Why It is Important to Replace Missing Teeth

Missing a tooth not only diminishes the look of your smile, but it diminishes your oral health, too. Replacing a missing tooth is vital for the health of your jaw, your other teeth, and your gums. Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS wants our patients of the Fairfield, CT area to understand the importance of preserving the site of a missing tooth.

When a tooth falls out or is extracted, the jawbone loses bone and begins to deteriorate. With multiple missing teeth, this can change the shape of your jawbone, which in turn, chances the shape of your facial structure! Even when only a single tooth is missing, the deteriorated jawbone allows the other teeth in the area to shift towards that open space. This creates spaces within the teeth and introduces hard-to-reach areas where bacteria can collect.

A collection of bacteria is no doubt bad for the teeth and the gums. It can cause decay and disease. However, this is not the only way a missing tooth can harm the gums. For teeth that are at the last space in your mouth, often there will be a corresponding tooth on the opposite set of teeth. When one of the teeth is missing, there is nothing for the other tooth to clack up against, which can irritate and damage the gums.

Replacing a missing tooth is about more than just aesthetics. For information about the replacement options Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS offers in our Fairfield, CT dental practice, call our office at (203) 930-1214 or visit our website, www.drkeithrudolph.com.

Restoration Options in Fairfield, CT

Restoring a weak tooth will restore your smile. Not only will your smile be improved, but the tooth will be able to stay around for a lot longer. Here in our Fairfield, CT dental practice, Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS offers several options for tooth restoration to his patients in need of newly strengthened and protected teeth.

Dental bonding is completed using a composite resin to fix cracks and chips in the teeth. The resin is tooth-colored and polished to shine like the rest of your natural tooth, so it will blend right in. Dental bonding is long-lasting and is taken care of like normal teeth. With good care, dental bonding can last over ten years.

Dental crowns are like caps that go on the tooth after it has become weakened but still has the root intact. They are also made to look just like a normal tooth, so it will be an improvement in your smile. Here, Dr. Rudolph implements CEREC technology, so a crown is able to be created for you during your visit. Crowns can last between ten and fifteen years.

For teeth that have a little less damage, inlays and onlays are available. These are commonly called partial crowns, because they only cover the chewing surface of the tooth. Inlays and onlays are also able to be custom-created right here in our office during your appointment.

To learn more about your options for restoration here at our Fairfield, CT dental practice, contact Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS at (203) 930-1214 or visit our website, www.drkeithrudolph.com. 

How to Keep Your Teeth White and Bright

Keeping your teeth white can seem like a hassle. But when you know the right tips and tricks, it really is not difficult at all! Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS wants to share some tips for keeping teeth white for our patients at our Fairfield, CT dental practice!

The first place to start for white teeth is what causes the stains. Dark foods and drinks like blueberries, coffee, wine, and soy sauce are common stain culprits. Avoiding these foods can sometimes be difficult, especially when they are your favorite, but rinsing you mouth after consumption of them can help. Also, using a straw to drink dark liquids will often allow the liquid to completely skip the front of your teeth.

When stain-causing substances do reach your teeth, it is important to brush it away. Plaque, the sticky bacterial film, forms only hours after brushing and traps in the stains close to your enamel. Brushing three times per day will be ideal to make sure the plaque is not contributing to the staining. Do not forget to floss, as well!

For patients who would like to get a kick-start on their whitening, Dr. Rudolph offers customized tray whitening. Over a short period of time, this teeth whitening system can result in teeth four to eight shades whiter!

To learn more about keeping teeth white or to schedule a whitening consultation at our Fairfield, CT dental practice, call Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS at (203) 930-1214 or visit our website, www.drkeithrudolph.com. 

How to Choose the Right Toothbrush

Choosing a toothbrush seems like a simple task, but the one you choose can really play a part in your oral health. Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS of Fairfield, CT wants our patients to know the right things to look for when picking out a new toothbrush.

A toothbrush should have a small head. Some think the bigger the head, the more bristles, the better. But this is not true. A smaller head actually allows you to reach every surface in the mouth, which is important. Repeatedly skipping areas can lead to decay. In addition, a good grip is also important to be able to reach all surfaces of the mouth, especially for those with trouble using their hands.

Toothbrushes do not need to have stiff bristles to clear away plaque. Actually, soft bristles are best. Plus, soft bristles do not irritate the gums or wear down enamel. The soft bristles are key, however, do not choose a toothbrush that actually says “soft”, unless directed by your dentist. Instead, choose one that says medium.

What is probably the biggest difference between all the toothbrushes in the aisles is that some are electric and some are manual. Studies have shown that electric and manual toothbrushes do the same job cleaning; however, the user is what matters. For those with difficulty using their hands, an electric toothbrush may make it easier for a proper brushing.

To learn more about dental and periodontal health, call Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS of Fairfield, CT at (203) 930-1214 or visit our website, www.drkeithrudolph.com. 

A "Brush Up" on Brushing and Flossing

Routine check-ups and cleanings by your dentist are important to keep healthy teeth and gums, however good oral care should continue at home every day. Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS of Fairfield, CT wants to give his patients a “brush up” on brushing and flossing.

Brushing should be done twice a day. If three times a day is possible, that is best. Brushing should be done using a toothbrush that has a small enough head to reach all the surfaces in your mouth. Electric and manual toothbrushes generally can do the same job cleaning teeth, however for those with difficulty using their hands, electric toothbrushes may allow them to get a better cleaning, as the toothbrush does all the work. Make sure to also brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth!

Flossing should be done once a day. There is some debate on whether it should be done before brushing or after, but just getting it done is actually the most important. Take the floss and go in between all of your teeth. Scrub the floss through to the gum line, make a swooping motion at the gum line, and then scrub all the way back out. Make sure not to skip any spaces!

Routine dental hygiene is important for healthy teeth and gums. To schedule a cleaning with Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS in our Fairfield, CT location, call us at (203) 254-9533 or visit our website, www.drkeithrudolph.com.

Family Dentistry with Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS

With a busy family, sometimes dental care can take a back seat for parents. However, Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS offers whole family dentistry to the Fairfield, CT area, making it easy for everyone in the family to schedule dental care.

With sports, after school activities, dinner, and homework, it can be difficult to fit in time to see the dentist. However, routine check-ups and cleanings are vital to the health of your gums and your teeth. A family dentist makes it so you only need to schedule appointments with one dentist in one location.

Dr. Rudolph can provide routine care, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry to children, adults, and seniors. Dr. Rudolph specializes in implants, cosmetic procedures, orthodontics, pediatric procedures, and endodontics. Whether your dental needs include a routine check-up, a cleaning, restorative work, prevention, or cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Rudolph has the experience and knowledge to help you to a healthy and-good looking smile.

Dr. Rudolph also prefers using the most advanced technology in his office. Successful patient outcomes rely on accuracy and efficiency. Dr. Rudolph implements this idea by using advanced technology like digital x-ray, oral cancer screening, rotary endodontics, electric handpieces, CEREC, and multiple forms of sedation.

Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS of Fairfield, CT has the expertise and the technology to treat the whole family. To schedule appointments for your family, call us at (203) 254-9533 or visit our website, www.drkeithrudolph.com. 

Post-Extraction Care

Having tooth or multiple teeth extracted is an experience most people do not look forward to. However, with Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS of Fairfield, CT you can feel at ease knowing the important things to remember about post-extraction care.

After a tooth extraction, it is important to remember that bleeding should be minimized. It is recommended to relax for the rest of the day of surgery and any strenuous activity should be avoided until healing has progressed. It is also advised not to lie completely flat. Lie with your head propped up as not to increase blood flow to the head.

Make sure to take painkillers as directed by Dr. Rudolph. An icepack or warm salt water rinse may help with pain and swelling, as well. Brushing your teeth and tongue is still advised but do so carefully and avoid the extraction site as much as possible.

Soft foods such as mashed potatoes and pudding should be eaten until healing progresses. Make sure to drink plenty of water, but do not drink through a straw, as this could un-clot blood and promote more bleeding. Also refrain from smoking and other tobacco products as this could slow down healing and also can lead to infection.

For a full list of post-op and post-extraction instructions, visit our website, www.drkeithrudolph.com. To schedule an appointment, call Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS at (203) 254-9533 or visit our website.