Ritchie Dental Group Blog

Many people with a gummy smile undergo crown lengthening surgery to bring proper balance and symmetry to their smile. It’s a cosmetic dentistry procedure offered at Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls and Brady TX.

Gum tissue and, in some cases, bone is removed to expose more of the visible part of a tooth. It is a safe procedure that does not affect healthy tooth structure.

A ‘gummy smile’ is a term used to describe a smile with teeth that appear too short because an unusual amount of bone and soft tissue hide part of the crown. But crown lengthening is not used solely for cosmetic reasons. When a tooth is injured and breaks at the gum line or if a filling or crown comes off a tooth that contains decay, crown lengthening makes additional tooth structure accessible for further restorative work. It is also used to treat some types of periodontal disease.

At Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls and Brady TX, cosmetic dentistry can give you the smile you’ve always wanted. Patients from Burnet, Kingsland, and Meadowlakes also come to us for complete general and family dentistry. Schedule an appointment today!

Contact Ritchie Dental Group:

830-637-7227

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Ritchie Dental Group – Marble Falls
1000 Marble Heights Dr
Marble Falls, TX 78654

Ritchie Dental Group – Brady
2001 Nine Rd
Brady, TX 76825

Most people probably know how a pediatric dentist differs from an orthodontist. But you may not know that the American Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties. This post from Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls and Brady TX looks at disciplines within dentistry, and the years in which they were formally recognized by the ADA.

1. Endodontics (1983): This area focuses on “the morphology, physiology and pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues.”¹ If you need a root canal in Marble Falls, you may require the services of an endodontist.
2. Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (2003): If you want to straighten your teeth, you need an orthodontist. Dentofacial orthopedic specialists correct facial deformities using many of the same types of appliances used in teeth straightening therapy.
3. Pediatric Dentistry (1995): Meadowlakes pediatric dentists provide dental care for infants, children and teenagers.
4. Periodontics (1992): “Periodontics is that specialty of dentistry which encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes.”¹ Periodontal specialists perform crown lengthening, pocket reduction, and soft tissue (gum) grafts.
5. Prosthodontics (2003): Prosthodontists provide restorative dental procedures including dental implants, crowns, bridges, and dentures. They also perform cosmetic dental treatments including porcelain veneers, crowns, dental bonding, invisible fillings, and teeth bleaching.
6. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (1991): This specialty concerns “the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. It is a science that investigates the causes, processes, and effects of these diseases. The practice of oral pathology includes research and diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, or other examinations.”
7. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (2001): Oral and maxillofacial radiologists analyze radiographic images (x-rays) for issues of the maxillofacial area.
8. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (1990): Oral surgeons perform surgery on the teeth, jaw, face, and gums. These include facial reconstruction, cleft lip and palate correction, bone grafting, dental implants, and impacted teeth.
9. Dental Public Health (1976): This discipline focuses on “preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts.”

At Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls and Brady TX we offer complete general dentistry. We’ve also provided referrals to patients from Burnet, Kingsland, and Meadowlakes to specialists in the area. Call to schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Ritchie Dental Group:

830-637-7227

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Ritchie Dental Group – Marble Falls
1000 Marble Heights Dr
Marble Falls, TX 78654

Ritchie Dental Group – Brady
2001 Nine Rd
Brady, TX 76825

Patients who are thinking about a dental implant from Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls and Brady TX often ask how long they last. An implant is a significant investment, after all. Do they really last a lifetime, like people say? The answer is yes, but an explanation is in order.

A dental implant is not a replacement tooth, but the titanium post that is inserted into the jaw. Titanium is well-suited for implants, and cases of rejection by the body are rare. A big factor in how long the implant lasts comes down to how well you take care of it.

With regular dental checkups (twice a year, just like with natural teeth) and proper hygiene, a dental implant really can last a lifetime. Proper hygiene means adequate brushing and flossing. When you get your implant we will have specific, detailed instructions. For most patients, we recommend brushing and flossing twice a day.

Dental implants like those from Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls and Brady TX are the tooth replacement option of choice. People from Burnet, Kingsland, and Meadowlakes also come to our office for general and family dentistry. Please schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Ritchie Dental Group:

830-637-7227

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1000 Marble Heights Dr, Marble Falls TX
Marble Falls, Texas
78654

Once one of our patients at Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls and Brady TX decides to go ahead with a dental implant, one of the first things they want to know is: how long is the recovery time?

Our answer? Recovery is difficult to predict, because every case is different. There are various factors that go into the process, but not all of them apply to each case.

Some of the issues include:

• Any failing teeth? In addition to the lost tooth the dental implant replaces, patients sometimes have unhealthy teeth that need to be removed before the implant goes ahead. That extends the entire process.
• Bone grafting? If there has been significant bone recession, we’ll need to boost the patient’s bone mass. This is usually done with a graft, which promotes new bone growth.
• Osseointegration. This is a big word that means, quite simply, the process of the implant post fusing with the bone. We usually allow for about two months, but sometimes it’s faster and sometimes takes longer. Once the post has fused, it is strong enough to support a replacement tooth.

These are the main variables. It may sound like a lot, and sometimes it is. But it’s worth it! A new dental implant looks and functions like a natural tooth, restoring not only your smile, but your ability to bite and chew.

At Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls and Brady TX dental implants can replace a single tooth, or support a full dental arch. People from Burnet, Kingsland, and Meadowlakes also come to our office for general and family dentistry. Call us to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Ritchie Dental Group:

830-637-7227

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Ritchie Dental Group – Marble Falls
1000 Marble Heights Dr
Marble Falls, TX 78654

Ritchie Dental Group – Brady
2001 Nine Rd
Brady, TX 76825

Most of us want our teeth to be as white as possible! If you would like to brighten your smile, then teeth whitening from Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls and Brady TX can help.

In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on keeping your teeth white, and what we can do for you.

• Don’t Forget to Brush. The first tip seems like a no-brainer, but many people still overlook it. Brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is one of the best ways to keep your teeth clean, and of course it also helps prevent tooth decay.
• Use a fluoride rinse after brushing. The liquid gets into the cracks where bacteria can be hiding away. When the bacteria is killed, it keeps it from spreading and discoloring your teeth.

The sure-fire way to get beautiful white teeth is with professional whitening. We use KöR Teeth Whitening. There is in-office treatment and a take-home kit you can do at your own pace.

Either way, teeth whitening from Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls and Brady TX will transform your smile into something spectacular. Find out why people from Burnet, Kingsland, and Meadowlakes come to us for whitening and other cosmetic dentistry treatments. Schedule an appointment today!

Contact Ritchie Dental Group:

830-637-7227

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Ritchie Dental Group – Marble Falls
1000 Marble Heights Dr
Marble Falls, TX 78654

Ritchie Dental Group – Brady
2001 Nine Rd
Brady, TX 76825

This article from the Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls & Brady, TX is about the American Dental Association. You have probably seen the ADA emblem on toothpaste and floss—but what else do you know about this dental association?

The ADA’s objective is to improve the level of public oral health by supporting the dental industry through not-for-profit federal, state, and local chapters. It was formed in 1859 and is run by its members, which currently total over 160,000.

The ADA Seal of Acceptance is not an endorsement of a product per se, but rather is a confirmation of the claims made by said product. Companies who want the ADA certification for a product must submit proof of rigorous scientific testing. Once submitted, the ADA re-tests the product to further verify results. There are currently over 300 products with the ADA seal.

The ADA does more than evaluate dental products. Here are some other ways the ADA works to perform its mission:

• Provides resources to support dentists and their practices
• Educates the public about oral health
• Works to increase access to dental care
• Offers counsel on vital issues that impact the dental industry
• Works with with other organizations on scientific research projects and public health initiatives
• Offers scholarships to dental students

At Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls & Brady, TX we provide general and cosmetic dentistry to patients throughout Burnet, Kingsland, and Meadowlakes. Schedule an appointment today!

Contact Ritchie Dental Group:

830-637-7227

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Ritchie Dental Group – Marble Falls
1000 Marble Heights Dr
Marble Falls, TX 78654

Ritchie Dental Group – Brady
2001 Nine Rd
Brady, TX 76825

Dental implants from Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls and Brady TX are state-of-the-art in tooth replacement.

The process for getting an implant takes two to six months, but don’t let that discourage you. Each stage of the procedure is important. It’s not a drawback; it is indicative of the permanent nature of an implant.

The Dental Implant Timeline

1. Dental Implant Examination and Assessment

A complete tooth implant and restoration consists of the post or root replacement, the abutment, and the final restoration (crown, denture, bridge, or partial denture).

It all starts with a consultation. We’ll take X-rays and analyze your mouth and examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone. If you don’t have adequate bone at the implant site, we may recommend bone grafting.

2. Placement

The first step is to insert the titanium implant into your jawbone. This is not as difficult or painful as it sounds. Most patients are surprised at how fast and easy the procedure is. It usually takes one to two hours.

Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough for post-surgery discomfort. Most people can go back to work after the surgery.

3. Osseointegration

The key to implant placement is called osseointegration, which means the titanium post fusing with the bone. In most cases it takes three to six months for this to happen. Once it does, you’ve got a rock-solid foundation for the implant.,

4. Placing the Final Restoration

The final step is a crown, bridge, or denture. A connecting piece called an abutment attaches the restoration to the artificial root(s). The crown, bridge, or denture is all that is visible at the end of the process.

Teeth supported by dental implants from Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls and Brady TX are life-changing. We’ve placed them in patients from Burnet, Kingsland, and Meadowlakes. We also offer complete general and family dentistry, and much more. Please call to schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Ritchie Dental Group:

830-637-7227

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Ritchie Dental Group – Marble Falls
1000 Marble Heights Dr
Marble Falls, TX 78654

Ritchie Dental Group – Brady
2001 Nine Rd
Brady, TX 76825