Types of Orthodontic Dental Services
A good orthodontic dental service is a must for those who wish to improve the appearance of their teeth by correcting their alignment. Although many would think that wearing dental braces look pretty unsightly. And even a bit embarrassing (for some), wearing them for a short period of time can make your teeth straighter. Straight teeth mean a more beautiful smile that makes you feel more confident. Not only that, but it also improves your overall oral health and general well-being. If you were advised to undergo orthodontic treatment, then it would be a great help for you to learn about the following orthodontist dental services: Traditional Metal Braces Dental braces using metal brackets and wires is the standard in orthodontic dental service due to their efficiency in inducing and controlling tooth movement. Their main downside is esthetics, so patients often prefer much more eye-pleasing alternatives like the ones discussed below. But then, with the developments in orthodontics over the years. [...]
Top Reasons You’ll Need a Dental Crown Treatment
A dental crown, more popularly known as jacket crown, is a restoration that covers the tooth crown. It is a restoration, meaning it is placed over the involved tooth instead of inserted into the tooth like your ordinary amalgam or composite fillings. A dental crown treatment is usually made of metal, porcelain, or a combination of the two. Crowns are preferred over fillings in several situations, some of which are listed below: Your tooth is badly-broken down A badly-broken tooth - one that has been extensively destroyed by decay - may not be amenable to a simple filling. That’s because the tooth is already too weak, and ordinary restorations actually have a wedging effect that could further weaken it. Therefore, a crown treatment is often necessary because it strengthens and reinforces the remaining tooth structure by “hugging” them together and providing protection against biting forces. Your tooth is root canal treated A tooth that requires root canal treatment (RCT) is [...]
Periodontal Surgery: An Overview
Periodontal surgery pertains to an advanced periodontal disease treatment performed to regenerate. And restore the normal form, contour, and function of periodontal structures that were damaged or lost due to periodontal gum disease. The procedure is likewise considered a cosmetic dental procedure because it may also help improve the appearance of the patient’s smile. An understanding of periodontal surgery is important to achieve treatment success, and that’s what we will help you with. In this article is an overview of the procedure - what it designed to do, how it is done, who it is for, what patients can expect after, and much more. Why Periodontal Surgery is Done Periodontal surgery is often done in patients with periodontitis. Periodontitis is an advanced form of periodontal gum disease characterized by the destruction of the supporting apparatus of the teeth. Who Can Undergo Periodontal Surgery Periodontal surgery is ideal for patients who are in good general health. As your dentist take your [...]
Types of Periodontal Surgery
As you may have learned from our previous blog post, periodontal surgery is an advanced treatment often prescribed for severe cases of periodontal gum disease. Now that you know how and why it is done as well as what the expected outcome is, we will now discuss in more detail the different types of periodontal surgery. Periodontal surgery comprises several sophisticated procedures. The three primary classifications are gingival surgery, mucogingival surgery, and osseous surgery. Gingival Surgery Gingival surgery, which most patients pertain to as gum lift surgery, is periodontal surgery performed to re-contour the gums with the goal being to improve the appearance of a smile. It includes gingivoplasty and gingivectomy. These two are different procedures often referred to interchangeably because they are basically the same procedure - but with different objectives. In gingivoplasty, the gum tissue is re-contoured in order to eliminate diseased soft tissue from the wall of a periodontal pocket. Gingivectomy, on the other hand, is done [...]
FAQs about Gum Lift Surgery
Gum lift surgery is a type of periodontal surgery often done of improving the esthetics of a gummy smile. It also has other purposes, one of which is increasing the crown height of a tooth to be restored. Learning more about this procedure is a must if plan to undergo the operation. Here are some of the most frequently-asked questions about gum lift surgery. How is gum lift surgery done? Gum lift surgery involves cutting off excess gum tissue, usually the gum edge. The cutting instrument can be a surgical knife or laser. Some dentist may also suggest that some bone is removed proportionately to achieve a more permanent result. After the surgery, your dentist will put sutures which will have to be removed after a week. If you have no time for suture removal, you may ask your dentist to use resorbable sutures instead. Is gum lift surgery painful? Your dentist will administer local anesthesia, so you should not [...]
Gum Lift Surgery: How to Prepare and What to Expect
Gum lift surgery is one of the most commonly performed periodontal procedures today. Most patients get it done to improve the appearance of their smile, while others may need it in conjunction with restorative procedures such as veneer or crown placement. The goal of this procedure is to remove or restructure the excess gum tissue surrounding the teeth. If done properly, it will make your smile more symmetrical and well-proportioned. If you’re planning to undergo Gum Lift Surgery By Laser Therapy, then here is a guide on how to prepare for your operation, along with some tips on post gum lift surgery care. Initial Preparation for Gum Lift Surgery To prepare for your gum lift surgery, the first thing you need to consider is behavior change, as it happens to be the most important element in ensuring a successful long-term treatment outcome. Such change includes forming improved oral hygiene habits, cessation of smoking, and other lifestyle modifications. Prior to the [...]
Top Tips for Alleviating Oral Complications from Cancer Treatment
You’ve learned from our Previous articles that cancer treatment in San Diego puts a patient at risk for various oral complications but don't worry we provided best oral surgery & root canals. You’ve also known that a dental visit prior to the scheduled treatment is a must if you want to prevent or at least minimize the severity of these complications. But you should know that as a patient, there’s also something you can do to take care of your mouth while undergoing treatment. Here are some of the top tips that you can follow: Dry Mouth You can take sugar-free candy or chew sugar-free gum. It is also advised that you rinse your mouth as often as you can with plain water. Avoid alcohol-containing mouth rinses. You may also opt for saliva substitutes. Ask your dentist about them. Pain and Discomfort Your dentist or physician will prescribe medications to help alleviate pain resulting from mouth sores. Be sure to [...]
Oral Complications Related to Cancer Therapy
With more than a million cases of cancer diagnosed every year, it is very likely that you’ll encounter some cancer patients in your practice. The treatment received by these patients can affect all tissues in the body, including oral tissues; thus, the risk of oral side effects are high. Most of these side effects can affect the patient’s quality of life, sometimes so debilitating that it causes them to tolerate only lower doses of the therapy, reschedule treatment, or stop treatment altogether. Below is a list of oral side effects common to the two most common cancer treatments - chemotherapy and radiation therapy - along with complications specific to each one and oral surgery & root canals can also help you. Oral Complications of Chemotherapy The two most common side effects of chemotherapy alone are bleeding and neurotoxicity. Bleeding is due to decreased amount of platelets and clotting factors, both of which result from bone marrow depression. Neurotoxicity, on the [...]
FAQs About Cancer Treatments and Oral Health
In this article, we will discuss the most common question about the treatment modalities for cancer as they relate to oral health. You’ll learn how can affect your oral health and what you can do to avoid oral health problems so you can get the most out of your treatment. How do cancer treatments affect my oral health? Chemotherapy and radiotherapy treat cancer by killing cancer cells and stopping them from multiplying. While they do their job pretty well, it is important to note that they are not selective when choosing which cells to target and kill. They work on any cell that is rapidly-dividing, regardless of whether they are tumor cells or healthy normal cells. Some structures in your oral cavity consist of rapidly-dividing cells. These include (but not limited to) your gums, mucosa, and salivary glands. What are the adverse oral health effects of cancer treatments? Adverse effects of chemotherapeutic drugs include painful gums, dry mouth, burning sensation [...]
How Bone Disease Affects Your Oral Health
Bone disease, particularly osteoporosis, is one of the most common health concerns among older men and women. Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become less dense, making them weaker, more brittle, and more likely to fracture. In the US alone, at least 50 million people are either at high risk for osteoporosis or already have it. And according to studies, there is a connection between bone loss in the jaw and osteoporosis. Reduced Bone Density Since the jaw bone functions to support and anchor the teeth in place if it becomes weak due to decreased bone density than tooth loss can occur. Numerous studies have found that individuals, especially women, have three times more chance to suffer tooth loss compared to those who do not have osteoporosis. Aside from tooth loss, reduced bone density also leads to other dental problems. Patients who wear dentures are more likely to have loose or ill-fitting dentures, while those who have had surgery [...]
Predisposing Factors for Periodontal Disease
From our previous article, you’ve learned that predisposing factors are plaque-retentive factors found in the mouth. They are physical or mechanical that, aside from encouraging plaque accumulation, also renders plaque removal more difficult. In this article, we will discuss the most common predisposing factors one by one. Calcular Deposits: Calcular deposits are the most common predisposing factor. It has a hard, porous, and irregular surface where plaque can accumulate easily. Removal of calculus deposits will be of great help in the prevention and treatment of periodontal gum disease. Irregularities on Tooth Surface: These include cavitations caused by tooth decay, non-decay cavitations, and developmental abnormalities. Irregularities located in-between the teeth and near the gum line are the ones that contribute the most to the development of periodontal Gum disease. Non-decay cavitations, or what dentists call non-carious lesions, include abrasion, a fraction, and erosion. Abrasion pertains to loss of tooth structure by mechanical causes, usually incorrect and vigorous tooth brushing. Abfraction, meanwhile, [...]
Risk and Modifying Factors for Periodontal Gum Disease
Now that you’ve learned about predisposing factors in detail, we will now move on and discuss two other equally-important factors that contribute to the development of Periodontal Gum Disease - risk and modifying factors. Again, these factors are systemic factors that are either a medical problem or a behavioral condition. They differ in the sense that a risk factor increases your chances of developing the disease while modifying factor hastens disease progression by affecting the body’s immune response. A certain condition can both be a risk and a modifying factor, and that’s what we will focus on in this article. Diabetes and tobacco use will be excluded since their effects are discussed exclusively in separate articles. Disorders that Affect Immunity: Immune disorders contribute to Periodontal Gum Disease via any of these two ways. First is by exaggerating the body’s immune response to bacteria in plaque and second by impairing the response itself, making the individual at high risk for infection. Disorders that affect immunity include [...]
Effect of Periodontal Gum Disease in Men: An Introduction
How it Impacts their overall health The incidence of Periodontal Gum Disease tends to be higher in men than in women. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, more than 50% of men have some form of periodontal disease. While it is only about 38% for women. Such a difference could be due to the fact that men tend to have poorer oral hygiene and/or are less likely to pay a visit to their dentist. And be it for curative or preventive treatment. Or it could also be a result of habits like smoking which causes increased plaque and calculator deposits. Achieving and maintaining periodontal health in men is of utmost importance, as it may influence their overall health. Listed and discussed below are some of the health conditions associated with Periodontal Gum Disease in men. Cardiovascular Health: Lots of studies have proven the connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular health. Periodontal Gum Disease in San Diego may play a [...]
Periodontal Gum Disease in Women
How it has something to do with the different phases of their life A woman's periodontal health is influenced by a number of factors. The most important of which is the fluctuating hormone levels. The two hormones that contribute to periodontal gum disease in the female are the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. Both of these increase blood flow to the gum tissue, causing its increased sensitivity to plaque and other offending agents. In addition, there are also some studies which say that increased levels of estrogen and progesterone actually promote a growth of disease-causing bacteria. As a result, the gums become easily swollen. The following conditions are some of the instances where women’s hormones go out of whack, causing them to be more susceptible to periodontal disease. Puberty: During puberty, there is an increased level of progesterone which causes the gums to appear red and swollen. It is also likely to bleed easily upon slight manipulation. This reaction of the gum [...]
Factors that Contribute to Periodontal Gum Disease
It has long been established that plaque is the most important causative factor in the development of periodontal gum disease. But plaque alone won’t wreak so much havoc in your mouth if it doesn’t have the following factors to aid it in doing so. Listed below are the three major factors that contribute to one’s susceptibility to Periodontal Gum Disease, as well as to its progression. Predisposing Factors: The contributing factors for Periodontal Gum Disease are either local or systemic. Predisposing factors are local factors found in the mouth. They pertain to physical structures or mechanical habitat that promote plaque accumulation and make plaque removal more difficult. These include cellular deposits, irregularities on the tooth surface, tooth malposition, erupting third molars, oral appliances, and poorly-fabricated and faulty restorations. Learn more about these factors in this separate article. Risk Factors: Risk factors and modifying factors, on the other hand, are systemic factors. A systemic factor is something that can either be [...]
Self-Performed Methods of Dental Plaque Identification
Tartar cannot be removed by simple brushing and flossing, but only through professional cleaning by your dentist. Plaque pertains to the slimy, sticky substance that collects on the surface of the teeth. It is the major cause of both tooth decay and gum disease, thus making it extremely important to get rid of plaque deposits before they can wreak havoc on your mouth. But the thing is, plaque can be pretty hard to detect with the naked eye because it has the same color as your teeth. But worry not, for there are tools for dentists which can help detect where plaque builds up and let you know how good you when it comes brushing and flossing your pearly whites. Why Remove Plaque? Plaque disclosing agents are often used by dentists to show their patients where and how much plaque has accumulated on their teeth. Removing plaque deposits while they are still new and soft is recommended in order to [...]
FAQs about Fluoride for Children
When it comes to keeping you and your kid’s teeth you’ve probably heard that fluoride is the best bet. Fluoride from different sources - water, oral health care products, and professionally-applied products - can help. Make your teeth more resistant to acid attacks by decay-causing bacteria. But other than that, there are a whole lot of things to know about this very important mineral. Below are some of the questions parents often ask about fluoride and how it can contribute to the good oral health of their children. How does fluoride protect against tooth decay? Fluoride prevents tooth decay by neutralizing the acids produced by decay-causing bacteria in the mouth. And by making the tooth enamel more resistant to these acids. And if the decay happens to be already there, this mineral helps to arrest the disease process to prevent further destruction. To reap the benefits of fluoride, make sure that your kid brushes his or her teeth with a fluoride-containing toothpaste. [...]
Facts About Dental Fluorosis
Fluoride is a very important mineral that helps keep the teeth strong and healthy. It helps protect the teeth from decay, or reverse the early signs of decay when the destruction already exists. It does so by neutralizing or counteracting the harmful effects of the acids produced by decay-causing bacteria. But much like any other good stuff, too much fluoride is also a problem, as it can result to a condition called dental fluorosis. Learn the basic facts about dental fluorosis in this article. Dental fluorosis causes change in the appearance of the tooth enamel. This change in appearance manifests as alteration of the color and/or surface texture of the enamel. Color change is characterized by the presence of white spots or brown streaks, while change in texture causes the enamel surface to become rough, pitted, or bumpy. These changes may remain throughout life. In some instances, the discolorations get darker over time. Dental fluorosis can be mild, moderate, or [...]
Using Mouthrinses in Kids: Top Considerations
When it comes to their kids parents must always be looking for ways to help improve the care of their kid’s teeth and gums. Needless to say, brushing and flossing are still the best ways to avoid tooth decay and gum disease, but some kids - especially the older ones - may start to show some interest in incorporating mouth-rinse as part of their oral hygiene routine. For parents, here are some things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to let your kid use a mouth rinse. Proper Age for Using Mouthrinses in kids In general, kids younger than six years old must not be allowed to use a mouth rinse to avoid the risk of swallowing the product. It can be quite tricky and be challenging for young kids to learn to swish the liquid instead of swallowing it like a drink. Meanwhile, those aged six to twelve may use mouth-rinse, but only under close adult supervision. [...]
All about Cleft Lip and Palate
Cleft lip and/or palate are among the most common birth defects worldwide. In the United States alone, more than 4000 babies are born with cleft lip every year, while as much as 3000 have the cleft palate. These developmental defects occur when the structures that form the lip and/or roof of the mouth fail to fuse properly during embryonic development. Risk Factors for Cleft Lip and Palate: Risk factors that could lead to the development of cleft lip and palate include diabetes, smoking, alcohol abuse, and anti-seizure medications to name a few. Not taking enough folic acid may also be contributing factor. Diagnosis of Cleft and Lip Palate: Cleft lip can easily be diagnosed during pregnancy via routine ultrasound, while cleft palate may only be diagnosed after the baby is born. Types of Cleft Lip and Palate: There are two major types of cleft - cleft lip and cleft palate. Some babies are born with either cleft lip or cleft [...]
The Oral Health Effects of E-Cigarettes
Nonetheless, studies have found that this supposedly safer alternative is actually posing more dangers to its users, particularly in their oral health. In the recent years, electronic cigarettes (or e-cigarettes for short), have become increasingly popular due to their look. And feel that match that of real cigarettes. They are even being endorsed as the safer alternative to your conventional smoking. As these e-cigarettes can give smokers their nicotine fix without the adverse effects associated with tobacco use. Listed below are some surprising adverse reactions of e-cigarettes that you should watch out for: Decreased Salivary Flow: One of the most common side effects of e-cigarettes is decreased salivary flow, which occurs as a result of nicotine constricting or narrowing the blood vessels. Without enough saliva, there will be other problems like mouth and throat dryness which, in turn, can lead to tooth decay and bad breath. Mucosal Irritation: The nicotine in the e-cigarettes, or even tobacco smoking for that matter, [...]
Botox and Dermal Fillers in Dentistry: Say Whaaat?
Botox and dermal fillers are very popular cosmetic dentistry services known for their great ability in diminishing the signs of aging in the skin. Botox works by relaxing the facial muscles. While dermal fillers restore lost volume in the face, especially in areas around the mouth. But aside from eliminating those fine lines and wrinkles, did you know that these two beauty treatments have also found their way in cosmetic dentistry services? Today, dentists can use them not only for aesthetic purposes but for functional purposes as well. In fact, they can help solve some of the most difficult and frustrating clinical situations dentists confront. Can’t believe it? Well, here are a few examples of oral health issues that can be addressed by using Botox and dermal fillers. TMJ Disorders and Facial Pain: According to most dentists, these two are by far among the most challenging cases to deal with. More than 80% of cases are muscle-related, while the remaining is related [...]
What is Accelerated Orthodontic Dental Services?
Accelerated orthodontics dentistry is a relatively new approach in Orthodontic Dental Services that works in pretty much the same way as your traditional braces but requires much less time to produce the desired tooth movement. This new form of treatment is becoming increasingly popular in adults. As it promises to straighten teeth in just a couple of months instead of several years with regular orthodontics. If you have crooked teeth and are suffering from the difficult consequence of such, then this speedier way of straightening your teeth may very well be the solution you’re looking for. Find out more about this treatment below. Duration of Treatment Traditional Orthodontic Dental Services requires a patient to wear braces for at least two years. With accelerated orthodontics, however, this period is shortened to as little as three months to a maximum of eight months. The end result is just the same - you get a perfect smile and an overall improved dental health. Dental Braces: [...]
Antibiotic Prophylaxis 101 – How Antibiotics Prevent Infections?
You most likely know what antibiotics are used for - they are for treating infections caused by bacteria. But did you know that your dentist may also suggest that you take them before a dental procedure to prevent the chance of infection? Such a method of use is called antibiotic prophylaxis, and you will learn more about it in this article. Why is antibiotic prophylaxis done? Antibiotic prophylaxis is a protective measure taken by your dental professional to prevent bacteria from spreading from the mouth to the other parts of the body through the bloodstream. It is given prior to dental treatment in, especially susceptible patients. Who might benefit from antibiotic prophylaxis? Not all patients require antibiotic prophylaxis. It is only used in susceptible individuals and these include, among others, patients who have or have had heart disease. These patients are at increased risk of developing this so-called endocarditis, which pertains to the inflammation of the tissue that lines the [...]
Professional vs. DIY Whitening: Which is Better?
If your pearly whites are not as bright as you want them to be, then you probably know that the best solution for this problem is teeth whitening. But with many options ranging from laser whitening to the less expensive at-home kits, how would you know which one is the best for you. To help you decide, here are some factors that you should consider when choosing between professional whitening and DIY whitening. Budget: If money is the main problem, then DIY whitening is the best option you have. At $15 to $100 tops, they are much cheaper than professional whitening, which costs at least $500 to more than $1200. The only downside is, you will have to use the DIY whitening kit every day for a couple of months to weeks - but the results are guaranteed. Meanwhile, you usually need only one appointment for professional whitening. A severity of Discoloration: If your teeth are mildly discolored, then DIY [...]