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Carlisle Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Your Carlisle Cosmetic Dentist replaces teeth with Implants

November 3, 2015

Carlisle Cosmetic DentistDental implants bring gapped smiles back to full function. Placed by your Carlisle cosmetic dentist, these artificial teeth keep jawbone strong and healthy.

Dental implants replace missing teeth from root to crown. Secured by  titanium screws surgically placed during an in-office procedure, these state of the art tooth replacements look, feel and function just like natural teeth. (more…)

Your Dentist Carlisle, PA, Thomas Neslund DMD, Comprehensive Services You Can Trust

October 21, 2015

Smiling man visited the dentist carlisle residents trustWhile no 2 dental patients are alike, everyone needs a dentist he or she can trust, being confident that the doctor’s education, compassionate attitude and creative skills will lead them toward better oral health and self-confidence.  Discover these things with Carlisle, PA dentist, Dr. Thomas Neslund.
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Tooth Replacement with Dr. Neslund at Carlisle Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

September 3, 2015

smiling couple with dental workReplacing a missing tooth or missing teeth is more than a matter of appearances—although that is certainly an important consideration. Dr. Thomas Neslund and the team at Carlisle Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Carlisle, PA, want you to be comfortable with and proud of your smile. But in addition to that there are oral and general health concerns that make tooth replacement all the more important. Did you know, for example, that having one just missing tooth can lead to the development of gum disease or symptoms of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder? And because missing teeth may making chewing difficult, some people actually are malnourished as a result. For these and other reasons, Dr. Neslund wants you to know about your tooth replacement choices at our office. One is certain to accommodate your lifestyle and your budget.
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The Best Root Canal Therapy Is Within Your Reach in Carlisle

August 10, 2015

A root canal can save your tooth and leave you free from tooth pain.A root canal is a procedure that is sometimes, but not always necessary. Deep cavities are most often to blame for anyone that’s in need of root canal treatment. We’re sure you’ve heard the horror stories of root canals of yesteryear from either friends or family. “It was so horrible…I heard the drill and immediately went into shock. It was the worst thing EVER!” Well, we’re here to squash any myths regarding root canal treatment. For starters, it isn’t as painful as your friends or family have led you to believe. There have been so many advancements in the dental industry over the years and tweaks to root canal therapy have been made as well. Gone are the days of endless pain when receiving a root canal and in are the day so of maximum comfort. Our office in Carlisle, PA wants you to know that you have options when it comes to dealing with a severe toothache or cavity that’s embedded itself deep into your tooth. Dr. Thomas Neslund is the dentist Carlisle residents can see whenever any problems arise, especially if you’re in need of a root canal.
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Why You Should Choose Dental Implants For Missing Teeth

July 29, 2015

ThinkstockPhotos-487727603There’s a variety of reasons why people have missing teeth. Maybe you had an injury as a young child and haven’t been able to receive proper treatment. Perhaps some teeth didn’t grow in correctly and are causing problems when you bite down or chew your favorite foods. No matter how you lost your teeth, the important thing to know is treatments are available when you come to our office in Carlisle, PA and meet with cosmetic dentist Dr. Thomas Neslund. A smile is meant to be shown, not hidden. If you find yourself hiding your smile more often than showing it off, it’s time to receive the treatment you deserve with dental implants. Though they offer somewhat of the same benefits as a dental bridge, they are different. More and more patients are choosing dental implants to solve their missing teeth woes. Could this type of treatment benefit you? You’re about to find out.
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Outstanding Root Canal Dentist in Carlisle, PA

June 24, 2015

ThinkstockPhotos-480377293If you’ve been experiencing severe, constant tooth ache or hot and cold sensitivity, you may need root canal therapy to ease your pain. The caring staff at Carlisle Family and Cosmetic Dentistry are here to help whatever your dental care needs. At our welcoming, comfortable Carlisle, PA office, Dr. Thomas Neslund provides experienced root canal treatment to ease you pain, and restore you smile. If you think you may need a root canal or you’re interested in finding a great dental practice for all of your health care needs, call us to schedule an appointment today. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.

Do I Need a Root Canal?

Endodontic therapy commonly referred to as root canal therapy is necessary to remove decay and restore damage to your tooth’s roots. Gum infection or severe tooth decay can reach break down the protective enamel layer of your root very quickly. In the center, the canal, there is a soft layer of pulp and sensitive nerves that help relay tooth pain. Many patients don’t know they need root canal therapy until the decay has reached their nerve causing severe pain. Damage to these nerves can actually kill your tooth, so the sooner you receive root canal therapy, the better.

The pain commonly associated with root canals is actually caused by damage to the nerve. The treatment itself should significantly reduce pain by removing decay and restoring your root. Regular checkups and x-rays can help your dentist discover root canal damage before it becomes painful. If you are experiencing painful or swollen gums, constant or severe tooth ache, or extreme hot and cold sensitivity, you may need a root canal. Visit us as soon as possible, so we can put a smile back on your face.

What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?

Endodontics is a dental specialty. The word itself is derived from two Latin words: endo – inside and odont – tooth. This specialty focuses on understanding and caring for the inner workings of the tooth including the pulp layer and the root canal. Dr. Neslund has years of training and experience in endodontics, and can provide you with excellent root canal therapy not matter how severe the damage. Our goal at Carlisle Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is to retain and restore your natural teeth, and root canal therapy can be an effective way to avoid tooth extraction if the root is damaged.

Most patients who need root canal therapy will need to schedule two or more visits. During your first visit, Dr. Neslund will determine the severity of the damage to your root, and work with you to develop a treatment plan. To stop the spread of infection before your root canal therapy can be performed, Dr. Neslund may prescribe antibiotics. A course of antibiotic treatment will also ready your body for the procedure.

The day of the treatment, Dr. Neslund will x-ray your tooth and the surrounding jawbone to get the shape and size of the canal, and look for any signs of deterioration to the surrounding teeth or your jawbone. The procedure itself removes bacteria, infection, and affected dental pulp and nerves. If there is a good deal of infection, your doctor may want to treat the infection before restoring the tooth canal. Whenever Dr. Neslund determines your tooth is ready for restoration, he will place gutta-percha, a plastic and rubber compound, inside your tooth to fill the space left by removing pulp and strengthen the tooth. Then, the exterior hole used to access and clean the canal is closed with composite filling. Depending on the extent of the damage, additionally tooth restoration may be necessary to return your tooth to restore your smile.

Find Out More

Don’t live with toothache or sensitivity. Root canals may have a bad reputation, but they significantly diminish nerve pain in your root canal and restore your bite health. If you need dental care of any kind, Dr. Neslund and that staff at our Carlisle, PA office are here to help. Call to schedule an appointment or find out more about the outstanding oral health care at Carlisle Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Our friendly practice welcomes customers from Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, Boiling Springs, Shippensburg, and the surrounding communities.

Effective Teeth Whitening Treatment in Carlisle, PA

April 29, 2015

What is the first thing others notice about you? Do you believe it’s the outfit you picked out for today? Perhaps you think it’s the great haircut you just received? In fact, the first thing people notice is your smile. Your smile, like a picture, is worth a thousand words. Smiles convey your personality and mood, which can have an effect on the professional and personal aspects of your life. So, are you happy with the appearance of your teeth? Carlisle Family & Cosmetic Dentistry offers effective, safe teeth whitening treatments for those seeking to improve the look of their smile.

Why Choose This Teeth Whitening Treatment?

153070499Although it is possible to buy teeth whitening kits from your local store, these treatments are not very effective, and the results are less than stellar. Dr. Neslund, a dental professional with thousands of successful procedures under his belt, and his crack team of expert practitioners are passionate about providing incredible smiles for all of our patients. We understand that some of our patients want to rid the dull, discolored look of their teeth and replace it with a vibrant, white shine. This is why we offer our special whitening treatment, which can increase the white shade of your smile within an hour.

How Does It Work?

We offer two types of whitening: in-office and take-home. With our in-office treatment, we will escort you to one of our comfortable examination chairs and apply our special whitening solution. Our team will monitor the process, and within an hour, the solution will be removed.

Those who cannot spare an hour in our office can receive our take-home kits. We will have to take impressions of your teeth to create custom dental trays. After a few days of fabrication, we will provide your personalized whitening kit. You will place the whitening trays, with special solution lined inside of them, around your teeth for a few hours each day. Within a week or two, you will have a beautiful, bright smile.

Get the Smile of Your Dreams

Are you ready to get the smile you have always wanted? Call us today and schedule an appointment with our phenomenal staff. We are always ready to provide our whitening treatment for those seeking an aesthetically pleasing set of teeth. Our office doors are open to those who live in Carlisle, PA, Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, Boiling Springs, Shippensburg, and the surrounding communities.

Porcelain Veneers for a New Smile and a New You in Carlisle, PA

March 15, 2015

92589293Is your smile less than you desire because of a number of imperfections? When you see yourself in a photograph, do your eyes focus on the flaws in your smile rather than the happy person behind the smile? Or, even worse, do you tend to smile with your lips closed? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then perhaps you should consider porcelain veneers. With porcelain veneers, Dr. Thomas Neslund at Carlisle Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Carlisle, PA, can repair your smile, boost your confidence and improve your outlook.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are micro-thin sheaths of dental porcelain that are adhesively bonded to the facial side of the teeth in your smile zone. As such, they can conceal many smile flaws including chips, cracks and teeth that severely discolored, as well as teeth that are misaligned, misshaped or have gaps in between them. Not only do porcelain veneers serve a cosmetic purpose, but they can also protect damaged teeth from additional harm.

Porcelain Veneers and You

When you come to Carlisle Family & Cosmetic Dentistry to discuss porcelain veneers, Dr. Neslund will first want to make sure you have healthy teeth and gums. Also, if you are not satisfied with the color of your teeth, you may want to consider teeth whitening so your natural teeth will match the whiteness of your new veneers.

Once you and Dr. Neslund have settled on the size, shape and color of porcelain veneers that will best complement you, then he will prepare your teeth for veneers by removing a minimal amount of enamel. This way, the veneers adhere more securely and they lay flush with your other teeth. We’ll take an impression of your prepared teeth so our dental lab can fabricate veneers that will fit perfectly. While your permanent veneers are made, you’ll wear temporaries. Then, when your custom porcelain veneers are ready, Dr. Neslund will cement them into place and you’ll have a flawless smile to show the world.

Call Our Office Today

If you’d like porcelain veneers, schedule an appointment with Dr. Neslund at Carlisle Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Carlisle, PA. We also serve patients from Boiling Springs, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, and surrounding Pennsylvania communities.

Children’s Dentistry in Carlisle, PA

February 15, 2015

467777161So while romantics and presidents get one day in February, the entire month is National Children’s Dental Health Month. What better time to make an appointment for your children to see Dr. Thomas Neslund at Carlisle Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Carlisle, PA? Dr. Neslund and his staff emphasize the importance of children’s dentistry because if children learn early to take care of their teeth and gums, then they will likely enjoy a lifetime of good oral health.

Children’s Dentistry and You

While Dr. Neslund recommends that you start bringing your children to see him around when they are three years old, children’s dentistry actually begins before that in your home and with you. After feeding, clean your children’s baby teeth with a soft cloth dampened with warm water. As they grow and more teeth develop, you can gently brush their teeth with a soft toothbrush and just a bit of toothpaste.

Children’s Dentistry with Dr. Neslund

As with adults, Dr. Neslund recommends twice yearly checkups for children. At these checkups, we’ll clean their teeth and remove any plaque buildup. Whether you brush their teeth or they do, removing plaque from little teeth can be challenging, so we do our best to help with that during their checkups. We will also assess the health of their teeth and gums and possibly take x-rays.

Depending on what we find during your child’s exam, we might apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen tooth enamel. Once your child’s permanent teeth come in, we can apply dental sealants to your child’s molars. These create a solid barrier against decay-causing bacteria that can hide in deeply grooved teeth. Finally, as your child grows, we’ll also check on the development of his or her bite.

Call Our Office Today

If your children need to see the dentist, schedule an appointment with Dr. Neslund at Carlisle Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Carlisle, PA. We also serve patients from Boiling Springs, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, and surrounding Pennsylvania communities.

Restore Your Full Smile with Dental Implants from Carlisle Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

January 15, 2015

184898853 (1)If you have one missing tooth or more, then you know the difficulties of the situation. Activities that you used to take for granted suddenly become difficult. Perhaps you are unable to eat some of your favorite healthy foods, such as fresh apples and carrots. Or maybe your speech has become compromised, and more than likely you and everyone else can see the difference in your smile. Fortunately, there is a lifelike solution. Dental implants from Dr. Thomas Neslund at Carlisle Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, Carlisle, PA, restore a tooth from root to crown, making them the ideal choice for a healthy and natural-looking smile.

When you visit Dr. Neslund to consider dental implants, he and his staff will first examine and assess the health of your teeth, gums and bone tissue. If all of these prove to be healthy enough to support a dental implant, then you’ll be on your way to restoring your smile.

Dental Implants Step-by-Step

The first step in restoring your complete smile with a dental implant is a minor surgical procedure in which Dr. Neslund implants a titanium post in the bone beneath the open socket of your missing tooth. This posts mimics the role of a tooth’s root. As you heal from the surgery, the post and the surrounding bone go through a process called osseointegration, whereby the post and bone fuse together to create a firm foundation. This fusion between post and jaw bone also helps to prevent bone loss and maintain facial appearance.

After a few months, you’ll return to our office. Dr. Neslund will uncover the implant and attach an abutment that will initially hold a temporary crown and ultimately the permanent crown—your new tooth. With proper dental hygiene, including brushing, flossing and regular checkups, your dental implants should last a lifetime.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you would like to learn how dental implants can restore your smile, call the office of Carlisle Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Neslund. We serve patients in Carlisle, PA, as well as Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Boiling Springs, Shippensburg and the surrounding communities.