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Addressing cavities and periodontal disease with your dentist

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Patients proactive about their oral health will often experience less problems than those who don’t make care of their smile a priority. Drs. David Hiebert and Keri Smith encourage Saint Helens, Oregon area patients to see their dentist at least every six months for a cleaning and evaluation. Why? Because many dental problems can be caught early enough for successful intervention and treatment.

What problems can occur with the smile?

The two most common dental health problems that are seen at Hiebert Smith Dental Group are cavities and periodontal disease. These two conditions can cause extensive damage to the smile, but can be prevented with a more proactive approach to dental health and wellness by the patient.

  • Cavities – cavities are essentially areas of decay that have developed due to acids forming on the natural tooth enamel. Cavities can become extremely large and deep, and may be the reason for a severe toothache. These areas of decay that reach the dental pulp inside of the tooth can cause a serious infection and require patients to undergo procedures such as root canal therapy. All of this can be avoided by brushing and flossing the teeth after every meal.
  • Periodontal disease – another problem that can develop is periodontal disease, more commonly known as “gum disease.” Gum disease is a condition that begins in the gum tissues but then spreads and worsens if not diagnosed and treated in the earlier stages. Periodontal disease can cause the loss of teeth, bone, and gum tissue, and should be treated as soon as it has been diagnosed. Periodontal disease may be addressed with scaling and root planing and/or antibiotics to control the infection.

Speak to our team at Hiebert Smith Dental Group regarding your needs

Whether you believe you have a cavity or you want to educate yourself on how to avoid periodontal disease, we can help. Drs. David Hiebert and Keri Smith of Saint Helens, OR are committed to offering patients options for improving their oral health, including education and preventive procedures. Call (503) 397-6144 today to request your visit with our team and find out the steps you can take to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted!

Understanding neuromuscular dentistry with TMJ/TMD

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Drs. David Hiebert and Keri Smith of Saint Helens, OR are neuromuscular dentists who provide a wide range of services to new and current patients. Neuromuscular dentistry is a specialized field of dental work that focuses on common conditions such as TMJ or TMD. TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is the jaw joint that hinges the mouth so it can open and close properly. It aids in chewing, biting, and speaking. Some patients experience problems with this joint that can result in the diagnosis of a condition known as TMD, or temporomandibular disorder. This is the malfunction of the joint that can cause a variety of symptoms, such as:

  • Locking jaw in the open or closed position
  • Clicking and popping of the jaw joint while eating
  • Chronic headaches and migraines caused from neuromuscular tension
  • Discomfort from the ears down through the shoulders
  • Tension in the muscles around the temporomandibular joint

Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on relieving the symptoms associated with the temporomandibular joint. This may bd one in many different ways. If a patient has been diagnosed with TMJ/TMD malfunctions, they may want to ask their dentist about the use of a splint or oral appliance. This appliance can reduce tension in the joint and relieve the soft tissues and muscles surrounding it. Patients with TMJ/TMD might also want to speak to the dentists of Hiebert Smith Dental Group about undergoing orthodontic treatment to realign the bite to reduce symptoms as well. It is important that patients get a proper assessment from a dentist and receive the right diagnosis before continuing on with certain treatments with the dental team. Proper treatment can reduce common problems associated with TMJ/TMD and assist patients in improving their quality of life each and every day!

Ready to learn more about TMJ/TMD?

Contact Hiebert Smith Dental Group of Saint Helens, OR today to discuss this and other neuromuscular dentistry concerns. Drs. David Hiebert and Keri Smith work directly with patients to help them address problems related to these issues and find solutions that work for their needs. Our professionals are located at 1550 Saint Helens Street and can be reached by phone at (503) 397-6144.

wisdom teeth | Hiebert Smith Dental Group,

Is your wisdom tooth infected?

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Pain and discomfort in the back of the mouth may be a sign that a third molar, or wisdom tooth, has become infected. These teeth, which are known to erupt through the gum line when an individual reaches their late teens to early adult years, can become extremely problematic for some patients. Infection of a wisdom tooth is common, because of many different factors:

• The wisdom teeth can often become impacted or “stuck,” causing extreme pain and discomfort.

• The wisdom teeth are so far in the back of the mouth that they can be difficult to care for.

• The wisdom teeth have a high chance of experiencing tooth decay and contributing to periodontal disease.

• The wisdom teeth may be experiencing a large cavity that can increase infection risks.

How do I know if my wisdom tooth is infected?

There a few common signs that may indicate that a third molar is infected. This includes pain and discomfort in the area, as well as the surrounding muscles such as the jaw, neck, and throat. Patients may also show signs of overall infection in the body, including swollen lymph nodes. Other signs may including pus drainage, facial swelling, sore throats, or difficulty eating. When patients suspect an infection of their wisdom teeth, they are strongly encouraged to book a consultation visit with their dentist to get a full evaluation completed and obtain a proper diagnosis.

What can be done for treating wisdom tooth infection?

Once a patient has been diagnosed with an infection in their wisdom teeth, the dentist can then offer solutions. In most cases, patients may have their wisdom teeth removed during simple or surgical extraction, especially if the tooth is impacted. However, patients may also ask about taking antibiotics and treating the tooth as opposed to removal. Our dentist will educate patients on which solution is best for their situation.

Do you believe your wisdom tooth is infected?

Visit with a dentist as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and to discuss possible treatment options. At Hiebert Smith Dental Group, patients in the Saint Helens, OR area and surrounding communities can work with a provider to find relief. Call (503) 397-6144 today to schedule your visit at 1550 St. Helens Street.

Stop cavities with dental fillings

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At Hiebert Smith Dental Group, we hear from patients who are diagnosed with cavities that they take great care of their teeth. They may be in denial that a cavity has formed. Some patients are just more susceptible to the development of cavities than others, due to the levels of bacteria that reside in their mouth. While cavities can be a concern, they are actually easy to address with dental fillings.

Stop cavities with dental fillings

The placement of dental fillings is a routine procedure provided by Drs. David Hiebert and Keri Smith of the Saint Helens, OR area. The teeth are prepared by removing the decayed areas. Then, a material known as composite resin bonding is then placed into the area to seal the tooth. Composite resin bonding matches the patient’s natural enamel to ensure it is difficult to discern from the natural tooth structure. Fillings can help stop cavities from becoming larger and impacting the teeth in a more serious manner.

Who needs dental fillings?

Any patient who has developed a cavity and has been diagnosed with tooth decay at our office will want to consider the advantages of placing dental fillings. Untreated cavities can become larger and deeper, and infect the inner canals of the teeth. This requires root canal therapy to treat—or extraction. Instead, patients should get their condition diagnosed in the early stages, which is why we strongly recommend visiting the dentist every six months for an evaluation. This helps our team monitor your oral health and catch problems early enough for successful intervention.

What if the decay is too large to treat with a filling?

Some areas of tooth decay may be significant enough to be unsuccessfully treated with fillings. In these situations, the dentist may place a dental crown over the tooth to give it an extra layer of protection and strength to protect it from further damage. The integrity of the tooth may be impacted by the large cavity, making it susceptible to damage without a dental crown for protection.

Call Hiebert Smith Dental Group to schedule an evaluation

If you are interested in learning more about dental care solutions for your smile and want a full evaluation with our staff, call Drs. David Hiebert and Keri Smith of Saint Helens, OR today. The practice is located at 1550 Saint Helens Street and can be reached by phone at (503) 397-6144.

wisdom teeth | Hiebert Smith Dental Group,

How long can I expect a dental bridge to last?

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Replacing missing teeth can be achieved in many different ways. While there is no “one size fits all” solution for patients who have lost one or more teeth, there are solutions that restore the smile’s function and appearance. One option for patients at Hiebert Smith Dental Group is that of dental bridges.

How does a dental bridge work?

Dental bridges are perfect for patients who are missing one or more than one tooth within their upper or lower dental arch. The bridge itself is a porcelain restoration that is made with crowns on each end. The crowns are placed over the prepared adjacent teeth and hold the false tooth, called the pontic, over the gumline in-between. The false tooth replaces the previous tooth while using the crowns for support. This restores function and beauty to the smile, ensuring patients can eat, speak, and smile with ease.

How long will a dental bridge last?

Dental bridges will not last a lifetime as other solutions, such as dental implants, might. Instead, these restorations will typically require specialized care over time to last a decade or more. However, patients who have poor oral health habits may find their restorations will not last as long. Maintaining longevity requires patients to visit their dentist every six months for a cleaning and evaluation, and provide proper home care habits such as brushing and flossing after every meal.

Who is a candidate for a dental bridge?

Most patients missing teeth with adjacent teeth present may be candidates for dental bridges. To determine if a bridge is right for you, a consultation appointment and initial evaluation should be completed with the team at Hiebert Smith Dental Group.

Call Hiebert Smith Dental Group today!

Drs. David Hiebert and Keri Smith in the Saint Helens, OR area believe in offering patients solutions for their smile, including restorations for lost or extracted teeth. If you are interested in discussing the advantages of a dental bridge with one of our team members, we welcome you to call (503) 397-6144 for an appointment. The practice, located at 1550 Saint Helens Street, is open to new and existing patients.

Root Canal

Endodontics: Root Canal 101

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At Hiebert Smith Dental Group, St. Helens, OR area patients can learn about the endodontic treatments available with our professional team. One of the most common and routine endodontic treatments is that of root canal therapy.

What is a “root canal?”

The root canal are the areas in the tooth that extend down to the roots. These areas hold a mass of tissues known as the dental pulp. If the dental pulp becomes traumatized or infected, it can result in a severe toothache. To resolve the problem, the dentist may recommend a treatment known as endodontic therapy or “root canal therapy.” During this procedure, the dentist will access the inner portion of the tooth to remove the dental pulp. Then, the area is sealed off and often covered using a dental crown. This protects the tooth from damage as it can become weak and brittle without the dental pulp in place.

Is root canal therapy painful?

Some patients are worried about the treatment being painful. However, the toothache that brings patients to our practice is more painful than the procedure itself. This is because our team utilizes proper sedation and anesthetics to ensure patient comfort from start to finish. While some discomfort may occur after the procedure for a day or two, patients can often manage it with the use of over-the-counter pain medication as the area heals. Patients should never be fearful of root canal therapy as it is a comfortable procedure when performed correctly and with the use of proper sedation and anesthetics.

What are the alternatives to root canal therapy?

Due to the circumstances that lead to root canal therapy, there is no other alternative treatment outside of permanent extraction of the problematic tooth. It is important that patients understand that removal of a permanent tooth requires immediate replacement to avoid bone loss and the shifting of other teeth. Tooth replacement options may also be much costlier than performing root canal therapy instead.

Discuss root canal therapy with your dentist today

Call our team at Hiebert Smith Dental Group of Saint Helens, OR to discuss your dental needs with an area professional. The friendly front office team be reached at (503) 397-6144 and can help schedule an appointment at the practice.

Bad breath

Eight things that your breath can reveal about your overall health

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Your breath can tell a lot about your health, and is more than just a nuisance. If you notice continued and chronic bad breath problems, it may be due to an underlying medical condition or a sign that oral health and wellness habits are lacking. Drs. Hiebert and Smith of Saint Helens, OR are pleased to educate patients on what bad breath can reveal about one’s health.

  • Poor oral hygiene. Bad breath may be a sign that food particles and debris are building up in the mouth and are becoming a serious problem. Patients should take note of this issue and improve it with brushing and flossing after every meal.
  • Consumption of fast food or processed meals. Many patients who indulge regularly in processed foods or drive-thru meals and at a higher risk of developing bad breath than those who eat a more healthy, balanced diet high in fresh foods.
  • The presence of periodontal disease or tooth decay. If you have been avoiding the dentist, you may notice your bad breath progressing. It is important for patients to see their dentist every six months for an evaluation and cleaning, and to monitor one’s oral health.
  • You experience dry mouth. Low levels of saliva and saliva flow in the mouth can contribute to bad breath, though this may also be a side effective of certain medications or caused by dehydration.
  • Postnasal drip. If you have a cold or are dealing with allergies, you may notice increased postnasal drip. This mucus can cause bad breath when it is present on the tongue or when it mixes with natural bacteria in the mouth. Seek treatment with effective medications and make sure to properly brush and floss after each meal to reduce the presence of bad breath during this time.
  • Heartburn/acid reflux. Many adult patients deal with acid reflux or heartburn after enjoying some of their favorite foods. This reflux can result in bad breath over time, especially if the stomach bacteria H. pylori makes an appearance.
  • Smoking. Tobacco can cause a wide range of problems, including persistent bad breath as it can dry out the mouth, irritate the gums, and leave behind a bad odor.
  • indication of a more serious medical problem. Sometimes, the persistent bad breath may indicate a more serious problem somewhere else in the body. Changes in breath odor may indicate issues such as kidney failure, liver failure, and certain cancers of the lungs or stomach.

Call Hiebert Smith Dental Group today!

Patients in the Saint Helens, OR area who are ready to improve their oral health and address bad breath are invited to book a consultation visit with Drs. Hiebert and Smith today! Call (503) 397-6144 and visit us at 1550 Saint Helens Street. We accept new patients and families into our facility for general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry.

Why Are Lower Full Dentures Sometimes More Loose Than Upper Full Dentures?

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Full dentures are a wonderful solution for patient who are missing all of the teeth in the upper or lower dental arch. They are the most economical way to repair the smile and improve functionality. However, patients who hear of full dentures often have a lot of questions. Will they look natural? Are they difficult to adjust to? How do I keep them in place? It is natural to have a lot of apprehension when choosing a method of tooth replacement, but the team at Hiebert Smith Dental Group is here to help.

What are full dentures?

A full denture is an appliance that is made to replace an upper or lower dental arch. These restorations are made to look as natural as possible, and with proper impressions, will fit precisely over the ridge of the gums. Full dentures are more affordable than replacing all the teeth with dental implants or other alternatives, making them a popular choice.

Will full dentures stay in place?

There are many ways patients will keep their dentures in place. Some use natural suction which can keep the dentures on the arch. Others rely on denture adhesives, which act as a special bonding agent to keep the denture in place on the ridge of the gums. Additionally, some patients choose implant-retained dentures, which use titanium posts to hold the dentures in place.

Why are the lower dentures more loose than upper dentures?

A common complaint in denture wearers is the looseness of the lower dentures when compared to the fit and function of the upper dentures. In many situations, the lower denture has less stability than the upper denture. This occurs due to the shape of the lower ridge gum line and the movement of the denture caused by movement of the tongue. For patients who have consistent issues with maintaining the placement of their lower denture, implant-retained solutions may be examined.

Schedule a visit with the team at Hiebert Smith Dental Group today

If you are interested in learning more about full dentures, we welcome you to take the time to consult with Drs. Hiebert and Smith of Saint Helens, OR. Our dental professionals can walk patients through the process of obtaining dentures and determine if these restorations are most appropriate for their unique needs. Patients in the community can call (503) 397-6144 to schedule an appointment at 1550 Saint Helens Street.

Gum Disease Treatment St. Helens OR

5 Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy

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Patients in the area of Saint Helens, OR may think more about their teeth when it comes to their smile than they do their gums. Many are worried about how straight their teeth are or how bright and brilliant their tooth enamel is. However, it is important that patients don’t forget about their gums, and learn about the reasons why they need to keep their gums healthy for improving oral health and wellness overall. In fact, if patients fail to take good care of their gums, they may be putting their smile at risk for periodontal disease, or “gum disease.”

What is periodontal disease?

This condition is an infection that develops in the mouth, starting with the soft tissues of the gums. The infection results in inflammation, swelling, and bleeding. If patients do not seek diagnosis of their condition and treatment early on, they may be putting their entire smile at risk. Periodontal disease, as it progresses, can be damaging to not only the gums, but the natural bone and the teeth. Taking good care of the gums is the best way to avoid the development of this condition and to reduce the risks of damaging infections.

Ways to keep the gums healthy

Drs. Hiebert and Smith of Saint Helens, OR encourages patients to consider these methods of caring for the smile that ensure healthy gums:

  • Flossing. Flossing removes food particles that may be difficult to remove with brushing alone, and can also remove plaque that can develop between the teeth. At least once a day is all it takes for healthier gums!
  • Brushing. Brushing after ever meal with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste helps remove food and plaque that can get stuck on the gums and contribute to periodontal disease.
  • Routine dental cleanings. By visiting a dentist, patients can not only have their teeth thoroughly cleaned by the dental hygienist, but their dentist will have the opportunity to evaluate the health of the smile and catch problems like periodontal disease early for effective treatment.
  • Avoid tobacco products. Smoking and chewing tobacco are especially harmful to the health of the gum tissues and other soft tissues int eh mouth. It can also have negative effects on the entire body, and should be avoided at all costs.
  • Mouthwashes. Even when you have finished brushing and flossing the teeth and gums, you should always wrap up your hygiene habits with the use of a mouthwash. Mouthwashes allow one extra step in fighting gingivitis, plaque, and tartar buildup.

Book an appointment with the team at Hiebert Smith Dental Group

Saint Helens, OR area patients who are interested in comprehensive dental care solutions, including an education in proper oral health habits, are welcome to book a consultation visit with Drs. Hiebert and Smith. Call (503) 397-6144 today to speak to our team at 1550 Saint Helens Street about the many ways you can keep your gums—and smile—healthy!

The Importance of Periodontal Therapy for Gum Disease Treatment

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At Hiebert Smith Dental Group, Saint Helens, OR area patients have access to solutions for the entire smile. Whether patients need cosmetic work or treatment for decay and disease, they can seek solutions with our practice. One common treatment offered for patients is that of periodontal therapy for the treatment of periodontal disease, or “gum disease.”

What is periodontal disease?

Conditions such as periodontal disease are often easy for a dentist to diagnose when patients come into the office for their routine evaluations. This condition is completely avoidable with proper oral health care. Periodontal disease starts in the gums as an infection. Without treatment, this condition can progress into later stages that can permanently impact the smile. It can cause the loss of natural teeth, bone, and soft tissues. With early diagnosis and intervention, many patients can bring their smile back to health with a dental provider.

Periodontal therapy for treatment

Periodontal therapy may involve a variety of treatments to address periodontal disease, depending on the stage at which it is diagnosed. For example, the earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis. This condition is often noticed by patients and dentists due to bleeding and redness of the gum tissues. Patients may also take note of increased bad breath. At this point, the condition can be treated with a thorough cleaning at the doctor’s office. However, if the condition has gotten worse, it may become periodontitis and require extensive treatments such as antibiotics or scaling and root planing. These are more aggressive ways of addressing the condition in an attempt to bring the smile back to health and avoid further damage to the smile.

Which treatment is right for me?

The first step in deciding what periodontal therapy is best for a patient is by getting a proper diagnosis from a dental professional. This will help in determining the stage of the disease and therefore offer insight as to the treatment that is best suited for the individual based on their unique needs.

Take charge of periodontal disease today!

Contact the Hiebert Smith Dental Group today to speak to one of our professionals about the benefits of immediate periodontal disease treatment in the early stages. Drs. Hiebert and Smith can be reached for an appointment at (503) 397-6144.