Peter Guirguis - Definitive Dental

December 19, 2022July 15, 2020 by Peter Guirguis

When deciding on a restorative dental solution, it is crucial to consider all your options. A common question patients often face when looking for a tooth replacement solution is if they should choose a dental bridge or a dental implant.

Both are restorative solutions for missing teeth, and, although they function similarly, it is helpful to understand their differences. At Definitive Dental in Grand Prairie, TX, we provide all patients with thorough consultations to understand the pros and cons and compare the costs of each treatment option. When it comes to tooth implants vs. bridges, here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that fills the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Both dental bridges and implants are anchored inside the mouth, but bridges specifically join to one or more neighboring teeth, also known as abutment teeth. Bridges can be supported by natural teeth or by dental implants. The false teeth covering the gap are called pontics, which comes from the Latin word for bridge.

How Long Will Dental Bridges Last?

Dental bridges last around 5-10 years. Bridges involve using some of your natural teeth, which can cause the bridge to fail over time. This is because the teeth around the bridge are still vulnerable to decay and disease, which can affect the longevity of your bridge.

Patients choosing dental bridges over implants should be especially careful with their dental habits and practice good oral hygiene at home to keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean and healthy. Dr. Peter Guirguis, our dentist in Grand Prairie, recommends brushing twice a day and flossing to ensure you carefully clean both the false and natural teeth. Visiting our office regularly can help keep your teeth clean and your restoration looking and feeling great.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges?

Comparing the pros and cons of dental bridges vs. tooth implants can be helpful when deciding between the two. Here are some of the pros and cons of dental bridges, especially compared to implants.

Pros of Dental Bridges

Surgery is not required.
Jawbone density is not an issue with bridges, and they do not require bone grafting.
Overall the bridge procedure is less invasive compared to dental implants.
Dental bridges are a quicker procedure for teeth replacement. The dentist can complete them in two visits over a couple of weeks.
Dental bridges tend to be less costly compared to implants.
Insurance companies are more likely to cover dental bridges.

Cons of Dental Bridges

The average lifetime of dental bridges is only 5-10 years, and patients must have them replaced after this period.
Dental bridges place more strain on the surrounding teeth they are attached to, and these teeth are prone to more damage than with implants.
Bridges do not address the underlying structural issues of missing teeth.
With aging and bone loss, dental bridges will lose their natural-looking appearance.

What Is the Typical Cost of Dental Bridges?

The lower cost of bridges vs. tooth implants is one of the main reasons many patients prefer them. Their price depends on several factors, such as the materials used and the number of teeth or units involved. A traditional three-unit bridge for restoring one missing tooth typically costs about $1,000 per unit. Bonded bridges and the more expensive implant-supported bridges can range from $2,000-$5,000.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are more likely to be covered by dental insurance plans than implants. Expect partial coverage. For example, some plans cover up to 50% of the treatment. Call our office at

(972) 646-0660 to see what your insurance plan may cover.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a permanent solution for patients that have missing, broken, or damaged teeth. They are durable teeth replacement options, acting like a screw placed into the jawbone. The screw serves as an artificial tooth root and provides a strong base for one or more artificial teeth. Unlike with dental bridges, the procedure for implants requires a healing period to give the implant time to fuse to the jawbone. This process allows the implant to look and function like a natural tooth.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants require multiple appointments in our office in Grand Prairie. The procedure for tooth implants takes a few months, unlike bridges. The first step involves placing the implant into the your jawbone. After this step, there is a healing period where we must give the implant time to fuse to the jawbone.

Part of our evaluation process for deciding on dental implants vs. dental bridges is to determine if you have adequate bone density in the jaw to support the implants. If needed, Dr. Guirguis can perform bone grafting to give patients the bone required to provide the necessary support.

Once the healing process is complete, you will return to our office. Dr. Guirguis will place an abutment—or connector—on top of the implants to help secure the crown. We will give you custom crowns that match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. You may need temporary crowns while we wait for the permanent ones to arrive from the lab.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Dental Implants?

One thing to know about dental implants is that they offer numerous advantages over bridges, but there are some drawbacks. Here are some pros and cons of dental implants vs. bridges to help you decide.

Pros of Dental Implants

High-quality tooth implants are among the most durable options for tooth restoration. They can last up to 15 years or more with proper care, longer than bridges.
Implants place less strain on the surrounding teeth compared to bridges.
Implants lower the risk of long-term jaw issues and keep the underlying bone structure intact.
Implants are more natural-looking and functional than bridges.

Cons of Dental Implants

Sadly, many insurance companies consider implants to be purely cosmetic, meaning they are less likely to cover dental implants than bridges.
Dental implants are more expensive than bridges, especially if patients wish to restore several teeth.
Surgery is often necessary with implant procedures, and complications may arise.
The process of teeth implants can take up to 6 months and requires several visits.

What Is the Typical Cost of Dental Implants?

The cost of dental implants varies based on the type of implants, the material of the prosthetic tooth, and the number of implants placed. The typical price for a single tooth-colored crown is around $5,000. This price includes the implant, the crown, and the surgical placement. The cost of several dental implants vs. a bridge might be considerably higher, but the cost reflects the implants’ durability and the complex procedure for their surgical placement.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Dental Implants?

The truth about dental insurance is that most plans consider tooth implants as a purely cosmetic treatment while they list bridges as more medically necessary. Some insurance plans will cover portions of a dental implant procedure as well. It’s best to review your insurance policy before deciding on dental implants vs. bridges. Likewise, consult with our office to learn about financing options and receive a professional recommendation for your best treatment.

Contact Dr. Peter Guirguis in Grand Prairie

Choosing the best option is important, and our team at Definitive Dental can help you decide. We will give you all the information you need and present you with options to help you achieve that bright white smile.

If you’re looking for dentistry done right, contact us to schedule your consultation with Dr. Peter Guirguis. We look forward to taking your smile to new heights.

June 18, 2024July 7, 2020 by Peter Guirguis

Dental mouthguards may be worn to prevent patients from grinding or clenching their teeth. They are also used to help with sleep apnea symptoms and to protect teeth from injury during sports. At Definitive Dental in Grand Prairie, we work with patients who have concerns about protecting their teeth, and part of our evaluation process is to determine if patients may benefit from a mouthguard.

As with any device, it is important to understand how to clean a mouthguard after each use. Taking care of your mouthguard is important to ensure that the guard continues to protect your teeth properly. We recommend that patients who are learning how to clean a mouthguard simply add their guards to their daily oral hygiene routines at home.

Why You Need a Mouthguard

Before going over how to clean a mouthguard, let’s dive into why you might need a mouthguard in the first place. Your dentist may recommend that you wear a mouthguard in one of several situations.

Playing Sports

When you play contact sports, your risk of falling and injuring your face is high. For this reason, your dentist may recommend that you wear a mouthguard while engaging in athletic activities.

It’s not just about protecting your teeth — a mouthguard keeps you from accidentally biting your tongue or lip if your head suddenly jerks forward.

Sleep Apnea

You might also be a good candidate for a mouthguard if you experience sleep apnea. This potentially dangerous sleep disorder may cause you to stop breathing temporarily while you’re asleep. This may prevent the brain from getting an adequate amount of oxygen, which will increase your chance of experiencing a stroke or heart disease. It may also lead to excessive snoring. As a result, you might feel groggy the following day.

However, a mouthguard will push your tongue and lower jaw forward, therefore keeping the airway open. This will help you to resolve your sleep apnea problem.

Grinding Teeth

You may also need a mouthguard if you have bruxism, a condition where you clench and grind your teeth while sleeping. Grinding can cause several problems, including sore gums, tooth pain, and jaw pain. It can additionally damage the teeth.

When you wear a mouthguard, the guard will keep your bottom and top teeth separated. This will prevent them from damaging each other when you are clenching or grinding.

Do You Need to Clean Your Mouthguard?

Yes. Much like toothbrushes, mouthguards may retain food debris and bacterial plaque. Because a mouthguard is porous, it provides excellent places for bacteria to hide. This is why it is important to learn how to clean a mouthguard.

As a general rule of thumb, you should rinse your mouthguard immediately after each use with warm or cool water. This helps to loosen up any bacteria or plaque that may have built up while you were wearing the device. Avoid using hot water to rinse the mouthguard, as it could distort its shape.

Then, you should clean it once a day and deep-clean the mouthguard once per week. If you don’t clean your mouthguard, you face a greater risk of infection and gum disease.

How to Clean a Mouthguard at Home

Step 1

Gently brush your mouthguard using water and a toothbrush with soft bristles. A separate toothbrush can be used for this process if you prefer not to use the brush used for your teeth. When you clean a mouthguard, avoid using toothpaste. This can be too abrasive and could damage the mouthguard.

Step 2

The next step in keeping a mouthguard clean involves using mouthwash to further clean your mouthguard. By submerging it in mouthwash, you’ll kill any germs remaining on the mouthguard. Afterward, rinse the mouthguard using cool water. Avoid soaking the mouthguard in the mouthwash overnight as this may damage it.

Step 3

Set the clean mouthguard on a clean surface, and allow it to dry completely. If you do not let your mouthguard dry completely bacteria growth may occur. Typically, the drying process takes between 15-30 minutes.

Step 4

Once the mouthguard is dry, store the guard in a case. This step is necessary to keep a mouthguard clean and protect it from any damage. It may be best to store the mouthguard outside of the bathroom to ensure that the humidity or steam does not cause the mouthguard to warp over time.

Step 5

In addition to learning how to clean a mouthguard itself, keep in mind that cleaning the mouthguard case is also an important step in keeping a mouthguard clean. Cases should be hand-washed every couple of days before newly cleaned guards are placed in them to remove any bacteria that have collected over time.

Deep Cleaning Your Mouthguard

Dr. Peter Guirguis, our dentist in Grand Prairie, recommends that to further keep a mouthguard clean, a patient should deep-clean their mouthguard at least once a week. If you’re wondering how to deep-clean a mouthguard, note that patients can use a denture cleaner from your local pharmacy or mouthwash mixed with water. Place the mouthguard in a bowl, and let it soak in the mixture of your choice for at least 30 minutes.

Once the mouthguard has soaked, you can remove it, and allow it to dry completely before placing it back in the case.

When to Replace Your Mouthguard

In addition to learning how to clean a mouthguard, you should get into the habit of replacing your mouthguard every 6-12 months. You’ll be able to tell that your mouthguard is worn out once it begins to feel different in the mouth or feels uncomfortable. This is because the constant biting impacts your mouthguard’s fit and shape over time.

When you visit our dental office in Grand Prairie, always bring your mouthguard and case. This gives our doctor the ability to inspect your mouthguard and ensure that the guard still fits properly. Our team can also help you to clean the guard if necessary during your appointment. Keeping a mouthguard clean is easy if you incorporate the cleaning process into your oral hygiene routine at home.

Learn How to Clean a Mouthguard and Keep Your Teeth Healthy at Definitive Dental

At Definitive Dental, we take pride in offering top-tier dental treatments in Grand Prairie. In addition to showing you how to clean a mouthguard, we’re ready to examine and clean your teeth regularly to keep them in the best shape possible. We can also treat any dental issues you may be experiencing, such as cavities before they grow into bigger problems.

Known for dentistry done right, our team at Definitive Dental is here to give you all of the options available to achieve that bright white smile. We welcome all patients, and we strive to always provide quality service that our patients can count on.

If you are interested in finding out more about mouthguards or are looking to get other dental restorations in Grand Prairie, please contact Dr. Peter Guirguis to schedule your consultation. Text us at (972) 646-0660, or use this contact form, and we’ll be happy to assist you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I boil a mouthguard?

It’s common to boil a pacifier to sterilize it, but we don’t recommend this method to clean a mouthguard. The hot water can distort the mouthguard’s shape so that it no longer fits.

Can a mouthguard cause cavities?

Not directly — if you keep a mouthguard clean, it won’t cause you any oral health issues. However, if you do not care for the mouthguard properly, the guard may contribute to cavity development. That’s because your guard can trap bacteria against your teeth, and if your teeth are exposed to the bacteria for long periods, you run the risk of developing cavities.

Can I share a mouthguard with siblings who play sports?

No. Never share mouthguards, as you’ll essentially be sharing food debris and bacteria with your siblings. In addition, if one person is sick, anyone else who uses their mouthguard may develop the same illness. We highly recommend that siblings who both have mouthguards use different colored cases so they do not confuse their guards accidentally.

Can I wear a mouthguard with braces?

Yes. It’s best to wear a guard over braces to protect this orthodontic appliance. Your mouthguard will also protect your mouth’s soft tissue from damage or injury if you have an accident while wearing braces.

Can you clean a mouthguard using soap?

Absolutely. If you’re curious about how to clean a mouthguard with soap, note that you can use dish soap or antibacterial soap to get the job done. You’ll first want to rinse your guard with cool or lukewarm water, then apply a little soap to it. Afterward, brush your guard until you have cleaned each spot. Then, rinse the guard to get rid of the soap, and allow the mouthguard to dry.

October 26, 2022June 5, 2020 by Peter Guirguis

Dental Veneers and Dental Implants both can give patients a beautiful white smile. Deciding what restorative or cosmetic option works best for you depends on the condition of your teeth. Our staff at Definitive Dental in Grand Prairie, TX provides cosmetic and restorative consultations to all our patients to take a detailed look at your mouth and determine a customized treatment plan that works for you. We listen to your goals and look at all options to give you the opportunity to choose the best one.

So, what is the difference between the two? Typically, Dental Veneers and Dental Implants are used for different reasons. This all depends on how much damage a patient has to their teeth.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental Implants are the leading restorative solution for many patients and one of the most common procedures done today. Implants are permanent and reliable giving patients the feeling that they have natural teeth. Implants are used for patients that have lost a tooth or teeth, have suffered from periodontal disease, or an injury. Dental implants take multiple appointments across a few months to complete.

Implants last upwards of 25 years or a lifetime if taken care for properly. They provide many benefits to patients, and are comfortable in the mouth. Implants allow patients to speak, eat, and function just like they would with natural teeth.

As part of our evaluation process, Dr. Peter Guirguis we will determine if the patient has enough bone present in the jaw to support the implants. If needed, bone grafting can be done to provide the additional support. During the implant procedure metal posts are placed in the jaw, and these act similar to artificial tooth roots. These posts provide the required support needed for the implants. Once the healing process is complete, an abutment or connector is secured on top of the implants. This allows the crown to be secured on top of the implant.

Crowns are custom made to match the color, size, and shape of your teeth. Temporary crowns are used while the patient waits for the permanent crown to be placed. Practicing good oral hygiene habits and visiting our office regularly will help to keep your implants looking and feeling great.

Contact Dr. Peter Guirguis in Grand Prairie, TX

Choosing the best option is important, and our team at Definitive Dental is here to help give you all of the options available to achieve that bright white smile. We welcome all patients, and strive to always provide quality service our patients can count on.

If you are interested in finding out more about Dental Veneers or are looking to get dental implants in Grand Prairie, Texas, please contact Dr. Peter Guirguis to schedule your consultation.

February 16, 2023May 1, 2020 by Peter Guirguis

Professional whitening is effective at removing years of stains and discoloration from the teeth. Whether you are looking to boost your confidence or are going to be attending a wedding, reunion, or another big event, a bright and white smile is sure to improve your appearance.

Expert whitening is performed in the dental office or is provided to you using a professional-grade take-home kit. Either way, whitening results can last for months or even years, and maintaining your results is key to ensuring that you’ll always have a gorgeous smile.

In light of this, you may be wondering, how often should you whiten your teeth to see these long-lasting results? Here’s everything you need to know about why teeth whitening is important and how to maintain your teeth whitening results.

Why Should I Whiten My Teeth?

Many dentists will say that teeth whitening is purely cosmetic. At Definitive Dental, we like to say that it’s largely cosmetic, but there are some practical oral health benefits that come from professional whitening.

The number-one reason that our patients choose to whiten is that they are not happy with the color of their teeth. If you are a smoker; drink a lot of coffee, tea, or cola; or you’re taking certain medications, you may notice that your teeth aren’t as white as they used to be. Likewise, just the act of aging can have a serious impact on the way your smile looks. By professionally whitening your teeth, you can expect dramatic results that help to increase your self-esteem and confidence, as well as make a better first impression in public.

While some staining is not necessarily an indicator of tooth decay, great attention to the causes of staining often leads to better overall oral health. Knowing how to maintain teeth whitening can lead to new habits that reduce your risk of cavities.

Why Not Simply Brush More Often?

Sometimes brushing alone is not enough to make your teeth as white as you would like them to be. Even though we call them “pearly whites,” teeth are not naturally pure white.

Each tooth consists of enamel and dentin, which make the tooth look a bit off-white. Even the most vigorous tooth brushing will not make teeth perfectly white. This is especially true if you were born with darker dentin.

In addition, certain foods and drinks — like coffee and dark sodas — will stain your teeth. So, even if you’re brushing each day, it can be difficult to remove that brownish tint.

Finally, it is important to realize that brushing and flossing are not intended to whiten your teeth. Your goal when brushing is to remove the buildup of plaque, or the soft film that forms on teeth after you eat. Brushing is also meant to prevent cavities. The goal is to clean, not polish.

Given the above, teeth whitening is the best option for transforming your smile into a snow-white Hollywood smile. Here’s how often you should whiten your teeth to keep them looking beautiful and healthy.

How Often Should You Whiten Your Teeth?

Every day? No! It is best to avoid whitening your teeth too often. Over-whitening your teeth can lead to issues with hypersensitivity or, in rare cases, damage the enamel.

The exact time frame of how often you should whiten your teeth will vary from patient to patient, but we typically recommend treatment no more frequently than once per year. This prevents issues involving sensitivity and helps with creating a natural-looking smile. The benefit of utilizing professional whitening is that the results typically last for about one year. This simply means you won’t feel the need to touch up or go with another whitening system because of how drastic the change is when you’re using a professional whitening option.

How Often You Should Whiten Your Teeth in the Office

You should ideally undergo an in-office teeth whitening session every 12-24 months. How often you should whiten your teeth in the dental office setting will ultimately depend on how quickly your teeth lose their brightness. Your dentist can evaluate your smile after six months and let you know when another teeth whitening session may be appropriate.

How Often You Should Whiten Your Teeth at Home

Over-the-counter whitening trays are less effective than professional in-office treatment, so the results will wear off sooner. Still, you should whiten your teeth at home no more than once every six months. An easy way to remember this is to start a whitening treatment between your regular dental checkups. For example, if you have dental cleanings scheduled for January and July, you could use whitening strips in April and October for a year-round polished look.

Remember, it is important to not overuse whitening strips. Doing so has potential negative side effects such as wearing down your tooth enamel. This may increase your risk of developing cavities and make your teeth more sensitive.

How Often Should You Do Touch-Ups When You Whiten Your Teeth?

Always contact your dentist before you begin if you feel that you should touch up your teeth with a whitening agent more than twice per year.

Some reasons for more frequent staining include:

Heavy smoking
Dark-colored beverages such as coffee and tea
Certain medications such as iron supplements

Some genetic factors that contribute to tooth coloration are unavoidable, but many of the most common causes of tooth staining are due to lifestyle factors. These you can address.

How Can I Maintain My Results?

In addition to exploring how often you should whiten your teeth, you might be wondering how to maintain your teeth whitening results. The best way to prevent the need for touch-ups is to avoid future staining and discoloration of the teeth. If you’re a smoker, now is the best time to quit and a great way to extend the length of your results.

For you avid coffee drinkers, don’t worry. It is not necessary to quit drinking coffee, but you can make a few small changes. Consider drinking dark beverages through a straw to avoid contact with your teeth, or rinse your mouth with water after a cup of coffee or tea so the staining liquid does not linger on your teeth.

You may also want to consider using a whitening toothpaste to clear away stains and discoloration before they can get worse. The best whitening toothpaste has the following qualities:

Features bleaching chemicals (e.g., peroxide) versus abrasives
Contains fluoride
Eco-friendly
Includes silica
Does not have dyes or artificial sweeteners

Avoid whitening toothpaste with abrasives, as abrasives may remove your enamel over time. In addition, make sure that your whitening toothpaste contains fluoride, which can help you to fight cavities

You may also want to look for toothpaste brands that use 100% recyclable packaging and vegan formulas, as this will help with protecting the environment. Also, use toothpaste with silica if sensitive gums and teeth are a problem for you. Steer clear of whitening toothpaste that contains dyes and artificial sweeteners, as they can increase inflammation and may even cause the development of cancerous tumors.

Your dentist will help you to determine how often you should whiten your teeth based on your unique situation.

Avoid DIY Whitening

We do not recommend DIY methods to maintain teeth whitening results. You may find suggestions online for baking soda and hydrogen peroxide solutions, but applying a homemade mixture can lead to harmful side effects.

Learn How to Maintain Teeth Whitening Results at Definitive Dental

At Definitive Dental, we’re excited to further share with you in person how often you should whiten your teeth and how to maintain your teeth whitening results. Our goal is to provide exceptional whitening services as well as other dental services, such as dental fillings and crowns, in a family-friendly environment. Dr. Peter Guirguis and his staff are available to answer any questions you may have, and we welcome all new patients to our dental clinic in Grand Prairie, TX!

Ready to take your smile to new heights? Get in touch with us to learn more about how often you should whiten your teeth and schedule an appointment today!

January 31, 2024April 1, 2020 by Peter Guirguis

A woman holding a cold compress over her cheek

Dental emergencies can occur at virtually any time, leaving you in pain and feeling distraught. For instance, extreme tooth pain is an emergency that is difficult to tolerate without immediate treatment. You should seek urgent care for throbbing tooth pain and other dental emergencies soon after experiencing the problem.

But what qualifies as an emergency? How bad does a tooth have to hurt before you should be concerned? This guide explains how to know when you have an emergency and what to do next.

What is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation that is causing you pain, discomfort, or distress lasting for more than a few minutes. Some dental emergencies aren’t necessarily painful but can become an issue if ignored. For instance, if you have an infection in your mouth, you need an antibiotic as soon as possible to keep it from spreading.

Other issues can be severely painful and require emergency dental treatment. You should never wait to handle a dental emergency since, in many cases, the pain will not go away without some type of in-office treatment.

What Are Examples of Dental Emergencies?

Emergencies can range from severe tooth pain to fractures and avulsions. Dental emergencies can affect both pediatric and adult patients. Children’s dental emergencies are similar to adults’ but need gentler care. Here are some of the most common situations that require emergency dental treatment.

Severe Toothache

Severe tooth pain is an emergency that can disrupt your whole day. Note that not all toothaches are emergencies. If you have an intermittent toothache — one that seems to come and go throughout the day — it could be due to a sinus infection. You should be concerned when your toothache is at a constant intensity and has lasted for more than a day. Receiving tooth pain urgent care is also necessary when you feel a bump on your gums, the tooth is darkening, or you’re experiencing fatigue and fever.

If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and floss your teeth. The pain may be due to something stuck between your teeth. If the pain doesn’t go away, take over-the-counter painkillers. Put a cold compress over the area and call the dentist for emergency dental treatment.

Infections and Abscesses

Dental abscesses and infections can occur due to aggressive brushing or underlying gum disease. Dental abscesses become emergencies when there is severe pain, swelling, bleeding, vomiting, or a weird taste in the mouth. You must seek immediate treatment because if the infection spreads throughout your body, it can be life-threatening.

Before your appointment, you can control the swelling with a cold compress. Rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash or saltwater to manage the infection. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can reduce your pain while controlling the bacteria.

Chipped or Fractured Teeth

A chipped tooth can result from falling or otherwise injuring your mouth. Chipped teeth don’t always require same-day emergency dental treatment. If the extent of damage is too severe and you’re experiencing unbearable tooth pain, urgent care is necessary. Otherwise, you can wait a few days for an appointment.

The biggest concern is infection. It may not always be visible, but you can tell a tooth is fractured if you experience sudden pain or sensitivity following an injury. Apply an ice pack over the area to control swelling, and don’t chew anything on that side of your mouth.

Before your appointment with Dr. Guirguis, rinse your mouth with warm salt water to wash away the chipped fragments. If your tooth is fractured, keep the broken piece in milk and bring it to your emergency dental treatment appointment.

Knocked-Out Tooth

You must make an appointment immediately if your tooth falls out due to a sports injury or an accident. If you see the dentist soon enough, he might be able to put your tooth back in its place.

In these cases, pick up the avulsed tooth from the crown. Wash away any debris and try to place it back in the socket. If this isn’t possible, put it in a container with milk and bring it to your emergency dental treatment appointment.

Severe Sensitivity

Severe tooth pain from sensitivity is often an emergency. You may always feel some sensitivity to hot or cold foods. However, sudden or severe sensitivity accompanied by tooth pain requires urgent care. That is because it may be due to an infection, abscess, or a chipped tooth.

Try to avoid sweet or acidic food and hot or cold beverages. You can take over-the-counter medications until your appointment if the pain is too much.

Loose or Fallen Restorations

Restorations are temporary. Even the highest quality dental fillings, veneers, crowns, or bridges don’t last forever and may become loose or fall out. These situations don’t usually require same-day emergency dental treatment, but you do need to address the problem soon to prevent further complications. Call Definitive Dental if your crown or filling becomes loose to avoid infections.

Broken Appliances

You may not feel tooth pain with broken appliances, but you still need urgent care. Mouthguards and dentures breaking in your mouth can damage your soft tissues.

Do not try to reinsert them back into your mouth. Drugstores carry emergency at-home repair kits for broken dental appliances, but it’s best to avoid them to prevent further damage. The best thing you can do is call our office to address your dental emergency in Grand Prairie.

Other Mouth Injuries

While severe tooth pain is an emergency, injuries to the mouth, gums, and lips are usually not. You only need emergency dental treatment for mouth injuries when the bleeding doesn’t stop after you apply pressure.

If you experience trauma and your mouth starts bleeding, control it by applying some pressure on the area. Rinse your mouth off any blood and use a cold press to reduce swelling. Take painkillers to help with the pain and if the bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes, call our office at 972-646-0660.

FAQs

What should I do in an emergency?

As much as possible, stay calm. The first step is to call in the emergency and schedule an appointment. We’ll accommodate you as soon as we can. When you arrive at our office for your emergency dental treatment, we will ask a few questions and may take some X-rays if needed.

It’s important to share the full extent of your pain and symptoms with the dentist so we can make a quick diagnosis and recommend the proper treatment right away.

How do you treat each type of dental emergency?

Each emergency dental treatment is different depending on the problem. For instance, for severe sensitivity or tooth pain, urgent care involves treating the underlying issue, which can be a cavity or gum disease. If there is an infection, you may need to take antibiotics first to clear the bacteria before further treatment.

We treat abscesses by draining them under local anesthesia and repair chipped or broken teeth with restorative treatments. Knocked-out teeth are sometimes salvageable, and we can place them back in the socket. Other times we may need to consider tooth replacement options. No matter the dental emergency, you can receive the appropriate treatment at Definitive Dental.

How much is the cost of emergency dental treatments?

The costs of emergency treatments differ based on the problem and the patient. We can’t give you an exact estimate until we have examined your mouth. You may need a simple filling or a more complicated treatment like root canal therapy.

However, we won’t let the cost stand in the way of you receiving the quality treatment you deserve. Our team will work with your dental insurance and help reduce the costs as much as possible. Remember that taking care of your teeth in emergencies can help you avoid future expenses.

Contact Dr. Peter Guirguis in Grand Prairie

Don’t ignore your dental health. If your tooth pain is severe enough that you wonder if it is an emergency, you are likely overdue for an appointment. Whether you need urgent care for tooth pain or another emergency dental treatment, we are here for you.

Definitive Dental has experience offering emergency treatments in Grand Prairie to patients of all ages. If you need immediate assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly staff to schedule a visit with Dr. Peter Guirguis as soon as possible!

November 14, 2022March 8, 2020 by Peter Guirguis

A wooden shelf of toothbrushes in assorted colors by a faucet

No one likes having increased sensitivity and discomfort in their mouth. Luckily, getting rid of itchy gums is usually a quick and easy process with the help of your dentist. If you’re looking for itchy gums relief, you can schedule a professional cleaning at Definitive Dental. Find out about our itchy gums treatment in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Call (972) 646-0660 to Schedule an Appointment

Why Do My Gums Itch?

Gums can itch due to several factors. Lots of times, gums start itching because of bacteria buildup in the mouth. Itchy discomfort is the body’s reminder or sign to you that you need to change something about how you care for your gums. Hormonal changes, including those related to puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can lead to increased gum sensitivity, but you shouldn’t assume that’s why your gums are itching. Getting a dental consultation is the best way to confirm the cause and create an itchy gums treatment plan.

Also, sometimes gums will itch due to a person’s allergic reactions or sensitivities, although allergy-related itchiness often occurs not just on the gums but also on the roof of the mouth and/or even the tongue. Even something as simple as an overly dry mouth can result in sensitive gums protesting. So, there are a variety of reasons that gums may itch. If your gums are itchy, you’ll want to find out why as soon as possible. That way, you can get itchy gum relief by targeting the problem so you don’t have to keep feeling the discomfort in your mouth.

Is Having Itchy Gums a Recurring Condition?

If your gums are causing you discomfort, you’ll be looking for immediate itchy gums relief. Then, with your completed itchy gums treatment, you’ll want to know if this source of discomfort is likely to happen to you again soon. While it’s impossible to completely predict the causes of discomfort in your mouth, you can minimize your risk of getting itchy gums by paying attention to how you take care of your oral health. Itchy gums are usually associated with gingivitis and periodontal disease. The most common causes for this type of irritation in the mouth are insufficient brushing and flossing and not routinely seeing a dentist. Proper oral hygiene is important for everyone, especially those who have an increased risk of gingivitis, or gum disease.

Even though no one wants to have this type of discomfort in their mouth, temporary gum irritation happens to many adults for a variety of reasons. The good news is that, no matter what’s causing your gum discomfort, it’s probably something that can be addressed through better dental hygiene and proper professional support. Usually, having itchy gums doesn’t have to be a recurring condition, unless you cause it to come back through neglect of your oral hygiene.

Ready to schedule an appointment? Call (972) 646-0660 to get started.

What Is the Typical Itchy Gums Treatment?

Since gums are delicate tissues that act as seals around each tooth, healthy gums are crucial for protecting your teeth. This means that itchy gums are typically signals of extra germs or bacteria buildup in the mouth. So, most of the time, itchy gums relief comes down to prevention through proper dental hygiene supplemented by itchy gums treatment through professional dental care.

Whether your gums are itchy because of plaque buildup or gum disease, you don’t have to wait out the discomfort. Getting itchy gums treatment is possible and usually simple, but you’ll need a specific examination and follow-up support from a dentist. That way, you can secure itchy gums relief and work towards healthier gums in the long-term.

A Targeted Treatment Plan

Don’t assume that you can self-diagnose the cause of your itchy gums or attempt to come up with your itchy gums treatment plan, because you may not target the real source of the problem. It’s important to recognize that inflamed or exceptionally irritated gums can be a signal of early gum disease or gingivitis. On the other hand, extra severe pains, aches, or swells can point to an internal mouth injury or tooth abscess. In these cases, securing itchy gums relief may also mean addressing other problems in the mouth.

These more serious sources of discomfort can still be treated fairly quickly and easily, but you’ll want your dentist to examine your mouth and create a treatment plan for your itchy gums. The most common sign of itchy gums is that your gums bleed while brushing or flossing. However, daily bleeding might be a clue of a basic concern a dentist should check. In any case, a dentist can help you determine the source of your itchiness and develop a solution for itchy gums relief, which can range from a good professional cleaning to a more targeted care plan.

Schedule Your Support

Itchy gums relief, treatment, and avoidance come down to scheduling support from your dentist, to supplement your regular oral health routine. Whether you want to get your gums to stop itching right now, or would like to prevent the same problem from recurring in a few months, we recommend scheduling an appointment for proper dental care. Of course, you can’t control if you have an allergic reaction or an oversensitivity to a medication that makes you have a dry mouth, resulting in temporarily itchy gums. But you can regularly schedule dentistry appointments, brush and floss teeth daily, and properly care for your gums, reducing your risk of having to deal with itchy gums more.

Although it may sometimes seem like you can prevent and treat gum discomfort at home, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. Regular professional dental cleanings can prevent pain and discomfort in the mouth, including gums itching unnecessarily.

A black woman with short hair and a gummy smile on a bright yellow background

A Regular Routine

While it is always important to prioritize your oral health habits at home, there’s no substitute for the professional level of cleaning and care received at the dentist. A trained hygienist can help you not only identify the cause of any discomfort or pain in your mouth but can also provide targeted, professional solutions to move beyond itchy gums.

Regular dental cleanings are one of the most routine methods of relief for itchy gums. Making a priority on the oral health part of your routine will help you get itchy gums relief that lasts. There’s no need to suffer from itchy gums, so don’t delay in coming in for professional support. Dental health means taking care of not just your teeth, but also your gums. Schedule an appointment with Definitive Dental to get the help you need! Call our office at (972) 646-0660 or submit a form online.

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April 13, 2023February 12, 2020 by Peter Guirguis

A man holding a crying child with tooth pain

Children are often more susceptible to injuries. They tend to be a bit careless and accident-prone, and sometimes injuries occur in their mouths.

Your child can fall when playing or bite on something hard and break a tooth. Children’s dental emergencies can happen quickly. It’s easy to panic in these situations, so it’s best to know what to do in a dental emergency in advance. Here is everything you need to know to deal with dental emergencies in kids.

Common Dental Emergencies in Kids

During playtime, when children fall on the ground, their mouths usually take the maximum jerk. High-impact falls can result in an internal injury such as a broken tooth or a deep cut on the walls of the mouth or gums. These dental emergencies in children can look severe as mouths bleed more than many other body parts.

While minor mouth injuries will heal on their own, as a parent, you must determine whether your child is experiencing a dental emergency. Firstly, you need to rinse your child’s mouth with warm water to drain the blood. This will allow you to see the extent of the injury. Then, you can follow a few tips for dealing with such situations before scheduling a kids’ emergency dental visit in Grand Prairie with Dr. Peter Guirguis. Here are the most common children’s dental emergencies.

Severe Tooth Pain

Severe toothache in children can be due to a piece of food stuck between their teeth or an underlying issue like cavities or gum disease. To help with your children’s tooth pain, first, have them wash their mouths with warm water to loosen any piece of food. Then floss between their teeth to remove anything that is stuck.

If their pain doesn’t go away, they could have a cavity, an abscess, or another dental issue. This persistent pain is your cue to contact your emergency dentist and make an appointment.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

Contact your dentist immediately if your child has a chipped or broken tooth. This situation is a children’s dental emergency that needs quick action to prevent infection and save the tooth. Have your child rinse the injured area and hold a cold compress over it to reduce swelling.

Find the broken piece of the tooth if you can and keep it in a container with milk. Bring the tooth to your kid’s emergency dental visit in Grand Prairie. The dentist might be able to restore the tooth by smoothing it or using some appropriate material to rebuild it. Dentists use dental bonding to reattach a tooth.

If a baby tooth chips before it is naturally ready to fall out, it is still important to see your child’s dentist as soon as possible. A damaged tooth can lead to other oral health complications.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If it was already loose, a knocked-out baby tooth is not necessarily a children’s dental emergency. Never try to adjust the tooth back in the cavity. Doing this could cause damage to the permanent tooth lying beneath it. You can give your child painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol. Also, to stop the bleeding, you can apply pressure using gauze.

A knocked-out permanent tooth is an emergency. Find the dislodged tooth and gently wash it with room-temperature water. Try placing it back in your child’s socket while holding it from the crown. If you can’t do this, keep the tooth moist by putting it in a container with milk. So call your dentist in Grand Prairie immediately for a kid’s emergency dental visit.

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess will look like an inflamed, swollen little pocket of skin in your child’s mouth. It may be a sign of gum disease or infection. Left untreated, it can lead to other problems like severe toothache, fever, and difficulty breathing. Your child might even need to visit the ER.

Call your emergency dentist if you notice your child’s face swelling. Meanwhile, place a cold compress on their face to control the swelling.

Loose Dental Fillings

A prevalent dental emergency in older children with composite fillings is dislodgement. If your child’s dental filling becomes loose or lost, it will expose the unprotected tooth beneath it to bacteria. These bacteria can lead to cavities and make the tooth sensitive to hot or cold foods.

It’s crucial to visit a dentist immediately and replace the filling. The longer you delay this visit, the more serious the problem will become.

Tooth Sensitivity

Minor tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages is normal. However, sudden sensitivity or too much of it can indicate an underlying issue and a children’s dental emergency.

If your child is complaining about tooth sensitivity, the reason might be a cavity or a dental injury. A kids’ emergency dental visit to Definitive Dental in Grand Prairie can determine the cause of this sensitivity and rid your child of the pain.

Dental Trauma

Children can easily experience dental traumas while playing and running around. If trauma occurs, their teeth may start losing color and become darker. There may also be tenderness and swelling. Even worse, your child may fracture their jaw.

If this children’s dental emergency happens, apply a cold compress over the injured area to reduce swelling. Tell your child to avoid moving their jaw and call the dentist for an emergency appointment.

Broken Braces and Stuck Objects

Another form of emergency is when your children’s braces break or something gets stuck between their teeth. With broken braces and appliances, you can cover the sharp ends with cotton balls as you try to remove them. If removing them is painful, you must schedule a kids’ emergency dental visit in Grand Prairie.

You can use floss for a children’s dental emergency involving a stuck object between their teeth. Gently lower the floss between the teeth in a back-and-forth motion and try to dislodge the object. Avoid using sharp tools like tweezers to remove it, and call the dentist if you can’t get it out with floss.

Mouth Injuries

Biting down on the lips, inside the cheeks, and tongue is not uncommon, especially among children. You can help your child by having them rinse their mouth. If the area is bleeding, apply pressure with clean gauze and use a cold compress to control the swelling.

Most injuries of this type are insignificant and don’t count as children’s dental emergencies. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 10-15 minutes, you can call for an emergency appointment.

FAQs

How can I prevent kids’ dental emergencies at home?

Sometimes accidents happen, but there are things you can do to lower their chances:

Don’t give young children hard candy, or — if you do — require them to sit while they eat it.
Don’t let children run around with objects in their mouths.
Ensure your children are wearing mouthguards when playing sports.
Teach your kids good oral hygiene to keep their teeth healthy.
Visit a dentist every six months to prevent dental emergencies in your children.

How do you treat dental emergencies in your office?

We will prioritize your kids’ emergency dental visits in our Grand Prairie family dentistry practice. When you bring your kids to the office, our friendly staff will make them feel comfortable. The dentist will then ask about the symptoms and thoroughly examine their teeth before determining the appropriate course of action. For instance, he will prescribe antibiotics for infections and drain the abscess in the office. Whatever your children’s dental emergencies are, we take every step to ensure they will experience pain-free treatment.

Treat Your Kids’ Dental Emergencies at Definitive Dental

Definitive Dental is where dentistry is done right, and we are ready to treat your dental emergencies. Whether you or your children are experiencing these emergencies, call our office at (972) 646-0660 or fill out our contact form to make an appointment. We’ll do everything we can on the same day to ease your discomfort.

September 1, 2022January 18, 2020 by Peter Guirguis

Creative Professional Dentist Giving Her Little Patient A High Five

Teeth are an important part of our body. In this post, we show you what is the right age to start with oral hygiene.

The right age to start with oral hygiene

First six months

Although it is from the first 6 months of being born, that the baby’s teething begins, starting with oral hygiene from birth is important.

This prevents the appearance of bacteria in the mouth of the newborn. According to the dentist and dental surgeon, Dr. Felipe Guzmán, “Establishing proper oral hygiene is of paramount importance, even before the eruption of the first teeth.”

Buccal cleaning tips for newborns

Clean the gums with gauze or clean cloths, soaked in boiled water.
Do not use any chemical as it could cause a reaction in the baby’s gums or tongue.
Cleaning the tongue continuously will prevent breast milk from sticking and creating a layer of waste.

The first teeth

It is estimated that the first two teeth, the lower front, appear at 6 months of age. Therefore, it is necessary to continue cleaning them, with special brushes for this age. Alongside the teeth, it is also important to clean the gum area, the tongue and the inner side of the cheeks. It is advisable to do this procedure at least twice a day. This will prevent the formation of cavities in the future.

Source of caries after food consumption

According to a baby’s nutritional plan, the intake of complementary foods begins at 6 months of age. Therefore, they are exposed to the appearance of decay or spots on the first teeth. If you don’t want fungus and bacteria to appear on the teeth, it is better to start with proper oral hygiene. Do it once the child starts with complementary feeding. Breast milk is the best source of nutrients and vitamins for the little ones. However, this can also bring a lot of fat and sugars. That is why if your baby is one of those who falls asleep while feeding, at dawn you should apply a dental cleaning routine.

Baby’s first brush

For the first teeth, there are specialized brushes. They consist of soft, rubber bristles, which do not cause damage to the baby’s delicate gums. These brushes should be used without toothpastes. In addition to the fact that the baby does not have the ability to expel toothpaste, it is not recommended because it is irritating. Therefore, when using it, wash it with water and store it in a container where it is not exposed to pollutants.

Starting to use toothpaste

Toothpaste, once your baby starts using it, should be fluoridated. And it must be applied in small quantities (such as the size of a pea). Although it should not be used at an early age, starting at 3 years of age is the right time. The brush should be made of fine bristles and, as in babies, school-age children should clean their teeth twice a day. It is essential to remind children that toothpaste should not be swallowed.

June 28, 2022November 13, 2019 by Peter Guirguis

Are you tired of braces? Want to get rid of them? Do not! These tips will help you on your way to a beautiful smile!

1) Do not rush. When the braces were first set up for you, perhaps this is not what you expected or wanted. But after a while, when the teeth begin to align, you will notice how good the teeth begin to look. Aligning the teeth with braces can be accompanied by painful sensations for approximately a week.

2) Stop worrying about how your teeth look in braces and don’t be afraid to smile. In the end, you will realize that it was worth it! You can also ask the orthodontist to periodically flush the braces.

3) Follow the rules. In the long run, this advice will help you achieve incredible results! It may be difficult to resist some foods, but still, how great it will be when you eat these foods with straight teeth! Here are the things that you should not eat during the correction of teeth with braces:

Caramel in any form or very sticky or lumpy peanut butter
Chewing gum
Chocolate bars
Do not eat popcorn
Do not take a lot of carbonated sweet drinks
Jelly candies
Lollipops or nuts
Toffee

4) Eat fruit with vitamin C, as this will help your gums.

5) Decorate them! Wear colored straps, don’t be afraid to turn your braces into a unique accessory.

6) Brush your teeth 3-5 times a day. Well, if you have a small handbag and you can put a toothbrush there for travel and with a small volume of toothpaste. If you don’t like brushing your teeth, think about how good your teeth will look when the braces are removed.

7) Do not worry. Many dentists advise you to refrain from foods with a high amount of sugar, such as ice cream and sugary sodas, but do not worry – just limit the use of such foods. However, too much sugar contributes to tooth decay.

8) Be demanding on brushing your teeth. The remnants of food that are in your braces look simply ugly. A good electric toothbrush or irrigator will clean them.

9) It is allowed to chew gum, just make sure that it is sugar free.

10) Do not panic if the wire in the braces is torn. Just grab a pair of nail clippers and cut the wire where you feel comfortable. If the wire is sharp, you can bend it down with a nail file or use orthodontic wax. Also, be sure to contact your orthodontist as soon as possible. A wire break can significantly increase the wearing time of braces.

11) If your orthodontist recommends, use a device called a “bite plate” and use it strictly as directed by your doctor, otherwise it can also increase the period of wearing braces.

12) Sometimes the discomfort from braces varies from discomfort during the bite to toothache. To relieve pain, the following actions are possible:

Eat soft foods such as yogurt, pudding, and applesauce
Place a heating pad or rag on your jaw.
Rinse your mouth with warm, salt water.
Use an over-the-counter pain medication, not aspirin.

13) At the end of treatment, you will receive a retainer that will hold the teeth in their new position. It is very important to wear it! Otherwise, the teeth return to their original position.