MENU

Dental Devotions: Checking the Bite of Life

We see multiple patients most days of the week. Usually we are doing some type of restorative work that either rebuilds or replaces the broken or decayed teeth. Sometimes, it may even be a denture or a removable partial denture. No matter which options we need to use to restore a patient’s teeth, we always have to make sure that their bite is perfect. If the bite is not perfect, then patients will have all sorts of problems including sensitivity to hot, cold, and also pressure.

We use a thin piece of carbon-coated paper to check our patient’s bite after a dental procedure. This paper is called articulating paper. The paper leaves red and blue spots on the teeth to let us see where the bite is occluding. If the bite is just right, it shows us that. However, if the bite is too heavy, the paper will leave a “bullseye” mark on that area just like a target. The “bullseye” must be adjusted to relieve the pressure of the bite in this area. We keep checking and adjusting the area until the mark or the tooth is perfect and the patient’s bite feels normal. So, anything less than that means that we have missed the perfect mark on the tooth.

The Bible also speaks of “missing the mark.” The Bible calls “missing the mark” a sin. We all have sin in our lives and we all are sinners. In Romans 3:23, Paul says “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” The Bible even says in Romans 6:23a, “For the wages of sin is death.” That’s right, missing the mark in our life is costly. It costs us our very life. However, there is a second part to that verse. Romans 6:23b says “but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” YES, that’s right too, the good Lord has provided a way for us to escape eternal death through His Son. So by accepting Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we can spend eternity with Him.

Just like a tooth that bite is off (“missing the mark”) and our life that’s not right with the Lord (sin), there are pressures. There are pressures of life. Jesus is the only way to relieve that pressure. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” So, when we adjust a bite here in our office, we relieve pressure off the teeth. But, that is nothing compared to what Jesus can do for you. He is the only way to relieve the pressure of life. He created us and he knows that the only peace that we will ever have is only found in HIM.

Dr. Barker and the Searcy Family Dental family strive to develop lifelong relationships with their patients by combining the latest in dental technology and techniques, including dental implants, dentures, cosmetic dentistry, and root canal treatments with a professional and compassionate staff. If you’re looking for a new family dentist in Searcy, Arkansas or are in need of an oral cancer screening, dental implants, teeth whitening, tooth extraction surgery, dentures, and more, check out our website and schedule an appointment today!

Call Today to Make an Appointment 501-203-0120 Request an Appointment