Ankeny, IA Dentist Explains the Benefits of Dental Implants

Posted July 12, 2013 by Dr. Peddicord

Many Americans tend to suffer tooth loss during their adult lives. Typically, if the tooth is in a portion of the mouth that no one will see, most people won’t find a tooth replacement. However, regardless of location, a missing tooth can lead to number of oral issues, including more tooth loss. In the following blog, Dr. Erika Peddicord, your Ankeny, IA dentist, explains the importance of tooth replacements—specifically dental implants.

Dental Implants Can Improve Your Smile in the Following Ways

Mimic natural teeth. Unlike dentures, dental implants have tooth roots, of sorts. The actual implant is a titanium post placed within the jaw bone. This creates a solid restoration that won’t shift or fall out during use. Plus, the porcelain crown gives the implant a real-feel and look.
Durability. Once the dental implant is in place, and depending on at-home care, an implant can last over 20 years. Other tooth replacement options only last ten years, at best, before they require replacement.
Worry-free smiles. Dentures tend to use adhesives and they’re prone to falling out. Furthermore, dentures require repeat dental visits for readjustments once the rubber has stretched. With a dental implant, you have the freedom to do anything with your teeth—just like with natural teeth.
Healthier bones. When patients have missing teeth, their jaw bones eventually begin to deteriorate. The lack of stimulation from missing tooth roots causes bone loss, which makes your other teeth more susceptible to falling out. Though some type of tooth replacement option is better than none, a dental implant is one of the best solutions.
Maintain your facial shape. Oftentimes, patients with missing teeth have a sunken-in look on their faces. To avoid this change to your appearance, your Ankeny, IA dentist recommends having a solid tooth replacement like a dental implant.

Peddicord Family Dentist Offers Superior Dental Implant Procedures

If you’re considering having receiving a dental implant procedure, consult your Ankeny, IA dentist. Dr. Peddicord can speak with you about the process and answer any questions you may have. To schedule an appointment, call us at (515) 963-3339. Also, visit our website for patient forms, oral care tips, and to learn about our team. We happily serve new and existing patients in Bondurant, Polk City, Elkhart, Alleman, and Cambridge, and neighboring areas.

Ankeny, IA Dentist Talks to Patients about Toothaches

Posted July 5, 2013 by Dr. Peddicord

As with most bodily ailments, toothaches tend to occur suddenly. The unexpected pain may seem endless and your first priority is finding relief. Moreover, since tooth pain isn’t a one-cause type of discomfort, a visit to the dentist is in order. In fact, occasionally, tooth pain develops as a side effect of ear infections or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Should your pain begin at a late hour, try a few at-home remedies as a temporary fix. Your Ankeny, IA dentist, Dr. Erika Peddicord discusses some common causes for toothaches and how to alleviate one.

General Causes of Toothaches

A toothache is a common dental ailment which can arise for a number of reasons. If you have a toothache, it’s an indicator of an underlying issue. Your toothache could stem from:

A cavity. This is the most common cause of toothaches.
Gum disease that has begun to affect the tooth.
A severe crack in the tooth.
An exposed tooth root.

Furthermore, ignoring an aching tooth will only allow the pain to worsen. It’s essential that you visit the dentist quickly to assess and locate the problem.

What to Do to Relieve the Discomfort

Should you have a toothache, your Ankeny, IA dentist recommends a taking a few precautions before coming into the office. While emergency dental care is available, keeping yourself comfortable is necessary until treatment can begin. Dr. Peddicord suggest:

Rinsing your mouth out with warm salt water.
Flossing around the area to remove any lingering food particles.
Taking ibuprofen as needed per the directions.
Dabbing the tooth with clove oil—a known toothache reliever.

Visit Peddicord Family Dentistry for Tooth Pain Treatment

If you’re experiencing any kind of tooth pain, take care to visit your Ankeny, IA dentist as soon as possible. Dr. Peddicord can diagnose the cause of the ache and treat your ailment. To schedule an appointment, call us at (515) 963-3339. Also, visit our website for patient forms, oral care tips, and to learn about our team. We happily serve new and existing patients in Bondurant, Polk City, Elkhart, Alleman, and Cambridge, and neighboring areas.

Ankeny, IA Dentist Reports: Calming a Child’s Dental Visit Anxieties

Posted June 28, 2013 by Dr. Peddicord

Going to the dentist may prove challenging for children. As a parent, you recognize the importance of visiting the dentist; yet, the child may see the new experience differently. In order to have a successful appointment, Dr. Erika Peddicord, your Ankeny, IA children’s dentist offers a few tips to follow when your child visits the office.

Making Your Child’s Appointment Comfortable is Essential

Start soon. When your children begin the their dental visits early, easy-going appointments occur almost every time. Visiting the same dentist periodically will acclimate the child to bi-annual appointments. If you’re unsure when to start taking your little one to the dentist, the general rule is by the time they turn one.
Easy does it. Your kids may not remember their first few dental appointments; however, when they can comprehend the visit, don’t bombard them with information. Saying too much might frighten them. Instead remain honest, yet vague. It’s best to wait until your Ankeny, IA children’s dentist uses her own kid-friendly terminology. Furthermore, you should incorporate those same terms at home in between appointments.
Don’t use scary words. Refrain from saying words, such as: shot, hurt, or pain. The negative phrases may cause your child to feel anxious or nervous about the visit before you even arrive. Try mentioning that strong and healthy teeth stem from dental checkups.
Simulate a pretend visit. To make the pending appointment seem fun, pretend going to the dentist. Your children’s dentist recommends only the use of a toothbrush to count their teeth. You can also use a mirror to let the child view their own teeth. Moreover, give your child the opportunity to clean a toy’s teeth and allow them to play with a toothbrush freely.
Prepare for fussiness. Regardless of prepping your kids, they may still have a tiny tantrum. A new experience of any kind can manifest differing emotions. Your child could cry, wiggle, and even refuse contact from the dentist. Should this occur: don’t panic. Pediatric dentists know this is possibility. The doctor will inform you of the best measures to take. It’s typically something simple, like holding their hand for added comfort and security.

Peddicord Family Dentistry Offers Exceptional Children’s Dentistry

If you’re looking for excellent dental care for your kids, visit your Ankeny, IA children’s dentist. Dr. Peddicord can provide you and your family with variety of dental services to ensure your smiles stay healthy and strong. To schedule an appointment, call us at (515) 963-3339. Also, visit our website for patient forms, oral care tips, and to learn about our team. We happily serve new and existing patients in Bondurant, Polk City, Elkhart, Alleman, and Cambridge, and neighboring areas.

Ankeny, IA Dentist Talks about Proper Partial Denture Care

Posted June 21, 2013 by Dr. Peddicord

For patients that would like a removable dental replacement, consider a partial denture. These alternatives to fixed partials can complete your smile without an involved placement procedure. Plus, they’re an afford solution that nearly every patient qualifies for. If would like more information on partials, talk to Dr. Erika Peddicord, your Ankeny, IA dentist.

Use These Tips for Better Denture Care

Nightly removal. Make sure to give your gums a break by removing your partials every night. This gives the tissues a chance to recover from the day’s wear and tear. Additionally, your Ankeny, IA dentist recommends soaking your partial dentures in warm water with a denture cleanser to help remove stains and bacteria.
Use a gentle touch. Although partials cost less than full dentures, the price can still run rather high. While cleaning, take care to complete the task under towel to catch the partials, should they fall.
Daily cleanings. By cleaning your partials everyday, you avoid stains and plaque and tartar build-up. Furthermore, a lack of cleaning makes the underlying gum tissue susceptible to infection. With a denture cleaning brush, use denture paste to clean your partials; you can also use regular hand soap or minimally abrasive toothpaste.
Maintain healthy teeth and gums. Despite your tooth replacements, it’s crucial to keep your teeth and gums healthy. A daily dental cleaning regimen that includes flossing and rinsing works wonders.
Check for fit. Ill-fitting partials can cause great discomfort for wearers. If you notice a change in the way your partial dentures fit, visit Dr. Peddicord. She can analyze the partials to determine the cause for their misalignment.

Visit Peddicord Family Dentistry for Dentures

If you’re in need of partial dentures and would like a consultation, talk to your Ankeny, IA dentist. Dr. Peddicord can discuss dental replacement options with you to help you choose a suitable solution. To schedule an appointment, call us at (515) 963-3339. Also, visit our website for patient forms, oral care tips, and to learn about our team. We happily serve new and existing patients in Bondurant, Polk City, Elkhart, Alleman, and Cambridge, and neighboring areas.

Ankeny, IA Dentist Offers Numerous Cosmetic Dental Procedures

Posted June 14, 2013 by Dr. Peddicord

Do you want your smile to possess the wow factor? Then perhaps you should consider a cosmetic dental procedure to achieve the perfect smile. As one of the most popular branches of dentistry, cosmetic dentistry offers incredible results in an timely fashion. Furthermore, having a smile that you’re proud of serves as an incentive to maintain sound oral health. If you’ve been looking for an exceptional cosmetic dentist in Ankeny, IA, visit Dr. Erika Peddicord.

Cosmetic Dental Procedure Options

Teeth whitening. For patients that wish to brighten their smiles, Dr. Peddicord offers teeth whitening. Dark color beverages and foods easily stain your enamel, giving your smile a dull appearance. However, with a quick whitening treatment, you can have dazzling smile for years—with proper maintenance, of course.
Tooth bonding. Does you smile have a minor chip that requires mending? With dental bonding from your Ankeny, IA cosmetic dentist, you can have a beautiful restoration in a half hour’s time. With some shaping and polishing, the chip disappears resulting in a faultless smile.
Tooth contouring. If you have overlapping or uneven teeth, tooth contouring is the solution for you. This virtually painless procedure reshapes your teeth to give them a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Alongside a whitening treatment, your smile can look brand-new.
Veneers. As one of the most effective ways to significantly improve smiles, veneers have become a popular cosmetic dental procedure. In fact, many high-profile figures, such as Vice President Joe Biden, and celebrities like George Clooney and Tom Cruise, have opted for porcelain veneers. This natural-looking dental enhancement is completed in just two visits and produces long-lasting, flawless results.

Visit Peddicord Family Dentistry for a Spectacular Smile

If you’re looking for exceptional cosmetic dentistry, visit your Ankeny, IA cosmetic dentist. Dr. Peddicord can provide you and your family with variety of cosmetic dental procedures for a lifetime of beautiful smiles. To schedule an appointment, call us at (515) 963-3339. Also, visit our website for patient forms, oral care tips, and to learn about our team. We happily serve new and existing patients in Bondurant, Polk City, Elkhart, Alleman, and Cambridge, and neighboring areas.

Floss Does More than Clean Your Teeth, Says Ankeny, IA General Dentist

Posted June 7, 2013 by Dr. Peddicord

Any dentist will advise his or her patients to floss at least once a day. Flossing is an important step in any dental cleaning regimen since it removes food particles that brushing cannot. Yet, that mighty nylon string doesn’t just clean between teeth—you can use it for simple at-home tasks too. In this friendly post, Dr. Erika Peddicord, your Ankeny, IA general dentist, offers some uses for dental floss that go beyond oral care.

Look at What Floss Can Do

Hang pictures. If you’re hanging a small object that needs a wire for support, use floss instead. This includes: pictures, Christmas decorations, and even wind chimes.
Sew. Do you have a button that keeps coming undone? For the next repair, use floss rather than thread. Floss is made from a sturdier material, plus you can use it on other linen-like fabrics, such as beach and laundry bags.
Cut to perfection. Unflavored floss can work better than a knife when cutting soft foods. You can easily slice cakes, fruits, soft cheeses, and hard-boiled eggs with floss. Simply wrap a sufficient length around one finger on each hand and use as needed.
Cookie spatula. Don’t risk ruining your freshly baked cookies by using spatula. Take a piece of floss and slide it beneath the cookies for an easy, crumble-free solution.
Secure your packages. When mailing packages, your Ankeny, IA general dentist suggests swapping twine for dental floss. The nylon serves as a secure alternative.
Makeshift clothesline. If you’re ever in need of clothesline, dental floss can help you. Just tie the two ends to a desired area and hang your clothes out to dry. For more strength, you can add extra layers of floss.

Visit Peddicord Family Dentistry for Bi-annual Cleanings

If you’re looking for exceptional preventative dental care, visit your Ankeny, IA general dentist. Dr. Peddicord can provide you and your family with variety of dental services to ensure your smiles stay healthy and strong. To schedule an appointment, call us at (515) 963-3339. Also, visit our website for patient forms, oral care tips, and to learn about our team. We happily serve new and existing patients in Bondurant, Polk City, Elkhart, Alleman, and Cambridge, and neighboring areas.

Ankeny Dentist Shares Top-Rated At-home Teeth Whitening Solutions

Posted May 31, 2013 by Dr. Peddicord

Once you’ve had a teeth whitening treatment, maintaining your smile shiny and bright is important. With the number of whitening products on the market today, choosing the most effective one can seem overwhelming. From strips to mouthwashes, the selection is vast, and choosing the wrong one will only waste your time, money and patience. To avoid this stress, your Ankeny, IA dentist, Dr. Erika Peddicord, has formulated a list of the top-rated at-home whitening products to help you keep your smile brilliant.

Try These Products for Whitening Touch-ups

If you’ve had a teeth whitening treatment at your Ankeny, IA dental office recently, and would like simple at-home maintenance tips, Dr. Peddicord recommends the following items.

Best Strip: Crest 3D White Advanced Vivid. These easy-to-use whitening strips produce results in two weeks. Each strip forms perfectly around each tooth, plus the removal process and clean-up method is simple.
Best Gel: Smile4You Whitening Gel. This kit comes complete with generic trays and enough gel for roughly 200 uses. Additionally, it’s the highest FDA approved gel available.
Best Pen: Smile4You Whitening Pen. As a portable solution to teeth whitening, this pen can produce results of up to three shades. With an affordable price tag ($10-25 per pen) you can brighten your smile on-the-go.
Best Toothpaste: Colgate Optic White. If you’re looking for noticeable results in just a few days, this is the toothpaste to use. Though it costs more than regular toothpaste (around $6 per tube), it’s even more effective than trays or strips.
Best Mouthwash: Listerine Whitening Pre-Brush Rinse. This rinse will whiten more subtly than any other whitening solution. A noticeable difference occurs in six weeks, though maximum results may take up to 12 weeks. As far as whitening mouthwashes go, this is the best one available.

Peddicord Family Dentistry Offers Teeth Whitening Treatment

If you’re looking for teeth whitening maintenance after professional bleaching from your Ankeny, IA dentist, these at-home kits can help prolong the life of your whitening treatment. To schedule an appointment, call our Ankeny office at (515) 963-3339. Also, visit our website for patient forms and services. We happily serve new and existing patients in Bondurant, Polk City, Elkhart, Alleman, and Cambridge, and neighboring areas.

Advantages of Zirconia Crowns, Says Ankeny Dentist

Posted May 24, 2013 by Dr. Peddicord

Traditionally, crowns came in three varieties: all-metal, all-porcelain (or ceramic), and porcelain-fused-to-metal. Each provides great coverage and durability, while alleviating the intense toothache caused by deep decay or fracture. However, there’s a fourth dental material that affords all of the positive attributes of the three standard materials. With zirconium, crowns offer intense strength, durability, longevity, and the all-white, natural appearance of porcelain. Zirconia is the manmade material often used as an imitation diamond in high-end costume jewelry. Dr. Peddicord offers zirconium crowns in her Ankeny dental practice. Today, she explains what zirconium offers the patient, besides toothache relief.

The Better Crown Choice

Though zirconium crowns can cause some minor friction between the surrounding teeth and the crown, that’s minor complaint in comparison to the number of benefits a zirconium crown can bring.

Natural look. Manufactured from zirconium or zirconium oxide, these crowns have the strength of a metal crown and the natural appearance of a porcelain crowns. Their translucence and light-reflecting qualities allow them to blend beautifully with natural teeth.
Durability and strength. Typically, crowns last roughly ten years, yet zirconium crowns could last a lifetime. Zirconia crowns resist chips and have five times the strength of porcelain or metal crowns.
Compatible to body chemistry. Zirconium is naturally compatible with your body chemistry, which means anyone can wear one, even patients with metal allergies.
Minimally invasive. Since zirconia crowns require less removal of your enamel, more natural tooth structure remains intact – which is conservative and always preferred.
Cost effective. These crowns provide an affordable option, and cost about the same as a metal-based crown, yet zirconium crowns offer greater benefits that ultimately make them more cost-effective.

Peddicord Family Dentistry Offers Crown Placement

If you’re suffering from a toothache that may be caused by a deep cavity or fracture, talk to your 50021 dentist about treatment and pain relief. Dr. Peddicord can explain crown placement and help you determine whether zirconium is the right choice for your case. To schedule an appointment, call our Ankeny dentist office at (515) 963-3339. You can also visit our website to print patient forms and view a full listing of our services. We happily serve new and existing patients in Bondurant, Polk City, Elkhart, Alleman, and Cambridge, and neighboring areas.

Ankeny Dentist Repairs Chipped Teeth with Tooth Contouring

Posted May 15, 2013 by Dr. Peddicord

Is your smile just a tad uneven and, if so, does it bother you? If you’ve answered yes, then perhaps you should consider tooth contouring from your Ankeny dentist. This quick, in-office dental procedure can transform one or many of your teeth into flawless beauties. An initial consultation and examination by Dr. Erika Peddicord can determine your candidacy for tooth contouring. The procedure itself takes roughly an hour, depending on desired results and there’s minimal recovery time. If you think tooth contouring might improve the quality of your smile, schedule a consuiltation with your Ankeny dentist soon. (more…)

Your Ankeny Dentist Quickly Repairs Teeth with Dental Bonding

Posted May 8, 2013 by Dr. Peddicord

Do you have tiny flaws in your smile that you would like change without taking drastic measures? Your Ankeny dentist is here to help with composite resin dental bonding. This conservative, straightforward procedure can restore any number of teeth back to their ideal shape. Unlike other cosmetic dental procedures like veneers or porcelain crowns, bonding doesn’t require multiple visits or a lengthy recovery period in order to produce successful results. In about an hour, your Ankeny dentist, Dr. Erika Peddicord, can improve your smile and boost your confidence. (more…)