Patient Library

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Amalgams/Mercury Fillings - Why Not?

For years there has been debate in the dental profession regarding the pros and cons of using silver amalgam fillings, which contain about 50% mercury, to restore cavities. While it has not been proven scientifically mercury can harm you, we have chosen to not use silver amalgam/mercury fillings, as the technology involved with them is well over 100 years old. There are also several drawbacks to them, which can cause trouble for teeth with silver fillings.
At our office we prefer to provide our patients with the newest and best alternatives available, which are bonded ceramic composite resins. Not only do they look natural, they provide a much better service and protection for your teeth, as they eliminate all the shortcomings of the old fashioned silver fillings. They seal the teeth better, insulate against hot and cold better, and if they wear down they can be repaired more easily. Many people who are undergoing a cosmetic improvement on their front teeth elect to have dark silver fillings in their back teeth replaced with the bonded ceramic resins to provide a total cosmetic improvement. Please call the office if you want to look into replacing any of your old, unsightly silver fillings.

Ask Your Dentist About Acne

If you have a stubborn case of acne and your dermatologist has tried everything without success, you might want to visit your dentist.
A Vanderbilt University researcher says there is evidence that an abscessed or infected tooth could be the culprit in difficult cases of acne vulgaris. This is a condition that affects about 80 percent of people between the ages of 11 and 30 and is usually treated by oral or topical antibiotics. The dental connection to this form of acne was found in the case of a 30-year-old patient whose acne erupted as soon as medications were halted. However, when an abscessed tooth was pulled, the acne disappeared, according to a recently published study in the dermatology journal, Cutis. Actually, it turns out the same bacteria that causes acne - called P. Acne - is also present in the upper gastrointestinal tract and oral cavity.
What's odd is that the man in this case got another tooth infection and the acne returned. When the second tooth was treated, the acne left again.
The message seems to be that if you have an acne condition that is recurring and won't go away with the usual treatments, you might want to have a dental examination.
Source: Cutis, August 1999

Better Brushing Means Better Health

The greatest service we can render for anyone is to get them solidly on the road to excellent home care, as far as cleaning their teeth. One of the best tools available is the Oral-B battery-powered toothbrush. Why is it better than a regular brush? Well, remember the bacteria in our mouth are constantly multiplying and forming colonies under the gum line and between the teeth, which are areas regular toothbrushes just can’t get to effectively. Studies have shown that brushes with a rotation oscillation movement removed more plaque and reduced gingivitis more effectively than manual brushes in the short and long-term.
Oral-B power toothbrushes have been specifically designed and clinically proven to reduce plaque and thereby minimize both calculus build up and gingivitis or gum disease. It provides easy and consistent access to even the hardest-to-reach places, including around orthodontics, appliances and restorations without scrubbing, special toothpastes or fancy techniques.
The Oral-B bristles are soft enough to allow you to press them under the gum line, or between the teeth, without any chance of damaging the gums or teeth. The Oral-B power toothbrushes come with several different brush head designs to accommodate various mouths, orthodontics and gum conditions.
Oral-B Website

CareCredit

As a service to our patients, we are pleased to offer the CareCredit card, the nation's leading patient payment program. With CareCredit you can finance 100% of your dental care and there are no upfront costs, no annual fees, and no pre-payment penalties. So, you can begin your treatment today and conveniently pay with low, monthly payments.
CareCredit offers two types of promotional financing plans: 1) No Interest if Paid in Full Within 6, 12, 18 or 24 Months* plans on purchases made with your CareCredit credit card. Not all promotional plans are available at all Participating Professionals. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the promotional purchase is not paid in full within the promotional period or if you make a late payment. Minimum Monthly Payments Required and may pay off purchase before end of promo period. 2) 14.90% APR and Fixed Monthly Payments Required Until Paid in Full** on purchases made with your CareCredit credit card. Fixed monthly payment amount based on repayment over 24, 36, 48 or 60 month period. Purchases of $1000 or more are eligible for a 24, 36 or 48 month offer and purchases of $2500 or more are eligible for a 60 month offer. Not all promotional plans are available at all Participating Professionals.
*, ** Care Credit Terms and Conditions
Care Credit Apply Now!

DIAGNOdent: Laser Reflection Finds Imperfection—Aids in Correction

Providing the absolute best service to our patients is one of our goals. We have therefore acquired a brand new, high tech tool that allows us to find cavities on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, even when they just beginning, and would have been missed by previous detection methods. The DIAGNOdent is a small, portable laser unit that can detect these cavities and alert us with an audible signal and also provide a numerical readout, so we have an idea of it's size. The value is that we can stop cavities in their infancy, whereas in the past they would have to be significantly bigger before we could find and treat them. Just like other areas of medicine and dentistry, early detection and treatment is of immeasurable value in preserving your health.
KaVo’s DIAGNOdent Website

Digital Imaging

Many people want to improve their smile, but hesitate because they have don’t know if the look they want can be accomplished. There are many aspects to making up a smile, and it can be hard, if not impossible for someone to clearly communicate what they see in their mind’s eye. That's where cosmetic digital imaging comes into play. This technology allows us to create images of your mouth, as if the cosmetic procedures have been completed. We can then view these images together, and if necessary modify the image until it shows us exactly what you want.
Once we have completed a thorough exam and discussed your 'smile' goals, a treatment plan will be created. We can then produce images showing your current smile and projected changes. This allows you to see what you will look like after treatment. Images can also be printed, which you can take home and discuss with family and friends before any treatment is performed. With digital imaging your results are predictable.

Gum Disease: Serious But Treatable

At least 80% of the population has some degree of gum disease and most don’t know it. Gum disease is responsible for up to 70% of adult tooth loss, and it does not give clear warning signs that an untrained eye would notice. A dentist or hygienist must do a thorough and complete examination to detect it; especially in it’s early stages. Gum disease is similar to high blood pressure, or heart disease, by the time the person who has it notices symptoms it is in its advanced stages.
Gum disease has been implicated as causative factor in heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pre-mature births, and low birth weight. It is an infection of the gums and jawbones. The bacteria, and chemical by-products of your bodies attempt to fight the bacteria, can enter the blood stream and cause serious problems in distant parts of the body. It critical to have the teeth cleaned and a thorough examination a minimum of twice a year, and it is critical that you do a thorough job at home cleaning the teeth twice daily. The good news is that gum disease can be treated and prevented. Today there are numerous aids available to help us, which include special toothbrushes, toothpastes, rinses and even prescription medications can help. Your dentist can decide the appropriate treatment method only after examination of your condition.

Healthy Mouth, Happy Life?

If you think about it, it makes perfect sense: poor oral health is linked to poor physical health. How so? Well, consider the big picture: your mouth is the gateway into the rest of the body and its systems. If the mouth has a chronic infection or disease, then your entire body may be indirectly or directly exposed to those bacteria. Not to mention your ability to eat is compromised and also your nutrition. Furthermore, the resources needed for your general health to function will be diverted to handle the chronic infection, weakening the overall natural protection your other systems typically enjoy. Research documents connections between gum disease and poor heart health, resulting in increased risk of stroke, as well as diabetes, problem pregnancies, respiratory diseases and osteoporosis in women. What's more, some studies indicate that those who lose all their natural teeth may have a much shorter life span.
So what's the answer? If you want to up your odds of a happy, healthy life, treat your body with respect and put your money (and effort) where your mouth is. Try starting with the basics: learn the latest tips, techniques and tools for top notch oral hygiene, when you are here for you next cleaning appointment. Then, branch out: incorporate a healthy diet, exercise, fresh air, and regular rest. Eliminate unhealthy habits that are counterproductive. And remember, taking care of your teeth means better well-being, and it means your body will be better able to take care of itself.

Implants - Permanent, Secure Tooth Replacements

When permanent teeth are lost, regardless of the reason or number of teeth, dental implants can offer a “new lease on life.” They are superior to other choices because they are solid, secure, and esthetic. After nearly 35 years of use, they have a 90-95% proven success rate in appropriately chosen cases.
An implant is a special surgical grade titanium post, manufactured to highly precise specifications, under strict sterile conditions, that is inserted surgically into the jawbone below the gum surface. With proper use of the newest anesthetics and medications you need not be concerned about pain. As the bone bonds to the post, it forms a secure foundation onto which your new teeth are then attached and shaped to match your mouth. The number of teeth being replaced will determine the best kind of restoration for you. Implants can help replace a single tooth, or a full set of teeth. If you have been suffering with partial or full dentures, or are missing teeth, or feel you need teeth extracted, do not hesitate to call to be evaluated for implants.

Laser Periodontal Therapy

We Use a Soft Tissue Laser for Deep Cleanings
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults. Reports indicate that about millions of people are unaware that they have gum disease, and about 30% of the population are genetically susceptible to contracting the condition. Other risk factors include smoking, pregnancy, puberty, stress, grinding teeth, poor nutrition, diabetes, and poor oral hygiene. When gum disease sets in, it destroys soft tissue, breaks the strong bond between teeth and supporting gums, and can cause jawbone deterioration, as well as tooth loss.
If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, or if they appear, red, swollen, or are tender to the touch, you may have gum disease. Depending upon the severity of your case, our hygienists may recommend deep cleaning to reverse the condition. Our office uses a gentle soft tissue laser to treat the pockets infected by bacteria and periodontal disease. The procedure is called "sulcular debridement," and it involves removing diseased epithelial lining and coagulation utilizing a pulsed, free-running Nd:YAG laser. We perform this therapy in conjunction with subgingival scaling to improve the gingival index, gingival bleeding index, probe depth, attachment loss, and tooth mobility.
This all sounds very technical, so here's what you need to know in layman's terms…
During your appointment, mild anesthesia will ensure that you stay comfortable. We will use an ultrasonic scaler to remove hardened plaque, called tartar or calculus, from your teeth. Next, we will smooth rough tooth roots where plaque and bacteria tend to accumulate. We'll also irrigate the pockets between the teeth and gums to wash away debris and sterilize the area. The soft tissue laser will disinfect the pocket and seal blood vessels, nerve endings, and lymphatics so that there is no infection, bleeding, or swelling following laser treatment (sulcular debridement).
Soft tissue laser therapy for deep cleanings presents many advantages. The laser beam seals as it cuts away damaged tissue, so bleeding is minimal. Because of the reduced trauma, most patients feel better than they would after traditional deep cleanings.
If you're interested in laser treatment at your hygiene visit, call our office today. Our gentle dentists and hygiene team will examine your situation and determine the best, most effective and conservative therapy for your condition.

Porcelain Veneers

Many people desire a brighter, cleaner, more attractive smile, but have chipped, stained, discolored, unevenly spaced, or even slightly crooked front teeth. If this sounds like you, we will be glad to help evaluate your specific situation, listen to the exact changes you have in mind, and show you examples of the end result, before any treatment is performed.
Often, porcelain veneers can provide a completely improved and dazzling smile in just a few appointments.
The actual treatment usually involves only two visits. The number of pre-operative visits, to work out details to insure predictable results, depends on the complexity of your situation and the changes you desire. There usually is a follow up visit or two for final adjustments and polishing, and to review instructions for care of your new smile to insure it lasts years and years.

Whiter, Brighter Teeth

Dentist Supervised Tooth Whitening Can Give You The Smile You Always Wanted

Anyone can have the confidence that a bright, white smile can give you these days. Tooth whitening is safe, effective and long lasting. There are two main methods to get excellent results. We can provide a custom Home Tooth Whitening Kit, or teeth can be whitened in the office. Each has different advantages, and each addresses different situations. Simply talk with us about your concerns and what you want to achieve, and a dazzling whiter smile can be yours.
If you are thinking of other cosmetic improvements, such as crowns, porcelain veneers, or just replacing old discolored fillings, it may be worth considering whitening your teeth first, and any restorations we make for you can be matched to the whitened teeth, to give an overall great result.