Dental Info

Picture of smiling denture patient Please don't get the wrong idea.  I have spent most of my professional life striving to help my patients save their teeth. When they have a tooth extracted I usually recommend an implant replacement. That being said, sometimes less is more, literally. When a patient requires extensive treatments and financial sacrifice in order to allow for an implant supported restoration sometimes it still makes sense to go the implant route, but sometimes it isn't the best option For some, including implants in their treatment plan , makes no sense. Patients can have conditions that make treatment planning an implant supported restoration a poor choice. These can include financial, mental or physical limitations. Health issues  can often make treatment planning implants more complicated since debilitated patients aren't the best candidates for extensive dentistry.  Just because full implant case is  possible,  doesn't mean tha...

My dental practice in midtown seems to be located in the heart of the legal district. Seems like a lot of attorneys have practices located walking distance from Grand Central Station and I have more than my share of them as patients. For the most part they make wonderful patients but some of my explanations of my treatment plans and treatments seem a little like legal briefs followed by cross examination. They usually ask intelligent and somewhat pointed questions. Why do I need a crown? What will happen if I don't get one? How long will it last? What kind of problems could I have afterwards? If I was a less confident dentist all these questions could make a fellow defensive. Not me, since I enjoy spirited conversation and frankly it doesn't take much for me handle the questions, since I know considerably more about dentistry than they do, at least most of the time. Most of the time they leave satisfied and happy! Of course there is always the possibility of an exception ...

You might be surprised to hear that the state of your oral health has a lot to do with preventing a stroke. There’s a certain kind of bad oral bacteria that cause gum disease , travel to other parts of your body, and cause harm. A stroke is a common but dangerous medical condition that causes a lack of blood in the brain. The effects of a stroke can be long-term and life-changing. People of any age can experience a stroke, but it’s most common in adults 40 years and older. Oral Wellness The Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Center lists favorable oral health among its top five factors that prevent stroke, and a growing number of studies are finding the link between certain kinds of oral bacteria and the harm they cause to your brain. For example, these bacteria can travel into your head through your bloodstream, causing brain bleeding and dementia. This sounds scary—and it certainly can be. But with good, simple oral hygiene, you can take care of your mouth and prevent a lot of oth...

There is a law of nature that states: “function follows form.” This saying means that how something appears determines how it works. For example, you may own many screwdrivers of different sizes and shapes (form) to loosen all different kinds of screws (function). Think of a watering can with a long spout that’s perfect for pouring water right where you want it, versus one with a broad spout meant to cover large areas more quickly. When you think about it, this principle also applies to your smile. A mouth with missing teeth isn’t nearly as functional as a mouth with a full set of chompers. Enter: cosmetic dentistry. While the word “cosmetic” makes these treatments sound optional, many times they are necessary to improve physical function or mental and emotional well-being. Read more from Dr. Brickey and Dr. Provine to learn about cosmetic dentistry and the positive impact it can have on your life. Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Whitening — an absolute favorite when it comes to conf...

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 Family Dental Health wants to remind Portland parents that good oral hygiene habits begin in childhood. So, today, Dr. David Case would like to take this opportunity to 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, difficulty spe...

Your mouth is an intelligent system made to work with every piece doing its part. When you’re missing a tooth, the empty spaces are more than unsightly; they can be dangerous. Your other teeth, your gums, and even the bones in your face rely on you having a full smile. Enter: dental implants . Thanks to improved technology, you can replace a single tooth or a whole row of teeth quickly and effectively. Dental implants can improve your overall oral health and are now considered the gold standard in tooth replacement technology. Dr. Fili at Dubuque Periodontics in Dubuque offers professional placement and restoration of dental implants, so let us tell you more about them and how they can help protect your greatest asset and secure your smile! How Do Dental Implants Work? Teeth have even more going on under the surface of your gums than above. What you see when you look at your teeth is the hard, white crown. (See, you knew you must be royalty!) Then – like a plant – each tooth has ...

Cracked tooth syndrome ( CTS ), also known as cracked cusp syndrome or split tooth syndrome, is a painful condition that results from a crack in one of your teeth. CTS can mean anything from a tiny hairline split in the crown to a fracture that goes all the way to the root. If you have a nasty toothache and remember biting down on something hard, it’s time to contact Dr. Colleran . Don’t worry though, because the dental professionals at Michael Colleran, DDS are committed to giving you the best oral care that San Luis Obispo has available. To find out more about cracked tooth syndrome, read on. Symptoms of Cracked Tooth Syndrome Although this condition can vary a little bit for everyone, here are some common signs you may have cracked tooth or cracked cusp syndrome: Biting down in a certain area causes sharp pain The pain goes away shortly after you have finished chewing or biting You have localized sensitivity to hot or cold, and sticky, sweet, or sour foods You find that you ...

Your smile is more powerful than you may know. Scientists have studied many aspects of smiling, such as how it affects your brain, your health, and your overall experience of life. Even the situation you’re in and the people around you are influenced by your smile. The findings may surprise you. Or, if you’re someone who smiles often, they may just confirm what you already know. Drs. Wagner, Lawler, Nelson, and Cannon in Las Vegas love a good smile and want to help you smile more—to let us convince you to smile more and to maintain that smile with a healthy dental routine, keep reading! Smiling & Your Health The physical act of a smile can benefit both your mental health and your physical health. Experiencing an emotion connects all the parts of yourself: body, mind, and spirit, so the physical act of smiling can improve your overall experience of life. Studies show that smiling makes your brain function better to fight stress and to prevent stress from building in the first pl...

It’s common to see people wearing mouth guards in Seattle for protection during all kinds of sports, such as football, basketball, and boxing, but did you know that lots of folks wear mouth guards at night for their dental health? People who grind their teeth (bruxism) and people with sleep apnea can get relief from their symptoms simply by wearing a specially-designed mouth guard at night. Dr. Gollofon has helped many Seattle residents improve their quality of life with nightguards. Our team at AJ Gollofon, DDS invites you to come visit us today to find out more. Nightguards for Bruxism Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a very common condition. Everyone grinds their teeth at some point, but some Seattle folks do it so much (especially during the night) that it causes severe damage to their teeth, headaches, jaw aches, TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) issues and more. The problem is that most bruxism sufferers don’t know that they are actually clenching and grinding their teeth....

Traditionally, dentists have used what’s known as amalgam, or special metal alloys, to fill cavities. However, modern dental medicine has advanced to the point that Dr. Buck can offer Gwinn patients a much better option for filling holes caused by tooth decay: composite fillings . At Northern Trails Dental Care, we would like to educate you on the benefits of tooth-colored, composite fillings, so please let this article serve as your personal fillings fact sheet. The History of Fillings Once upon a time, the choices for dental restoration materials were limited. Records dating back as far as 659 A.D. tell us that amalgams (mixtures of silver, mercury, tin, and/or copper) have been used widely for more than 1300 years. There have been a number of scientific disputes (referred to as the amalgam war) over the health concerns of using mercury, but the American Dental Association has always defended the safety of amalgam fillings. Until recently, amalgam fillings were favored because o...

Fresh breath sets the tone for every moment of your day: first thing in the morning, before an important meeting, after working out, or just before bed. Whether you prefer cool mint, invigorating cinnamon, or herbal anise, it’s your favorite trusty toothpaste that delivers that fresh, clean feeling. So, what’s the scoop on toothpaste? What knowledge is essential to get the most out of your toothpaste? You might be surprised as you learn more about this common product. Dr. Gordon in St. Augustine gives you the full story on toothpaste to empower you to take oral health into your own hands. What is Toothpaste? Toothpaste is an important preventative product. It can prevent tartar (hardened plaque) and gum disease if used regularly. Toothpaste comes in a variety of forms – paste, gels, powders. But all toothpaste has similar ingredients that allow it to work, and work well. Abrasives — The most important thing toothpaste does is remove unwanted stuff from the surface of your tee...

If you’re a new mom or about to be one, you’re likely already used to putting your needs second to the needs of this beautiful new little person in your life – but maintaining good oral hygiene is still important for keeping you and your baby in tiptop shape. If something happens and you need dental work, it shouldn’t prevent you from breastfeeding regularly or from seeking the treatment you need. Dr. Michael Berglass is an experienced dentist in Charlotte and can explain how prioritizing your own health needs is safe and important during this stage of a woman’s life. Dental Procedures Safe for Breastfeeding You shouldn’t be surprised to hear that regular brushing and flossing is safe for breastfeeding mothers. In fact, it’s probably never felt more luxurious! Especially as you’re likely eating everything in sight (and perhaps indulging in sweet treats, too), it’s a good idea to keep those pearly whites as clean and healthy as possible. We know how difficult it is to take care of y...

Whitening strips are among the most popular health and beauty products in Lexington. Brightening up your pearly whites is a great way to give your smile a boost, and with all the over-the-counter options, there’s no reason not to pick one up and try it out. Dr. Kevin Brewer wants you to be informed about every aspect of dental health, so here’s a guide to which whitening options can give your teeth a bright new shine. If you have any questions or would like to visit Brewer Family Dental for a consultation, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Teeth Whitening : The Basics Nowadays, there are three basic types of in-home whitening: toothpaste and mouthwashes, whitening strips, and gel trays. While whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes are the least expensive products on the market, they are also the least effective at creating a noticeable change in the short-term. This is because they don’t have a significant amount of the active ingredients in most whitening products, which are hydroge...

Picture provided by CreoDent laboratory Probably not at least according to a recently randomized clinical study" Randomized clinical study of wear of enamel antagonists against polished monolithic zirconia crowns" published this year in the Journal of Dentistry(January 2018). The authors concluded that wear caused by all Zirconium crowns was comparable with porcelain fused to metal crowns. They believe that the final finish of the occlusal surface had more to do with the degree of wear than which type of crown was used. This makes sense, since the occlusion and the smooth surface of the the articulating surface of a crown has a lot to do with the wear caused by a crown. Ideally posterior crowns should have a good contact when a patients mouth is closed but should not be in occlusion during all excursions. This type of occlusal scheme will minimize wear and breakage of either the crown or the tooth opposing. It is clear that polishing any occlusal adjustment us...

Today is the first day of my holiday vacation and I called my mechanic to see if he could inspect my car today.  Also I wanted to diagnose why my car kept displaying check engine messages. Last Saturday it even temporarily displayed a message and lost its engine power. Luckily it went back to normal after I restarted the car several times. I had visited my mechanic the week before and he had reset my check engine light, told me I needed a new inspection sticker and that I should return after driving 100 miles in my car. Starting at 8 AM I started calling his garage and he finally picked up the phone around 8:30. He didn't seem happy to hear from me. When I reminded him that he had asked me to come in and have the car inspected he informed me he was out of inspection stickers and that I should try again in January. I reminded him that when I saw him a couple of weeks before that he had advised me to drive a hundred miles before coming to see him and even though that was two we...

I went to a colleagues holiday party,  I found my self sitting across from a retired periodontist who had  been my former Nerb examiner (  exam that facilitates licensing for northeast United States) in 1980. I must confess I was terrorized by him, but now after all these years not so much. Although he can be somewhat Scrooge like in his demeanor he is living the good life with a house in the Hamptons and a peid a terre in Manhattan. It turns out he is a man of many interests and spends a great deal of time  playing the saxophone. Who knew? I thought he was an ogre, but actually even though he has a gruff exterior he is an interesting guy.  Around 9 pm he left to head home and new dentist arrived and took his seat. As luck would have it, another dentist took his seat. She was a recent graduate of NYU's endodontic program she was still "soft on the outside". We chatted about her life since graduating. She works in a group endo practice and seemed happy to be ...

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 Portland dentist David A. Case, DDS shares what is especially important knowledge to maintain your oral health throughout your life. You may be surprised at what he has 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 effect of o...

Biofilm is quite literally a “film” or layer of biological matter that forms on teeth, in sink pipes, on river rocks, and more. Biofilm is made of many different things. Think of it as concrete, which contains cement as well as a slew of other materials. It’s likely you’ve been aware of biofilm on your teeth when they feel slimy or fuzzy instead of smooth and clean. Dr. Brickey and Dr. Provine , Salt Lake City dentists explain more below about biofilm and the role it plays in your oral wellness. My Teeth Aren’t Cold, Why Do They Need Sweaters? It’s true; the texture of biofilm can feel like fuzzy little sweaters on your teeth. Biofilm occurs when bacteria stick to a wet environment, creating a slimy layer of microorganisms and random debris. Biofilm is a diverse and highly organized group of biological matter all webbed together. Some of the microorganisms are neutral but some are pathogenic and cause a lot of problems for your oral and overall health. This slimy layer includes mult...

Every parent remembers seeing their baby’s first teeth emerge, watching the rest pop up, and finally cheering as their child loses their first baby tooth, all in the blink of an eye! In fact, baby teeth come and go so quickly that some people are led to believe they don’t have an impact on a child’s dental health later in life. AJ Gollofon, DDS wants you to know that that couldn’t be further from the truth! Your Seattle dentist is committed to giving our community access to reliable information on dental care, so here are the facts about why baby teeth matter. A Guide to Baby Teeth Baby teeth, also known as deciduous, primary, milk, or lacteal teeth, are a set of 20 teeth that will be in your child’s mouth for most of their childhood. Although baby teeth usually emerge at around 6 months, they begin forming in the womb as early as 16 weeks. By age 3, children should have all 20 of their baby teeth. By age 13, all their permanent teeth (except for wisdom teeth) will have come in. ...

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who floss, and those who don’t. Diligent flossers everywhere inspire those of us who live with them or know them. Flossing may not be a philosophical virtue but it’s certainly high on the list of qualities amongst people who “have it together.” Read more below about why flossing is so important and what alternatives you have if you don’t like traditional floss. The Point of Flossing After you eat, tiny pieces of food are left everywhere in your mouth. Even though your saliva does a good job of rinsing a lot of food debris away, some leftovers stay stuck on and between your teeth and gums and must be brushed and flossed to get rid of it. You do have tons of natural bacteria in your mouth that help break down food buildup, but the bacteria leave behind a sticky film on your teeth called plaque that needs to be removed. Everyone (even young kids) should brush for two minutes, twice a day, and floss once a day to remove food buildup an...