Dental Info

Today’s dental implants boast a long-term success rate of near 97%. Because implants support surrounding teeth, encourage new tissue growth and continued bone formation, and give patients back full chewing ability and a complete smile, they have become the industry standard for tooth replacement.  Today, your Portland dentist, Dr. Case, would like to share some interesting history about dental implants and how we got to where we are today. History of Dental Implants 4,000 Years Ago : The first record of temporary dental implants were bamboo pegs used to replace missing teeth in China. 3,000 Years Ago : The first recorded case of a metal replacement tooth (a copper peg) fixed to a jawbone occurred in the mouth of an Egyptian king. Experts believe it may have been placed after death due to how painful placement would have been to a living person. There is also evidence that the Egyptians tried to stabilize teeth with ligature gold wire around this same era. 2,300 Years Ag...

Technology has changed nearly every aspect of human life and modern society. New tools, programs, and education can greatly improve your healthcare, too! Let’s say you need any kind of standard dental restoration for a cracked or missing tooth . From x-rays and impressions to surgery and installation, your whole treatment could be digital. We’re so used to digital tools these days, you may not even notice how much technology a dentist can utilize to best serve your oral health needs. Below are some of the ways your oral care may be digitized. CAD/CAM Software Short for computer-assisted design and computer-assisted manufacturing, this software brings you better-fitting crowns , veneers , inlays and onlays, and bridges . CAD/CAM technology comes out of industrial engineering and manufacturing and into the dental office to provide faster, superior products and services in oral health. Using computers to design oral appliances increases accuracy, efficiency, appearance, and function. C...

Babies and kids are constantly growing and changing, and their mouths are no exception! Throughout childhood, kids lose their baby teeth, gain adult teeth, and they begin to take ownership of their own oral health. From brushing to braces to practicing their smiles, oral health is important for every kid at every stage. Read on for tips to help keep your kid smiling for life—we know you love to see your child smile, and so does Natural Smiles Dentistry! Caring for Kids’ Teeth Your child’s first teeth—often called “baby teeth”—make their momentous early arrival and continue to serve many purposes until they fall out and are replaced by adult teeth. Baby teeth hold a place in the jaw, paving the way for the adult teeth to grow in properly.  Kids who develop cavities are more likely to develop them later as adults. Don’t dismiss the importance of oral health for kids, even though there’s so much transition in their mouth in these early days. Basic oral health for kids includes br...

If you’ve visited our blog before, you know that we love to talk about tooth decay. The chances are, everyone has had or will have tooth decay at one point. It is classified by the National Institutes of Health as the most prevalent disease in the world. Today we’re going to talk about a few of the factors involved in causing tooth decay and what you and Dr. Buck can do to protect your smile. The Unique Makeup of Your Teeth  Even within your own mouth, teeth vary widely in shape, size, and enamel quality and consistency. Some teeth are harder than others, and some—especially molars—may have deep fissures that can trap bacteria, causing decay. Additional defects in enamel formation can cause yellow or brown areas on your teeth that are more susceptible to caries (tooth decay). The pH Level in Your Mouth Research indicates that acidity in your mouth plays an important role in developing tooth decay. A low pH (an acidic state) allows decay-causing bacteria to thrive. Acidity is...

Do you remember feeling like standards of beauty were unattainable when you were a teenager? Heck, many of feel this way as adults! It makes sense that teenagers might be concerned with the appearance of their smile and pine for bright white smiles the same way adults do, because they’re often exposed to the same media that displays stunning smiles nonstop. There’s a lot to be said for defying those expectations, but if there were a simple, safe, and widely available treatment that could make a world of difference for your teen’s self-confidence, would you be ok with it? Your Dentist Can Help If your teen has expressed that they’d like to have their teeth whitened, you might be inclined to gasp and reply, “Your smile is perfect as it is!” We understand, and at Park Slope Dental Arts, we do love how unique smiles are from person to person, and we want everyone to feel comfortable with their natural smile just as it is. However, maybe it can lead to a productive discussion and infor...

Olga's home made Salmon and potato Ukrainian Soup When one of my staff asked me about whether we would take our regular summer vacation in August, I stared back in disbelief. After all we had been closed for almost three months an had recently reopened. After my initial shock wore off I was able to give this question more serious consideration. Since our practice numbers were clearly down (30-40% below our normal numbers) we actually could take tbe last week in August off. Clearly all our patients could be seen in the first three weeks of that month. Many of our patients were at least temporarily residing out of the city and were not as keen about coming to the office for regular care. After only a few minutes of this contemplation I assembled my staff and suggested we could close the last week in August for some time off this summer.  Seeing as we all are seeking a little normalcy in these uncertain times, a weeks summer vacation might be a good moral booster for my ...

If your child’s permanent adult teeth haven’t emerged in a timely manner, you may wonder if there is a reason to worry. Chamblee Orthodontics would like to share a few possible reasons permanent adult teeth can be delayed . Is There Enough Space for the New Teeth to Grow? The most common reason for permanent teeth to appear late a simple one: there is just not enough space for them. Adult teeth tend to be larger than the primary baby teeth they replace, and at times, a surrounding tooth (or teeth) may require removal to create extra space. Occasionally, braces also become necessary to facilitate this process. Are Permanent Teeth Facing the Right Direction? Sometimes permanent teeth come through the gums facing the wrong way. This is most common with upper canines and bicuspids. The primary teeth around the affected area may require removal to allow repositioning of teeth that are out of place, and braces are usually required for a permanent solution. Gender There are wide variat...

Dr. Mark Dawoud wants to tackle the issue of babies and water intake in today’s blog. Of course, water is the healthiest beverage available for kids and adults, particularly when it comes to oral hygiene , but in babies less than six months of age, water is a no-no. Until babies are six months old, they have a liquid diet of formula or breast milk. Both of those are made up of 80-90% water, providing plenty of hydration and nutrition as long as they remain undiluted. Water intake for infants is detrimental because it makes them feel full, interfering with proper nutrient intake and healthy weight gain. Once a baby is six months old, they can have small sips (a few tablespoons) of water, but caregivers should still use caution until kids are at least a year old. At that time, it is safe to give a quarter- to half-cup of water to your little one because they will be eating solid food. Whether your baby is breastfed, bottle-fed, or has graduated to solids, their gums and new teeth sh...

If you’re one of the 40 million Americans with sensitive teeth, you must be familiar with the painful zing that follows a hot drink, a bite of ice cream, or just a deep breath of cold air. These and other elements can cause a sudden discomfort if you have sensitive teeth, also called dentin hypersensitivity. Each of your teeth has an important protected layer called enamel. If your enamel gets worn down, your teeth can become more sensitive over time. Your enamel is the visible, white part of the tooth and it protects the softer, inner layers of each tooth. Receding gums can also reveal sensitive parts of the tooth that aren’t protected by enamel. If you’re living with sensitive teeth, it’s good to know what causes the pain and how to avoid it. You should also talk with your Tomball dentist about how to treat sensitive teeth and prevent further damage to your enamel or gums. Causes of Sensitivity Underneath your enamel is a part of the tooth called the dentin. Dentin is soft tiss...

Breastfeeding & jaw development Science review How long? Common problems & solutions Other ways to prevent braces Takeaway Somewhere between 25-50% of children require braces or other orthodontic treatment during childhood. But did you know that you may be able to prevent the need for orthodontics by breastfeeding? Breastfeeding is a habit most parents know is good for baby’s development — it supports a healthy immune system, may protect against obesity, among other benefits. Research in the past few decades also suggests that breastfeeding can promote proper jaw development and orthodontic growth. In other words, breastfeeding can help your child’s teeth grow in straight, without crowding. However, by 6 months old , only 37%-58% of babies are still breastfed, and many are not exclusively breastfed . Let’s take a look at the evidence for breastfeeding to prevent the need for braces, what to do if breastfeeding becomes difficult, and other early interventions...

At Natural Smiles Dentistry, we understand that dental insurance can be a tricky thing to navigate. Evaluating dental plans and considering deductibles, benefits, which treatments are covered, and the mountain of other information insurance companies provide can be a headache in and of itself.  Dr. Brickey and Dr. Provine want every Salt Lake City patient to have the power to control their own health, so here’s a simplified guide to the basics of dental health insurance .  Dental Insurance Dental insurance is an excellent investment that helps people ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles. However, in order to get the best value from your dental insurance, there are a few things you need to know. Here are the answers to the most common questions we hear at Natural Smiles Dentistry. What is Dental Insurance? Having dental insurance means that an insurance provider will pay for a percentage of the dental care that you need every year. Plans vary in terms of how much they cos...

About twelve years ago I wrote a post on this topic.  The answer is still about the same.  If your crown breaks, you should call a dentist and get an appointment as soon as you are able. Hopefully your dentist will see you within a day or two. If they can't see you within a week, I would call a different dentist or better yet ask them 'nicely' if they can refer you to a good dentist who will be able to see you sooner. It is best to see a dentist soon, because it is often hard for a patient to evaluate the extent of his damage. Sometimes, a patient without much pain has sustained a significant injury to a tooth. Fortunately, most times having your crown break isn't such a big a dental emergency. Most times when the patient is seen the crown either needs to be replaced or smoothed. When newer all ceramic or Zirconium crowns break, often underlying tooth structure is exposed.  If the underlying tooth is exposed, sometimes the tooth is sensitive to air or cold liquids. ...

How old is too old for braces ? It’s an interesting question—and the answer may surprise you! Brewer Family Dental in Lexington would like to share some information with readers today regarding patient age as it relates to orthodontic treatment. Spoiler Alert! Patient age alone is not a deal-breaker when it comes to successful orthodontic treatment outcomes, so what’s the determining factor? Simply put— the health of gums and bone. For example, if a patient has uncontrolled periodontal (gum) disease, the moving of teeth within the bone caused by orthodontic appliances can aggravate gum disease symptoms. Other medical conditions or medications can also interfere with orthodontic treatment. Some of these include: Severe heart valve disease Bleeding disorders Severe and uncontrolled diabetes Leukemia Some medications used to treat arthritis and osteoporosis make moving teeth more difficult, so your dentist or orthodontist needs full disclosure of all medications you take befor...

When you find a toothbrush that’s just right for you, it can be easy to get attached. After all, you use your toothbrush morning and night (ideally) to prevent plaque and bacteria from hardening and becoming tartar—that’s what we like to call quality time! When your toothbrush does so much good, you want to return the favor, so throwing it out every three months can seem like a betrayal. What if it were your toothbrush that betrayed you, though? Learning to Let Go Bad jokes aside, it’s important to replace your toothbrush seasonally (at least). Want to know why? First of all, your toothbrush bristles will inevitably become worn down over, and frayed, worn bristles just won’t get the job done. Second, old toothbrushes can be breeding grounds for bacteria and pathogens, and you should always replace toothbrushes after an illness to prevent reinfection. If you’d like advice on toothbrushes or anything else dental health-related, your San Luis Obispo dentist, Dr. Michael Colleran , wo...

You did it! You got the consultation, booked the appointment, and you actually showed up on the big day. You saw the dentist and now all that has left you hungry! The question is: what can you eat after having dental work done? You need some soft food recipes!  For some of us, it’s nostalgic to remember having a frozen treat after the dentist when we were kids. Depending on how extensive your dental work is (be cautious of what you consume in the days following major dental work!), you’ll find that milkshakes only get you so far. Many foods can be troublesome after dental surgery or extensive dental work. Ask Dr. Buck for recommendations about specific foods and how long you should avoid them. Northern Trails Dental Care in Gwinn can be an especially helpful resource for patients navigating what to eat after dental restoration services . Here are some soft food recipes that will treat your mouth and your body well. Breakfast For a warm breakfast, oatmeal topped with tin...

Mail-order braces are a controversial dental topic, and Park Slope Dental Arts weighs in today. Direct-to-consumer orthodontics companies make many appealing promises—no dental visits, aligners delivered to your door, and lower costs. But are the risks worth it? Not according to this consumer alert from the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). As of November 2017, the AAO had filed complaints with 36 State Dental Boards, alleging direct-to-consumer orthodontics can not only cause long-term oral health problems for their users but may be illegal. (These claims are pending investigation.) A licensed doctor is not seen before or during self-managed orthodontic treatment. While direct-to-consumer braces companies base aligner prescriptions on computer-simulated mouth scans as licensed dentists do, teeth movement doesn’t always follow the initial computer assessment—and self-managed orthodontic treatment makes no further adjustments to correct that. In short, wearers get what t...

The upper teeth formed along the maxillary jawbone are called “ maxillary teeth ” and include the top incisors, molars, premolars, and canines. Dr. Mark Dawoud shares more information about maxillary teeth below. Understanding the role of the upper teeth and caring for them properly is important in the fight against bacteria and infection in gum tissues and upper sinus cavities. Most maxillary teeth play specific roles in eating and digesting food, functioning as a set of silverware to break it down. Because maxillary teeth are so close to maxillary sinus cavities, it is easy to confuse a sinus infection with an infected tooth . If you visit Harp Pediatric Dentistry complaining of pain, they will determine which infection is present and either provide treatment or send you to your general physician. If you have more questions about your child’s maxillary teeth—or ANY of their teeth— get in touch with us today ! The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for profes...

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. Michael Cimino offers 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 a long root extending down into the jawbone. Nearly 98% of implant t...

Since March, a surprisingly large number of New Yorkers who are my patients have left and are residing in residencies outside the city. Since we reopened in June, we have been reaching out to patients by phone to let them know we are open and seeing patients for regular procedures, including check ups and cleanings. Most are happy to hear from us and many have made it into our office for a visit. Understandably, some have let us know that they are not feeling like making the trek to our office (especially those residing outside of the city) and will probably see a more local dentist for now. Fortunately there are a great many dentists outside of the city that are highly competent and are able to provide any care my patients may need. For many “staying local” will be fine, but some may have a negative experience. The fact is that switching dentists can carry a risk of a negative experience, especially when you have a longstanding relationship with a dentist you like and trust. ...