Losing the First Tooth

If your kid is turning into a big kid, losing the first baby tooth is on the horizon.  It’s an exciting sign of growing up, but many kids still feel anxious or uncomfortable dealing with the unfamiliar sensation of a loose tooth.  Dr. Lis Bradley, DDS wants kids and parents to be prepared and understand why this pain occurs so your child can still have a positive tooth loss experience.

Before a baby tooth is lost, it begins to break free of its nerve endings.  This is the natural process that makes the tooth feel loose and wobbly at the gums, and the area will become swollen and red.  It can be painful, and for kids a great way to soothe tooth pain is applying a cold compress to the outside of the mouth in the affected area.  Children may complain that they find it hard to bite or chew with loose or missing teeth.  It’s still important to keep eating healthy while they grow new teeth so encourage soup, pureed fruits, and cooked vegetables.  A few tales of the tooth fairy can usually ease the pain a little, too!

To learn more about tooth loss and 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.

What is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening is the term for removing excess gum tissue from the surfaces of teeth.  Dr. Lis Bradley, DDS removes gum tissue from patient’s mouths for aesthetics and for function.  We see many patients unhappy with their smiles, and even patients without any damage to their teeth feel like their gums keep them from enjoying their ideal smile.  When gum tissue is removed for function it is typically for making room to affix a restoration, like a crown, to a tooth.

Whether a crown lengthening procedure is done for function or aesthetics, it is a simple in-office procedure. Local anesthetic is used while your dentist removes excess gum tissue with either a scalpel or laser tools.  If tissue is being removed for a restoration to fit you may only require tissue to be removed from a couple of teeth.  Some people have more gum tissue than others and it results in a gummy smile, which can be corrected throughout the entire mouth.  The result is a visually pleasing ratio of teeth to gums that creates an even smile! 

To learn more about crown lengthening and all the services provided 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.

Bad Breath Treatment

Bad breath can be very embarrassing, but it is a common condition and there are numerous ways to fight it. Medically called halitosis, bad breath can result from poor dental health habits, and may even be a sign of other health problems. At her dental practice, Dr. Lis Bradley, DDS will review your medical history for conditions that can cause bad breath and treat it depending on the cause.

You may not always know that you have bad breath. That’s because odor-detecting cells in the nose eventually get used to the smell. Other symptoms depend on the underlying cause of bad breath such as infections in the mouth, respiratory tract infections, dry mouth and other illnesses like diabetes and liver disease. If a medical condition is not the cause of your bad breath, it can simply be reduced and prevented by practicing proper oral hygiene, seeing your dentist regularly, and kicking bad habits such as smoking.

If you have questions or concerns about bad breath or halitosis, 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.

DURAthin Veneers

At the dental practice of Dr. Lis Bradley, DDS, our staff gets a lot of questions from patients asking about the latest cosmetic fixes available for their teeth.  There are options available for just straightening and just whitening, but a set of custom veneers is the only way to completely change the look of your smile without undergoing a single dental procedure. Patients with stained teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, and even crooked teeth and small gaps can achieve a dazzling smile with veneers. DURAthin veneers are made of a high-quality porcelain and require minimal preparation to the teeth!

 To fit a patient with a new set of custom veneers, we plan on two to three appointments.  First, you will consult with a dentist and discuss the look and shade best for your new smile.  It may be necessary to prepare the teeth with light contouring, which is just to ensure a great fit for your new veneers.  Once the teeth are prepared, impressions of the upper and lower teeth are taken.  These impressions are sent to a dental lab where your veneers will be manufactured in order to custom-fit the final product.  Veneers can typically be fabricated within 14 days, and on your final visit the veneers are bonded directly to the surface of your teeth for you to wear home and wear forever!

To learn more about custom veneers and all the services we provide at our practice, visit www.lisbradleydds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lis Bradley, DDS in Brentwood, TN, call 615-778-0810.

Periodontitis

Plaque is a sticky substance that remains on the teeth after we consume certain foods. This colorless membrane is the most common cause of periodontal disease, which is why Dr. Lis Bradley DDS, wants patients to remember that it’s important to maintain an adequate oral care routine. We’ve previously mentioned gingivitis, a mild form of periodontal disease that can be reversed by flossing every day at least once a day. If gingivitis is left untreated, it will develop into a more aggressive form of gum disease – periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a level of gum disease that damages soft tissue and bone that supports the tooth. When plaque sits on the teeth for long periods of time, it will cause the gums to recede and pockets to form. Maintaining a good oral care routine by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day, you will save yourself from invasive periodontal treatment in the future. When periodontitis strikes, a deep cleaning will be necessary to remove any decay.

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.

Caring for Clear Aligners

Dr. Lis Bradley, DDS offers ClearCorrect, the clear aligner system that straightens teeth without the metallic look of braces. Another perk of ClearCorrect clear aligners is that they require less maintenance and won’t prevent you from eating certain foods.  Although you won’t have to make too many changes, there are still guidelines you should follow to wear and care for your aligners!

You should remove the aligners each time you eat, but if you do eat anything while wearing the aligners make sure to clean them thoroughly afterwards. It is also best to brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back in.  Ideally when wearing clear aligners, you would only drink water. Colorful drinks can stain the aligners and too many hot drinks can eventually warp the plastic.  If you do drink anything other than water while wearing the aligners you should rinse them with warm water afterwards. 

Cleaning the clear aligners regularly is important for your teeth and straightening treatment.  Clear aligners can become discolored over time without losing their effectiveness, but the color can show on your own teeth and continue to darken.  There are several soaking solutions available over the counter, but brushing the aligners is also a sufficient cleaning option.  Do not use toothpaste to brush the aligners because subtle abrasive properties of toothpaste could harm the aligner.  It is best to use mild dish soap and a soft bristle brush to clean the aligners each time you brush your teeth.

To learn more about ClearCorrect and all the services we provide at our practice, visit www.lisbradleydds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lis Bradley, DDS in Brentwood, TN, call 615-778-0810.

Thank You for Your Positive Testimonials!

Dr. Lis Bradley DDS and staff appreciate feedback from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. We’d like to thank Allison S. for her recent testimonial, in addition to thanking her for being a patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

“I’ve been going to this practice for nine years, ever since moving to Nashville. I sighed from the friendly greetings from the entire staff, the care, and expertise I always receive is remarkable. Dr. Bradley and her team really listen to your needs are they are very thorough. I strongly recommend this practice!” – Allison S.

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services provided by Dr. Lis Bradley, DDS visit www.lisbradleydds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lis Bradley, DDS in Brentwood, TN, call 615-778-0810.