Cosmetic Dental Services

If your smile has imperfections that you desire to fix, Dr. Lis Bradley, DDS has a variety of cosmetic services to choose from. These cosmetic services are designed to correct the appearance of your smile while offering some restorative properties as well. At our practice, you can count on us to improve your overall tooth function and create the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

If the color of your teeth is a little lackluster, Dr. Lis Bradley offers in-office bleaching as well as a take-home system. In-office bleaching is performed in one single appointment, while the take-home trays allow patients to whiten in the comfort of their own home. Additionally, if a patient has chips, cracks, or fractures in his or her teeth, we provide tooth-colored fillings, veneers, and porcelain crowns to restore the teeth to their natural function.  

If you have questions or concerns about cosmetic dental services, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.lisbradleydds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lis Bradley, DDS in Brentwood, TN, call 615-778-0810.

Stress and Tooth Damage

If you’ve been under a lot of stress lately, your mouth may be paying the price. We at Dr. Lis Bradley’s dental office would never want to make patients’ anxiety worse, but it is important for them to understand that allowing stress to go untreated has harmful consequences for the body, including the teeth.

There are two ways that stress can cause damage to the teeth: through primary occlusal trauma, caused by bite force, and secondary occlusal trauma, caused by infection. Primary occlusal trauma may arise from habits such as nighttime teeth grinding or jaw clenching. Although enamel is a tough substance and the back teeth can withstand tremendous force, constant wear can crack or chip them. Secondary occlusal trauma occurs when gum disease has progressed to the point that the ligaments holding teeth in place are no longer able to provide them with the necessary support. When people are under stress, their immune system produces fewer white blood cells, reducing their ability to combat gum infections. There is also evidence that cortisol, a hormone produced when the body is under stress, indirectly stimulates gum inflammation.

Of course, people who are under stress tend to also neglect their oral hygiene. We want our patients to know that we can help treat periodontal disease and repair dental damage. But it is important to remember that mental self-care is important for maintaining every bodily system.

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit Lis Bradley or call 615-778-0810.

 

White Spot Lesions

One of the most common cosmetic problems seen in dentistry is the appearance of white spots on the teeth. At Dr. Lis Bradley’s Brentwood dental practice, we can assist patients with this problem, but we want them to understand why it is a health concern and what they can do to prevent it.

White spot lesions are the result of minerals being removed from the teeth’s surface. They are recognizable by their chalky appearance and can result from acid reflux. However, the more common reason for their development, particularly on the front teeth, is tooth decay. Bacterial infections create acid, and the removal of minerals on teeth is the first step in the formation of a cavity. For this reason, white spots are also known as incipient lesions.

Proper oral hygiene at home and professional cleanings can arrest the progress of a white spot. However, the discoloration is likely to remain unless the patient receives remineralization treatment. They may also want to consider bonding or veneers, depending on the extent of the damage. White spots commonly form near orthodontic brackets, where patients have the most difficulty brushing. People with braces need to brush especially carefully. For those who are eligible, the ClearCorrect orthodontic system our office offers has the benefit of not using brackets.

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit Lis Bradley or call 615-778-0810.

 

Gingivitis Prevention

Dr. Lis Bradley, DDS asks you to take a look in the mirror. Are your gums a healthy pink color? If they aren’t, but instead are swollen, puffy, or dark red, this is usually a symptom of gingivitis, and it’s time to get the situation under control. There are four stages of periodontal disease, and gingivitis is the first. Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible, so it’s best to seek treatment immediately.

Gingivitis is common and anyone can develop it. Those who are likely to experience symptoms first are those who don’t practice proper oral care habits. Dry mouth, poor nutrition, and smoking tobacco are additional factors that will contribute to periodontal disease. To prevent gingivitis from irritating the gums, it’s best to brush the teeth at least twice a day for two minutes, floss at least once a day, and visit Dr. Lis Bradley, DDS for routine cleanings.

If you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.lisbradleydds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lis Bradley, DDS in Brentwood, TN, call 615-778-0810.

Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know that April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month? At Dr. Lis Bradley’s Brentwood dental office, we help patients with oral health issues relating to soft tissues as well as their teeth. Because this disease is so dangerous, we want to make sure our patients understand what to watch out for and how our office can help them.

Cancers in the oral cavity are commonly associated with smoking and drinking alcohol. In the back of the mouth and top of the throat, or oropharynx, cancers are often caused by a particular strain of HPV. Only 60% of people survive for 5 years after being diagnosed with oral cancer, but a major factor in that is that it is often not discovered until it is in an advanced stage. Patients should get examined if they notice discoloration in their mouths, have difficulty swallowing, are able to feel a persistent lump, or feel pain or numbness. Dr. Bradley also conducts oral cancer screenings as part of patients’ regular checkups. A referral for a biopsy will be ordered if something suspicious is found, and the results will determine whether a patient needs further treatment.

Lis Bradley, DDS, operates at 8112 Isabella Ln, Suite 101, Brentwood, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, visit Lis Bradley or call 615-778-0810.