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108 Central Avenue Huntsville, AL 35801(256) 536-3386
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How Crowns Help Your Smile

By Artistic Dentistry
May 03, 2018
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: dental crowns   restorative dentistry  

Crowns offer an excellent solution if you're concerned about a flaw in your smile or want to stabilize a damaged tooth. Huntsville, AL, dental crownsdentist Dr. Michael Pugh explains how you can improve your smile with a crown.

What are crowns?

Crowns are made of durable porcelain and look just like natural teeth. They're hollow inside, which allows them to fit over your teeth easily. Dental technicians create your new crown using an impression of your mouth made in our Huntsville office. Before the impression is made, the tooth is reduced in size slightly. While you wait for the dental laboratory to create your crown, you'll wear a temporary crown. Your permanent crown is attached to your tooth with dental cement after a few minor adjustments are made.

Are crowns a good choice for me?

You may benefit from a crown if:

  • You don't like the way your tooth looks: Crowns are often used to completely change the appearance of a tooth. They offer an excellent solution if you want to improve the appearance of a twisted or crooked tooth or would like to conceal a discolored tooth.
  • You had a root canal: Crowns are usually recommended if you've had a root canal. Although root canal therapy saves your tooth, removing the pulp in the center of the tooth weakens it. Crowns add strength and stability, protecting your tooth from cracks or fractures.
  • Your tooth is cracked: Constant pressure from chewing and biting can eventually cause cracked teeth to fracture. When you top your tooth with a crown, the restoration absorbs the biting forces and protects the tooth underneath.
  • Your tooth is fractured: Fractured teeth can be easily restored with crowns. Adding a crown not only improves your appearance but makes eating easier.
  • Your tooth is too short: Has one of your teeth always been shorter than surrounding teeth? A crown offers a simple way to extend it. Crowns are also a good choice if your teeth have become shorter due to grinding while you sleep.
  • You lost a tooth: Crowns anchor dental bridges used to replace missing teeth and are also added to dental implants. A dental implant bonds to your jawbone and acts as a replacement root. The addition of a crown to the top of the implant restores the appearance and function of the missing tooth.

Crowns protect and improve your smile. Call Huntsville, AL, dentist Dr. Michael Pugh at (256) 536-3386 to schedule an appointment.

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How’s Your Oral Hygiene?

By Artistic Dentistry
November 17, 2017
Category: Oral Health
Tags: oral hygiene  

Let’s put your oral habits to the test and see if you are doing everything you should for your smile.oral hygiene

Most people know to brush and floss their teeth, but you wouldn’t believe how many people don’t actually know the proper technique or how often they actually need to do these things every day in order to keep teeth and gums healthy. Our Huntsville, AL, dentist Dr. Michael Pugh is here to provide you with insight into what constitutes good oral hygiene.

Replace Your Toothbrush Head Regularly

Your toothbrush wasn’t meant to last forever. Even if you have an electric one, you still need to replace the head every three to four months. Why? As you may be able to tell, over time the bristles of the toothbrush begin to splay out. Once this happens the toothbrush head needs to be replaced, as the bristles could end up scratching up and wearing away tooth enamel. Another good rule of thumb is to replace your toothbrush head immediately after an illness to prevent bacteria from infecting you again.

Brush Twice a Day

Most people don’t brush as often as they should or for as long as they should. If you aren’t brushing at least twice a day then you aren’t giving your teeth the thorough cleaning they require. Twice a day for a minimum of two minutes is all that’s needed (however, brushing after meals is also encouraged!). If you aren’t brushing long enough, set a timer to make sure that you are spending enough time caring for your teeth and gums.

Don’t Skip Flossing

We know that flossing isn’t the most fun activity you could do but it’s necessary if you want to keep gums healthy and if you want to keep your teeth safe from decay. While brushing is great for cleaning plaque and food off the back and front surfaces of your teeth, your toothbrush isn’t capable of really cleaning between teeth as precisely as it should. Flossing once a day (preferably before bed) is the best way to ensure that your teeth and gums are truly free from plaque.

Check Your Diet

The foods you eat can also make or break your oral health. If you consume a lot of junk food, sugars and starches (e.g. white bread) then you may be more prone to decay than someone who eats a healthier, smile-friendly diet. Avoid sugary drinks and foods, as well as processed foods and you’ll notice a big difference.

Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, AL, is here to ensure that you get the professional, compassionate dental care you deserve for the whole family. Whether you just need to schedule a routine checkup or you want to discuss your cosmetic dentistry options, we are here for you.

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What You Can Do About Toothaches

By Artistic Dentistry
August 28, 2017
Category: Oral Health
Tags: tooth decay   tooth pain   toothaches  

A toothache can come on slowly or suddenly and often causes serious pain and discomfort if left untreated. However, this unfortunate tooth achecondition is treatable with the help of your dentist. Dr. Michael Pugh of Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, AL offers various procedures for diagnosing the cause of and treating toothaches. Find out more about toothaches and what you can do about them.

What causes a toothache? 
Toothaches can occur due to various situations. When the nerve, which sends pain signals to the brain, becomes damaged or irritated, you feel it as a toothache. Often, a toothache is a result of tooth decay reaching the tooth’s inner pulp chamber which houses the blood vessels and nerve. However, the nerve can also become damaged by injury or trauma to the tooth. Bruxism (tooth grinding), gum disease, or an abnormal bite can also cause a toothache. Underlying conditions like TMJ disorder cause toothaches due to the tension placed onto the jaw by the condition.

How are toothaches treated? 
If you have a toothache, you should schedule an oral examination with your dentist immediately. If a toothache is a result of tooth decay, you will most likely need a root canal. This procedure allows your dentist to preserve the structure of the tooth by removing its contents, cleaning out the infection, and restoring the strength of the tooth with a dental crown. If a toothache is a result of an injury or trauma, your dentist will repair the tooth to relieve the pain. Toothaches caused by an underlying condition require treatment of the condition itself.

Preventing Toothaches in Huntsville, AL 
Preventing toothaches is easy with proper oral hygiene. You should see your dentist at least twice a year for regular examinations and cleanings. These appointments will help keep your teeth healthy and clean and allow your dentist to treat existing conditions early before a toothache ever occurs. Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once to maintain the results of your regular cleanings.

For more information on toothaches or routine dental examinations, please contact Dr. Michael Pugh at Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, AL. Call (256) 536-3386 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Pugh today!

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The Effects of Soda on your Teeth

By Artistic Dentistry
July 18, 2017
Category: Oral Health
Tags: oral hygiene   nutrition  

It's easy to understand why soda is such a popular beverage: it's inexpensive, tastes good and many varieties give that much nutritionneeded caffeine boost to make it through the morning or the mid-afternoon. However, the negative effects that soda has on your teeth lessens its benefits. Your dentist in Huntsville, Alabama, Dr. Michael Pugh, sees many patients at Artistic Dentistry who have extensive tooth decay due to their soda habit. You'll learn why soda - even the diet alternatives - have earned such a bad reputation.

Regular soda

Everyone knows that sugar is bad for your teeth. But do you know why? It turns out that sugar is easily fermented, or broken down, by the naturally-occurring bacteria in your mouth. As this sugar ferments, it creates an acid that eats away at the healthy structure of teeth. Your Huntsville dentist is particularly concerned about patients who have an all-day soda habit; the teeth are constantly coated in sugar, never giving the saliva much of a chance to rinse it away.

Diet soda

Diet soda was created in the early 1950's for diabetic people who still wanted to enjoy a fizzy beverage; it originally contained a sugar substitute called saccharin. Many decades later, diet soda continues to be popular for those who need or want to regulate their sugar intake - the National Center for Health Statistics estimates that about one-fifth of the population drinks it daily. However, diet soda has never been intended as a dental-friendly drink. Why? Two of the main ingredients in most diet sodas are phosphoric acid and citric acid, which means that the erosive effect on your teeth is still present when you drink sugar-free soft drinks.

While most people can enjoy soda infrequently, dentists agree that the best drink for your teeth, as you might imagine, is pure water. If you think your soda habit may be causing you problems, contact Artistic Dentistry in Huntsville, Alabama to schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Pugh.

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When to Visit Your Dentist

By Artistic Dentistry
June 22, 2017
Category: Oral Health
Tags: Dentist  

When to Visit Your Dentist

Visiting your dentist in Huntsville for regular check ups and cleanings can help to prevent many dental problems.  These visits are also essential for helping you maintain a healthy, glowing smile.  Don’t wait until your tooth aches to visit your dentist, schedule a routine check up now. 
 
Some reasons to visit your Huntsville dentist include:
 
  • To prevent gum disease. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss.  If diagnosed in its early stages, gum disease can be easily treated and reversed.  However, if you wait for treatment, gum disease will advance to a more serious stage called periodontitis.  
  • To prevent oral cancer. The Oral Cancer Foundation informs us that someone dies of oral cancer every hour of every day in the United States alone—that’s a lot. Visiting your dentist in Huntsville will help you to prevent this deadly disease because as your teeth are cleaned, your dentist will also perform an oral cancer screening. 
  • To prevent tooth loss. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, which means regular visits are vital to keeping your teeth.  Your dentist will help clean your teeth and make sure gum disease is kept at bay.
  • To prevent dental emergencies. Most toothaches and dental emergencies can be easily avoided just by regular visits to your dentist.  Your dentist maintains the ability to detect any early signs of problems with your teeth and gums, which helps to prevent emergencies later on.  However, if you do encounter an emergency due to an injury, etc. then your dentist is available for emergency visits, as well. 
 
Take the next step toward optimal oral health by visiting your dentist in Huntsville at least twice a year.  Your dentist can also inform you of important times to visit their office for further care in the maintenance of your smile.
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Archive:

  • 2019
      • January (1)
        • Are Dental Crowns Right for Me?
  • 2018
      • December (1)
        • Root Canal Treatment FAQ
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        • Why You Shouldn't Neglect Regular Dental Visits
      • June (2)
        • Do You Need a Dental Filling?
        • Signs You May Need a Root Canal
      • May (1)
        • How Crowns Help Your Smile
  • 2017
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        • How’s Your Oral Hygiene?
      • August (1)
        • What You Can Do About Toothaches
      • July (1)
        • The Effects of Soda on your Teeth
      • June (1)
        • When to Visit Your Dentist
      • May (1)
        • Breathe Life Back into Your Smile with Dental Veneers
      • March (1)
        • What Dental Crowns And Bridges Can Offer Your Smile
      • February (1)
        • Don't Neglect Your Regular Dental Cleanings
      • January (1)
        • Teeth Whitening: What Are My Options?
  • 2016
      • November (1)
        • Do I Really Have to Brush Twice a Day?
      • September (1)
        • Improve Your Smile With Veneers
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        • Dental Crowns And Bridges Stabilize Your Smile
      • May (1)
        • A Dentist for Your Whole Family
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        • Protect Your Family's Teeth with Sealants
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        • What Should I Do if I Have a Toothache?
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      • November (3)
        • Don't Let Tooth Pain Linger — The Cost May Just Be Too High
        • Top 5 Reasons Not to Fear Bone Grafting
        • Tooth Replacement: It's Come a Long Way
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        • Crowns: Do You Know Your Options?
        • Some Facts About Thumb Sucking
        • Facts You Need To Know About Root Canal Treatment
        • Are You at Risk For Oral Cancer?
        • Sleep Apnea - a Hidden Danger
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        • What Is A Veneer?
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        • Father's Day Tip: Step Up & Improve Your Dental Health!
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        • If Your Child Chipped A Tooth, What Should You Do?
        • When Teeth are Lost, Bone is Lost
        • Frequently Asked Questions about Bumps in the Mouth
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        • Not Just Filling in the Gaps: Lost Teeth Have Unexpected Consequences
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        • How Tooth Decay Can Cause A Root Canal Problem
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        • Are You at High Risk for Tooth Decay?
        • Questions You Should Ask Before Whitening Your Teeth
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        • Aspirin: Not Just a Harmless OTC Medication
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        • Understanding the Latest News on Fluoride
        • Full Dentures: Frequently Asked Questions
        • Facts You Should Know About Tooth Wear
        • Gum Disease & Diabetes: Two Diseases With A Common Enemy — You.
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        • Determining Your Risk For Tooth Decay — And Reversing It
        • Tooth Brushing: Don't Overdo It!
        • Testing Your Knowledge on Caring for Your Dentures
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        • Can A Root Canal Save My Tooth?
        • Little Known Facts About Bad Breath
        • TV's Nate Berkus Discusses Dental Sealants, Fluoride Treatments and Flossing
        • The Secrets Behind Vanna White's Smile
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        • Cracks in Corners of the Mouth: Are They Serious?
        • TV Wellness Guru Jillian Michaels Discusses Breaking Her Two Front Teeth
        • Seal Your Children's Teeth from Decay
        • How We Make Dental Implants Match Existing Teeth
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        • Don't Keep It A Secret: Tell Us About Your Dry Mouth
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        • Are Dental Implants A Good Choice for My Teenager?
        • Tooth Sensitivity FAQs
        • Are Tooth-Colored Fillings Right for You?
        • Are Porcelain Veneers Right For You?
      • September (4)
        • Testing your Knowledge on the Facts and Myths of Thumb Sucking
        • Can Thumb Sucking Harm Your Child's Teeth?
        • Your Guide to Whiter Teeth
        • Testing your Knowledge on Tooth Pain
      • August (4)
        • The Facts About Thumb Sucking
        • A Chewing Gum That's Good for your Teeth: A Quiz About Xylitol
        • Your Crowning Achievement
        • Six Ways to Get Whiter Teeth
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        • Rate Your Oral Hygiene
        • Fluoride: You Can Have Too Much of a Good Thing
        • Is Thumb Sucking Really that Bad?
        • Can You Whiten Traumatized Teeth?
        • Test Your Dental Injuries IQ
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        • Sinus Surgery — Creating Bone for Dental Implants “Out of Thin Air”
        • What Can A Deep Cleaning Do For Gum Disease?
        • How The Biggest Loser Star Jillian Michaels Keeps Her Winning Smile
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        • Sealants FAQ: How Do Sealants Prevent Decay and Protect Your Child's Teeth?
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Artistic Dentistry
108 Central Avenue
Huntsville, AL 35801
(256) 536-3386

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