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Can gingivitis cause Alzheimer’s disease? [A Scientific Review]

Understanding the development of Alzheimer’s disease is a hot topic in today’s health discourse. Science advances have suggested everything from genetics to lifestyle choices as risk factors for this cognitive decline. Despite consistent investigation and clinical trials, the exact reasons some develop Alzheimer’s are murky. While new research is still emerging, you may want to check your teeth and gums. When people think of dementia and Alzheimer’s, they don’t first think about gum disease and oral health. However, research over the last several years suggests that advanced periodontitis (stage IV gum disease) might not just be associated with Alzheimer’s. There’s a chance it could be the root cause. For years, Alzheimer’s has been discussed as a genetic and lifestyle-based inevitability. But what if it’s an infectious issue instead? The Problem with Modern Alzheimer’s Treatments Although Alzheimer’s disease has been researched for years, current treatment methods are shocki...

No Man is an Island?

What are the pros and cons of cast gold posts?

Often anterior teeth that need posts and cores can benefit from gold posts as opposed to prefabricated one visit bonded posts. This is especially true for teeth lacking in tooth structure (ferule)to hold a crown . When this is the case sometimes a cast gold post is the way to go. This type of post requires a second visit since it is made in the laboratory using the lost wax technique.  It doesn't take long for laboratories to fabricate a cast post, usually only a couple of days and certainly no more than a week. Gold posts can provide a solid build up for teeth and are especially good for anterior teeth especially when using a prefabricated post and composite build up might result in a  thin and breakable core being prepped for an anterior crown. Gold will allow the amount of reduction that these teeth need even when there is a "tight bite"  and even when there is a deep overbite. Gold crowns also allow for the fabrication better fitting  posts that conform to ca...

How are Dental Savings Plans Different from Insurance?

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Understanding any type of medical or dental insurance can be a challenge, especially for uninsured folks trying to find a plan on their own. According to the National Association of Dental Plans , about 74 million Americans had no dental insurance coverage at the end of 2016. One possible solution is dental savings plans (also called dental discount plans). Gordon Dental Associates would like to talk about plans like these and their potential to reduce out-of-pocket dental costs for patients (who doesn’t like to save money?). We offer one of our own ! How Do Dental Savings Plans Work? With a dental discount plan, the consumer pays an annual fee, just as they would pay for a buyer’s club membership to Costco or Sam’s Club or for emergency roadside assistance insurance like AAA. In return, they get access to a dental network that offers special savings to plan members, usually in the form of percentage-off discounts. For example, if a participating provider offers a 40% discount on ...

Dental Insurance Trends

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Above any other medical need, people are more likely to skip seeing the dentist because they can’t afford it. Many people choose not to buy dental insurance because it’s an added cost without a lot of perceived value. For some reason, people simply feel more comfortable taking this risk because they don’t fully understand the consequences of oral health problems. But it’s a risk indeed. You can develop a facial or oral injury just as easily as any other injury and oral infections and diseases are just as common—if not more common—as any other. Beyond the critical events of oral injury or infection, preventive dental care (aka your regular cleanings and check-ups) is crucial for catching problems before they become dangerous. Seeing the dentist regularly can help you address a surprising number of overall health and wellness issues. Still, dentists understand that medical costs are rising, the world of insurance is often a mystery, and sometimes you’re just at a loss. Your Las Vegas...

Dental Crowns 101

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Sometimes in life, you just need a do-over. That’s precisely what dental crowns are—a new start for your tooth. Teeth are important players in your life! They’re not only the first responders for your digestive tract, but they can make a great first impression – so you deserve a beautiful, fully-functioning set. If your teeth need a real makeover , a crown might be just the thing you need. A crown is a custom-made shell that fits perfectly over your natural tooth. Crowns look and act exactly like your original tooth – but better. Crowns restore broken and badly decayed or discolored teeth. Crowns also top off dental implants and build dental bridges . Your Salt Lake City dentists at Natural Smiles Dentistry share what you need to know about getting a crown. If You Need A Crown Getting a crown usually requires two trips to the dentist. On the first trip, the dentist makes a plan to suit your specific needs and prepares the tooth. You will also get impressions of the tooth so t...

Prepare Your Child for Dental Visits with a Good Book!

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When you’ve got your child’s first dental visit noted on the calendar, you might feel more anxious than they do as you approach the big day. At Coastal Pediatric Dentistry®, we want to help both of you relax and see there’s nothing to fear about having your smile cared for. Our team is kind and gentle, and though our technology might seem intimidating, it’s all geared toward increasing comfort while we get a clear picture of the condition of your little one’s oral health. Knowledge is Power We think one of the main reasons visiting the dentist can seem scary is because of the unknown. If you know more about what to expect, it’s easier to get comfortable in the chair! We want you and your young one to be informed and as prepared as possible, so we’re sharing this list of children’s books you can read together before we have the pleasure of sharing smiles with you. Do you and your child have a favorite children’s book about going to the dentist? We’d love to hear about it! Contact u...