A “gummy smile” (excessive gingival display) exposes too much gum tissue when a person smiles. Due to factors that include undersized teeth, overgrown gum tissue, an overactive elevation muscle of the upper lip, or an upper lip that joins too closely to the gum tissue, the ratio of lips, gums, and teeth is out of balance. While Botox injections may be used to treat an over-developed elevation muscle, the surgical procedure known as “myotomy” offers more permanent results. When the joint between the upper lip and the gums inside the mouth is over-developed, surgically decreasing the space between the upper lip and gum tissue reduces gum exposure. Lastly, overgrown gums can be corrected with “laser gingivectomy.”

To have an attractive smile, one needs beautiful teeth as well as pleasant-looking gums. A gummy smile does not have to ruin your smile; the right treatments can restore your smile confidence. At DISTINCTIVE SMILES OF DUBLIN, we provide dentistry utilizing modern and up-to-date procedures. We invite you to call us at 614.792.1800. When was the last time you had a professional dental checkup? We’re located at 5142 Blazer Parkway, Dublin, where we stress preventive health care – and we believe good dental health requires constant attention. Creating Healthy Beautiful Smiles.

P.S. Laser gingivectomy removes excess gum tissue and seals blood vessels so that no stitches are required.

What effect can energy drinks, gels, bars, and frequent snacking have on athletes’ teeth? The dental director for the International Olympic Committee reveals that a great many Olympic athletes have broken teeth, abscesses, decay, and other dental issues. The problem is that many of them consume acidic, sugary drinks and energy bars that attack teeth while their dehydrated bodies do not produce enough saliva to remineralize their tooth enamel. In addition, most Olympic athletes are ages 16 to 25 years old, which is the group at highest risk for tooth decay. As these young adults fly the family nest and abandon many of their healthy eating habits, they become more susceptible to tooth decay. Athletes and exercisers take careful note.

Diet and nutrition are important environmental factors affecting oral health problems such as dental caries and periodontal disease. The best time to see your dentist is before you have a problem. The most valuable service DISTINCTIVE SMILES OF DUBLIN can provide is a thorough and complete examination. Virtually all dental problems – decay, gum disease, jaw joint difficulties and loose teeth – are easily detected in their early stages and can be treated economically and comfortably at that time. We are located at 5142 Blazer Parkway, Dublin, where we’re currently accepting new patients. Please call 614.792.1800 to schedule an appointment. Creating Healthy Beautiful Smiles.

P.S. Many competitive athletes grind their teeth at night, probably in response to the competitive pressures they face.

Whether it is used to create veneers, crowns, or fixed bridges, porcelain is the material of choice  because it so closely matches the appearance, durability, and longevity of tooth enamel. Porcelain mimics the light-reflecting qualities of natural teeth better than opaque resins. All-porcelain dental crowns also generally provide a better natural color match than any other material, making them a good choice for veneers and replacing front teeth. On the other hand, when it comes to crowns and fixed bridges, porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns provide the needed added strength that an underlying metal structure can provide. Porcelain crowns not only look and feel like natural teeth, they also  require the same degree of care.

Talk with us at DISTINCTIVE SMILES OF DUBLIN about the latest developments and technologies available to enhance your smile. Explain the result that you are trying to achieve. We will examine your teeth to make sure veneers are appropriate for you and discuss what the procedure will involve and some of its limitations. Our recommendations are always in the best interest of our patients. We feel a deep responsibility and commitment to provide you the very best care with state-of-the-art technology. We’re located at 5142 Blazer Parkway, Dublin. Please call 614.792.1800 to schedule an appointment for high quality dental care. Let us help you keep your teeth for a lifetime. Creating Healthy Beautiful Smiles.

P.S. Porcelain matches natural enamel’s translucency, enabling light to pass through it and bounce off the inner (more opaque) layer.

If dental appointments make you anxious, you should make your feelings known to the dentist and dental hygienist, who can help you overcome your anxiety. A fuller explanation of the procedure at hand often helps patients know what to expect and prepare for any mild discomfort that they may feel. Topical and injected anesthetics make pain a non-issue; however, simply the thought of experiencing pain arouses such anxiety that patients feel a bit overwhelmed. Recent research published in The Journal of the American Dental Association shows that the urge to gag that many patients experience is often founded in fear. Once patient worries are properly addressed with reassurance, soothing music, and/or medication in some cases, dental appointments become worry-free.

Part of our commitment to serving our patients includes providing information that helps them to make more informed decisions about their oral health needs and plans to eliminate anxiety. At DISTINCTIVE SMILES OF DUBLIN, we encourage you to talk to us about your dental health. Preventing dental disease is less costly and more rewarding than correcting the problem. We will show you how to care for your teeth. We’re located at 5142 Blazer Parkway, Dublin, where we provide quality, personal dental care in a comfortable, immaculate, professional environment. Please call 614.792.1800 to schedule an appointment. Let us help you bring out that natural smile. Creating Healthy Beautiful Smiles.

P.S. It is the pain that occurs before treatment that makes root-canal therapy so uncomfortable. Most patients report that the root-canal procedure itself is no more painful than having a filling placed.

When it comes to deciding whether or not to have wisdom teeth extracted, there are a number of factors to consider. While some individuals have enough room in their dental arches to accommodate all their wisdom teeth, those with smaller jaws often find that their wisdom teeth erupt improperly. As a result of coming in crookedly, their third molars are difficult to brush and floss, which can lead to increased risk of gum disease and cavities. To avert these potential problems, some patients elect to have their wisdom teeth extracted. However, some people do not realize that their wisdom teeth are impacted (trapped beneath the gums) until an x-ray indicates as much. If so, a consultation with the dentist is needed.

Many times wisdom teeth — the third molars in the very back of your mouth — do not have room to grow properly, which can cause problems. Erupting wisdom teeth can grow at various angles in the jaw, sometimes even horizontally. For more information about our dental services, we invite you to call DISTINCTIVE SMILES OF DUBLIN today. We would like to increase dental awareness and stress the importance of regular dental care. It’s never too late to start good oral hygiene. Remember that nothing is more economical than regular dental checkups. For gentle compassionate dental care, call 614.792.1800 to schedule an appointment. We’re located at 5142 Blazer Parkway, Dublin. Creating Healthy Beautiful Smiles.

P.S. Wisdom teeth (third molars) are the last teeth to erupt, usually somewhere between the ages of 14 and 21.

According to recent research published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, one in eight adults suffers from a condition known as “sensitive teeth.” The pain associated with this condition is often triggered by eating or drinking cold, hot, acidic, or sweet foods or beverages. While overzealous brushing or tooth-whitening products may cause sensitive teeth, the primary culprit is gum recession. As the gum tissue recedes with age, pores (or tubules) on the surface of the tooth root become increasingly exposed. Because these tubules travel to the nerve of the tooth, the nerve becomes more susceptible to painful triggers. Gentle brushing, avoidance of home tooth-whiteners, and use of toothpastes created for sensitive teeth can help alleviate pain.

Sensitive teeth rarely represent a medical emergency. Nevertheless, sensitivity can also be associated with tooth decay and can additionally be related to traumatic damage to the tooth, which can become infected if left untreated. At DISTINCTIVE SMILES OF DUBLIN, we welcome the entire family for quality dental treatment. The comfort of our patients is very important to us, which is why we strive to offer the best in dental care. When was the last time you had a comprehensive dental examination? We make every effort to see you promptly and listen to your concerns and needs. We will let you know about new procedures and technologies, and what they can do for you. Please call 614.792.1800 to schedule an appointment. We’re located at 5142 Blazer Parkway, Dublin. Creating Healthy Beautiful Smiles.

P.S. If you have sensitive teeth, avoid acidic drinks or rinse your mouth with water immediately after drinking them, and avoid brushing your teeth right after eating or drinking; wait 10-15 minutes.

While most people find it simple and easy enough to brush their teeth at least twice a day, some lack either the dexterity or discipline needed to floss daily. This is understandable considering the fact that it takes some time and effort to correctly loop the ends of the floss around the fingers and guide it gingerly between teeth. While there are some flossing products available that help with the process, not everyone gets the hang of them. If so, it should be pointed out that there are small, easy-to-use, pointed brushes known as “interdental brushes” that are nearly as effective as flossing. They not only remove bacterial buildup (plaque) between teeth, they also stimulate gums.

At DISTINCTIVE SMILES OF DUBLIN, our dental team is focused on superior care, personalized treatment and patient comfort. We are prepared to help you achieve the smile you have always wanted. Like other medical sciences, the dental profession is constantly changing. We stay informed about the latest techniques and scientific advances in dentistry. We’re located at 5142 Blazer Parkway, Dublin, where we will gladly answer any questions about treatments and procedures. Call us at 614.792.1800 to schedule an appointment. Creating Healthy Beautiful Smiles.

P.S. Interdental brushes not only lend themselves to cleaning hard-to-reach areas, but they also reach concavities on tooth surfaces that floss may not be able to reach.