Dental Health Alert™ Library
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| Problems: Gum and bone disease that goes undetected Patients too fearful to go to the dentist Too much Filling, too little tooth Cracked, worn, discolored or broken teeth Stained, broken, worn, or crooked teeth Dental disease during pregnancy
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Cracked, Worn, Broken, Discolored, Unsightly Silver-Mercury Fillings Accidental Tooth Loss by Injury Decayed (Baby) erupting teeth (bottle caries) Black and Unsightly Silver Fillings Stained, broken, worn, crooked, malformed teeth
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Problem: Solution: More seniors today have retained their own teeth, avoiding the trauma of removable dentures. Many are on medications creating dryness of the mouth as a side effect. Without the natural benefit of saliva to decrease bacterial action, we see an increase of cavities on the root surfaces of these patients. Anyone on a medication causing a dry mouth should be encouraged to see their dentist for regular dental cleanings and topical fluoride rinses. For more information regarding dental problems of the elderly, please call our office. |
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Lots of patients share concern about bad breath. As a social embarrassment, it's surely near the top of the list. Since mouthwashes won't eliminate the problem, let's look at some possible reasons for the condition. Certain foods, such as onions, garlic, and spices will cause temporary bad breath. Some medical and systemic problems, such as sinusitis, can also contribute. But most causes are local in nature. Bacteria, plain and simple, are the culprit. Bacteria do their work in the mouth, lungs, sinuses, and stomach. In the oral cavity, bacteria cause gum disease. This infection is so prevalent today, it's the first dental problem we suspect when it comes to halitosis. With a thorough hygiene program, there is a chance to control gum problems and this particularly awkward side effect. Less-than-pristine dentures or bridgework are also a source of odor. Decay can be another culprit along with "dry mouth" syndrome (a lot of older people are prone to reduced saliva flow). For more information regarding bad breath, please call our office. |
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| Problem: Discolored teeth Solution: Bleaching We all lead with our smile. Your smile brightens up each person you meet. Are you happy with your smile? One question I ask my patients is: "What would you do to your mouth if you had a magic wand?" Nine out of ten tell me they would like whiter or brighter teeth. Is there a solution? The answer is yes. Many times the process is relatively simple. Bleaching teeth, through treatment in the office and/or by home bleaching techniques, has worked wonders for many patients. So, if you could use help in brightening your smile, please don't hesitate to call our office. I am always dedicated to achieving a healthy smile. |
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| Problem: Gum and bone disease that goes undetected Solution: Promote health through awareness Prevention is an overused word in our vocabulary but we all know it works. You see it in what you do every day. Who wouldn't rather prevent a crisis than manage one? Awareness of gum and underlying bone disease is very low. Only 50% of the population visits a dentist on a regular basis. Of that 50%, 80% have some degree of gum and bone disease. It is an epidemic. Were this any other disease, we would be calling on the CDC for immediate action! If you call our office for an appointment, we will schedule an appointment to examine 192 areas of your mouth where this disease can start. If there is a need, appropriate action will be taken to curb this infection. |
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Problem: Dental decay "cavities" Solution: Prevention through the use of sealants Fluoride has been a great benefit to patients of all ages n helping prevent dental decay. Regular brushing and flossing lowers the chance of developing "cavities." However, the most decay-prone areas of teeth are the grooves and depressions on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, which require further preventive care. To prevent decay, a plastic-like coating called a sealant should be painted on the chewing surfaces of all the back teeth. Studies have shown that sealants can reduce tooth decay by as much as 90% to 100%. The American Dental Association recommends sealants be placed as soon as the first adult back teeth come in at age 6 or 7. Sealants should continue to be used as each adult back tooth comes into the mouth. All back teeth that need to be sealed are present by age 13. Sealant application is simple, fast, and painless. Please call our office with any questions you may have about the benefits using a sealant in preventing dental decay. |
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| Problem: Patients too fearful to go to the dentist. Solution: Dentistry has changed. The American Dental Association studies indicate that about 50% of the population in the United States don't see a dentist on a regular basis. Fear is one of the most common reasons we hear for this lack of care. Patients often tell us of bad experiences going to the dentist as a child. Many patients don't realized how much dentistry has changed. First of all, the anesthetics are much improved, they act quicker, last longer, and do a much better job of eliminating all feeling in the tooth. We use a topical anesthetic to numb the area before the shot, and with smaller and thinner needles, the shots are virtually painless. Drill-less techniques work in many cases. Dental techniques have also improved greatly. While it is still necessary to sometimes use the "drill", it is so much improved that the drilling time is greatly reduced. Fear of pain in the dentist’s care is out of date. We’ll show you why! |
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Problem: Solution: Many denture wearers breathe a sigh of relief when they get their first pair of dentures, because they think their dental problems are over. What they soon realize, however, is that they have just traded some old problems for new ones. Even the best dentures can't compete with natural teeth in ability to chew food efficiently and comfortably. As the years go by, the supporting ridges that remain after teeth have been removed gradually change and get smaller. For most patients, the dentures need to be "relined" or "refitted" every 2-4 years so that the denture will conform to the changing ridge. A large change in weight can also alter the shape of the mouth, causing changes in the fit. If you have questions about your dentures, please call our office. |
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Problem: A missing tooth? Solution: Losing a tooth by accident or by extraction is not the end of the matter. When a tooth is missing, the resulting gap will allow nearby teeth to tilt or drift from their normal position, and the teeth above the gap will move downward. Aside from the obvious cosmetic problem, the changed positions of these teeth can lead to severe bite problems causing jaw pain and headaches. Missing teeth should be replaced to keep other teeth in their normal position. This can be done by means of a fixed bridge or a dental implant. Both of these treatments offer a good functional and cosmetic result. Please call our office with any questions you may have about the benefits of replacing missing teeth with bridges or dental implants. |
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| Problem: Too much Filling, too little tooth Solution: Teeth are often restored with fillings of silver or composite plastics. These materials can often accomplish the aim of replacing the part of the tooth that has been lost in a strong and good-looking manner. However, there comes a point where the damage to the tooth has removed too much structure to hold a filling. The restoration must be done by a technique that will attach to the remaining tooth, stand up under heavier use and meet more elaborate cosmetic requirements. The Crown is the dental restoration that can strengthen and restore the entire top of a tooth. The crown can also be part of the attachment of a fixed bridge for the replacement of teeth. The tooth is strengthened because it is covered from the outside with a casting of metal or ceramic that will wrap up and splint the tooth. The chewing of the tooth can be improved because it can be reshaped to match more efficiently with the opposing teeth. A crown can improve cosmetics by the use of modern ceramic processes that produce translucency and color that is more natural than has ever been possible. |
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Problem: Cracked, worn, discolored or broken teeth Solution: Recent advances in dental porcelains have produced a remarkable
product. All porcelain crowns, are positively outstanding for their
natural appearance and long-lasting strength and durability. No longer do
patients have to suffer with the unsightly dark blue lines around the
margins of crowns or the opaqueness of the porcelain that tells everyone
as soon as you smile that you've been "capped". |
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Problem: Stained, broken, worn, or crooked teeth Solutions: Porcelain Veneers Porcelain veneers are often used for the same reasons as bonding (to lighten stains, close gaps and even alter crooked or malformed teeth). They are considerable more durable and stain resistant than bonding. The veneer is actually a thin piece of porcelain similar in size to a fingernail. Once it is "bonded" onto the tooth it becomes extremely strong. It also blends in with the remaining tooth structure so that it is unnoticeable to the naked-eye. Once in place, it looks, feels, and functions just like a regular tooth. Porcelain veneers can be utilized to change the shape and color of a single tooth or if necessary, revamp an entire smile. Porcelain veneers can also be used to correct teeth that have been worn from clenching and grinding. Please call for a free cosmetic consultation. You may ask any questions you have about the benefits of porcelain veneers. |
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Problem: Dental disease during pregnancy
Solution: Many mothers have experienced gum disease, dental pain and/or tooth extraction during or shortly after their pregnancy. This is often seen as being a "normal" side effect of being pregnant. However, dental disease, which is an infection of the teeth and/or gums, is not "normal" for any patient. There are three basic events that happen during pregnancy which make the patient more susceptible to dental disease. First, hormonal changes may make the gums more susceptible to gum disease. Second, pregnant women tend to eat smaller, more frequent meals, exposing their teeth and gums to sugars and acids more often. Third, cravings for "junk foods" and inadequate oral hygiene pose an increased threat to the teeth and gums. Pregnant women should be advised to schedule a dental evaluation and receive preventive dental care. Personalized oral hygiene instruction should also be given to fight disease and promote overall good health for the mother and her baby. |
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TMD:
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) is a misalignment within the intricate network of muscles, bones, and joints connecting the skull and lower jaw. When the jaw is awry, the joints and muscles tend to compensate by moving into a new position, and the jawbone grates on other bones and soft tissues. The pain can be extreme and debilitating. Diagnosis can be difficult. TMD disorders may mimic the symptoms of other ailments-such as tumors, sinus infections and, on the surface, defy detection. Dentists have been working with TMD therapies for some years now. Once we identify the problem and the cause, treatment is often straightforward. Among possible remedies are muscle relaxants, minor reshaping of teeth, or mouth splints. Physical therapy, even simple massage, has been effective in pain control. Surgery is rare. The longer the diagnosis is postponed, the greater the joint and tissue damage - and the greater the pain. |
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Problem: Cracked, worn, broken, discolored, unsightly silver-mercury fillings Solutions: Tooth-colored "resin" fillings For over 100 years, dentists have been using silver-mercury amalgam fillings to restore decayed or broken teeth. The only other alternative was gold and that was always too expensive for most folks. Now there is a new and economical way to restore teeth using tooth-colored resin fillings. The resin is made up of glass particles in a plastic matrix. The doctor bonds the putty-like material to the tooth with a high-intensity light. This hardens the material and allows it to be shaped and polished for immediate use. Once completed, the tooth has a natural appearance and is actually stronger than before due to the strength of the adhesive agent used to bond the resin to the tooth. Resin restorations not only look better, but they are stronger and last longer than the old silver-amalgam fillings. Resin restorations can range from $150 to $350 per tooth. Please call with any questions you may have about the benefits of resin restorations. |
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Problem:
XEROSTOMIA (Dry Mouth) Solution: Dental Treatment or Consultation Dry mouth problem is common. The lack of adequate saliva is more than bothersome for three out of every ten Americans. When the natural flow of saliva is reduced, you can experience trouble swallowing, pain throughout oral tissues and, nearly always, a short-cut to dental caries and gum disease. The tongue sticks, food doesn't have much taste, and digestion suffers. Xerostomia, or dry mouth syndrome, can come with aging, or often as a side effect of many medications. Half of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy experience an extreme form of xerostomia, with critical effects on their dental health. There is relief in the form of dry mouth toothpaste, special saliva-producing chewing gum, or saliva substitute solutions. For more information regarding Xerostomia and methods of treatment, please call our office. |
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Oral Health for Seniors The good habits of effective daily brushing, diet, and use of fluoride will help the aging person adapt to changing conditions. Reduced salivary flow and addition of medications will affect oral health dramatically. Changes of the teeth and gums: Teeth will darken because of long-term exposure to plaque and changes in the dentin within the tooth. The gums may recede and uncover the roots. Exposed roots will be darker than the enamel part of the tooth and are prone to decay. Fillings can decay and darken, too, as they weaken over time. "Dry Mouth" may develop: Saliva is useful to lubricate, wash away plaque, and neutralize the acid produced by plaque. Flow of saliva can be reduced by a medical disorder or be a side effect of antihistamine, decongestants, pain killers or diuretics. The build-up of plaque will accelerate tooth decay. There will also be more gum infection which will cause a loss of bone support for the teeth. Poorly-fitting or poorly-cleaned dentures, illness, and some medications increase the severity of the problem. For more information regarding dental problems of the elderly, please call our office. |
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Sleep
Apnea
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Problem: Accidental Tooth Loss by Injury Solutions: Knowing the Proper First Aid
Do not attempt to disinfect the tooth, or scrub it, or remove any tissue attached to it.
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Problem: Decayed (Baby) erupting teeth (bottle caries) Solution: Children who have erupted teeth or are past the age to be weaned are highly susceptible to rotted front teeth when being put to bed with a bottle containing milk, juice or other sugar-containing liquids. There is decreased salivary flow during sleep and clearance of the liquid from the teeth is slowed. The liquid pools around the upper front teeth and creates an excellent environment to promote the growth of decay-causing bacteria. Removing the bottle before the first tooth appears and wiping the child’s gums and teeth with a soft cloth before being put to bed can help prevent decay. Signs and appearance of teeth displaying bottle caries:
At 18 months of age, parents should be encouraged to ask their dentist to examine their child and recommend home care. |
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Problem: Missing Teeth Solution: Implants "Well, you know Doc, it's just a back tooth. No one will see it so I'll just get rid of it. It's not going to make a difference." The plain truth is that it will make a difference. The loss of just a single tooth can set a course that can destroy an entire mouth. "Well, if that's true, tell me more. I sure don't want to lose the front ones that I smile with." Teeth will drift and tip into a space that is created by missing teeth. Just like two gears of a car that are not properly aligned, pretty soon you've got a whole lot of problems. "Well, I don't like that. What can I do?" If it sounds like I've heard this conversation a few times, you're right. If I'm going to keep a patient happy, I need to provide options at this point. One of the options would be an implant. This is the replacement of a tooth with a false root that is surgically placed. It is then followed by the careful construction of a crown to replace the missing tooth, to prevent teeth from shifting and thereby causing further tooth loss. If you have any questions about missing teeth and possible implant treatment, please call our office. |
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Problem: Bad breath (halitosis)
Solution: While bad breath might be a symptom of some other disorder, it most likely stems from dental decay and periodontitis. Periodontitis is a disease affecting gums and bone that support the teeth, and it results from inadequate tooth brushing and flossing. In this disease, the irritated gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets between the teeth and the gums. These pockets fill with bacteria and pus which give off a foul odor. Patients with bad breath should be referred for a complete dental evaluation. If gum disease and/or dental decay is diagnosed, it can be treated readily. The patient will no longer have an infection in his or her mouth, and he or she will no longer have the embarrassment of bad breath. If you have questions regarding halitosis, please call our office. |
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Problem: Black and unsightly silver fillings
Solution: Many people have had silver fillings placed into their teeth because they had "cavities". These silver fillings are called amalgams. Amalgam fills the space where the decay in the tooth has been removed. However over times, the amalgam corrodes and leaks which blackens the silver, and many times the tooth. This is easily seen as soon as a patient opens his or her mouth and is usually a source of embarrassment for the patient. Composite fillings are made of a porcelain-like material that actually bonds to the tooth for a tight seal. They are strong and stain-resistant, and they are color-matched to the natural tooth, making them "invisible". Composite fillings also lack the sensitivity that is often associated with silver amalgam fillings. They are especially suited for smaller cavities and for patients who may be allergic to metal fillings. Please don’t hesitate to call our office with any questions you may have about the benefits of replacing silver amalgam fillings with invisible composite fillings. |
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Problem: Stained, broken, worn, crooked, malformed teeth
Solutions: Bonding is typically painless and can yield dramatic results in a single office visit. Essentially, bonding hides any natural flaws through the placement of a thin plastic coating on the front surface of the teeth. After treating the tooth surface, a puttylike bonding material is applied that is then sculpted, shaped and colored to suit the patient’s needs. A high-intensity light causes the plastic to harden after which the new surface is smoothed and polished. Bonding can lighten stains, close gaps and even alter crooked or malformed teeth. It can be utilized to change the shape or color of a single tooth or if necessary to revamp the entire smile. Please call our office for a free cosmetic consultation. |
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