Here’s to enjoying the company of good friends and family. South Tampa Smiles wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!
Black Friday
Black Friday marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Many people will be out shopping department stores for the best deals on electronics, toys, clothing, and whatever “door buster” items on their holiday shopping list. This day is the busiest day of the year for shopping malls. It is also a day for eager shoppers to wake up in wee hours in a mad rush to score the best bargains.
Black Friday has often been referred to by dentists as “Plaque Friday”. This is due to the fact that patients are out spending their disposable income on gifts for friends and family without putting money aside for their dental healthcare. Many people will put off overdue dental appointments until the beginning of the year. Breaking out the credit card for dental treatment is not how most people prefer to spend their money this time of year.
The staff at South Tampa Smiles would like to encourage everyone to get their dental treatment done by the end of the year. Make sure you consider all of your payment options before you neglect to get dental care you need and deserve. Many of our patients have dental insurance plans or money set aside in their health savings accounts. We also accept CareCredit, which allows you to get your dental treatment now and make easy payments over time.
This is a friendly reminder to keep your oral health in check. There is no better time than the present to schedule your next dental visit and spend this holiday season with a beautiful smile. Give us a call at (813) 289 – 0560. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you in keeping your dental care a priority through the remainder of the year. Remember, your beautiful smile needs to last a lifetime!
Check out our new page for information on Root Canal Therapy in South Tampa. If you are experiencing any swelling or pain, contact us immediately!
November 15th is America Recycles Day! Make sure you spread the word and raise awareness about recycling and the purchasing of recycled products! Use #AmericaRecyclesDay for sharing!
Replacing Old Dental Bridges
November is National Historic Bridge Awareness month. This month is dedicated to the preservation of our nation’s transportation heritage. As a team of dental health professionals, we would like to take this time to advocate a different type of aging bridge… old dental bridges! How long do bridges last? Well, there are many factors. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, bridges can last just up to 15 or even longer. If you have a historic bridge in your mouth and needing some maintenance or a new replacement, this is your chance to get informed and take action.
Old dental bridges begin to fail due to complications such as cement leakage, which can cause underlying tooth decay. If there is a problem with the teeth supporting your bridge, the bridge will fail. There are certain instances that a bridge may be fixed. If the porcelain coating on your bridge is chipped, but the bridge itself is still in good shape, it may be possible to simply repair the coating. However, when the time comes to replace your old dental bridge, you can choose replacing it with another bridge or dental implants.
Dental implants are far superior to dental bridges because the dentist just replaces the individual tooth. They are stronger, permanent and put less strain on the surrounding teeth.
However, there are certain times when a bridge may be the best option due to neighboring teeth with large fillings or crowns. Another consideration is if the tooth has been missing for a long period of time. This could mean there is significant underlying bone loss and may require other dental procedures prior to implant placement. You will need to talk to your dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants or if a bridge is right for you.
Contact South Tampa Smiles if you are experiencing problems with a current bridge or are due for a dental checkup and cleaning at (813) 289-0560. Keep your smiles in top oral condition with regular dental visits along with your home hygiene routine.
Visit colgate.com for more information on dental bridges vs. dental implants.
Visit HistoricBridges.org photos, maps, and more information for all types of historic bridges.
Use #HistoricBridgeAwarenessMonth for social media sharing.
