Brandon FL Dental Blog

There is more than one way to fix a child’s tooth. Whether it’s decay or a crack, we have a restoration option.

Today’s post looks at three pediatric tooth restoration procedures we provide to repair a damaged tooth:

1. Dental Bonding

Bonding, officially called direct composite veneers, is used to repair chips, cracks, stains, and make teeth longer. It is also sometimes used to fill cavities. Your dentist applies a pliable composite resin and molds it to the specific shape required. The resin is then hardened with a special curing light.

2. A Filling (Inlay or Onlay)

A traditional filling is shaped and molded after it is applied to the tooth. Because inlays and onlays are created in a dental lab, they are usually called indirect fillings. Inlays are applied to just the center of the biting surface of a tooth (not to a cusp or point) and are frequently smaller than onlays. An onlay restores one or more cusps of a tooth.

3. A Dental Crown

A dental crown replaces the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring appearance, strength, and function. Crowns are used for teeth that have had a root canal, teeth with severe decay, or the replacement tooth in a dental bridge. Crowns can be made of all metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-ceramic, or all resin.

It’s critical to restore both primary and permanent teeth. If your child has a cavity or damaged tooth, don’t delay treatment.

For more information about any of these restoration procedures, call Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS at 813-653-2273.

Contact Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS:

813-653-2273

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3203 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Valrico, Florida
33596

At Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS, Dr. Jeff Bynum is often asked how to choose the most basic tool of oral hygiene, the toothbrush. Picking a toothbrush can be as hard as choosing a paint color, and there seem to be just as many choices.

If you have visited the dental section of your local grocery store or drugstore lately, you know what I am talking about. There are brushes with bristles of varying lengths, brushes that massage your gums, and brushes that change color when they are used up. (If I had to rate them purely on their fun factor, I would choose the Spiderman brush.)

Some toothbrush manufacturers claim their brushes freshen your breath or remove stains from your teeth. How do you pick the best one?

One essential factor is the firmness of the bristles. Hard bristles may be more effective for cleaning burnt steak off a grill or hard water deposits off a shower floor. However, this does not hold true for your teeth. Medium and firm brushes can weaken your gums. Soft and extra-soft bristles are plenty stiff enough to wipe plaque, food particles, and surface stains from your teeth. Soft bristles also offer more flexibility for hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

After having dental work or oral surgery, especially anything involving soft tissue grafts, ensure that you use an extra-soft brush and be careful!

When deciding on a toothbrush for a child, make sure the brush feels comfortable in his or her hand. If the size and angle feel awkward, the child will be less likely to use it long enough to clean all areas of the mouth. Children do not necessarily need a child-sized toothbrush. Some kids can manage an adult size brush better than a short, narrow child-size brush. If you are unsure, ask your dentist.

What about the electric types and water-shooters? Some people like the feeling of oscillating bristles or a mini-squirt gun squirting away at the plaque. People with arthritis or other movement-inhibiting conditions can benefit from powered brushes which take some strain off hands and arm muscles.

Is your toothbrush doing the job? Schedule an exam at Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS.

At Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS, our knowledgeable dental hygienists instruct our patients and on proper brushing and flossing. If you haven’t experienced a dental deep cleaning at Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS, you don’t know how clean your teeth and gums can feel.

Contact Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS:

813-653-2273

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3203 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Valrico, Florida
33596

Today’s post explains how specific foods and eating practices impact our oral health.

The Sugar Problem
Sugars get converted by bacteria in the mouth to acids. It is the acids that begin to assault enamel and initiate decay for people of all ages. Fruits have high water content which can dilute the effects of the sugars they contain and get the saliva flowing so they aren’t really no-no’s. It’s the chocolate bars, hard candies, cookies, cakes and pies that are.

Acidic Food Coupling
Oranges, tomatoes, lemons and the like should be eaten as part of a meal to minimize the acidic effects. It is a good idea to eat a variety of healthy foods such as cheeses, chicken, other meats, nuts, and milk. The calcium and phosphorus will promote tooth remineralization.

Timing of Meals
The more frequently you eat the more often your teeth are subject to the decay process. This can be moderated by choosing healthy snacks. And keep in mind, the later at night you eat the more likely you are to not only eat unhealthy foods but to skip oral hygiene altogether.

I’m Jeff Bynum, DDS at Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS. If cosmetic dentistry, including the cost of veneers, the cost of implants, teeth whitening and the like interest you, call 813-653-2273 to set up a consultation. We can discuss anything from cosmetic dentistry to dental implants. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to make you comfortable.

Contact Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS:

813-653-2273

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3203 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Valrico, Florida
33596

Are you or a family member apprehensive about going to the dentist? Has a past experience with pain or discomfort caused you to start panicking when you think about having your teeth worked on? Have you neglected to go to the dentist and fear the amount of work that might need to be completed?

If your past or current situation is causing a lot of dread, there are options available to assuage your fear and reduce (or completely eliminate) your pain with the necessary services. Oral sedation (sometimes called sleep dentistry) has helped countless Tampa dental patients calmly undergo dental treatment. It is not an experimental procedure but has been used safely in various forms since the 1800s.

To discuss sleep dentistry, call Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS at 813-653-2273 to schedule a no-pressure consultation. Dr. Bynum will explain your sedation options and answer any questions. If you elect sedation, Dr. Bynum will refer you to a specialist if required (depending on the type of sedation used).

It is essential to understand the difference between topical analgesics and sedation which are used both alone and simultaneously. Analgesics help numb the gums and nerves connected with your teeth so you don’t feel the pain. Sedation medications affect the nervous system and transfer a feeling of peace and relaxation. You may choose to be minimally sedated, where you are peaceful but still awake, or settle upon general anesthesia which renders you completely unconscious. Together, these two solutions dramatically improve the treatment experience for patients suffering from dental anxiety, a very common condition.

Regardless of the type and level of sedation, you decide to use, Dr. Bynum will proceed with patience and understanding. Oral sedation helps with making your dental visit serene so you can treat all of your dental issues and restore your health. Taking care of decay, infections, and other serious problems bring peace of mind and reduce the risk of further damage including tooth loss.

Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS in Valrico is committed to oral health and complete patient satisfaction from the first visit through completion of treatment. We offer premium dental care including Invisalign, porcelain veneers and dental crowns.

Contact Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS:

813-653-2273

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3203 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Valrico, Florida
33596

Superficial cuts in the skin subside without a trace, infections are killed with antibiotics, broken bones mend, and inflamed tissues abate. Our teeth, unfortunately, can’t regenerate. Decay can be halted in its progress, but scientists are still years away from actual enamel regeneration. That’s why the team at Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS strongly emphasizes preventative dentistry.

The healthiest mouths have all teeth intact and free of current or former cavities. But how many smiles can boast such an admirable record? Very few.

The stark reality is that most individuals get one or more cavities over the course of their lifetime.

In fact, most people in Florida probably don’t even know someone who has never had a cavity. Tooth decay is second only to the common cold as the most prevalent health trouble in childhood. When we reach middle age, many of us have even had a root canal or two.

Depending on the size of the cavity, after cleaning and preparing the tooth, Dr. Bynum can fill it, place a crown, or perform a root canal (usually followed by a crown).

Restorations Have Come a Long Way
Modern restorations have many advantages over those in years past. There are stronger and more natural-looking materials. Many of our patients at Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS who have not had a filling for a while, are not aware that white fillings are available. You can even replace old amalgam fillings with white fillings and give your mouth a makeover!

As we said before, when a tooth is by injury or decay, it is never exactly the way it was before. But now, with modern fillings and crowns, it can regain durability and beauty.

Contact Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS:

813-653-2273

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3203 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Valrico, Florida
33596

Looking into how much dental implants cost and getting a fairly simple answer can be frustrating.

I’m Dr. Jeff Bynum. Thanks for stopping to read my blog. I know it can be confusing to research the cost of getting a dental implant and finding nothing solid on the internet. Let me take a moment to discuss why most dental practice sites don’t publish the cost of tooth implants.

1. The Math Might Come Out Higher Than it Should
The number of teeth being replaced may be more than the number of implants needed to cover that section of the mouth. Tooth implant dentists want to offer accurate pricing rather than scare you away with higher estimates. It takes a fairly simple consultation to review dental history, evaluate needs and create a treatment plan. This could mean an efficient surgery with few implants.

2. There Might Be Something Better For Your Mouth
While dental implants really are the state of the art in tooth replacement, much better than a bridge or denture, sometimes the procedure won’t be what you thought it was going to be, or maybe you aren’t a good candidate for the service.

3. Supply Costs and Lab Costs Change
A ballpark number might be possible to post on the internet but the changing cost of supplies and lab fees makes it impossible to guarantee an exact price for full mouth dental implants. Dentists who offer implants can precisely calculate dental implant surgery rates based on current prices when you come in for a consultation.

Please make an appointment to quickly and accurately get these answers. Call Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS at 813-653-2273 for more details.

Contact Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS:

813-653-2273

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3203 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Valrico, Florida
33596

Today in the Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS dental blog, we are going to talk about the two lumps of soft tissue in the back of the throat—the tonsils.

Your tonsils sit at the base of the tongue, one on each side. They are gland-like masses that function as part of the lymphatic system. As such, they are part of your immune system.

Tonsils are made of infection-fighting tissue known as lymphocytes, but, in many cases, tonsils aren’t really that capable at their job of germ-killing and ridding the body of toxins. (Adenoids are made up of similar tissue but are located behind the nasal cavity.)

Your tonsils have plenty of wrinkles where dead cells, mucus, and bacteria can collect, become concentrated, and create white formations in the pockets. In rare cases, it hardens and becomes a tonsil stone or tonsillolith.

Here are some signs of tonsil infection:

Bad breath
Sore throat
Difficulty swallowing
Ear pain
Swelling of tonsils

Some people (often kids) have persistent tonsil infections that eventually require surgical removal of the tonsils. If your tonsils begin to hurt, it’s critical to discuss treatment with your dentist or doctor.

Young children may have difficulty describing where the pain is coming from. If your youngster has persistent sore throats, have your pediatrician check their tonsils.

Regular visits with a pediatrician are essential for your child. Regular dental check-ups are just as vital. If your young child has never seen a dentist, or if you are new to the area and don’t have a children’s dentist, call us at 813-653-2273 to schedule an appointment.

We look forward to meeting you and your child.

Contact Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS:

813-653-2273

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3203 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Valrico, Florida
33596

Preparing to pay for essential dental work can be a daunting undertaking. The good news is that the cost may be far less than you imagined. Knowing your needs is crucial to planning your budget for dental work.

Trying to Compare

Comparing the price of a dental crown for molars versus the price of a dental crown for smaller teeth or versus a root canal or double root canal can be difficult to understand from many dental facilities in and around Valrico, Florida. Get the current pricing and understand the role insurance will play in the out-of-pocket-expense for your dental visit by calling Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS at 813-653-2273 at your convenience. Our personable staff can explain pricing and schedule initial consultation appointments.

Identify Affordable Quality

Jeff Bynum, DDS, has been here since 1996. While the cost of professional care can fluctuate up and down depending on the price of supplies, equipment, and staffing overhead, Dr. Bynum works very hard to maintain cost-effective, quality care for our unique community in three ways:

1. Through state-of-the-art training and up-to-date education for employees.
2. Through precision work and personal dental care for each and every patient.
3. Through business management best practices to contain costs.

The Responsible Investment

Take the responsible step for your comfort, health, and confidence. Don’t be afraid to schedule dental crowns, sedation dentistry, Invisalign, teeth whitening, or porcelain veneers. We want you to be confident that affordable, quality dental care is easy and accessible. We want you to understand the importance of immediate care rather than putting it off until it gets worse (and more expensive).

Contact Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS:

813-653-2273

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3203 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Valrico, Florida
33596

Your enamel is uniquely suited to safeguard your teeth. If you keep your tooth enamel healthy, you will avoid many dental miseries. You won’t get cavities. Your teeth will be less likely to chip or crack. You will avoid many causes of tooth stains.

It’s best to form enamel-healthy habits when you’re young.

Teach your youngster to protect their tooth enamel. There is a multitude of collateral health benefits as well.

For Healthy Tooth Enamel, Avoid The Following

Frequently Eating Sticky Food

Gummy candy, protein bars, and dried fruit can chip teeth.

Chewing On Hard Foods

For example, Beef jerky and hard or stale bread.

Grinding Teeth

If you grind your teeth, discuss it with your dentist. It can cause headaches, tooth damage, and gum recession. An appliance can guard your enamel.

Drinking Anything Besides Water Frequently

If your teeth are awash in carbonated beverages (sugared or diet), juice, coffee, or sports drinks constantly, your enamel will suffer from the acids and sugar.

Playing Sports Without a Mouthguard

Sports pose a major risk of tooth damage. Custom-fitted mouthguards from your dentist are more comfortable than the boil-and-bite type.

Contact Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS:

813-653-2273

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3203 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Valrico, Florida
33596

If you decide to brighten your smile with a professional teeth whitening treatment, you want the results to last as long as possible. Unfortunately, the same things that stained your teeth prior to the treatment can stain them after the treatment. Over time, common staining will occur. To help slow down that process, Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS offers helpful tips to make your beautiful smile last.

Do’s

First, rinse daily with anti-cavity rinse. This improves oral hygiene, cuts down on bacteria, slows the build up of plaque, and also helps whiten your teeth. Additionally, there are many over-the-counter rinses with an extra whitening agent which will help extend the results of the whitening service.

Don’ts

There are some daily practices to forego because they will stain your teeth over time. These include drinking coffee, tea, soft drinks, red wine, smoking, and even some medications. If you cannot totally cut these out of your life, rinse your mouth out after you use them.

Avoid acidic foods and beverages. These can weaken or wear away the enamel on your teeth, and weak enamel allows the yellow dentin to show through.

Artificial coloring in any foods and condiments can stain your newly whitened teeth. Candy, popsicles, and fruit punch are examples.

Remember the Basics

We probably don’t need to remind you, but brushing your teeth properly a couple times a day will help you keep your white smile. You may choose a toothpaste with extra whitening or baking soda to help the process. Proper brushing should take you at least two minutes using short brush strokes, paying close attention to the gum line and hard-to-reach areas. Clean the outer surfaces of your upper, then lower teeth, as well as the inner surfaces. Finally, don’t forget the chewing surfaces and your tongue. Using good brushing techniques for 120 seconds will improve oral hygiene, and permanent stains will not build up as fast.

It doesn’t take too much effort or money to make your whitened smile last. If you have any questions or would like additional tips on how to retain your fresh, white smile, call Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS.

Contact Five Star Dental Care – Jeff Bynum, DDS:

813-653-2273

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3203 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Valrico, Florida
33596