Dental Info

At the core of the dental profession is the desire to better the oral health, and by extension the overall health, of all patients. As time passes and technology continues to advance, dental professionals have discovered better, more accurate, and more efficient means of diagnosing and treating their patients thereby elevating the standard of care. One such advancement in dental treatment that’s seen a lot of discussion as of late is salivary diagnostics and its role as a rapid point-of-care tool for the prevention and treatment of diseases. A statement from the American Dental Association emphasizes the importance of furthering the research and use of salivary diagnostics in the profession. Specifically the ADA “recognizes the importance of continued research in oral fluid diagnostics, and welcomes the development of rapid, point-of-care tests that provide accurate measurements of clinically validated biomarkers… Advances in the science of oral fluid diagnostics may lead to identif...

So, you’re missing a tooth—or a few! An apple a day will not take care of this one, unfortunately. It’s time to consider dentures or dental implants. A variety of personal and practical factors will determine which solution is best for your new smile. Don’t feel lost among all the pros and cons of choosing a tooth-replacement plan. Brewer Family Dental in Lexington is an experienced practice you can trust to help guide you on your journey from missing teeth toward a complete, natural, and healthy smile. Not your grandma’s dentures Thankfully, time and technology have greatly improved the denture experience for our patients. Today, dentures look and feel more natural than ever before. Dentures are a whole set of false teeth held into your gums with secure bonding glue. This can be an affordable option if you need to replace multiple teeth. For added stability, functionality, and peace of mind, dentures can also be secured with dental implants. Added security with dental implants ...

Last week a young woman came in for a bonding consult. She has a beautiful smile . She has a tiny chip on #9 that can be easily fixed with some minor bonding but still I had suggested she come in an have a consult about using a small amount of additive bonding to make her incisal embrasures smaller. It is easy to preview this change in about 10 minutes using composite that I apply without acid etching  the teeth. That way I can set the composite but not bond it permanently because her enamel is not etched. I can remove it at the end of the session by tugging at it with a sharp instrument. It slides off since the enamel still has its natural glazed surface so the composite is easy to peel off afterwards. This is the enhanced version of her smile achieved by carefully adding it to her incisal embrasures and sculpting it with a little prime and bond on a plastic instrument (  a flat metal blade instrument that is good for sculpting). Now this is only a dress rehearsal and ...

A recent, three-part study by Crest® puts numbers to what most of us already knew – white teeth are beautiful and powerful! The study used both qualitative and quantitative measures in multiple settings to determine what effect white teeth can have on a person’s life. In a portion of the study on employment, researchers found that whiter teeth greatly increased a person’s chance of being offered jobs but also of receiving higher pay. In a portion of the study on romance, subjects went on simulated dates and found the dates were more successful after their teeth had been whitened. Dr. Dacher Keltner, smile psychologist and psychology professor, says, “This study provides some of the first findings that speak to the powerful benefits of having a whiter smile.” Why We Like White Teeth There’s no arguing it, people like white teeth – on themselves and on others. Perhaps this is because white teeth appear healthier and cleaner. Some scientists also guess that having white teeth is a sign...

We’ve all got our reasons. Money. Time. The fear of pain. Juggling insurance. Facing one more reminder that we really should be flossing more. Any of these might cause us to avoid and put off regular visits to the dentist. Has it been so long since your last dental appointment that you’re not even sure how to find a dentist you can trust? Or perhaps you know and love your dentist but you dread the idea of trying to catch up on life with the hygienist while your mouth is being propped open by a tiny plastic jack. (Yes, we think about that too!) Charlotte dentist, Dr. Berglass , and our staff are happy to help you prioritize your dental health, which is why we go to great lengths to remove any barrier that might keep you from stepping through our doors. Sedation options , flexible payment plans, plentiful office hours, and a skilled dental team can help you achieve your best smile. Our relaxed office is comfortable from the waiting room to the dentist chair. Central Avenue Dental is ...

The image of a glass full of false teeth on the nightstand is plastered all throughout popular culture. You would think that soaking your dentures in water and cleaner is sufficient, but Dr. Gollofon reminds us that proper denture care requires more than just that. In fact, denture maintenance is an important part of oral health. For Seattle residents who have dentures or are considering them, it is important to know exactly how they function and how to care for them. If you have any questions, please give us a call at A.J. Gollofon, DDS. How do Dentures Work? Dentures are intended for Seattle residents who have lost most or all of their teeth. Dentures are removable dental appliances that look nearly identical to natural teeth. They also function the same way, allowing folks with little or no remaining teeth to eat and speak normally. In addition to improving oral health, facial structure, and smile, having a good set of dentures can mean a world of difference for your general hea...

So, you’re missing a tooth—or a few! An apple a day will not take care of this one, unfortunately. It’s time to consider dentures or dental implants. A variety of personal and practical factors will determine which solution is best for your new smile. Don’t feel lost among all the pros and cons of choosing a tooth-replacement plan. Brewer Family Dental in Lexington is an experienced practice you can trust to help guide you on your journey from missing teeth toward a complete, natural, and healthy smile. Not your grandma’s dentures Thankfully, time and technology have greatly improved the denture experience for our patients. Today, dentures look and feel more natural than ever before. Dentures are a whole set of false teeth held into your gums with secure bonding glue. This can be an affordable option if you need to replace multiple teeth. For added stability, functionality, and peace of mind, dentures can also be secured with dental implants. Added security with dental implants ...

There is a good chance you have heard Dr. Paini or someone else at Advanced Aesthetic Dentistry mention the term ‘bruxism’ and discuss the problems it can cause for your oral health. At the office, we talk about a lot of technical dental stuff that doesn’t necessarily concern our Denver patients, but bruxism is something we definitely want you to know about. Stress and bruxism go hand in hand, and we are going to tell you exactly what that means and how it affects your health. Alright, we know you are on the edge of your seat! What is bruxism and why does it concern you? Well, how often do you find yourself clenching your jaw or notice others doing just that? Bruxism is a common condition characterized by jaw clenching and the grinding of teeth. It is perfectly normal to clench your jaw and grind your teeth from time to time, but it can be very damaging if it gets to be a regular habit. The biggest issue with bruxism is that people are rarely aware that they suffer from this conditi...

Sore jaw ? Restless nights ? Play sports? If any of these apply to you, you might be surprised to hear that you could use a mouthguard! Functions of Mouthguards Mouthguards are solid pieces of plastic that keep your teeth and jaw in a specific resting position. The basic function of a mouthguard is protection. Mouthguards help prevent accidental mouth injuries, ease pain from grinding your teeth, and can even help patients with trouble sleeping. They usually only cover the top row of teeth, but can sometimes be made to cover the bottom row too. You can buy a mouthguard pre-made, custom-made, or use the “boil and bite” method for something in the middle. Custom mouth guards from your St. Augustine dentist offer the highest level of protection and the most comfortable fit, but no matter where you get your mouthguard, actually wearing it is the most important part. Types of Mouthguards All mouthguards look and function mostly the same, but they might be slightly different based on t...

The World Health Organization defines health as “A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Sadly, in our fast-paced culture, many of us settle for less-than-healthy or even truly sick conditions every day. We allow ourselves to be tired, achy, stressed and in pain more often than not. Why? Because it’s hard to prioritize our long-term health in a world of so many immediate needs competing for our attention. But long-term health is actually the most important need of all. Without our health, we won’t truly be able to enjoy life or contribute to a greater good. Dr. Fili offers a few points on how to seek wellness and prevent oral health problems before they even start. Starting Upstream It’s easier to stop pollution from entering a stream in the first place than to try cleaning up the mess afterward. By starting upstream and taking your preventative health seriously, you will see immediate benefits and avoid poten...

Most of us were taught when we were kids that sweets like chocolate will rot your teeth. While this may remain true for some types of our favorite sweet snack, that doesn’t mean we have to take it off the menu altogether. In fact, recent studies have found that dark chocolate , containing high percentages of cocoa, may actually be beneficial to your dental health. Drs. Wagner, Cannon, Lawler, & Nelson at Wagner Dental want Las Vegas residents to know the facts so they can satisfy their sweet tooth safely. How does it work? Dark chocolate is known to contain high levels of antioxidants, which work with our bodies to fight bacteria and disease. Dark chocolate can contain up to four times the antioxidants found in green tea! High levels of antioxidants found in saliva have been proven to help fight periodontal (gum) disease and slow tooth decay . What about the sugar? Yes, chocolate does contain sugar, which is bad for your teeth. However, that is why we are recommending dark ...

Living in a land of antibacterial gels, soaps, plastics, and even fabrics, it might surprise you to hear that tons of bacteria live in your mouth every day, and they aren’t all bad! In fact, some play an important role in keeping up your overall health. Some oral bacteria, however, can cause serious problems and must be fought with good oral hygiene . Dr. Case from Family Dental Health in Portland helps you understand the role bacteria play in your health and wellness. What are Bacteria? Bacteria are very small organisms made of just one single cell. That’s compared to over 37 trillion cells in the human body! Bacteria have their own DNA and they need sources of energy (food) just like you do. Nearly 700 different kinds of bacteria can live in your mouth, but most people only have 34-72 types present at any given time. What Do Bacteria Do? Of all the bacteria in your mouth, some are good, some are bad, and some simply neutral. The good bacteria – called probiotics – assist with d...

What is oil pulling? Claiming to achieve everything from whiter teeth and healthier gums to decreased body aches and pains, oil pulling is the latest trend in DIY detox therapies. Newly popular among celebrities and lovers of natural health and wellness, oil pulling is a dental hygiene practice that actually dates back centuries through the Indian medical tradition Ayurveda. Simply put, oil pulling uses common plant-based oils (coconut is a favorite) in place of store-bought mouthwash. Users swish, or “pull” one tablespoon of oil in their mouth for 10-20 minutes every day. The volume of oil usually doubles in size due to the collection of saliva and toxins from the mouth during this process. Users are strongly warned to spit out the oil because it contains the microorganisms which pulling aims to extract. Oil is believed to draw toxins out of the mouth by sticking to their outer, fatty layer. Since oral hygiene is linked to health in all parts of the body, it’s believed that the be...

At Natural Smiles Dentistry, we know that Salt Lake City parents work hard to prioritize their child’s health and happiness—you can count on us to do the same! The smiles of your children are a contagious expression of delight, and our role as their oral healthcare provider is to protect those precious pearly whites. That’s why we fill Salt Lake City parents in on the ways we can help prevent their child from experiencing the pain of cavities. Fluoride treatments are a quick, painless way to strengthen teeth and keep decay-causing bugs away. Are Fluoride Treatments Safe for Children? Yes! They are an especially important prevention method in communities that don’t have fluoridated tap water. When combined with dental sealants, fluoride treatments have a 95% success rate in cavity prevention. The reason fluoride is one of the main ingredients in toothpaste and offered as a varnish is because of its ability to prevent cavities by making the hard, outer shell of teeth less susceptible...

A trip to the dentist should be a pleasant experience. That’s what we want for our kids: happy associations with that twice annual visit to Dr. Buck . Nothing ruins the good feeling at a dental visit faster than the dreaded words, “I found a cavity.” A cavity in a baby tooth is bad news, but not the end of the world. A cavity in a newly erupted permanent tooth is more cause for concern. So what is a cavity? How do they form? And, what can we do to keep them from ever getting started? What is a Cavity? Simply, a cavity, also known as dental caries, is a hole in the tooth enamel. A tooth has an outer layer of hard enamel surrounding an inner layer of dentin, which covers the tooth pulp, which contains blood vessels and a nerve. A cavity forms when the enamel is weakened then fails and no longer covers the dentin. A small cavity can usually be drilled to remove any decayed portion and stop further decay, then filled with a strong material, like resin, to re-strengthen the remaining to...

Originally created for people unable to consume regular sugars, alternative and artificial sweeteners have become extremely popular in San Luis Obispo in all kinds of different products. From chewing gum to diet soda, Dr. Colleran wants you to know which of these options are best for your dental and general health – so here are the facts about a few of the most common sweeteners. The Big Five Sugar Substitutes The benefits of artificial sweeteners were first recognized as a safe option for diabetics, but have since exploded in popularity because food, beverage, candy, and snack companies have discovered that it is easier to sell fewer calories. In addition, San Luis Obispo residents with a sweet tooth know that artificial sweeteners are notorious for their ability to ruin your portion control. The substances listed below are considered sugar-free and inhibit tooth decay because bacteria cannot ferment them into enamel-destroying acids. Despite ongoing controversy about health conce...

I have participated in the Cigna Dental PPO network for four years. For the most part it has been good for my practice, but occasionally not so much. Often when Cigna returns their pre-certifications to my patients, they add a little note that my patient would save money if they used an "advantage" dentist ( a plan that allows a lower fee schedule than the PPO plan). I should note that after signing me up for the DPPO  plan Cigna set up an alternative and less expensive PPO plan named Advantage. (Advantage to Cigna I believe!)   I guess now I am no longer a Cigna "most" Preferred Provider? Cigna offer three tiers of dental plans. DMO, Advamtage PPO and, PPO Now when Cigna patients call for an appointment and we ask if the have a Cigna PPO plan they sometimes reply yes an make an appointment, but sometimes I am considered an "out of Network Dentist" since I do not participate in the Advantage network. This can lead to an awkward  conversation since it isn...

I have 4 computers in my office, all with Dexis 9 installed. Most have run Windows 10 installed and frequently get updated at unexpected times. Recently one of the updates seems to have made the computers involved to no longer be able to export radiagraphs directly to Outlook. This can make our life in the office more complicated because now we have extra steps involved with sending our radiographs via email to other specialists or my patients. I have all my contacts in my treatment room work station. What I have been doing lately is writing down the email address or the recipient on a piece of paper and searching for a non updated workstation so that I can forward x-rays the the appropriate recipient. Unfortunately, as time has gone by more and more of our computers are being updated and eventually I will run out of easy options. I spoke to my Mathew, my  IT person today and he wondered if we used a more recent version of Outlook (ours is 2007) if that might solve the problem....

Lower incisors tend to get a lot of wear over the course of a lifetime. Many people, especially when their heads tilt forward, tend to rest the edges of the lower anteriors against the edges of their maxillary anteriors.  This can happen at night while sleeping and I often recommend patients wear a night guard when I see moderate wear on lower anteriors. When wear occurs, eventually the covering of enamel on the incisal edge of lower teeth can disappear, leaving an area of dentin sandwiched in between two strips of enamel (on the buccal and the lingual) . When this happens, the enamel is a little bit like a veneer over  dentin and with the proper amount of focal pressure it can sheer off, leaving a roughened portion of dentin exposed. Usually this occurs on the lingual surface and can be easily fixed using some bonded composite to restore the tooth surface and make it feel smooth again. The good news is this procedure usually does not require anesthesia and can be accomplish...

When I was in dental school, we were told tons of scary stats about being associates and the number of associateships that don’t pan out. It can be easy to get overwhelmed. Below are five recommendations that will pay dividends for your entire career and allow you to get the most out of any job. 1. Communicate—Everyone has heard the saying communication is key; this is my number one tip for a reason. Every patient should be educated on his or her situation. They did not go to dental school, so you need to talk on a level that they understand and inform them on what has, is, and could happen. I make sure that every patient understands that my job is to educate them on what they have and/or need; and if they want, I will fix it. Most of those patients appreciate the fact that I say, “these are your options and needs, what do YOU want?” I typically do not have to sell treatment once I have educated the patient and sold the patient on me as a provider. 2. Sell yourself—Teddy Roosevelt sa...

CBCT stands for Cone Beam Computed Tomography  and is a 3-D X-ray that is being used for Diagnosis and Treatment Planning in dentistry. It provides a 3 dimensional image of the jaw and teeth that can be divided into a series of separate sagital of horizontal cuts to help dentists visualize what is actually going on in a jaw even individual teeth. More and more, endodontists are purchasing these machines and using them to help understand what has caused endodontics to fail and whether it'w worth a patients time and money to try and save these teeth. CBCT images can sometimes show fractures, boney defects and missed canals as well as other anatomical features of teeth and the surrounding bone. Usually the machines that endodontists use do not need to take images of the entire jaw, but can be limited to the area around the tooth in question. The fee's for this scan ( at least my endodontists) are around $200-$300 per study and seem well worth the money. They are not routinely ...

  Gingivitis – very simply – is an inflammation of your gums. (Any time a medical term ends with “itis” it means inflammation.) Gingivitis varies in severity and can look a few different ways. Very bad gingivitis leads to periodontal (gum) disease. Gingivitis is common and affects many, rather, most adults. But with good oral hygiene and the care of a professional Plantation dentist, you should be able to avoid any major problems and even prevent gingivitis before it begins! Dr. Rizvi talks more below about what causes gingivitis, how to prevent it, and how to treat it if it happens to you! Causes of Gingivitis Plaque forms on your teeth and near your gums after you eat and drink. Regular brushing and flossing cleans your teeth and removes this plaque. But if you go too long without brushing and flossing, or you don’t do it well enough, the plaque can really build up and even harden in your mouth. At this point, the plaque becomes tartar that can only be removed by a denta...

There are lots of ways to deal with missing or damaged teeth. You’ve probably heard one of us at Dubuque Periodontics talking about implants, dentures, bridges, and crowns, but have you ever wondered what they are and how they work? Dr. Fili knows that folks in Dubuque like to be informed, so think of this as your personal guide to things that might end up in your mouth. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to give us a call! Crowns, Bridges, and Dentures, Oh My! At some point in time, most of us will lose at least one adult tooth. The most common cause of tooth loss is gum disease , but it could also be an accident, a sports injury, or a cavity on steroids. Some people are even born without the ability to develop one or more adult teeth! Either way, the point is that most Dubuque residents will one day face a decision: how do I replace my lost or damaged tooth? There are many ways to fill a gap in your bite: Crowns  Crowns themselves do not replace entire teeth, ...