Maintaining good oral hygiene gives children a better chance of having good overall health. Poor oral health can hinder the child’s ability to take in the right nutrition, speak properly, and keep a positive self-image. Many children entering kindergarten today already have cavities in their teeth. The reason behind this is that they simply failed to brush and floss their teeth daily. Cavities in infants, toddlers, and children prevent the development of a healthy smile which is why it is important to prioritize good dental care habits for children. These early preventive dental care habits ensure children and parents are on the right track toward good oral health.

It is very important to educate both parents and children on practicing good oral hygiene habits. Proper tooth brushing and flossing are major preventive dental care techniques for maintaining a healthy mouth. Pediatric dentists recommend that children should come in for regular check-ups every six months or as often as doctors recommend. However, children who are at high risk of tooth decay may need to visit their dentists more often. Our professional staff at Oyster Point Dentistry in Hampton, VA provides early treatment for infant cavities, tooth decay, and abnormal growth of children’s teeth such as uneven spacing, misalignment, and ectopic eruption.

Preventing cavities and plaque build-up in children is easier, less painful, and is less costly than treating dental problems after they’ve fully developed. Your child’s dental health greatly affects their overall health, so don’t take it for granted.

For more preventive dental care tips, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

Visits to the dental office can be a hard experiences for children. This is why dentists will often recommend dental sedation. This helps to calm kids and ease their anxiety during dental surgeries and treatment. Sometimes, when the procedure requires extensive work, total sleep sedation is prescribed.

As much as possible the dentist would like a kids and teens to have a pain-free appointment every time. Children have a tendency to neglect their dental health and may not like getting dental treatment. We want to eradicate this common perception kids have in regards to dentistry. Your child’s dental health can greatly affect their overall health if not attended to in a timely manner.

At Oyster Point Dentistry we understand your children’s anxiety. Thus, we find ways to make every dental treatment as comfortable and painless as possible. We have certified medical anesthesiologist who can administer the total sleep sedation or general anesthesia depending on the patient’s case and treatment procedure.

We are equipped with complete apparatus for administering general anesthesia and high end dental tools and equipment for carrying out a safe dental procedure to our patients. For more information about sedation dentistry and total sleep oral sedation, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

A dental bridge is a fixed dental prosthesis used to replace one or several teeth by permanently joining an artificial tooth to adjacent teeth or to dental implants. Replacing and restoring missing teeth with dental bridges is ideal for many patients who are more comfortable with fixed restoration rather than with a removable one.

Dental bridges in Virginia Beach, VA are permanent by cementing the anchor crowns to the abutment teeth so there’s no need for periodic removal. Because of this advantage, most patients prefer bridges over removable dentures. Dental bridges are used to protect and reshape the affected teeth and prevent complications that may arise because of tooth loss. They also provide excellent chewing comfort because they facilitate proper alignment when chewing of food by distributing the forces in your bite properly. When well-executed and properly maintained, bridges ensure comfort and aesthetics so your smile will look as brilliant as it was before.

Often, dental implants tend to replace dental bridges. However, traditional dental bridges which are supported by natural teeth are still popular and widespread. These bridges give a natural look and feel, fit and function like natural teeth.

For more details on dental bridges, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

There are all sorts of teeth whitening treatments out there in the market but there is doubt to their efficacy and safety. Some treatments can give instant results but it can wear your enamel and damage gum tissues when constantly applied. If you are looking for a safe teeth whitening treatment, consider Britesmile in-office whitening system.

Britesmile In-Office Whitening Treatment works with a whitening gel that is carefully applied to the teeth without touching the gums. A blue laser light is used to activate the whitening properties of the gel solution and speed up the teeth whitening process. The gel and blue lamp are designed with just the right strength so it wont damage your tooth enamel.

In-Office Whitening Treatment can last up to 2 years. Proper maintenance includes brushing after food and beverages that can cause dental staining such as dark colored fruits, coffee, juice, and sodas. Follow-up check-ups are advised for maintenance and retouch.

If your are interested in this safe and effective teeth whitening treatment, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

The development of stronger and more aesthetically pleasing dental filling material for restorations has been a major focus in dentistry for many years. Dental fillings are formulated to restore teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay. Nowadays, most dentists use composite filling material to repair damaged teeth because it matches the natural color and texture of the surrounding teeth, making them virtually invisible. Invisible dental fillings are both durable and aesthetically pleasing which is why they are the most popular for treating chipped or cracked teeth. There are no health risks associated with invisible dental fillings making this choice a safe alternative solution to improve the health of the teeth.

The newest dental fillings are made of composite material that is bonded to the tooth structure enhancing the strength of the tooth. In fact, silver fillings actually weaken the tooth because the metal has a wider expansion and contraction range which can lead to cracks in the fillings over time. This makes the tooth more prone to breakage. Moreover, dentists do not have to remove as much of the natural tooth structure when preparing for the composite fillings, but in silver fillings the hole required for prepping the tooth is relatively larger.

Invisible dental fillings in Yorktown, VA provides patients with white or tooth-colored fillings that gives them a more pleasing, silver-free smile. Along with repairing damaged teeth, invisible dental fillings are also used for cosmetic improvements such as reshaping teeth and changing the color of teeth to match existing teeth. Regular visits to your dentist is important so that you can have the right treatment and you can achieve the best dental care.

To find out more about the benefits of invisible dental fillings, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

Most dental patients want a better choice when considering orthodontic treatment. That decision is now between clear aligners or traditional metal braces. However, when people are considering braces, many patients are unaware that there is an alternative for straightening teeth without the hassle of metal wires and brackets. Invisalign clear aligners are an effective and better alternative, and they have a number of benefits compared to traditional braces.

Everyone has different reasons for needing orthodontic treatment. Clear aligner technology is a popular option for orthodontic treatment and can meet the needs of every patient. The main reason why dental patients choose Invisalign at Oyster Point Dentistry in Newport News, VA is to straighten misaligned or crooked teeth without the inconvenience and discomfort of metal braces. Moreover, Invisalign clear aligners are invisible. These aligners are a perfect option for patients who don’t want visible braces. Unlike traditional braces, patients have the ability to remove the clear aligners when they eat and brush their teeth. This makes cleaning easier and more effective and patients can continue with their usual hygiene routine of brushing and flossing with comfort and convenience.

This invisible teeth straightening alternative was first only used in simple orthodontic cases, but now they are used for even the most advanced cases. Not only have Invisalign clear aligners taken away the social stigma of orthodontics, but they also have become more efficient when it comes to oral health.

To find out more about the advantages of Invisalign clear aligners, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

Porcelain dental veneers are a form of cosmetic dentistry in which thin pieces of tooth-colored porcelain are placed over the surfaces of the teeth to recreate a natural look. This is the material of choice for treating issues in the original tooth such as poor color, shape, or contours. For those who are looking to have slight position alterations, or for those who want to change their tooth shape, size, and color, porcelain veneers are often the best and most successful option.

Dental veneers in Yorktown, VA aim to create a brilliant smile with beautifully aligned teeth. They are the common option to correct fractured or cracked teeth, gaps between teeth, and uneven teeth alignment. Veneers can even make the darkest-colored teeth appear bright white. They can also resist different stains like coffee and tea, and cigarette smoke because they are made of high-tech material. They are effective in restoring the natural tooth function while creating an even better appearance than the original tooth.

You’ll often hear people say that most celebrities have dental veneers and this may seem like the best way to achieve picture-perfect white teeth. Communication with your dentist is crucial to accomplish best and most successful results.

If you want aesthetically pleasing and naturally functioning teeth, consult your dentist at Oyster Point Dentistry to know if you are a good candidate for this dental treatment.

Despite developments in dental care, many people still suffer from tooth loss as a result of tooth decay, periodontal disease, injury or other reasons. For the past few years, the only treatment options available for people with missing teeth problems were bridges and dentures. Fortunately, today dental implants are available.

Dental implants in Yorktown, VA are used to replace and restore your lost teeth. These implants are artificially made to match your natural teeth so that it will look, feel, fit, and function like natural teeth. Dental bridges and dentures only last five to seven years. With proper care, they may be able to last up to ten years, but they may need to be replaced at some point. As a result, those costs can add up over time. Dental implants can last a lifetime when properly placed, cared for, and maintained. They are made with titanium which makes them strong and durable. Dental implants are the only dental restoration option that preserves natural bone and stimulates bone growth which can prevent bone loss and deterioration of your jaw bone. That is why dental implants are your best long-term and cost-effective solution for teeth replacement.

With dental implant treatment, there is no need to feel uncomfortable in public, or worry that missing teeth will interfere with your daily activities. No more worries that your dentures might slip or fall out whenever you are eating, smiling and speaking. Dental implants will give back your smile and help you feel more confident about yourself.

Consult your dentist if you can be a candidate for dental implant. For more details, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

Everyone would love to have pearly white teeth and a natural-looking smile. Whiter teeth can make you look and feel younger because oftentimes we associate white teeth with youth and beauty. Smiling helps reduce wrinkles, lines, and other appearances of aging because we naturally look younger when we love our smile and when we smile with confidence. When treating discolored and stained teeth, in-office whitening treatment performed by a professional is much safer and more effective than using over-the-counter whitening products.

Oyster Point Dentistry uses the BriteSmile teeth whitening system. This is a one-hour laser whitening product which is applied to your teeth for 20 minutes. Then, the process is repeated for three separate 20-minute applications. The goal of this teeth whitening system is to get your teeth as white as possible in less time. This is commonly used by many dentists because it effectively brightens teeth faster and the results stand the test of time.

When you wish to whiten your teeth that guarantees faster noticeable results, consider professional teeth whitening in Newport News, VA. BriteSmile teeth whitening system provides immediate and uniform whitening results than using over-the-counter whitening gels, whitening strips, or whitening tooth pastes. Through professional teeth whitening, removing stains and brightening your smile can be successfully attained. You won’t feel the need to cover your mouth when you laugh or talk, or feel embarrassed. Rather, you can always show your smile with great confidence.

To find out more about BriteSmile teeth whitening treatment, visit your dentist at Oyster Point Dentistry.

Children’s permanent teeth come in around age 7 or 8. As a result, many parents tend to delay preventative dental care dentist appointments until this time, and too often by then kids are already complaining of toothache or suffering from tooth decay. Although kids have baby teeth which will fall out at a young age, parents should take care because these temporary teeth serve as a guide track for the emerging adult teeth. Your child’s permanent teeth can end up crooked, overlapping, and unattractive.

A minor cavity in baby teeth can quickly develop into larger cavities because of the thin enamel. Cavities are signs of infection and always come with gum swelling and pain. If left untreated, infection can spread to blood circulation causing illnesses.

It is advisable to start caring for your child’s teeth as soon as solid foods are introduced, usually as early as 6 months. Also, do not put babies to sleep with bottles in their mouth and you should clean their teeth with a wet cloth every after feeding. When they reach 1 year you can start using a soft-bristled brush to remove excess food particles. Limit sugary foods and drinks since most bacteria that thrives in the mouth love a sweet environment. It is also necessary to bring your child to the dentist in Newport News, VA at least twice a year for dental check-us.

Don’t neglect your child’s dental health. Their temporary teeth set the path for sprouting adult teeth helping them emerge straight and healthy. Moreover, your child’s dental wellness impacts their nutrition, speech development, appearance and self-esteem. For more dental health care tips for baby teeth, call Oyster Point Dentistry.

Snoring is a common condition and people are less concerned with it unless it becomes really disruptive to their partners. They only tend to seek sleep apnea treatment when complications such as Diabetes start to manifest.

Gasping for air during a sleep apnea episode tips off your sympathetic nervous system to set your body in fight-or-flight mode. This stimulates the release of stress hormones that can elevate the blood sugar levels. Moreover, due to repetitive disruptive sleep at night people become sleepy and less active during the day. Your system perceives that you require more energy and prompts your subconscious to overeat. The increase in glucose intake and slow metabolism related to less activity, increases your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Treating your sleep apnea problem can help you control your blood glucose levels. Dentists in Newport News, VA can address this problem effectively with custom fit dental devices. Contact Oyster Point Dentistry to learn more!

A smile is the nicest thing you can wear. When you have a healthy and flawless set of teeth, it boosts self-confidence and can enhance your appearance. Dental care is essential for preventing your teeth from decaying. However, there are some instances that are not under your control, cavities may still penetrate and can damage your teeth. Dental fillings are often the best solution for restoring your teeth and for preventing further damage that can be caused by tooth decay.

In years past, dentists have used different materials to fill cavities such as amalgam, silver, ceramic or porcelain and gold. One disadvantage of using these materials is that they are visible. This is why today dentists offer and provide invisible dental fillings. By precisely matching tooth-colored composite fillings with the natural color of your teeth, these fillings are virtually invisible and can give patients a more pleasing, attractive smile.

Invisible dental fillings in Newport News, VA offer restorative and cosmetic dentistry that is aesthetically appealing. These invisible dental fillings are preferred by most patients because they blend naturally to the color of your existing teeth. They are durable and the composite materials used for dental fillings can strengthen your teeth. For this reason, you don’t have to worry about not being able to wear a beautiful smile anywhere.

To find out more about invisible dental fillings, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

Happy New Year from Oyster Point Dentistry. We would like to thank our patients, friends, family, and community for allowing our business to be part of your lives in 2017. We wish all of you a wonderful and prosperous 2018!

If we have had the pleasure of being your choice in providers, we hope that we provided the highest level of customer service and met all of your needs. In the coming months if you find yourself in need of the services we offer, we hope you choose us again in 2018.

It is our sincere wish that in the New Year you are surrounded by warmth, family, and friendship and that 2018 brings you good health and prosperity. From all of us here at Oyster Point Dentistry we hope you have a safe and exciting New Year.

“We all come home, or ought to come home, for a short holiday – the longer, the better…” ~ Charles Dickens

If a friend, relative, or valued service provider has a website, give them the gift of a business Facebook “like” this Holiday season. This act is free and will literally take you 30 seconds or less. By doing so, you help your friend or relative further establish business credibility and trust from an online standpoint.

Why do this? The reason is simple. Facebook “likes” is something that business owners can refer to promote their business popularity and interaction with their clients. It is also a widely accepted conclusion that Facebook “likes” play some role in how a website converts visitors into customers.

So if you know anyone with a website and wish them well in business, take 30-seconds and “like” their business Facebook page. Look for the Facebook logo usually located at the top or bottom of the website’s home page. Then shoot them a quick note saying, “Happy Holidays. I recently “liked” your business Facebook page and wish you continued business success in 2018 and beyond”. It would be a kind gesture and one that cost you nothing other than 30 seconds of your time.

To all our regular readers of this blog, we wish you all Happy Holidays and only the best for 2018 and beyond.

Did you ever wonder why some drugs for hypertension are activated by putting them under your tongue to dissolve instead of swallowing with water? It's because your mouth and gums are made up of thin tissues which has an abundant blood supply. It can easily absorb the drug and delivers it directly to the bloodstream quickly taking effect to lower blood pressure. Bacteria thrives in your mouth and multiplies. These bacteria can penetrate your mouth lining and penetrate your blood stream, spreading infection to your entire body, particularly affecting the heart.

A simple cavity can be the bacteria's portal of entry to the blood stream. And since blood is moved through the heart; the bacteria can live there and proliferate, eventually causing infection and damage. Thus, preventative dental care shouldn't be taken for granted.

Maintaining oral hygiene wards off dental caries and prevents bacteria from accumulating in your mouth. Being mindful with your diet is another way to avoid cavities because sugar-rich foods also promotes bacteria growth. A regular visit to the dentist in Newport News, VA is advisable to keep your oral health in check.

If you are having issues with dental health or just want a check-up, don't hesitate to contact Oyster Point Dentistry, immediately. Early treatment of dental problems is advised to prevent further damage to your teeth to fend off more severe diseases.

Tis' the season of ceaseless feasting. Constant eating of hard candy candies, sweet pastries, cocktails and other alcoholic beverages pose threats to teeth. But at this time of year, it is hard to get away from these holiday treats. So rather than giving yourself a hard time trying to avoid these delicacies, follow these preventative dental care tips so you can indulge in your favorite holiday treats without compromising your teeth.

Moderation is the Key - Depriving yourself from eating may cause you to overeat later on. So instead of getting a whole slice of your favorite pie or cake, limit yourself with a quarter or half. Limit your alcohol intake as well because it can dry up your mouth creating a favorable environment for bacteria to breed and multiply.

Eat your full meal first - Delay your visit to the dessert table. Work your way to the main course. Fill your plate with calcium-rich food like cheese, salads, whole grains and lean meat that can strengthen your teeth. That way you’ll be full before dessert. It is actually advisable to consume sugar-filled food with meals because this helps with saliva production. This helps eliminate acid that is generated by bacteria that causes cavities.

Don’t skip your oral hygiene habits - Your daily preventative dental care which includes teeth brushing and flossing is your everyday protection from cavities and tooth decay. Meanwhile, visiting a dentist in Newport News, VA for examination and cleaning can help maintain your dental health.

Don’t take your dental health for granted this season. Cavities don’t take a break even on holidays, instead they take advantage of it. For more dental health care tips, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

Invisalign clear aligners are making noise in the world of orthodontics. This newer technique appeals to many fans of conventional braces due to the the ease of use and improved aesthetics they offer with the same effect in alignment as the metallic and other counterparts. Though metallic braces are still the most common, the nature of metallic braces intrudes in the lifestyle of the user.

Invisalign by Oyster Point Dentistry in Hampton, VA allows wearers to temporaily remove the aligners during eating and brushing therefore users have the luxury to eat what they want. For some users with very busy schedules, eating fast is a non-issue with Invisalign. Moreover, since removable aligners make brushing or flossing easier as well, users are able to maintain oral hygiene in the most comfortable way.

The design matches uniquely with the user’s teeth. The clear color of aligners allows blending to the natural teeth’s color, which is why they are called invisible aligners. The teeth are moved little by little in a span of 9-15 months, and treatment involves 18-30 sets of aligners which may vary from case to case.

Invisalign treats the same dental issues like crowding, space closure, anteroir intrusion, narrow arches etc, more effectively. As far as Oyster Point Dentistry is concerned, 80% of the severe cases over the age of 15 are ensured treatable by this method. For details on Invisalign, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

Are you worried about another detached dental filling? Do the colors of your dental fillings and natural teeth differ? Oyster Point Dentistry has just found a breakthrough solution to your weakened and discolored dental fillings.

Its new technique called Invisible Fillings which match the colors of the dental restorations to your natural teeth to look like nothing happened at all, thus the term invisible. More importantly, this technique closes the gap between your teeth and the filling, resulting in a stronger bond preventing resurgence of decay that causes cracking and eventual breaking of dental fillings. The strengthening technique fuses the filling and your teeth for a dental restoration that lasts.

Invisible fillings in Newport News, VA are successful because of the superb skill of the dentists. Our dentists are highly trained to deliver quality dental restorations and are the best of their field, upholding both function and aesthetics to restore your teeth to its natural look and feel. For details on Invisible Fillings, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

It’s Thanksgiving week and a time each year when we reflect upon the blessing within our lives. Today our warmest Thanksgiving wishes go out to all of you, our clients, friends, and neighbors. Along with this note of thanks to you, this week we offer a special Thanksgiving “shout-out” to one of the more unsung Thanksgiving heroes, Sarah Hale. Historians credit Sara Hale as the originator of the Thanksgiving federal holiday.

Sara Hale undertook a 17-year letter writing campaign to make Thanksgiving a national holiday observed in all states. Before Hale, Thanksgiving was not a fixed holiday but rather an informal tradition. Presidents would select a day and make it known that it would be a day of thanksgiving and community. Hale lobbied five separate presidents for a set date until finally her request was granted by president Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln congratulated her tenacity and immortalized the holiday as part of American culture.

So thanks, Sara, for your 17 years of letter writing, for securing our day of Thanks on Thursday, and for your part in creating one of the most warm and celebrated day within our American culture!

As we approach the Holiday season, our phones here at Newport News Virginia's Oyster Point Dentistry begin to light up about teeth whitening services unlike any other time of the calendar year The reason makes perfect sense as this is by far the most social period of the calendar year.  You want to look your best, and frankly, you deserve to treat yourself. So we thought today we'd cover the things we commonly discuss on the phone regarding teeth whitening.

Dental teeth whitening is a safe, easy and effective way to get whiter and brighter teeth. It is one of the many ways that cosmetic dentistry can give you that dazzling smile you have always wanted.

Oyster Point Dentistry in Newport News uses the latest technology in clinical teeth whitening. Clinical research proves that professional whitening is the safest way to secure teeth whitening treatment. Off the shelf teeth whitening products do not always give reliable outcomes and they do not always deliver safe results.

Why do people have their teeth whitened?

Tooth discoloration could be caused by any number of factors, including smoking, red wine, tea, coffee or even antibiotics. These lead to many people complaining of:

• Ugly teeth
• Yellow teeth
• Dark or black teeth

Many of our patients have an important occasion, such as their weddingwhich they would like their smile to have that extra wow factor. Other patients have simply wanted to have whiter teeth for many years.

The benefits of dental teeth whitening:

• Dental whitening is a safe and quick process
• Teeth whitening makes a big difference to your smile
• Teeth whitening can restore confidence with positive effect on overall mental health
• Dental whitening is very affordable

Oyster Point Dentistry offers several teeth whitening service options with our most popular being the Britesmile system.  We’ll be glad to discuss then all with you. Just give us a call. 

Many of you are calling us here at Oyster Point Dentistry (serving Hampton and Newport News Virginia) to schedule end of year cleanings and other dental treatments (such as dental implants) that for any number of reasons that you've delayed until now.  This is also the time of year when we increase the volume of dental crown and dental bridge work as corrective dental procedures are the perfect use for end of year flexible savings account and health savings account dollars that expire at year's end.

What are crowns and bridges?

A crown is a hard-wearing dental cap which restores a tooth’s shape and protects your own natural tooth below. The ceramic material of a crown strengthens your tooth and gives your smile a beautifully natural look.

Dental bridges replace a missing tooth or teeth by placing a ceramic tooth in a gap that is held in place by crowns on the surrounding teeth. Crowns and bridges are an excellent alternative to dentures that give you a strong and natural looking smile.

Crowns and bridges can be used to:

• Replace missing teeth and strengthen remaining teeth
• Dramatically improve the appearance of decayed, worn and broken teeth

Why seek dental crown or bridge work?

If you have lost or are missing a tooth and have a large gap, then your jaw will continue to shrink and weaken until the gap is filled. Bridgework (also known as fixed bridges) is an excellent non-removable way to stop this continuing damage and give you the closest result to having your own natural teeth back.

The benefits of having crowns and bridges by Oyster Point Dentisty here in Newport News:

• Gives you a long lasting, reliable solution compared to dentures
• More affordable than dental implants
• You can chew steak again!

Painless crowns and bridges

Making the crowning and bridging procedure as painless as possible for you is our priority. Our patients usually find the procedure painless and our Newport News practice gives you every creature comfort to make your procedure as relaxing as possible. If you are anxious about crowns and fixed bridges, or any dental procedure, then there are a number of ways we can help and we are always happy to discuss these with you.

We give you all the options – you decide!

It is our policy to give you open and honest advice on all your options, alternatives and the associated costs, allowing you to make the most informed decision. We will then continue to work with you to ensure you enjoy the maximum amount of time from your treatment. Call us today to learn more!

To many, the subject of dental implants remain a mystery and cause of concern. However, for over thirty years now dental surgeons increasingly use implants in lieu of traditional dentures as the substitute for replacing natural teeth. So as a service to our patients and neighbors here in Hampton and Newport News Virginia, we here at Oyster Point Dentistry want to discuss the subject of dental implants and how they might be a good dental treatment option for you.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a titanium screw that integrates with your jaw to replace the lost tooth root. A porcelain crowned tooth is then attached to the top of the implant to complete your smile.

The dental implant procedure has been around for over 30 years and gives you the closest result to having your own natural teeth back.

Dental implants can be used to:

• Replace a single missing tooth with a single dental implant
• Replace a row of missing teeth secured over multiple dental implants
• Replace a whole mouthful of teeth if necessary.

Why have dental implants?

If you have lost or are missing a tooth and have a large gap, then your jaw will continue to shrink and weaken until the gap is filled. Dental implants are the best way to stop this continuing damage and give you the closest result to having your own natural teeth back.

A dental implant is also a great alternative for denture wearers that find dentures uncomfortable, sore or difficult to chew and speak with. There are plenty of reasons beyond those listed here for you to consider dental implants to replace lost or severely damaged teeth.  Call us today to learn more!

Sleep apnea is a medical condition and can only be diagnosed by a medical doctor.  With that said, more and more people today are turning to their dentist to deliver sleep apnea treatment in the form of custom fit dental devices.  If the notion of the possibility of throwing away your CPAP machine intrigues you...read on!

It's not just about the snoring and negative effect that snoring has on your bed partner and your self esteem.  Sleep apnea is a potentially fatal disease.  If you snore and/or gasp for air during sleep, see your doctor immediately.  Should you be diagnosed by your medical doctor, he/she should discuss several treatment options.  

What are the treatment options?

• Lifestyle changes – being overweight, effects of alcohol, poor sleeping habits
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure – a CPAP machine is a mask worn during sleep to help you breathe more easily
• Specialist, custom-made oral appliance

While a CPAP machine is considered the most effective treatment for OSA, an increasing percentage of apnea patients simply refuse to wear the CPAP mask for a host of reasons.  The most common reasons are include profound discomfort and the side effect of "dry mouth".

Working with sleep physicians, our team of dental professionals here at Oyster Point Dentistry (Newport News, Va) treat people very effectively with custom dental solutions for sleep apnea.

Does sleeping peacfully with a simple dental device vice as opposed to forced CPAP air sound inviting?  Call us to learn more!

Here at Oyster Point Dentistry (Newport News, VA) we consider ourselves to be a family dental clinic. We’re proud of the fact that we serve countless multi-generational families and that we’ve grown and matured along with the families that we’ve faithfully served over the years. Today, we’d like to briefly discuss the earliest stage of dental care: Pre-Pregnancy dentalplanning.

During pregnancy, you are at greater risk of certain dental problems, the most common of these is periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Because of the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, your immune system becomes hypersensitive to the bacteria in dental plaque. So when you have a problem, it’s likely to develop and deteriorate at a much greater rate than it would at any other time.

So if you are planning a pregnancy, or have just found out you are pregnant it is wise to get your gums checked out to ensure there are no existing problems already, because periodontal disease can really accelerate throughout a pregnancy.

The other thing that’s important to know is that if you do develop gum disease during your pregnancy it can affect your baby because bacteria can be transmitted into your amniotic fluid. Researchers have found periodontal pathogens in amniotic fluid and placentas, which can lead to a greater risk of low birth weight for the baby. 

When the baby is born DNA testing has shown that 95% of the bacteria actually comes from mother. This means that if you have any of those nasty bacteria that can cause infection, be it gum disease, tooth cavities or any other form of infection in the mouth, then you’ve got a very high chance of passing them on to your baby.

OK, so just some thoughts here and certainly no need to panic.  The big takeaway, is simply to continue normal dental hygiene habits and to reach out to your dentist if you are (OR are considering getting pregnant).  Just like your pediatric medical doctor, your loving dental professionals here at Oyster Point Dentistry can offer you a wealth of advice and comfort about caring for you future family. Call us anytime to learn more!

Here's a question we get often asked at Oyster Point Dentistry, our Hampton and Newport news Virginia dental clinic.  What are dental veneers and how do they work? Well, let's discuss them.

Veneers are a purely cosmetic dental procedure and can be somewhat compared to false fingernails.  Dental veneers fit over your tooth to improve their appearance. They are perfect if you have:

• worn teeth
• a chipped tooth
• teeth out of alignment
• gaps in your teeth
• stained teeth
• crooked teeth

There are two types of dental veneers offered here in Newport News and Hampton:

• Resin Veneers, also known as Dental Bonding or Composite Bonding. These are used to repair smaller chips or stains. They are economical and can be completed in one visit to Today’s Dentistry’s practice in Brisbane.
• Porcelain Veneers are the best overall cosmetic dentistry option for achieving a beautiful smile that is just as strong as naturally healthy teeth.

The benefits of Porcelain Veneers:

• Long lasting: An investment in porcelain veneers will reward you with dazzling white and straight teeth for decades to come
• Natural and strong: The high quality porcelain we use is the closest thing to your natural tooth enamel

Porcelain Veneers give you that instantly beautiful straight smile without the need for orthodontic braces or whitening treatments.

Care to learn more?  Contact us anytime.

There remains a lot of mystery and fear out there about the common dental procedure known as "root canal". What is a root canal and why are they necessary?

Root canal’ is a term for a dental operation where the infected pulp of a tooth is cleaned out, the space disinfected and then filled and sealed. A diseased or infected tooth nerve can be very painful for some people or if it is in its early stages it may not be causing pain just yet.

Root canal symptoms – what are they and why might I need a root canal treatment?

The reason we do root canal treatments here in Newport News and Hampton Virginia is to save a tooth that has a diseased or infected nerve. Root canals are an alternative to tooth extraction. We can tell that the nerve in the tooth is dying because of the symptoms of:

• Sensitive teeth – particularly sensitivity between hot and cold temperatures
• Sore or painful tooth to bite on
• Darkening of the tooth
• Swelling or tenderness of the surrounding gum
• X-Rays: after time the disease in the tooth will spread to the jawbone and the X-Ray will reveal where the jawbone has been eaten away.

Are root canal procedures painful? In the past root canal treatments have had the reputation for being terribly painful and troublesome. That is not so much the case these days – the methods that we have to treat the infected nerves in the tooth are far more predictable. The treatment should really be no more uncomfortable than when you have a filling – which we are able to do with a minimum of pain.

The most pain is felt during a root canal treatment when the nerve is in the process of dying, as sometimes the anaesthetic won’t work properly. We encourage people to call us before this stage, when they first have symptoms of tooth or gum pain.

What is the process for a root canal? Step one: get rid of the infection. Anytime there is an infection anywhere in the body, there is need for immediate treatment.  Dental infection is no different as infections that go untreated can cause the body to go septic and can become life threatening situations.  The first half of the treatment focuses primarily on addressing the infection. So we will numb the tooth, remove the infected tissue, then we clean the tooth out and dress the tooth with an antiseptic material. We will then review the state of the tooth in a couple of weeks to check the healing process. If it all looks good then we seal the root up.

Step two: strengthen the tooth. The second half of a root canal treatment is all about strengthening the tooth. The major reason people loose teeth once they have had root canal treatments are that the teeth fracture. Research advises that teeth that have undergone root canal treatment is that we then need to strengthen that tooth by putting a crown in the tooth rather than a filling – a tooth which has been root treated then restored with a filling may not be strong enough to resist fracture.

This two-step process means that a long lasting root canal treatment can be expensive but it really is the only option to save a tooth. If there is sufficient tooth left and the root canal is done well then it is a very reliable procedure.

So if you are suffering dental pain and even remotely suspect you might have a dental infection, please contact your Hampton or Newport News dentist immediately. The situation could be more serious than you think.

Most people will not even notice your orthodontic treatment when you use Invisalign clear aligners. Patients wearing these aligners are comfortable when smiling or speaking. These aligners are a an excellent option for patients who don't want their braces to show. Invisalign clear aligners are custom-colored to the natural shade of the patients teeth. Once they are on, they instantly blend to look as if there is nothing there. But this aesthetic advantage is just one among the several perks of choosing an invisible way to straighten teeth.

Another reason to choose Invisalign offered by Oyster Point Dentistry in Hampton, VA is the fact that the clear aligners are easy to use and maintain throughout treatment. For instance, when brushing and flossing, the aligners can be removed making it easier to care for teeth and prevent other dental issues. Unlike metal braces, patients using removable aligners are guaranteed an aesthetically pleasing dental arch without inconveniences throughout the entire treatment. In addition, the Invisalign clear aligners are also comfortable to wear because they are made uniquely for each patient.

To find out more about other advantages of Invisalign clear aligners over others, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

While you cannot go back in time to correct your mistakes of eating food and drinking beverages that can actually stain your teeth, there are safe, effective, and affordable teeth whitening systems to remove the stains on your enamels. Zoom and Poladay in-office whitening treatment are offered here in Newport News at Oyster Point Dentistry. We have helped scores of patients dealing with stubborn stains on their teeth.

Teeth discoloration can be a huge draw upon your confidence and general self-esteem. If you fear smiling because of your stained teeth please know that you need not suffer that anxiety. Seriously consider professional teeth whitening treatments that can (and likely will) deliver a dramatically positive effect on your life.

When looking for in-office treatments, consider dental clinic that use the two leading teeth cleaning systems Zoom and Poladay. Both are in-office cleaning systems offered here in our Newport News, VA dental clinic. Zoom is an overnight treatment while Poladay is a 15-day regiment. We welcome the opportunity to speak with you personally to determine which of the two systems is best for you.

To find out more about our teeth whitening treatment systems, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

When it comes to dental health in Virginia Beach, VA, having false information can be detrimental. It is not surprising that we have made up several dental myths over the years to pacify our dental problems.

What is really not good about these is we often choose to believe they are true instead of dealing with our issues with dentists particularly in dental care and dental treatments. Let us bust some common dental myths on brushing and bleaching your teeth.

Tooth Brushing worsens Gum Bleeding

When your gums bleed, it is a sign that food particles and plaque have accumulated along the gum line which caused the gums to be inflamed if not irritated. But either should not stop you from brushing them to remove the gunk out rather than leaving your gums until they heal; they won't. The key is to brush gently and do dental preventative care routines regularly. However, it is recommended to only brush your teeth twice or thrice a day so as not to damage the gums, especially when you brush too hard. The same goes with flossing.

Bleaching Rather Weakens Teeth

Luckily there is a wide range of options of whitening products from gels to pastes to strips to have whiter teeth. There are also available teeth-whitening treatments in Virginia Beach, VA to achieve better looking teeth faster. However, a few individuals suffering from yellow or stained teeth are afraid to use bleaching products as they believe these are harmful. But to bust that myth, bleaching products are generally harmless as they only target and therefore affect the color of your teeth. We cannot blame them to be threatened by the color change. Sometimes bleaching is overdone thereby removing too much of the teeth's natural pigmentation. This will result to a translucent appearance of the teeth and temporary side effects such as irritated gums which scare most people.

Check out more myth-busting information from Oyster Point Dentistry.

Regular headaches may be a sign of dental problems. Are you waking up with headache pain, or pain in your neck and shoulders? If so, you should make an appointment with your dentist. These particular aches and pains could be a result of problems with your teeth and mouth. These are common symptoms of TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder. Basically this is a condition that means that your jaws don’t align properly. Because your jaw is misaligned the jaw is stressed, which puts pressure on your nerves and muscles. This can result in morning headaches, migraines or facial and neck pain.

Not everyone with TMJ disorder shows symptoms, headaches or pain. TMJ can also lead to broken teeth, broken fillings, loose teeth and toothaches. If you do have any of these TMJ symptoms, they won’t get better without professional help.

To ease TMJ pain, rest the jaw eating soft foods, avoiding chewing gum and hard candies. There are also jaw exercises to stretch the jaw joints and relieve stress. For most people, the most effective treatment is a custom dental splint that fits over your upper and lower teeth. This reduces damage to your teeth and jaw from repeated clenching of the jaw or teeth grinding.

There are other options for treating TMJ if the above treatment has not worked for you. The temporomandibular joints can be flushed out, or an injection of cortisone can help relieve inflammation and pain. Surgery is also sometimes necessary. Contact Oyster Point Dental for the right solution for TMJ treatment.

Dental Veneers (professionally provided at Oyster Point Dentistry, Newport News, VA are known to be a more aesthetic alternative to bonding. They are the most non-invasive and thus the most conservative approach to change the shade and shape of a tooth or more. Either a thin shell of porcelain or plastic is used to cover the front and the top of a tooth and provide a natural tooth appearance.

Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and are well tolerated by gum tissues. That is why a porcelain dental veneer is one of the most sought after cosmetic dental treatments in Newport News and across America as a whole. They are generally quick and painless to apply on the surface of the teeth to cover up any imperfection, thereby instantly improving their structure and appearance once the treatment is done. There may be just some slight sensitivity and discomfort that patients may feel at the start but these are all definitely worth it and will soon be gone as you get used to your new dental veneers.

Dental Veneers have been a popular dental treatment because they can transform dull-looking teeth to sparkly white teeth in just a few visits to the dentist. This dental treatment is best used if you have spaces in between teeth to close, small or misshapen teeth to lengthen, or stained teeth to whiten. Veneers also provide the needed protection for teeth that are beginning to wear and literally restore them to their original appearance.

If you are interested in getting porcelain dental veneers, consult with a dentist at Oyster Point Dentistry.

Invisalign braces are a clear alternative to braces. With both teens and adults, Invisalign has grown in popularity because they are essentially invisible while they straighten teeth. As effective as conventional braces, Invisalign are clear plastic aligners that are removable. Because they are removable, they can be taken out for eating or when brushing and flossing making dental care easier and more effective than traditional braces.

Too many teens lose confidence with- or are embarrassed by- metal braces and too many adults forgo straightening their teeth with traditional braces because of the way the metal wires and brackets look.

As the popularity and awareness of Invisalign increases, more patients are deciding to take better care of their teeth through these clear braces. Crooked teeth can lead to other dental health issues, so providing options to traditional braces is important to overall oral health.
 
A lot of people want to avoid getting braces but with Invisalign patients don't have to hide their smile while straightening their teeth.
 
Often, Invisalign can straighten teeth in a shorter amount of time, and in less dental visits than regular braces. With Invisalign, patients are given a series of clear aligners that are changed every two weeks until the teeth have straightened.
 
For more information on Invisalign, or to see if you are a candidate, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

For years now, people who want to get their teeth straight never pursue treatment simply because they do not like the way metal braces look. This concern gave rise to the latest in teeth straightening treatment technology called "Invisalign". This has since then become the only cosmetic alternative to traditional braces that delivers convenience and satisfaction to any patient who wears it.

Invisalign clear aligners have changed the field of orthodontics since their release providing the aesthetic alternative to metal braces. Invisalign has encouraged more patients to undergo dental treatments in order to achieve the straight teeth and pleasing smile that anyone dreams of. Most patients prefer Invisalign because of the fact that they can take out their aligners whenever they eat and brush, but it has actually a lot of other benefits. Aside from it looks much better than conventional braces, it straightens your teeth without discomfort, pain, and mouth sores.

Invisalign offering by Oyster Point Dentistry in Hampton, VA are safe and effective for treating mild to moderate crowding, spacing, alignment, crossbite, overbite, and underbite cases of patients. This treatment can also be done for those patients who have had previous orthodontic treatment but did not wear retainers as advised by their dentist and in return experienced some relapse.

Clearly, the Invisalign clear aligners do it better. To find out more about them, contact the Oyster Point Dentistry.

Metal amalgams are widely used to restore damaged teeth. Now, however, the traditional use of amalgams is giving way to the invisible dental fillings made of porcelain or composite resin.

The latest invisible dental fillings in Hampton, VA are virtually invisible because they are custom-designed to match the color of your remaining natural teeth. Unlike the traditional dental filling, they are metal-free. They require only a minimal preparation which adds to the reasons why more and more patients who formerly have amalgam fillings are now undergoing this treatment to have invisible dental fillings that are as beautiful as they are durable.

These invisible dental fillings promise long lasting effects. They do not darken over time unlike the metal amalgams so you can continue experiencing their unmatched benefits for a longer time. Aside from the fact that the material used in this dental treatment quickly bonds to the tooth structure, their color-matching effect makes them more of an ideal alternative to treat broken, chipped, or decayed teeth. This cosmetic dentistry technique is also a great choice for restoring worn out teeth that are found in front or other visible areas so you can smile metal-free even when the invisible dental fillings are bonded to your teeth.

To find out more about the invisible dental fillings, consult your Hampton and Newport News dentists at the Oyster Point Dentistry.

Patients with crowded, protruding, or irregularly-spaced teeth not only can have unattractive appearance but also have difficulty in maintaining desired oral and dental hygiene. That being said, patients eventually suffer complications from any of these conditions if left untreated.

Poor oral and dental hygiene can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, and, in worst cases, tooth loss. If you do not want any of these to happen to you, then at least observe some preventative care measures. Have your teeth checked and cleaned by your dentist at Oyster Point Dentistry. Doing so will not only keep your smile sparkling but will diagnose and treat any dental problem at an earlier stage. It is also known to us all how regular brushing and flossing can keep our teeth and gums healthy.

If a dental problem will be left untreated, you will not only experience excruciating pain. It can lead to complications and a lot more serious conditions that can interfere with your biting, chewing, and speaking. Untreated dental problems may be the cause why you are experiencing sudden pain in your ears, head, neck, and shoulder. It might worsen and cause you to have sleeping problems too. And one very obvious negative effect of it would be you having to lack self-confidence.

When it becomes a serious one, there are always affordable dental treatments in Newsport, VA which you can avail to treat your dental problems. However, prevention is better than cure. So it is still better to have no tooth problems at all.

In case of emergency, do not hesitate to visit your dentist at Oyster Point Dentistry and have your dental problems attended immediately.

While your teeth and gums do their respective duties, they are exposed to different kinds of cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth. Plaque is always forming on your teeth which is why it is imperative that you never skip brushing and flossing. But these are not the only preventative dental care measures you must do to keep you from experiencing tooth decay, gum disease, and dental and financial pain.

Dental check-up and cleaning are two parts of regular dental visits. Your dentist will conduct a dental examination to check for cavities as well as plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. The check-up should also examine your gums, tongue, and throat to look for any swelling or other signs of trouble in your oral and dental health. During dental check-ups, your dentist will catch problems early on so dental treatments in Newport News, VA can be provided immediately; the earlier the diagnosis, the quicker the treatment, the lesser the expense.

Unlike plaque, you cannot remove tartar with regular brushing and flossing at home which is why you need to see your dentist at least twice a year for it. Your teeth will be scaled especially in between your teeth and polished on their surface. If needed, a fluoride paste may also be applied to strengthen your teeth. Getting your teeth cleaned on your regular visit to the clinic will make you spend your time and money wisely.

If you are interested in finding out more about the benefits of making regular visits to your dentist, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

The BriteSmile teeth whitening system has earned the reputation as the best way to the whitest smile thus making it the most popular cosmetic treatment used by Yorktown dentists today. This advanced whitening system works wonders on anyone who aim to move on from stained or discolored teeth.

Owing to today's lifestyle, tooth discoloration is common today. While we may not be able to distance ourselves from heavily colored foods that stain teeth, an in-office whitening treatment for those of you in Newport News and Yorktown, VA is now immediately available as a path to healthy pearly whites. With just a visit to a dental clinic, a bright smile can be achieved without any kind of inconvenience to the patient getting the treatment.

The hydrogen peroxide-based gel which acts as whitener is safe to use and produces amazing results. The dentist protects the other areas in your mouth such as your lips and gums so only the gelled teeth that are to be whitened are the only ones left exposed to the glass plasma light. This new professional teeth whitening system applies heat to the gel using the plasma light to accelerate the effect. The entire dental treatment takes around an hour to finish and during this time, the gel may be applied more than once depending on the current condition of your stained teeth.

To find out more about how to have brighter teeth that can improve your appearance, contact the Oyster Point Dentistry.

There are now several affordable dental treatments to replace missing teeth. Two common treatments involve dental implants or the use of dental bridges.

Dental bridges in Newport News, VA typically require shaping of the teeth adjacent to a missing tooth. Dental crowns are then placed on the shaped teeth in which the artificial tooth is attached and will act as the replacement. In order for these replacement teeth to last for years, you must exercise a proper dental hygiene and visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleaning.

It cannot be denied that a missing tooth or more can adversely affect the appearance of your smile and the functionality of your dental arches. If not given immediate treatment, there will be a shifting of the teeth which will not only result in a change in occlusion or bite but also will expose you to certain risks such as temporomandibular joint disorder and periodontal disease. So before missing teeth can wreak havoc to your dental health and require a more costly dental treatment, you should take time to visit your dentist and find out what you can do about your case.

For more details, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

Dental veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored, translucent porcelain. They are customized so that they fit perfectly over your natural teeth thereby improving their shade, shape, and overall appearance.

The dental treatment "porcelain veneers" is often called instant orthodontics because it can instantly improve your teeth's appearance. These veneers work perfectly in covering a variety of dental problems that involve teeth in the smile zone. So if you have gaped, poorly shaped, crooked, broken, chipped, permanently externally stained and/or internally stained teeth, then dental veneers are an ideal solution for your case.

Undergoing a treatment that makes use of dental veneers (here in Newport News and Hampton, VA) enhance your smile immediately after the procedure. But you should take good care of your dental veneers to keep them from chipping or coming off. Aside from avoiding to use them to bite or crack hard objects like nuts and ice, you also need to do preventative care measures to improve the durability and longevity of the dental veneers. You will need to maintain consistent good oral hygiene and have regular dental examinations and cleanings at least twice each year in order.

To find out more about porcelain dental veneers, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

Dental care professionals in Newport News, VA have always emphasized that prevention is better than cure. You are putting your dental health at risk if you do not brush and floss your teeth and take care of your gums and mouth that way it should be. Your negligence can lead to a poor health and result in dental problems that can be costly.

Apart from the in-house dental care regimen, preventative dental care measures also include paying regular visits to your dentist for cleaning and check-up. There may be hard-to-reach areas of your teeth that cannot be cleaned thoroughly by normal brushing so they require the expertise of your dentist. Your visit is all worth it as it is also the time when hidden issues in your dental health can be detected early and thus be treated immediately.

Taking care of your dental health has a positive domino effect to your oral and overall health. For this reason, it would be wise of you not to miss your schedule for cleaning your teeth, gums, and mouth after you treat yourself with your favorite food and beverage. Given the preventative dental care measures, you will less likely experience dental problems and therefore be able to save your money for future use.

To find out the best practices in brushing, flossing, and other preventative dental care measures, consult your dentist at Oyster Point Dentistry.

It is all too uncommon for children to fear dental treatment so severely that it prohibits the dentist to perform even the most basic treatment services to include simple cleaning. Some of them thrash in the chair and some lock their jaws shutting the treatment session completely down. So in the efforts of maximizing the chance that your child gets the dental care they need, today's dentist's use a proven safe and effective oral sedation process that makes dental treatments be conducted easier to children.

When dental sedation techniques are used, your child will feel relaxed and is conscious enough to respond to verbal command as well as physical stimulation. Also, your child will maintain its ability to open airway independently and continuously. Therefore, this oral sedation is safe for kids, not to mention that this is only conducted by a qualified pediatric sedation dentist.

Dental sedation in Smithfield, VA helps children undergo a dental treatment who otherwise would not receive it. It allows them to relax and let the dentist restore their mouth to a healthy state. Parents should accompany their children who have extensive dental needs, have traumatic past dental experiences, or have very strong gag reflexes when seeing a dentist and consult about the available dental sedation techniques.

To find out more about oral sedation, contact Smithfield Dental.

Did you know that a lot of little things you do, or that you forget to do, daily affect your dental health? They also could be classified as bad oral habits? These include not brushing or flossing enough, eating too many sweets too often, or even using your teeth to open a bag of chips.
 
Bad oral habits are hard to break, but they can be stopped by the following tips:
 
Floss at least once a day. It helps remove bits of food and dental plaque in places your toothbrush can't find, helping to keep your gums healthy.
 
Brush at least twice a day. If brushing is not an option, chew sugarless gum (make sure it's sugarless!) for 20 minutes after a meal or snack. This helps prevent tooth decay.
 
Clean your tongue. Regularly cleaning your tongue with a toothbrush or a tongue scraper helps remove the bacteria that causes bad breath.
 
Replace your toothbrush regularly. Replacing your tooth brush ever 3-4 months is a good idea. Bristles in your toothbrush that are bent and broken don't do a good job cleaning your teeth.
 
Eat a balanced diet. Snacking on sweets without brushing increases the acid in your mouth… and the likelihood of tooth decay. Munch on vegetables and fruit instead.
 
Regular Dental Visits. Your dentist is trained to do damage control in your mouth before it's too late. You should visit the dentist regularly -- every six months.
 
Adding these dental habits to your list one at a time is a good start to kick those bad oral habits. By doing a little self-check on your daily dental care habits, you can be on your way to making sure your teeth, your mouth's health and your overall health are at their best.

For more information, or to make a dentist appointment, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

Dental cavities and tooth decay is increasing among children and among seniors. In fact, ost of us have had at least one cavity. While sugary food doesn’t help, cavities are usually caused by not brushing your teeth enough, by not flossing enough and from skipping regular dentist appointments.  is not enough brushing your teeth, flossing and dentist appointments.

The following are some cavity FAQs:

Q: Is there a difference between tooth decay and a cavity?

A: Tooth decay and cavities are actually not the same thing. Tooth decay is the gradual process in which bacteria in the mouth produces acids that destroy the surfaces of teeth. Over time, tooth decay can erode the tooth enamel causing a hole, or cavity.

Q: How do I know if I have a cavity?

A: During a regular dental exam, one of the first things your dentist will look for are dental  cavities. Dental X-rays can help your dentist diagnose whether you have cavities and how extensive those cavities are. Sometimes a dental cavity is visible to the naked eye. Visible black holes or spots in your teeth, or a toothache or sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks could be signs of cavities.

Q: How are dental cavities treated?

A: Treatment for cavities depends on the size and the degree of damage to your tooth. Although many cavities are treated with silver fillings or invisible fillings, onlays may be necessary to treat large cavities that affect the cusp of the tooth. Cavities affecting the areas in between the cusps can be treated with inlays. Dental crowns are also used in some cases to protect a tooth from further damage. In children dental sealants can be applied to prevent against cavities.

Do you have questions about cavities or dental treatment? Contact Oyster Point Dental.

A bridge is also known as a fixed partial denture. It is a dental restoration that is used to replace a missing tooth. A dental bridge is joined permanently to adjacent teeth or dental implants.

A bridge is made up of two crowns on either side of your missing tooth.  The two anchoring teeth support the bridge, and the false tooth is put in between. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants.

Bridges can:

• Restore your smile
• Restore the ability to properly chew and speak
• Maintain the shape of your face
• Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
• Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position

If you have a missing tooth as a result of genetics or an accident, you understand the importance of having a smile that you are confident in. For too long you have hidden that smile, contact Oyster Point Dentistry for more information on Dental Bridges. See how life can be with a beautiful smile.

Every workplace experiences head shaking humor at one time or another. One of the most intense experiences in our industry is dealing with patients who suffer true paranoia about sitting in a dentist’s chair. Here at Oyster Point Dentistry we specialize in settling those with dental treatment anxiety. Our treatment services range from pre-treatment counselling (relaxation methodologies and pre-treatment medication) to teaming here on site with medical doctors (Board Certified Anesthesiologists) to deliver sedation and total sleep dentistry treatment here in Newport News Virginia.

What drove us to write today regarding dental patient paranoia? We read the story recently (in one of our dental journals) about a loving husband who no longer could stand idly by why his beloved wife suffered from chronic tooth and gum disease. For her own health and wellbeing, he scheduled her for dental treatment, scheduled annual leave for the day of the appointment, and steadily reassured her in the days leading up to the appointment that everything would be OK.

On the morning of the appointment, the wife appeared incensed about being forced to go to the dentist. She did not say a word that morning and remained silent all the way into the dentist’s chair. What those dentists discovered was truly a unique dental case. She had super-glued her teeth together! A long story short here, the treatment involved two phases. First, a staff member went to the local grocer and brought back a bottle of olive oil. In time, the oil broke down the glue’s bond and freed her mouth. Second, they used what we offer, heavy dental sedation to calm her and successfully completed the treatment.

They wouldn’t print it if it wasn’t true. All of this to say, your caring friends here at Oyster Pointe Dentistry (Newport News, Va) know how to get even the most paranoid of patients through their critical dental health care treatments. It’s a half-hour to a grocer from here, so don’t glue your mouth shut. Call us. We have better ideas.

Many people are afraid of going to the dentist, but most will muster the bravery to go in when their teeth start falling out. However, most people are not Angie Barlow of England.

Simple daily dental health measures deliver multiple benefits as it pertains to dental pain, your self image, and your wallet. By simply brushing and flossing your teeth daily you will enjoy the benefits of a pain free dental condition while also enjoying the lowest dental care cost possible.

Because we truly care for our patients, our dental care professionals here in Newport News VA routinely remind our patients to never take their dental health for granted. Good dental hygiene is a simple and fast endeavor. Simply brush your teeth after every meal and commit to flossing your teeth at least once a day. Keeping your teeth clean and your breath fresh all the time can keep disease-causing bacteria to enter your body’s system and cause problems up to the cellular level. Your mouth is a passage way to your internal organs so it is important that preventive measures should be done starting from there.

Preventative dental care does not only include brushing and flossing. Twice a year have your teeth cleaned by your dentist. Most do not realize the secondary benefit of those visits when your dentist assesses your entire mouth for new and potentially deadly disease. Like any cancer, cancer of the mouth, if diagnosed early, significantly increases your chance of full recovery.

To find out more about the importance of preventative dental care, contact your friends here at Newport News' Oyster Point Dentistry.

Believe it or not, our goal here at Oyster Point Dentistry (Newport News, Va) is to only see you twice a year for routine check-ups and cleaning. That means you are dentally happy and healthy. If you're here for any other reason, we of course are here to restore you to full dental health. Our preventative care web page offers good tips. We go a bit farther in this blog post to help educate you further. What follows are ten simple and routine dental hygiene measures you should take:

1. Brush properly: One of the easiest steps to do to help your teeth keep clean. When brushing your teeth, position the bristles at an angle of 45 degrees near the gum line. Both the gum line and the tooth surface should be in contact with the bristles. Brush the outer surfaces of the teeth using a back-and-forth, up-and-down motion, making sure to be done gently in order to avoid bleeding. To clean the inside surfaces of the teeth and gums, place the bristles at a 45-degree angle again and repeat the back-and-forth, up-and-down motion. Lastly, brush the surfaces of your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove bacteria, which might cause bad breath.
   Try to brush at least twice a day to prevent acid buildup from the breakdown of food by bacteria. However, if your work or activities prevent you from doing this, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water after eating to minimize the amount of food that would serve as substrate for the bacteria.
2. Floss! Flossing removes food particles and other detrimental substances that brush can't. Flossing allows you to reach deep between your teeth where the toothbrush bristles cannot reach or even mouthwash cannot wash away. Floss daily and strive for twice a day.
3. Avoid Tobacco. This can and will save you from oral cancer and periodontal complication risk. It will save you from the ill-effects of things you use to mask "smoker's breath": candy, coffee, tea, or sugar based breath mints.
4. Limit Sodas, Coffee and Alcohol. Beverages containing additives such as corn syrup and food dye make pearly white teeth appear dull and discolored. Choose beverages like milk which actually strengthen teeth and build stronger enamel.
5. Consume Calcium and other Vitamins that are good for the body. You need plenty of calcium for your teeth. It is essential for the teeth as well as your bones. It is better to drink milk, fortified orange juice and to eat yogurt, broccoli, cheese, and other dairy products. You can also take a calcium supplement, taking different doses according to your age and necessity as per prescription. Calcium and Vitamin D are necessary for maintaining the health of gums and teeth. Vitamin B complex is also essential for the protection of gums and teeth from cracking and bleeding. Copper, zinc, iodine, iron and potassium are also required for maintaining healthy dental hygiene.
6. Visit Your Dentist. As previoulsy stated, you should visit your dentist at least twice a year to have a full hygiene treatment performed. Also at these appointments, a comprehensive exam is taken with x-rays to help detect and prevent future dental treatments from occurring.
7. Use Mouthwash along side brushing and flossing. Mouthwash is very helpful because they kill bacteria in your mouth. This promotes good breath as well as help maintain strong teeth.
8. Having a toothache or noticing other dental symptoms. If you are having tooth and jaw pain make an appointment as soon as possible. Your dentist needs to diagnose the underlying cause and correct it before it turns into a greater problem.
9. Look at the Big Picture. Everyone understands that you should take care of your teeth to avoid toothaches, maintain your looks and keep dental bills at bay. Many people, however, don’t understand how crucial oral health is to our total health picture. Tooth problems can lead to diabetes, heart disease, systemic infections, an inability to eat or speak properly and other maladies – some life-threatening. Crooked or crowded teeth can contribute to gum disease that can eventually lead to tooth loss. Straight teeth are no longer just for looks.
10. Clean your tongue. Clean the surface of your tongue daily. By using a professional tongue cleaner you remove countless bacteria that otherwise live, particularly on the rougher top surface of your tongue. These can contribute to bad breath (halitosis) and negatively affect your dental health.

We're also here to answer your general questions. Please feel free to call us anytime with questions about how you can improve your smile and overall dental health.

Dental Sedation in Newport News, VA is intended to lessen the anxiety and discomfort of dental patients but is exceptionally effective for non-cooperative children. Many children suffer from poor dental health because parents simply give up on putting them in the dentist's chair But this is a serious health issue that can result in life-long tooth loss, gum disease, and other risks. To put an end to this, the dental community has thought of other means to make kids feel comfortable with going to a clinic and visiting the dentist.

Dental sedation techniques come in various forms. But there is one that is commonly used especially for children: oral sedation. Unlike general anesthesia that can render a child unconsious, oral sedation will only make the child drowsy or less active which allows the dentist to conduct the dental treatment with more ease and facility. Once the procedure is done, its effect will just desist quickly. This alternative itself is indeed safe, effective, and painless. Additionally, oral sedation does not require the use of needles, which is also one of the many things kids fear. But sometimes sedation is not enough and total sleep dentistry is required to treat the child. This is the process where our dental staff teams with medical doctors (anesthesiologists) to treat the child in an operating-room environment.

To find out more about oral sedation techniques, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

The aesthetic advantage of the Invisalign clear aligner teeth straightening treatment here at Oyster Point Dentistry in Hampton, VA is clear. Literally. But there are actually numerous advantages and/or benefits aside from that.

There are several treatment and health advantages to these Invisalign clear aligners. When you use Invisalign instead of metal braces, most people will not even notice you are in orthodontic treatment. That is because these aligners are virtually invisible which makes them an excellent option for patients who would like to have no braces in photos, for performances, or during social events. The Invisalign clear aligners can be custom-colored to mimic the natural shade of your tooth enamel. So that once you wear them, they will instantly blend and look as if you were not really wearing aligners.

The invisible teeth straightening technology of Invisalign lets you achieve that aesthetically pleasing dental arch without causing you much inconvenience during the entire treatment. The Invisalign clear aligners are so comfortable to wear because they are custom for every patient alone. They are made of a comfortable clear plastic. You will be changing your sets of aligners as you progress in your treatment.

Aside from the comfort, you will also be benefiting from the convenience that these aligners can offer. You can take them out to eat which means you can eat everything you like even while you are on a treatment. You can even remove these aligners while brushing and flossing your teeth as you normally would.

To find out more about Invisalign clear aligners, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.

Britesmile teeth whitening system guarantees that your teeth with be at least 9 shades lighter after the treatment. This advanced in-office whitening treatment is best for people who have teeth that are severely stained.

This in-office whitening treatment in Newport News, VA usually takes just over an hour to finish. This professional teeth whitening treatment uses a specially formulated gel that is safe and affordable. Additionally, this gel contains lower amounts of hydrogen peroxide as compared to other teeth whitening systems so there will be no burning sensation in the mouth as can occur with other whitening options. The low amounts of hydrogen peroxide also ensure that the treatment is absolutely pleasurable and pain-free for every user.

To find out more about Britesmile teeth whitening treatment, visit your dentist at Oyster Point Dentistry.