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Thursday, June 29, 2017

Intrinsic Stains

At the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group, we provide cosmetic treatments for our patients suffering from tooth discoloration. However, there is an important distinction to be made between stains that are caused by external factors and those caused by intrinsic factors which require the attention of a prosthodontist like Dr. Shaw.


Stains on the outside of a tooth may be due to long-term exposure to dark liquids and removed through whitening procedures. But if the stain is caused by damage on the inside, scouring the outside will make little difference. Intrinsic stains can be caused by an excessive amount of fluoride exposure, which the government has recently moved to correct, but they are usually due to trauma.


Dr. Shaw will need to use our advanced imaging tools to assess whether there is an active infection which poses a threat to the patient’s health. In those cases, doctor and patient will need to discuss treatment options such as a root canal or outright replacement of the crown. If the stain is due to an old injury or infection, adjusting the internal structure of the tooth may not be necessary, and the stain can be concealed through veneers or bonding.


Frederick Shaw, DDS, operates the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group at 1500 W 38th Street, Suite 34, Austin, Texas, 78731. To schedule an appointment, call 512-451-7491 or visit FrederickShawDDS.com and fill out a contact form.


 

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Cleaning Fixed Bridges

When we provide patients with replacement teeth at the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group, we hope that they will maintain the proper oral hygiene regimen to make their new teeth last. But there are many types of tooth replacements, and different techniques may have to be used. Let’s take a look at fixed bridges.


When a bridge is cemented to pontic teeth or supported by implants, the main concern is cleaning the area beneath the bridge. When bridges are supported by the surrounding teeth, the most common cleaning method is to thread a strand of floss under the bridge and loop it around. The patient will then slide the floss along each tooth surface and rub it along the underside of the bridge with a back-and-forth motion. The looping may be accomplished with a threader, such as the ones used with orthodontics, or with specialty floss that has a stiffened portion.


Implant supported bridges may be cleaned similarly, but the larger spaces beneath the bridge may also make the use of a proxy brush desirable. (Proxy brushes are the little ones shaped like Christmas trees.) Electric toothbrushes and Waterpiks are also now being manufactured with special tips for cleaning implants.


Frederick Shaw, DDS, operates the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group at 1500 W 38th Street, Suite 34, Austin, Texas, 78731. To schedule an appointment, call 512-451-7491 or visit FrederickShawDDS.com and fill out a contact form.


 

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

What is an Intraoral Camera?

Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group takes pride in offering the best dental care and the latest dental technology to our patients.  The intraoral camera is an exciting tool that allows the mouth to be seen from angles that were previously impossible. The tiny camera’s view is also projected onto a monitor, making the same angle of the mouth visible to both doctor and patient at the same time.


The intraoral camera helps you and your dentist better see and understand what is happening to your oral health. These detailed views can help you identify a specific area or issue to your dentist, and help your dentist plan a targeted treatment. This exciting change to a typical dental visit promotes a better understanding of any changes to your oral health. An added bonus to using this technology in our practice is capturing images needed for insurance companies to accept procedures.


To learn about all the services and technology available at the practice, visit FrederickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Frederick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Thank You For Your Testimonials!

At Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group, our staff appreciates feedback because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank Sheri for this 5-star review, but would like to thank her for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  


“I have been seeing Dr. Shaw for years for everything - hypoplasia surgery at 30 calls for lots of dental visits at 60! I am so grateful to this man for the things that he has accomplished for my very difficult case, and I have referred numerous friends and colleagues to him. My adult children still see only him! His staff is amazing and Tanya is a must-know! I would give him 20 stars if I could.”


If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at the practice, visit FrederickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Frederick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.