Does the thought of sitting in a dental chair fill you with fear? Do you feel nervous or anxious leading up to or during dental treatments? To help those with dental fears, we provide sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry is the use of medication to take some of the anxiety and nervousness away from those with dental fears. We want you to feel comfortable and relaxed when you visit our dental office.
At Armstrong Dental, we offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation. Nitrous oxide, which is also called laughing gas, produces minimal sedation, during which you are awake but relaxed. The laughing gas is breathed in through a mask that is placed over your nose. The nitrous oxide is combined with oxygen and our dentist can control how much sedative you receive. The gas wears off quickly after your dental procedure and you will be able to drive yourself home.
With oral sedation, our dentist will have you take a pill about an hour before treatment. This pill will produce minimal to moderate sedation, depending on the dosage given. You will become drowsy and may slur your words when you speak, but you will be awake. Some patients become drowsy enough to fall asleep during treatment, but they can be easily awakened.
Are you missing one or more permanent teeth? If you would like to restore your smile, ask us about dental implants.
A dental implant is made up of a titanium implant post and a dental restoration. The implant post is surgically placed in the jaw, where it acts as replacement tooth roots. The dental restoration, which can be a dental crown, dental bridge, or dentures, is attached to the dental implant post. The dental restoration will match the shade of your natural teeth.
Dental implants have many advantages. They look and feel like your natural teeth, so they give back your beautiful smile. Dental implants are designed to fuse with your jawbone, so they become a permanent part of your smile. Dental implants are very durable and will last many years, or even a lifetime. Dental implants have many benefits over dentures. Dentures can slip in your mouth, making you slur when you speak. Dental implants restore your ability to speak properly. Sliding dentures can also make eating difficult. Because dental implants are a part of you, you can eat all of your favorite foods with ease. Since dental implants are a permanent part of your smile, they are more convenient than removable dentures.
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Do you have chipped, stained, or misshaped teeth? Do you dream of a smile that will boost your confidence? Ask us about dental veneers. Dental veneers are custom-made shells that are placed over the front of teeth to improve their appearance. At Armstrong Dental, dental veneers are made from porcelain, which can be matched to the shade of your natural teeth.
Our dentist may recommend dental veneers to repair:
• Stained teeth
• Worn-down teeth
• Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
• Misshaped teeth
• Slightly crooked or crowded teeth
• Gaps and spaces between teeth
To place a dental veneer, our dentist will first remove a small amount of tooth enamel. An impression is taken of the tooth so the dental veneer can be constructed. When the dental veneer is complete, our dentist will place it in your mouth to check the fit and color. Any necessary adjustments are made to achieve ideal fit and color. Your tooth is then cleaned, polished, and etched so an optimal bonding process can occur. The dental veneer is then cemented permanently into place and any final adjustments are made as needed.
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If a patient is missing one or more permanent teeth, we may recommend a dental bridge. A dental bridge is an appliance that closes gaps between teeth by replacing missing teeth. A dental bridge is made up of two dental crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap, which are called the abutment teeth. A replacement tooth is attached between the dental crowns. Dental bridges are advantageous because they can:
• Restore the beauty and functionality of your smile
• Restore your ability to chew and speak properly
• Maintain your face shape
• Properly distribute your bite
• Prevent your natural teeth from shifting out of place
The three main types of dental bridges are traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, and Maryland bonded bridges. Traditional bridges are made up of dental crowns for the abutment teeth with a tooth replacement attached between them. Cantilever bridges are used when there is only an abutment tooth on one side of the gap. This bridge type is not used often anymore. Maryland bonded bridges are made of replacement teeth and gums that are supported by a metal or porcelain framework. The framework has wings on each side that are bonded to your teeth.
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When a patient needs the shape, size, strength, and appearance of a tooth improved or restored, a crown can often times provide the structure needed. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped covering that is placed over a tooth, where it will encase the whole visible part of the tooth. Our dentist may recommend a dental crown to:
• Protect a weak tooth from breaking
• Hold a cracked tooth together
• Restore a broken or worn down tooth
• Cover and support a tooth with a large dental filling
• Anchor a dental bridge
• Cover a misshapen or badly discolored tooth
• Cover a dental implant
• Improve the appearance of a tooth
To place a dental crown, our dentist will first prepare the tooth by removing a small amount of tooth enamel. This will allow room for the dental crown in your smile. Our dentist will then make impressions of the tooth and those surrounding it so that a dental crown can be custom made. Once your dental crown is complete, our dentist will check the fit and make any adjustments as needed. Then, the dental crown is permanently cemented into place.
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Are you missing most or all of your natural teeth? Do you wish to restore the beauty and functionality of your smile? Dentures may be the perfect solution for you.
A denture is a removable appliance that replaces missing teeth and the surrounding tissues. At Armstrong Dental, we offer complete dentures and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all of the natural teeth are missing, and partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the lower or upper jaw.
We also offer implant-retained dentures, which involves anchoring your dentures on a number of dental implants. This provides a more secure restoration to minimize slipping and shifting, and many of our patients report that their implant-retained dentures feel and function more like their natural teeth. Talk to our dentist about which type of denture is right for you.
The denture making process takes several appointments and a few weeks. Once our dentist has determined which type of denture is best for you, he will take impressions of your jaw and take measurements of how your jaws relate to each other. Models in the exact shape of your future denture are made. Our dentist will have you try on these models several times so the color, shape, and fit can be assessed. Once all needed adjustments have been made, the final denture is constructed. Any final adjustments are made as needed.
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A dental X-ray is a useful diagnostic tool that our dentist uses to locate dental issues like tooth decay, gingivitis, infection, and other dental issues.
Digital imaging has many advantages over traditional dental X-rays. Traditional dental X-rays use film that has to be developed in a dark room, but digital imaging sends the image directly to a computer. Because of this, digital images are available in just seconds. Once on the computer, the digital image can be saved, viewed, or printed. Digital imaging uses less radiation than traditional dental X-rays. Digital images can be enhanced and enlarged on the computer screen so our dentist can show the patient where and what the dental issue is. When needed, digital images can be sent to a specialist electronically. Using subtraction radiography, our dentist can digitally compare current images with previous ones. Everything that is alike between the two images is taken out of the image, leaving only the portions that are different. By using this technique, our dentist can spot even the smallest changes in your mouth.
Gingivitis, which is also called gum disease, is an infection that attacks the gums and bones that surround and support your teeth. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria on the teeth, above and below the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can cause the loss of permanent teeth. This disease is often painless, so you may not know that you have it. If you experience any of the following symptoms, we can help:
• Gums that bleed when you brush and floss
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• A bad taste or bad breath that will not go away
• Receding gum line
• The formation of deep pockets between the gums and teeth
• Loose or drifting permanent teeth
• Changes in your bite
If you have gingivitis, our dentist may recommend that you have extra professional teeth cleaning appointments. Our hygienist will use a small, metal tool to remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth. If this is not enough, our dentist may recommend a deep cleaning appointment called scaling and root planing. Our dentist will remove all of the plaque from your teeth, all the way down to the roots. Your tooth roots will be smoothed, which will make it difficult for plaque to adhere to them.
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If you or your child plays sports, we may recommend a mouth guard. Your mouth guard will protect your teeth, lips, tongue, face, and jaw from injury during sports. Our dentist may recommend a mouth guard if you or your child play any of the following sports:
• Football
• Boxing
• Hockey
• Wrestling
• Rugby
• Lacrosse
There are three types of mouth guards. Stock mouth protectors are preformed. They can be bought at sporting goods stores and department stores. Our dentist does not recommend stock mouth protectors, as their fit cannot be adjusted, they are bulky, they make breathing and speaking difficult, and they do not provide much protection. Boil and bite mouth guards can also be found at sporting goods stores. The boil and bite mouth guard is made of a material that softens when it is placed in hot water. Once the material is softened, place the mouth guard in your mouth and shape it using your fingers and tongue. At our office, we offer custom-fitted mouth guards. These provide the best fit, comfort, and protection. Our dentist will take an impression of your teeth and mold the mouth guard material over it.
Do you often wake with a sore jaw? Do you have a dull, constant headache? Dr. Damon T. Armstrong may treat teeth grinding in Blackfoot, Idaho. Teeth grinding is often caused by stress and anxiety. More often, however, teeth grinding occurs during sleep and is caused by an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth. You may not be aware that you grind your teeth since it usually occurs during sleep. Your loved one may realize that you grind your teeth if they hear you grinding your teeth at night. Teeth grinding can damage your teeth and jaw joints. Teeth grinding can cause the fracturing, loosening, or loss of teeth. Teeth grinding can also wear your teeth down severely. Those who grind their teeth will likely have TMJ disorders develop or worsen.
If you grind your teeth at night, our dentist may recommend a night guard. This custom-made mouth guard is worn over the teeth during sleep. Your night guard will protect your teeth and jaws from the negative effects of teeth grinding. Because the night guard is custom made, it provides optimal comfort and protection.
Cancer is the unnatural growth of cells that invade and damage the tissues. Oral cancers include cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard palate, soft palate, sinuses, and throat. Oral cancer first appears as a growth or sore in the mouth that does not go away. Oral cancer can be life threatening if not treated early on. The following are common symptoms of oral cancer:
• Swellings, lumps, rough spots, or eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas of the mouth
• The formation of velvety white, red, or speckled patches in the mouth
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
• Numbness or tenderness in the face, mouth, or neck
• Persistent sores on the face, neck, or mouth that bleed easily
• Soreness or the feeling that something is caught in the throat
• Difficulty eating, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
• Hoarseness or chronic sore throat
• Ear pain
• A change in your bite
• Dramatic weight loss
During routine dental exams, our dentists will perform a screening for oral cancer, lumps or abnormal tissue changes in your head, neck, face, or oral cavity. Our dentists will also check your mouth for any sores or any of the symptoms listed above.
At Armstrong Dental, our friendly dentists and team are happy to care for patients of all ages, including children. We are dedicated to making dental visits rewarding experiences for kids. Our team is always happy to give a little extra time and attention to make certain that your child’s visit is special and enjoyable!
We work hard to ensure that our dental practices provide a rewarding experience for children. One focus during our visits with children is to encourage great oral health habits that will last a lifetime. Dr. Damon T. Armstrong, Dr. Boyd Bandy and our team understand that building good oral hygiene habits is important while children are young, and we are here to help you teach your child how to take care of their smile. We recommend that kids be seen by our dentist for the first time around the age of 4 years unless there are possible problems earlier than this age. We emphasize our preventive dental care philosophy for children, which includes pediatric dental exams, X-rays as needed, dental sealants (for tooth pits and fissures), fluoride treatments, and regular dental cleanings.
At the end of your child’s appointment, we will give them a bag of things to help them with their oral health, and they will also get to pick a prize! When your child has a checkup with no cavities, they will be entered into the Kids’ Cavity-Free Club for a chance to win various gift cards and prizes as well.
Dental pulp is the soft area at the center of a tooth where the veins, nerves, and connective tissues are located. If the dental pulp becomes infected, our dentist may recommend a root canal. Root canal therapy is the process by which our dentist will remove the infected dental pulp, clean the tooth, and seal it. If you experience any of the following symptoms, root canal therapy may be necessary:
• Severe toothache
• Prolonged tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Darkening of a tooth
• Swelling and pain in the gums
• A recurring pimple on the gums
Our dentist will take an X-ray to examine the shape of the root canals and check for infection in the surrounding bone. An access hole is drilled into the tooth, through which our dentist will remove the infected dental pulp and debris. Our dentist will use root canal files to clean the tooth out all the way down the roots. When the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, our dentist will seal it using a sealer paste and a rubber compound. The access hole is closed using a dental filling.
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Dental emergencies like injuries to the teeth and gums are serious and should never be ignored. If a dental emergency is ignored, permanent damage can be the result and more expensive treatment will be needed later. When needed, Dr. Damon T. Armstrong, Dr. Boyd Bandy and our team are here to help. At our office, we treat dental emergencies the same day the patient contacts us.
It is imperative to know what to do in the case of a dental emergency. In all cases, see our dentist as soon as possible. If you have a toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water and use floss to remove any food. Use a cold compress to control any swelling. In the case of a chipped or broken tooth, save the pieces. Rinse your mouth and tooth pieces with warm water. Use gauze to control any bleeding and a cool compress to control swelling. If a tooth is knocked out, rinse the tooth and try to reinsert it. Never force the tooth back into the socket. If the tooth will not go back in, place it in a container of milk.
Are your teeth stained or discolored? Do you ever feel embarrassed or even ashamed of your smile because of your darkened teeth? If so, we encourage you to ask us about teeth whitening. At Armstrong Dental, we offer at-home teeth whitening.
At-home teeth whitening is ideal for patients who wish to whiten their teeth in the comfort of their home. Our dentist will provide you with custom-made bleaching trays and a gel whitening product. You simply fill the trays with whitening gel and wear them as recommended by our team. You will wear the whitening trays with gel for only 30 minutes to an hour. Most patients see noticeable results after only one or two treatments.
Professional teeth whitening is a great option for brightening teeth that have been discolored or yellowed because of factors like:
• Smoking and other types of tobacco use
• Consumption of certain foods and drinks, such as wine, soda, coffee, and tea
• Certain illnesses and medications
• Fluorosis
• Poor oral hygiene and dental care
• The natural aging process
Teeth whitening typically provides the best results for patients with yellow-stained teeth and no dental restorations, as these restorations cannot be whitened.
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At Armstrong Dental, we recommend that you and your family schedule a teeth cleaning at least every six months. This appointment includes a professional teeth cleaning, fluoride, a dental exam, and dental X-rays.
Our hygienist will first scrape all of the plaque and tartar from your teeth using a small, metal tool. Then our hygienist will floss your teeth and polish them. Fluoride, which is a mineral that helps protect your teeth from decay, is then applied. Our dentist will then perform a dental exam. All of your teeth and gums will be checked for signs of decay, gingivitis, and other dental issues. Sometimes, our dentist will perform dental X-rays to get a closer, more thorough look at your smile. If any dental issues were found, our dentist will recommend one or more of our general and family dental services. We will make sure that you understand all of your treatment options so that you can make an informed decision about your dental care.
We urge you to contact Armstrong Dental immediately if you experience dental pain or any other type of dental emergency.
Tooth extraction means to have a tooth pulled. The following are reasons why our Doctors may recommend tooth extraction:
• A crowded mouth
• Impacted teeth, including wisdom teeth
• Infection too wide spread to be treated by root canal therapy
• The risk of infection in some patients
• Loose teeth caused by gingivitis
After tooth extraction, our dentist will send you home to recover for a few days. The following are some tips that will minimize discomfort, reduce your risk of infection, and speed recovery:
• Take painkillers as prescribed by our dentist
• Bite firmly on a gauze pad for three to four hours to control bleeding
• Apply to an ice bag to the area to reduce swelling
• Relax for at least 24 hours and limit your activity for a few days
• Avoid rinsing or spitting vigorously for at least 24 hours
• Do not drink through a straw for at least 24 hours
• Do not smoke
• Eat soft foods like pudding, soup, and applesauce on the day of extraction
• When you lay down, prop your head up with pillows
• Continue to brush and floss, but avoid the extraction area
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When a patient has a cavity, Dr. Damon T. Armstrong may place a dental filling in Blackfoot, Idaho. Our dentist will remove the tooth decay, clean the tooth thoroughly, and fill the area with a filling material. At Armstrong Dental our dental fillings are made from a tooth-colored material called composite resin. This type of filling is made from tooth-colored and plastic materials. Composite resin dental fillings are very aesthetic, as they are made to match the shade of your natural teeth. Tooth-colored fillings are chemically bonded to your tooth, which gives the filling extra support. Composite dental fillings do not need as much tooth structure removed as other dental filling materials. Tooth-colored dental fillings are versatile. Besides being used to fill cavities, this type of material can be used to fix chipped, cracked, broken, or worn down teeth.
To place a dental filling, our dentist will remove the decayed area of the tooth and then probe the area to ensure that the decay has all been removed. The area is then cleaned of bacteria and debris. Composite dental fillings are placed in layers and each layer is cured. Once all of the layers have been placed, our dentist will shape the filling and polish it.
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