Tartar

Tartar is a deposit that forms when plaque hardens on the tooth. Individuals vary greatly in their susceptibility to tartar buildup. For many, these deposits build up faster with age. Tartar is easily noticeable because of its yellow or brown color on teeth.

What Causes Tartar Buildup

When plaque accumulates and is not removed from teeth, it can harden and turn into tartar. Because tartar buildup bonds strongly to enamel, it can only be removed by a dental professional.

Help Prevent Tartar Buildup

While tartar can only be removed by a dental professional, you can avoid tartar buildup by removing plaque. To help prevent tartar, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice daily, preferably with a tartar-control fluoride toothpaste like many from Crest, and floss once a day with a product like GlideÆ. And visit your dental office regularly for oral exams and cleanings.

Above article from: Crest.com

Bridget Burris, DDS  
1748 South Triviz Drive
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 522-1983
LasCrucesDentist.com

What are the Stages of Gum Disease?

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not removed through daily brushing and flossing, plaque can build up and the bacteria infect not only your gums and teeth, but eventually the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth. This can cause them to become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist.
There are three stages of gum disease:

• Gingivitis: this is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gumline. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins (poisons) that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. You may notice some bleeding during brushing and flossing. At this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.
• Periodontitis: at this stage, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may begin to form a pocket below the gumline, which traps food and plaque. Proper dental treatment and improved home care can usually help prevent further damage.
• Advanced Periodontitis: in this final stage of gum disease, the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are destroyed, which can cause your teeth to shift or loosen. This can affect your bite and, if aggressive treatment can't save them, teeth may need to be removed.

Read the rest of the article at Colgate.com to learn more about how to know if you have gum disease and how gum disease is treated. 

 

The above article is from: Colgate.com

Bridget Burris, DDS  
1748 South Triviz Drive
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 522-1983
LasCrucesDentist.com

Causes and Treatment of Canker Sores

Cold Sores and Canker Sores Compared
It’s easy to confuse cold sores and canker sores.

Unlike a cold sore, a canker sore is not contagious, and it appears on the inside tissues of the mouth rather than the outer surface of the lip (which is where cold sores appear). A canker sore, also known as an apthous ulcer, looks like a small, round or oval lesion that has a white or yellowish center surrounded by red. They tend to be indented, like a crater, rather than raised, like a bump.

Canker sores most often appear on the inside of the cheeks and lips or at the base of the gum. Canker sores are not usually associated with bleeding gums, so if you are experiencing bleeding gums you should see your dentist to be evaluated for possible gum disease.

The majority of canker sores are mild. Mild canker sores are less than one-third of an inch long and usually heal on their own after a few weeks.

But major apthous ulcers, defined as larger than 10 mm in size, can take more than a month to heal and can cause scarring when they finally do heal. So it’s important to visit your doctor or dentist if you have a canker sore that has persisted for more than a few weeks. These large ulcers are most common in young adults after puberty, and they are more likely to recur than smaller sores. Older adults are more prone to herpetiform lesions, in which dozens of tiny lesions group together to form a large ulcer.

The exact cause of canker sores remains uncertain, but possible factors include an allergic reaction to bacteria in the mouth, a minor injury to the inside of the mouth due to dental work or poorly fitting dental appliances, food allergies or health problems, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Although most canker sores resolve on their own, if you have a large or stubborn lesion, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic mouth rinse, topical paste to apply to the lesion, or a nutritional supplement if poor nutrition may be the cause of the canker sore.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Bridget Burris, DDS  
1748 South Triviz Drive
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 522-1983
LasCrucesDentist.com

Tooth Abscess Symptoms And Treatment

Symptoms And Treatment Of Tooth Abscess
If you have a toothache that goes beyond mild to moderate tooth pain and reaches a level of severe, throbbing pain, it could be a sign of a tooth abscess. A tooth abscess is a pus-filled lesion at the roots of a tooth, and is caused by an infection. The first sign is a throbbing toothache that won’t go away.

At first, the tooth will likely be sensitive to chewing and biting, as well as to heat and cold. You also may develop a fever, swollen lymph nodes in your jaw or neck, or swelling on your face.

If the abscess ruptures, you’ll know because of the nasty-tasting discharge in your mouth. Although the pain may recede if the abscess ruptures, you still need to be treated by a dentist in order to get rid of the infection, save the tooth and avoid complications. If the abscess doesn’t rupture, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. This is not a problem to ignore.

Treatment will likely include draining the abscess if it hasn’t ruptured. Your dentist also may recommend that you take over-the-counter pain relievers, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, and take antibiotics. More severe abscesses may require a root canal to remove infected tissue, and the worst cases require extraction of the tooth.

A tooth abscess can get its start as an untreated tooth cavity, so the best way to prevent an abscess is to prevent the cavity in the first place by following a consistent oral health routine of twice daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. Regular visits to your dentist are important too, especially if you’ve been treated for an abscess. This allows your dentist to confirm that the infection has cleared.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Bridget Burris, DDS  
1748 South Triviz Drive
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 522-1983
LasCrucesDentist.com

Recognizing and Treating Oral Thrush

Recognizing and Treating Oral Thrush
Oral thrush, also known oral candidiasis, is a condition that occurs when a fungus called Candida albicans builds up on the lining of your mouth.

Anyone can develop oral thrush, but babies, young children, older adults, or anyone with a compromised immune system due to an illness such as HIV are more susceptible. Conversely, candidiasis lesions can be an early sign of an HIV infection.

The main symptom of oral thrush is creamy white lesions in the mouth, usually on the tongue or inner cheeks. In some cases, the lesions may appear on the roof of the mouth or on the back of the throat.

Interestingly, oral thrush is not caused by poor oral hygiene. Thrush is caused when the naturally occurring fungi in the body get out of balance, which is why the very old, very young, and people with weak immune systems are at higher risk. Good oral hygiene, however, is an essential part of treating oral thrush. Healthy adults and children can recover fairly easily from the infection, especially if they follow a complete oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily proper flossing.

To read the entire article please visit: OralB.com

Bridget Burris, DDS  
1748 South Triviz Drive
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 522-1983
LasCrucesDentist.com 

Children's Dentistry

Your Children Will Enjoy Their Visits

Our doctors can put your children at ease for their treatments. Our thoughtfulness is reflected in the way we provide dental care in a gentle manner. We use the latest advancements that make visits easier with less time in the dental chair.

We teach our young patients how to care for their teeth on a daily basis and instill the concept that proper care will help them keep their natural teeth for a lifetime. We enjoy every visit, beginning with their first tooth, and seeing them change each year as they grow up.

It is our goal to have each generation of children grow up without fear of dentistry. Parents have told us they are very pleased that their children enjoy their visits to our office. We can help with an active or scared child to make them feel comfortable and relaxed. 

Bridget Burris, DDS  
Jared S. Wallis, DDS
1748 South Triviz Drive
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 522-1983
LasCrucesDentist.com

Sedation Dentistry

Our Full Range of Sedation Options

We understand that for some patients, dental treatments create anxiety. Shots and drills can create apprehension, and we are especially sensitive to these patients' needs. We can relieve your fears and make dental work easy for you with conscious sedation.

Comfortable Dental Treatment Las Cruces NMWe are one of the few practices in the state with the qualifications to administer IV and oral sedation. Dr. Burris has been certified by the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, so you know you're in good hands.

IV sedation provides the highest level of sedation and takes effect in the shortest amount of time. We maintain more control with an IV than with oral sedation. The medication is directly administered through the bloodstream for a more reliable and predictable level of sedation. You won't remember the procedure, and it will seem like it took just minutes. This type of sedation is used for longer appointments with extensive dental work and also for those with the greatest fear of dental work.

We also offer oral conscious sedation. By taking one pill an hour before your scheduled appointment, you will gradually feel very relaxed. You are not completely out, so you can respond to any questions asked by the doctor. But you are unaware of the procedure as you calmly sit in the dental chair. After the work is completed, someone drives you home.

For lighter needs, we provide nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas. All three types of sedation are safe and effective to make your dental work easy, comfortable, and worry free. 

Bridget Burris, DDS 
Jared S. Wallis, DDS
1748 South Triviz Drive
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 522-1983
LasCrucesDentist.com

Implant Dentistry

"Growing" New Teeth

Missing teeth can cause various other problems with your oral well-being. They do not just alter the appearance of your smile. They provide the ability to chew foods properly to get the most nutrients out of your food. Dental implants are the solution to replace one or many missing teeth. They come up through the gums and give the appearance of natural teeth, unlike bridges or dentures that sit on top of the gums. Those without any teeth can benefit from implants, as the problems of slippage and tilting are gone, and no longer do dentures need to be taken out at night. We handle the entire process from implant to crown placement, so you will likely not be inconvenienced in being referred to another office.

Some patients require special preparation, called sinus or ridge augmentation, before they are able to receive implants. In most cases, we can also provide this procedure directly, saving you time and the complications of dealing with another specialist.


Bridget Burris, DDS 
Jared S. Wallis, DDS
1748 South Triviz Drive
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 522-1983
LasCrucesDentist.com

Cosmetic Dentistry

Remaking Your Smile
We want you to feel good about your smile, and we can improve it with whitening, bonding, crowns, veneers, and more! Smile makeovers are much easier than you think and very affordable. Together with the preventive care we provide, the smile of your dreams can be achieved. 


Bridget Burris, DDS 
Jared S. Wallis, DDS
1748 South Triviz Drive
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 522-1983
LasCrucesDentist.com

Dentists Las Cruces NM

Drs. Burris and Wallis are pleased to be able to offer beautiful smiles to their neighbors in Las Cruces and the surrounding communities.

Bridget Burris, DDS
Dr. Burris graduated from Baylor University College of Dentistry with her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1985, and then began practicing general dentistry in Las Cruces. Prior to receiving her degree in dentistry, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from New Mexico State University in 1981. During that time she was also a graduate research assistant at Los Alamos National Laboratory. She has undergone extensive postgraduate training and has completed study at The Dawson Academy, The Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education, and Spear Education. Dr. Burris takes a special interest in cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry and uses modern tools and techniques to create life-changing smiles.

Dr. Burris' dedication to providing comprehensive, high-quality care shows in her commitment to continuing education. Her advanced coursework includes one-appointment crowns (CEREC™ technology), cosmetic dental treatments using each patient's individual facial features as a guide for restoration, IV and oral sedation, computer-guided dental implant placement, laser periodontal therapy, advanced cardiac life support, and TMJ analysis, to name a few. She combines clinical knowledge with state-of-the-art technology and gentle, compassionate care to deliver rewarding experiences that truly change our patients' lives.

Her professional memberships include the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, New Mexico Dental Association, South West District Dental Society, Spear Faculty Club, and the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation. She has completed her fellowship with the Misch Institute of Implantology. In February of 2012, Dr. Burris earned Diplomate status with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. The awarding of Diplomate status is the highest honor a professional society such as the ICOI can bestow on a dental professional involved in oral implantology. She is also certified in laser dentistry by the Academy of Laser Dentistry. Dr. Burris is a visiting faculty member for the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry and Spear Education. She also has gained fellowship status with The Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry.

For the past 23 years, Dr. Burris has volunteered her time to the El Paso Zoo, performing dentistry for the animals. She also volunteers in Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico on medical and dental mission trips, as well as volunteering locally at the New Mexico Mission of Mercy. She also supports her local community through involvement with local youth, FFA, 4-H, and Las Cruces Rotary. In her spare time, Dr. Burris enjoys scuba diving, beading, and spending time with her two children and pets.

Jared Wallis, DDS
Dr. Wallis graduated from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Prior to receiving his degree in dentistry, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry with Honors from New Mexico State University, receiving the Glenn R. Hamiel Award for Analytical Chemistry.

Dr. Wallis' dedication to a lifetime of learning and comprehensive, high-quality care shows in his commitment to continuing education. His advanced coursework includes one-appointment crowns (CEREC technology), endodontics (root canals), cosmetic dental treatments using each patient's individual facial features as a guide for restoration, oral sedation, short-term orthodontics, and TMJ analysis, to name a few.

His professional memberships include the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, NM ADA, Southwest District Dental Society, and Delta Sigma Delta Society. Dr. Wallis also volunteers for New Mexico Mission of Mercy and New Mexico Dental Donated Services. He has also participated in a medical/dental mission trip to Peru and is very active in his church.

Dr. Wallis was raised in Las Cruces and graduated from Mesilla Valley Christian School in 2001. He played basketball for Mesilla Valley and then coached the junior and varsity basketball teams while attending New Mexico State University.

Dr. Wallis married his wife, Jayme, in 2008. They have two beautiful children together. Dr. Wallis enjoys playing basketball, guitar, the piano, and hunting. He loves practicing dentistry in the community where he was raised and is committed to providing compassionate care to the people of Las Cruces.

Bridget Burris, DDS
Jared S. Wallis, DDS
1748 South Triviz Drive
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 522-1983
LasCrucesDentist.com