Your oral health is a foundation for your overall well-being, and general dentistry at Meza Dentistry in McAllen, TX, is designed to protect it. We provide thorough exams, cleanings, and preventive treatments to catch issues early and support lasting dental health.
The name, root canal, may be intimidating, but this is a very common procedure that Dr. Meza has great experience in. The pulp (nerve) of a tooth can become infected either due to trauma or decay. The pulp is a system of blood vessels in the center of the tooth “canal” which connects the tooth to other blood vessels in the jaw.
With persistent infection or inflammation, the pulp of the tooth may need to be cleaned out and the tooth sealed. An antibiotic may be prescribed, and a local anesthetic will be applied to alleviate any discomfort to allow us to treat the tooth and get you on your way to a pain-free, healthy smile.
When issues arise with a tooth, we want to do everything possible to save it. In some cases, the damage or decay is so extensive that the tooth may need to be removed. A tooth can usually be removed in one piece, but if severely decayed or impacted, Dr. Meza may cut the tooth into smaller sections to make removal easier. Patients will be informed of aftercare instructions. If a tooth extraction becomes necessary, we’ll walk you through your tooth replacement options to restore function, protect your bite, and maintain your smile.
As part of your comprehensive exams and cleanings, we will also perform an extraoral and intraoral head and neck cancer screening. An oral cancer screening is a visual and physical exam of the oral cavity and connected tissues performed by Dr. Meza or our hygienist. This can help find cancer at an early stage.
Visually, we look for tissue abnormalities such as sores that do not heal properly over time, red and/or white spots anywhere in the mouth, thick, rough spots on otherwise soft oral tissue, or visibly enlarged nodes. Physically, we palpate the head, neck, oral, and pharyngeal regions.
Cancer screenings are important because they can detect early signs before symptoms appear. If we identify any areas of concern during your screening, we’ll guide you on the next steps and may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.
Chronic oral and facial pain can often indicate jaw dysfunction known as TMJ Disorder. Your TMJ is the most frequently used joint in your entire body. When those joints are damaged, inflamed, or misaligned, the result can become severely debilitating.
Because TMJ Disorder can affect the nerves that control your jaw’s movement, symptoms can range from jaw and head pain to the inability to open or close the mouth. Treatment of this disorder often involves the use of a custom-designed oral appliance that will help the jaw rest by realigning it. This can allow the jaw joints to heal and alleviate the discomfort associated with jaw dysfunction. In more extenuating circumstances, Dr. Meza may feel it necessary to refer to an oral surgeon for further treatment options.
Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease is one of our specialties at Meza Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in McAllen, TX.
Tarter and bacterial buildup on teeth can cause gingivitis, which in turn can make your gums inflamed and painful. If left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis, which can lead to gum damage, bleeding, pain, bad breath, and possibly tooth loss.
Through regular cleanings with our skilled hygienist, we can help prevent gum disease or prevent further damage if it has already occurred. Changes in your oral hygiene and a deep cleaning will likely be the first approaches to stopping this disease from progressing. If needed, Dr. Meza has extensive knowledge on other forms of treatment, from medicine to surgical procedures to help improve your periodontal health.
Many people suffer from nocturnal or diurnal bruxism, such as clenching or grinding. Diurnal (daytime) behavior management is a great first-line approach to eliminating the habit. For those suffering from headaches, jaw tightness, and facial muscle tightening, a nighttime appliance may be recommended. We offer custom-fit night guards or splint appliances made to the patient’s teeth.
A cavity is a small hole in the tooth caused by decay. In order to prevent further damage, that small hole will be repaired with a filling. The decay is cleaned out, then the hole is filled with a tooth-colored resin that is hardly noticeable. You may have a cavity if you experience tooth sensitivity, pain when eating, or if floss is catching between your teeth.
On occasion, a tooth will have damage or decay that cannot be repaired. Not to worry, a crown may be a great option for restoring your tooth. A crown is a natural-looking cap that fits over the base of your tooth after the damaged portion has been removed. Getting a crown requires at least two appointments. After your comprehensive exam, we will then proceed to clean and salvage the healthy part of the tooth and put a temporary crown on while we work to get your permanent crown created with the utmost care. On your next appointments, we will replace the temporary crown with a permanent one created to fit your bite.
When a cavity is too large for a simple filling, an Inlay or Onlay is the next step up in restorative care. They can increase a tooth’s strength by 75% and have an option of three different materials: gold, ceramic, or composite. The chosen material is then custom-molded to fit the cusp of your tooth by one of our trusted outside labs. There are pros and cons to each material choice, so Dr. Meza will sit down and discuss with you each option, and together you can make the best choice for your smile.
Professional Teeth Cleaning- A dental cleaning involves professionally removing films of plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth. Tartar cannot be removed with your toothbrush and floss. Instead, it will remain on your teeth, becoming the perfect breeding ground for bacteria that will attack your teeth and gums.
Comprehensive Exams- The comprehensive exam is the foundation on which we build every patient’s treatment plan. Every treatment plan, big or small, begins with a thorough examination of four areas of a patient’s mouth: their smile, bite, teeth, and gums. After recording our findings, we will make recommendations (if any) based on what we see.
Routine cleanings prevent dental damage and infection. After your dental cleaning, tooth sealants and a fluoride treatment may be placed. Sealants on permanent back molars can reduce the risk of cavities by 80% and can last for several years. Fluoride treatment helps repair weakened enamel before cavities form and reverses signs of decay. Furthermore, during your cleaning, our highly skilled hygienist will also go over proper flossing techniques, brushing techniques, and what you can do at home to maintain a healthy smile.
If it’s been a while since your last visit, we’re here to help you get back on track—schedule your next visit with our general dentist and let us take care of your smile.
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