When You Visit Our General Dentistry Office, Here is What We Do

In our general dentistry practice, we have been advocating regular family visits for years. Recently as more people have become educated about the importance of visiting the dentist at least once every six months, there has been a significant increase in the families that are coming in for regular checkups. Most of you already know the routine. First we will clean your teeth, provide a fluoride treatment, and polish them for maximum whiteness. During the cleaning, we will remove any excess plaque that could generate bacteria which ultimately could result in a cavity developing. Plaque can also cause additional problems around the gum line, so we will remove that as well. Then we will perform a full inspection of the teeth during which time we will look for cavities, and soft spots in the enamel that are threatening to become cavities, infections, or other problems that may need our attention. If needed the staff at the dentist office will take x-rays as well.

Family dentist visits are important because they help us to eliminate plaque, tartar and other triggers that could lead to gum disease. For many people, there is a lack of understanding as to how closely the mouth is tied to the rest of your health and wellbeing. The mouth is the very first step in the digestive process, which means anything you swallow will end up in your digestive system and ultimately could find its way into other areas of the body. Bacteria or infections can be introduced to the body through the mouth. Heart health has also been linked to oral health, in particular, gum disease. When you take the time to visit the family dentist at least two times per year, we can make sure that your oral health is at optimal levels.

Here are a few things about a dental visit you probably did not know...

Oral cancer is a very real and active threat. As we are poking around in your mouth, prodding at soft spots, and talking about the family we are also doing a complete oral cancer screening. While general doctors do screen for this deadly disease, there is no one who is as familiar with your mouth and oral health as the dentist, which is why we make sure to check you for cancer ever six months. People who smoke or chew tobacco are at an increased risk, so you can expect your examination to last a little longer when visiting our general dentistry office.

Believe it or not we are also checking your breath, and it is not for chicken tacos. Your bad breath is often an indicator of an underlying problem, like an infection, which we need to treat. By paying attention to your breath, we can identify potential areas that we need to be aware of. In fact, one of the easiest way for us to tell that you have potential dental problems is for us to smell your breath because infections will produce a distinct odor.  In our general dentistry office, this is one tip we provide patients as an indicator that they need to schedule an exam in the first place.
As you are leaving, we will perform one last function. When we hand you a toothbrush, it is to remind you that it is time to replace your brush at home which is only good for about three to six months.

Dentist  >  Family Dentist

The Role of Dental Veneers in Tooth Restorations

As a cosmetic dentist, we use dental veneers on a regular basis.  Veneers are an excellent solution for correcting teeth that have been damaged and need to be restored.  They are made out of a tooth-colored porcelain or ceramic and can look so authentic that we can even have them created in a gradient shade of white that mirrors the typical effects of an aged tooth.  Modern dental technology has advanced so quickly that it is virtually impossible to tell the difference between a veneer and natural tooth, unless of course you want to replace all of your teeth because you don’t like them.

When it comes to restorations, timing is important.  If you have damaged your tooth, the faster that you visit our office, the more options we will have for restoring it.  If a tooth is allowed to remain damaged for an extended period of time, the risk of it becoming infected or further damaged only increases.  As such, we recommend that you contact our office immediately if you break, chip, crack or lose a tooth.

Dental veneers are commonly used in the restoration process because of how versatile they are.  With a veneer, we can close gaps that have formed in between teeth, cover dark stains and even change the width or length of existing teeth.  This is ideal for someone whose adult teeth look more like a child’s.  It is also ideal for those that are desperate to improve the appearance of their smile but don’t have time for braces in order to straighten them.  Simultaneously, in restorations this is a common solution because it can take a damaged tooth and make it usable again.

If you have cracked or chipped your tooth, a veneer works by providing the tooth with a smooth surface and durability.  A veneer is a thin shell that is placed on top of your existing tooth.  While very thin, it becomes incredibly durable once bonded to the tooth.  In this way, it is very similar to naturally occurring enamel.  Since it can correct teeth that have been cracked or chipped, we find that this solution works well and keeps people out of the emergency room.

In order to prepare your tooth or teeth for dental veneers, we will take an impression of your teeth and match their appearance to a shade card.  Next, we will prepare your teeth for the procedure.  In order to do so a portion of the enamel needs to be removed.  The exact amount varies from person to person, and we can ensure your comfort while performing the procedure by administering sedation.  Since removing the enamel leaves your teeth exposed to the elements, we will place a temporary veneer onto the surface of the tooth so that you can continue eating while waiting for your new veneer to arrive. Once the new veneer is finished, we will remove the temporary ones and ensure that they are a perfect fit before bonding it in place.

Information About General Dentistry You May Not Know

We offer general dentistry services for both children and adults.  The term “general” confuses a lot of people, making it seem as though we only offer basic dental care.  In truth, we offer a wide variety of dental services that can address all of our patients oral health care needs.  Whether cleaning teeth and preventing cavities, treating gum disease or improving smiles – we are your one-stop-shop for dental care.  While meeting with patients we have learned that there are several other common misconceptions about dentistry, and we seek to clarify them for you here.

Dental care is no longer painful.

There are so many urban legends going around about dental care that tell the story of bad or uncomfortable experiences.  This is simply no longer the case.  Patients of our dentist office, remain comfortable and relaxed while undergoing treatments because we offer sedation dentistry.  By doing so, we can prescribe an oral medication to help patients relax along with administering pain medication so that whether a cavity is being treated or a cosmetic procedure performed, our patients can feel comfortable.  We put a high value on the overall experience of our patients and are passionate about ensuring that they enjoy the time they spend with us.  If you schedule an appointment with our office, you can rest assured that you will feel good during your visit.

Restorations don’t last forever.

In our general dentistry office, we treat a lot of patients that come in with an old crown and are confused about why it needs to be replaced.  Restorations like crowns and bridges can last for a long time with some patients wearing them for over twenty years.  These cases are rare, however since most people keep a crown for around ten years.  Like all materials, restorations will wear away over time.  What you eat and how well you take care of your teeth and gums can directly influence this.  If you want to make your crown last longer, don’t chew on anything that isn’t a food, don’t chew ice, and avoid anything that could damage your teeth.  After all, if your natural tooth can break while playing basketball so can your restoration.  You can avoid these types of accidents by wearing a mouth guard while playing sports. 

You don’t have to live with sensitive teeth.

When teeth become sensitive, it can be uncomfortable to eat, drink, and even speak at times.  Most people think that they are stuck with sensitive teeth and limited in how they can treat the pain they cause.  The good news is that in our general dentistry office, we can treat sensitive teeth so that they are no longer sensitive.  There are several ways that we can do so and may elect to complete a bonding procedure or use dental crowns.  This solves the problem because it seals in and protects the dentin.  The enamel is the outer layer of the tooth that protects the dentin and nerve endings underneath.  If the enamel wears away, the tooth must be protected by other means, and this is where we come in.

Dental Implants Have Improved Thanks to High-Tech Materials

Dental implants have progressed by leaps and bounds over the last several years. While it is true that mankind has always wanted to maintain an image of health and vitality, which often involved keeping or saving all their teeth. It is also true that this has never been more possible than it is today. As dentists have gotten access to better tools and better materials, the art (and science) of dental implants has also improved. 

Today dentists and orthodontists use space-age materials to create and craft the perfect implants which not only look and feel like a real tooth, but also can stand the test of time. 

Nowadays dental implants are making use of one of the most versatile and powerful metals known to man, in order to create the perfect long-lasting implant. Also used in the manufacture of space crafts, tennis rackets, and cosmetic jewelry, titanium has truly found its niche in medical devices and replacements, with dental implants being no exception. Dentists have found that titanium has a number of different qualities that make it an exceptional option for dental implants, and so today, titanium makes up the number one metal used in all implants. 

Titanium has a unique ability, which other implant materials can have, but to a lesser degree. This ability is known as osseointegration and is the process by which the metal implant fuses with the surrounding bone without the need for connective soft tissue. In other words, the titanium becomes a part of the bone, giving strength and bearing all of the load while gaining stability and longevity from the bone itself. This creates an implant that is more natural feeling and also lasts longer. In the case of dental implants, in specific, osseointegration occurs between the titanium screw and the jaw bone. 

The dental implant, consisting of a titanium screw is placed surgically into the root canal, and into the jaw bone. To do this, the root has to be removed. Once the titanium screw is in place, and it has healed, osseointegration tends to take place over several months. In effect the jawbone heals around the implant and accepts it as a replacement for the root. The implant then acts as the root, not only in stabilizing and providing a base for the tooth (crown) but also giving support to the jawbone itself. As a result, the jawbone will grow and develop in much the same was as it would with the naturally occurring root. This process prevents bone loss and encourages the jawbone to develop along a natural trajectory. 

Besides the ability to seamlessly integrate in with the bone, titanium has three additional qualities that make it such a good choice for implants. 

1. Titanium is an inert metal, which means that it cannot interact with and have a reaction to any other chemicals. As a dormant metal, it will not release any toxic substances into the blood stream. 
2. Titanium is non-toxic; hence it cannot cause any adverse reactions in the body once the dental implant has been put in place. 
3. Titanium is non-corrosive, so oxygen found in highly moist areas, like a root cavity, do not have the effect of causing the metal to rust. 

Dental implants have progressed by leaps and bounds over the last several years. While it is true that mankind has always wanted to maintain an image of health and vitality, which often involved keeping or saving all their teeth. It is also true that this has never been more possible than it is today. As dentists have gotten access to better tools and better materials, the art (and science) of dental implants has also improved. Today dentists and orthodontists use space-age materials to create and craft the perfect implants which not only look and feel like a real tooth, but also can stand the test of time. 

Nowadays dental implants are making use of one of the most versatile and powerful metals known to man, in order to create the perfect long-lasting implant. Also used in the manufacture of space crafts, tennis rackets, and cosmetic jewelry, titanium has truly found its niche in medical devices and replacements, with dental implants being no exception. Dentists have found that titanium has a number of different qualities that make it an exceptional option for dental implants, and so today, titanium makes up the number one metal used in all implants. 

Titanium has a unique ability, which other implant materials can have, but to a lesser degree. This ability is known as osseointegration and is the process by which the metal implant fuses with the surrounding bone without the need for connective soft tissue. In other words, the titanium becomes a part of the bone, giving strength and bearing all the load while gaining stability and longevity from the bone itself. This creates an implant that is more natural feeling and also lasts longer. In the case of dental implants, in specific, osseointegration occurs between the titanium screw and the jaw bone. 

The dental implant, consisting of a titanium screw is placed surgically into the root canal, and into the jaw bone. To do this, the root has to be removed. Once the titanium screw is in place, and it has healed, osseointegration tends to take place over several months. In effect the jawbone heals around the implant and accepts it as a replacement for the root. The implant then acts as the root, not only in stabilizing and providing a base for the tooth (crown) but also giving support to the jawbone itself. As a result, the jawbone will grow and develop in much the same was as it would with the naturally occurring root. This process prevents bone loss and encourages the jawbone to develop along a natural trajectory. 

Besides the ability to seamlessly integrate in with the bone, titanium has three additional qualities that make it such a good choice for dental implants. 

1.    Titanium is an inert metal, which means that it cannot interact with and have a reaction to any other chemicals. As a dormant metal, it will not release any toxic substances into the blood stream.
2.    Titanium is non-toxic, hence it cannot cause any adverse reactions in the body once the dental implant has been put in place.
3.    Titanium is non-corrosive, so oxygen found in highly moist areas, like a root cavity, do not have the effect of causing the metal to rust. 

Learn How to Avoid Needing Braces From a Children's Dentist

As a children's dentist, it is common for parents to ask us about braces and whether or not their child will need them.  We cannot guarantee whether or not they will because it depends on a variety of factors.  For example, genetics plays a role so if you or your spouse needed braces, there is a chance that your child will as well.  This can happen more often when your family is known to have small palates that simply aren’t large enough to hold a full set of adult teeth.  Fortunately, dental technology has improved so if your child does need braces, the treatment can be completed faster and with more comfort than it used to be. 

There are, however, things that you can do to help your child to stay healthy and prevent the need for them to wear braces at a later date.  It all starts with preventative care and keeping their baby teeth clean and strong.  You can do this by taking them in for a teeth cleaning at least twice a year.  At home, you should also brush their teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to keep them strong and cavity free.  This is important because when teeth are unhealthy they are more likely to crack, chip, or get knocked out.  Healthy teeth are strong teeth so by staying focused on preventative care; you are setting them up for a lifetime of good oral health. 

As a children’s dentist, we understand how important this is for preventing the need for braces.  Baby teeth that are healthy will remain in place for longer. This is critical because if they fall out too early it creates overcrowding issues.  What happens is the baby tooth falls out, and the ones next to it start to move out of place as a result.  As those teeth encroach upon the spot that was reserved for the adult tooth, it has nowhere to go. When the tooth eventually comes in, it must do so crooked or go in front or behind another tooth.  This creates the overcrowding issues that children commonly suffer from. 

It is understandable why children have overcrowding issues when you consider how easy it is for a child to knock out a tooth while running on the playground.  A simple trip on the monkey bars can lead to a tooth falling out before its time and the remaining baby teeth shifting as a result.  You can reduce the likelihood of this happening on the sports field by having your child wear a mouth guard. 

In our children’s dentist office, we cannot eliminate the need for your child to get braces or wear an orthodontic appliance but we can reduce how many teeth are crooked. By simply preventing baby teeth from falling out too soon, we can make it so that more adult teeth come in straight and stay in the position that they are supposed to.  For more information or to schedule your appointment, call our office. 

As a children's dentist, it is common for parents to ask us about braces and whether or not their child will need them.  We cannot guarantee whether or not they will because it depends on a variety of factors.  For example, genetics plays a role so if you or your spouse needed braces, there is a chance that your child will as well.  This can happen more often when your family is known to have small pallets that simply aren’t large enough to hold a full set of adult teeth.  Fortunately, dental technology has improved so if your child does need braces, the treatment can be completed faster and with more comfort than it used to be. 

There are, however, things that you can do to help your child to stay healthy and prevent the need for them to wear braces at a later date.  It all starts with preventative care and keeping their baby teeth clean and strong.  You can do this by taking them in for a teeth cleaning at least twice a year.  At home, you should also brush their teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to keep them strong and cavity free.  This is important because when teeth are unhealthy they are more likely to crack, chip, or get knocked out.  Healthy teeth are strong teeth so by staying focused on preventative care; you are setting them up for a lifetime of good oral health. 

As a children’s dentist, we understand how important this is for preventing the need for braces.  Baby teeth that are healthy will remain in place for longer. This is critical because if they fall out too early it creates overcrowding issues.  What happens is the baby tooth falls out, and the ones next to it start to move out of place as a result.  As those teeth encroach upon the spot that was reserved for the adult tooth, the adult tooth has nowhere to go. When it does eventually come in, it must do so crooked or go in front or behind of another tooth.  This creates the overcrowding issues that children commonly suffer from. 

It is understandable why children have overcrowding issues when you consider how easy it is for a child to knock out a tooth while running on the playground.  A simple trip on the monkey bars can lead to a tooth falling out before its time and the remaining baby teeth shifting as a result.  You can reduce the likelihood of this happening on the sports field by having your child wear a mouth guard. 

In our children’s dentist office, we cannot eliminate the need for your child to get braces or wear an orthodontic appliance but we can reduce how many teeth are crooked. By simply preventing baby teeth from falling out too soon, we can make it so that more adult teeth come in straight and stay in the position that they are supposed to.  For more information or to schedule your appointment, call our office. 

Get Dental Veneers and Improve Your Smile Before the Holidays Arrive

You can use dental veneers to improve your smile before the holidays.  If you have been dreaming of having a beautiful smile and were considering a cosmetic dentistry procedure, schedule an appointment with our dental office. We can examine your teeth, discuss your smile goals, and provide you with solutions for transforming your smile before the holiday pictures are taken.

The first thing that we will do is clean your teeth.  When teeth are clean and healthy, they look better in general. This will also allow us to determine if you have any oral health issues that need to be dealt with prior to performing a cosmetic dentistry procedure.  If you do, we can provide treatment right away so that you can move on to transforming your smile. 

Dental veneers are an excellent way to do so because of how versatile they are.  Veneers can be used to close gaps in your teeth, cover dark stains, restore teeth that have been chipped or damaged, and even straighten a tooth that is mildly crooked.  The options are so vast that even Hollywood stars use them to improve their smiles.  During your consultation, let us know what you don’t like about your teeth so that we can determine what the best course of treatment is. 

When you schedule an appointment to get veneers, it will take a couple of weeks to complete the process, so it is important to get started quickly.  On your first appointment, we will take an impression of your teeth that can be sent to a dental lab.  The lab technicians will use the impression to create dental veneers that are the perfect size and shape for your existing teeth.  

Simultaneously, we will prepare your teeth by removing a small portion of the enamel that is on the surface.  This way the veneers will lay flat onto the surface of your teeth without making them look large or out of place.  In order to protect the prepared teeth, you will need to wear temporary veneers that are attached using removable water-based glue.  Since they are designed to come off, you need to be careful not to eat any foods that could pop them off or brush too aggressively. 

When the dental lab has finished, you will come back for a follow-up appointment so that we can bond the permanent veneers to your teeth.  This can be done in a couple of hours and afterwards your teeth will look amazing. Keep in mind that your teeth may be sensitive for a couple of days after the procedure so it is important to time everything correctly.  After a few days, you will feel as good as new, and your smile will look amazing.  You can eat all of your favorite foods while wearing veneers so enjoying a holiday treat won’t be a problem.  As an added benefit, they don’t stain like normal teeth do so enjoying an occasional glass of wine won’t impact the color of your new and beautiful smile.  To get started, call and schedule an appointment today. 

Tips From The Family Dentist For Brushing Your Teeth the Right Way

When you visit our family dentist office, we can demonstrate how to properly clean your teeth.  There are many misconceptions when it comes to teeth brushing, leading many people to do it wrong. Unfortunately, if you don’t brush properly your teeth won’t get as clean as they need to, and you can end up irritating your gums. 

Here is the truth about teeth brushing and what you need to know:

• The two-minute myth.  Most of us were told that you have to brush your teeth for two-minutes at a time, and if you do, they will get perfectly clean.  While two-minutes is a good timeframe to shoot for, it’s more important to brush correctly than to brush for a certain period of time.  You need to brush for as long as it takes for your teeth to feel perfectly clean.
• Hard is not best.  Many people use a hard toothbrush because they think it will give the best clean.  As a family dentist, we actually recommend that patients switch to a soft one.  A hard toothbrush can strip the enamel off of your teeth, creating tooth sensitivity.  They can also cause your gums to become irritated and even bleed.  A soft toothbrush can give you as good of a clean but without the irritation or complications. 
• Use a circular motion.  When brushing your teeth, move your toothbrush in a circular pattern instead of brushing back to front. This will help you to remove more bacteria and plaque without irritating your gums. 
• Buy a new one.  This is extremely important.  Don’t use your toothbrush for more than three months.  If you do, the bristles will start to split, and you won’t be cleaning your teeth as well. Bacteria can also form on your toothbrush so by using the same one you could be putting germs on your teeth. We will give you a new toothbrush during your teeth cleanings as well. 
• Pick the right toothpaste.  Your toothpaste should be approved by the American Dental Association and contain fluoride.  This way your paste will both clean and strengthen your teeth. 
• Floss daily.  Don’t forget to floss while you are brushing your teeth.  Flossing is important for keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy.  Do so at least daily. 
• Frequency matters.  Brush your teeth a minimum of twice a day and after every meal if possible.  This way sugar and bacteria cannot remain on your teeth for a prolonged period of time, and your risk of cavities will be reduced. 

As a family dentist, we help our patients to stay in optimal oral health and one way to do so is by demonstrating how to brush and floss teeth.  If you have any questions, we can answer them during your next teeth cleaning.  We also recommend having your teeth cleaned twice a year so that we can remove the bacteria and plaque that you were unable to reach.  By doing this frequently, we can reduce your risk of getting an infection.