Know what’s covered under your policy so you can take full advantage of the covered services. Some policies change annually so review your policy this year even if you knew what was covered in previous years.

2. Find a Dental Office That Accepts Your Insurance

Not every dental office accepts every type of insurance. To find a dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam KY that accepts your insurance, call around to the offices in your area. You can also ask your insurance company which dental providers in your area accept your policy – your insurance provider may be able to give you that information.

3. See the Dentist As Often As Insurance Allows

Many insurance policies will pay for their insureds to see the dentist for preventative dental care in Owensboro and Beaver Dam KY as often as twice per year. If your dental insurance provides this rate of coverage, be sure to see your dentist as often as your insurance allows. This will help keep your teeth as healthy as possible.

At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, we accept a variety of dental insurances. Call us today to find out if we accept your insurance, and if we do, make an appointment for a cleaning.

Dentist and patient

I’m Afraid of the Dentist – What Can I Do?

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Are you afraid of the dentist? You’re not alone. Many people have a fear of the dentist and feel anxiety either during their appointments or just before. Suppose you’re going to the dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY. In that case, there are many things you can do to alleviate concerns about the dentist and make a visit to the dentist more comfortable overall. Below, we’ve listed some things that you can do to make going to the dentist a less anxiety-producing experience overall.

Talk To Your Dentist

Make your dentist aware of your fears. Your dentist can help you by making suggestions to address your specific concerns, whatever they are. An experienced dentist will have tips and tricks for patients who have anxiety about sitting in the dental chair.

Try These Techniques

There are many relaxation techniques that can help you feel better about your trip to the dentist.

Breathing and Visualization Exercises

Breathing exercises can help calm your nerves before going to the dentist. Spend time breathing in and out, recognizing your breath, and acknowledging your feelings of anxiety in a non-judgmental way.

Listen to Music or a Podcast

Bring music to listen to while you’re in the dentist or a podcast that you particularly enjoy. Don’t forget your headphones to ensure that you can listen to whatever you like without distracting the dentist.

Take Breaks

Tell your dentist you’d like to take periodic breaks during your dental appointment. When you need a break, raise your hand to let the dentist know.

Consider Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry takes the edge off your dental procedures by helping you to relax. With sedation dentistry in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, patients are given simple sedatives or an inhaled gas that helps make the experience of seeing the dentist easier overall. Call Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to learn more about sedation dentistry.

cosmetic-dentistry

Which Holiday Foods Can Stain My Teeth?

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The holidays will be here soon! If you’re spending time with relatives during the holidays, you’ll naturally want to know how you can look your best. Beautiful white teeth contribute to a beautiful smile. Knowing which foods can stain those teeth and how you can maintain a white smile is important.

Teeth whitening and dental examinations from your dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, can make all the difference. Here’s what you need to know.

Holiday Foods That Stain Teeth

Acidic foods and dark-colored, saucy foods and drinks can stain tooth enamel more easily than some other foods. Here’s what to watch for:

  • Gravy
  • Tomato sauce
  • Red wine, white wine
  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Berries of any kind, including cranberry sauce
  • Fruit pies

What You Can Do to Prevent Stains

Here are some ways you can prevent your teeth from getting stained.

Clean Your Teeth Daily

Brush your teeth at least twice per day, and floss once daily. Brushing your teeth and flossing helps remove food and bacteria that can become plaque and tartar, both of which contribute to staining of the tooth enamel.

See the Dentist for a Cleaning

When was the last time you went to the dentist for a professional cleaning? This should happen twice annually or as often as recommended by your dentist. Dental cleanings help keep your teeth polished and smooth, so staining foods will easily wash away during brushings. If you haven’t been to the dentist recently, make an appointment.

Get Your Teeth Whitened

You deserve to love your smile. Get your teeth professionally whitened before your next holiday event. Contact Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry for safe, effective teeth whitening services in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY.

What Does it Mean If My Teeth Are Crowded?

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Crowded teeth can cause any number of problems. From dental hygiene issues to tooth enamel damage, crowded teeth can cause life-long dental issues if they’re not repaired.

Crowded teeth can also lead to pain, difficulty chewing and other problems. If you have crowded teeth, it’s important to see your dentist in Owensboro & Beaver Dam, KY. At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, we can help. Here’s what you need to know.

What Crowded Teeth Are, Why They’re A Problem

Teeth crowding is a problem that occurs when there isn’t enough room in the mouth for the teeth that are growing there. When this happens, the teeth can become misaligned, crooked and damaged.

Crowded teeth can be hard to floss and brush properly. Your dentist in will be able to tell you if you have crowded teeth. At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, we can diagnose your problem and give you suggestions for realigning your teeth.

What to Do About Crowded Teeth

There’s more than one way to fix crowded teeth. Your dentist may recommend:

  • Traditional braces. Traditional braces realign the teeth and can stop some teeth from crowding other teeth.
  • Clear Aligners. Clear aligners do the same job as braces, but unlike braces, clear aligners are easy to clean, easy to maintain, and can be removed for meals.
  • Tooth Extraction. Your dentist may recommend pulling a tooth to make room for your other teeth. This is a common solution when tooth crowding occurs as the result of growth of your wisdom teeth.

Have Crowded Teeth? Contact Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry

At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, we provide orthodontic treatment in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY. We can also help with tooth extraction! Call today to make an appointment.

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5 Reasons to Floss

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Flossing refers to cleaning between the teeth. Traditionally, people used a long piece of floss to accomplish this, hence the term, flossing. However, today there are numerous easy-to-use tools designed for flossing (e.g., interdental brushes, floss picks). Along with biannual dental cleanings from a dentist in Owensboro or Beaver Dam, Kentucky, daily brushing and flossing are critical aspects of good dental hygiene.

What Makes Flossing So Important?

When food remains trapped between the teeth, harmful bacteria and fungi within the mouth are able to thrive. These microorganisms protect themselves and cling to the teeth by becoming enmeshed within the sticky biofilm (aka plaque) that covers the surface of the teeth. Removing food debris reduces plaque build up, which deprives the bacteria and fungi of the nourishment they need to survive.

Neglecting to floss can lead to a variety of problems:

  1. Tartar buildup – plaque hardens into tartar. Once hardened, at-home removal is no longer an option. Tartar must be removed by a dental professional who uses a variety of specialized tools. If tartar is not removed, gum disease (aka gingivitis) may result.
  2. Halitosis – chronic bad breath. Studies indicate that approximately 90% of chronic bad breath results from the volatile sulfurous compounds (VSCs) that the anaerobic bacteria in the mouth release.
  3. Dental caries (aka cavities) – as a tooth’s hard outer layer (i.e., enamel) sustains damage (i.e., decays), its structure weakens and breaks away. This damage is referred to as a cavity. Without restorative treatment from a dentist in Owensboro or Beaver Dam, Kentucky, the damaged tooth may become infected. At this point, the individual will most likely begin experiencing pain.
  4. Gum disease – tartar buildup can contribute to swollen, red, sensitive gum tissue that bleeds. The damage that the first stage of gum disease, which is referred to as gingivitis, causes is reversible. Nonetheless, if treatment for gum disease is not sought, once an individual develops periodontitis, any damage the disease causes is permanent.
  5. Cardiac problems – the bacteria responsible for causing the gingival tissue to swell may be able to enter the bloodstream via an opening in the tissue. Once in the bloodstream, these bacteria can contribute to inflammation in other areas of the body, including the heart.

If you are in the Beaver Dam or Owensboro, Kentucky, area, and you are concerned about your dental health, contact Dr. Travis Wilson today. To schedule an appointment at Dr. Wilson’s dental office in Owensboro, Kentucky, please call (270) 926-6040 or for an appointment at his office in Beaver Dam, Kentucky, office, please call (270) 274-3645.

Dentist and patient

Are Crooked Teeth Really A Problem?

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Crooked teeth can cause some people to feel self-conscious about their smile and appearance, but are they a problem in other ways? The best way to find out if your teeth need to be straightened is to work with a dentist in Owensboro, KY. Your dentist can evaluate your teeth and tell you about procedures that can help straighten them.

Problems Made by Crooked Teeth

There are many problems that are made by having crooked teeth!

  • Difficulty cleaning. People who have crooked teeth often end up have difficulty cleaning their teeth – because their teeth may crowd each other, making parts of the tooth very difficult to reach with a toothbrush.
  • Excess wear and tear on teeth. Crooked teeth can wear on each other, causing excessive wear and tear.
  • Increased risk for gum disease. When it’s hard to clean your teeth, it becomes harder to prevent gum disease.
  • Makes chewing a challenge. Crooked teeth often don’t line up when they’re clenched, which can make chewing harder than it needs to be.
  • Cause bad breath. People who have gum disease often suffer from bad breath. No matter how much the teeth get brushed, this is still a problem.

How to Fix Crooked Teeth

The first step to fixing crooked teeth is to get a dental exam in Owensboro, KY. At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, we provide dental exams to evaluate various oral health conditions and make recommendations for correction as needed.

To find out whether your teeth need to be straightened, call today to make an appointment. We’ll be happy to answer your questions, discuss our orthodontic services and provide clarity to the process of correcting crooked teeth.