Decision Time: Amalgam or Composite?

 

You have a cavity, you need a filling, and it comes down to a choice - amalgam or composite? If you are like most people, you have likely done an Internet search on the topic and have been inundated with all kinds of information. Dargan and Miller, D.D.S. gives you accurate information so you can make an informed decision - the best decision for you. 

 

First off, Dr. Dargan and Dr. Miller both have the continuing education and extensive experience in successfully completing both types of restorations. An amalgam filling is a silver restoration and the composite filling is a white "tooth-colored" restorative. The biggest deciding factors are cosmetic (where the affected tooth is located in the mouth), the amount of decay present in the tooth, and financial. 

 

In a more visible tooth, patients are generally drawn to the more pleasing, natural looking composite filling. Although offering a nicer finished appearance, composites generally don't last as long as amalgams and have a higher price tag. Part of the reason for this is not only the price of the material itself, but also that this procedure requires additional time. The amalgam filling is the standard, silver filling. If not needed on a front tooth, this less costly, longer lasting material may be the best option. Please know that no valid research has concluded risks of mercury toxicity from amalgam restorations. If there were, we definitely wouldn't offer this material as an option.

 

If you have any other questions before making your final decision,

please feel free to call our office.

Dr. Dargan or Dr. Miller will gladly answer any questions
during your appointment.

 

410-535-4050

301-855-1008
 

 

Dental Implants, Bridgework, and Crowns - Oh MY!

Are you missing a tooth or several teeth? Or do you have a tooth that has limited structure left to hold a filling ... or perhaps broken down or fractured? Are you wondering just how the determination is made to do this higher level of restorative dental work? All of these scenarios affect you in a number of ways including your appearance, your chewing ability, and putting extra stress on your surrounding teeth. After a thorough examination and review of your x-rays, Dr. Dargan or Dr. Miller will determine your need for an implant, bridgework, or a crown. 

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root which is surgically placed in the jawbone. This root offers a solid foundation to which the replacement tooth can be attached. Your new permanent tooth will help to restore the natural appearance of your mouth and enable you to chew with confidence. 

 

 

Another option for tooth/teeth replacement is bridgework. Provided that sufficient tooth structure is remaining on the surrounding teeth, Dargan and Miller, D.D.S. are able to create a bridge connecting the replacement tooth with the other teeth. The bridge is permanently cemented in your mouth and comfort, stability, and a more youthful appearance are achieved.  

Crown restoration may be recommended when an existing tooth has become problematic - severely broken down from decay or fracture. Covering the tooth completely, Dargan and Miller, D.D.S. are able to customize the shade to match your other teeth.    

Please call our office to schedule an appointment.

You will be smiling again in no time!

410-535-4050

301-855-1008

New Teeth, New You!

Although Dr. Dargan and Dr. Miller strongly believe in taking a conservative approach to saving your existing teeth, there are times when the best solution is to wear dentures. Before you grab your head and yell, "Nooooooo, not that!" consider the benefits of having working teeth again. If your mind snaps shut at the very idea of it because of the chiclet-looking or straight-edged dentures of the past, we have great news for you: dentures now have the appearance of natural teeth and you will smile and eat again with confidence!

Let's talk: 

conventional dentures 

vs.

immediate dentures

Conventional denture fabrication involves having any existing teeth removed and allowing your mouth to heal for four to six weeks. Once the healing is complete, these removable dentures are made to fit the new contours and shape of your mouth. It may take a few appointments to get the fit exactly right.

 

Immediate dentures are inserted right after the removal of the remaining teeth. However, bones and gums can shrink over time, especially during the healing period within the first six months. When gums shrink, immediate dentures may require rebasing or relining to fit properly. 

Dr. Dargan and Dr. Miller will gladly meet with you to discuss all the advantages and disadvantages of both conventional and immediate dentures. They will give you all of the information of what you may expect along the way, which will increase your chances of successfully adjusting to your new teeth. Please feel free to jot down your questions so we can be sure to cover all of your concerns during your treatment planning appointment.

We look forward to hearing from you!

410-535-4050

301-855-1008

Paint My Teeth! Paint My Teeth!

 

Fluoride treatments for children are highly recommended and should continue right up until the eruption of their last permanent tooth. It is a long time and it does take commitment, but it really is the best practice for the healthiest start! :D 

 

 

For your child to become accustomed to and enjoy visiting the dentist, Drs. Dargan and Miller suggest bi-yearly office visits, at which time one of the team members will paint your child's teeth with a fluoride varnish. It's just a quick application and kids really seem to enjoy it, probably because it tickles a little a bit ... and the team members make it FUN. Upon check-out, we will provide you with a prescription for fluoride vitamin supplements for your child to take in between his/her visits to our office.

 

 

Here's to healthy teeth!

 

Whiten Up!

 

 

Professional Whitening

 

Many Dargan and Miller, D.D.S. patients opt for this type of whitening prior to big event, because it is a highly effective treatment and the quickest way to achieve terrific results. With in-office bleaching, the whitening product is applied directly to the teeth. Very good results are seen in only one treatment. To achieve a dramatic result, several appointments may be necessary.

 

Tray Whitening 

 

Tray-based teeth whitening systems involve filling a mouth guard-like tray with a whitening solution containing a peroxide-bleaching agent. The tray is worn for a period of time, generally from a couple of hours a day to every night. The length of time to use this method is a personal decision, as achieving the desired level of whiteness varies from patient to patient. 

 

First, the Dargan and Miller, D.D.S. team will take an impression of your teeth and make customized trays, enabling maximum contact between the whitening agent and your teeth. Another excellent reason to be fitted with customized trays, rather than using the over-the-counter kits, is that the perfect fit minimizes direct contact of the whitener with your gums and soft tissue. The extreme sensitivity caused by the one size fits all kits often motivates patients to switch to using the customized whitening trays.

Please ask us about Professional Whitening and/or Tray Whitening the next time you visit our office, or call us at 410-535-4050 or 301-855-1008 to inquire. We look forward to helping make your smile shiny, white, and bright!

Beauty of the Bite Guard!

 

 

Have you been waking up with headaches, tired jaw muscles, tooth sensitivity, or pain in your jaw, face, or ear? Have you noticed that your teeth are starting to look worn down, flattened, or chipped? Do you have damage to the inside of your cheek or tongue? Has your sleep partner mentioned being disturbed by your teeth grinding at night? Do you find yourself often clenching your teeth during the day? It is quite possible that you have a condition known as Bruxism - the grinding, gnashing, or clenching of your teeth.

Possible physical or psychological causes of Bruxism may include:

• Anxiety, stress or tension
• Suppressed anger or frustration
• Aggressive, competitive or hyperactive personality type
• Abnormal alignment of upper and lower teeth (malocclusion)
• Other sleep problems
• Response to pain from an earache or teething (in children)
• Complication resulting from a disorder, such as Huntington's disease or Parkinson's disease
• A common side effect of some psychiatric medications, including certain antidepressants

Note to parents: If you notice that your child is grinding his or her teeth or has other signs or symptoms of this condition, please be sure to mention this to us at your child's next appointment.

 

Dargan and Miller, D.D.S. will gladly meet with you to examine your teeth and determine whether or not you may have this condition. If so, it is likely that we will suggest that you be fitted for a bite guard to wear at night. There are two types of bite guards which offer the most relief and enhance your overall dental health: the soft bite guard and the comfort hard/soft bite guard. We will gladly speak with you about the advantages of both and help you decide which appliance will be best for you.

 

The Dargan and Miller, D.D.S. team understands that it can be difficult for you to get used to wearing a bite guard. We suggest that you try it every night for two weeks and by that time, you should adjust to the feeling and it will become second nature to you. The benefits of using a bite guard far outweigh all of the problems you experience.

 

 

 

One patient's experience:

 

"After years of waking up in tremendous discomfort and seeing several cracks in my teeth, I finally decided to use a bite guard. Dargan and Miller, D.D.S. told me exactly what to expect, took impressions of my teeth, and made minor adjustments to the appliance for optimum fit & comfort. At first, it was such a weird feeling to have something surrounding my teeth and I didn't think I would ever be able to get used to it. However, after a few weeks, I started to wake up in the morning feeling well-rested and with absolutely no pain in my teeth, gums, and jaw. That was all it took to convince me that this was the best course of action. Now I cannot get to sleep without having my bite guard in place!"

Please contact Dargan and Miller, D.D.S.
(410) 535-4050
(301) 855-1008

Our Patients Give the Best Recommendations & Referrals

Dargan and Miller, D.D.S. are hoping our current patients will help us by referring our dental practice to your family and friends. After all, your recommendations are more powerful and far more effective than any amount of advertising could ever be. As you have experienced for yourself, we all do our very best to provide top-notch dental care for you. Why not share your positive experience with your nearest and dearest?

 

Have you ever noticed how terrific it is to call our office and actually hear one of our team members smiling over the phone? Yes, you can hear a smile. Our Business Manager, Tracey gladly answers any questions you may have about insurance plans and billing. Missy will schedule your appointment and will be the first one you meet when you arrive at 55 Stoakley Road in Prince Frederick, extending a warm welcome/welcome back. Before long, one of our friendly clinical team members - Karen, Jeanine, Jackie - will escort you back to the treatment room. Whether you are in for your regular dental cleaning with one of our professional dental hygienists - Bernice or Mande - or in for a procedure with Dr. Dargan or Dr. Miller, we make you feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible. We remember things you have shared with us from your previous visit - not just what the procedure was (we have your file for that), but also things about your life. That is because we care about you as person.

We hope you will share with others about Dargan and Miller, D.D.S. and we look forward to seeing you at our office again!