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Teeth can crack for a number of reasons; perhaps you have fallen or gotten hit in the face, or maybe you simply chewed on something hard. A cracked tooth is unfortunate, but you do not have to worry because there are several effective solutions for a cracked tooth.

At Foutz Family Dentistry, we have seen countless patients with cracked, chipped or broken teeth and offer a number of procedures to repair your damaged teeth. The right solution will be dependent on how severe the damage to the tooth, but with over 30 years of experience Dr. Foutz has the knowledge and experience needed to deliver the finest dental care.

Reasons For A Cracked Tooth

Teeth can crack for many reasons including:

• A bad fall
• Blow to the face
• Biting something hard
• Tooth decay
• Cavities

Procedures To Repair A Cracked Tooth

1) Porcelain Crown

A porcelain crown is placed over a tooth, surrounding the enamel. In essence, a crown functions as a cap on the tooth, protecting it from continued damage, easing pain while chewing, and improving its appearance. Crowns are made in tooth-colored porcelain that look natural but are strong and durable. Crowns are made individually for each person ensuring that you receive a crown made specifically for your teeth that will be comfortable and permanent.

2) Fixed Bridge

A fixed bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth that are attached to crowns on adjacent teeth. A bridge may be a good option if you have more than one cracked tooth as it can help if you have more than one cracked tooth. A bridge is also a good option if your tooth is so severely cracked that it must be removed; it helps to complete empty spaces giving a natural complete looking smile.

3) Dental Implants

A dental implant is one of the most sought after solutions for replacing missing teeth or improving the appearance of severely cracked or damaged teeth. Dental implants can replace a single tooth in between two health teeth, allowing you to only address the tooth in question. With a dental implant, the severely cracked tooth would first be removed. After the gum has healed, a porous metal anchor is first placed into the jawbone and given time for osseointegration. Afterwards a mounting post and a specially designed crown are attached to the post and positioned at the gum line. Dental implants function like natural teeth and can be used as anchors for crowns, bridges or to secure loose dentures.

4) Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic bonding is more commonly used for minor cracks or chips in teeth. Using a tooth-colored composite resin, a cracked tooth is filled or repaired helping to improve its aesthetic appearance. Bonding can provide long-lasting results but is better used for smaller corrections.

5) Veneers

Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells that are made to look like a natural tooth. A veneer is created to match both the color and shape of your teeth, but is bonded to the tooth in order to correct minor flaws. With a veneer, you can retain your tooth and its natural strength while improving the appearance of a cracked tooth.

To learn more about effective solutions for severely cracked teeth in Henderson, Nevada, call Foutz Family Dentistry today at (702) 792-5929.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

Those with sleep apnea experience shallow breathing while they sleep or may even stop breathing for a short moment. There are two types of sleep apnea, but obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common and occurs when throat muscles excessively relax and cause the airway to collapse. This then blocks airflow and affects breathing. This potentially dangerous condition affects over 18 million people in the United States and yet it is incredibly under diagnosed. Research has shown that sleep apnea can often be diagnosed quicker by a dentist or dental hygienist rather than by a person’s primary care physician.

Typical Signs of Sleep Apnea

 Sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age and is most often accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Excessive Snoring
• Poor Sleep Quality
• Waking Up Frequently During The Night
• Fatigue
• Waking Up Feeling Tired
• Sleepiness Or Drowsiness During Daytime
• Dry Mouth
• Sore Throat
• Headaches
• Difficulty Concentrating
• Neck And Shoulder Pain

Dental Signs Of Sleep Apnea

 Due to routine dental cleanings, people will typically see their dentist more often than they do their doctor. A dentist or dental hygienist will notice some key signs of sleep apnea such as

• Tooth Grinding
• Jaw Pain
• Enlarged Tongue
• Small Jaw
• Tongue With Scalloped Edges
• Redness In The Throat
• Dry Mouth
• Pain While Chewing
• Worn, Cracked, Broken Or Missing Teeth
• Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Tooth grinding and jaw pain are two of the first and most common dental of sleep apnea. Both result from a person reflexively tensing their jaw in their sleep as they body attempts to prevent the airway from feeling blocked. Both issues can lead to other problems such as worn or cracked teeth and pain when chewing. A person with sleep apnea is also likely to snore quite a bit, which can lead to redness in the throat or persistent dry mouth.

Family Dentistry Henderson

During routine cleanings or dental checkups, a dentist or dental hygienist will likely notice if you have developed any of these signs or if they are continuing or worsening. While a dentist is able to identify the signs of possible sleep apnea and will likely be well informed, they are not able to make an official diagnosis. If a dentist is concerned that sleep apnea may be an issue, you will likely be referred to your primary care physician or a sleep disorder specialist for a sleep study.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz and his team of experienced dental hygienists have sufficient knowledge about the signs of sleep apnea, along with years of experience to help identify a potential problem. If you are currently experiencing some of the above mentioned symptoms for sleep apnea, make an appointment at Foutz Family Dentistry today and we will thoroughly check your teeth, gums and mouth for the dental signs of sleep apnea. While Dr. Foutz is not able to make an official diagnosis or treat you for sleep apnea, he can help you get on the right path to address this condition.

At Foutz Family Dentistry, we strongly recommend and encourage our patients to remain diligent about routine dental cleanings and exams. Doing so will not only ensure your dental and oral health, but can also help in identifying other potential health concerns.  Call our office today at (702) 792-5929 to schedule an appointment.

 Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

An oral cancer screening is an exam typically performed by a dentist to check the oral cavity for precancerous conditions or signs of cancer. During an oral cancer screening, an experienced dentist such as Dr. Barton H. Foutz of Foutz Family Dentistry is able identify early signs of oral cancer allowing patients to get treatment before reaching a more advanced stage.

At Foutz Family Dentistry, we are dedicated to the complete oral health of our patients, which is why we choose to perform a precautionary oral cancer screening during every dental exam. By doing so, our hope is to help patients reduce their personal risk for oral cancer or extend a patient’s possibility for successful treatment from an early diagnosis.

Why Is An Oral Cancer Screening Performed?

 Oral cancer screenings are a precautionary measure taken during a dental exam to check for potential signs of oral cancer. It is not a medical exam or a diagnostic exam and is not performed because cancer is suspected. It is estimated that approximately 84% of oral cancer cases can detected early by a dentist.

What Takes Place During An Oral Cancer Screening?

During an oral cancer screening a dentist will visually and physically examine the mouth, lips, face, neck, and inside of the nose for abnormalities such as:

• Swelling
• Bumps, Lumps, Or Hard Spots
• Ulcers Or Sores
• Discoloration
• Red Or White Patches
• Bleeding
• Numbness Or Pain While Biting Down

The dentist will also use a gloved hand to feel the tissues in the mouth while visually checking for abnormalities and signs of cancer. A dentist will also feel a patient’s head, cheeks, and areas around the jaw to check for unusual nodules, swelling, or lumps. Specialized examining tools or dyes may also be used to help them better identify potential problems. Patients with dentures or other dental appliances will be asked to remove them prior to the examination in order to perform a more thorough examination.

Am I At Risk For Oral Cancer?

 Unfortunately, oral cancer is often detected in patients with no risk factors, however the majority of those diagnosed with oral cancer will present at least one of the following risk factors:

• Smoking Or Tobacco Use (Including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, snuff)
• Heavy Alcohol Consumption
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Unhealthy Diet
• History Excessive Sun Exposure
• Age (Those over the age of 40 are at a higher risk)
• Gender (Men are at a higher risk than women)
• Previous Oral Cancer Diagnosis

Those with higher risk for oral cancer should especially seek out an oral cancer screening during regular dental cleanings, but as cancer can hit even those without risk factors it is increasingly important to include oral cancer screenings in every dental exam.

Henderson General Dentistry

Foutz Family Dentistry in Henderson, Nevada offers superior general, family and cosmetic dentistry. Through years of expertise and experience combined with modern dental procedures and technology, Dr. Barton H. Foutz and his staff provide the finest dental care. During a dental cleaning or dental exam, we will perform a thorough oral cancer screening to help better ensure the oral health of our patients. For more information or to schedule an appointment call us today at (702) 792-5929.

 Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

Regular brushing and flossing are two of the most effective ways to help avoid cavities. Young children, however, are often still learning to properly brush their teeth, especially the back molars, making them more prone to cavities and tooth damage. Even children who are great at brushing their teeth can still see decay in a tooth because of the small pits (indentations in the tooth) and fissures (natural grooves) that are difficult to fully reach with a toothbrush.  

Bacteria build up in these pits and fissures is five times more likely to cause a cavity than along the edge of the tooth where the toothbrush and floss can easily reach.  While toothpaste and fluoride are very effective in protecting teeth, back molars sometimes need an extra level of protection.  

Sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surface of the back molars. This protective coating can prevent cavities by blocking bacteria and food from building up on the tooth and consequently stopping decay in its early stages.

Why Should Children Get Sealants?

Tooth decay happens when germs in the mouth convert sugars into acid.  This acid then erodes the tooth causing a cavity.  Sealants in children can reduce the risk of decay by almost 80 percent.  Even if a small cavity is covered up by the sealant, the sealant will still keep the cavity from spreading and protect the tooth from further cavities. A study by the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention found that children ages 6-11 without sealants have almost 3 times more cavities than children who do have sealants.

When Should Children Get Sealants?

Sealant should be put on permanent molars as soon as they come in, before decay can set in.  The first permanent molars come in between the ages of 5 and 7 with the second set come in between 11 and 14 years of age.  Some dentists might even recommend putting sealants on baby teeth as well to help prevent baby teeth from decaying and falling out too early. 

On average, sealants will last up to ten years and are routinely checked for wear and tear at dental check ups to ensure that they are still properly bonded and protecting the molar from decay.  If a sealant is showing chips or wear, it can easily be repaired or replaced.

The Process Of Applying Sealants

The first step in applying a sealant is to thoroughly clean and dry the teeth. An acidic gel is then applied to roughen up the surface of the teeth in order to help the sealant bond to the tooth.  After rinsing and drying the teeth once more, the sealant is painted onto the chewing surface of the molar covering it’s natural pits and fissures. A blue curing light is used to aid in the hardening process.

Henderson Sealants For Children

Dr. Barton Foutz of Foutz Family Dentistry has over 30 years of experience providing the Henderson and Las Vegas communities with superior dental care. Dr. Foutz can apply protective sealants to your child’s molars quickly and painlessly. If you have a child between the ages of 6 and 14, contact Foutz Family Dentistry today at (702) 792-5929 for more information or to schedule an appointment today!

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

A significant amount of our population takes personal health for granted with oral hygiene often ending up even lower on the list of priorities. Although, you surely brush your teeth twice a day, rinse with mouthwash and occasionally floss, it does not take away from the importance of routine professional dental cleanings. Many think that the dentist’s recommended 6-month cleaning appointments are not necessary, however professional dental cleanings do, in fact, make a big difference in maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.

By not getting professional dental care checks at least twice a year, you’re putting yourself at risk of losing out on your quality of life, money, and time. By just spending a couple of hours a year, you’re saving a lot! Here’s why professional dental cleanings make a big difference.

Bad Breath Prevention

Halitosis, most commonly known as bad breath, is one of the conditions most effectively treated through routine dental cleanings. Apart from the obvious social inconveniences, the worst thing about bad breath is that you may not even know you have it. Bad breath is an indication of an underlying oral disease or an accumulation of plaque. These issues cannot be resolved by simply brushing your teeth. Regular dental cleanings by experienced dentists and dental hygienists are the most effective way to treat the root cause of your bad breath.

Healthy Gums, Healthy You

Oral hygiene is directly related to your health. A surprisingly large number of people suffer from gum disease. Strong links have been found to exist between gum disease and cardiac disease conditions, making regular dental check ups and cleanings by a professional a priority can prevent more serious conditions.

Detect Problems

In addition to detecting gum disease, periodic dental cleanings are necessary to catch cavities that need to be filled before they can lead to a bigger procedure such as a root canal. Dental cleaning appointments also provide an easy way to perform follow-up work that may need to be done on a cavity that has been filled previously. Through routine cleanings, your dentist is able to more effectively monitor potential issues. In a number of cases, oral cancer has even been detected at an early stage during routine cleaning sessions.

Henderson Family Dentistry

At Foutz Family Dentistry, Dr. Barton Foutz and his team of experienced and professional dental hygienists perform thorough dental cleanings that will make a big difference in the health of your teeth and gums. Call us today at (702) 792-5929  to make an appointment.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

Many people think that the best dental care comes from a dentist. This is half true.

To have the healthiest teeth and gums, we have to be a team. I’ll do my part by providing exceptional dental care. But you have do to you part too.

Besides proper brushing and flossing, the best way to take care of your teeth at home is to eat a tooth-healthy diet.

Optimize Your Dental Care with These 3 Healthy Food Tips

To optimize your dental care, consider these three healthy food tips.

1. Limit the Sugar

The bacteria in your mouth break down sugars and create an acid. This acid eats away at the enamel, causing a cavity. Try to avoid candy, cakes, muffins, and breads. And brush right away when you do eat them.

Soda can be worse than candy. As we sip these beverages, our teeth are constantly bathed in sugar. The carbonation is also unhealthy. It weakens enamel, allowing it to breakdown faster.

2. Try to Avoid Chewy Foods

Chewy foods like candy and dried fruit stay on the tooth longer, allowing the bacteria and acid more opportunity to break down enamel. Another downside is that they are a strain on the jaw joints. This causes muscle fatigue and pain.

3. Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods

A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is ideal. They contain many nutrients that your teeth need to stay healthy. And when you have strong teeth they won’t be as susceptible when you have a sweet treat.

Getting Healthy Teeth Starts At Home

My patients and I work together to ensure they continue to have healthy teeth and gums. I do my part by providing quality, in-office dental care, like regular cleanings and exams. My patients do their part with proper homecare and a teeth-healthy diet.

If you want to keep your teeth healthy and strong, try to eat less sugar and more nutrient-dense foods. Doing so will be a key factor in keeping your teeth for a lifetime.

What can you do to protect your teeth? Contact my office to schedule an exam. I’ll explain what it takes to get the healthiest smile ever.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

Many cosmetic dentistry concerns can be easily concealed using porcelain veneers or dental bonding. But which one is best for you? Each option offers an effective and undetectable result for a variety of aesthetic issues. To determine which solution is the most appropriate for your dental care needs, let’s take a look at each treatment. 

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are very thin, tooth-colored shells made from dental ceramic, and they are used in cosmetic dentistry. Designed to resemble your natural teeth, porcelain veneers are seamlessly able to conceal a variety of flaws including:

• Stains and Discoloration
• Chips and Cracks
• Gaps
• Tooth shape

Porcelain Veneers are an effective treatment for major cosmetic concerns. However, if these issues are minor, dental bonding may be a more suitable solution.

Dental Bonding

The process of dental bonding includes the use of a special dental resin that is designed to match the color of your teeth. These resins are applied directly to the teeth, and are able to easily transform many cosmetic issues such as:

• Stains and Discoloration
• Minor Chips and Cracks
• Minor Gaps

While dental bonding is a great solution for patients wishing to conceal minor cosmetic issues, patients with more serious cosmetic concerns may require porcelain veneers. 

Learn More About Our Cosmetic Dentistry Services!

At Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS, we are dedicated to ensuring that every client experiences high-quality and comfortable service. We have a knowledgeable and experienced staff that is eager to assist with all of your cosmetic dentistry needs. Contact us today and schedule an appointment!

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

Dental fillings are effectively used to treat tooth decay, and can last up to ten years. However, over time dental fillings may become damaged. In order to understand how to prevent damage to dental fillings, it is important to understand what may cause this damage.

5 Common Causes of Damaged Fillings

1. Neglecting Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is important, especially when you have fillings. Neglecting to care for your oral hygiene correctly could result in damaged fillings and more dental cavities. 

2. Biting and Chewing

Our teeth and jaws have biting and chewing abilities. Consequently, the strength behind our biting and chewing can eventually cause damage to dental fillings. 

3. Regularly Grinding Teeth

   Teeth grinding puts intense pressure on teeth, and can easily cause damage to dental fillings. 

4. Eating and Chewing on Hard Foods

Eating hard, sticky foods can quickly cause damage to fillings, as well regularly chewing on hard objects such as fingernails, pen-caps, and straws.

5. Temperature Changes

   Some dental fillings are made of metal, including silver amalgam. These fillings are sensitive to extreme temperature changes, and may become loose or even crack teeth.

5 Ways to Prevent Damaged Fillings

1. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

One of the best ways to prevent damaged fillings is to make sure your dental care is a high priority. Be sure to schedule regular appointments and cleanings to keep on top of your oral hygiene.

2. Brush Teeth Twice a Day

For proper dental care, teeth should be brushed a minimum of twice a day.

3. Floss Regularly

Flossing daily and thoroughly can make a huge difference in your dental care.

4. Avoid Eating and Chewing Hard Foods

To prevent damaging your dental fillings, be sure to avoid eating hard foods or chewing on object such as fingernails, pen-caps, or straws. 

5. Limit Subjecting Your Teeth to Extreme Temperature Changes

If you have fillings made with silver amalgam, be careful of consuming hot and cold foods or liquids back-to-back. 

We Can Help You Maintain Your Smile!

At Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS, we have a knowledgeable and dedicated staff to help you and your family achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929