Upcountry Dental

Every once in a while, every dentist gets a panicked call from a school or parent - someone was hit in the mouth and either broke a tooth, knocked it loose or knocked it out completely. There can be may different scenarios, such a bike accident, an elbow to the mouth playing basketball, or a softball to the face, but whatever the cause if you know what to do and act quickly you can help save the tooth and prevent a lifetime of dental problems. If a tooth if hit or chipped, but doesn't come out, you should see your dentist as soon as possible to evaluate the tooth. Treatment can be done to cover sensitive exposed tooth structure. In many cases, the pulp (nerve) of the tooth will need to be tested initially and at a follow-up visit to determine if the tooth is going to become nonvital (i.e. a dead tooth) and need a root canal. If the tooth is loose, it may need to be splinted in position with a wire or bonding to other teeth Soft tissue injuries to the lip sometimes needs su...

 Many patients that have suffered a lifetime of dental problems find themselves stuck at difficult crossroads - their natural teeth can't be saved, but they can't reasonably go out in the world without teeth! Many people have jobs facing the public and active social lives, and the idea of going into the world without a smile on their face is simply not an option. So is it really possible to get teeth in a day? Yes and no. Impressions or scans (digital impressions taken with a camera) of the mouth can be made before the extractions, and a dental lab technician can make a denture off the model that is ready to be seated the day the teeth are extracted. These are called same-day dentures, immediate dentures, or surgical dentures. It usually takes a few weeks after the impressions are made before the denture is ready. There are may advantages to same day dentures in addition to esthetics. These dentures can act as a band-aid that helps control bleeding and swelling immediately...

 There are few pains that rank as high as a bad tooth ache - maybe migraines, childbirth or kidney stones? They can truly be debilitating, and I've seen people try many things when they are desperate for relief. It's important to understand when you have a toothache there are two major causes - nerve pain, coming from a tooth that is cracked or decayed but the nerve inside the tooth is still alive, and infection pain, where bacteria in and around the tooth has caused an infection in the soft tissue or bone. Nerve pain, while less dangerous to your health, can be harder to treat without a visit to the dentist. If there's a cavity that is exposed, sometimes covering the hole with a temporary filling material can help shield it from cold. Alternating Tylenol and ibuprofen can also help. If the pain is from infection, an antibiotic will usually help after a few days and keep the swelling from getting worse. However, with tooth infections, once you go off the antibiotic is...

 Many patients get confused about what it means to have an In-Network or Out-of-Network provider. When you see a dentist Out-of-Network, your insurance is likely to cover some of the cost of covered services, but usually a lower percentage than if the dentist was In-Network. Also, when a dentist is In-Network, they have a contract with the insurance company that in which they agree to accept discounted fees. It can also make the claims process much smoother, with insurance companies often reimbursing more quickly and making it much easier to estimate out of pocket costs for the patient. Seeing an In-Network dentist can save hundreds, if not thousands, At Upcountry Dental in Seneca, South Carolina, we try to be In-Network with as many insurances as possible, making getting treatment easier and more affordable for our patients. We are In-Network with many popular insurers, including Humana , Delta Dental , Aetna , United Healthcare , and more. Call us today at 864-776-0123 to...

Oral health is a crucial component of overall wellness, affecting not only the mouth but also the entire body. Poor oral hygiene can lead to various health issues, demonstrating the interconnectedness of oral and systemic health. Here are several key areas where oral health impacts overall wellness: 1. Connection to Systemic Diseases Research has shown that oral health is linked to several systemic diseases, including: Cardiovascular Disease: Gum disease (periodontitis) can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Diabetes: There is a bidirectional relationship; diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease, and severe gum disease can affect blood sugar control. Respiratory Infections: Bacteria from periodontal disease can be aspirated into the lungs, leading to respiratory conditions. 2. Mental Health Oral health can also influence mental well-being: Self-Esteem: Poor oral health can lead to embarrassment and low self-esteem, impacting social interactions. Anxiety and Depres...