tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48795028156092155192024-03-19T01:45:04.550-05:00Omni Dental GroupOmni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.comBlogger378125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-19971806899358475622017-02-17T11:23:00.000-06:002017-02-17T11:23:33.609-06:00You Can Have Whiter Teeth!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptqdFWk4UZmTMzCI74CR0Znfndd97dtcDR4xAEUzWwEIptW1gec2S48wQA9vgsjWpLSTPwTBRdlQnRYerSPnwcG8KfPoRTh40gO11UxzX0UfNx4BNf8OEUWYxdw9QTsFBRZPvNEIKOvY/s1600/teethwhitening01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptqdFWk4UZmTMzCI74CR0Znfndd97dtcDR4xAEUzWwEIptW1gec2S48wQA9vgsjWpLSTPwTBRdlQnRYerSPnwcG8KfPoRTh40gO11UxzX0UfNx4BNf8OEUWYxdw9QTsFBRZPvNEIKOvY/s320/teethwhitening01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The least damaging and most conservative way of making your
teeth lighter is with the use of a whitening solution. Contrary to what you
might think, brushing your teeth harder with an abrasive toothbrush will not
make your teeth whiter, but rather may darken them faster. The tooth-whitening
concept has been around for many years, and the techniques have become easier
and less expensive to accomplish. Tooth whitening was noted in the dental
literature in the 1920s. the technique has become easier and the cost has
decreased. Today, there are two convenient methods to whiten dark teeth:
At-Home Whitening and In-Office Whitening. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Why Do Teeth Get Yellow?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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The intrinsic color of your teeth is related to the color
and thickness of the enamel and dentin, as well as the types of foods and liquids
you ingest. The thinner the enamel, the darker the underlying dentin; the more
coffee, tea, cola beverages, and red wine you drink, the darker your teeth will
be. Cracks that are commonly found in the enamel of your teeth may provide a
pathway for discoloring fluids to reach the underlying dentin. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If you have a yellow, brown, or orange shade to your teeth,
in most cases it can be made lighter by the whitening procedure. Whitening
works very well in removing age-related darkening of your teeth. This
age-related darkening is most likely due to years of drinking darkening
beverages, or other environmental factors, rather than genetics. No drilling or
anesthesia is required for whitening. Your teeth will not become weaker.
Because the mineralization of teeth varies so much from person to person, there
is no way to determine how many office visits it will take to effect the color
change or how white the teeth will get. The darker your teeth are, the more
time required for the change and the more distinctive the color change will be.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The whitening procedure will also work to a lesser degree on
teeth with tetracycline discoloration. We have seen several fair to good
results from both in-office and at-home whitening. It does take more time to
achieve good results on this type of stain, and unfortunately, sometimes the
change is minor.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Two Available Techniques</b></div>
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There are two types of whitening available. One is done by
the patient at home, and the other is done by us during an office visit. They
can be done separately or in conjunction with each other. The at-home technique
involves using a soft, thin, comfortable mouthguard-like tray. An impression is
made of your teeth, and custom whitening trays are fabricated. Then at home,
you place the whitening solution in the trays and wear them for an hour or two
each day or sleep with them in place at night. With in-office whitening, you
come to the office for 1 to 2 hours, and a stronger whitening solution is
applied by us and activated for that time. Usually only one visit is required.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The color change should last for 3 to 7 years in most
people. The color change you see immediately after the whitening is completed
will regress one shade over the course of 1 to 3 months, with most of the
change taking place in the first week. If you drink a lot of coffee, tea, cola
beverages, red wine, or if you smoke, the teeth may begin to turn darker again.
When this happens, the whitening process can be repeated.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The possible side effects include temporary white
discoloration of the gum tissue if the office whitening solution comes in
contact with the gum. This goes away quickly. The teeth may become slightly
sensitive to temperature changes for a short time. This also goes away quickly.
There is no damage to the tooth enamel, dentin, or pulp from the whitening
process. Fillings and crowns do not whiten. When your teeth change to a lighter
color, you may need to have those fillings and/or crowns redone. We will let
you know whether this is a possibility before we whiten your teeth. There are
no other adverse effects known.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The teeth that show when you talk, smile, or eat are the
teeth that would benefit your appearance most if whitened. Usually the top
teeth are whitened because they are much more visible than the bottom teeth,
but both arches can be successfully whitened. The lower teeth take about three
times as long to reach the color change of the top teeth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #141414; line-height: 13.65pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you have any questions about enamel
recontouring, please feel free to ask us! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #141414; line-height: 13.65pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hymeadow: (512) 250-5012<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #141414; line-height: 13.65pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jollyville: (512) 346-8424<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #141414; line-height: 13.65pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">West William Cannon: (512) 445-5721<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-26355513382843468002017-02-17T10:42:00.002-06:002017-02-17T10:43:48.023-06:00Enamel Recontouring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuRPKEeOGJH7__-JqW2CIj9c5SzZyajNp7oBkW4z9OE2B0oBd90Au_zsWlJBtt1Pos0wVvptl9a3vrhGo0W-JRfhIi7ytxJNXEW85XUylwPniADEYoEgDnqXv3zMZUnNhnzkRO3MFFZo/s1600/recontouringofteeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuRPKEeOGJH7__-JqW2CIj9c5SzZyajNp7oBkW4z9OE2B0oBd90Au_zsWlJBtt1Pos0wVvptl9a3vrhGo0W-JRfhIi7ytxJNXEW85XUylwPniADEYoEgDnqXv3zMZUnNhnzkRO3MFFZo/s320/recontouringofteeth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Most people want straight, beautifully aligned, white teeth.
Unfortunately, most people are not that lucky. When teeth are in poor
alignment, rotated, tilted, and/or crowded, the obvious way to correct the
problem is by orthodontics (braces or Invisalign aligners). However, there are
situations in which it may not be possible or desirable to use braces to
straighten teeth. You might feel that you are too old (although this is rarely
the case), the cost of the orthodontics may be beyond your current means, you
may not want to wear braces, or perhaps there are only a few areas that need
attention and full orthodontics are simply not indicated.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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In certain select cases, the appearance of your top and
bottom teeth can be slightly or dramatically improved by recontouring the
enamel. The four top and four bottom incisors and canines can be routinely
altered. Sometimes teeth further back in your mouth can also be cosmetically
improved. Recontouring is useful when there is slight to moderate overlapping
of the front teeth, uneven wear, or teeth that do not have their biting and
incising edges in harmony, creating an uneven “picket fence” look. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Enamel recontouring is usually a painless procedure and no
local anesthetic is needed. The enamel that is overlapping or poorly shaped is
removed, recontoured, and polished. Depending on your individual needs, one or
several teeth may require some reshaping. Different amounts of enamel may be
removed from different teeth. The recontoured teeth do not become more prone to
decay, are not made more sensitive to temperature changes, and they are not
made significantly weaker or damaged by the procedure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Many times, the recontouring is all that is necessary to
significantly improve your appearance. Other times, when the poor alignment is
more pronounced, it may be done in conjunction with bonding of resin or
porcelain to teeth. Your treatment will depend on your present conditions and
on what you would like to see changed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The procedure is not difficult for the patient and can often
be done in only one appointment. The change is immediate and permanent. It does
take an artistic flair on the part of the dentist to see what possibilities for
change exist. We need to determine what enamel needs to be removed, where we
must add, and where orthodontics is the treatment of choice. The fees are reasonable
and depend on the extent of the treatment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(20, 20, 20); color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13.65pt; text-align: center;">
If you have any questions about enamel recontouring, <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">please feel free to ask us! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(20, 20, 20); color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13.65pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Hymeadow: (512) 250-5012<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(20, 20, 20); color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13.65pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Jollyville: (512) 346-8424</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(20, 20, 20); color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13.65pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">West William Cannon: (512) 445-5721</span></div>
Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-29347812238936329032017-02-17T10:20:00.000-06:002017-02-17T10:23:20.334-06:00Cosmetic Tissue Recontouring<div class="MsoNormal">
It is not uncommon for us to suggest to a patient who has
absolutely no sign of periodontal (gum) disease to seriously consider having
elective periodontal procedures performed. In these cases, the procedures are
almost always needed to improve appearance. Sometimes they are suggested to
promote future periodontal health or to attend to a potential problem that
might develop.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When you smile or talk, your teeth are framed by your lips
and the visible gum tissue. People looking at you notice your teeth. People
notice missing teeth, tooth alignment, gum color, discolored fillings, silver
fillings, toot color, and how much of your teeth actually show. If everything
is integrated well and looks natural, people say you have a nice smile. If
something does not look natural, it may be easy to define, such as crooked,
stained or yellow teeth; periodontal disease shown by red-colored gum tissue;
or discolored fillings. Or it may be something not as readily to determine. It’s
just something that does not look right. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0lGstq4aQRpd0m8qQ9n5Dc6-mnGTqu0GSi3vFydqD77bYaFwo81i4ApLH8yDJR8Zdv99LZt3I116PrJXNJyMYND2xYvqxF5Au5GrpEVFLzMXCgWvEQ9ZbvnawU3Vx3oveTEYXqvSsP8/s1600/gumcontouring1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0lGstq4aQRpd0m8qQ9n5Dc6-mnGTqu0GSi3vFydqD77bYaFwo81i4ApLH8yDJR8Zdv99LZt3I116PrJXNJyMYND2xYvqxF5Au5GrpEVFLzMXCgWvEQ9ZbvnawU3Vx3oveTEYXqvSsP8/s320/gumcontouring1.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
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That “something” may be related to the teeth and gum architecture.
The position of the gums where they meet the teeth is esthetically important.
If your teeth look too short, there may be more gum tissue covering them than
is considered attractive. You may show too much gum tissue when you smile.
There may be a difference in height of the gum of one tooth versus an adjacent
tooth or its partner on the other side of the mouth. This could be caused by
recession from brushing too hard; gum disease; poor or defective restorations,
especially crowns; or just a problem with the way the tooth erupted into place.
All of these things can detract from your appearance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Several different periodontal procedures, simple to
accomplish, can correct most of these routine problems. Some involve removal of
unwanted tissue; some involve grafting of tissue. Orthodontics might be helpful
in some cases. The more expensive procedures will require referral to our
specialists.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In one common type of cosmetic periodontal plastic surgery,
the gum tissue is reshaped and recontoured without the use of sutures
(stitches). This procedure is done in the office. One tooth or several teeth
may benefit from treatment. Postoperative discomfort is usually minor. There
may be tooth sensitivity when gum tissue is removed, but this usually
disappears. The improvement generated by this type of procedure can be
startling.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We will show you and describe in detail how you can benefit
from cosmetic periodontal procedures. In many cases, the cosmetic periodontal
surgery will complete the treatment you need. In some cases, it will be part of
a larger treatment plan including crowns, veneers, or bonded restorations. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(20, 20, 20); color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13.65pt; text-align: center;">
If you have any questions about cosmetic tissue recontouring, <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">please feel free to ask us! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(20, 20, 20); color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13.65pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Hymeadow: (512) 250-5012<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(20, 20, 20); color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13.65pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Jollyville: (512) 346-8424</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(20, 20, 20); color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13.65pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">West William Cannon: (512) 445-5721</span></div>
Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-69591302991788321022017-02-15T10:06:00.000-06:002017-02-15T10:09:51.426-06:00Acid Reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM4WJ-MgUfKBM_jR37CS8xg_Umeg_rZmLqzYB9dQctTKqVuNv5Y-7GRfUXKI5Q-I6BhJNKZCXab9cAoIaV1H7Tpu4FQuPlVZZ7478TfMmHI-gkjqCV54gYDDAvaQMHeH7A8XtgoqRQnY/s1600/Baretts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM4WJ-MgUfKBM_jR37CS8xg_Umeg_rZmLqzYB9dQctTKqVuNv5Y-7GRfUXKI5Q-I6BhJNKZCXab9cAoIaV1H7Tpu4FQuPlVZZ7478TfMmHI-gkjqCV54gYDDAvaQMHeH7A8XtgoqRQnY/s320/Baretts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Teeth are so hard you would think they would be
indestructible and that they would not be adversely affected by anything. Due
to the strength of enamel and bone, they should remain the same from the day
the teeth come into the mouth to the day they are no longer needed.
Unfortunately, this is far from true. While we would like the think of teeth as
being strong and unchanging, most people know that teeth can be damaged by
tooth decay-causing bacteria. We know, too, that teeth can be damaged by
mechanical means—attrition caused by tooth grinding and clenching and abrasion
caused by improper toothbrushing. However, few people know that there is a
third factor that can destroy teeth—chemical erosion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Chemical erosion is caused by excess acid coming in contact
with a tooth for extended periods of time. The acid attack can be
self-inflicted (bulimia) or more commonly from a problem with acid reflux. In
acid (gastric) reflux, the acidic and partly digested contents of the stomach
are returned back into the throat and oral cavity. Normally, the lower
esophageal sphincter muscles (LES), connecting the esophagus with the stomach,
closes once food passes into the stomach. This closure prevents the stomach
contents from flowing back up into the esophagus. Acid reflux occurs when this
sphincter does not work properly and allows acidic fluid to return to the
esophagus and higher—the mouth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This condition can actually be noted by a dentist long
before it is acknowledged by a patient or physician. The dentist will see a
characteristic smooth and circular erosion of the cusp tips of the lower first
molars. The cusp tips (bumps on a tooth) lose their peak, flatten, and become
concave. Soon the enamel cover is broached and the underlying dentin is exposed.
Because dentin is “softer” than enamel, the erosion can progress more quickly.
This acid erosion has a very different appearance from tooth loss due to a
mechanical etiology. Attrition and abrasion have a very sharp, edged, and
well-delineated look. Chemical erosion has a softer and more rounded
presentation and is localized first to lower first molars (lower first molars
are the first permanent molars to erupt into the mouth) so that the permanent
teeth have the longest potential exposure. When the acid refluxes (returns) to
the mouth, it pools mostly around the first lower molars. This is the site of
the most erosive features.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A significant portion of the population experiences acid reflux
at least once a month. About 25% of those who are affected are aware of their
problem. Infants and young children can be affected, and there may be a genetic
component to the disease. Early diagnosis from erosion of the permanent lower
first molars can be made as early as 7 or 8 years of age. A hiatal hernia may
weaken the LES and cause reflux. Diet and lifestyle contribute to acid reflux.
Chocolate, peppermint, citrus, tomatoes, fried or fatty foods, coffee
(especially acidic coffee), alcoholic beverages, garlic, and onions are foods
to avoid. Weight gain (also weight gain associated with pregnancy) and smoking
(by relaxing the LES) may be contributing factors. Further information may be
obtained from the Internet by going to a search engine and typing in “acid
reflux”, “gastric reflux”, or “gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As is true with most medical and dental problems, the
earlier the diagnosis is made, the easier it is to treat. If we have brought
this condition to your attention, we ask that you speak to your physician.
Variable factors include the nature and severity of the problem, as well as
frequency and type of fluid that refluxes from the stomach. Change in diet,
eating habits, and/or medication (over-the-counter or prescription) can be
effective. Dentally, once the enamel is broached and the dentin becomes
visible, it is recommended that the affected areas be protected by covering
them with an enamel replacement—a tooth-colored bonding material. This material
not only protects the dentin and enamel but it also may be more resistant to
the acid than is naturally occurring dentin. Many times, drilling preparation
is not needed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #141414; line-height: 13.65pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white;">If you have any questions about acid reflux, </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">please feel free to ask us! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #141414; line-height: 13.65pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Hymeadow: (512) 250-5012<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #141414; line-height: 13.65pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Jollyville: (512) 346-8424<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #141414; line-height: 13.65pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">West William Cannon: (512) 445-5721<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-42186177428083705352017-02-15T08:57:00.000-06:002017-02-15T10:08:21.414-06:00Xerostomia: Dry Mouth Syndrome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Pax47OUUinY8XnJfDEPUznsrpyGt9ntPVSJKpYEUDLCgXuddMC_bBu784HvYhUybYmge3JyBOkaG8WNX_9WuZ7CBBpv_izhLuUCBLivzqeOLDwmbB5BHPwxWD5Pq0FF9LNb8m3mXyQQ/s1600/download+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Pax47OUUinY8XnJfDEPUznsrpyGt9ntPVSJKpYEUDLCgXuddMC_bBu784HvYhUybYmge3JyBOkaG8WNX_9WuZ7CBBpv_izhLuUCBLivzqeOLDwmbB5BHPwxWD5Pq0FF9LNb8m3mXyQQ/s1600/download+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Xerostomia (dry mouth) is not a condition everyone should
expect. You may notice it as you age due to a change in hormones, medication,
and/or radiation therapy in the head and neck region.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Why Xerostomia Is a
Problem<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saliva is important to oral health for several reasons. The
flow of saliva helps clear debris from the oral cavity. It provides minerals necessary
to support the process of remineralization. Tooth enamel daily undergoes acid
attack that removes inorganic minerals from teeth. This is called
demineralization. Remineralization is the opposite of demineralization. It
occurs when inorganic molecules flow into a region of weakened enamel and make
it stronger.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
When the salivary flow is reduced, a chain of events occurs.
The natural cleansing action is diminished, as are the buffering action and
remineralization properties of saliva. People with diminished salivary flow
experience a very fast rate of decay, many times faster and over several teeth.
This type of dental decay is typically noted along the gumline, around existing
dental work, and on exposed root surfaces. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Prevention</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can help prevent dental decay that can result from xerostomia:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Brushing and flossing correctly twice a day
becomes very important.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Frequent sips of water during the day can help
moisten the mouth and can help clear debris.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Daily use of a mouthrinse containing fluoride
can help remineralize teeth.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Use a toothpaste containing sodium fluoride.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">We recommend a daily brushing with a
prescription, high-concentration sodium fluoride gel or paste. We will either
dispense this or give you a prescription for it.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Chew sugarless gum or a rubber band to stimulate
salivary flow.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">In moderate to severe cases, special fluoride delivery
trays can be made for you to use at home. These will keep the
high-concentration fluoride in a position to “soak” your teeth with fluoride
for several minutes at a time.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">We recommend that you have your teeth cleaned,
polished, and an office-applied topical fluoride treatment every 3 months while
the condition persists.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dry mouth can have serious dental consequences and must be
treated accordingly. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #141414; line-height: 13.65pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">If you have any
questions about xerostomia, please feel free to contact us at any of our three
office locations:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #141414; line-height: 13.65pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Hymeadow: (512) 250-5012<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #141414; line-height: 13.65pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Jollyville: (512) 346-8424</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #141414; line-height: 13.65pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">West William Cannon: (512) 445-5721<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-68860258484219482872017-02-08T09:04:00.001-06:002017-02-08T09:04:07.784-06:00Sedative Restorations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtnFFq6iqraA5EDQBLjvYsI2D5BT3d_DrcYjMwD0iqiVDvjk3ZlQ788CrTYftdkP_khDyJoxwdhpqPl-79Qwc0iaoY79-rez_Oo9T1CH-HgLn9aRWiENQq2PxQxsGKVFDYuC3-12BiD0/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtnFFq6iqraA5EDQBLjvYsI2D5BT3d_DrcYjMwD0iqiVDvjk3ZlQ788CrTYftdkP_khDyJoxwdhpqPl-79Qwc0iaoY79-rez_Oo9T1CH-HgLn9aRWiENQq2PxQxsGKVFDYuC3-12BiD0/s1600/download.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sedative restorations are placed for several different
reasons. The most common reason is tooth pain. The pain may be constant, intermittent,
or a reaction to sweets or a cold or hot stimulus. If the sensitivity is due to
decay and it is very deep and close to the nerve, there is the possibility of
exposure of the pulp (nerve) once all the decay is removed. If the cavity is
especially deep, as much of the decay as possible will be removed, and a
medicated, sedative filling will be placed in the tooth. This will serve to
calm the nerve and give it a chance to heal. The sedative restoration, if done
for this reason, should stay in your mouth for a number of weeks. Then the
sedative restoration will be removed and the tooth will be examined to
determine the need for further treatment. It may be able to be restored with a
filling or cast restoration. However, if the decay was quite deep and the nerve
does not heal, endodontic treatment (root canal therapy) will be required to alleviate
pain and save the tooth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have multiple large cavities and/or other serious
dental problems, we may choose to first restore all the teeth with sedative
restorations. This will quickly stabilize all the teeth so that they do not
continue to deteriorate from the decay. Then the other, perhaps more serious
dental problems, can be addressed and treated. Once you are out of an emergency
situation, we will have the time to thoroughly plan the best methods to restore
the teeth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A third use of sedative restoration is an aid in diagnosing
sensitive teeth. You may have a problem with a single tooth, or perhaps you are
unable to specifically pinpoint the exact tooth. If the tooth (or teeth) already
has a restoration in it, we may need to remove the restoration and directly
look at the prepared portions of the tooth. If we do not feel that it is
appropriate to place a final restoration at that time, we will place a sedative
restoration to be in place for a few weeks. Occasionally, the tooth feels
better as soon as the sedative restoration is placed. However, it will still be
necessary to observe the tooth for a few weeks before placing a final
restoration. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Infrequently, the placement of the sedative restoration offers
no apparent relief. In this case other possibilities must be explored. Most
often the tooth will require endodontic treatment. Other times, it just takes
several days to get a positive result. If possible, give the sedative restoration
time to work. But under no circumstances must you live in constant pain. Do not
be afraid to call and ask to be seen if the sedative restoration does not
appear to be effective. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have any questions about sedative restorations,
please feel free to contact us at any of our three office locations: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Hymeadow: (512)
250-5012<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Jollyville: (512)
346-8424<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
West William Cannon:
(512) 445-5721<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-86853679630696109332017-02-06T08:49:00.000-06:002017-02-06T08:52:48.082-06:00Altered Passive Eruption: Hard Tissue<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3SszVFaXiL-8Sjkr4JqFAm8EpSRC3bW1Kdn7ilDc7Zfr40yzDgPcOUS1YaBY9NMGTcnJMU-AHKs9oDRWb7KENAruh0873pLrfHcVtMeabkfbyvBfTScMcE6W0dU4l0fgDD3ctw79TUk/s1600/gingival-recountering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3SszVFaXiL-8Sjkr4JqFAm8EpSRC3bW1Kdn7ilDc7Zfr40yzDgPcOUS1YaBY9NMGTcnJMU-AHKs9oDRWb7KENAruh0873pLrfHcVtMeabkfbyvBfTScMcE6W0dU4l0fgDD3ctw79TUk/s320/gingival-recountering.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Teeth are composed of two basic, visible parts—the root
portion and the crown (enamel-covered) portion. The term <i>crown</i> does not refer to the type of tooth replacement fabricated by
a dental laboratory. Rather, it is the part of the tooth that is normally seen
when you speak. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The present-day esthetic dental philosophy, demonstrated by
people who have beautiful teeth and smiles, shows that there must be a certain
amount of enamel-covered tooth visible for an attractive smile. The ratio is
about 1.6:1, length to width. Teeth that are shorter than this look
progressively less attractive. They look short and stubby. If they are actually
worn down from a clenching or grinding problem, this is a different type of
problem. But it may not be that the teeth themselves are too short. It could be
that there is not enough of the crown of the tooth that can be seen. The remainder
that should be seen is covered with gum or gum and bone tissue. This is known
as <i>altered passive eruption</i>. It is
not entirely clear why this happens. It may become obvious as early as age 14.
The teeth may have a pleasing color and be very straight, but they still leave
something to be desired because they are too small and too much gum shows when
you smile. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This can be a severe cosmetic problem when coupled with the
type of lip line that frames the teeth. A low lip line will probably hide most
or all of the gum covered part of the tooth, so there is less of a need to
correct the defect. A medium or high lip line, especially a high lip line, will
show all of the tooth and gum. As the lip line gets higher, the attractiveness
of the smile goes down. The situation can be so severe that the patient will
train his or her muscles to artificially hold the upper lip stiff or cover the
mouth with a hand when smiling. In this way, the short teeth or the great
expanse of gum tissue will be hidden from view. It can cause significant
psychological problems. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The solution can be easy or complicated, depending on the
exact nature of the problem. If there is only a small amount of gum tissue to
be removed from a single tooth or multiple teeth, and there is a medium lip
line, then the tissue is easily removed with a laser or electrosurgical cutting
device. Scalpels and stitches are not needed in small cases. As more gum must
be removed and more tooth is exposed, there may be some underlying bone that
must be reshaped. Bone removal will be followed, about 2 months later, by the
soft tissue removal mentioned earlier. The first surgery must heal long enough
for the tissue to reach its final position before the second can be completed.
Remember, you are looking at differences of several millimeters to a fraction
of a millimeter that will cause the case to be a success or failure. A two-step
procedure is better than a one-step procedure.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The biting edges (enamel and/or dentin) of one or more teeth
may be reshaped if there is a need not only to lengthen the teeth but also to
make it appear that they have actually been placed higher in the smile line.
This is for top teeth, of course. If a great deal of tooth must be reshaped to
accomplish the desired effect, root or dentin may be exposed, making the tooth
sensitive. These teeth will need to be covered with porcelain veneers or crowns
to achieve the proper esthetics. Even if only a little amount of tooth is
reshaped, the veneers or crowns may be indicated to get the exact appearance
you want. We will discuss this with you before you begin treatment. It is
important that you know what is being done, how long it will take to complete,
and what you will look like when it is finished,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We will make the veneers or crowns and reshape the teeth. We
will determine what can be done. We may also do the soft tissue contouring. This
is most common. For procedures that involve a reshaping of the bone, you may be
referred to our periodontist. Since we will do the restorative treatment, we
know exactly where the soft tissue should be. We are the cosmetic specialists.
We will establish the final position of the gum line. In extreme cases, the
problem will be corrected with a combination of the above-mentioned procedures
and orthognathic surgery to reposition the jawbone and teeth. This can be done
by our oral surgeon. With a comprehensive examination, we can tell you what is
appropriate for you. You do not have to live with an unattractive smile because
you have short-looking teeth due to showing too much gum tissue. These problems
can be corrected. Let us know what you do not like about your smile or teeth.
More than likely, the smile you now have can be made into something you will
like to show off.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
If you have any questions about altered passive eruption,
please feel free to ask us! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #141414; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;">
Hymeadow: (512) 250-5012<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #141414; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;">
Jollyville: (512) 346-8424<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #141414; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #141414; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;">
West William Cannon: (512) 445-5721</div>
Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-82672528855858110882017-02-03T09:02:00.002-06:002017-02-03T09:02:39.408-06:00Porcelain Inlays and Onlays<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Porcelain</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When a tooth has been moderately to extensively destroyed by
decay, previous drilling, or fracture but there is still sufficient enamel remaining,
one innovative way it can be restored is with a porcelain inlay or onlay. An
inlay is a restoration in which a portion of occlusal (biting) surface is
replaced with porcelain. An onlay will restore a larger portion of the biting
surface of the tooth. These are considered very conservative restorations. The
porcelain allows an excellent esthetic result. It is attached to the tooth
using a bonding procedure, allowing it to become very strong. It can be used
with wonderful results in small, medium, and even with large restorations
lasting more than 12 years, relatively trouble free.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A dental laboratory is involved in the construction of the
restoration. There is a 2- to 3-week delay while the inlay or onlay is being
made, so the tooth must have a temporary restoration in place during that time.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They have some disadvantages. They are moderately to very
expensive to make and place. They take two appointments to complete. They must
be adjusted and polished well or they can cause wear of the opposing enamel,
similar to a porcelain fused to metal crown. Of course, we make sure they are
adjusted and polished to begin with. Porcelain biting surfaces cause more rapid
wear of opposing natural teeth, especially in the posterior areas where a metal
biting surface may be advised.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Advantages include the excellent esthetics, high strength,
predicted longevity, and conservative preparation, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
that is, less drilling than
a crown. If the porcelain does chip, it can be repaired. However, you should
not chew ice cubes, “jaw breakers”, or any other hard candy with these or any
other type of restoration.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For those who want the strongest, longest-lasting,
conservative restoration that very closely matches a tooth, porcelain is
possibly the best choice. Once it is finished, the tooth, if cared for
properly, should not have to be restored again for years. It does allow the
conservation of most of the natural tooth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Resin</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Resin inlays and onlays are used in the same areas as the
porcelain inlays and onlays. They are very natural in appearance and, like
porcelain, are bonded into place. They are considered an extremely conservative
restoration. Two appointments, approximately 2 weeks apart, are required to
fabricate the inlay/onlay. The tooth will be protected with a temporary filling
while the final restoration is being made. The wear of the resin is similar to
that of enamel. So unlike porcelain, it will not have a tendency to wear the
opposing natural tooth structure.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The resin may be considered slightly “weaker” than the
porcelain. However, porcelain is more brittle and more difficult to repair. The
difference in strengths is not significant. The resin is more forgiving and is
more easily finished or repaired and resin is easier to work on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With both types of materials, porcelain or resin, you can
develop decay on unrestored surfaces, so excellent oral self-care is required.
Neither material is advised for patients who have a bruxing (grinding) or
clenching habit unless a protective mouthguard is constructed for you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unless you have a preference, we will select the most
appropriate material for your dental needs. Cost of each is comparable. Both types
are excellent choices and are considered highly conservative in the amount of
drilling needed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-align: center;">If you have any
questions about porcelain or resin inlays and onlays, please feel free to ask
us at any of our office locations:</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Hymeadow: (512)
250-5012<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Jollyville: (512)
346-8424<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
West William Cannon:
(512) 445-5721<o:p></o:p></div>
Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-37750312719055417902017-01-30T09:21:00.000-06:002017-01-30T09:25:12.487-06:00Prevention of Decay<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Dental Decay</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dental caries (decay) is a bacterial infection, first of the
enamel, then of the dentin of the tooth. The tradition in dentistry has been to
surgically remove the diseased portion of the tooth by “drilling” out the decay
and then filling the resulting hole in the tooth with some inert material. As
most adults know, this procedure will be performed over and over again when new
decay begins or when the filling (often silver) breaks or the tooth fractures.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Would it not be better to eliminate the cause of the
infection and thus not be forced to have big holes drilled in the teeth? We believe
the bacterial cause of the infection should be addressed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Preventing the Risk of Dental Decay</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are several positive steps that you can take to reduce
your risk of dental decay. First, all of the active decay in your mouth should
be treated immediately. Next, all the teeth that would benefit from sealants
should be treated. This will prevent bacteria from reaching into the pits,
fissures, and grooves that normally exist on the occlusal (biting) surface of
teeth. Any stray bacteria that may still be in the sealed area are effectively
cut off from their food source and become inactive. Although sealants are most
effective on teeth that have not been previously restored, they can be
successfully placed on teeth filled with bonded fillings. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
The infection can be
treated with antimicrobials. We believe that the use of a fluoridated mouthrise
twice daily or use of a prescription fluoridated dentifrice as directed
provides great advantage. Not only is fluoride effective against bacteria but
it also creates an environment that promotes remineralization of slightly
damaged enamel. The decay process is reversed and the tooth may not have to be
drilled. We may also prescribe a chlorhexidine mouthrinse, an antimicrobial
oral rinse that has a great effect on <i>Streptococcus
mutans</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Your diet and oral self-care are important in dental decay
prevention. When you eat junk food and drink sugary liquids, your teeth are
more prone to decay. The more frequently you snack, the more prone your teeth
will be to decay. If your brushing and flossing are not effective, your teeth
will be more prone to decay. When you can’t brush after a meal, at least rinse
your mouth with water within 15 minutes to dilute the acids forming from the
ingested food or drink. If you have a diminished salivary flow, take frequent
sips of water during the day to help dilute the acids produced by the bacteria.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
If you have a continuing problem with active decay, we
recommend more frequent preventative recare appointments. It has been
repeatedly shown that patients who have good oral self-care and maintain a
recare interval of 3 to 4 months have many fewer dentally related (cavities or
gum disease) problems. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
The routine 6-month recare interval is no longer our
recommended schedule. That interval was based on a 50-year-old philosophy that
never had any scientific basis! Times have changed. Present dental practice is
based on proven scientific information. You might need to have your teeth
cleaned by the hygienist twice each year or you may need to be seen more
frequently. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
For certain individuals, we also suggest testing the oral
bacterial levels to determine the magnitude and presence of a <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> infection and to determine
your risk level for future dental disease.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/c1/e4/0a/c1e40ace398c12adc417fef4afb60189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/c1/e4/0a/c1e40ace398c12adc417fef4afb60189.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-80087801374140115282017-01-30T08:53:00.000-06:002017-01-30T08:53:47.440-06:00Congenitally Missing Teeth<div class="MsoNormal">
Some of us will have 32 teeth develop during our lifetime.
This has been considered a normal complement of teeth. More often than not, however,
we do not develop a full set of 32 teeth. It is quite common for people to be
missing one or more of the third molars (wisdom teeth). And as the jaw sizes of
modern human beings have decreased in size, it is not unusual that there is no
room for the proper placement of the third molars in a mouth, and they must be
extracted.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not as common, but not at all unusual, is a condition in
which certain permanent front teeth never develop. When permanent teeth don’t
develop, they are considered to be congenitally missing. The term for this
condition is congenitally missing teeth. When this happens, it is frequently
one or both of the upper lateral incisors, which are smaller teeth on either
side of the two top front teeth. Less often, the permanent eyeteeth (canines)
or premolars don’t develop.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The problem that results from congenitally missing teeth
involves the space where the tooth (teeth) should have been. The teeth nearest
the space shift into different positions to fill the gap, often resulting in a
crowded smile—when in fact, some teeth are missing!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The problems resulting from missing permanent teeth can be
reduced or eliminated with early detection and a plan for future treatment. The
usual treatment involves orthodontics to move the permanent teeth into better
position or keep the permanent teeth in the correct location. Because we treat
missing lateral incisors so often, the treatment routine is well established.
The best aesthetics, the most natural look, will be achieved by leaving the
adjacent permanent central incisors and canine teeth in their customary places.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When there are missing lateral incisors, it is likely that
we will recommend moving the eyeteeth (canines) into their positions. This will
keep the bone in the missing tooth space at the proper level. We will then
recommend moving the eyeteeth back into their proper positions. This may sound
like extra treatment, but it is needed to keep the bone at the proper height
for future tooth replacement treatment. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The sequence of treatment is orthodontics as early as
necessary to maintain the space. The further the teeth have shifted from this
original position, the more orthodontic treatment will be necessary. Then,
while the child and mouth are growing, a removable replacement tooth is made.
This appliance is worn until the teeth are ready to receive the implant or
bridge, after age 18 or so when the mouth and dental structures are more
mature. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the permanent teeth further back in the mouth are
missing, it is common for baby teeth to be retained in these spaces. Sometimes
the baby teeth can last for years, but they do not have the root structure to
remain stable over a lifetime. Because the retained baby teeth are meant for a small
mouth, they do not have the right size, shape, or function as the permanent
teeth. When lost, they can be replaced with implants or a bridge. Your own
particular situation will determine the best course of treatment. <o:p></o:p></div>
Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-53164698410726555792017-01-30T08:31:00.000-06:002017-01-30T08:31:55.893-06:00Wisdom Teeth (Third Molars)<div class="MsoNormal">
Human beings have more teeth than they actually need: four
more teeth, to be exact. The third molars (wisdom teeth) are the last teeth on
each side and in each arch of the mouth. If we don’t need them, why do we have
them? Hundreds of thousands of years ago, our ancestors didn’t look a great
deal like we do today. They had smaller bodies but larger and more powerful
jaws. Their diet dictated this jaw structure and number of teeth. Our ancestors
ate tougher and more abrasive types of food. It wasn’t cooked well, and it wasn’t
ground up well. There were a lot of hard grains and foods that required lots of
chewing. Big jaws were capable of holding more teeth for this chewing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, we don’t need the heavy grinding capacity that early humans
had. Food is easier to eat, less abrasive, and much softer. Evolution is
reacting (slowly) to this fact by decreasing the size of our jaw bones and
chewing muscles. The human jaw that once comfortably held 12 molars (32 teeth
total) is now often only large enough to hold eight molars (28 teeth total).
Unfortunately, our jaws are getting smaller faster than our wisdom teeth are
disappearing. The wisdom teeth often do not have enough room to grow properly.
Eventually, thousands of years from now, humans will not have wisdom teeth.
They have lost their function and are gradually disappearing, just like the
appendix.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since the jaw is too small (for most people) to accommodate the
third molars, they come into the mouth partially, poorly positioned, or not at
all. They can be fully erupted, partially erupted, a soft tissue impaction, partial
bony impaction, or full bony impaction. If teeth come in well and you are able
to keep them clean, we leave them alone. If they are crowded or poorly
positioned and cannot be kept clean, they are like an accident waiting to
happen. Decay and gum infection are likely to result. These teeth are usually
removed—ideally before they begin to cause big problems with the second molars
that are directly ahead of them. Teeth that are partially erupted should always
be removed: there is too much opportunity for gum infection to begin. If the
teeth cannot be cleaned, chronic painful inflammation may occur
(pericoronitis). The earlier they are removed, the better your healing will be.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Less complex extractions (fully erupted teeth or partial
soft tissue impactions) can be done by a general dentist. We will refer
difficult extractions to an oral surgeon for treatment. Depending on the type
of extraction and the medical history of the patient, the extractions may be
done in an office or in the hospital. This will be determined after viewing
radiographs of the teeth. Having all four wisdom teeth out at the same time is
a common practice. Postoperative discomfort can be minimal to extreme—in the
case of difficult full bony impactions. Antiinflammatory and pain relief
medications are prescribed appropriately. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We do not need wisdom teeth to eat well. If they need to
come out, it is better they come out (1) before they cause problems with the
adjacent teeth that you really need and (2) when you are younger and heal well.
If you need to have one wisdom tooth taken out, also have the opposing wisdom
teeth removed. When a tooth does not meet an opposing tooth, it “super erupts”
or continues to grow out of the normal position. When left for some time, the
remaining tooth can develop decay and gum disease and cause the same thing to
happen to the tooth in front of it. <o:p></o:p></div>
Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-32519824878670478782017-01-27T09:46:00.000-06:002017-01-27T09:46:53.870-06:00Periodontal Disease<div class="MsoNormal">
Periodontal disease is an infectious process classified
according to how much damage has been done to the structures surrounding the
teeth, namely the gingiva (gums) and bone. <b>It
is an infection in your mouth</b>. It can happen anytime, around your teeth,
affecting some or many of your teeth to varying degrees. There are genetic predisposing
factors to periodontal disease, and our immune systems play a role in gum
health, but it is usually related to how well you are able to keep your teeth
clean through proper oral self-care. The better you clean your teeth to remove
all the plaque bacteria, the less likely you will be to develop periodontal
disease.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Progress of the
Disease</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bacteria that cause this disease first cause the gum
tissue to become inflamed and pull away from the teeth. As the problem becomes more
serious, the bone that supports the teeth also becomes infected and begins to
break down and dissolve. The teeth then become loose. Once the bone disappears,
it is extremely hard, if not impossible, for new bone to be rebuilt. The damage
is permanent and your teeth, the surrounding bone, and your general health will
be compromised.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Periodontal disease is classified into several types. The mildest
form of this infection will show up in red and swollen gum tissue that bleeds
easily. There is seldom any pain involved at this stage. You may also notice
that your breath becomes offensive and you feel the need to use mouthwash. Our
sense of smell does become immune to the same odor, so we can lose our ability
to detect our own offensive, diseased breath. As the disease progresses, the
gum tissue becomes more red and swollen, more bleeding can be seen, and the
teeth begin to become loose. This tooth mobility is a sign that there is a
severe problem. There may still be no pain at this advanced stage. As more and
more bone is lost and more teeth become involved in the infection, it becomes
harder to treat. At this point, many times, the management of your problem will
involve periodontal surgical procedures. If this is the case, you may be
referred to a periodontist (gum specialist) for further treatment. Most of the
time, periodontal disease starts and continues because of neglect. Brushing and
flossing of teeth are not being done effectively on a daily basis. You may have
been neglectful in getting your teeth checked and cleaned within the time frame
intervals you need. Once we have diagnosed the disease, we will inform you of
the problem and suggest treatment. If treatment is not completed, however, the
disease will continue to progress. Unfortunately, the disease is quite
invisible to most people until severe and possible irreversible damage has occurred.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Solution</b> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If it has been diagnosed in the early stages and has not
progressed to bone loss, a proper cleaning (prophylaxis) will solve the
problem. Scaling and root planing over multiple appointments may be needed for
more advanced cases. In the most advanced cases, periodontal surgery and tooth
loss are inevitable. You will receive an estimate of fees for the recommended
treatment. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Periodontal disease is a condition that must be treated
quickly. We believe that if the infection is aggressively treated in its early
stages, conservative periodontal treatment may be possible and effective.
Although we do not automatically rule out periodontal surgical intervention, we
hope you can either avoid it or reduce the amount you will need. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Successful treatment of your periodontal problem will depend
on several factors. But the most important of these is your ability to perform
excellent oral self-care—brushing, flossing, and the use of periodontal aids—on
a routine, daily basis. Without this, periodontal treatment will fail, and the
disease will return. <o:p></o:p></div>
Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-71849114355103398232017-01-27T09:13:00.000-06:002017-01-27T09:13:14.126-06:00Sealants and Fluoride: Benefit to Adult Patients<div class="MsoNormal">
Dental decay can develop at any time, regardless of a person’s
age. A change in diet, change in lifestyle, change in oral self-care habits,
the use of prescription medications, or a change in systemic health due to the
normal aging process can all affect the caries (decay) susceptibility. Few people
remain completely free of decay. Proper oral self-care on your part and
properly spaced dental hygiene prevention appointments will go a long way to
reduce the opportunity to have new decay begin. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As you age, it is possible that some of your gum tissue will
recede, exposing the root surfaces of your teeth. This gum recession can occur
from improper brushing (brushing too hard with a hard toothbrush) or as a
result of past periodontal problems. The more a tooth and root are exposed, the
greater is the surface area you will have to keep clean. Sometimes the teeth
with exposed roots are very hard to keep clean. These roots may be sensitive to
temperature changes and are often times uncomfortable to brush. Decreased
salivary flow helps to create a breeding ground for bacteria to accumulate on
the enamel and especially on the root surface. And root decay usually
progresses quite quickly! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Goal of Prevention<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your goal should be to keep the dentist from drilling your
teeth. Any reasonable preventative measure that is available should be
seriously considered. When the dentist drills, you lose. When the dentist does
not drill, you win,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Dental Sealants<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although sealants are primarily designed for children,
adults who have a history of active decay should consider having sealants
placed on the posterior (back) teeth where indicated. We will tell you where it
is possible to place the sealants. Even if you have not had a cavity for a long
time, consider the application of a sealant as an inexpensive insurance policy
for your teeth. Perhaps you would never get decay on the unsealed surfaces.
But, just as you insure your home against destruction by fire, a sealant
insures the tooth surface from decay. Preventative measures may allow you to
avoid having your teeth drilled. You win! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Topical Fluoride<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For a similar reason, we advise the use of topical fluoride
treatments for adults. The effectiveness of systemic and topical fluoride in
preventing decay is well documented. When a cavity first starts, an application
of fluoride might (depending on when it is used) reduce or eliminate the need
for drilling.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An alternative to the fluoride treatment we can provide in
our office is a daily rinse. If you can rinse with an over-the-counter
mouthrinse containing fluoride <b>every
night </b>as directed on the rinse label, you do not need the office topical
fluoride treatment. If you cannot rinse <b>daily</b>
as instructed, you will need the benefit from a stronger office-applied topical
fluoride treatment. Your oral health will benefit most from small increments of
fluoride that are applied <b>daily</b>
rather than one large concentration every 6 months. However, only you know
whether you will be faithful to your rinsing routine. When in doubt, let us do
it here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have been a patient of Omni Dental Group, you know
that we stress <b>prevention</b> of dental
disease above all else. Sealants and topical fluoride treatments are two of the
more preventative dental measures that we believe will significantly enhance
your oral health. <o:p></o:p></div>
Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-18750357590675394602017-01-25T14:07:00.002-06:002017-01-25T14:15:00.497-06:00We Won!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIX4bLeDicRQ5sLv1anoyiFXzRJTocGS2WHUr0x0ogss_IZK7uQj1RBap_ZshKrfDP1zU6bnYG3pPkRgg1RyP6wzyeuGhAnIB5Asrm8FqlXqPJ7oKJnPFNBhki0WudnjCa-W2NtShvT9g/s1600/SpectrumAward2017.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIX4bLeDicRQ5sLv1anoyiFXzRJTocGS2WHUr0x0ogss_IZK7uQj1RBap_ZshKrfDP1zU6bnYG3pPkRgg1RyP6wzyeuGhAnIB5Asrm8FqlXqPJ7oKJnPFNBhki0WudnjCa-W2NtShvT9g/s400/SpectrumAward2017.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2017 Spectrum Award by City Beat News </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today, Omni Dental Group was awarded the 2017 Spectrum Award by City Beat News! This award is given for excellence in customer service over multiple, consecutive years. In addition, we have earned a 5 star rating through City Beat News. We want to thank our patients for their unwavering loyalty throughout our 23 wonderful years in business!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Check out our award here: <a href="https://awards.citybeatnews.com/starpage/view/92558" target="_blank">https://awards.citybeatnews.com/starpage/view/92558</a></div>
Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-12666082679826958922017-01-25T13:44:00.006-06:002017-01-25T13:48:26.105-06:00Implants, Crowns, and Bridges vs. Natural Teeth<div class="MsoNormal">
Nothing can replace the natural teeth you were born with for
chewing and function. However, very few people go through life without having
teeth filled, crowns (caps) placed, or bridges and implants used to replace
missing teeth. Crowns, bridges, and implants are the best answer and closest to
your natural teeth, but they are not the same as healthy, natural teeth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Crowns<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Crowns are used to reconstruct a single tooth broken down by
dental decay. Crowns are made of ceramic, resin, porcelain, porcelain plus
metal, or resin plus metal materials. They are bonded or cemented onto the
prepared tooth and cannot easily be removed from the tooth once placed. If the
tooth was in good alignment before the crown was prepared, the crown will be in
good alignment. If the tooth was misaligned before the crown, sometimes the
crown may be made to obtain a more ideal shape and position. It is cleaned and
flossed just like a natural tooth and is most like real teeth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Bridges</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bridges are crowns that are attached together, suspending
the crown portion of a false tooth in or over the space left by the missing
tooth. A bridge can be used to replace one or several teeth. Sometimes a bridge
is used to splint loose teeth together in order to make the teeth more stable.
Bridges are usually made of metal covered with either porcelain or resin. Some
of the newer bridges are made of all resin or all ceramic materials. They are
cemented or bonded onto the existing prepared teeth and are not easily removed
once placed. The bridge teeth can be brushed the same as natural teeth, but
since they are attached together, must be flossed differently by using a floss
threader or other device. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The teeth are generally the same shape as natural teeth.
However, if the existing teeth (abutments) that are used to anchor the bridge
have moved from their original position because a tooth or teeth have been
missing for years, the added tooth (pontic) may be longer or shorter than the
tooth that it is replacing. With a bridge, the false tooth will most often butt
up against the soft tissue ridge where the removed tooth was.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The shape of the tongue side of the false tooth varies. It
is usually smaller on the tongue side and completely fills the space. Food will
have more of a tendency to collect in this area, so you must be prepared to
clean it. If the missing tooth has been gone a long time, the ridge may have
shrunk considerably, and the pontic tooth will be longer that the teeth on
either side. If this is the case, there are several periodontal procedures that
can be done prior to the construction of the bridge. These procedures will
build up the tissue to its former height. The more your mouth has changed from
its normal state, the harder it is to make new teeth look and feel natural. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Implant Crowns</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Implant crowns are used to replace single or multiple
missing teeth. They are either cemented or screwed-retained onto an implant
fixture. The crowns are made of porcelain or resin and metal. But they have
some significant differences from the natural teeth they replace. Teeth are
supported by a root or roots that are irregular in shape. Implants are round.
The cross-sectional of the implant will never match that of the tooth it is
replacing. A multirooted tooth may be replaced by a single implant, so the
manner in which an implant crown comes out of the soft tissue ridge will appear
different from a natural tooth. There will be more space between the implant
root and the adjacent teeth. Implant crowns are often cemented with temporary
cement. This allows the dentist to easily take off the crown and evaluate how
the implant is doing. Crowns on teeth are usually cemented with a final cement.
Implant-supported crowns are wonderful, but not the same as natural teeth with
crowns. Be prepared for some differences. Expect more maintenance on your part
and in the dental office with crowns, bridges, and implants.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Smokers take note: There is a heightened risk of dental
implant failures among smokers—as much as 20% greater failure rate!</b><o:p></o:p></div>
Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-81187408329138093282017-01-23T09:28:00.000-06:002017-01-23T09:28:00.913-06:00Endodontic Therapy: An Overview<div class="MsoNormal">
The pulp of your tooth, which contains the nerve and tiny
blood vessels, can become infected. The pulp has a limited ability to heal
itself. This infection can be caused by a deep cavity that reaches the center
of the tooth causing the pulp to die, a traumatic injury to the tooth, or an
extensive preparation (drilling) of the tooth. The extensive preparation may
have been done to prepare the tooth for a crown (cap) or other large preparation
for a restoration. The pulp may or may not abscess immediately in these cases.
It may take years for a problem to develop. The infected pulp tissue may or may
not be painful. It may or may not be visible on a dental radiograph. A tooth
with this type of an abscess is not usually extracted because the infection can
be treated with endodontic therapy on the tooth. This routine procedure can
save the tooth and enable you to avoid the harmful effects of tooth loss. It is
successful in more than 90% of the teeth in which treatment is completed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Endodontic treatment can take one to three appointments to
complete. Teeth can have one to four canals that need to be treated. An opening
is created to access the nerve, and the abscessed nerve is removed from the
root or roots. The canals where the nerves had been located are then cleaned
and shaped and a medication may be placed in the canal to promote better
healing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When it has been determined that the canals are free of
infection, they are filled with a special rubber-like material and sealed with
a cementing medium. The abscessed area associated with the tooth will then
begin to heal. It may take several months before healing is completed and for
the tooth to become asymptomatic, that is, for any soreness to disappear.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once the endodontic therapy has been completed, the tooth is
usually restored with a cast crown or onlay. This is done to protect the tooth
and prevent it from fracturing. Failure to follow through with mandatory
restorative procedures after endodontic therapy on a previously uncrowned tooth
can result in vertical fracture. If there is very little tooth structure
remaining, we may also advise the use of a post and core to further help the
tooth retain its final restoration. We will discuss with you the exact type of
restoration that you will need. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please note that this infection may cause discomfort between
root canal appointments. This is normal and usually not a cause for any
concern. Contact the office if there is pain and/or swelling. Remember to avoid
biting down on the tooth until the root canal is completed and the final
restoration has been placed. You may have had no discomfort from the tooth
prior to the root canal treatment or have been unaware that you even had an
abscess. However, you may experience pain or swelling after the root canal
treatment has begun.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
If we have prescribed antibiotics for the abscess, be sure
to fill the prescription and take it until it is finished. It is important that
you do this in order to quickly control the infection. If you do not take the
prescribed medication, the resolution of the abscess may be delayed and
problems with the postoperative pain are more likely.<o:p></o:p></div>
Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-70708835827244809022017-01-20T14:33:00.000-06:002017-01-20T14:33:31.857-06:00Headaches: The Dental Connection<div class="MsoNormal">
You probably remember the old song “…the knee bone’s
connected to the leg bone; the leg bone’s connected to the hip bone…etc.” Your
(lower) jaw bone actually is connected to your “head bone”—and it is connected
by muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This area is known as the <i>temporomandibular</i> <i>joint</i> or the <i>TMJ</i>. When
the lower jaw lines up perfectly with the upper jaw and everything functions
normally, everything is fine. If the lower jaw does not line up properly or,
perhaps more importantly, if there is abnormal stress present when the lower
jaw contacts the upper jaw, problems can occur. The abnormal stress is usually
clenching or grinding of the teeth and it can occur any time, day or night,
awake or asleep. When this happens, a person can develop regular, chronic, or
migraine headaches; muscle pain or tenderness in the jaw joint muscles; or the
temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). Forty-four million Americans suffer
from chronic clenching and grinding, resulting in tooth damage and 23 million
suffer from migraine headache pain.<o:p></o:p></div>
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While mouthguards have been used with some success to treat
TMD patients, an FDA-approved device seems to offer a higher success rate in
eliminating TMJ problems. This device has an additional advantage in that it
was designed to reduce the clenching habits that often lead to chronic and
migraine headaches. This device prevents the upper and lower teeth from coming
into contact. By preventing high-intensity clenching (and the muscular
irritation that leads to migraine pain, TMD, and chronic headaches), studies
have shown that 82% of migraine and headache sufferers has a 77% reduction in
the migraine incidents. In short, the frequency and intensity of headache
episodes and muscle tenderness can be reduced with the use of a mouthguard.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A tension suppression system is another effective form of
mouthguard that can treat TMD. This small removable device, made in the office,
can be worn day and/or night and has been shown to reduce clenching intensity
by 66%. It takes advantage of a naturally protective reflex that suppresses the
powerful chewing muscles active in clenching. For those concerned about
insurance coverage, the cost of this device is submitted first to medical
insurance for evaluation of benefit coverage. Most insurance carriers do
consider this device a payable benefit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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How important is the reduction of clenching stress? Try this
simple demonstration. Put a pencil between the last top and bottom molars on
one side and bite hard. Remember how hard you were biting. Then take the pencil
and place it between the top and bottom front teeth and bite down hard again.
You will not be able to bite down as hard when just biting on the front teeth.
You should be able to detect a great difference between biting (clenching) on
back teeth only and front teeth only. Try another test: lightly place your
fingertips on either side of your head in the temporal area (above and in front
of the ears). Clench your teeth and feel the muscles on either side of the head
bulge out. Then take a pencil, place it between the top and bottom front teeth,
and bite down again. You will easily feel that the temporal muscles do not
(cannot) bulge out as much, meaning that not as much clenching compression is
possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Source: Elsevier Mosby, Dental Practice Tool Kit: Patient
Handouts, Forms, and Letters<o:p></o:p></div>
Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-1646319699897470012016-12-05T08:49:00.001-06:002016-12-05T08:51:49.736-06:006 Of The Most Common Dental Problems, Fixed!Smile! There’s good news from the world of dentistry: Older American are keeping their teeth longer than ever before and the average number of teeth people retain into old age is increasing, says Judith Ann Jones, DDS, a spokesman on elder care for the American Dental Association and director of The Center for Clinical Research at the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine.<br />
But Jones is not all smiles. As people keep their teeth longer, there are more problems that are likely to arise, which is why keeping up with regular dental visits is so important. Here are the most common problems, and what you can do about them:<br />
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Tooth Decay</h3>
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Yes, people over 50 can get cavities. You can get them on the surfaces of teeth that have never been a problem before, but you can also get them around old fillings or at the root of your tooth. “As you age, the root of your tooth becomes softer and sometimes more exposed,” Jones explains.<br />
<strong>The Fix</strong>: Fluoride is not just for kids, Jones says. “Fluoride is one of the 10 most important health measures developed in the 20th century.” Almost 80 percent of people in the United States have fluorinated water, but if you don’t, you should probably add a daily fluoride rinse to your brushing habit. Or ask your doctor about a stronger fluoride prescription gel. If you are starting to get cavities, even if your water has fluoride, consider a fluoride rinse. Ask your dentist if that’s right for you.<br />
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Dry Mouth</h3>
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Saliva protects us against tooth decay. But if you’re not producing it, your teeth may be at risk. The calcium and phosphate present in saliva prevent demineralization of your teeth, Jones says. How do you know if you have dry mouth? You’ll have a sticky feeling in your mouth, trouble swallowing, dry throat, and dry, cracked lips. You may notice a metallic taste in your mouth or persistent bad breath. You may or may not feel thirsty. Dry mouth is often caused by medications, and as people age, they take more medications. It can also result from smoking or from a blow to the head that somehow damages the salivary glands.<br />
<strong>The Fix</strong>: If you have dry mouth, you should try to stimulate saliva production. Jones says some people just sip water all day while others find that chewing sugar-free xylitol candies or gum helps. Your dentist may prescribe a prescription saliva substitute or recommend over-the-counter formulations for you to try.<br />
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Gum Disease</h3>
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If your gums are swollen, red, or bleed easily, you’ve got gingivitis, an early form of gum disease that can progress and be dangerous. Untreated gingivitis often becomes periodontitis, which is when the gum pulls away from the tooth and creates pockets which can become infected. If this condition develops and continues unchecked, it could cause the loss of bones in your jaw and eventually, the loss of the teeth themselves.<br />
<strong>The Fix</strong>: The best fix for this condition is regular dentist visits, Jones says. You may need to visit your dentist more frequently so that your teeth can be cleaned and your gums treated for the condition. People who don’t have good access to dental care are more likely to have gum disease, Jones says.<br />
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Oral Cancer</h3>
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More than 43,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancers this year, and more than 8,000 will die from it, according to The Oral Cancer Foundation. Oral cancer incidence definitely increases as you get older, Jones says, and is very often linked to smoking and heavy alcohol use. Recently, the number of cases has risen because doctors have discovered that the Human Papilloma Virus also can cause oral cancer.<br />
<strong>The Fix</strong>: Only about half of people who develop oral cancer survive the disease, Jones says. The best hope for survival is to discover it at its earliest stages—in which case there is an 80 percent chance of surviving for five years. Your dental exam should include a check for oral cancer. Your dentist will hold your tongue and check the soft tissue in your mouth as well as your throat and jaw. If he or she does not, find another dentist, Jones says.<br />
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Tooth Crowding</h3>
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Are you noticing that food is getting stuck in new places in your mouth? Or that the overlapping tooth that was cute in your teens now seems to be overlapping even more? You’re not imagining it. As you age, your teeth shift, according to Lee W. Graber, D.D.S., M.S., M.S., Ph.D., Past President of the American Association of Orthodontists. And that can be problematic, not because you’ll look different, but because it can make your teeth more difficult to clean, leading to more decay. It’s also of concern because misaligned teeth can lead to teeth erosion and damage to the supporting tissue and bone, Graber says. Add to that the tendency of older adults to have periodontal disease, and you could end up losing your teeth even faster.<br />
<strong>The Fix</strong>: If your teeth have really shifted, you could see an orthodontist, who may fit you with a retainer, spacer, or even braces. This may not be necessary, but you should discuss with your dentist whether your teeth are shifting at your regular check up. If they are, it may mean only that you need to go to the dentist more regularly for more frequent cleanings.<br />
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<h3>
Grinding and Clenching</h3>
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This is not a habit that begins late in life, but it’s one whose effects might be most pronounced as you age. If you tend to grind your teeth or to clench them in your sleep, you may grind through the enamel to the dentin, which can cause pain and decay. Also, if you have crowns or bridges in your mouth, they may be damaged by such habits.<br />
<strong>The Fix</strong>: Your dentist can give you a night guard, a small mouth piece that will protect your teeth while you sleep—and protect your investment in the dentistry that’s already there, Jones says.<br />
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By: Andrea Atkins, The Huffington Post<br />
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/6-of-the-most-common-dental-problems-fixed_us_58346501e4b099512f84b510">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/6-of-the-most-common-dental-problems-fixed_us_58346501e4b099512f84b510</a><br />
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If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Omni Dental Group at one of our three office locations listed below:<br />
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North Austin on Hymeadow Drive: (512) 250-5012<br />
Central Austin on Jollyville Road: (512) 346-8424<br />
South Austin on William Cannon: (512) 445-5811 </div>
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Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-50319268640167777322016-11-23T09:00:00.002-06:002016-11-23T09:05:20.654-06:00Does Dental Sealant Protection Outweigh Potential Risks? <br />
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Brushing your teeth is important, but dental sealants may be the best way to prevent kids from getting cavities.<br />
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A <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/" target="_blank">recent report</a> from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has touted the benefits of the relatively simple and inexpensive procedure in children.<br />
Dental sealants are a thin coating that is painted on teeth to protect them from cavities.<br />
This painless procedure can be $30 to $60 per tooth, although some insurance or discount plans can reduce that cost.<br />
“Considering that less than half of children have them, I’d say [the trend of dental sealants] it still is gaining traction,” Ashley Grill, a New York-based dental hygienist, told Healthline. “Dental sealants are safe and effective, and they’ve been safe and effective for over 40 years.”<br />
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<h2>
What the research shows</h2>
The CDC report states that dental sealants prevent 80 percent of cavities for two years after application.<br />
They also continue to protect against 50 percent of cavities for up to four years.<br />
The sealants can be retained in the mouth for up to nine years, according to the CDC.<br />
About 43 percent of 6- to 11-year-old children have a dental sealant. Children from low income households were 20 percent less likely to have sealants than children from higher income households.<br />
School-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants.<br />
Applying sealants in school-based programs to the nearly 7 million children from low income households who don’t have them could save up to $300 million in dental treatment costs, the CDC reported.</div>
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Dr. Valerie Barba, a dentist in New Jersey, told Healthline that sealants are the “most conservative” noninvasive treatment in dentistry. <br />
The sealants need to be monitored and maintained during regular care visits to ensure they do not wear away.<br />
They are technically sensitive to where they are placed, so practitioners who do not apply them correctly may not have the best success rates.<br />
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<h2>
The skinny on sealants</h2>
Grill noted that children can report lost school time due to tooth decay, as it can interfere with sleep, eating, and other regular activities. <br />
In addition to preventing cavities, sealants can ensure the teeth stay intact.<br />
“Once a tooth is drilled and filled, restored, or extracted, the natural structure is compromised. There is a lifetime cost associated with maintaining the restored tooth or implant,” she noted.<br />
There are some disadvantages or potential problems with sealants, Grill said. They may need to be reapplied if they fall out, chip, or wear away. In replacement, excess material may need to be drilled down or removed with a scaler. <br />
“I understand the environmental exposure concern about synthetic estrogens such as bisphenol A (BPA),” Grill said.<br />
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I’ve never observed an adverse reaction to dental sealants, and none have been reported in the literature.</div>
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Ashley Grill, dental hygienist</div>
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Salivary BPA levels from exposure to BPA peak three hours after a procedure and return to baseline within 24 hours, she said. Grill added that blood serum levels of BPA have not been detected in clinical studies, but more research is needed.<br />
“I’ve never observed an adverse reaction to dental sealants, and none have been reported in the literature,” said Grill, who applies sealants. “People tolerate dental sealants well.”<br />
If parents are concerned about BPA more than the risks of tooth decay, they should note that treating tooth decay can involve a wealth of dental materials that have more chemicals than BPA. Alternative sealant materials exist, though Grill is not sure if they work better than those containing BPA.<br />
Another issue with sealants is that a person’s bite can feel abnormal after application due to the extra layer on the tooth, Dr. J. Kolby Robinson, a board certified pediatric dentist from Oregon, told Healthline. Some of that wears away over time.<br />
“The main problem with dental sealants is lack of awareness,” Grill added.<br />
Most children don’t benefit from prevention because of overregulation and restrictions at all levels on preventive dental care, Grill said.<br />
Some are insurance barriers, such as only covering certain teeth for sealants. There are also rules imposed by state boards that only allow hygienists working with dentists to place sealants, or requiring a dental examination with a dentist before prevention is allowed.<br />
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Long-term benefits</h2>
If the application technique is perfect, dental sealants can last a lifetime. More often than not, though, they do need to be replaced, Grill said. <br />
“As soon as your child is getting new teeth in with grooves called ‘pits and fissures’ like molars and premolars, get them sealed once they are erupted,” she said. This happens at 6, 12, and 18 years of age.<br />
Baby or primary teeth can be sealed, but the child should be old enough to tolerate the painless procedure, which involves being able to hold their mouth open and not move for a few minutes. Usually, treating younger teeth is performed only on those with an increased risk of tooth decay. <br />
“I recommend getting individual advice on when to seal from your dental team. You can seal any vulnerable surfaces, but retention is best in the pits and fissures,” she said.<br />
Adults can also benefit from sealants. <br />
“All people, no matter age can benefit [from sealants], even adults,” Barba said.<br />
With age, our exposure to decay increases, and the protective quality and biochemistry of saliva changes with certain medications over time. That said, adults are also candidates for this treatment. <br />
But if you already have a restoration or implant, then that tooth will not benefit from a sealant, Grill noted.<br />
“Sealants have proven to be safe and effective,” Robinson said. “The benefits outweigh the risks.”<br />
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By:Kristine Fischer, HealthLine<br />
<a href="http://www.healthline.com/health-news/does-dental-sealant-protection-outweigh-risks#1">http://www.healthline.com/health-news/does-dental-sealant-protection-outweigh-risks#1</a><br />
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If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Omni Dental Group at one of our three office locations listed below:<br />
<br />
North Austin on Hymeadow Drive: (512) 250-5012<br />
Central Austin on Jollyville Road: (512) 346-8424<br />
South Austin on William Cannon: (512) 445-5811 </div>
Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-39199593945335069712016-11-21T08:33:00.003-06:002016-11-21T08:33:40.592-06:00Floss: Have dentists been stringing us along?To floss or not to floss, that is suddenly the question.<br />
For decades, the federal government and dentists have recommended flossing daily to prevent cavities and gum disease.<br />
Now the evidence for flossing appears to be hanging by a string.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.ocregister.com/articles/floss-724349-flossing-gum.html"><span style="color: #0191c8;">Associated Press</span></a> announced this week that its investigation of 25 studies on flossing found the data supporting its benefits to be “weak, very unreliable,” while also noting that the federal government’s new dietary guidelines have quietly removed any mention of flossing.<br />
If you’re smiling about the news — a recent study found that nearly one-third of American adults never floss — hold on.<br />
Should you still floss? Yes, say experts from the University of California’s two dental schools.<br />
“The dental profession is behind flossing 100 percent,” said Dr. Paulo Camargo, associate dean of clinical dental sciences and the Tarrson Family Endowed Chair of Periodontics at the UCLA School of Dentistry. “It’s a preventive measure that’s common sense. The cost of telling people not to floss would be a lot higher in terms of exposure to bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease.”<br />
Dr. Mark Ryder, chair of the Division of Periodontology at the UCSF School of Dentistry, agrees.<br />
“You need a way to remove those soft deposits that accumulate between the teeth,” Ryder said. “If you throw away your floss and don’t do anything else to clean between your teeth, you’re leaving problems behind.”<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>The case for flossing</strong><br />
Why floss? Blame plaque, an almost invisible film of bacteria that collects all around your teeth and is associated with cavities and gum disease.<br />
A toothbrush doesn’t remove bacteria from the spaces between teeth, Camargo said.<br />
“That in itself is a recommendation for flossing,” he said, noting that flossing is a low-cost way to decrease risk for developing oral diseases.<br />
If the evidence for flossing seems shaky, that’s likely because the studies have followed people for a short period of time — some for only two weeks — rather than years, Camargo said.<br />
“It’s not enough time for periodontal problems to develop,” Camargo said. “In order to evaluate the effect of flossing on the onset and progression of periodontal disease, a prospective study would require that a group of people did not floss for a few years. Ethically, you can’t do that type of study.”<br />
The two leading professional groups — the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Periodontology, for specialists in gum disease and implants — both issued statements this week reiterating the importance of flossing daily, along with brushing twice a day and regular dental visits.<br />
Maintaining good oral health isn’t just about protecting your pearly whites. Oral health is strongly linked to overall health: Bacteria in dental plaque and inflammation from periodontal diseases can spread to other parts of the body, Ryder said. There is some evidence that maintaining oral health may lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, pneumonia and possibly dementia and Alzheimer’s, he said.<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Flossing alternatives</strong><br />
If you don’t like flossing — or find it too difficult — there are alternatives, Ryder said. Interproximal brushes — mini brushes affixed to a handle — have been shown in several studies to be even more effective than flossing and easier to use, he said.<br />
Other options, such as plastic or rubber tips, wooden wedges, and even toothpicks, also may be effective, Ryder said.<br />
“Flossing consistently and correctly is a challenge for many patients,” Ryder said. “Each dentist needs to see what can their patient do — do they have the dexterity and motivation to floss correctly? If not, they should recommend alternatives to help patients clean these harder-to-reach deposits between the teeth.”<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Floss like a pro</strong><br />
When you floss, wrap the string around each tooth and move the floss from the gum upwards, Ryder said. “Don’t saw back and forth like a lumberjack sawing a log — that’s probably just cutting into the gum.”<br />
Waxed or unwaxed?<br />
“It’s a personal preference,” Camargo said. “Any floss can do the job. How you do it is more important than what you use. The idea is to disrupt the bacteria on a daily basis so they don’t accumulate to the point where they cause disease.”<br />
As dentists like to say about teeth: “You only brush and floss the ones you want to keep.”<strong> </strong><br />
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By: Knowridge <br /><a href="https://knowridge.com/2016/11/floss-have-dentists-been-stringing-us-along/">https://knowridge.com/2016/11/floss-have-dentists-been-stringing-us-along/</a></div>
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North Austin on Hymeadow Drive: (512) 250-5012<br /> Central Austin on Jollyville Road: (512) 346-8424<br /> South Austin on William Cannon: (512) 445-5811 </div>
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Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-29294347102865018682016-11-18T09:26:00.003-06:002016-11-21T08:34:57.801-06:008 tips to overcoming anxiety about going to the dentistDentists are around to take care of your teeth. Although you might take your teeth for granted, they’re pretty important. You use them when you speak, smile and when you eat. It’s safe to say these are all pretty pleasant activities.<br />
But for some reason many people still dislike going to the dentist and even fear it. According to <span style="color: #0277b2;">Harvard Health Publications</span>, between 13% and 24% of people all over the world are afraid to go.<br />
Some people feel anxiety because of a bad experience they had in the past or because they start to anticipate discomfort and fear that everything could go wrong. However, modern medicine has advanced incredibly. Even the most dreaded procedures (we’re talking to you, root canals), have been tamed, so there’s really no rational reason to fear going.To keep your gums and teeth healthy, follow these 8 tips to overcome the anxiety of going to the dentist.<br />
To keep your gums and teeth healthy, follow these 8 tips to overcome the anxiety of going to the dentist.<br />
<b>1. Be honest with your dentist</b><br />
The first step to building trust, reducing your anxiety and improving the overall experience is to simply be honest. Tell your dentist and the staff how you feel and your concerns. They aren’t scary monsters — they’re humans, and probably have fears of their own. They’ll do the best they can to make you feel more comfortable.<br />
<b>2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions</b><br />
Often, fear stems from the unknown. You may start to try and fill in the foggy future by creating narratives about what <i>might</i> happen. Usually, your mind spirals into worst-case scenarios, even if they are actually very unlikely to happen in real life.<br />
Instead of letting your mind wander into the dark cavities of the dental world, ask your dental assistant and dentist to walk you through what they’ll do during the procedure before you even go in. Once you’re there, ask them to explain what they’re doing as they work, too.<br />
You might even be surprised just how much you’ll learn and how happy your dentist is to tell you what all their equipment is for. Pretty soon the procedure will seem routine, maybe even a bit repetitive, and less like your worst nightmare.<br />
<b>3. Go slow</b><br />
Sometimes people get caught up in the people pleasing side of dentistry. Your mouth is open for most of the time, it’s difficult to speak and someone else is standing over you instructing you how to adjust your face.<br />
It certainly can feel awkward, and you might try to just get in and get out without making waves. However, it’s actually okay to interrupt your dentist or dental assistant. Don’t forget that you’re the patient, and they want to make sure everything goes smoothly, too.<br />
If you need to slow things down, ask a question, spit, take a break, or anything else, speak up. Sometimes people don’t feel in control when they’re in the dental chair, but it doesn’t have to be that way.<br />
<b>4. Try deep breathing exercises</b><br />
Being able to calm yourself and get back to an emotional middle-ground is essential for any type of stress. Practice slow, deep breathing exercises before you go to the dentist and when you get there to try and maintain your equilibrium. This will also help you stay grounded in the present.<br />
You can also practice breathing exercises when you’re with your dentist. Focusing on your breath will also draw your attention to something other than what’s going on in your mouth.<br />
<b>5. Bring something soothing</b><br />
Sometimes focusing on your breath can be a little difficult, so you might want to take along something else that you find soothing. Bring your own music to listen to while you’re waiting or take along something to fidget with like silly putty or a hair band. You can play with it while you’re getting your teeth cleaned to distract your mind.<br />
<b>6. Bring backup</b><br />
Having a friend or family member with you – someone you can trust – is also beneficial. Just knowing someone is there to support you can bring some relief.<br />
<b>7. Ask your dentist for sedatives</b><br />
If you really feel unable to handle your anxiety, ask your dentist to use sedatives. They may be able to use nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or local anesthetics. Actually, there are quite a few options to choose from.<br />
Although not ideal, using these sedatives to cope with your fear is better than not ever going to the dentist at all.<br />
<b>8. Go to counseling</b><br />
For some people, none of these tips are enough to get over their fear. If you’ve become so petrified of going to the dentist it prevents you from getting the treatment you need to stay healthy, you may have a phobia.<br />
There’s a difference between being afraid of something and phobias, which interfere with your daily life and go far beyond anxiety. If you really can’t go to the dentist because of a phobia, it may be a good idea to seek counseling to try and master it.<br />
Dentists don’t want to inspire fear; they want to help. If you let them, they can work with you to make sure those pearly whites are healthy for years to come. So, what are you waiting for?<br />
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By: Benjamin Grenne, NewsOk<br />
<a href="http://newsok.com/article/5527372">http://newsok.com/article/5527372</a><br />
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North Austin on Hymeadow Drive: (512) 250-5012<br />
Central Austin on Jollyville Road: (512) 346-8424<br />
South Austin on William Cannon: (512) 445-5811 Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-82668920079695448232016-11-16T09:12:00.002-06:002016-11-16T09:12:14.386-06:00Take Care Of Children's TeethWe are not taking care of our children's teeth, and it is hurting them in school and later in life.<br />
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According to the <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/children_adults/child.htm">Centers for Disease Control</a>, tooth decay is among the most common chronic conditions of childhood. One in 5 children, aged five to 11, and 1 in 7 children, aged 12 to 19, have at least one untreated cavity. </div>
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These numbers are higher for children from minority and low-income families. African-American and Hispanic children are more likely than white children to have cavities in their primary (baby) teeth and are twice as likely as white children to have <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db191.htm">untreated cavities</a>. The disparity in untreated cavities continues into the teen years.</div>
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A report by the <a href="http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/about/news-room/press-releases/2012/08/15/dental-problems-affect-school-performance">Pew Charitable Trusts</a> states that untreated tooth decay "can cause pain and infection that may lead to difficulty eating, speaking, socializing and sleeping, as well as poor overall health." Tooth decay can also contribute to low self-esteem and dental health problems. </div>
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Dental problems can also adversely affect both school attendance and performance. A report issued by the U.S. Surgeon General in 2000, estimated that more than 51 million school hours were lost annually due to dental-related illnesses. More recent studies confirm these earlier findings.<b> </b>A 2011 study of school children in North Carolina published in the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21330579">American Journal of Public Health</a> found that "children with poor oral health status were nearly 3 times more likely ... than were their counterparts to miss school as a result of dental pain."</div>
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School absences due to dental pain affect learning. A 2012 study by the <a href="http://dentistry.usc.edu/2012/08/10/poor-oral-health-can-mean-missed-school-lower-grades/">Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California</a> found that "children who reported having recent tooth pain were four times more likely to have a low grade point average – below the median GPA of 2.8 – when compared to children without oral pain." This affects academic achievement, employment opportunities and earning potential.</div>
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Poor dental health is also driving up costs to American taxpayers. <a href="http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2016-archive/february/dental-spending-remains-stagnant">The American Dental Association</a> reports that overall spending on dental care increased from $50 billion in 1990 to $113 billion in 2014. And during this same period the share of total U.S. dental care funded by public sources soared from 2 percent to 11 percent. One major contributor to this increase has been more children getting dental care from Medicaid and through the Children's Health Insurance Program.</div>
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Childhood tooth decay and gum disease can lead to serious health problems in adults. According to the <a href="https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Public%20Programs/Files/bringing-disease-prevention-to-communities_adh.ashx">American Dental Association</a>, there are "more than 125 health conditions that may affect or be affected by oral health, including cardiovascular disease, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, HIV/AIDS, osteoporosis, obesity, and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis." And the <a href="http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/ADA_PatientSmart_BBTD.ashx">association</a> reports that people who have tooth decay as children are more likely to have tooth decay as adults.</div>
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The main culprits that lead to tooth decay are sugar and starches, which are complex sugars. But they are not the direct cause. Decay is caused by the bacteria in everyone's mouth that feast on the sugars, producing acids which erode the enamel of teeth. </div>
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What can we do about it? </div>
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The best advice is what your parents probably told you: Limit the sweets, and brush your teeth. The more sugar a child eats, the more acid is created to eat away at teeth. But it is a tough challenge. Sugars and starches are in a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, milk and milk products, bread, candy, cookies and soda. Processed foods contain added sugars, too. </div>
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The most obvious way to prevent tooth decay is to have children brush their teeth at least twice a day. And it is important to use toothpaste that contains fluoride to help strengthen tooth enamel.<br />
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By: Jonathan Fielding, U.S News<br />
<a href="http://www.usnews.com/opinion/policy-dose/articles/2016-11-09/low-income-children-deserve-better-access-to-dental-care">http://www.usnews.com/opinion/policy-dose/articles/2016-11-09/low-income-children-deserve-better-access-to-dental-care</a><br />
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If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Omni Dental Group at one of our three office locations listed below:<br /><br /> North Austin on Hymeadow Drive: (512) 250-5012<br /> Central Austin on Jollyville Road: (512) 346-8424<br /> South Austin on William Cannon: (512) 445-5811 </div>
Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-11758777007939249872016-11-14T09:35:00.000-06:002016-11-14T09:35:08.730-06:00Dental Detectives: What Fossil Teeth Reveal About Ancestral Human Diets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When scientists want to know what our ancient ancestors ate, they can look at a few things: fossilized animal bones with marks from tools used to butcher and cut them; fossilized poop; and teeth. The first two can tell us a lot, but they're hard to come by in the fossil record. Thankfully, there are a lot of teeth to fill in the gaps.<br />
"They preserve really well," explains <a href="https://anthropology.osu.edu/people/guatelli-steinbe.1">Debbie Guatelli-Steinberg</a>, a dental anthropologist at Ohio State University. "It's kind of convenient because teeth hold so much information."<br />
The structure of a tooth and even the amount of enamel, for example, hint at what the teeth are adapted to eat.<br />
Look at molars: Thick enamel on a molar is good for crushing foods. It suggests an animal used its teeth to grind seeds or crush the marrow out of bones. Thin enamel on a molar, while delicate, causes sharp edges — perfect for slicing and tearing foods like leaves and fruits.<br />
However, these are just clues to some of the things the animal could have been eating, not what it ate every day, says <a href="http://ungarlab.uark.edu/">Peter Ungar</a>, an anthropologist at the University of Arkansas.<br />
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</aside>"If you eat Jell-O almost every day of the year, but sometimes you need to eat rocks ... you want teeth that can eat rocks," he explains. So, teeth are usually adapted for the toughest component of an animal's diet, not what it eats on a daily basis.<br />
To see what an animal was actually eating, Ungar studies something called dental microwear, the marks left behind by food on teeth. As we chew on say, a celery stick, hard particles — either bits of silica from the plants' cells or sand and grit from the surrounding environment — are dragged across and pressed into our teeth. When we chomp down on something hard, like a nut, the crushing force leaves microscopic pits behind. When we tear through tough grasses — which may not sound appetizing now, but it's likely some of our ancestors did eat them — by moving our teeth side-to-side, the teeth get tiny, microscopic scratches.<br />
"I call it a foodprint," Ungar says.<br />
These foodprints can paint a pretty good picture of what an animal ate in the weeks leading up to its death — a sort of last meal. A study of such microwear revealed that <em>Australopithecus afarensis, </em>our <a href="http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/human-fossils/species/australopithecus-afarensis">4 million-year-old</a> ancestor best known by the famous fossil of<em> </em><a href="https://iho.asu.edu/about/lucys-story">Lucy</a>, probably ate tough grasses and leaves. And it looks like early members of our genus, <em>Homo — like Homo habilis</em>, which lived <a href="http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/human-fossils/species/homo-habilis"> 2.4 million years ago</a> or <em>Homo erectus</em>, which even overlapped with humans about 100,000 years ago — were omnivores like us<em>. </em>They <a href="https://www.colby.edu/academics_cs/courses/GE127/upload/UngarEtAl2005_Teeth_Diets.pdf">ate a variety of foods</a> like meat, plants, fruits, "Anything they wanted!" says Ungar.<br />
So we can tell what an animal was adapted to eat and what it ate shortly before it died. But to know what it ate for longer periods, scientists have to look deeper — to just below the surface of a tooth — for certain molecular signatures left behind from daily meals.<br />
As our teeth grow in early childhood and adolescence, they incorporate certain molecules from the food we eat. The same was true for our ancestors. Paleoanthropologists studying ancient diets are especially interested in carbon molecules in our ancestors' teeth, because they come from plants and stick around for a long time.<br />
Some groups of plants use mostly one form, or isotope, of carbon. Plants with C3 isotopes are usually found in fruits and leaves — things that grow in forests. Plants with C4 isotopes, like grasses and sedges, grow in savannas.<br />
Data from isotopes confirmed that Lucy's species <a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2013/05/31/187559098/grass-it-s-what-s-for-dinner-3-5-million-years-ago">switched from forest foods to savanna foods about 3.5 million years ago</a>. That transition from forests to grasslands may have played a key role in human evolution, explains <a href="http://www.colorado.edu/anthropology/gradstudy/matt-sponheimer">Matt Sponheimer</a>, a paleoanthropologist at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Some researchers even think that adding more grass to our diets gave our ancestors <a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2012/11/12/164970806/adventurous-eating-helped-human-ancestors-boost-odds-of-survival">more foods to eat and places to live</a> as the early climate changed causing Africa's forests to shrink.<br />
Our understanding of what our ancestors ate has become more complex and richer with time, as scientists have applied newer, more advanced techniques to study teeth. When <a href="http://www.biography.com/people/mary-leakey-9376051">Mary Leakey</a> dug the 2 million-year-old human ancestor <a href="http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/human-fossils/fossils/oh-5">Paranthropus boisei</a> out of Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania in 1959 year, she noticed the fossil's wide, thick molars. The skull had huge cheekbones to accommodate strong chewing muscles and powerful jaws, suggesting the species was well-suited for crushing nuts. So, <em>Paranthropus boisei </em>was nicknamed Nutcracker Man.<br />
But when Peter Ungar and others examined Nutcracker Man's teeth, they <a href="http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0002044">barely found any foodprints</a>, so they decided he likely ate soft foods like fruits.<br />
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An analysis of <a href="http://www.pnas.org/content/108/23/9337.full"> Nutcracker Man's tooth isotopes</a> revealed C4 carbon, which comes from savannas, not fruit-filled forests.<br />
Today, researchers think that <em>Paranthropus boisei </em>ate a varied diet with lots of different foods, but he mostly ate tough grasses and sedges.<br />
<strong><br /></strong>Teeth from more recent fossils reveal more because they have more isotopes preserved in them. For example, the nitrogen in the teeth of Neanderthals can reveal whether the protein they ate came from plants or animals. It's one of many reasons researchers think <a href="http://www.pnas.org/content/106/38/16034.full">Neanderthals hunted large mammals</a>, though scientists have also <a href="https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/fossilized-food-stuck-in-neandertal-teeth-indicates-plant-rich-diet/">found fossilized plants</a> stuck in Neanderthal teeth.<br />
Researchers were even able to use isotopes to find out when <a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2013/05/24/185813855/Scientific-Tooth-Fairies-Investigate-Neanderthal-Breastfeeding">one Neanderthal started weaning her baby</a>. As teeth grow, they lay down layers of enamel. And barium, a molecule children get from breast feeding mothers, builds up in baby teeth until the mother stops nursing. By comparing barium in a Neanderthal tooth with levels in donated present day baby teeth, the scientists were able to find out that the Neanderthal baby had been weaned at about seven months.<br />
We can even use teeth to tell if someone moved between places with dramatically different foods or soils. Since wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to come in, comparing them to an early emerging canine tooth can give scientists a dietary snapshot across time. Say someone was born in Africa and moved to a new continent as a preteen, while wisdom teeth were still growing. A comparison of the isotopes in the teeth would <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227872393_Bronze_Age_childhood_migration_of_individuals_near_Stonehenge_revealed_by_strontium_and_oxygen_isotope_tooth_enamel_analysis">reveal the story of that migration</a>.<br />
There's still a lot to learn from teeth, and a lot of fossil teeth still being discovered, says Sponheimer. And as the tools to study them get more sophisticated, teeth are providing a richer picture of "who we are and how we came to be," he says.<br />
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By: Erin Ross, NPR<br />
<a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/10/25/497094756/dental-detectives-what-fossil-teeth-reveal-about-ancestral-human-diets">http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/10/25/497094756/dental-detectives-what-fossil-teeth-reveal-about-ancestral-human-diets</a><br />
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If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Omni Dental Group at one of our three office locations listed below:<br /><br /> North Austin on Hymeadow Drive: (512) 250-5012<br /> Central Austin on Jollyville Road: (512) 346-8424<br /> South Austin on William Cannon: (512) 445-5811 Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-32387842052512152742016-11-11T08:27:00.000-06:002016-11-11T09:35:30.230-06:0010 Holiday Foods and Drinks Dentists Won't Touch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The holiday season, which unofficially starts with Halloween and ends on New Year’s Day, is the time when everyone likes to cut loose, put inhibitions aside, and eat and drink, well, whatever looks good. The reckless consumption of cakes, candies, pies, beverages (alcoholic and otherwise), meats, and sides carries with it a number of potential health risks — and some of these are dental, because many of these sweet and savory delights can do some serious damage to our teeth. The mixture of sticky candies, sugary sweets, and acidic alcohols and sodas is something out of a dentist’s nightmare. By knowing which foods to eat in moderation, which to chew carefully, and which to simply stay away from, you can avoid that emergency crown replacement and protect yourself from cavities.</div>
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The Daily Meal asked nine dentists and dental professionals to give us their lists of holiday foods and beverages they won’t touch. Our experts include: Fountain of Youth Dental in San Antonio led by Chris Cappetta, D.D.S.; Bill Crutchfield, D.D.S. from OBC in Chantilly, Virginia Ira Handschuh, D.D.S. from The Dental Design Center in White Plains, New York; Brandi Dupont, D.M.D., chief dental officer at Community Health Alliance in Reno, Nevada; Victoria Veytsman, D.D.S. in New York City; Hugh Flax D.D.S. in Atlanta; Samantha Sacchetti, D.M.D. in Chicago; Kami Hoss, D.D.S. in Chula Vista, California; Melissa Thompson, D.D.S. in Woburn, Massachusetts; and Harold Katz, D.D.S, founder of The California Breath Clinics and developer of the TheraBreath line of premium oral care products.</div>
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There was a general consensus among all of these dental professionals that sugar, acids, alcohol, and sticky foods can do the most damage to your teeth and gums. Acidic foods like citrus, sour candies, or tea can wear away tooth enamel and lead to greater tooth sensitivity and a higher risk of fracture; beverages like eggnog contain the “triple threat” of sugar, alcohol, <i>and</i> dairy. Also worth noting is that some foods affect certain age groups differently. Adults need to worry about fracturing a crown or a bridge, but they are less likely to suffer from tooth decay than someone under the age of 18.</div>
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Here are the holiday foods and drinks dentists won’t touch. </h4>
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<h3>
Bourbon and Other Spirits</h3>
Bourbon might be a tasty addition to eggnog, but it can wreak havoc on your mouth. Dr. Harold Katz says alcohol such as bourbon “makes the mouth very dry, which then creates an environment prime for gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.”<br />
<h3>
Candy Canes</h3>
These iconic holiday treats are better left as a Christmas tree decoration. Candy canes and other hard candies are notoriously bad for teeth because they are packed with sugar and can also cause chipped or broken teeth, Dr. Bill Crutchfield warns.<br />
<h3>
Citrus Fruits</h3>
Citrus fruits are associated with numerous health benefits, but, sadly, many of those don’t apply to dental health. “Acidic foods such as limes, oranges and other citruses can erode enamel over time, causing sensitive and weak teeth,” Dr. Kami Hoss notes.<br />
<h3>
Coffee</h3>
“High caffeine drinks cause reduced salivary flow. Saliva assists in removing food particles and unwanted sugars from the mouth. If salivary flow decreases, then sugar and food remain on the teeth and gums leading to an increased risk of problems,” notes Dr. Ira Handschuh says.<br />
<h3>
Corn on the Cob</h3>
Corn is nutritious, but eating it off the cob can be tricky. “This is a difficult food to eat because biting into it can cause you to crack a filling or loosen sealant you may have in your mouth. Not to mention it's terrible to get out of braces or retainers, and can damage orthodontic wires. A better way to eat corn is off the cob, since you'll have a better chance of avoiding gum disease,” Fountain of Youth Dental points out.<br />
<h3>
Dots and Jujubes</h3>
“These are great for decorating gingerbread houses, awful for your teeth,” Dr. Samantha Sacchetti explains. “Similar to the hard, sticky candy that you have option to suck on, you have really no option but to chew them. The excessive chewing it takes for these things (longer if they're from a stale gingerbread house) also can lead to some temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. For a candy that doesn't even taste that good, it's just not worth it to me.”<br />
<h3>
Dried fruit</h3>
Dried fruit is a plentiful source of fiber and nutrients, but these common holiday munchies might increase your risk of getting a cavity. “Although dried fruit may be a better option to snack on than a cookie, dried fruit is still full of sugar that will get in your teeth and cause decay,” notes Fountain of Youth Dental.<br />
<h3>
EggNog</h3>
Eggnog is one of the worst holiday beverages for your dental health because it contains sugar, alcohol (sometimes), and dairy. “Dairy proteins are easily converted to odorous sulfur compounds by oral bacteria. Sugar feeds the bacteria and alcohol creates a dry mouth, which is an ideal environment for the bugs to multiply. Eggnog is terrible,” Katz says.<br />
<h3>
Fruitcake</h3>
If you’re looking for an excuse to avoid eating fruitcake this Christmas, here it is. The sticky and sweet nature of fruitcakes “can cause tooth decay and if you have weak teeth or crowns these foods can actually cause them to dislodge,” Dr. Hugh Flax warns.<br />
<h3>
Hot Chocolate</h3>
There’s nothing more appropriate for a cold winter morning than a steaming cup of hot cocoa with a plump marshmallow floating right in the middle. Unfortunately, “hot cocoa’s high sugar content can lead to tooth decay, and the high dairy content may lead to bad breath,” Katz notes.<br />
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By: Michael Serrur, The Daily Meal <br />
<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/11/10/10-holiday-foods-and-drinks-dentists-wont-touch.html">http://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/11/10/10-holiday-foods-and-drinks-dentists-wont-touch.html</a><br />
<br />
If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Omni Dental Group at one of our three office locations listed below:<br />
<br />
North Austin on Hymeadow Drive: (512) 250-5012<br />
Central Austin on Jollyville Road: (512) 346-8424<br />
South Austin on William Cannon: (512) 445-5811 Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879502815609215519.post-91595135909940215422016-11-07T09:02:00.001-06:002016-11-07T09:05:52.360-06:00Dental Sealants Prevent Cavities and More Kids Need Them, CDC SaysThere's a quick and easy way to prevent 80 percent of cavities, but most kids don't get it, federal health officials said Tuesday. The treatment, dental sealants, works well, but only 60 percent of kids who need sealants get them, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. <br />
<figure class="img_half"><noscript>&amp;amp;amp;lt;img class="img-responsive img_inline" src="http://media3.s-nbcnews.com/j/newscms/2016_42/1755656/161018-child-dentist-cr-1149_02_5597718cb7e4f8fe4fe95f522f48275e.nbcnews-fp-360-360.jpg" alt="Image: Dentist inspecting boys mouth before treatment" title="Image: Dentist inspecting boys mouth before treatment" itemprop="image"/&amp;amp;amp;gt;</noscript> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7uvnBVhZwXajIF_fWeuZPdroBAyIf_hf4qotu6c3dhm2ybLri8jKcOX6dmiH87xpOFRLrcZ296bVILGPD9St2U9oPTXaZdrChI6Ee0wc1TwHkePG2kiUPTSro0oUcqhdhB27vjiklWJU/s1600/161018-child-dentist-cr-1149_02_5597718cb7e4f8fe4fe95f522f48275e_nbcnews-ux-2880-1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7uvnBVhZwXajIF_fWeuZPdroBAyIf_hf4qotu6c3dhm2ybLri8jKcOX6dmiH87xpOFRLrcZ296bVILGPD9St2U9oPTXaZdrChI6Ee0wc1TwHkePG2kiUPTSro0oUcqhdhB27vjiklWJU/s320/161018-child-dentist-cr-1149_02_5597718cb7e4f8fe4fe95f522f48275e_nbcnews-ux-2880-1000.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<figcaption class="img-caption img-caption_default no-margin-bottom"><span class="img-caption_txt">Dentist inspecting boys mouth before treatment.</span> Universal Images Group / UIG via Getty Images</figcaption><br /></div>
</figure> One good solution: doing it at school. But states often lack the funding to pay for such programs, and often bureaucratic requirements about having dentists on site can hold them up, also, the CDC said. <br />
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"Many children with untreated cavities will have difficulty eating, speaking, and learning," said CDC director Dr. Tom Frieden. <br />
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"Dental sealants can be an effective and inexpensive way to prevent cavities, yet only one in three low-income children currently receive them. School-based sealant programs are an effective way to get sealants to children." <br />
The CDC says that 20 percent of kids and teenagers have untreated dental decay by the time they are 19. Kids with constant toothaches cannot eat properly and have trouble paying attention at school. <br />
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Related: Do Kids Need Dental Sealants? </h4>
Even though they are endorsed by the CDC and the American Dental Association, only 43 percent of 6- to 11-year-old children have a dental sealant, federal surveys show. <br />
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"Low-income children were 20 percent less likely to have sealants than higher-income children," the CDC's Susan Griffin and colleagues wrote in a report released Tuesday. <br />
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"School-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants," the CDC added. <br />
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"Applying sealants in school-based programs to the nearly 7 million low-income children who don't have them could save up to $300 million in dental treatment costs." <br />
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That's because a filling costs more. In addition, once a tooth has been drilled to put in a filling, it's never as stable again. <br />
But many states struggle to pay for such programs, the CDC team found. <br />
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"Federal funding of state oral health programs is largely competitive and varies widely by state," they wrote. "Many state and local school-based sealant programs cover part of their expenses by Medicaid billing." <br />
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And Medicaid, the joint state-federal health insurance plan for children and low-income people, is already badly stretched in most states. <br />
One big expense is paying a dentist to oversee the program, the CDC found. One solution: Allow lower-paid professionals to administer sealant programs. At least one state has already done so. <br />
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"For example, in South Carolina, school-based sealant programs managed and staffed by dental hygienists deliver sealants in approximately 40 percent of high-need schools," Griffin and colleagues wrote. <br />
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"CDC currently provides funding to 21 state public health departments to coordinate and implement school-based and school-linked sealant programs that target low-income children and those who live in rural settings," the agency added. <br />
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It said the federal government plans to do more. It will classify pediatric dental services as an essential health benefit to be covered by dental insurance as part of the Affordable Care Act, for instance, and match state Medicaid and CHIP costs for sealants. <br />
The sealants are plastic-based coatings that get into the cracks and crannies of molar teeth, stopping food and bacteria from starting the chemical reaction that leads to cavities. <br />
Studies show they are safe and stop tooth decay, even when they are layered over an existing pre-cavity. <br />
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"Studies on sealant effectiveness indicate that sealants delivered in clinical or school settings prevent about 81 percent of decay at two years after placement, 50 percent at four years, and can continue to be effective for up to nine years through adolescence," the CDC said. <br />
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<aside class="pullquote">"Sealants delivered in clinical or school settings prevent about 81 percent of decay at two years after placement." </aside> The American Dental Association (ADA) agrees, and says many people don't know that dental insurance often pays for them. <br />
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"Dental sealants are one-third the cost of a filling, so their use can save patients, families, and states money," the Pew Charitable Trusts, an independent, public service-oriented nonprofit, says in a statement. "Sealant programs based in schools are an optimal way to reach children — especially low-income children who have trouble accessing dental care." <br />
One worry that parents may have is about BPA, a chemical found in the sealants that is increasingly linked with health risks. The ADA says the benefits of sealants far outweigh any perceived risk. <br />
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"The potential amount of BPA patients could be exposed to when receiving sealants is minuscule, and it's less than the amount a person receives from breathing air or handling a receipt," the ADA says. <br />
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By: Maggie Fox, NBC News<br />
<a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/health/kids-health/dental-sealants-prevent-cavities-more-kids-need-them-cdc-says-n668266">http://www.nbcnews.com/health/kids-health/dental-sealants-prevent-cavities-more-kids-need-them-cdc-says-n668266</a><br />
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If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Omni Dental Group at one of our three office locations listed below:<br />
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North Austin on Hymeadow Drive: (512) 250-5012<br />
Central Austin on Jollyville Road: (512) 346-8424<br />
South Austin on William Cannon: (512) 445-5811 Omni Dental Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01912512712317213557noreply@blogger.com4