What type of filling do I need? Why do I need it? These are just a couple of questions you may have about dental fillings, and your dentist has the answers.

Dr. Michael Pugh of Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, AL, offers a wide range of dental services, including dental fillings to renew your smile.

So, let’s look at a few of the reasons you might need a filling:

Tooth decay; this is the most common reason why your dentist will recommend a filling. You need a filling if tooth decay has spread to the layer underneath the enamel, called dentin.

An old filling needs repair; dental fillings may not last forever. Over time, the margins of the filling can break down, letting in bacteria, which can cause decay under the filling.

You are experiencing root sensitivity; the roots of your teeth are much softer than the crowns of your teeth. Over time, these roots can become exposed. Air, temperature, and foods or beverages can all make your roots sensitive. A filling is a good way to seal up the root surface.

We offer tooth-colored fillings that are made with composite, a material that can be matched to the color of your teeth.

To learn more about how fillings can renew your smile, contact Dr. Michael Pugh of Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, AL. You can reach us by calling (256) 536-3386, so call today!

Are you looking to improve the appearance of your front teeth? Dr. Michael Pugh at Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, AL, can help you. Dental veneers are widely used to improve the appearance of front teeth and are a much more conservative option than a full dental crown. Veneers can be used to improve the appearance of staining, large gaps, large fillings, chipped teeth, or overall shape. Veneers are a thin covering over the front and biting end of the tooth used to restore the beauty of a smile. Over the years we have helped many patients who opted for veneers and now have the confidence to smile again.

Dental veneers are made in a lab from long-lasting porcelain materials. The shade can be chosen to any desired color to whiten the appearance of your smile. Dental veneers are usually placed on the anterior, or front teeth, where the chewing forces are not as hard as the back teeth. The process of placing veneers is relatively easy, requiring only two dental appointments. In some cases, only one appointment is needed. It depends on the fabrication process.

The first appointment is to “prep” the teeth and take an impression to be sent to a lab to fabricate the veneers. Veneers are fairly conservative in the preparation as it requires a small amount of space to be created on the face (front), bottom, and sides of each tooth to allow space for the veneer to be placed and look natural. You will leave the office with temporary veneers for the next week or two while the permanent veneers are being made.

The second appointment is to place the veneers and make minor adjustments if needed. What a difference it makes in the appearance of the teeth! If you’re interested in learning more, give Dr. Pugh at Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, AL a call today at (256) 536-3386!

Your cosmetic dentist in Huntsville, AL, can rebuild your smile.

If you have one missing tooth or several missing teeth, it can dramatically affect your appearance, your self-confidence, and your self-esteem. Lost teeth can also diminish your ability to chew properly, which can affect your digestion and your overall health.

Fortunately, there are several tooth replacement options to give you back your smile. Your cosmetic dentist in Huntsville, AL, Dr. Michael Pugh of Artistic Dentistry, offers a wide range of dental services, including dental implants, dental bridges, or dental appliances to rebuild your smile.

Let’s take a quick look at the main tooth replacement options:

Dental implants, which are the next best option to having your original teeth. They look just like natural teeth, and are anchored in place by bone, giving them complete stability. You never remove dental implants, so they become a permanent part of your smile. You can replace one missing tooth, several missing teeth, or an entire arch of teeth with an implant-supported denture.

Dental bridges, which consist of a combination of prosthetic teeth, known as pontics, and crowns which are cemented onto the teeth on both sides of the space. Bridges are also fixed in place, so you never remove them. Dental bridges can replace one, two, or several missing teeth.

Dental appliances, which include partial dentures, to replace one or more teeth, and full dentures to replace an entire arch of teeth. Dental appliances are the least expensive option and are fully removable for cleaning and sleeping. They provide years of excellent service.

You deserve a whole, complete, beautiful smile, and your dentist can help you achieve it. When you are considering tooth replacement options, don’t make the decision alone. The right tooth replacement can improve your smile and your life.

To learn more about dental implants, dental bridges, and dental appliances, talk with an expert. Call your cosmetic dentist in Huntsville, AL, Dr. Pugh of Artistic Dentistry, at (256) 536-3386 now!

The visual effects of damaged teeth are obvious, but did you know issues like chips, gaps and roughness can also impede your dental health and hygiene? Dental problems can make it difficult to properly brush and floss, leaving your teeth more susceptible to bacterial growth and decay.

Veneers offer the dual benefits of improving the appearance and health of your teeth for a winning smile. Dr. Michael Pugh of Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, AL, can fit you with veneers that look and feel natural.

What are veneers?

Dental veneers are slim coverings affixed to the front of your teeth to conceal damage and flaws. Veneers are a long-lasting and durable way to improve the look and health of your teeth.

What are the benefits of veneers?

Veneers offer a quick makeover for your smile. Whether you have deeply stained teeth, chips, cracks, gaps, jaggedness, or rough teeth, veneers fully cover the damage. Veneers from our Huntsville, AL, office are sized and shaped to fit your mouth so they look like natural teeth. 

Dental hygiene and dental health go hand in hand. If you have damaged teeth, it can be difficult to maneuver your toothbrush and floss to reach every space and surface. Exposed damage can become infiltrated with bacteria, which can lead to plaque and cavities. Veneers can also help protect your gums from if your original teeth are worn down along the gum line.

With brushing and flossing simplified, you will be better able to keep your smile shiny and clean. Veneers offer the added benefit of repelling stains from foods and beverages, so your teeth will stay whiter longer.

Discover the benefits of veneers from the Huntsville, AL, office of Dr. Pugh. Call Artistic Dentistry at (256) 536-3386.

Artistic Dentistry with Dr. Michael Pugh as your cosmetic dentist in Huntsville, AL. We can help you get to your brightest, whitest smile with teeth whitening treatments, but you need to keep up good habits if you want your teeth to stay free of stains. Keep reading for tips for protecting your teeth from stains, and come see us in Huntsville, AL, if you're unhappy with the shade of your smile.

Hygiene routine

You need to take great care of your teeth to keep them at their brightest and whitest. Your dentist will recommend brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing at least once a day. If you have a history of cavities you may want to add a fluoride rinse to your routine. Daily brushing and flossing keep plaque from building up on your teeth, preventing tooth decay and gum disease, and keeping your teeth free from stains.

Smart choices

Smoking can lead to heavy staining on your teeth, and your dentist will always recommend quitting smoking to prevent oral cancer. Most people can't quit on their own or on their first try, so don't get discouraged! Make the change for the health of your mouth, and to maintain a beautiful smile.

Certain drinks like coffee, tea, soda, and wine can lead to staining on the teeth. Enjoy these beverages occasionally and with water so your teeth get rinsed at the same time. You can also use a straw to limit your teeth' exposure to the drinks.

Regular appointments

When you want to keep your teeth white, it's important to keep up with regular teeth cleaning appointments at your cosmetic dentist in Huntsville, AL, twice a year. At a professional teeth cleaning appointment, all plaque and tartar are removed from the surfaces of the teeth. This also helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

If you're unhappy with the shade of your smile, Artistic Dentistry by Dr. Michael Pugh can help give you a boost of brightness. Keep taking great care of your teeth to protect them from stains! Contact us for an appointment in Huntsville, AL, at (256) 536-3386.