EXPERT
Dr. Mark A. Simmons
Dentist
Dr. Mark Simmons is a Dentist practicing in La Vernia, Texas. Dr. Simmons specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
Dr. Mark A. Simmons
- La Vernia, Texas
- University of Texas Dental School
- Accepting new patients
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Can dental issues cause speech issues?
The tongue, teeth, jaws, lips, and cheeks can all affect your speech for correct forming of words. Cavities will limit mouth opening if you are protecting sensitive teeth. Teeth READ MORE
The tongue, teeth, jaws, lips, and cheeks can all affect your speech for correct forming of words. Cavities will limit mouth opening if you are protecting sensitive teeth. Teeth help limit the air passing in and out. The more tooth loss, the harder it is to pronounce words. If you lose part or all of your tongue due to cancer, your speech will be affected accordingly.
Is a root canal treatment safe?
A root canal is safe if done correctly. Make sure a gotta percha filling is done on the roots. This filling has the best track record of success. Making sure the tooth is not READ MORE
A root canal is safe if done correctly. Make sure a gotta percha filling is done on the roots. This filling has the best track record of success. Making sure the tooth is not cracker before hand also helps. As with all things in life, there is a small percentage of people who do not tolerate root canal fillings. If a root canal is done on posterior teeth, a crown is a must, or you run the risk of breaking the tooth and all that money spent on saving the tooth will be for nothing.
Can I get a filling without a root canal?
Yes. It all depends on how large is the cavity. One can need a root canal after just a minor filling, but it is a personal response to the filling.
Can braces damage your teeth?
Yes and no. If done slowly and without too much force, your teeth will be fine. If they are moved fast with a lot of pressure, shortening of the roots can happen.
Can antibiotics alone cure a tooth abscess?
No. All antibiotics do is calm down the tooth so work can be done on it.
When can you eat after a filling?
Composite fillings right away. Silver you need to take it easy on it for 24 hours, as it gets harder over time. The only other reason to wait is you are still numb and could READ MORE
Composite fillings right away. Silver you need to take it easy on it for 24 hours, as it gets harder over time. The only other reason to wait is you are still numb and could bite your tongue or cheek a lot and be really sore. Certain anesthetics will be gone in one hour or less, 4 hours or less, or 8-12 hours or less. Depending on the person, that can also last longer. It is best to ask this question to your dentist when he does the procedure to tailor it to you particular situation.
Can a tooth crack under a crown?
Yes. One of the indications for crown is that it is cracked. Putting a crown on it should stop the crack from progressing. Unfortunately, sometimes the crack will continue to READ MORE
Yes. One of the indications for crown is that it is cracked. Putting a crown on it should stop the crack from progressing. Unfortunately, sometimes the crack will continue to grow and will need a root canal to stop the progression of the crack. If you got the crown because you have a clenching or grinding problem, invest in a splint that will protect your teeth.
Can I use toothpaste after a wisdom teeth extraction?
As long as the toothpaste does not have, as one of it's ingredients, hydrogen peroxide, or anything else that bubbles. You also need to avoid swishing or spitting to rinse out READ MORE
As long as the toothpaste does not have, as one of it's ingredients, hydrogen peroxide, or anything else that bubbles. You also need to avoid swishing or spitting to rinse out the toothpaste, for 2 days, as this can dislodge the clot and cause dry socket.
Can a tooth infection affect your whole body?
As a 27 year old healthy female, the infection will cause the body to release C Reative Protein, which will affect your heart. If your imune system is compromised, as it might READ MORE
As a 27 year old healthy female, the infection will cause the body to release C Reative Protein, which will affect your heart. If your imune system is compromised, as it might be in a 27 year old female that is immunocompromised by diabetes, chemo, or any disorder or disease that lowers your immune system, one can become septic, which is a whole body infection, and can potentially cause death.
Can front teeth get dental crowns?
Unless there are extenuating circumstances, you should be able to get anterior crowns.
How can I reduce the sensitivity of my teeth after whitening?
After brushing your teeth and flossing and you are ready to go to bed, apply a sensitive tooth paste like plain Sensodyne with your finger or toothbrush, spit out the extra, and READ MORE
After brushing your teeth and flossing and you are ready to go to bed, apply a sensitive tooth paste like plain Sensodyne with your finger or toothbrush, spit out the extra, and go do bed. Do not wash the toothpaste off. Leave it on all night. If you rinse, you are rinsing off the very thing you want to keep on it. If you want to apply right after bleaching, that is fine, but leave it on for at least half an hour without eating or drinking. If you are bleaching with a gel, you may want to not use a bleaching rinse or toothpaste in addition to the gel. Use them after you have achieved the bleach shade you want. Realize you have to bleach a little whiter than you want, as the shade will darken somewhat after stopping. You can also space out the bleaching from every day to every second or third day, allowing the teeth to recove.
At what age do gums start to recede?
Gums recede from brushing or flossing too hard, clenching or grinding, or periodontal disease where the bacteria destroy the bone. There are some immune diseases that will not READ MORE
Gums recede from brushing or flossing too hard, clenching or grinding, or periodontal disease where the bacteria destroy the bone. There are some immune diseases that will not help the gums. If there is no bone, the gums recede because of no support. But do not be fooled with perfect gums. There are some people who have deep pockets with perfect looking gums.
That is why one needs periodic periodontal exams to stop the disease progression.
That is why one needs periodic periodontal exams to stop the disease progression.
My son's teeth are discoloured. Why?
Yes! The culprit in both is acid. Fruits have citric acid, Sodas usually have phosphoric acid. Both can eat away teeth. Bacteria can also discolor teeth green, orange, white READ MORE
Yes! The culprit in both is acid. Fruits have citric acid, Sodas usually have phosphoric acid. Both can eat away teeth. Bacteria can also discolor teeth green, orange, white and black.
You do not mention how they are discolored or what color they are, so it is hard to pinpoint the reason with the information given.
You do not mention how they are discolored or what color they are, so it is hard to pinpoint the reason with the information given.
What is the right age for kids to brush their teeth on their own?
This is going to be on a case by case basis. Most kids have the co-ordination by age 5. Girls develop faster than boys, so it is highly possible she is able to brush her teeth READ MORE
This is going to be on a case by case basis. Most kids have the co-ordination by age 5. Girls develop faster than boys, so it is highly possible she is able to brush her teeth on her own. If you think she can do it without you, let her try. Disclosing tooth paste or tablets will let you see if she is doing a good job.
What causes swelling in the gums?
Swelling can come from trauma, infection, allergy, mouth breathing, and medications. The best bet is to let a dentist look at it if it is painful, enlarging, or does not go away READ MORE
Swelling can come from trauma, infection, allergy, mouth breathing, and medications. The best bet is to let a dentist look at it if it is painful, enlarging, or does not go away in 4-7 days.
Can brushing my teeth with salt whiten my teeth?
Brushing with salt will remove some exterior staining, such as coffee and tea staining. But it will not whiten your tobacco-browned teeth. For that, you will need something stronger, READ MORE
Brushing with salt will remove some exterior staining, such as coffee and tea staining. But it will not whiten your tobacco-browned teeth. For that, you will need something stronger, usually containing carbamide peroxide.
How long does a dental filling last?
Silver fillings average 11 years. Tooth colored fillings are approaching this average. However, what you eat and drink, how well you clean and floss your teeth, and if you clench READ MORE
Silver fillings average 11 years. Tooth colored fillings are approaching this average. However, what you eat and drink, how well you clean and floss your teeth, and if you clench or grind will affect how long a filling lasts. A lot of the stuff we eat and drink has acid in it. A lot has sugar in it. Bacteria take the sugar we eat and break it down into acid. Acid is what causes the cavities. A lot of us eat fruits thinking we are eating healthy. Fruit has both sugar and acid! Clenching or grinding can break down the tooth or filling enough to create opportunities for the establishment of bacteria, which in turn leads to cavities
