Top Three Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth can sometimes become stuck under the gums or only partially surface as they erupt. When this occurs, the wisdom tooth has become impacted. The impacting of wisdom teeth can cause serious complications for your wellbeing and your dental health. Some of these issues include:

• Sinus Pressure, Pain, and Irritation
• Headaches
• Jaw Aches
• Deterioration of the Jaw Bone
• Disease of Neighboring Teeth
• Decay of Neighboring Teeth
• Cysts
• Gum Decay

Early detection will prevent these symptoms and, if needed, make tooth extraction easier. Since so many issues come with similar symptoms, early detection can be difficult. But not to worry- Downtown Dental can help.

We provide Greenville, SC the best in preventative dental care.  Our skilled dentists help patients understand their diagnosis and decide on a treatment.

To get you started, here are three of the top signs of that indicate a wisdom tooth may be impacted.

1) Swelling- As with many dental issues, swelling of the gums will also occur when a wisdom tooth becomes impacted. There are many different areas where swelling can occur, including:

• Gums
• Face
• Lymph Nodes
• Jawline
• Glands in the Shoulders or Neck 

2) Bad Breath- Consistently bad breath that does not improve much after brushing your teeth can be another big indicator of impacted wisdom teeth. Bacteria, plaque, and disease become stuck under the gums and in the cracks of erupting wisdom teeth. Contact the dental experts at Downtown Dental if you experience any of the following:

• Continued bad breath after brushing teeth
• Food tasting strange, no matter what you eat.
• Bad taste in mouth, particularly after biting down near the wisdom tooth site.

3) Radiating or Throbbing Pain- Some amount of pain is to be expected when a tooth erupts. However, if you have continued, throbbing or radiating pain in any of the following areas, an impacted wisdom tooth could be the problem.

• Back of the Mouth
• Neck
• Shoulders
• Ear Aches or Pain
• Headaches
• Jaws Aching or Rotating Pain in Jaw
• Teeth Surrounding the Area
• Facial Pain
• Sinus Pain or Pressure

Bring Back Comfort

Wisdom teeth can easily become impacted. Luckily, there are many options, including tooth extraction, that will end your pain and prevent dental health issues. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this article, don’t hesitate to call the friendly staff at Downtown Dental. You can reach us at 864-438-2646.  We love keeping your smile healthy and happy.

How to Select a Family Dentist in Greenville, SC

Before you select your Greenville family dentist, make sure you are asking the right questions. You want a dentist you can rely on, someone who makes you feel comfortable. Downtown Dental is a family dentist that you can trust for every member of your family.

To get the dental care you need, you’ll need to ask serious and sometimes unusual questions. Dr. Kenna will make you feel comfortable about asking any question, no matter how big or small or unusual.

At Downtown Dental, the entire staff is always happy to address any concerns and answer any questions. Schedule an appointment or call today at 864-438-2646,

An Upbeat Atmosphere with a Welcoming Staff

As you enter a dental office, it should be welcoming. The entire office should be organized and clean. The environment should be relaxing and inviting. From the reception area to the dental hygienist to your dentist, you want the staff to be helpful, happy and ready to answer every concern or question. If they don’t have an immediate response, staff members should be eager to find the answer.

At Downtown Dental, you’ll find a Greenville Family Dentist who specializes in comprehensive dental care. From the second you walk into our office, you’ll be treated like one of our family. We understand that your dental care begins from the moment you enter our door. We work to create lasting relationships with our patients so they always feel welcome.

A Skilled and Knowledgeable Dentist in Greenville, SC

The science and technology of dentistry is constantly changing. New advancements that help improve dental care and patient experience are constantly being discovered. Your dentist needs to stay up to date on any new developments. Our office includes the latest in technology and treatments to deliver comfortable dental care experiences that fit into your busy schedule.

Dr. Kenna is dedicated to continuing education in new technologies and treatments to provide the best possible dental care experience for you and your family. The staff at Downtown Dental offer a wide variety of services to cover all your dental care needs, these services include:

• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Dental Implants
• Teeth Whitening
• Dental Restorations
• Dental Crowns
• Dental Fillings
• Family Dentistry

Downtown Dental provides comprehensive, gentle dental care for every member of your family.

Questions to Ask Your Greenville Family Dentist 

The questions you ask Dr. Kenna will help explain the procedures and treatments and how he can meet the dental needs of each member of your family. Dr. Kenna is a father of two and a devoted husband, so he understands and values family life. He has dedicated himself to creating a comprehensive and family-friendly dental office for patients of all ages and stages.

When choosing a family dentist, questions you might consider can include:

• Is your office kid-friendly?
• How can you meet the needs of each family member?
• How do you make pediatric patients feel special?
• Are procedures explained before they are performed?

Besides feeling welcome and comfortable with the dental staff, you’ll want to have confidence in the care you receive. Good reviews online are often a sign of reliable and enjoyable dental care. You can find our reviews on our website or through our links to Yelp and Facebook. You can check out the real experiences of our patients of all ages.

To find out why Dr. Kenna is the right dentist in Greenville, SC for your family, call us at 864-438-2646 and make your appointment today!

Why You Should Start Considering Sedation Dentistry 

Do you suffer from anxiety when you even start to think about visiting a dentist? Then it might be time for you to consider sedation dentistry. A lot of people dread going to the dentist, but they may not fully understand the anxiety you experience with dental visits. The compassionate and experienced team at Downtown Dental understand your fears and concerns.

Dental anxiety can keep you from visiting a dentist and completely undermine your dental health. What if you never had to feel that fear again? There is a solution right next door. Sedation dentistry near downtown Greenville, SC is available to patients of all ages and experiences. Stop putting off your dental exams or ignoring a painful dental issue. A professional sedation dentist can ease your fears and give you the treatments you need without the worry.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

For patients who are nervous or experience dental anxiety, sedation dentistry uses different levels of anesthetics to relax patients during a visit. No matter what type of exam or procedure you need, our team of experts will make sure you are comfortable and relaxed during each step.

As you enter our offices, you will be greeted by our team of friendly dental experts. We work to keep wait times down to help lower anticipation and anxiety. The spa-like atmosphere in our office adds to your comfort and relaxation. Our dental team will bring you to a private exam room and make sure you are completely comfortable before any procedure begins.

We will carefully discuss your dental sedation options and provide you with the appropriate sedation necessary for your peace of mind. Our options include IV sedation for any procedure. Under IV sedation, patients are better able to relax and recover from sedation.

The purpose of conscious sedation is to provide you with the care you need without pain or discomfort. When you are calm, we are better able to give you the dental care you need in a time frame that is convenient for you. In fact, many of our patients find that dental sedation makes the appointments go faster and more smoothly. So you can fit in that dental exam on your lunch hour without missing a beat.

Your Dental Health and Comfort Are Important

Having healthy, beautiful teeth and gums relies on regular visits to your trusted dentist. A convenient location and a considerate staff can make dental exams a breeze. Our comfortable offices offer sedation dentistry near downtown Greenville, SC for patients of all ages.

We understand the fears and anxieties associated with dental care. The compassionate and experienced team at Downtown Dental are here to end your dental anxiety.

We feel that patients who have confidence in their dental team, are more likely to keep their regular dental appointments. Children who experience fun, relaxing, and stress-free dental visits are more likely to keep up their dental care throughout their life. It is our goal to create dental care that is easily accessible, comfortable, and reliable. This is why we are your trusted sedation dentist in Greenville, SC.

If you or your children suffer from dental anxiety or any phobias related to dental treatment, call us today at 864-438-2646. We’ll work with you to ease your fears and provide you with gentle trusted dental care.

The Floss Question – Should You Be Flossing Your Teeth? 

You’ve probably heard it a million times at your family dental office. “Floss twice every day.” Do you need to floss? What’s the big deal anyway? Flossing is the secret weapon in the war on tooth decay and tooth loss. Routine dental flossing can protect against:

• Stains
• Tooth Decay
• Tooth Loss
• Gingivitis
• Periodontal Disease
• Cavities
• High Blood Pressure
• Immune System Issues
• Respiratory Illnesses

The compassionate team at Downtown Dental are your convenient family dentist near downtown Greenville, SC. We are here to provide you with gentle and comprehensive d

ental care. To help you keep your teeth strong and healthy, we’ve come up with a quick list of just a few ways flossing helps improve your dental health.

• Nooks and Crannies- No matter how well you brush, there are always going to be some places your brush just can’t reach. All those tiny cracks, crevices, and tight spaces in between your teeth collect food particles.

Left alone, food particles create the perfect space for bad bacteria to grow and plaque to form on your teeth. Flossing gets into these hard to reach spaces, fighting off food particles, plaque, and bad bacteria in the process.

• Banish Plaque and Tartar- In the fight against tooth decay and tooth loss, plaque and tartar are your teeth’s greatest enemies. Plaque happens when food particles are left over and attach to the tooth. It is extremely important to remove plaque before it hardens and becomes tartar. Once tartar forms, it’s impossible to get it removed without professional help.

Dental floss scrapes food particles and plaque away before it hardens into tartar. Be sure to floss carefully at least twice a day or even after meals. The team at Downtown Dental will carefully show you how to floss and help you teach your kids the right techniques too.

• Fight Off Gum Disease- Frequently called the silent enemy, gum disease is often left unspotted or untreated until it becomes serious. Food particles and bad bacteria often collect along the gum line, infecting your gums and the roots of your teeth. Infections cause swelling and bleeding of the gums. Flossing not only prevents gum disease, but it can also even reverse the effects of gum disease if caught in the early stages.

• Simple, Quick, Money Saving Solution- Flossing is one of the easiest ways to fight tooth decay, tooth loss, gum disease, and bone density loss. Simply carry a small spool or pack of floss with you and use it after meals. You’ll save time and money on your visits to your trusted dentist. Plus, your teeth will look beautiful.

For Strong and Beautiful Teeth, Start Flossing Early 

Flossing your teeth should be a routine part of your day. It is especially important to start kids off flossing at a very young age. Make the activity fun. Include stickers or rewards for good visits to your family dental office.  Downtown dental is the family dentist near downtown Greenville, SC that you can trust with every step of your dental care.

We’ll take the time to make dental visits fun and relaxing for your whole family. We believe an early start to dental care creates a strong foundation for your kids to stay healthy for a lifetime. If you have questions or concerns about your dental health, call us today at 864-438-2646. Our team is always available to help you keep your teeth strong and beautiful.

Are Dental Implants a Good Solution for Your Missing Teeth?

Are you hiding your smile because of a couple missing teeth? Have you stopped getting your picture taken because there’s a gap in your smile? Don’t worry; your smile can be beautiful again with the help of dental implants in Greenville, SC.

Our trusted dentists at Downtown Dental can refresh and restore your teeth with dental implants that will bring back your smile.

Why Should I Choose Dental Implants?

Dental implants can be the perfect solution for missing, decayed, damaged, or diseased teeth. Here are just a few of the many benefits of using dental implants.

• A Completely Natural Look and Feel
• Long Lasting
• Restores Function to Teeth
• Restores Beauty to Your Smile
• Easier to Eat and Talk
• Prevents Further Damage to Teeth and Jawbone
• Helps Prevent Further Tooth Loss

Even better, dental implants don’t require any special care or attention. Simply brush and floss like you would with your natural teeth and they can last a lifetime! No one will be able to know the difference.

Am I a Candidate for Getting Dental Implants?

If you have one or two missing teeth, your dentist may suggest dental implants. Almost everyone can be an ideal candidate for dental implants, no matter what age. Here are the three main factors your dentist will examine to determine if dental implants are right for you.

1. Your Overall Health- Poor general health could make it difficult for your body to accept the implants or encourage infections after the implants.

2. Your Gum Health- During the procedure the gums must heal around the implant, creating a new tooth. Successful dental implant procedures rely on healthy gums.

3. Your Jawbone Density- The dental implant needs to fuse to the bone, so your jawbone density needs to be strong and healthy.

These three factors will help your dentist know which dental restoration is the best for you.

People with the following conditions might not be a good candidate for dental implants:

• Pregnant Women
• Young Children with Growing Bones
• Smokers
• Heavy Alcohol Use
• Patients with Excessive Diabetes
• Hemophilia Issues
• Immune Deficiencies
• Patients Who Have Undergone Chemotherapy or Use Biophosphate Medications

However, these issues don’t necessarily mean you can’t get dental implants. Consult your trusted dentist in Greenville, SC to find out if you are a candidate for dental implants.

Know Before You Go, Ask These Questions 

Before you decide on dental implants or any other dental restoration, you should understand the procedure and feel comfortable. Ask your dentist the following questions before you decide on dental implants:

• What licensing and training do you have?
• Do you have before and after pictures of this procedure?
• How much will my dental implants cost?
• Does insurance cover dental implant treatments?
• How long does the procedure take?
• How many visits will be involved in the procedure?
• How long have you been providing dental care and implants in the area?
• Do you have any payment plans or programs?
• Is dental sedation offered?
• Dental procedures make me anxious, what can you do to help me stay calm?

The considerate and gentle team at Downtown Dental work with you to make sure you feel relaxed and confident during any procedure. If you’ve been looking for reliable and beautiful dental implants in Greenville, SC, look no further. Call us today at 864-438-2646, and we’ll get your smile back on track!

Seven Reasons You Should Have Regularly Scheduled Dental Exam

 Visiting your dentist every six months may seem unnecessary, but dental appointments are a vital part of your overall health. From dental cleanings to x-rays, dental examinations do a lot more than simply make your teeth sparkle. However, many patients forget their dental exams due to dental care costs or anxiety.

Before you miss another dental exam, take a look at these seven reasons for regular dental exams.

• Prevent Cavities by Removing Plaque and Tartar- Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar are difficult to remove, especially in hard to reach spots. Plaque that is left alone builds up and hardens into tartar. Tartar is nearly impossible to remove without professional help. 

Once plaque and tartar take hold, cavities soon follow. It is nearly impossible to spot a cavity until your tooth is already damaged and decayed. Regular dental exams will remove the plaque and tartar and prevent tooth decay and tooth loss.

• Gum Disease Prevention and Treatment- One of the most serious and common dental health issues is gum disease. Again, plaque and tartar buildup creates the perfect opportunity for gum disease to set in. Tartar along the gum line infects the gum and teeth, creating open pockets where more decay and disease can get under your gums.

Once gum disease begins, it is hard to turn back the clock. Gum disease causes painful swelling, tooth decay, and even breaks down the density in your jaw bone. Remember, quick dental examinations twice a year are a lot less expensive and time-consuming than gum disease treatments.

• Spotting Bad Habits Before They Damage Your Teeth- Many people have bad habits that affect the health of their teeth. Often, patients aren’t even aware they are damaging their teeth by chomping on ice or grinding their teeth or even snoring. A good dental exam can help spot those damaging habits and get you the treatment you need before the situation gets worse.

• Saving You Money Today- Regular dental exams help prevent big dental issues down the road. A simple dental cleaning or exam can spot small issues which can be quickly treated and stopped before they become major dental procedures. When you visit Downtown Dental, you can save time by scheduling dental exams near downtown Greenville, SC.

• Neck, Head, and Lymph Node Tests- Besides checking your teeth and gums, dentists will also run quick tests on your jaw, neck, head, and lymph nodes. By checking these areas, your dentist can help spot thyroid issues, bone density issues, and even cancer.

• Finding Hidden Problems with X-Rays- A major part of most dental exams is the dental x-ray. Dental x-rays help dentists check for any problems that might be h
  iding underneath the surface or in the root of your tooth. Impacted teeth, tooth decay, and misalignment issues can all be spotted through routine dental x-rays.

• Oral Cancer Screenings- Without your routine dental exam, oral cancer can easily go undiagnosed until it is too late. Our team of dental experts is highly trained in oral cancer screenings so they can spot symptoms and signs during your regular dental check-up.

Besides being life-saving, oral cancer screenings are easy and painless. A simple cancer exam is completely non-invasive and can quickly catch signs of tumors or dead tissues that could be related to cancer. If you have dental anxiety, our dental team offers comfortable dental sedation options to calm your nerves.

Convenient and Comfortable Dental Care 

The caring dental team at Downtown Dental work with you and your schedule to provide you with easy, reliable, and painless dental care that is stress-free. Scheduling your dental exams near downtown Greenville, SC means you can pop in on your lunch break and get back to work in no time. Call us today at 864-438-2646 to get set up your routine dental exam. We’ll keep your teeth healthy and beautiful.

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