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Dental implants have come a long way since their inception in the 1960s. From traditional x-rays to advanced technology, the world of dental implants continues to evolve and improve. Today, dental implant planning and placement have become more accurate and efficient with the use of CBCT imaging. Our goal with our dental team is to stay on the cutting edge of dental technology so in 2023 we have invested in Cone-Beam Imaging and will now offer implant placement in house for our patients. CBCT, or Cone-Beam Computed Tomography, is a state-of-the-art imaging technology that provides a detailed three-dimensional (3D) view of the jaws, teeth, and surrounding structures. It provides crucial information that helps dentists and oral surgeons plan and place dental implants with greater precision and confidence. The Benefits of CBCT Imaging for Dental Implants Improved accuracy: With CBCT imaging, dentists and oral surgeons can see the exact location and anatomy of nerves, sinuses, and other critical structures. This information allows for a more accurate placement of dental implants, reducing the risk of complications and ensuring a successful outcome. Better treatment planning: CBCT imaging allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the jawbone and surrounding structures, which is crucial for effective treatment planning. Dentists and oral surgeons can use the 3D images to determine the optimal placement and orientation of dental implants, ensuring a better fit and function. Reduced surgical time: By providing detailed 3D images, CBCT imaging eliminates the need for multiple x-rays and physical impressions. This not only saves time but also reduces patient discomfort. Additionally, the information gathered from CBCT imaging allows for a faster, more efficient surgical procedure. Better patient outcomes: With the improved accuracy and better treatment planning provided by CBCT imaging, patients can expect a more predictable and successful outcome. Dental implants can replace missing teeth and restore a patient's smile, leading to improved oral health, function, and self-esteem. In conclusion, CBCT imaging is a game-changer in the world of dental implants. It offers improved accuracy, better treatment planning, reduced surgical time, and better patient outcomes. At our dental implant practice, we utilize state-of-the-art technology to provide our patients with the best possible dental care. Contact us today to learn more about how CBCT imaging can benefit you and your smile.

Mouthwash is often overlooked as an important component of oral hygiene, but it plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Many people are under the impression that brushing and flossing are enough to keep their mouths healthy, but incorporating mouthwash into your daily routine can greatly enhance the overall health of your mouth. First and foremost, mouthwash helps to kill bacteria that brushing and flossing alone can’t reach. This is especially important for those who have a tendency to develop cavities or gum disease. By killing the bacteria, mouthwash reduces the risk of developing these conditions, keeping your teeth and gums healthy. In addition to killing bacteria, mouthwash can also help to freshen breath and remove particles from the mouth. This is especially important for people who suffer from bad breath, as it can help to mask any unpleasant odors and leave a fresh, clean taste in the mouth. There are many different types of mouthwash available, and it’s important to choose one that suits your individual needs. For example, some mouthwashes are designed to help with sensitivity, while others are formulated to treat gingivitis or plaque buildup. Your dentist can help you determine which type of mouthwash is right for you. Another benefit of mouthwash is that it can help to strengthen the enamel on your teeth. This is particularly important for those who are prone to tooth sensitivity or who have weakened enamel due to acid erosion. By strengthening the enamel, mouthwash helps to protect the teeth and keep them healthy. Incorporating mouthwash into your daily routine is easy and can be done in just a few simple steps. Simply rinse your mouth with the mouthwash for 30 seconds, then spit it out and rinse with water. It’s best to use mouthwash after brushing and flossing, as this will help to maximize its effectiveness. In conclusion, mouthwash is an essential component of oral hygiene and should not be overlooked. By killing bacteria, freshening breath, and strengthening enamel, it helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent the development of oral health problems. So next time you’re at the store, remember to pick up a bottle of mouthwash and start incorporating it into your daily routine today!

Maintaining good oral health is vital for overall well-being. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health problems. One of the most important things you can do for your oral health is to schedule regular check-ups with your dentist. These check-ups typically include a professional cleaning, where your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and polished, and an examination, where your dentist will check for any signs of decay, infection or other problems. They can also take X-rays to check for any issues that may not be visible to the naked eye. Regular dental check-ups can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease by removing plaque and tartar buildup, which are the main causes of these conditions. They can also detect oral cancer in its early stages, which can be crucial for successful treatment. Additionally, regular check-ups can help identify and address any issues with your bite, such as an overbite or underbite, which can lead to pain or difficulty chewing. Your dentist can also provide you with important advice on how to take care of your teeth and gums at home, such as the proper way to brush and floss, and which products to use. They can also discuss the benefits of additional treatments such as fluoride, dental sealants, and professional teeth whitening. Another important aspect of regular dental check-ups is the opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have about your oral health. Whether it's a toothache, sensitivity, or a cosmetic issue, your dentist is trained to address a wide range of oral health issues and can provide you with the appropriate treatment plan. In summary, regular dental check-ups are an important aspect of maintaining good oral health. They can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, detect oral cancer in its early stages, address any issues with your bite, and provide you with valuable advice on how to take care of your teeth and gums at home. Make sure to schedule regular check-ups with your dentist and take the necessary steps to maintain your oral health. We are committed to providing exceptional, family-oriented dental care. Our team ensures that every visit to our practice is a positive and informative experience. We believe that trust and communication between the patient and the dentist is crucial for a positive experience at the dental office. That's why we have filled our website with useful information on various forms of restorative care, our award-winning Invisalign programs, dental hygiene guides, and much more. Schedule your appointment today!

After almost two years of focusing on launching seven offices, effectively doubling the size of the dental group, Dr. James Willis, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Willis & Associates Family Dentistry, will be returning to clinical practice at our Cville Dentist location (2375 Commonwealth Dr A, Charlottesville, VA 22901, www.cvilledentist.com). Fahim Mohi, our Chief Marketing Officer, sat down with Dr. Willis to hear his story of his journey in the world of dentistry thus far. —--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fahim: First question Dr. Willis, as principal of the dental group, you’ve doubled in size during COVID-19 when a lot of other businesses and dentists were shutting down, what pushed you to succeed in a time where most were struggling? Dr. Willis: Well, I think it goes back to one of my core beliefs; my responsibility is to lead our group of doctors and team of individuals who are working very hard to give our communities and patients that we serve the best in dentistry. My responsibility to them is to put our dental practices and staff in a position where they can focus on providing our patients with the best dental care. Growing is a natural part of that, and it’s very difficult to tread water for me, so to speak. I believe you either sink or swim. COVID-19 was definitely a time of turbulent water for our group. And, the growth we had was because of our focus to push forward. Fahim: Can you tell me a little bit about your journey as a dentist before you started leading a fourteen practice dental group? Dr. Willis: I started at the WVU School of Dentistry Clinic in 2007 I believe, as a third year dental school student. I’ve always loved the craftsmanship and quality in the clinical aspects of dentistry. It’s very rewarding, whether it’s a single tooth or a complete smile, to see the change from damaged teeth to a perfect, beautiful smile. Everyone in dentistry knows that working in a clinic is hard work – but I’ve always loved it, as I’ve been a bit of a workhorse my whole life. I truly enjoy the grind. Fast forward to ten years later, I was working five days a week doing a tremendous amount of dentistry between our practices from Crozet to Augusta County. I’ve had some of the best patients in the world, worked with wonderful people, and honestly, some of my patients have ended up becoming my best friends for life! As we grew, it got to the point where I had to cut back some of my clinical time due to the load of launching the new offices all across Virginia and mentoring doctors and clinical staff. It was difficult to cut back on the restorative work, which I’ve always loved, so I am very excited to start full time clinically again this year. Fahim: How has your clinical practice changed from when you started to now? Dr. Willis: Well it’s funny how time flies – when I started, I was blessed with good clinical mentors and I had good hands, but my patients would look at me early out of school and say things like they ‘have pairs of socks older than me’. Now, I’m at the point in my career where I have the experience and I haven’t lost a step, so I feel like this is my prime and I want to do some of the best dentistry that I will have done in my career. Fahim: What type of cases or dentistry are you most excited about? Dr. Willis: Well we have the iTero element digital scanner in every one of our offices, and we’re adding conebeams this year – one for each region – so we will be able to do implants in-house. I’m most excited about giving patients the benefits of a fully digital workflow for their restorative needs. Of course, the smile rehabilitation cases are my favorite, I can’t wait to build some new smiles and change some lives in 2023. Fahim: Can you tell me about some of your mentors that you’ve had in your career thus far? Dr. Willis: From the beginning, circa 2006, Dr. Howard Farran and Dr. Scott Luene were big influences on my practice management. I do have to say that Dr. David Galler, who actually just educated our entire group at our Winter Summit, made a big impact on my niche of providing digital orthodontics and Invisalign to our patients, and that’s only getting better. Fahim: And to conclude our interview, any New Year’s resolutions or goals that you have for 2023? Dr. Willis: I’m just wishing for health and happiness for my family, my staff, and my patients, and we want this to be our best year yet!

Everyone wants a perfect smile, and that description usually involves having teeth that are pearly white. There are a number of measures available to those who want to whiten their teeth, but which one is the best choice? The answer to that question lies in each individual’s unique dental circumstances. To choose the most appropriate method, it is important to understand what causes tooth discoloration, how the different products work, and most importantly, knowing whether or not teeth whitening procedures are dangerous for your health. What Causes Tooth Discoloration? There are a number of causes for tooth discoloration, and these reasons can be divided into two categories: intrinsic (within the tooth) and extrinsic (arising from the outside of the tooth). As the tooth ages, enamel tends to thin from wear. Other forces that may contribute to thinning enamel are activities such as grinding teeth, and eating acidic foods. At the same time, dentin, which is the layer inside the enamel, tends to darken and yellow. Specifically, as the body works to repair your teeth, the newer dentin is darker. Other things that tend to yellow your teeth include taking tetracycline before the age of 10, falling and hitting your tooth, too much fluoride, and genetics. In addition, the outer part of the tooth can also stain, resulting in extrinsic discoloration. Activities that contribute to the staining include smoking, and drinking coffee, tea, or red wine. The interesting thing is that intrinsic and extrinsic discolorations are treated differently, so it is important to determine the cause before deciding on treatment. What Treatments are Available There are a number of products available for whitening, however the ADA recommends that whatever you choose, a dentist should supervise it. Whitening toothpaste will only treat extrinsic discoloration, so it is only necessary if you have staining. Another way to treat external staining is by having your teeth professionally cleaned and polished at your dentist’s office. Intrinsic discoloration can be treated with professional whitening at the dentist’s office, utilizing a bleaching gel that is accelerated using a special light. The gel is soaked into the inner aspect of the tooth, lightening the dentin. With the inner aspect of the tooth lighter, it reflects a lighter shade through the enamel. Yet another way to have dentist-supervised whitening is by having custom whitening trays made from impressions taken in the office. These trays help prevent the hydrogen peroxide from coming in contact with your gums, while surrounding your teeth three-dimensionally with the whitening gel. Whitening strips, which are available over the counter, may provide some intrinsic whitening, however the results are often uneven, and there is a greater risk of irritation to surrounding tissue, and for swallowing of the chemicals used for the whitening. Finally, whitening mouthwash is not very effective, because there is very little contact with the teeth, and DIY strawberry or lemon paste applications are not recommended because the fruit acid wears away the tooth enamel. Who is a Candidate for Whitening? The best place to get an answer to this question is at your dentist’s office. Every patient is different, and his or her dental health and history will determine whether whitening is an option. However, some general guidelines can help inform your decision. Bleaching products are not recommended for children under the age of 16, because the nerve root can become irritated, creating increased sensitivity. The use of whitening products is also not recommended for pregnant or lactating women. If you have sensitive teeth, or have an allergy to the chemicals used, it would not be advised that you use the products. With a dental exam, it can be determined if you have gum disease, worn enamel, untreated cavities or exposed nerve roots. All of these conditions should discourage you from undergoing whitening treatment. So Is Teeth Whitening Dangerous? If you do not have any of the previously mentioned conditions, and if you are under the supervision of a dentist, teeth whitening is not dangerous. However, you should be aware that you might experience some adverse effects. For instance, many people experience tooth sensitivity after treatment. This is only temporary but you can anticipate this possibility. It is important to keep the products away from your gums, because it can cause local gum irritation. This effect can be minimized by the use of custom-fit trays. Another reason to undergo whitening under the supervision of a dentist is because you can have too much of a good thing. Excessive use of the bleaching product can permanently damage your teeth, making them look see-through or discolored. Whitening toothpaste is a good way to remove stains, but it is abrasive and shouldn’t be used more than once per week. Whitening strips will often give uneven results, can sometimes irritate your gums, and may upset your stomach when you swallow the chemicals. In summary, tooth whitening is a viable option to improve the look of your smile. Depending on the type of discoloration you have, there are a number of safe and effective options available for treatment. However, for the best results both aesthetically, and for the health of your teeth and gums, it is recommended that whatever treatment you choose, you do it under the supervision of a dentist. If you have any questions about tooth whitening and the options that have been mentioned, or if you have any other dental concerns, we invite you to schedule an appointment today. We offer comprehensive dental care, including sedation dentistry and reconstructive care, and we are committed to helping you achieve your optimal level of dental health.

THE LINK BETWEEN ORAL HEALTH AND HEARING LOSS Learning that your hearing health is excellent may make you smile, but did you know that your oral health can actually influence your ability to hear? Tooth decay and gum disease are caused by pathogenic bacteria, which can enter the bloodstream and threaten a person’s overall health. In fact, gum disease may lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic health issues. Harmful bacteria that originate in your mouth can also inflame and narrow the arteries and blood vessels located in your ears and brain, which are crucial to your hearing health. Once you understand the link between oral health and hearing loss, we hope you won’t ever forget to brush, floss, or visit your dentist. Oral Health and Hearing Loss The Process of Hearing First, let’s review how hearing works. When your outer ear collects sound waves, the vibrations funnel into the ear canal, through the eardrum, and into the middle ear, where they vibrate tiny bones called ossicles. The vibrations then reach the innermost part of the ear, an organ called the cochlea. Here, the vibrations stimulate fluid and tiny hair cells, which translate the vibrations into electrical impulses. The brain detects these impulses via the auditory nerve and interprets them. If any of these components fail to complete its job properly, you will experience auditory issues. Common complications include damaged hair cells, perforated or ruptured eardrums, ear infections, and otosclerosis. The Link Between Oral Health and Hearing Loss So how are oral health and hearing loss connected? If you neglect your dental hygiene by forgetting to brush your teeth or avoiding flossing, harmful bacteria will develop around your teeth and gums. Dental issues like periodontal disease, dental infections, and abscesses can cause this bacteria to proliferate. If left untreated, the bacteria can enter your bloodstream and may even reach your brain. When bacteria in the mouth spreads throughout the body, it can cause inflammation that prevents the healthy flow of blood and may result in clots. Because the hair cells in the cochlea require healthy blood circulation, they may become damaged or even permanently destroyed if blood circulation is low, causing hearing loss. How to Care for Your Teeth and Gums To ensure that a rich supply of blood can reach your cochlea, it is important that you maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Luckily, this doesn’t require a lot of time or effort – just consistency. Once you get into the habit of caring for your teeth and gums properly, it will feel like just another part of your daily routine. Follow these basic rules, and ask your dentist if you have any questions: BRUSH: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, ideally after meals. Brush for two minutes or more each time using a soft-bristle brush. Be sure to select the right size of toothbrush; it should be able to fit into the back corners of your mouth and reach all the surfaces of your teeth. After you brush, rinse your toothbrush and let it air dry. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, and do not let anyone borrow your toothbrush. FLOSS: Floss your teeth at least once a day, wrapping a new section of floss around each tooth each time. You should use at least 18 inches of floss. VISIT THE DENTIST: Schedule a cleaning and evaluation with your dentist every six months. The dental hygienist will professionally clean your teeth, but this doesn’t eliminate the need for daily brushing and flossing at home. Your dentist or hygienist may provide feedback to help you improve your oral hygiene routine. During the evaluation portion of the appointment, your dentist will look for symptoms of dental issues, diagnose any ailments, and recommend treatments. Many aspects of health are related, so if you want to preserve your hearing health, don’t focus solely on ear protection and visiting your audiologist. Try to keep your entire body in good shape.

If you have severe acid reflux, you may end up needing a dentist. Since acid reflux impacts your stomach and digestive track, it may seem strange that the two are connected. In reality, it is understandable that teeth suffer due to acid reflux considering that the acid winds its way up from the stomach and into the mouth. Each time you have an acid attack that acid can start to attack and break down the enamel or outer layer of the teeth. This is problematic as enamel is necessary for keeping strong and healthy teeth. As the acid continues to attack the teeth, the enamel will wear away, leaving you with exposed dentin. This is not a good situation because dentin is porous and contains your nerve endings. Every time something touches your tooth it can also touch your nerves and send a pain signal to your brain. This can create sudden sensations of extreme discomfort and pain. When the erosion proceeds even further, the tooth can start to break down and wear away. Many patients suffer from holes in their teeth and even bone loss as a result. It is important to have your teeth cleaned and examined several times a year so that you can prevent much of this damage and the trip to a dentist. When you visit our office, we can look for signs of infections, cavities, and erosion. If we find something of concern, we can treat it right away. The sooner we can identify and diagnose any issues with your teeth or gums, the better chance we have of addressing it quickly before it can spread to other areas and create significant discomfort. In addition to visiting our office, it is important to know what to do at home. For example, if an episode of reflux takes place, you need to rinse your mouth with water right away. We recommend waiting a full hour before brushing your teeth to ensure that you don't accidentally strip away the enamel even further. When it is time to brush be sure to use a soft toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste while brushing gently to remove sugar, bacteria, and the acid. You also need to visit your doctor and have them prescribe you medication for your acid reflux. The best way to prevent reflux-induced erosion is to stop the acid in the first place. By killing it at the source, you can start to feel better right away while also keeping your teeth in good health. If you do suffer from an acid attack, taking an over the counter antacid can help keep it under control. You can also drink a glass of soy or almond milk to help feel better in the moment.

Invisalign is quite different from traditional braces in a number of ways. It goes way beyond waiting for your teeth to get straighter. It also involves cleaning your teeth and gums regularly and preventing tooth decay and gum disease. That way, not only is your smile straighter than ever, but your teeth are extremely clean and not at risk for other conditions and diseases. When you finish your Invisalign treatment you will be impressed with how straight your teeth are as well as clean and healthy. It is important that when you have Invisalign that you take care of your teeth just as you would without them. Here are some tips on how to care for your teeth with Invisalign. Take Out Your Trays One of the differences you will notice between traditional metal braces and Invisalign is that Invisalign braces are removable and completely invisible. This means that you must take your trays out every time you eat so you do not get any food stuck in between them. You also need to remove them before you clean them. You need to have full access to all of the nooks and crannies inside of your mouth. Brush Your Teeth Normally The guidelines when it comes to brushing your teeth with Invisalign will not change in comparison to braces. You will be required to brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste to make sure to get all of the areas of your teeth and mouth. If you can then you should brush your teeth after every single meal. If you are unable to brush your teeth after each meal then you should rinse out your mouth with water and try to avoid sugar, starch, and carbohydrates. Wash and Floss It is important to keep up with your flossing habits when you have Invisalign. Flossing your teeth gets any excess food out from the crevices of your teeth. When you have metal braces it can be very difficult to floss your teeth. With Invisalign it is very easy since they are completely removable. You should also rinse out your mouth with a fluoride antibacterial mouthwash to help clean your teeth and get into all of the spaces. Clean Your Trays You need to clean your Invisalign trays to keep them from being bombarded with bacteria as well as excess food. You can clean your trays using the Invisalign cleaning system which involves putting the trays into cleaning crystals. The plastic trays become clean within about 15 minutes. It is much easier to clean your teeth with Invisalign because of its ability to be removed. Your teeth can be cleaned just like they could if you did not have braces at all. You should take care of your teeth just as you would without Invisalign. It is important that you brush and floss regularly and rinse your mouth out with water after every single meal. Not only does it keep your teeth clean but keeps your Invisalign clean as well. Contact us to learn more about Invisalign.

A good relationship with your dental team is very important. It can help you understand more about how to take better care of your mouth and will allow you to be more comfortable speaking to them about any treatments you may have. This can help put you at ease, especially if you have any concerns. While most people still might think of the dentist leading your treatment, there are many different types of dental professionals that make up the dental team. Here are just some of the different people you might find when you step into the dental practice. Dental Receptionist The dental receptionist is usually the first person you will meet when you arrive for your appointment. Dental receptionists greet visitors, answer the telephone, and answer patient questions. They may ask to see your dental insurance card to process insurance forms. They may also schedule appointments, process postal mail, perform various administrative tasks, and ensure the office and waiting area is organized. Dental receptionists are an integral part of any dental office. Dental Assistant A dental assistant is an important member of the dental care team. Dental assistants assist the dentist in providing the best oral health care to patients. They perform many tasks throughout the day including: Communicating with patients about their oral care needs Assist the dentist during treatment procedures Taking and developing dental x-rays Ask the patient about their medical history Take a patient's blood pressure and check the pulse Help patients feel comfortable during their visit Sterilize and prepare dental instruments and equipment Instruct patients concerning at-home oral care such as after oral surgery, after fillings, or other dental procedures Teach patients about oral hygiene (flossing, brushing, nutritional counseling) Dental Hygienist The dentist and dental hygienist work as a team to meet a patient's oral health needs. The services that dental hygienists provide may vary from state to state. Dental hygienists often provide these patient services: Remove plaque and calculus from teeth surfaces Make an impression of a patient's teeth (used by the dentist to evaluate a patient's oral care needs) Apply a preventive material (fluoride, sealant) to a patient's teeth Assess a patient's overall oral health condition including: A health history review Oral cancer screening Head and neck inspection Dental charting Dentist Dentists are degreed clinicians who are devoted to providing the best oral care for their patients. Dentists diagnose and treat oral diseases and other oral health conditions. Typically, dentists earn an undergraduate degree at college and then attend a DDS/DMD program at a dental school. It usually takes a dental student four years to graduate from a dentistry program. Dentists often provide these patient services: Perform dental procedures, including exams, crowns, fillings, implants, inlays, onlays, extractions, and corrective surgeries. Evaluates the general health of patients Advises patients about oral health and disease prevention Diagnoses and treats oral conditions Detects oral cancer and other health conditions that may appear in the mouth before being noticed in other areas of the body Treat oral health and detect diseases – including cardiovascular disease Treat diseases of the soft tissue or bone inside the mouth Whether it's performing dental restorative procedures or providing dental education, dental professionals are dedicated to providing the best oral care for their patients.

Visiting the dentist isn’t often high on the priority list for most people. But did you know that three out of four adults experience cavities and/or periodontal disease? These are conditions you can avoid just by prioritizing your dental care. At Willis Dentistry, we’re focused on caring for our patients’ dental needs. Your dental care is important to us, so we’ve put together a small list of how you can easily improve your daily routine and dentist visits for better overall dental health. Here are five simple ways you can improve your dental care. 1. Find a local dentist you can trust When looking for a dentist, Staunton, VA residents should consider a practice that recognizes dental care is more than just a service. At Willis Dentistry, we understand there are a lot of negative stereotypes surrounding dentistry. Our practice seeks to eliminate those stereotypes through the use of modern technology and a focus on comfort. Your dental care shouldn’t be a traumatic event. Let us help you support your dental care with an approach centered on keeping you happy and healthy. 2. Visit your local dentist for regular dental care We all know that brushing our teeth twice a day helps support our dental health, but regular visits to the dentist are just as crucial. Any issues that might cause permanent damage or lasting pain can typically be caught during regular visits before they become unmanageable. With offices from Churchville to Crozet, dentists at Willis Family Dentistry serve to bring dental care to the wider community. A variety of locations allows you to integrate dental care more easily into your life. We offer a number of services to support your dental needs, from cosmetic dentistry to general upkeep and repair. 3. Create a dental care regimen at home Though it’s a good idea to visit your local dentist at least once every six months, dental care begins at home. Brush your teeth twice daily, such as once in the morning and once before you go to bed. Floss regularly to keep food out of your teeth where it can irritate your gums. Adding mouthwash to your routine can help freshen breath as well, providing an overall clean feeling. 4. Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months Toothbrushes are tools we use to clean our teeth, and like most tools, they are prone to wearing out. To help support your dental care at home, make sure you’re replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months. If you find your toothbrush is losing bristles or just isn’t cleaning your teeth like it should, replace it as soon as possible. Another area you might not consider to clean is your toothbrush holder. Keep this device clean as well, by tending to it when you clean the bathroom. You can also prevent grime from building up on your toothbrush holder by rinsing off your toothbrush completely before storing it. 5. Seek out emergency dental care as soon as possible Most people know that if you’ve got an emergency, it’s best to call 9-1-1 and get looked at immediately. But the same goes for your teeth as well. Willis Dentistry offers emergency dental care by providing 24-hour urgent dental care services. Emergency dentists are staffed to address your needs should the occasion arise. When dental care goes beyond routine maintenance, the staff at Willis Dentistry is here to help. Take Care of Your Teeth Dental care doesn’t have to be painful, embarrassing, or stressful. Here at Willis Dentistry, we’ve adopted a philosophy of caring for your needs and debunking stereotypes with every happy patient. Let us support you in your dental care with our variety of dental services. Visit one of our dental offices or call us to speak with a representative. Your fresh start on dental care begins now.

If you’ve ever taken chemistry, either you or someone in your class was clumsy enough to spill a little bit of hydrochloric acid on their clothing. Although it was diluted, you’d see that after a while, it burned a hole in the shirt. Well that’s kind of how dental cavities work. Cavities are exactly what their name means: they’re holes in your tooth that form when plaque builds up in your teeth overtime from poor dental care. What’s plaque you may ask? Plaque is an extremely adhesive substance that’s made of a build up of leftover food particles and saliva in your mouth. If you don’t brush your teeth properly, a lot of plaque can build up on your teeth, and this is a problem because this plaque contains a lot of bacteria. This bacteria actually produces lactic acid, which eats away at your tooth’s enamel (outer covering of the tooth that protects the crown). Over time, this acid can actually eat away enough tooth material to poke a hole in it, and that’s when it needs to be addressed by a dentist. When you get a cavity fixed, you can get a number of procedures done. Fluoride treatment is one of them, where the tooth enamel is repaired through a process called remineralization. You also might need to get your cavity filled in, where a dentist removes the decayed material and fills in the hole with materials such as amalgam, composite resin, or metals. All this being said, the best treatment for a cavity will ALWAYS be to prevent it from happening in the first place! This means taking good care of your teeth on a regular basis, and getting your teeth checked up by your dental care provider every 6 months. If your 6 months are coming up, go ahead and schedule an appointment with one of our offices today, and we’ll make sure your teeth stay white and hole-free 🦷

Fahim Mohi, Willis & Associates Family Dentistry’s Chief Marketing Officer, recently sat down for an interview with Dr. Fabrizio Cena, Lead Dentist for Shenandoah Dental Center. Dr. Cena received his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree in 2021 from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, graduating in the top 10% of his class. Fahim: Hi Dr. Cena, thank you so much for taking the time to sit down and talk with me! Dr. Cena: Not a problem at all Fahim! Fahim: So was dentistry your original dream? If not, then what was your original dream? Dr. Cena: You see, I didn’t dream big growing up because I grew up on a farm in a little Italian town called Chivasso. My ancestors were lumberjacks who came down in 1456 from the Northern Italian Alps in the Po Valley. When I was 9, we moved to Spain, and this was the biggest cultural change for me. Spain wasn’t a great place for me to foster my work ethic because the part where we were living in, the education standards were unfortunately the lowest. Nevertheless, I excelled in high-school, but it wasn’t until college that I started to dream big. I’ve always had a strong work ethic, and I get it from my dad. he’s 70, and he’s still out and about fixing things; he’s the neighborhood handyman. Fahim: That is some very interesting familial history you got there doc! Who would you say was your biggest inspiration throughout this journey? Dr. Cena: Oh by far my brother: He was the first one to go abroad for education and work, and now he has a PhD. So I was good at math at first, and I thought I could become an economist. But I did really well my first year in undergrad, and my brother said that I should become a doctor. My girlfriend at the time, her dad was a dentist and he spoke to me about dentistry and thought that I might do well in it. I looked into it and it turned out that I loved it. To me, dentistry was always a mystery; sort of like a magic. For me, it was awesome to finally see behind the curtains and actually see what the real process was, and I fell in love with it. Fahim: That’s awesome, he sounds like an absolutely amazing person. So what’s your favorite part of dentistry? Dr. Cena: I really liked that I was working directly with people, and that I was able to help them with something that nobody else could help with. Dentistry isn’t something you can do as a hobby; it’s not something you can do a little bit of or as a side thing. It can only be done when you dedicate your life to it, and it is only those who end up becoming the best dentists. Whatever I’ve done in my life, I always give 100% of my efforts, and I really like that dentistry fosters that tenet in me. There’s always room for improvement and there’s always something I can grow on or learn in this field. Fahim: Wonderful, wonderful, so what would you say is your best trait specifically? Dr. Cena: Well, I am a perfectionist. I make sure that every step is completed with precision. I always make sure that whatever I do on the patient, it is the best possible work that I can do; I don’t cut corners, and my career accomplishments clearly show that. I also pride myself in being able to see patients right away. I always make room in my schedule and make sure to see patients when they’re truly having a problem. If I was having a major dental problem, I wouldn’t want to wait weeks to have it dealt with, I’d want it dealt with the right away. Fahim: It’s great how you go out of your way for your patients like that doc! Any interesting stories about your dental journey you want to share? Dr. Cena: A story that ties into dentistry is about the first time I realized how important teeth were. When I was young, and I’m talking 10 years old, my brother, some friends and I go for a bike ride and we end up getting separated. We stopped and waited for him but he never showed, so we realized something was wrong. 20 minutes later, he shows up sobbing, and upon looking closer, we saw that he had chipped his tooth. My father didn’t really care that much about facial aesthetics, so he didn’t do anything to help him. My brother was very self conscious for a very long time, and it took a while for him to fix his tooth. Seeing his confidence change so quickly From getting his tooth fixed made a huge impact on me, and eventually sparked a fire in me that led to my pursuit of dentistry. Fahim: Thank you so much for you time doc! Dr. Cena: It was my pleasure Fahim!