Dr. Phelps Indianapolis Dentistry Blog

Cosmetic Dentist Serving Carmel, Noblesville & the Greater Indianapolis Area

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Common Symptoms of TMJ
June 04, 2019

You probably don’t think about your temporomandibular joint very often, if ever, but it’s the amazing joint that helps your jaw move up and down and side to side. This hinge-like joint is situated on both sides of your head, right in front of your ears. It connects your jaw to your skull and allows you to chew, speak, and yawn. 

Like any intricate machine, if a part of the system is strained or damaged, it can lead to far-reaching dysfunction. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), is commonly referred to as TMJ, and it can cause discomfort in many forms.

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Category:
TMJ
Does Oil Pulling Whiten Teeth?
April 15, 2019

Woman smilingOil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that is accomplished by swishing a tablespoon of oil – typically coconut oil – around the teeth and gums for 15 to 30 minutes a day. Proponents of oil pulling tout benefits including a reduced risk of cavities and gum disease, fresh breath, and whiter teeth.

Advocates of this practice claim is that gargling with coconut oil pulls out toxins, helping keep...

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Category:
General Dentistry, Oral Health, Teeth Whitening
Coconut Oil vs. Activated Charcoal: Which is Better for Whitening Teeth?
March 29, 2019

Woman with nice teethDIY teeth whiteners are becoming increasingly popular as bloggers and influencers peddle them as "natural" alternatives to traditional teeth whitening. Two of the trendiest methods are brushing with activated charcoal and coconut oil pulling (gargling and swishing coconut oil in your mouth).

Whether these methods work is another matter. Studies have shown that...

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Category:
Cosmetic Dentistry, Teeth Whitening
The 3 Best Foods for Your Oral Health
February 20, 2019

What Are The 3 Best Foods for Your Oral Health?

Bowl of broccoli, which has a high calcium content for better dental health.It's easy to know what not to eat if you want healthy teeth and gums -- candy, ice cream, cookies -- but what foods are actually good for your oral health? A lot, it turns out. Regardless of your palette or your dietary restrictions, there is something out there that can improve your dental...

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Category:
General Dentistry, Oral Health
How Quickly Will CEREC Crowns Stain?
January 30, 2019

Lab-created cosmetic restorations such as porcelain veneers and dental crowns are made of materials that naturally resist staining. When properly cared for through brushing and professional cleanings, some restorations can maintain their bright and stain-free appearance for several years. The stain resistance of lab-created restorations, combined with their incredible strength and durability, have made them an obvious choice for decades.

CEREC restorations have been shown to be just as durable as those created by a third-party. When cared for properly, in-office...

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Category:
CEREC Dentistry, Teeth Whitening
What Are My Tooth Replacement Options?
September 27, 2018

If you are missing one or more teeth, replacing them is incredibly important. Failure to replace teeth can allow adjacent teeth to slip out of place and permanently alter your bite. Worse still, left unaddressed and missing teeth can lead to the collapse of the jaw, forever changing your jawline and producing shrunken facial features.

Indianapolis prosthodontist Dr. John Phelps is pleased to offer a range of treatment options that can be used to replace teeth - individually or in rows - to protect the smile and preserve the jaw. The short quiz below will help you better understand your options, but...

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Category:
CEREC Dentistry, Dental Implants, Dentures
Infographic: Are Dental Implants Permanent?
August 22, 2018

Dental implants are the most reliable form of tooth replacement. They are also the longest-lasting. Because they are inserted directly into the jaw, they are able to replace missing tooth roots, which helps prevent changes to the size and shape of jaw bone. After placement, dental implants undergo a process called osseointegration where they are secured into bone by osteoblasts and connective tissue. Once secured, an implant should not come loose or fall out unless advanced gum disease or another serious oral health issue arises.

If you live in...

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Category:
Dental Implants
National Coffee Month
August 02, 2018

August is National Coffee Month, but before you celebrate with an increased intake of America’s favorite beverage, take a moment to consider the impact coffee has on teeth.

Coffee is one of the most common causes of tooth discoloration. Even an inconsistent coffee habit can hasten a yellowing of tooth enamel - and a daily habit can turn even the most pearly of whites to a dull brown over the course of just a few weeks.

More than just an aesthetic concern, coffee encourages acid production from bacteria in the mouth. This acid, when left in place, can...

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Category:
Cosmetic Dentistry, Teeth Whitening
Dentures FAQ
July 18, 2018

Do you have questions about dentures? This SlideShare presentation covers many frequently asked questions about dentures including:

  • What types of dentures are available?
  • Do dentures hurt?
  • How do dentures impact speaking and eating abilities?
  • Are there alternatives to dentures?

Take a moment to review the denture FAQ below, then call our office at 317-818-9858 to learn how Dr. Phelps can restore strength, function, and beauty to your smile.

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Category:
Dentures
Can Dental Implants be Used for Dentures?
July 11, 2018

Dental implants can be used to secure many different types of restorations. The most popular options at our Indianapolis office are:

When used to secure dentures, implants are placed at carefully selected locations throughout the jaw to provide multiple points of contact. This method of securing dentures can be used for partial or full sets and is much more reliable than adhesives, making implant supported dentures one of the best ways to replace...

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Category:
Dental Implants, Dentures

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