Why Need Professional Cleaning of Teeth?

Have you been pondering on the question why need professional cleaning every time you visit you dentist? Well don’t simply follow what your dentist says and what your elders have been saying forever. Look up the various sources on dental hygiene and do some studying for yourself.

Dental hygiene is very important for everyone, be it man or woman, rich or poor. A good personality stems from good physique and good health, which includes dental health. Having nice set of germfree teeth and gums will increase your confidence and will make your smile beautiful and confident. And to make your teeth appear attractive all the time professional teeth cleaning is required.

Professional teeth cleaning in medical terminology is also known as prophylaxis. This is a process which involves removal of tartar as a preventive measure for dental condition. The tartar may accumulate on teetheven after you brush your teeth carefully everyday. Flossing also does not help always because certain areas are difficult to clean even during routine brushing. A dental hygienist performs professional tooth cleaning. This involves processes like tooth polishing and tooth scaling. Sometimes surgical measures are taken like debridement as and when too much of tartar gets accumulated on the teeth.

Why need professional cleaning– Some reasons –

Professional teeth cleaning can prevent many types of health problems. Any kind of infection inside the mouth can cause heart disease. Living healthy starts from the mouth, since we take our food through it. Therefore, it is essential to keep your teeth clean.

Undergoing professional cleaning once in a while can prevent gum diseases. Gum diseases are caused due to some kind of infection in the tissues that surround our teeth. It is also one of the key causes behind loss of bones if it is kept untreated. Professional cleaning at regular intervals and also taking good care of dental health at home can prevent this.

Everyone likes a beautiful and healthy smile on one’s face. If you have a beautiful smile, your confidence will increase and you will be satisfied with your appearance. When you feel confident about yourself, you will have a great social life. Often a positive smile opens new vistas for people. A smile can light up your day and brighten your future. Professional cleaning will keep your teeth clean which in turn will help you gain better self-confidence. 

A large number of people die from oral cancer in US. Early diagnosis can sometimes save the patient’s life. Oral cancer can be diagnosed during professional teeth cleaning sessions. Like any other serious disease, the faster you get to know the better are the chances of saving yourself.

Last but not the least, maintaining overall wellness is the answer to your query on why need professional cleaning. Going for regular cleaning will help you to maintain good dental condition. Lack of germs in your mouth will help in avoiding other ailments. Generally dentists advise to get your teeth cleaned professionally at least once in 6 months. During a cleaning session, a hygienist or a dentist will not only clean your teeth but examine your entire dental condition. If any problem is detected you can get cured quickly. Plaque, cavities and other deformities can be detected and cured through professional teeth cleaning.

Don’t believe all that you hear. And when it comes to teeth there are no end to tales and advice. Some have come down the generation and are believed and followed despite the fact they are not true. Some are avoided even though they do not cause harm. Your dentist is the right person for guidance of course. But there are some myth busters you can be aware of even before you get there.

MYTHS

Myth busters: cavity – #1 –

MYTH: Regular cleaning of teeth like brushing and flossing is enough to fight decay.

Fact: Yes, though regular cleaning is imperative it does not prevent cavity totally. Brushing and flossing will not eliminate the bacteria that causes of tooth decay but regular cleaning helps to keep it at bay for a while and maintain good dental health once your dentist treats the cavities. The usual rule is to brush twice and day and floss once a day.

Myth busters: cavity – #2 –

MYTH: Cavities are not contagious.

Fact: This is definitely not true as the bacteria that cause cavities are transmitted and spread easily. Treating one cavity is not enough. Regular checkups are needed to see whether others have developed or not.

Myth busters: cavity – #3 –

MYTH: Sugar causes cavities.

Fact: This is not an easy deduction. Sugar definitely has a negative effect on teeth. But the cavities are usually formed from acidic pH which comes from bacteria. However, the presence of sugar makes the bacteria react faster. It feeds on them and creates more bacteria-producing acid causing further cavities. Foods that have sticky sugars like candies and soft drinks are to be avoided even more. If you need to snack more frequently make sure you have healthy options like oats and granola bars handy. Avoid fruits which have more sugar and less fiber like Apple. In this case, an apple a day (also) keeps a dentist away!

Myth busters: cavity – #4 –

Myth: Acidic foods cause cavities

Fact: Acidic foods such as lemons, citrus juices, or fruit-ades do not cause cavities directly. But they can cause erosion to the tooth enamel and wear it down, thereby weakening the teeth as a whole. Making it more prone to problems like cavities and decay.

Myth busters: cavity – #5 –

Myth: Children are more prone to cavities than grown-ups

Fact: It is much easier to keep a child’s teeth healthy than an adults. Their diets are usually more carefully monitored and teeth regularly checked by pediatric dentists. Preventive dental care and easy application of dental irrigation with fluoridated water and sealants make caring for young teeth easier. But people age other factors come into consideration. Apart from more junk food intake, various medications in adults and senior people adversely affect their teeth. In some cases, the vital saliva is dried away as an after effect of such medicines leading to increase in acids and therefore cavity and decay.

Myth busters: cavity – #6 –

Myth: Fluoride helps in reducing cavities.

Fact:  Numerous studies show that use of fluoride – fluoride washes or brushing with fluoride toothpaste will help keep your teeth clean better. But in no way can it be proven that fluoride will eliminate cavities or tooth decay completely. It may be good preventive care and good hygiene practice, but once you have cavities you need professional help to fight them rather than fluorides.

Myth busters: cavity – #7 –

Myth: Cavity once filled is permanent and no more diseases can occur.

Fact: Even if you take care of your filling, another cavity around it or a chip in your teeth nearby will result in complete replacement. You cannot protect one filling by avoiding the other cavities around it. Ignoring the problem could lead to bruxism and need for root canal. And you cannot stop spreading bacteria just by filling one cavity.  Serious cases in fact need treatments like chemotherapy.

Your child’s smile is precious. Wouldn’t you do anything to keep the smile that brings so much joy to your heart, intact? And this smile can only be enhanced with great teeth. Keeping yours kids teeth healthy is an important part of parenting. It is a long term process and needs regular care and overseeing.

·      #1 - Tips for keeping yours kids teeth healthy - Dental Care before birth

·      Caring for the dental health of your baby starts way before your baby is born. From the six month of the pregnancy expectant mothers should include daily calcium doses and healthy foods in her diet. Food such as soy products, dairy products, calcium rich supplements and green leafy vegetables would go a long way to ensure healthy teeth in a healthy baby.

·      #2 - Tips for keeping yours kids teeth healthy - Dental care for our newborn

·      Dental care of the kids should begin before she /he is teething. Proper gum care leads to healthy teething. This is the first and most vital step to caring for your child’s teeth. Wipe your baby’s gum with sanitized and recommended gauzes after feeding. This is to ensure that there is no bacterial residue in the cavity. Continue this from six months till your baby is a year old. Start his or her regular dental check-ups the moment they are a year old.

·      #3 - Tips for keeping yours kids teeth healthy - Dental care for growing kids

·      Keeping your growing infants teeth clean is important. You can swipe and clean with wipes and soft baby toothbrushes. But the regular use of toothpaste should not begin before your child is at least 18 months old. Once he ir she has reached this stage, start giving the baby a tiny drop of toothpaste on the brush once a day. Their teeth should be washed with clean water and with little pressure of the fingertip. This will ensure better shape of denture and the soft gums will not be affected by the brushing. It is necessary to clean baby’s tongue on a regular basis to maintain oral hygiene.

Brushing and flossing

Teach your kids the best ways to brush. They should know that this cannot be hurried or avoided. As they grow up get them into the habit of unsupervised brushing. Ask your pediatric dentist for the right kinds of toothpaste and brush for your child. Regular flossing is mandatory for gum care. Dentists often recommend fun tricks for flossing to make sure children floss regularly. They need to know the importance of dental care but enforcing the same on the

Dental implant is a type of artificial tooth-root mostly made of titanium which a dentist places into the jaw in order to clutch a bridge or tooth. It restores the look or appearance by replacing a missing tooth or filling a gap. They are very life like and to maintain this they have a root form which is placed within the bone. Once placed inside your mouth they need some maintenance to carry one being effective. This is why it’s important to know how to care for implants.

The process of receiving a dental implant is lengthy and it takes time to adapt to the new adjustments to the denture. These implants would work well and last as long as you take care of them.

How to care for implants– Tip #1 – Maintain oral hygiene – The first rule of dental hygiene is cleanliness. Brush at least twice a day. With implants you need to be very careful about the kind of brush that you are using. Also, careful brushing is called for. Rough handling or rushing can dislodge them. If you have had very rich food try and brush sooner instead of waiting for the night.

How to care for implants– Tip #2 – Regular removal of plaques and tarter – To remove plaque use a soft bristled tooth brush which reaches in deep ends and cleans well. Plaque and tartar can also be prevented if you floss your teeth regularly. A mouthwash containing essential oils or medical oral irrigation product will help keep these away. Ask your doctor on which brand would suit your best.

How to care for implants– Tip #3 – Regular check-ups - Maintaining regular visits to your dentist is imperative for maintaining proper health of your dentures. Your dentist will know best whether your dentures need better care or change. Go in for an annual X-ray to get verified status reports on your implants.

How to care for implants– Tip #4 – Avoid bad oral habits – Addictions like smoking, drinking and even drugs harm more than your organs. One of the first things to be affected is your teeth. And with implants the process of decay is faster. Once you have had implants make sure that you curb your excesses including spicy food

How to care for implants– Tip #5 –  Use recommended dental products – No matter how attractive the ads sound or how good the product looks on the supermarket store, don’t buy any new dental product without your dentist’s advice. When it comes to your implants you can’t be too careful. Sensitivity of implants may cause bleeding and swelling at times. Ask your dentist for advice. But usually regular cleaning with recommended products and special cleaning aids help in rectifying the problems.

One of the key things to do before you go in for implants is to read up as much as you can about their benefits and care. Awareness helps in making lifestyle changes easy, and make no mistake, there will be changes in your lifestyle post dental implants. You can still party and enjoy as much as you can but will soon find yourself giving up your bad habits voluntarily. You will be more focused on how to care for implants and automatically your food and drink tastes and habits will get adjusted.

Choices of Tooth Brushes should be determined by functionality

Toothbrushes are an integral part of our lives. So much so that we give little thought to them, till the time comes to change the old one for a new. The right toothbrush is a part of your maintaining good dental health. If you discuss this with your dentist, he or she will ask you to choose a soft-bristled one. These are best to remove plaque from your teeth. Soft bristles are comfortable and also good for gum tissue.

When at the store we usually tend to buy toothbrushes which are good to look, by a color which attracts us and opt for a brand we recognize. But the advantage we derive is not from the look but the functionality of the toothbrush. It is important that we know and remember what these are.

Size considerations for choices of toothbrushes–

Don’t pick a toothbrush at random. Choose one which fits you best. Every mouth is different in size and shape. If you have a large mouth you will need a full size brush. If you have a regular face then you will probably choose one with the small head.

Maneuverability considerations for choices of toothbrushes –

While buying a toothbrush you must buy one that reaches all the places inside your mouth comfortably. The back ones are tricky to reach. Flexible and small heads are actually very good for maneuverability. Brushes with small heads are good as they make reaching inner and difficult parts of the mouth easy.

Choices of toothbrushesby types –

The top part of the toothbrush has bristles and is called the brush head. Choosing the right type of brush head is important. Here’s a brief glimpse of the different types that you can choose from.

·       Angled – This kind of toothbrush helps reach all parts of the mouth easily. The insides of the lower and upper front teeth are very vulnerable to tartar build up. Instead of a regular toothbrush, using an angled one will help remove the tartar and plaque more effectively.

·       Compact – A compact toothbrush is good for those who have a smaller mouth size. At times even those who have larger mouths choose a compact brush head to help reach the inner recesses of their mouths.

·       Full Size – Full size brush heads are meant for people with bigger mouth size. Here the smaller sizes won’t be of much help. Full size brushes for larger mouths prevent bacterial build-up.

·       Ergonomic – The ones with no-slip grips or ergonomic handles make it easy to hold the brush. This makes brushing more comfortable and effective. It is great for people who suffer from arthritis and cannot move their hands easily.

·       Soft or hard – Different types of bristle makes help cleaning better. A soft one reaches in the deepest recesses of the mouth and makes brushing easy. For recession use an extra soft-bristled one without fail. A hard toothbrush is not always the first choice. But if you have large yellowed teeth these may better than the soft ones.

·       Manual or power – The traditional manual toothbrush has worked well till now. And even today it is very effective for the disciplined soul who brushes hard and long, twice a day without fail. But for those who want results but also have little time, opting for a power/electric toothbrush is a good idea. It is compact, powerful and does good cleaning on its own. It has customized option for sensitive teeth and oscillating-rotating technology to remove gingivitis.

Your dental health depends a lot on your choice of toothbrushes. Choose the right size and type so that the results are more effective. It is more important than simply picking one off the shelf. Ask your dentist for advice and guidance on which type would suit your teeth best.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Although there are no concrete conclusions available to determine exactly why we grind our teeth, researchers widely believe the following to be the top most possible causes:

• #1 reason why we grind our teeth - Stress and anxiety: These are considered to be the leading factors for grinding of teeth or bruxism. Stress and anxiety can be an outcome of mixed bag of factors depending on our lifestyle. Stress could be psychological and emotional, physical, results of professional or personal problems. Anxiety is generally defined as a feeling of fear and uncertainty and it may arise out of multiple other conditions and actions. It can be the reason why we grind our teeth, make us react to situations and inadvertently harm our bodies in many ways.

• #2 reason why we grind our teeth - Side Effect of Certain Medications: Grinding of teeth can occur as a side effect of certain drugs or medication. Many doctors have found that anti depressants and drugs used to treat mental illness have led to their patients grinding their teeth in sleep.

• #3 reason why we grind our teeth - Angry or Violent Nature: For people with high temperament and aggressive nature, grinding of teeth becomes a mode to vent out aggression, anger and frustration.

• #4 reason why we grind our teeth - Growing Teeth: In young children this has been found to be the most common cause of teeth grinding. In kids whose jaws are getting firmer and teeth are still growing this is quite common. As the upper and lower jaws find alignment, teeth grinding become an involuntary but natural occurrence. 

• #5 reason why we grind our teeth - Non aligned teeth: People whose teeth are not symmetrically aligned may unconsciously grind their teeth in an attempt to find a comfortable contact point between upper and lower teeth.

• #6 reason why we grind our teeth - Sleeping disorders: Irregular sleep or certain sleeping disorders like insomnia may also lead to bruxism.

Once we determine the reason why we grind our teeth, we can take steps to get rid of the same. Some of the above causes may be temporary and the grinding of teeth may stop when the causes cease to exist on their own. But for more severe cases you would need expert advice and guidance. Teeth problems should not be ignored and should be treated before they worsen. Call your dentist today.

What do you mean bySensitive teeth?

Medically, tooth sensitivity is referred to as Dentin Hypersensitivity. Many a times you might feel a sudden bout of pain while eating. Especially when, what you are eating is something cold, hot, sweet or sour. In some cases the pain can be felt even while brushing teeth. This pain is usually due to sensitive teeth.  You might have observed that it occurs repeatedly only in a particular part of your mouth. This is because your teeth only in that part have become highly sensitive.

Why do you suffer fromSensitive Teeth?

Your teeth become sensitive when the outer layer of the teeth, i.e. enamel gets eroded and the layer below it i.e. dentin gets exposed to external elements. Dentin has numerous nerve-endings which when come in contact with hot cold or sweet fluids, trigger pain. Another cause of sensitive teeth is the receding gum line. When the gums get pushed downwards, the roots of teeth get exposed thus making them hypersensitive.

The causes of enamel erosion and receding gums are:

• Improper Brushing of Teeth: Brushing your teeth with too much pressure or for too long will gradually cause the tooth enamel to wear off and the gum line to recede, leading to sensitive teeth.
• Unhealthy Oral Care: Regular and healthy oral care are of utmost importance for healthy and long lasting teeth. When there is lack of healthy oral care, decaying and other oral problems like sensitivity of teeth start developing. Repeated treatment of decaying and unhygienic teeth also erosion of teeth and recession of gums.
• Wear and Tear of teeth: Wear and tear of teeth due to brushing, dental treatments, etc over the years tend to make teeth sensitive. Strong mouthwash if used frequently can cause erosion of teeth.
• Immediately post Dental Treatment: If you have recently had a cavity filled or undergone a root canal, your treated tooth may remain sensitive for a week or two and then return to normalcy on its own.
• Bruxism: Bruxism refers to frequent clenching or grinding of teeth. This brings pressure and causes friction in teeth causing erosion of its protective layer.
• Unhealthy food habits: Eating too much of acidic food or drinking too much of acidic or aerated beverages can cause as much harm to your teeth as to your body. Excess of acid content in food and beverages act upon the teeth enamel eroding it away. Eating very hard food or for that matter eating ice cubes can cause you teeth to develop cracks, thereby making them sensitive.
• Whitening treatment for teeth: It is believed that chemicals used in whitening of teeth are acidic in nature and frequent use causes sensitive teeth

How to CureSensitive teeth?

Sensitive teeth in initial stages can easily be treated with basic toothpastes available for sensitive teeth. These contain potassium nitrate or potassium chloride which forms a protective cover over the nerve-endings, thereby desensitizing the area.

In case these don’t work you can opt for fluoride based mouthwash or gels which work in a similar manner. Consult your dentist for your sensitive teeth. He or she may might prescribe a high fluoride content mouthwash or a toothpaste containing strontium chloride that can help cover up the root pores. This way it will not be easily affected by elements that could trigger pain in the nerves.

If the above basic treatments do not work, you might need advanced treatment from your dentist. If your sensitive teeth are a result of highly receded gum line then tissue-grafts can prove to be a help. For eroded enamel, application of fluoride varnish or dental bonding can be done depending upon the need of the hour.

If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to Contact Us.

Sedation dentistry, as the name suggests, refers to dental treatment under sedation. It quite resembles anesthetic operations. There is no such big difference between sedation in dentistry and an anesthetic injection. Sedation is performed in 3 degrees – deep sedation, moderate sedation and minimal sedation. It involves numbing the central nervous system so that dentistry can be performed easily. With minimal sedation the patient can respond to whatever is happening around him. In fact, minimal sedation reduces the anxiety in patients quite easily. In moderate sedation the nerves of the patient is even more relaxed and can partially respond to a stimulus. In deep sedation, the patient becomes unconscious and does not respond to any external stimuli. Sedation is normally practiced in the oral form and is administered depending on the anxiety level of the patient.

Dentists normally prescribe and administer a sedative to the patient one night before any kind of procedure or surgery is scheduled. The sedative primarily serves two major purposes. The first is to make sure that the patient is able to sleep properly through the night before the procedure. The second is to ensure that the sedation has worked its way into the patient’s system so as to complete relax him or her prior to the procedure. This particular approach of asking the patient to take a sedative the night before a surgery is known as the no-needle approach. The patient can take a prescription pill or the dentist can administer them sublingually. According to experts in the field, sublingual sedation dentistry is more effective as it reaches the bloodstream quickly.

Sedation dentistryis considered a safe method. Usually the medicines used for sedation dentistry are checked on the therapeutic index to protect the patients. The more the score on the measurement scale, the safer the drug is. Sometimes a patient, particularly under deep sedation does not remember the preceding events. Therefore, this kind of medication is also termed as ‘comfort dentistry’. Patients generally feel free of the usual anxiety and fear of dental procedures after taking these medicines.

Sedation dentistryneeds careful practice by dentists. A dentist must know which sedative works best for patients after considering the height, weight and degree of anxiety in a patient. The sedative drugs include Sonata, Ativan, Valium and at times laughing gas. The effect of the sedation stays awhile, depending on the degree of sedation performed.

The benefits of sedation dentistry include reducing the stress level in the patient. Sometimes dentistry procedures take a long time. During such prolonged operations sedation is a good alternative. Patients can overcome their fear during the procedure. Sedation dentistry has become a viable option to patients who are phobic to dental care routines or operations. It is without side effects and helps the patient to go through the dental procedure without fear and in the proper manner. In extreme cases of anxiety IV sedation is done. The patient can relax while his dentist can continue his work. After the patient regains consciousness, he can see a healthy inner mouth and smile. If you have moved and about to choose a new dentist make sure you check his credentials. He needs to be an expert of sedation dentistry before you agree to the process.

Maintaining good dental health is imperative. Most of us suffer from some dental problem or the other. Most of these can be taken care of with easy precautions and solutions. You just have to be careful about maintaining dental hygiene. Regular dental checkups, brushing your teeth twice a day are some of those habits that can prevent serious problems. You need to know what these are so that you can prevent them from happening. Remember your dental health contributes a lot to your personality. Take a glimpse into the top five dental complaints

Top five dental complaints - #1 – bad breath - Suffering from bad breath is one of the most common dental complaints. A large number of people experience this. As per top medical surveys, about 85% of humans suffer from persistent bad breath which is caused due to some kind of dental ill health. Bad breath is caused by many reasons - bacteria on tongue, oral cancer, dry mouth, gum disease and cavities. You can use mouthwash to refresh your bad breath, but that is not a permanent cure. Some people suffer from chronic bad breath. It is important to consult your dentist to improve your condition.

Top five dental complaints - #2 – Gum disease- Gum disease or periodontal disease is a serious problem which can also cause heart attacks. Gum disease causes tooth loss in adults. It is basically an infection in the gums around the teeth. Gingivitis and Periodontitis are two familiar forms of gum diseases. Flossing your teeth and brushing your teeth twice daily can prevent this disease. However, if it is a persistent occurrence then consult your dentist right away.  

Top five dental complaints - #3 – Tooth decay – Tooth decay or cavities often occur after common cold. Every second person in the US is afflicted with this problem. Cavities are caused when plague combines with sugars or starches on our teeth. Sugar is derived from the food we eat and plague is already present in our teeth. And when they combine together cavities are caused. Tooth decay can be prevented by taking care of your teeth and keeping them clean. You must also maintain healthy eating habits. Less junk food, less giving in to your sweet tooth.

Top five dental complaints - #4 – Toothache and Tooth sensitivity - Toothache can happen due to various reasons. If you have cavities you can suffer from recurring toothaches Call your dentist and fix a meeting as soon as you feel the pain. Tooth sensitivity is also a common tooth ailment. Whenever you eat anything too cold or too hot you will experience a chilling pain in your teeth. This can also be prevented by taking good care of your teeth.

Top five dental complaints - #5 – Tooth erosion and mouth sores- Mouth sores lasting over two weeks can cause serious problems. Common forms of mouth sores include thrush, ulcers, fever blisters, cold sores and canker sores. Tooth erosion is caused when the teeth enamel is lost due to acid attacks. Sensitivity is the first indication which can lead to serious consequences like cracking. Prevention includes maintaining your dental health and regular dental checkups.

Cosmetic Dentistry vs Plastic Surgery- Improving Dental Appearance

Keeping your teeth healthy is important not just to avoid pain but also to look good. Cosmetic dentistry involves improving dental appearance. Along with teeth gums are improved as well. However, cosmetic dentistry does not increase the functionality of the teeth or gums, but solely focus on the appearance. Plastic surgery on the other hand is a medical procedure which involves restoration of functionality and form along with appearance. Plastic surgery includes many different methods like microsurgery, hand surgery and reconstructive surgery. It is also greatly effective to improve overall dental health.

Plastic surgeryis the most favored method for any kind of facial lift. And for a successful facial lift, you need to have a good and strong line of teeth to support the facial muscles. Therefore, cosmetic dentistry is often a required procedure for a successful plastic surgery. Especially, if you are thinking of restoring sagging facial skin and droopy lips, cosmetic dentistry becomes absolutely mandatory. Plastic surgery and cosmetic dentistry do not necessarily clash. In fact in many cases they complement each other.

Smile makeover is a procedure that falls under cosmetic dentistry. Any kind of improvement in teeth line happens to be a part of cosmetic dentistry. Bad teeth is the cause behind many a diffident face. Cosmetic dentistry can help recover the lost confidence and the lost smile. Smile makeover is done with the aid of porcelain veneers. These veneers make the teeth appear longer and make them look good.

Holding on to the perfect appearance has made plastic surgery a lucrative business. More and more people opting for plastic surgery have to consult both their plastic surgeons as well as the cosmetic dentists. People going through plastic surgery normally undergo certain procedures which include tooth whitening, dental veneers, bonding and oral maxillofacial surgery. Combining both the procedures brings about the best results.

Tooth whitening is a process in which the paleness of the teeth is removed through treatment. This is done to increase the aesthetic appeal of the teeth and therefore the smile of a person. Dental veneers are often used to cover cracked teeth, teeth with bad shapes. Translucent porcelain sheets are applied on the teeth to refine them. This makes the teeth appear beautiful and flawless. Dental veneers not only work wonders for the teeth, but also for the upper and lower lips as well as the jaw. Bonding is another popular cosmetic dentistry procedure to treat the appearance of teeth. Small chips and cracks can be improved by bonding.

Oral maxillofacial surgery can cure lips, jaw and chin problems pertaining to shape. It basically alters the jaw and chin appearance to make the lips look beautiful. The result of this surgery as well as of the veneers last for a prolonged period of time. These cosmetic dentistry procedures are sometimes accompanied by microdermabrasion, laser therapy, facial fillers, and additional injectable for enhanced results. Plastic surgeons can actually offer great advice to enhance your looks. Hence, if you consult both the plastic surgeon and cosmetic dentist, then your chance of an improved facial structure will increase manifold.

The technique was developed in Europe many years ago, and is successful as it utilizes the stronger bone found in the front of the jaw for implant placement. This usually involves placing four implants, with the rear two being placed at an angle. The angled implants create greater stability, and this technique can even be successful for patients who have suffered from bone loss or periodontal disease. Your replacement teeth will be individually designed for you, and can be modified until you are happy with the result.

Benefits Of Teeth in the Day Include:

·      Eliminating the need to wear a denture. You won't have to suffer with ill-fitting and painful dentures any more.

·      Improved self-confidence. Teeth which are permanently fixed in place are much more stable so you won't have to worry about them moving around.

·      A faster healing time with minimal pain and discomfort.

·      Being able to eat a greater variety of foods and being able to taste them more easily.

Upper dentures cover the roof of your mouth reducing your ability to taste food, whereas fixed teeth don't cover this area at all. People who have worn dentures for a long period of time are often quite surprised at how good food tastes with fixed, non-removable teeth.

·      Greater convenience, as you'll no longer have to take out your dentures before going to sleep at night and won't run the risk of losing them.

If you currently wear dentures and would prefer not to then why not contact us to find out if the teeth in a day technique is suitable for you? We'll need to give you a full assessment to make sure you have sufficient bone quantity and density to support the implants. If we think you're a good candidate then we'll need to do a CT scan to plan the surgery as this allows us to accurately place the implants in the optimum positions. Opting for new teeth in a day could give you a brand-new reason to smile.

·      Wisdom teeth that are impacted

·      Wisdom teeth which haven't fully erupted, as partially erupted teeth can leave gaps enabling bacteria to enter the tooth causing decay and infection

·      Cases where wisdom teeth are poorly aligned and could damage the adjacent tooth

·      Cysts which sometimes form underneath wisdom teeth can damage the tooth roots or jawbone

Because of their position in the mouth, many people find wisdom teeth very difficult to keep clean and it can be especially difficult to floss thoroughly in a crowded jaw. This frequently leads to tooth decay developing. If this decay isn't picked up quickly it can spread to the adjacent molars exacerbating the problem.

Although it is quite common for people to have their wisdom teeth removed, it's much easier to remove them in younger patients. As we age the bone fuses to the teeth, and it's far more difficult to extract wisdom teeth in older patients; sometimes the wisdom teeth can be close to nerves, complicating the surgery. Depending on the complexity of the surgery, it's either performed by your dentist or an oral surgeon, and you may wish to have a considerable amount of sedation. In general teeth which are impacted tend to be more difficult to extract than teeth which are partially erupted, and it's quite common to experience some swelling and bleeding after the extraction. You'll probably need to take painkillers, and some people find using ice packs helps to relieve the swelling. It's also best to stick to soft food for a few days and to drink plenty of liquids to help aid the healing process.

What Does a Bone Graft Involve?

It is a relatively quick surgical procedure but we will need to cut into the gum, creating a flap and exposing the site to be grafted. Once the area is exposed we can place the bone graft onto the site before replacing and suturing the flap of gum tissue back into position. After this it is a question of waiting for the site to heal and the bone to fully integrate. You'll probably need to take antibiotics immediately after surgery and we will give you plenty of advice on how to care for the site. It usually takes about four months for the area to heal completely.

What Type of Bone Is Used for the Graft?

Bone grafts are generally performed using one of four materials and these four are:

1.     A Xenograft uses harvested animal bone.

2.     An Autograft uses bone from the patient.

3.     An Alloplastic graft uses synthetic materials.

4.     An Allograft uses bone from a human donor.

If you have a xenograft then the animal bone is usually harvested from cows. The procedure is very safe as the bone is sterilized before being placed in the crafting site. It is very effective, creating a kind of filler or template around which your natural bone can form, and only requires one procedure.

If you have an autograft then the bone is generally harvested from either your hip or your mouth. The disadvantage of this type of surgery is that it will require at least two operations and you could be sore for a while afterwards. However it does guarantee that the chances of your body rejecting the graft are virtually zero.

Synthetic alloplastic grafts are sometimes made from calcium phosphate which is gradually absorbed by the body as the new bone forms, or they are made of a material that acts as a framework to support new bone growth.

Allografts tend to be far less widely used, as the bone is harvested from donors after their death, and although it is sterilized and tested, there is still a small risk of disease.

Once the graft has had a chance to heal we’ll give you another x-ray to check its success before beginning to plan your implant. It's not a quick process but it is worthwhile, as if cared for properly a dental implant can last a very long time, and is the next best thing to growing your own tooth.

If you have lost all or most of your teeth to decay or gum disease, then you may think a removable denture or individual implants are your only solution, but hybrid dentures offer an alternative. Hybrid dentures are sometimes called fixed-removable dentures and are supported on implants with the denture being screwed securely into place. This treatment is especially suitable for those who have suffered significant bone resorption in their jaw over many years, and who find it difficult to keep a denture in place.

Who Can Have Hybrid Dentures?

We'll need to evaluate your suitability for a hybrid denture and will decide how many implants are required to support the prosthesis. In general a hybrid denture requires several implants for stability, and once they are placed they'll need to be left to heal. When the healing process is fully completed we can connect them to abutments ready for the denture to be screwed into placce. The denture is constructed on top of either a milled titanium bar or a cast gold bar, and is designed to allow easy access to the screws. These screws are not visible, and the access holes are sometimes filled in with tooth colored composite material.

They are the perfect solution for anyone who wants to have fixed teeth, but who doesn't want to have individual implants to replace each missing tooth. A hybrid denture isn't quite the same as having individual teeth but does give good aesthetic results, supporting your lips and cheeks and allowing you to eat normally.

Advantages of Hybrid Dentures

Unlike ordinary dentures you don't need to take them out every night for cleaning as they are hygienically constructed to enable you to clean underneath, but you will need to return to us a couple of times a year to have the denture unscrewed and professionally cleaned.

You'll find a hybrid denture much less bulky than a removable denture, especially if it is to replace your upper teeth. A normal removable denture covers the roof of the mouth whereas a hybrid denture leaves this portion open, which not only feels much more natural but enables you to taste your food properly.

Hybrid dentures are far more stable than ordinary dentures as they cannot move around on the ridge of the jaw. Because they are firmly anchored into place by the implants they don't create any soreness, and patients can often enjoy a much greater variety of food.

While the amount of tooth material removed is relatively small, it does mean patients will also need to wear temporary veneers for a couple of weeks and may experience some sensitivity until the prepped tooth settles down. This may not seem like a major issue, but the real problem is that patients will need to have veneers for the rest of their life and cannot go back to their natural teeth as this would leave the prepped surface exposed.

Veneers generally last for around 10 years before they need renewing, and as they age they become more susceptible towards fracturing and chipping and can become leaky. This can allow bacteria to enter the tooth, causing decay as the protective layer of enamel has been removed. If this occurs then your dentist will need to grind away a little more natural tooth before replacing the veneer. The more natural tooth material is lost the more likely it is you will eventually need crowns which cover the whole of the tooth surface.

No prep veneers are much thinner than ordinary veneers at just 0.2 mm in thickness, and don't require any natural tooth material to be removed. They are made of an incredibly strong and translucent material, creating a pleasingly aesthetic effect which is very similar to natural tooth enamel. As no natural tooth material is removed there is no risk of sensitivity, and patients always have the advantage of being able to revert to their natural teeth at a later date. We always tell patients it's far better to avoid removing any healthy tooth structure, and no prep veneers allow you to have the best of both worlds, as you’re able to benefit from beautiful, long-lasting veneers while preserving your natural teeth. It's enough to make anyone smile.

While losing teeth is bad enough, clinical research has also shown periodontal disease to be connected to a number of other diseases which includes heart disease and diabetes. Periodontal disease generally occurs when plaque bacteria are allowed to build up on the teeth and gums, and are not removed through regular brushing and flossing, and the trouble is that it creates open wounds within the mouth. These wounds are the perfect opening for plaque bacteria to enter the bloodstream so they can travel freely around the body.

The Link to Diabetes

If you are diabetic then you need to be extra vigilant about controlling blood sugar levels as well as your oral health. It's not yet known if gum disease increases the risk of developing diabetes or if the reverse is true, but it is known that periodontal disease can affect blood sugar levels, and that poor blood sugar control can lead to more frequent gum infections.

The Link to Heart Disease

Clinical studies have also suggested that people suffering from periodontal disease are nearly twice as likely to suffer from heart disease. One theory as to why periodontal disease increases this risk is that bacteria entering the bloodstream from the mouth attach themselves to plaque on the walls of the coronary arteries, gradually narrowing the arteries and increasing the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke. Another theory centres on the body’s inflammatory response to oral bacteria entering the bloodstream, as it is thought this may create inflammation and swelling in the arteries, causing them to narrow.

Reducing Your Risk of Developing Gum Disease

Although the exact links between these common diseases and periodontal disease aren't yet known, it seems pretty clear that a healthy mouth is an essential part of overall good health. We recommend our patients visit us every six months for a regular checkup and professional cleaning, as if caught early enough, gum disease is easily treated. If you suffer from a systemic disease such as diabetes, or are at increased risk of developing gum disease, we may suggest you see us more frequently.

The reason for this is so we can thoroughly assess the health of your teeth to make sure you don't have any cavities. It's essential to get any dental decay treated before using any type of teeth whitening system as otherwise the product could penetrate your tooth, exacerbating the problem. We'll also be checking to ensure your gums are healthy, and if your gums appear inflamed we’ll recommend you postpone the whitening treatment until the inflammation has subsided. Inflamed gums are an early sign of gum disease, and using whitening products could irritate them even more.

Getting your teeth professionally cleaned will allow us to scrape away all the tartar which builds up over time, and this helps to keep your gums healthy. We'll also polish your teeth which removes surface staining and makes them appear a little brighter. Once you have got a clean bill of health then you're all set to book your teeth whitening treatment. It is worth remembering that if you already have porcelain crowns or veneers their shade will not be affected as they cannot be bleached.

Professional teeth whitening is a very quick treatment and it can take as little as an hour in our office, and it's very effective with the results lasting a considerable amount of time. There are also a considerable number of over-the-counter products available, although these will produce less dramatic results. If you do choose to use a home teeth whitening kit then please follow the directions to the letter and don't overuse the product as you could damage your teeth and gums.

During Your Pregnancy
It’s essential to look after your teeth during your pregnancy, as hormonal changes can affect your oral health, especially your gums. You might notice your gums becoming tender, and they may look red and puffy. This is because your gums become more sensitive to plaque bacteria in a condition known as "pregnancy gingivitis," and this condition can develop any time between the second and eighth months of pregnancy. You can alleviate the risk of this condition by being extra vigilant about your daily oral hygiene routine, and should continue flossing even if it makes your gums bleed slightly. We'll want to see you at regular intervals to monitor any changes to your oral health, and we might recommend you have extra professional cleanings during your pregnancy if we think you are at risk of developing this problem.
Another condition which sometimes occurs during pregnancy is known as "pregnancy tumors," and this creates small swellings or growths on the gums in between the teeth. This condition is purely temporary and the swellings should clear up once you have had your baby. Morning sickness is another common problem, and it's worth making sure you always have a toothbrush, toothpaste and a small bottle of mouthwash with you to help you freshen up after a bout of sickness. Some pregnant women also suffer from a condition called dysgeusia as the pregnancy causes their taste buds to change, creating a permanent bad taste in the mouth. Brushing frequently can help alleviate this symptom.

Once Your Baby Is Born
Once you have had your baby please do drop in to see us, especially when your baby’s first tooth erupts. This is the perfect moment to schedule their very first dental checkup, and to set them on the path for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Although our mouth’s aging process can’t be avoided, there are ways to slow it down. The firs tip is to visit your Houston TX dentist or hygienist twice a year or more often if possible. Professional teeth cleaning is a must in senior oral care to avoid expensive dental repairs. Your dentist will not only keep your teeth clean but will also check for any signs of decay or gum disease.

Aside from professional cleaning, you can also delay the aging process of your mouth through proper diet and changes in lifestyle habits. To increase your saliva flow, drink more water and less juice and soda. Also, consume foods that are rich in fiber and stay away from sweets and sticky food. Your dentist may also recommend fluoride tablets or using fluoride toothpaste and electric toothbrush.

Keep in mind that being in your senior years does not mean you can neglect dental hygiene and professional oral care. Not only you will look younger with healthy teeth and gums, you will also avoid health risks associated with tooth decay, gum diseases, and ill-fitted dentures and bridges.

Dental implant is good news to individuals who have lost both baby tooth and permanent tooth. They can flash perfect smiles and enjoy the benefits of having complete set of teeth without the need to wear dentures and worry about the inconveniences or unnatural appearance of such. Furthermore, dental implants are fairly safe from gum diseases and decay, giving more reasons to smile health-wise.

The key to successful dental implants is cooperation between the patient and the dental team. The dental team consists of a dentist or cosmetic dentist, dental technician, and implant surgeon. Like most dental treatments, your dental team should be highly experienced and proficient in surgical placement and fabrication of crown as well as in planning all the necessary procedures.

While there is obviously science in dental implants, there is also art in it. For about three decades, designs of dental implants have been improving. Before, dental implants have the same width and circumference and vary only in length. Now, they are made in various widths. The surface also improved from polished and smooth to nanotech, acid etched sandblasted. Both advancements paved the way for better bone to implant connection.

Lastly, dental implant designs were also developed for the sake of aesthetics. Enhanced implant to crown connections made the teeth appear natural. Materials used are basically similar to regular crowns to mimic a tooth’s original appearance, function and durability.

 

Your dentist may tell you that implants on your front teeth may not look very natural. You wonder how that could happen when your previous dental implants were indistinguishable with your natural tooth. Unfortunately, your dentist is correct and only wants you to have realistic expectations.

In dental implants, it is necessary to have adequate tooth structure to hold the implant successfully. If a particular tooth lacks this anchoring piece, it will be difficult for the cosmetic dentist to create an entirely impressive implant. Note that in the absence of natural tooth root, bone can melt away.

Likewise, it is more challenging if the missing teeth are next to each other because it is the adjacent teeth’s bone structure that supports the gum tissue triangles or papillae; the papillae may not regenerate if bone is lost.

Your dentist will also check your gum tissue. Interestingly, it’s easier to work when gum tissues are thicker because they are better in hiding the implant and more lenient towards the procedure. The implant’s position and the way the crown comes out from the gum are relevant in the success of implants.

Although the factors above are essential in placing implants, you do not have to worry if you do not meet the said conditions. Your dentist can recommend other techniques, bridgework for example, when applicable.

Also, modern dentistry techniques are introduced to make implants for missing teeth successful (among these is “platform switching” which modifies the tissue’s biological orientation) regardless of your tooth or gum’s condition.

If you are considering a dental implant, visit your Houston TX cosmetic dentist. Your dentist will be able to determine if this procedure is right for you as well the chances of it being a success.

Prophylaxis, also referred to as teeth cleaning, is a Greek term that means to prevent beforehand or to guard. In the dental profession, your teeth are cleaned by a professional to shield it from cavities and gum problems. The level of cleaning depends on the condition of your teeth and gums, normally including processes called scaling and teeth polishing.

In scaling, a special instrument is used by hand to get rid of hard deposits, bacteria, and plaque. Aside from traditional hand instruments, dentists and dental hygienists make use of ultrasonic scalers to clean the teeth’s surface and make it smooth. Scaling may be followed by polishing which eliminates plaque too and removes stain using a motorized tool, prophylaxis paste and rubber polishing cup. This process leaves your teeth sparkling.

It is important to note that polishing is done on tooth surface that is above the gum line only. Scaling and root planning, on the other hand, is for below the gum line deep cleaning and will benefit those who have periodontal diseases. Likewise, people with gum problems need another level of cleaning called periodontal maintenance.

Gummy smile can be due to various factors and each one warrants a specific solution. Is it caused by excessive gum tissue that covers sections of your teeth? In that case, a minor surgery can be performed to get rid of excess gum tissue. For teeth that are short, veneers or crowns can alter the shape and size of teeth. These can make your teeth more prominent than your gums.

Those with bad bite can take advantage of clear aligners or braces. As the position of the teeth changes, the gum line’s position can likewise be changed. Lastly, if there’s no problem with the bite or the tooth to gum proportion but instead your upper lip is short or your smile line is high, a surgery to reposition the jaw may be suggested.

It is relatively easy to fix a gummy smile. Keep in mind, though, that treatment should always depend on the cause of the problem and that you need a competent dentist to guide you through the process. Your dentist in Houston TX will carefully evaluate your situation and make an assessment and smile analysis before recommending a treatment plan.

This should not be the case, however. You do not need to wait for any special occasion; smile makeover should be considered the moment the need arises and that is when your teeth’s condition already holds you back from smiling or talking. Even gum contouring to get rid of a gummy smile can be included in the package to make way for a more pleasant smile.

 A smile makeover can be a combination of facial, cosmetic, and dental restoration procedures and varies depending on the individual. Crooked teeth and gaps between teeth can be remedied by braces or porcelain veneers while chipped teeth can make use of veneers, crowns or cosmetic bonding. For missing teeth, there are options from dentures to dental bridge and dental implants.

Personal and professional relationships are affected when the ability to smile or talk is hampered. With modern cosmetic dentistry techniques, you do not have to suffer from these imperfections. If you feel like your teeth are ruining your confidence or busting your chances in love and career, visit your Houston TX dentist and ask about smile makeover.

Even with the best of care, our pearly whites can become tarnished. Luckily, we have many options when it comes to battling tooth staining. But before you consider any of these choices it is necessary to find out first what causes the discoloration and what type of staining is it. Basically, two types of tooth staining exist – extrinsic and intrinsic.

When teeth are affected from the outside, it is considered extrinsic tooth staining. The most popular culprits are certain food and beverages as well as smoking tobacco. Note that staining can be aggravated by insufficient oral care and mouth dryness. Interestingly, some dental care topical medications and prolonged use of specific mouthwashes can also lead to extrinsic tooth staining.

On the other hand, when staining is on the tooth structure itself, it is referred to as intrinsic. An example of this is a tooth with a root canal filling that has a different shade than the adjacent teeth. Colors can actually help when differentiating between extrinsic and intrinsic stains. Intrinsic stains can be pink or red while extrinsic ones are usually black, brown, or gray but can also be yellow, green, or orange.

With the help of a dependable dentist, such as your Houston TX dentist, these causes can be spotted and treatment plans can be discussed. Your dentist can also prescribe medications if your condition makes you prone to tooth staining, dry mouth for instance.

Effective oral hygiene and food choices can take care of minor extrinsic stains but professional cleaning, teeth polishing, and power bleaching may also be recommended. Restoration and filling procedures are normally suggested for intrinsic stains.

Cosmetic dentistry has gone a long way. In fact, wearing dentures is hardly an option because cosmetic dentists today can offer tons of amazing ways to save your natural teeth and design the smile you want. As every smile is unique, you should make sure that you’ll be getting one that reflects who you are and what you want to get in life.

Various restoration techniques are in use to create empowered smiles – smiles that boost self confidence, smiles that spark relationships, and smiles that improve businesses. It is not a surprise that many people consider the services of competent cosmetic dentists to whiten their teeth, fix a broken tooth, replace a missing tooth or even remove excess gum tissue.

Creating a perfect smile, though, does not rely on the hands of your Houston TX cosmetic dentist alone. You have an important role in creating your own smile design.

Start by determining what you want to achieve and discuss with your dentist what your wants are versus what you can actually have. You may want to bring a picture that is similar to your desired results. To help you decide, a good cosmetic dentist will create a digitized image, a mock up, or illustration of potential outcome after the treatment.

Many factors come into play in making a smile design. These include your budget, lifestyle, health, age, preferences and of course, the condition of your teeth, gums, and lips.  Some treatments can be completed in a single dental visit but there are treatment plans that may take time. Be honest when telling your dentist in Houston TX how much commitment you can give in terms of time and finances.

Gone are the days when people have to settle for odd-looking tooth fillings called amalgam because the advantages of wearing such outweigh the risks and unlikely appearance. Thanks to modern day dental technology for tooth-colored fillings; we can have the protection provided by tooth fillings minus the safety issues and unnatural look.

The public obviously favors tooth-colored fillings because these are quite identical to the shade and overall look of natural teeth. From a dentist’s point of view, it is definitely better because more natural tooth structure can be saved with tooth-colored fillings. Older amalgam fillings necessitate “undercuts” or a particular tooth shape to keep the amalgam in place. To create undercuts, even healthy tooth structure can be removed. Moreover, excessive undercutting can also weaken the tooth.

Tooth-colored fillings are also free of mercury content which cannot be said for amalgam. Mercury is known for toxicity and therefore shunned by consumers today. Lastly, unlike amalgam, tooth-colored fillings do not expand even after many years and consequently cause cracks in teeth. With all these tooth filling concerns addressed, tooth-colored fillings are definitely more than meets the eye.

Although amalgam fillings are cheaper, your Houston TX dentist will agree that you will get more of your money’s worth with tooth-colored fillings.  Keep in mind that many factors come into play as far as using a specific restorative material is concerned. If you wish to know more about tooth fillings and other restoration techniques appropriate for your condition, visit us at our Houston TX dental office.

Some of the main reasons for enamel erosion are:
    •    Increase in acidic levels in the mouth: The saliva produced it the mouth acts as neutralizer to the natural acids produced in our mouth thereby protecting tooth enamel and also repairing it. But when the acidic levels in the mouth increase beyond certain limit the erosion caused to the enamel becomes faster and thus non-repairable. Most common reasons for increase in acidic levels in mouth are:
    •    High intake of aerated drinks and alcohol that contain high levels of citric and phosphoric acids. Excessive intake of certain fruit drinks containing citric acid also cause enamel erosion.
    •    Gastrointestinal ailments that result in increased production of acidic fluids in body. Vomiting too increases the acidic level in the mouth.
    •    Lower production of saliva in mouth
    •    Excessive use of certain medications like aspirin
    •    Eating excessive sweet food.
    •    Bacteria and plaque buildup on teeth.

    •    Clenching or Grinding of teeth or bruxism which creates friction between teeth also causes enamel erosion. Nonaligned teeth can also cause friction between teeth when you bite.
    •    Wear and tear of teeth enamel also occurs during routine activities like brushing if done with too much pressure, by using hard brushing bristles or eating too much of hard food. Constantly chewing a gum or a tobacco can also cause enamel erosion.

Preventing Enamel Erosion:

Utmost care needs to be taken to prevent enamel erosion as it is an irreversible process. Tooth enamel that is eroded cannot be rebuilt naturally. Thus, one should maintain teeth hygiene, use fluoride tooth paste, and monitor the food consumed. Foods and beverages containing too much sugar and acidic substances should be avoided. Drink plenty of water to keep mouth adequately salivated. If your problem is genetic, you can consult your dentist and undergo regular and appropriate fluoride treatments. In any case, regular dental checkups are essential since we may not always identify the problem before it is too late.

Treating Enamel Erosion:

Severe enamel erosion may lead to further damage and decaying of teeth. Systematic treatments like tooth bonding, crowning of teeth and veneering may be then administered by your dentist.