Dental Care During Pregnancy

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

Now is the time to schedule a visit at Dargan and Miller, D.D.S. for a dental cleaning, as early in your first trimester as possible. After that, it may be beneficial to repeat cleanings once in the second trimester and possibly once in your third trimester.

The many physical changes during pregnancy can have a tremendous effect on your oral health. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, only 22 to 34 percent of women in the United States visit a dentist during pregnancy. Proper dental care during pregnancy is not only safe, but is also essential. More frequent dental cleanings will help control plaque and prevent gingivitis, which has been linked preterm, low birth weight babies. The goal is to prevent gingivitis, which can also lead to pregnancy tumors on the gums.

The buildup of plaque in gingivitis causes inflammation of the gums and can be treated safely with dental cleanings in addition to regular flossing and consistent tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste after each meal. And be mindful of brushing around the gum line. However, if brushing your teeth spurs the onset of morning sickness, rinsing with water or with anti-plaque and fluoride mouthwashes will help. Untreated gingivitis can often lead to periodontitis, which is a more serious form of gum disease. Treating gingivitis can prevent pain and possible oral infections, without progressing to the need for antibiotics.       

 

Let Dargan and Miller, D.D.S.  

help you begin this incredible journey

with excellent oral health care.

                                                                                                                                                                                   

Enjoy the Thrill of the Game While Playing It Safe!

With the warmer weather, we are spending more time outside playing the sports we love! Each year, the increase in activity marks an increase in traumatic injuries to the mouth and jaw. One of the very best and least expensive ways to protect yourself is to wear a mouth guard - to save teeth and protect jaws.

Did you know that 84% of sports teams do not require that children and young adults wear a protective mouth guard? And how about those who are casually participating in the sports of their choice? Are they wearing a mouth guard? Doubtful.

According to the American Dental Association, "Last year, the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation (NYSSF) forecasted that more than 3 million teeth would be knocked out in youth sporting events. They also reported that athletes who don’t wear mouth guards are 60 times more likely to damage their teeth. Sixty-seven percent of parents admitted that their children do not wear a mouth guard during organized sports."

A recent survey conducted by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) found that 84% of children do not wear mouth guards while playing organized sports because they are not required to wear them, even though they may be required to wear other protective materials, such as helmets and shoulder pads.

The advantages of wearing a mouth guard

which fits your mouth:

 

1. It fits and covers your teeth and gums.

2. It holds your teeth in place.

3. It resists tearing and allows for normal speech and breathing.

4. It is relatively inexpensive.

5. It dramatically decreases the risk of oral injuries.

Why isn't everyone wearing a mouth guard

while playing sports?

Please contact our office to learn more:

410-535-4050

301-855-1008

 

Infection Control for the Safety and Well-Being of All

 

 

Infection control has become a hot topic in the news, as it well should be. Vitally important precautions and procedures are followed to ensure the safety of all - our valued patients and our team members. The Dargan and Miller, D.D.S. team would like to take this opportunity to share about the safeguards we have in place.

In keeping with the recommendations put forth by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Dental Association (ADA) we do the following:

 

 

 

1. Before a patient enters the examining room, all surfaces are cleaned and decontaminated, including the dental chair, dental light, drawer handles and counter tops.

 

 

 

2. Non-disposable items like the dental tools are cleaned and sterilized between patients to kill microorganisms. This keeps disease and viruses from spreading and protects your health. Once dental instruments are sterilized, they are packaged and cannot be touched directly until ready to use - by gloved hands.

 

3. Disposable items like needles or gauze are placed in special bags or containers.

 

4. Infection control precautions also require all dental staff involved in patient care to use appropriate protective garb such as gloves, masks, and gowns. After each patient, disposable wear like the gloves and masks are discarded. Before seeing the next patient, the members of the treatment team wash their hands and put on a new pair of gloves.

 

We want you to feel confident about visiting our safe office.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us:

410-535-4050 or 301-855-1008.

We Want to Hear from YOU!

 

Dargan & Miller, D.D.S.

would love to hear from YOU!

1. What is the reason you chose us and why do you keep coming back?
2. How often do you visit our office?
3. What do you appreciate about the services we provide?
4. If you have had any apprehension about going to the dentist, what makes your experience with us better?
5. Any "shout-outs" to specific Dargan & Miller, D.D.S. team members?
6. In what ways could we better serve you?

The Dargan & Miller, D.D.S. team has built a strong reputation in our community over the past 30+ years, doing our best for each and every one of our valued patients. To continue our patient-focused approach, we believe that there is always room for improvement. So please feel free to send your email to: darganandmillerdds@gmail.com. Please indicate whether or not we may share your email on social media.  If you would like to keep it confidential, we will gladly honor your request. And please feel free to send photos of your smile! 

 

We're all ears ... and teeth!

 

 

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