Dental Info

Most dental radiographs are take with the assistance of a XCP holder and if placed in the mouth incorrectly the Over angulation of the x-ray tube in relation to a patients tooth can create distortion of the image.  If the assistant or the hygienist positions the x-ray head with too much vertical angulation, the resulting bitewing radiographs are not terribly diagnostic for reading interproximal decay. When the bottom of patients nose is parallel to the ground, the angle of the cone should be no more than a positive 10 degrees. If it is 20-30 degrees it can result in radiographs displaying excess cervical burnout and can suggest decay where there is none or not show decay where it is present. If the position of the x ray holder is showing a higher angulation than 10 degrees it probably should be repositioned. I have seen this be true numerous times in my own dental practice because when I suggest retakes, I usually take the new bitewing myself and sometimes my picture looks vas...

A lot of healthy lifestyle choices benefit more than one system within your body. Eating well, exercising, good sleep, and fresh air all support a lot of your physical needs. So, it shouldn’t be surprising that what hurts one area of your health can easily hurt another area, too. An important (though less known) connection in your health systems is the connection between oral hygiene  and heart health. Heart Disease Your mouth is home to countless kinds of bacteria. Most of these bacteria are normal and good, but some may put you at a higher risk of cardiovascular (heart) disease. Heart disease is an umbrella term that covers a wide array of less-than-desirable conditions in your heart and its connecting vessels. Your heart muscle, valves, and rhythm can all be affected by heart disease. If something prevents your heart and blood vessels from working properly, the consequences can be devastating. That’s why it’s important to know how your oral health and other lifestyle factors ...

Essential oils are time-tested treasures gaining new popularity among fans everywhere. These potent liquids are fun and fresh ingredients that you can customize for almost any oral hygiene need.  As with any DIY dental treatment, do your research and be cautious. Not all oils are safe to ingest, and some may hurt you if applied directly to your skin. Essential oils are distilled from plants and usually sold singularly with one ingredient per bottle, although you can also find oil blend products. Like other supplements, the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate their safety or efficacy. Using Essential Oils for Oral Health Those in the natural health field are concerned that dangerous chemicals in conventional health products may hinder natural bodily functions, especially the endocrine system. The attraction to using essential oils in dentistry is that they may not pose such a risk to the body. Cinnamon, peppermint, spearmint, myrrh, clove, and tea tree essential oils a...

When he became the first president of the United States, George Washington had only one real tooth left! You heard right — just ONE. Everyone has heard something about this great man and his dental history, but if you heard that Washington had wooden teeth, then you heard wrong.  This myth is totally false, and Dr. Berglass at Central Avenue Dental is here to tell you the truth. Dental Care in Colonial Times It was a combination of bad genes and even worse medical practices that led Washington down the path to becoming toothless. Washington experienced many health problems throughout his life. And he was often treated with “calomel,” a common medicine at the time that contained mercury, which ruined teeth. Toothpaste at the time was also made from very abrasive materials like tree bark and brick dust, which likely continued to break down Washington’s natural teeth. Many people in Washington’s era had fake teeth, but none were made of wood. As gross as it sounds, rich citizen...

We’ve all had a toothache at some point or another. While you should always consult your Seattle dentist, it’s not always a serious problem. Often, the issue can be fixed with a filling or a root canal. However, many Seattle residents have found themselves in a situation where the tooth is not salvageable, and the only solution is for Dr. Gollofon to perform an extraction, or remove the tooth. Today, Dr. Gollofon at A.J. Gollofon, DDS would like to talk about what you can expect from an extraction and why it’s not something to fear! Pulling Teeth isn’t like “Pulling Teeth” Anymore Just like root canals, tooth extractions have a pretty bad reputation. Many Seattle folks may refer to something difficult by saying it was, “like pulling teeth.” However, Dr. Gollofon will be the first one to tell you that the technology and techniques of modern dentistry have made the process of extracting a tooth fairly simple and with minimal discomfort to the patients. As long as you take it easy aft...

A hole in your smile is never a positive thing. It negatively affects physical appearance, eating, speaking, and your overall sense of confidence and well-being. Let Advanced Aesthetic Dentistry bridge the gap between where you are with your smile and where you want to be! A missing tooth or teeth can also cause jaw pain and bite misalignment. Without a full set of teeth, your other teeth tend to move into the empty space, causing unnatural alignment in your bite and jaw—which can be very uncomfortable and can lead to bigger headaches and TMJ/TMD problems . Dr. Paini shares how each tooth plays an important role in your health and everyday life, and how dental bridges can restore your smile and the function of your teeth. Types of Bridges Depending on your needs, there are three common kinds of bridges that your dentist may recommend. The difference between each type of bridge is how they are installed and secured. The core of every bridge is the false tooth or teeth that replace...

As a parent, you will have numerous opportunities to teach your children valuable skills and each one will yield priceless memories. Your child’s first step, your child’s first word, your child’s first bike ride, your child’s first unassisted brushing and flossing session…well, maybe that last one won’t be as memorable, but Dr. Gordon wants to remind all St. Augustine parents that good oral hygiene habits begin in childhood. So, today, we at Gordon Dental Associates would like to take this opportunity give you some tips on teaching your kids to brush and floss.  Good Brushing Habits Last Forever Just in case you have that nagging question about baby teeth, we’ll settle it right now. What’s the point of taking care of baby teeth, if they get a whole new set in a few years? As baby teeth come in, they are literally setting the stage for adult teeth. Premature tooth loss can mess up the corresponding adult tooth’s placement. Bad hygiene in the early years can also cause infection,...

Acids and bases might sound like something from far back in your memory, like middle school science class, but the concept is still very applicable to every aspect of life today. The foods and beverages you consume daily have a very big effect on your oral health and overall health, for better or worse. You can protect and support your health by eating the right foods. We know this isn’t news to anyone, but it’s much easier said than done, right? Dr. Rizvi , Plantation dentist explains more below about how an alkaline diet can benefit your oral health and overall health. What is an Alkaline Diet? Everything around us is made of chemicals that are either some level of acidic or basic (alkaline). Chemicals are numbered on the pH scale from 0-6 as acidic, 7 as neutral, and 8-14 as alkaline and more people are talking these days about the negative effects of diets high in acidity. A minimally acidic, or alkaline, diet will contain mostly foods with a pH above 7. Research shows that s...

A few things are equally important for your oral health, no matter what your age or stage of life. Good nutrition, brushing and flossing habits , visiting the dentist and a little fluoride are always ( always ) the essentials – you won’t ever hear us say otherwise.  However, your dental hygiene routine requires unique considerations for each new season of growth and maturity. Read below as  Dr. Buck of Northern Trails Dental Care shares what is especially important knowledge to maintain your oral health throughout your life. You may be surprised at what we have to say! Babies From the moment your child enters the world, they are equipped with not one, but two sets of teeth to last their lifetime—even if you can’t quite see said teeth yet. Oral health and dental care are as important at this time as every other. Don’t wait to set the stage for good habits that will ensure a healthy, functioning smile for your newest family member. Baby bottle tooth decay is a serious side...

Keeping your health history updated with Dr. Fili may help save your teeth. Although you may think of general health and dental health as two completely unrelated categories, they are much more connected than the average person suspects. Just as the information you share with your general practitioner assists them in keeping you healthy, Dr. Fili depends on your input for optimum dental health. When it comes to overall health, your dentist needs to see the big picture so they can assist you with keeping your teeth vital. Most Dubuque residents might not think to inform their dentist about their general physical health, but would be surprised at the potential impact that information can have on their oral care. The Dubuque Periodontics team likes to go above and beyond for our Dubuque patients, but we depend on your participation to make sure you get the quality dental care you deserve. Here are a few reasons why: Diabetes and Dental Health 750,000 Americans are diagnosed with diabet...

You love your teeth. You brush them twice a day, floss once a day, and see your dentist regularly. Right? We love your teeth, too! In fact, there’s so much to know about caring for your oral health that dentistry has quite a few categories of specialties and different kinds of dentists. The primary dentist in your life should be your family dentist. They are also known as a general dentist. Your family dentist is whom you will see most often for dental check-ups. But how exactly is family dentistry different from other kinds of dentistry? Dr. Brickey and Dr. Provine in Salt Lake City shares more below about family dentistry. Types of Dentistry All dentists have an undergraduate degree and then go on to about four years of dental school. This earns them either a doctorate of dental medicine (DMD) or doctorate of dental surgery (DDS). To become more specialized, the dentist will need additional education and clinical experience. General Dentist : A family dentist is a general dentis...

In today’s calorie-obsessed culture, it can be hard to hear the truth among all the other health-conscious noise. Lexington residents are frequently misinformed and misled about the health benefits of trends such as cleanses, sugar alternatives, diets, organic vs. nonorganic, and a myriad of other common topics. Today Dr. Brewer would like to clear up any misconceptions about dental health and diet soda. If you have any questions, please contact us at Brewer Family Dental. Are Diet Sodas Healthy? The short answer: no. Originally conceived as low-calorie alternatives to one of America’s first commercial legacies, diet sodas have become extremely popular amidst our country’s never-ending battle to lose weight. There’s only one small problem – diet sodas are only marginally better than regular soda. Compared to water, diet soda has zero nutritional value and contains many ingredients that are harmful outside of moderation. Diet Soda & Dental Health Diet soft drinks are not good f...

Probably not where patient reviews are concerned. Our dental practice makes an effort at treating our patients "nicely". We make a real effort at avoiding nasty interactions. Most of our treatment plans involving significant expenditures are pre certified, with dental insurance plans, prior to our scheduling procedures. Also, most treatment plans are explained and if our patient has more than one option, we discuss the pros and cons involving each. Often extensive treatment plans are staged to make them more affordable. Many of our patients have been in our practice for years and they are quite loyal and are fond of us. I must confess the feeling is mutual. We like our patients and treat them like family. "We want to thank them for all their  support that makes our practice thrive and helped us earn  this "best of New York" recognition! from Ask Dr. Spindel - http://lspindelnycdds.blogspot.com/2018/03/do-nice-guys-finish-last.html - http://lspindelnycdds....

There are basically three possibilities for pain after biting down hard on something. One reason is your tooth may have developed a crack in it or had a pre-existing crack propagate.  When this happens the tooth can become sensitive to chewing afterwards. The crack opens and closes during chewing and causes pain. If the tooth actually cracks all the way through it can be either good or bad. If the piece that breaks off separates above the gum, the tooth is usually still restorable. If on the other hand if it breaks off below the gum or bone, it can cause problems for a dentist wishing to restore the tooth and sometimes a dentist will even recommend extraction. If the crack is a vertical crack that invades the pulp chamber, then my patient may end up needing a root canal since pulps do not do well in this situation and usually need a root canal to solve the problem. Another possible cause for pain that occurs after chewing on something hard is that a filling may have cracked.. A...

I don't know if everyone is this way, but I suspect they are. When I have a problem and don't take care of it, it weighs on me, until I resolve it. The other day, I got the eye exam I needed in order to renew my NY state driver's license online. I had been putting it off because I didn't want to take time off from work to schedule my appointment. One day, when I had a few cancellations I found an eye doctor who could see me and afterwards I was able to finally renew my driver's license. I get the same feeling when I don't take care of one of my own tooth problems. A while ago I chipped the edges of one of my lower anterior teeth on the lingual. Afterwards although it didn't show but every time my tongue touched the tooth I felt its roughness. I was apprehensive about having my dentist fix this small chip. I wasn't sure he would fix it the way I wanted it done and I even thought about fixing it my self using mirrors (Yes, dentists can be obsessive eve...

May 23, 2016 UPDATE FROM DR. BUCK AND CARILYN: The Flying Doctors of America Mission is about to begin! Carilyn and I (Dr. Buck) left MQT at 6:20 AM on Saturday. After transferring in Detroit and Atlanta, we flew to Lima, Peru (6.5-hour flight) and arrived around 11:30 PM (Lima is on Central Time). Our plan was to stay at a hotel at the Lima Airport, however, I made the reservation for the wrong date! Thankfully, the nice gentleman at the front desk offered us a space to lie down in a side room and told us that he would let us know if some guests don’t show up. Around 1:30 AM, we were allowed to check into a room and got a nice, solid 3-hours of sleep in preparation for our early morning flight to Cusco. Our team leader met us at the airport in Cusco (short 1-hour flight from Lima) and we began our preparation for Monday’s mission. We checked into our hotel, met the rest of the group and ate lunch. The group consisted of 20 people: 4 dentists, 2 dental assistants, 8 doctors, 2 nurs...

For those who don't know the incisive foramen is a hole in the center of the anterior maxilla that houses a vascular and nerve bundle behind or sometimes between the maxillary central incisors. When placing an implant to replace a central incisors most surgeon will review a cone beam scan in order to locate this anatomical structure. Most implant surgeons I know agree that placing an implant in contact with this  with the vital tissue inside the incisive foramen will likely compromise the success of the implant. I went to an interesting presentation by Dr. Edgard Elchaar, a Manhattan periodontist who is in charge of the post graduate training for those studying to be periodontists at NYU College of Dentistry. He showed a case where he place two fairly robust implants in position #8 and #9 ( replacing the right and left central incisor) and when I asked him about the incisive foramen he explained that he relocated it. I asked how and he said he removed some of the tissue in the fo...

Yesterday was the first day of spring, but no one seems to have told mother nature. She has scheduled a major snow storm today. NYC snowfall is predicted to get extremely heavy in the afternoon.  We are open to see patients this morning but we plan on working a half day, so that my staff and I can get home before our commute becomes impossible. The good news for our patients is that our schedule, even in the morning will probably have some openings and we will be happy to accommodate,  if you want to make a last minute appointment! If you are one of our elderly patients we suggest you cancel your appointment since it will certanily be slippery on the streets of New York today. Ida my office manager will be reaching out to our patients scheduled for treatment today to see if they want to come in but for now we plan on being fully staffed even if we have a light schedule. Probably this is a good day for some mandated Osha and Hipaa  training! from Ask Dr. Spindel - ht...

Most of us tend to think that once we get a cavity there isn’t much we can do to resolve the problem, other than having a hole drilled through our teeth to make way for a filling. However, this isn’t always the case. When you have a cavity, there is a lot that can be done before the drill is fired up. In fact, the steps outlined in this article may help you to completely—and naturally—reverse your cavities. Understanding Your Teeth’s Natural Ability To Rebuild In my opinion, many dentists are a little too quick to grab their drill and “fix” cavities with synthetic fillings. The truth is that the process of filling cavities weakens the teeth and can cause more issues in the future, but if we truly understand the natural capabilities of teeth, we may be able to prevent this altogether. FACT: Your teeth are much more than the pearly whites that meet the eye. From the outside, in, your teeth consist of three major parts: the crown, dentin, and pulp. The crown is what you see when you...