The holidays are here, and with that comes office parties, family gatherings, holiday dinners, and many other festivities to fill up our calendar. At Weaver, Reckner, and Reinhart Dental Associates, we are here to keep you on track of your oral health during one of the busiest times of the year. Here are a few ways to protect and care for your teeth throughout the year.
To many patients, the mere mention of a “root canal” can be the start of major dental anxiety. Understanding the benefits of a root canal can help minimize the overall hesitancy in following through with this procedure.
When a patient is told those dreaded words by their dentist, “that tooth needs a root canal,” it is usually because of an active infection or abscess that is causing severe pain or pressure. An infection in the tooth does not go away without proper treatment. In some cases, the infection can spread to the jaw, neck, or head if left untreated. At Weaver, Reckner, and Reinhart Dental Associates, we complete root canals routinely, and our goal is to ease our patients’ pain while providing the best course of treatment possible.
First, as with any procedure, our dentists will anesthetize the area to make sure you are comfortable and pain-free. During a root canal procedure, the pulp, which is the hollow interior of a tooth containing the blood vessels, nerve tissue, and other cells, is removed. The area is thoroughly disinfected, and the canals are shaped before a filling is placed to seal the tooth. After root canal therapy, the tooth is considered “dead,” so the patient will no longer feel pain emanating from the tooth because the nerve tissue has been removed and the infection has been eradicated.
Once the root canal is finished, the tooth is fragile and will need a crown to protect it. Patients are able to keep their natural tooth during the root canal process; however, it will require a crown to preserve the health and stability of the tooth while maintaining a natural smile.
The link between your overall health and oral health is so important. Understanding a diagnosis and reason for treatment can help to set aside any hesitancy on the patient’s part. At Weaver, Reckner, and Reinhart Dental Associates, we want all of our patients to feel comfortable and educated about their oral health. As one of the leading root canal dentists in Harleysville and restorative dentists in Souderton, our practice uses the highest technological advancements in our field to perform dental treatments. The entire procedure is generally completed within an hour and a half, depending on the circumstances, and you will leave feeling assured that the infection has been removed and your tooth is back to a healthy state.
Weaver, Reckner, and Reinhart Dental Associates has been providing quality dental care in the Bucks and Montgomery County areas for over 27 years. If you would like more information, visit our website at www.gotta-smile.com or call 215-486-1649/215-486-1652.
According to the American Association of Orthodontics, an estimated 4.5 million Americans — most children and teenagers — wear braces on their teeth. The month of October has been designated as National Orthodontic Health Month to raise awareness about the benefits of orthodontic treatment and the importance of good oral health.
Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates has been offering comprehensive orthodontic services since 1999 and is an active member of the International Association of Orthodontists with specialized training and certification in orthodontics. With dental office locations in Souderton and Harleysville, we are committed to seeing children, teens, and adults achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
When undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s important to continue proper oral hygiene to ensure your gums stay healthy. Dental professionals at Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates recommend using an electric toothbrush for the most effective removal of plaque and bacteria. The bristles of an electric toothbrush rotate to help scrub away plaque while gently massaging the gums.
Additionally, flossing is another important piece of oral hygiene homecare. There are various flossing threaders, picks, and other products available to make flossing easy while in braces. Our dentists and hygienists can demonstrate the proper way to floss once you are in your braces.
Avoiding certain types of food is also vital for a healthy mouth. Hard and sticky foods, candy, chewing gum, and popcorn are not safe options while in braces. Biting into hard foods such as apples and corn on the cob should also be avoided during orthodontic treatment. Any foods that may bend or break the wires and loosen a bracket are not advisable. If at any point a wire does become loose or a bracket comes off; it is important that you call our Souderton or Harleysville dentist office so that it can be corrected.
The American Academy of Orthodontics recommends that children be evaluated for orthodontics by the age of seven. At Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates, our dentists can determine what issues, if any, exist. Early intervention can be helpful in determining any signs to monitor as well as plan for any future issues as the jaw is still growing.
If you would like to schedule a free orthodontics consultation in either our Souderton or Harleysville location or are interested in learning more about braces in Montgomery County, call 215-486-1649/215-486-1652. To learn more about our practice, you can browse our website.
Did you know that about 1 in 4 adults over the age of 20 have at least one untreated cavity? According to the Centers for Disease and Control, cavities have become one of the major untreated health issues in adults. Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections, which can spread to other parts of the body and have serious side effects. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of medical issues such as bone loss, gum disease, heart disease, and more. It is vital to have regular dental check-ups to prevent any problems from developing.
Here are some tips that you can do to maintain good dental hygiene at home:
We’ve all heard that brushing at least two times a day along with flossing paves the way to a healthy mouth. But, has anyone taken the time to learn proper brushing techniques? According to Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates, the best method of brushing teeth is to use an electric toothbrush. The bristles of an electric toothbrush can remove more plaque buildup than a regular toothbrush. It also prevents the ‘hard scrubbing’ that can cause gum recession which many patients can experience when using a manual toothbrush.
However, if you cannot use an electric toothbrush, be sure to position your manual toothbrush at a 45-degree angle near the gum line. Carefully brush both the tooth surface and the gum line areas where plaque can commonly accumulate. Using a back-and-forth and up-and-down motion, be gentle yet firm in order to avoid any discomfort or bleeding. You will want to continue the same process on the inside of your teeth toward your tongue as well. Lastly, we recommend brushing the surfaces of your tongue to remove any bacteria which can typically cause bad breath.
Coinciding with the importance of proper brushing technique is flossing. Sometimes the dreaded question by your hygienist, “how often do you floss?” can make you feel like you are slacking in your homecare routine. And, while it can easily be difficult to remember, it is an effective tool in removing plaque that builds up between your teeth. There are handy products called floss picks that can also be used on the go, so you will always have time to floss!
Avoiding sugary drinks and snacks is the best way to achieve a healthy smile. Celery and carrots, broccoli, and other green leafy vegetables provide an excellent source of vitamins and minerals that aid in strengthening tooth enamel.
Regular visits to the dentist play an important role in your oral hygiene regimen. Our hygienists at Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates are among the very best dentists in Montgomery and Bucks counties, providing quality service and compassionate care to all of our patients. It is recommended that you visit our office at least twice a year to have a full hygiene treatment and exam. During your visit, your hygienist will discuss with you any issues or concerns and offer advice and treatment options based on your exam with one of our trusted dentists.
Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates is committed to serving the Souderton and Harleysville communities. Our dental services cover a wide range of procedures catered towards the needs of your family. From cleanings and routine check-ups to reconstructive surgery and orthodontics, our offices in Souderton and Harleysville are here for you and your loved ones. You can learn more about our practice and services, including cosmetic dentistry available at our Souderton and Harleysville offices, by browsing our website or contact us at 215-486-1649/215-486-1652.
For parents, back-to-school season is one of the busiest times of the year. Organizing school schedules, purchasing school supplies, and all of the other tasks that come with the start of the school year contribute to a stressful end to the summer. Despite all of these distractions, it’s important to continue to make your child’s oral health a priority.
Tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease in children and adults, even though it is largely preventable, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. One of the ways to ensure your child or teen is staying on top of their dental health is to schedule a hygiene appointment. At Weaver, Reckner and Reinhart Dental Associates, routine visits to our office will include an exam by one of our doctors, check-up x-rays if applicable, and a gentle but thorough cleaning by a trusted hygienist. Our Harleysville and Souderton dental offices offer convenient early morning and evening hours to accommodate our patients’ busy schedules.
In addition to visiting our office, your child needs to maintain proper home care. Regular brushing and flossing help to remove plaque that builds up on the enamel and between the teeth, and daily rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash works to remove bacteria from within the mouth. If your child is in braces, it is important that they brush properly around the brackets since bacteria can form around them causing irritation and puffy gums. Bringing a toothbrush into school is a good way for your child to remove any food debris after lunch.
A healthy diet before, during, and after school is also a vital part of your child’s oral health. The American Dental Association encourages fiber-rich foods because of their ability to help clean the gums and stimulate saliva production. Crunchy fruits and vegetables are a great choice to include in your child’s lunch box. Foods rich in calcium and phosphate, including dairy products, help to rebuild the enamel in the teeth and are great alternatives to unhealthy snacks.
At Weaver, Reckner and Reinhart Dental Associates, we are committed to helping our patients and their families achieve a healthy mouth. We encourage you to continue practicing appropriate homecare with your child and follow some of the recommendations outlined above. You can learn more about our practice and services, including cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics, available at our Souderton and Harleysville offices by browsing our website or contact us at 215-486-1649/215-486-1652.
The thought of getting dental implants can seem like a daunting process. Terminology you may not be familiar with, longer recovery time, and the anxiety surrounding the procedure are many factors that may contribute to patients not moving forward with their treatment. However, dental implant procedures are not as complicated as one may think.
At Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates, we have been providing comprehensive dental care, including dental implants, in Bucks County and Montgomery County for over 27 years. Our dentists meet one-on-one with each of our patients to determine if dental implants are the right option for them. It is during this consultation visit that, after a complete examination, a 3-D image scanner is used to evaluate the nerves, sinuses, and bone to determine the best location for placing and restoring implants properly.
There are a few factors that could affect the ability to have implant restoration. Patients need to have sufficient bone density for the implant to be successful. Additionally, patients need to have good oral hygiene and be free from periodontal disease. Our dentists will make sure that each patient is aware of any potential issues and discuss the options.
After the examination and planning visit, the patient can expect the process to take as little as three visits over the course of three to nine months. The same doctor will see their patient through all phases of care, from diagnosis to placement.
But what exactly are dental implants? Titanium screws are used as the root of a missing tooth. These artificial roots are used to support a restoration for a missing tooth or teeth, providing a permanent base for a crown or bridge. Once placed into the jawbone, the implant begins to integrate with the bone. Implants can be placed immediately following the extraction of the tooth while the patient is still numb or in a space where a tooth is missing.
Recovery time for each patient can depend on the number and location of the implants, oral hygiene and smoking habits, and whether bone grafting was needed. Typically, patients experience similar side effects to having a tooth extracted. Soreness and some minor bleeding are to be expected. Anything more severe or for an extended period of time requires a call to our office to make sure everything is healing properly.
Once the implant integrates, usually three to six months, patients return to our office to have their brand new implant restoration placed to fill that space. While each patient’s circumstances may vary, it’s important to understand the process and what to expect so that you can plan for the procedure and have a successful dental implant experience.
At Weaver, Reckner and Reinhart Dental Associates, we are committed to restoring confidence in our patients’ smiles through our advanced dental procedures. We value our patients and effectively communicate with them throughout the entire process to make sure that they understand their options.
If you would like to learn more about dental implants in Harleysville or Souderton, browse our website or call one of our offices at 215-486-1649 or 215-486-1652 for more information.
When your child gets their braces on for the first time, it can be a time of great excitement as well as increased anxiety over not knowing what to expect. Depending on the individual patient’s needs, orthodontics could begin as early as age seven. During their routine dental examination, it may be determined that orthodontic intervention is needed. The first step is to make an appointment to gather measurements, take digital x-rays, impressions and photographs, and discuss the best orthodontic treatment plan.
You may have heard your dentist say, “That tooth needs a crown.” But what exactly does that mean? Over time, teeth can become fractured and worn down compromising their longevity, or cavities can develop that encompass too much of the tooth’s structure for a filling to be placed. In these instances, it becomes necessary to place a crown on the tooth.
54,0001. That’s the number of oral cancer cases that will be diagnosed this year, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation. If oral cancer is detected and treated early, there is a much higher chance of surviving without long-term problems. Read more
Orthodontic treatment has come a long way over the last few decades. Years ago, visions of “metal mouth” and headgear were enough to scare patients away from trying to get that perfect smile. Now, with the latest advancements in dental technology, there are many different options to fit each patient’s needs from young child to adult. Read more
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