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Thursday, April 25, 2019

Gum Grafting

When you don’t participate in everyday oral routines and care, your dental health will seriously suffer. Without proper brushing and flossing, periodontal disease and gum disease can set in. Gingivitis is the early stage, but if left untreated, it will progress into periodontitis. Gum grafts become necessary when gum disease causes your gums to recede. Dr. Frederick Shaw of Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group offers gum grafting services to our patients.


 


Gingivitis allows bacteria and plaque to build up. Bacteria will multiply until they create large pockets. Even after getting these pockets cleaned out and treated by Dr. Shaw, they will still remain. Not only is it displeasing to look at, but it can be dangerous to have such an abnormal amount of the tooth structure visible.


 


A gum graft can correct these problems. It can restore your gums to their natural and healthy state. At the procedure, Dr. Shaw will numb the areas with local anesthetics. Healthy gum tissue will be taken from the roof of the mouth. This tissue is then stretched and stitched onto the gums. The goal is to cover the exposed tooth and roots. If the graft is successful, it should encourage new tissue to grow, allowing your gums to return to their natural form.


 


It is incredibly important to follow the post-operative instructions. The entire process should take about one to two weeks to heal. During this period, avoid eating difficult foods. Stick to soft and cool foods. Avoid vigorous exercise. Avoid brushing and flossing around the treatment site. For some patients, antibiotics may be subscribed.


 


Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group is located in Austin, TX. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Frederick Shaw, visit our website or call 512-451-7491.

Thursday, April 18, 2019

April 2019: Oral Cancer Awareness Month

This April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. The best tools for fighting cancer are prevention and early detection. Dentists are often the first medical professionals to detect and diagnose oral cancer. That’s why if you experience any abnormal oral systems you need to schedule an appointment. Dr. Frederick Shaw of Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group offers oral cancer screenings and regular appointments.


 


The biggest and most crucial indicator of a serious medical condition is oral symptoms that take over two weeks to heal. This is especially true if the symptoms do not heal at all. Schedule your appointment ASAP. Make sure to make an appointment any time you experience any of these symptoms:


 


Mouth ulcers or sores that take longer than two weeks to heal or don’t heal at all, a new or strange discoloration of the gums, lumps or hard spots in the mouth, bumps that easily bleed, and/or a lump on the outside of your neck that has been there for at least two weeks.


 


Symptoms vary when it comes to HPV-caused oropharyngeal cancer. With this type of cancer, you will most likely experience a hoarse or sore throat, pain in one or both of your ears, a constant cough, problems swallowing, and a lump on the neck.


 


The major risk factors for oral cancer are heavy tobacco and alcohol use. Using other tobacco products, like chewing tobacco, are just as detrimental to your health. The other risk is contracting the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus 16.


 


Don’t wait to make an appointment when experiencing any of these symptoms. Contact Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group today. We are located in Austin, TX. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Frederick Shaw, visit our website or call 512-451-7491.


 

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Dental Phobia

At Dr. Fredrick Shaw, DDS we advise our patients to inform us of fears they have of going to the dentist. Going to the dentist can be an overwhelming experience and prevent patients from going. A big part of maintaining good oral hygiene includes visiting us twice a year for cleaning.


Studies have shown that patients who suffer from dental phobia have a greater chance of developing gum disease and tooth decay. An estimated 9% to 15% of people suffer from dental phobia. Some symptoms that are associated with dental phobia include tense or nervousness, sleepless nights before the dentist, and the thought of the dentist makes you feel sick.


To help cope with your dental phobia, we encourage our patients to express all of their fears so we can make your experience as relaxing as possible. Dental phobia is nothing to take lightly which is why our staff at Dr. Fredrick Shaw, DDS work to provide you with the best experience possible.


To learn more about Dental Phobia and all of the services we provide at our practice, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491. 

Thursday, April 4, 2019

Inlays/Onlays

At Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group, we want you to be happy with your smile. If your smile isn’t up to your standards, Dr. Shaw offers cosmetic dental services to his clients. These services include Inlays/Onlays. Inlays/onlays are often thought of as partial crowns. They attach onto the base of your tooth to change its appearance.


 


Though inlays/onlays are technically a cosmetic procedure, it isn't really. They restore functionality to the teeth while also improving their physical appearance. They also can prevent further decay or damage to a tooth.


 


The difference between inlays and onlays is the severity of tooth decay. With inlays, part of the natural teeth remains intact, specifically the cusps. The inlay can be directly placed onto it. For onlays, the damage is extensive. The onlay extends onto the chewing surface on the back of the tooth to replace one or more of the cusps.


 


The entire procedure takes between two to three appointments with Dr. Shaw. To start, Dr. Shaw will remove any and all decayed tissue from the tooth. This will clear the tooth up for an impression. The impression of the tooth is used to create the inlay/onlay. A dental laboratory will create the inlay/onlay and send it back. This entire process takes between 2-3 weeks. You will receive a temporary inlay/onlay during this. At your final appointment, your permanent restorative device will be bonded to your teeth.


 


If you are interested in Inlays/Onlays, or our other cosmetic services, contact Dr. Shaw today. Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group is located in Austin, TX. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shaw, visit our website or call 512-451-7491.