Many of us grimace at the thought of those two little words: root canal.  However, Dr. Finley has realized throughout his years of practice that the fear associated with this procedure, may come from negative past experiences.  Finley Dentistry has revolutionized the root canal process, to make it much more comfortable and affordable.

The traditional root canal is a dental procedure where a tooth is saved after it has already been decayed and or infected from the nerve root.  The nerve is actually removed from the inner gum as well as the surrounding tissue, which is referred to as the pulp.  Once all of the decay and damaged structures have been removed, the area is disinfected to prevent an abscess from forming later on.

The term root canal actually defines the naturally formed cavity which is located at the very epicenter of the tooth.  This is why in many cases, patients who are in need of a root canal procedure may complain of heightened tooth sensitivity, especially to hot or cold foods and liquids.
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The Easier Fix!
Unfortunately, root canals are often inevitable.  They are one of the oldest dental processes performed and cause some of the highest dental anxiety.  The best way to prepare for a root canal is to have a thorough consultation with your dentist, where each step is explained.  Also, it’s important to consider that a root canal is a solution to pain, not a way to cause additional hardship.  Additionally, the upside is that root canals are the best way to save your natural teeth and avoid the need for dental implants later down the road.
When considering the alternative, root canals are one the best procedures for patients who are experiencing damage to the nerve root of the tooth or several teeth.  Call Dr. Finley for your consultation today and they will help you smile and enjoy all of the foods you love!

​Tooth sensitivity is very common in patients of all ages, especially geriatric dental patients.  There is a variety of causes, most of which can be treated or alleviated with skilled professional care such as Dr Finley offers at his office in Toledo.

What can Dr. Finley do for sensitive teeth?
First of all, the cause of tooth sensitivity is the overexposure of the surface called dentin. Dentin is the portion of the tooth which actually covers the nerve. This overexposure can be caused the reduction of enamel or receding of the gum line. Foods which are very hot or cold, or even very high in sugar, can be quite painful to eat with this condition. Additionally, foods which are high in acidity and even some fruits and vegetables can cause high levels of pain within the the teeth.

At the very first sign of tooth sensitivity, it is important to consult your dental professional. They are able to examine your mouth for the root cause and area where the dentin is being exposed.  Additionally, there are several dental examinations which can be performed to further analyze the root of the problem. In some cases, the sensitivity may be caused by erosion to the teeth or gum line and in others, the actual nerve roots can be fully exposed, usually resulting in the most severe pain.

Dentists can perform a variety of procedures in the office to decrease oral sensitivity. First, fluoride treatments can be applied and can help strengthen the enamel surfaces. Next, a material called bonding can be applied to help restore the teeth and seal any exposed surfaces.  This bonding will strengthen the compromised enamel and will create a block between the outside elements and the nerve, alleviating pain and sensitivity. There is also a process where a gel-like material made of concentrated fluoride can be placed on a tray which fits into the mouth, to provide area-specific relief to the parts of your teeth which are experiencing the highest levels of sensitivity.
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Don’t ignore the first signs of teeth sensitivity! This most likely means that the nerve root is exposed in some way and immediate action needs to be taken. Call Finley Dentistry for an evaluation today, so you can enjoy your favorite foods and beverages! Dr. Finley has many years of experience in diagnosing and treating the exact cause of sensitive gums so they are actually not a problem. Call us at (419) 472-6645

​There are many different reasons why you may be a good candidate for dental implants. The most common one is due to tooth loss or degeneration. Although, this gets more complicated with age, it can also result from various pre-existing factors. The thing to know is that the goal is naturally looking dental implants that feel real. This means matching them to the color, texture and overall feel of your natural teeth. This is achieved by using the state-of-the-art dental technology as well as the highest quality materials.

It is not uncommon for people to mistake dental implants for natural teeth. This is because they look and feel very similar and are very easy to maintain. The main differences between natural and prosthetic teeth are the way they are structured below the surface. Like teeth, all implants need a strong anchor to keep them in place. This anchor can come in a few different forms, all of which are 100% comfortable and undetectable to the patient, when properly placed.  The majority of dental implants will seamlessly fuse right into the bone structure and feel real afterwards.

Your mouth will have a natural way of welcoming it’s new implant friend! This happens when the gum tissue begins to adhere to the implant, by attaching to the root of the tooth. This happens with the assistance of collagen fibers. Although it will look completely real from the outside, the gums will only plant themselves on the outer surface of the implant.
It is important to continue brushing your teeth regularly, including implants, as it is possible for bacterial biofilm to form on the structure. There are specialized products and cleaners available for different types of implants, so it is important to go over the home care routine with your dentist.
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Do dental implants feel real? – Don’t be afraid, Dr. Finley will help! The team at Finley Dentistry has an extensive experience in placing all sorts of dental implants. Their expertise and competence will leave you with a natural looking and feeling smile in time for the Summer!

The mouth contains many different structures, beyond just the teeth. It is important to take care of all these parts, because when they come together, they create all of the mechanisms which allow you to chew, breathe and speak. Although basic dental hygiene routines are important, it is also necessary to consult your dental professionals regularly. They can take your cleaning to the next level, to make sure that your mouth always shines in good health!

 So Many Different Parts
 The oral cavity is made up of so many parts, all of which need individualized attention. The mucosa (Mucosa is a mucus membrane or a lining of a part of the body that secretes mucus) found in your mouth, jaws, tongue and salivary glands all need to be cared for properly.  In order to do so, it is important to see dental professionals for annual and bi-annual checkups and cleanings. Additionally, because the gums can cause so many different oral pathologies, it is especially important to attend a periodontics consult if your dentist recommends one as well. This may seem like an unnecessary precaution, but your smile and taste buds depend on it!

 Lots Of Gums!
 The gums are one of the largest and most important structures of the mouth. They are the tissue which surrounds all of your teeth and protects the enamel, roots and nerves. When gums are in good health, they do not feel any pain or sensitivity. At the very first sign of bleeding gums while brushing or flossing, it is important to visit the dentist immediately.  Prolonging this care can lead to irreversible damage, including premature tooth loss.

 May Your Teeth Be Pearly White Now And Forever!
 We all know that to complete any look, we must have white, healthy, shining teeth. The dental professionals at Finley are experts in professional tooth whitening treatments, as well as many other dentistry procedures. They offer a variety of services including, but not limited to: crowns, bridges and even dentures. Additionally, their many years of expertise allow them to work individually with each patient to develop a dental hygiene regimen to use at home.
We know how hard it can be to find the perfect fix and maintenance for your smile, take the guess work out and let the professionals at Finley Dentistry do the trick! The results will leave you smiling from ear to ear!

​For many of us, going to the dentist for our routine checkup and cleaning is considered a struggle. We anticipate the pain and discomfort that comes along with sitting in that famous dental chair. We anxiously await and pray for our dentist to give us a clean bill of oral health and that we do not have any need for any dental extractions, implants, cavities, or root canals.

Dental phobia, which actually affects over 30 million people nationwide, commonly causes individuals to avoid their necessary routine dental care. Avoiding this needed treatment can commonly lead to worsening tooth decay and other painful, dangerous oral pathology. Fortunately, there is a solution: Finley’s pain free dental care. The group at Finley Dentistry is considered the best in Toledo, Ohio, due to their state of the art practice, which enhances the use of technology to deliver a pain free experience for all patients.
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Dr. Finley utilizes revolutionary dental equipment to provide a comfortable, trauma-free experience for his patients. Some of the most common procedures he performs are those which tend to be most invasive and painful. These include root canals, tooth extractions, wisdom teeth extractions, denture and crown placement and many more. He prides himself on continuously improving his practices and procedures to show his patients that visiting the dentist can be as easy as brushing your teeth, no further thought or fear needed!
Give Finley Dentistry a call today at (419) 472-6645 to set up a free consultation, and gain that smile back that you know and love!

​With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, the team at Finley Dentistry has some very helpful tips and tricks! Providing top dental quality services in Toledo, Ohio, they want to make sure you have a radiant smile for that special someone this year. We also have some extra things you can do in order to ensure your gorgeous smile is on display on the February 14th!

No matter what your budget is, Finley Dentistry can help you achieve your best you this holiday.  Whether at-home treatments or a new and improved smile routine, we have the recipe for your romantic evening.

Prep At Home
We know and understand that life in Toledo can get very hectic. That’s why we inform our patients of the best steps they can take to whiten their teeth outside of the dental chair as well. Do-it-yourself whitening kits are available over the counter and can be quite effective when used properly! However, many can also cause sensitivity problems to your teeth and gums, so it’s important to check with your dental professional before applying them to your teeth.
Another simple, very well-known, yet, omitted way to preserve your teeth is to brush them after every meal or at least twice per day – in the morning and before you go to bed. It is understood that you may not want to bring your toothbrush to the office, but you will have less problems that way! It will pay off big time in the long run! Studies show that those who brush after meals on a regular basis, remove up to 50% more food particles, causing significantly less plaque and tartar buildup, as well as cavities. That also means much less bad breath!

Don’t Just Look Attractive, Smell Pretty Too!
We often put lots of thought into what body lotion, perfume or cologne we are going to wear for the big date. But, just as often, we forget what are mouths are going to smell like! Valentine’s day dinner often means plenty of heavy food and wine. While this sounds delicious, it is important to prepare for the special evening by using a fluoride rinse (mint, please!) and brushing and flossing thoroughly.

Foods To Avoid
Indulging in Valentine’s Day dinner is always a special treat, but be careful what you eat! Foods which are very strong in spices tend to linger on the breath for longer than others. Although cheese and wine is a typical go to during a special evening, try to stick to less acidic wines and less fragrant, more mild cheeses. Chocolate and sugary desserts are another favorite indulgence for couples on this day, but try to consume these sparingly, as they too can lead to unpleasant breath later in the evening.
Some foods can actually improve your breath! Parsley actually contains a chemical component called chlorophyll, which has an amazing, completely natural a deodorizing effect in the oral cavity.  Other herbs such as fennel seeds and cloves have similar effects, although these are less commonly found at your favorite restaurant!
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Call Dr. Finley!
Even those who practice the very best oral hygiene techniques may experience bad breath once in awhile. In some cases, people cannot figure out why they are having this symptom. It might not be your oral hygiene, but rather a cavity which is brewing. These developing cavities are nearly impossible to visualize at home and are likely not painful. It’s important to have a checkup and cleaning prior to the big day, to avoid unpleasant breath.

Cosmetic Dentist Toledo Ohio
Dr. Finley is one of the top cosmetic dentists in Toledo, Ohio. This means that if you need more than just a simple checkup and cleaning to prepare yourself for the Valentine’s day, he can take care of that too. The Finley group can diagnose and treat nearly any dental issue, no matter how big or small. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so call (419) 472-6645 to start smiling today!

Many people suffer from painful, bleeding gums.  Most of these people do not know the reason for this.  It is a very common periodontal condition, which can be caused by several factors.  Fortunately, this symptom can usually be easily remedied with a few new dental routine techniques.
Brushing vs. Bleeding
The number one reason people suffer from bleeding gums is due to poor brushing habits.  They may be brushing frequently, but they may be using a toothbrush which is too harsh on their gums. Dentists recommend using soft toothbrushes as they are the most gentle on the enamel and gum line.

In some cases, you may be using a soft toothbrush but applying too much pressure while brushing. A lighter touch is what is currently recommended, unlike the old fashioned more zealous approach which left many of us with traumatized and more rapidly receding gum lines.  If this is the case, ease up on the amount of force used, or switch to your non dominant hand.
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All about the motion
It’s all about the motion as well.  Many people, even adults, who have been brushing throughout their lives do not use proper motions.  Brushing up and down will cause gums to bleed and food particles to be left behind.  Brushing should be done in slow, small circles for each area of the mouth.  Forgetting to floss can hurt the gums as well, as this causes all sorts of bacteria to build up and cause bleeding.
Consult with your dentist right away if you are experiencing bleeding gums.  This is most likely your body giving you a signal that something is wrong and your dentist can help you fix it.  Untreated bleeding gums can lead to a variety of infections and diseases.
In this new year call (419)472-6645 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Finley, Best Toledo Dentist  and begin your road to dental health TODAY!

​Studies show that nearly twenty percent of Americans suffer from daily dental pain. Residents of Toledo, Ohio are no exceptions to this statistic. They need a dentist in the Toledo area that can be relied on to properly diagnose and treat their symptoms. With all the worries of day to day life (not to mention many of the health struggles we may endure), dental pain should not be an additional hurdle.  We experience the stress of work, deadlines, maintaining households and raising family, dental dilemmas simply should not be a part of the equation.


I have no time to make a dental appointment.
These days, almost all generations are living in a digital world.  Picking up the telephone or visiting the dental office is no longer the only way to book your appointment.  Now, new internet-based technology offers a variety of websites where you can browse and book an appointment with a local dentist, to best compliment your schedule.  Additionally, dental professionals and office have caught on to American’s hectic lives and many have extended their weekend and evening hours to better suite the communities they practice in.
I am afraid of my diagnosis.
Although many adults find the dental chair to be a place of terror rather than peace and tranquility, it is important to remember that you are there for a diagnosis and treatment.  Most importantly to remember is that living with daily or chronic oral pain is not an option and will only worsen as time goes by. There are many minor causes of dental pain and discomfort, such as gum disease or nocturnal teeth grinding.  On the other hand, there are some more serious causes as well, such as tooth decay or nerve damage.  No matter the symptoms, early intervention is always the best treatment option!

You Can Do Something About It
The usual result of actually seeing the dentist and getting the diagnosis  is that it is not quite as bad as we thought. At the very least it eliminates the mystery aspect which only adds to the discomfort you may be having. In a recent case study a man in his early 60’s went to the dentist for minor tooth aches and chronic bad breath which he couldn’t seem to eliminate. His dentist saw the signs of diabetes and sent him to a medical doctor. Sure enough he had a treatable diabetic condition and promptly went onto a healthier eating regimen and more exercise which greatly reduced the effects of the condition. As well the dentist filled a few cavities and did a needed root canal which handled his toothache completely. He has a much higher quality of life now and looks forward to a healthy and happy retirement in a few years!

What to Expect at the Dentist
When you come to Finley Dentistry  we will pay attention to the symptoms you mention. The idea is to treat the actual cause of the problem. Then a preventative course of action can be done to minimize future dental situations from occurring. This would include educating you in the methods of brushing and hygiene and even what type of mouthwash or toothpaste works best. Please come and see us and dont be afraid! You will be happy you chose to do something for yourself and your teeth. Your teeth will be happy too! (419) 472-6645

As the middle of the holiday season approaches, we are all rushing around to finish all of our holiday shopping.  We are trying to complete all of our work commitments, housework and attend all of the necessary holiday parties as well.  However, in the midst of all the madness, we often put our oral health on the backburner.  Coming home exhausted from the corporate holiday party may tempt you to pour into bed without completing your evening routine, but don’t skip the brushing and flossing!

Make Yourself Noticed At The Christmas Party!
The best way to avoid any problem is prevention.  This holds true for stains on the teeth as well.  The best advice we can give is to do your very best to avoid foods and drinks which cause dark, unsightly stains.  Although the obvious ones are hard to avoid during this season (coffee, tea, red wine, sugar, etc.) it is important to consider all consumption.  Foods which are made with heavy tomato sauce, berries and holiday cocktails which are high in sugar can cause discoloration as well.  Fruits are very popular at festive events and berries are a very big contributor to enamel staining.

Make Great New Year’s Resolutions!
As 2016 approaches, make a pact to yourself to have an even better year than 2015!  This means living a healthier lifestyle, both inside and out.  In order to feel and look your very best, you must be proud of your smile.  A great way to improve your oral health is to be conscious of your daily habits.  Something as simple as drinking beverages through a straw (to avoid direct contact with the tooth enamel) can help you avoid undesirable marks from developing.  Quitting tobacco products is another great goal and one of America’s most popular resolutions.  This will brighten your smile nearly immediately and freshen your breath as well!

No matter what your plans are this holiday season, be sure to put your health first.  This should be your top priority, as well as spending time with friends and family.  Be sure to keep your smile glowing throughout the year by contacting your dental professional.  Dr. Finley and his team deliver the smile you are dreaming of. Together, you can work as a team to keep your pearly whites shining from year to year (or ear to ear!) Call (419)472-6645 TODAY.

​When we think about time spent in the dental chair, having our photograph taken is probably the furthest thing from our mind!  We know that dental x-rays are often taken to diagnose different oral pathology, but what can be the benefit of state of the art digital photography inside the mouth?  Finley Dentistry wants to answer that question for you!

SEE WHAT WE SEE 
The number one complaint most patients have (in almost any type of medical office) is the unexplained or the unknown.  Patients often sit in the procedure chair and wonder what each instrument is used for, why they must endure painful, uncomfortable drilling and what exactly the dentist is touching with that probe.  When several patients were asked, most were curious about what the dentist uses the small, angled mirror for.

EDUCATING THE PATIENT 
The team at Finley Dentistry has come up with a way to remove the unknown factor.  They use a state of the art photographic device to help the patient understand and visualize each step of their journey to a better smile.  A small camera with a cover is placed inside the mouth.  Once the photo is taken, the patient is shown the inner details of their teeth, gums and surrounding oral structures.  Our dental professionals review each crevasse and answer each and every question about your oral health and hygiene, based on a vivid photographic map! At Finley Dentistry here in Toledo we like our patients to know what we are doing and why. We form a team with you and value your input into the overall plan. In the long run patients are happiest when they have agreed to the treatment fully before hand – knowing WHAT they actually agreed to.

Give us a call to schedule your most important photo shoot at Finley Dentistry today! 419-472-6645.