Parklane Family Dentistry

Am I a Good Candidate for Invisalign in Frisco, TX?

September 27, 2023

When it comes to straightening your teeth, Invisalign has become a popular and effective option. With its clear aligners and discreet appearance, many people are considering Invisalign as an alternative to traditional braces. But how do you know if you are a good candidate for Invisalign in Frisco? In this blog post, we will explore the factors that determine if Invisalign is right for you.

Age and Teeth Development

Invisalign is suitable for both teenagers and adults. For teenagers, it is recommended that they have all of their permanent teeth before starting Invisalign treatment. This typically occurs around the age of 12 or 13. For adults, there is no age limit for Invisalign, as long as their teeth and gums are healthy.

Mild to Moderate Orthodontic Issues

Invisalign is designed to correct mild to moderate orthodontic issues such as crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. If you have more severe orthodontic issues, your dentist may recommend traditional braces or other orthodontic treatments. It is important to consult with your dentist or orthodontist to determine the best treatment option for your specific case.

Commitment to Wearing Aligners

One of the key factors in the success of Invisalign treatment is the patient’s commitment to wearing the aligners as prescribed. Invisalign aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours a day, only removing them for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. If you are not willing to commit to wearing the aligners consistently, Invisalign may not be the best option for you.

Oral Health and Habits

To be a good candidate for Invisalign, you should have good overall oral health. This includes having healthy teeth and gums, with no signs of gum disease or tooth decay. It is also important to have good oral hygiene habits, as Invisalign aligners need to be cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria buildup. If you have any oral health issues, your dentist will address them before starting Invisalign treatment.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Parul Vashisht at Parklane Family Dentistry

If you are considering Invisalign as a treatment option, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Parul Vashisht at Parklane Family Dentistry. As an experienced and trusted dentist in Frisco, TX, Dr. Vashisht will evaluate your orthodontic needs and determine if Invisalign is the right choice for you. Don’t wait any longer to achieve the smile of your dreams. Contact us today at (469) 731-0391 to request an appointment and take the first step towards a straighter, more confident smile.

Remember, Invisalign is not just about aesthetics. It can also improve your oral health and overall well-being. Take control of your smile and start your Invisalign journey with us.

Can Dentures Be Fitted to Receding Gums?

August 16, 2023

Dentures in Frisco are an excellent restorative solution for people missing most or all of their teeth. They are comfortable, affordable, and will restore your ability to chew and smile.

But if you also have receding gums, you may wonder if your Frisco dentist will be able to fit the dentures.

This short article from Parklane Family Dentistry will help you learn the answer.

How Dentures Fit In Your Mouth

The way the dentist will fit the dentures depends on the type you need.

If you’re only missing a few teeth, the dentist will recommend partial dentures. These types of dentures have clasps, which are like tiny arms that wrap around your remaining natural teeth for support. However, your gums and jawbone will also play a role in ensuring your partial dentures sit comfortably and snuggly in your mouth.

Complete dentures, used when you are missing all of your teeth from one or both arches, entirely depend on the soft tissue and the jawbone for support. Can that be a problem if you have receding gums?

What If I Have Receding Gums?

Gum recession is usually a consequence of untreated gum diseases. It’s a condition where the gums pull from the tooth until it exposes the root. The more gum tissue pulls back and more of the tooth’s root is exposed, the higher the chances of tooth loss.

So, can the dentist fit dentures on receding gums?

The answer is yes, they can do it, but they probably won’t. That’s because receding gums need to be addressed and treated even if all your teeth are missing. The gums will continue to pull back even after getting dentures and the infection could spread to your jawbone too. Not to mention, the progression of your gum recession will affect the fit of your dentures. Your dentures will become loose and may fall off and your gums will feel sore because of the improper fit.

Because receding gums are often the result of gum disease, the dentist will try to treat this condition first before getting your dentures. Treatment usually involves antibiotics to treat the infection, deep cleaning, and / or a gum graft if you need to restore lost soft tissue.

How Parklane Family Dentistry Can Help You Restore Your Oral Health

If you are dealing with missing teeth and are tired of hiding your smile, Dr. Parul Vashisht will help you find the best restorative treatment for your needs.

At Parklane Family Dentistry, we offer both partial and complete dentures as well as other restorative treatments like implants.

Missing teeth shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying your life anymore. Send us an online message to request an appointment with Dr. Parul Vashisht and come for an initial consultation.

You can also call us at (469) 731-0391 and get more info about our services.

Can A Root Canal Cause A Sinus Infection?

July 11, 2023

If you’ve had a root canal at Parklane Family Dentistry or another dental practice in the Frisco area and are now noticing symptoms of a sinus infection, you might be confused.

Can a root canal lead to a sinus infection? If you search for answers online, other people may claim the same thing happened to them.

And it’s true: a root canal can cause symptoms similar to those of a sinus infection. But it doesn’t cause one.

Why Does a Root Canal Lead to Sinusitis-Like Symptoms?

Root canals are a type of procedure used to treat a badly infected tooth. During it, a dentist will clean the tooth of all bacteria and infected tissue, including anything that went down the narrow chambers of the root, which are called the canals.

If your root canal was performed on one of your upper teeth, then the procedure may cause symptoms like congestion or a runny nose. But it’s not a sinus infection.

The canals of the tooth are very narrow. During the procedure, a dentist will use special tools to gain access to these chambers and remove the infection. But sometimes they can accidentally puncture the sinus lining, leading to a condition called “sinus communication”.

Is Sinus Communication Serious?

Not at all. Most of the time, the sinus lining will heal on its own in a few days, and your symptoms will go away completely. To help it heal, you should avoid blowing your nose as much as possible, even if you feel the need to. The pressure when blowing the nose could prevent the tear from closing.

You can also use a nasal spray to decongest your nose and prevent blowing. If you need to sneeze, do so with your mouth open.

If your symptoms persist, you should reach out to your dentist as soon as possible. The tear in the sinus lining might be more severe. In such cases, the tear will need to be repaired surgically.

However, Tooth Infections Can Cause Sinus Infections

A tooth infection is just like any other infection. Over time, it can get worse, and the bacteria causing it can travel from the tooth to the surrounding tissues.

If your upper tooth is infected, then bacteria can reach the sinuses and create a subsequent infection. The symptoms simply take longer to present, which is why you may only notice them after the root canal is performed.

Need a Root Canal? Parklane Family Dentistry Can Help

Experiencing the symptoms of a tooth infection? Frisco dentist Dr. Parul Vashisht can help you get a root canal and restore your oral health.

If your discomfort is severe and you feel you can’t wait, call us at (469) 731-0391 as soon as possible to request a same-day or emergency appointment.

For a regular visit, you can schedule a consultation at Parklane Family Dentistry using our online form.

What Is The Tooth Extraction Healing Timeline?

June 16, 2023

No matter how badly damaged a tooth is, Frisco dentist Dr. Parul Vashisht will try to avoid an extraction.

But despite all the modern tools and methods modern dentistry provides, sometimes a tooth needs to be removed.

If you’re about to get one soon, you might wonder what the healing will look like. Check out this guideline to understand the tooth extraction healing timeline.

The 4 Stages of Tooth Extraction Healing

First 24 hours

After a tooth is pulled out, a blood clot quickly forms in its place to protect all the sensitive tissue from exposure.

This blood clot is paramount to healing, so it’s crucial to protect it until the extraction site closes. This means not brushing the site and eating on the other side of the mouth for a few days.

On this first day, you can expect a bit of bleeding and some pain and swelling. It’s perfectly normal, and you should not worry unless your discomfort is severe.

The next 48 hours

Swelling usually peaks 2-3 days after the extraction, so you should apply a cold compress to your cheek or take anti-inflammatory medication to control pain as well.

Ibuprofen or something similar is usually the best in these cases. You should avoid aspirin since it’s a blood thinner that can increase your risk of bleeding.

The next 72 hours

By this point, the bleeding should mostly stop. You may still feel some discomfort, but it’s usually caused by pressure applied to the extraction site, so continue to eat on the other side of the mouth.

By this point, the extraction site is mostly healed, and any discomfort you may feel will be minor.

One week after the extraction

Most people usually fully heal from a tooth extraction in 7 days. At this stage, you can resume normal activities and should not feel any more pain or swelling.

If you notice any lingering symptoms, you should reach out to your dentist right away.

Tips to Support Tooth Extraction Healing

Here’s what you can do after a tooth extraction to ensure you stick to the healing timeline and protect the blood clot:

Avoid smoking or tobacco products
Gently rinse the mouth with saline water for 1-2 days
Don’t spit when rinsing, and instead lean over the sink to allow the liquid to fall out
Brush your teeth as normal, but skip over the extraction site
Avoid working out or strenuous physical activities for a few days
Eat soft foods that require less chewing for the first 2–3 days
Avoid hard and crumbly foods

If you’ve recently gotten a tooth extracted and are now in serious pain, you may be experiencing a dry socket due to a dislodged blood clot.

Call Dr. Parul Vashisht at (469) 731-0391 right away for an emergency dental appointment.

Need a regular visit? Schedule an appointment at Parklane Family Dentistry online.

Can You Fix An Overbite With Invisalign?

September 29, 2022

If you are dealing with an overbite, the great news is that you have lots of treatment options thanks to modern dentistry!

One of the most popular ways to fix various types of overbites is actually through Invisalign in Frisco. Clear aligners have revolutionized orthodontic treatments and have offered people a very discreet way to straighten their teeth and fix jaw alignment issues.

If you’ve been looking into Invisalign, you probably read that these aligners aren’t ideal for all types of alignment issues. And while that’s true, these aligners have come a long way over the years and can fix a wider variety of dental issues than ever before!

So Can Invisalign Fix an Overbite?

In short? Yes!

Invisalign can help treat mild and even moderate overbites. Essentially, the treatment involves getting a set of aligners custom-made to fit your teeth. You will have to wear the aligners for around 20-22 hours every day throughout your treatment.

The aligners will then slowly start pulling your teeth into their most optimal position, and by doing this, they will reduce your overbite too.

Even better, Invisalign now has some special attachments that orthodontists can use for more complicated cases. Invisalign can be combined with both with buttons and elastics to help apply more pressure on certain teeth and better control their movement. This has allowed the treatment to become accessible to many more patients.

How Long Does It Take to Fix an Overbite with Invisalign?

The treatment length can be influenced by lots of different factors:

The type of overbite and its severity
Patient age
How well do the teeth respond to treatment
How well patients follow recommendations, etc.

It can take anywhere between 6 months and 2 years to fix an overbite with Invisalign, possibly even more depending on your specific case. Your orthodontist will provide an estimate of a timeline for your case, but you should know it’s not definitive.

How Can You Know If Invisalign Is Right for You?

If you have an overbite, the only way to know for sure if Invisalign is right for you is to see Frisco dentist Dr. Parul Vashisht for a consultation.

Based on a thorough assessment of your teeth and bite, Dr. Vashisht can recommend the best course of action that can heal your condition and get you the results you want.

Severe cases of overbites will need to go through traditional metal braces. Parklane Family Dentistry offers both Invisalign and traditional metal braces to help our patients get the very best results.

Get Started Today

If you’re ready to get your overbite fixed and tap into a personalized treatment plan devised by Dr. Vashisht, you only have one thing left to do:

Book a consultation at Parklane Family Dentistry online and stop by for your first appointment.

Have more questions about our services or Invisalign? Then contact us today for more information!

Do You Have To Brush Veneers?

September 20, 2022

Oral hygiene is one of the most important aspects of enjoying healthy teeth and a beautiful smile.

But there are moments when our teeth need to be taken care of not only by having proper oral hygiene but also by restoring them through dental procedures, like cosmetics, surgical treatment, or orthodontics.

If you are looking for ways to restore the look of your teeth, dental veneers might be a good option for you.

How Dental Veneers Work

Dental veneers are cosmetic dentistry procedures that can help you restore your teeth. They can be used for several dental conditions that include:

Chipped teeth
Broken teeth
Discolored teeth
Small teeth
Gapped teeth

Dental veneers are thin shells that have the same color as natural teeth. They are attached to the exterior part of the tooth, improving its appearance and making your teeth look healthier and stronger.

Some people choose to get veneers if they have chipped or broken teeth or other dental issues. Other people choose to get them in order to have an even smile.

Dental veneers can last up to 15 years and in some cases, even 20 years. Of course, the longevity of the veneers is also influenced by how well you take care of them.

If they are chipped or broken, you need to get them replaced.

Tips to Keep Your Veneers Healthy

Dental veneers are very easy to maintain. In fact, you don’t have to do anything extra to take care of them except for brushing and visiting your dentist regularly. And, to answer the question of this article, yes, you have to brush your veneers, and it’s quite important to do it every day. Your natural teeth are still there under the veneers, and they can still be damaged by bacteria and decay if you don’t brush your teeth.

Here’s what you need to do to take care of your veneers.

Oral Hygiene

Keep your veneers clean. Brush your teeth, floss, and rinse on a daily basis. Make sure you clean your mouth properly as your teeth can still be affected by bacteria, even though you have veneers.

Visit the Dentist

Do not skip your regular dental check-ups. This way, you can prevent major oral health problems and keep your veneers and teeth healthy.

Limit Staining Foods

Veneers are very resistant to stains, but they can get stained in time. Limit foods and beverages that can stain, and clean your mouth afterward, even if it’s just rinsing.

Be Careful How You Use Your Teeth

Do not use your teeth as tools, and do not bite and chew on hard foods. This can damage your veneers and your teeth.

Veneers need to be brushed, just like your teeth. With good care, you will enjoy a long-lasting, beautiful smile.

Interested in Cosmetic Dentistry? We’re Here to Help You

At Parklane Family Dentistry, you can enjoy a wide range of dental services and treatments. From standard checkups and cleanings to cosmetic dental treatments for smile enhancements, we cover many dental needs.

Get in touch with us today, and we can schedule an appointment with Dr. Parul Vashisht.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

July 20, 2022

Interested in veneers in Frisco? Considering the cost of the procedure, as well as the fact that it’s irreversible, then you likely want to make sure your veneers will offer you the smile you want for a long time.

The good news is that they can: with the right care, your veneers can last as long as 15-20 years, maybe even longer.

Here’s how to care for your new veneers and make sure they last!

Veneers Are Strong, But They Are Not Indestructible

Veneers are made from porcelain or composite, which are very strong materials designed to last for a long time. However, this doesn’t mean your veneers are not at risk for:

Breaking
Chipping
Staining
Wear and tear, etc.

Additionally, caring for your veneers also helps protect your natural teeth. Unlike dental crowns, veneers will not cover the entire natural tooth. The thin layer is bonded to the front surface of your natural teeth, which means your teeth will still be exposed to the bacteria and food debris inside of your mouth. As a result, the risk for cavities and gum disease is still very much present even with veneers!

How to Properly Care for Your Veneers

So if you want your veneers to last 15-20 years or longer, you will need to:

Have proper oral hygiene habits – brush your teeth at least two times a day, and floss once daily to make sure you reduce your risks for cavities and gum disease;
Eat a healthy and balanced diet – fresh fruits and veggies aren’t just good for your body. They help you produce more saliva, which has an essential role in cleansing the mouth of food debris and bacteria;
Stop smoking – smoking is linked to many dental health problems and it can reduce the lifespan of your veneers as well;
Avoid biting on hard foods or objects – chewing or biting on these hard items increases your risk of cracking or chipping the veneers and natural teeth;
See the dentist regularly – it’s the best way to truly stay on top of all your oral health needs and make sure you enjoy your new smile for decades!

What Happens If Your Veneers Get Damaged?

If your veneers break, chip, or are otherwise damaged, the good news is that you can simply have them replaced.

If you book a consultation at Parklane Family Dentistry, Dr. Parul Vashisht can inspect your veneers and recommend the best course of action to fix the issue. For instance, for small chips or cracks, dental contouring may be used to repair the veneers without needing a replacement.

Book an Appointment at Parklane Family Dentistry Today!

Frisco dentist Dr. Parul Vashisht can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted with veneers or other cosmetic dentistry procedures that suit you best!

Book an appointment at Parklane Family Dentistry online, or call us at 469-452-2998 for more information.

Can You Whiten Veneers?

June 10, 2022

Veneers are thin dental prosthetics designed to improve a person’s smile, whether it’s because of staining or discoloration, gaps between teeth, irregularly sized-teeth, or other cosmetic issues.

It’s a permanent procedure, which means you can enjoy your new smile for decades. Some people can even wear their veneers for as long as 20 years or more. However, they do need proper maintenance in order to preserve them.

So if your veneers become discolored or stained, can you whiten them?

Veneers Cannot Be Whitened

Most veneers are made out of porcelain, though there are also ceramic and composite models available. In any case, these materials will not respond to the whitening agent like your natural teeth would, so even if you use the best agents, the veneers will preserve their color.

However, it’s really not a good idea to give it a shot. If you do try to whiten your veneers, while their color won’t change, your natural teeth likely will. This means your smile could now have two different shades, leading to an uneven look.

Can You Improve Your Veneers’ Appearance?

Porcelain and ceramic veneers are non-porous, so they won’t absorb stains like natural teeth or even composite ones.

If composite veneers become stained, you may be able to remove them during a professional dental cleaning, where the dentist uses special tools and solutions to thoroughly clean the mouth.

However, if the stains persist or if your Frisco veneers are discolored, the best way to resolve this issue is to simply get a new pair.

How to Properly Maintain Your Veneers

Veneers are very durable, but it’s safe to say they are not indestructible. As a result, you need to take proper care of them to make sure you can enjoy your new smile for decades.

Here are some tips on how to do just that:

Practice good oral hygiene and brush and floss your teeth every single day
Try to avoid highly staining foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, tomato juices, citruses, etc.
Gently cleanse the mouth with water after you eat such staining foods, to reduce the risk of staining. If you want to brush your teeth instead, wait at least 30 minutes after you eat;
Stop smoking, as it can lead to discoloration
Avoiding biting down on hard objects or food
Stay on top of your oral health needs by seeing the dentist routinely

How Parklane Family Dentistry Can Help

Is it time to upgrade to new veneers, or are you thinking about getting your first pair? Dr. Parul Vashisht is here to help you make the right decisions for the health and look of your smile.

Book a consultation at Parklane Family Dentistry online and stop by the office to get started!

If you have more questions about veneers or how we can help, call us at (469) 452-2998.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

May 20, 2022

Do you have a chipped or broken tooth? Do you want to cover a tooth that is discolored or misshapen? Dental crowns are the option for you.

Dental crowns can help you:

Restore a broken or cracked tooth
Protect a weak tooth from breaking
Hold a dental bridge
Protect a tooth after having a root canal
Cover a dental implant
Make a cosmetic enhancement

Dental crowns are caps that are shaped in the form of a natural tooth, with the purpose of restoring its shape and size. They can also strengthen it and enhance its appearance.

Types of Dental Crowns

Frisco dental crowns can be made out of different materials that vary in price and durability. Talk with your dentist about these options to see which one fits your needs best.

Stainless steel crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns
Composite resin crowns
All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns
Lithium disilicate crowns

The last option is the most common one as it has a more natural look to it and can perfectly substitute a natural tooth.

How Long Can a Dental Crown Last?

Even though dental crowns have an average lifetime, various factors as well as how well you care for them can influence their lifespan.

A dental crown can last somewhere between 6 to 14 years, depending on several factors.

The following factors can influence the life of a dental crown:

Type of crowns: The quality of the material the dental crown is made of and how well is made can result in a shorter or longer lifespan.
Dentist’s experience: The skills of your dentist and how apt they are in placing the crown is also a factor that can influence its lifespan.
Tooth condition: How healthy the tooth is, and how much of the natural tooth is left also determines how long the crown will live.
Dental care: If you use your teeth as tools, don’t brush and floss daily, and avoid going to the dentist for check-ups, then you can expect for your crown to last less than average.
Bruxism: Grinding and clenching the teeth can make your crowns break. If you have this condition, then talk about it with your dentist and ask for a night guard that will protect your teeth.

Exceptional Dental Care from Parklane Family Dentistry

If you have any questions related to dental crowns, (or anything else!), you can always contact us at Parklane Family Dentistry.

We offer a wide range of dental services and treatments. Whether you need just a simple checkup or more advanced treatments, such as restorative dentistry or cosmetic care, you can find them at our practice.

Is a Root Canal a Dental Emergency?

April 7, 2022

Root canals are one of the most common dental procedures that people are afraid of.

The reason is simple: root canals are necessary to treat infected teeth. But, by the time you get to the point where you need a root canal, you can most likely expect high levels of pain and discomfort. At this stage, it’s likely to not be able to manage your symptoms with out-home remedies and over-the-counter medication. For this reason, root canals are considered emergency dentistry treatments.

Why You Shouldn’t Postpone Treating an Infected Tooth

Teeth infections occur because of an untreated cavity. As time goes on, the bacteria makes its way inside the tooth, creating a bigger and bigger hole. Eventually, the decayed tissue can even make its way all the way down the tooth pulp until it reaches the nerve and roots of the tooth.

This is when the tooth becomes infected, and will present with various symptoms such as:

High levels of pain (constant or throbbing?
Abscess formation just above or below the tooth
Swelling
Looseness
In some cases, even a fever

Tooth infections need to be treated right away. The more you wait, the higher the risk of permanent tooth loss, or even an impact on your overall health if the infection spreads to sepsis.

How Does a Root Canal Work?

A root canal procedure generally involves cleaning the inside of the tooth to remove all the infected tissue. Once this is done, the tooth is left with a hole, and the dentist adds dental filling to restore the full function and look of your tooth.

If the infection is severe, the dentist may need to remove a lot of the tooth’s pulp to fully treat it. In these cases, patients will often need a dental crown to go on top of the natural tooth in order to restore its strength.

Is a Root Canal Done in Just One Procedure?

In some cases, yes, but it generally depends on your specific condition. For instance, badly infected teeth may need to be treated with antibiotics first, before the dentist can continue the root canal procedure.

If you go in for an emergency visit, the dentist will begin the procedure, apply the antibiotic, and then schedule you for subsequent visits to complete it. This also applies if you need a dental crown, as the dentist needs to take an impression of your mouth and send it to the lab, which can take a week or more.

Dealing with a Tooth Infection? Parklane Family Dentistry Can Help

If you think you have a tooth infection and are experiencing pain, swelling, or even a fever, don’t wait. Call Parklane Family Dentistry now at (469) 452-2998 for emergency dental health services.

For regular appointments, book a consultation with Dr. Parul Vashisht.