Wisdom Teeth (Third Molars)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Periodontal Disease

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. It is an infection in your mouth. 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.

Progress of the Disease

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.

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.

Solution

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.

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.

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. 

Replacing Unesthetic Restorations

There are 2 types of life spans:
Everything has a life expectancy, even dental filling materials. Dental materials appear to have two different types of life spans - a functional life span and an esthetic life span. The better the original dental restorative material and the skills of the operator, the longer the restoration will last. Lab-processed materials will generally last longer than direct placement materials.

What is the functional life span?
The functional life span is defined as the length of time a material will last before it fails to function properly. This failure will either (a) weaken the tooth or (b) permit decay or gum disease to begin. For example, when a piece of the filling breaks off (or often in the case of an amalgam [silver metal] filling, it causes a piece of the tooth to break off), the tooth requires a new restoration.

How is the esthetic life span different from the functional life span?
An esthetic life span is somewhat different. In the case of bonded and tooth-colored restorations, it means that the material, while possibly still able to function, has begun to degrade. A filling may have matched the tooth beautifully when placed, but over time, the change in color of the filling material, as well as actually tooth color changes, cause an obvious mismatch between tooth and filling material. Since the restorative material does not have the same properties as tooth enamel, it will wear a little differently. The shape will change over time, too. Luckily, it is a very slow process.

With lab-processed restorations, crowns and bridges, the crown may still be working well, but age and changes in your mouth make it and the surrounding soft tissues look less acceptable that it was when first placed. Again, this happens slowly, over many years.

What other esthetic problems can be fixed? 
Other esthetic problems that can be corrected include notches in fillings or under crowns caused by improper brushing (or decay), recession of the gum tissue that exposes  darker root surfaces around crowns or fillings, porcelain crowns (caps) that no longer match the adjacent teeth, and metal margins of crowns that are visible due to gum recession (and this is quite common).

Why should you consider getting new dental restorations?
When you can see these types of changes, you can be sure that others who look at you when you are speaking or smiling will see them too. If you place a high value on your personal appearance, this is the time to consider having the restorations replaced with newer materials. Newer dental restorative materials look better, last longer, are more color-stable, and more wear-resistant than older-generation bonded materials. You can expect them to look good for many years.

What fillings look the best?
In our opinion, silver metal fillings never look "good." Even at this best, polished and shined, they do not represent a picture of health. As the metal ages, it corrodes, pits, and darkens. Its constant expansion and contraction due to hot and cold foods we eat weakens the tooth. The darkening of a filling can cause a darkening of the tooth itself. After time, the tooth will become permanently dark gray. The wider your smile is (and the more teeth you show when talking and smiling), the more of a problem this can be. The most esthetic filling are tooth-colored.

What happens if I choose to keep my old fillings?
Broken, stained, worn, and visible fillings detract from your appearance. When you look at a tooth (from about 2 feet away) that has been restored, you should not see the filling. While these types of problems are, of course, non life-threatening, consider attending to them before they get worse - and difficult and expensive to correct.

In our office, we place a high value on the appearance of your teeth and how you feel about your smile. We want you to look your best. We use the best materials and techniques available in dentistry today to ensure a healthy smile. We will be happy to evaluate your particular condition and discuss options with you.

If you have any questions about replacing unesthetic restorations, please feel free to call our office to discuss restoration options at 512-250-5012.

Should You Get A Tongue-Scraper?

A tongue scraper is an oral hygiene product that removes bacteria, food debris, fungi, toxins, and dead cells from the surface of the tongue.

When we sleep, our digestive system remains awake, removing toxins from our body by depositing them onto the surface of our tongue. If we do not scrape away these toxins, they get reabsorbed by the body and can lead to respiratory difficulties, digestive problems, and a compromised immune system.

Dental research has concluded that a tongue scraper is more effective at removing toxins and bacteria from the tongue than a toothbrush. Although brushing and flossing will loosen and move debris around, they do not actually remove the bacteria. Almost half of our oral bacteria live on and in the deep crevices of our tongue; the scraping action of a tongue scraper collects these toxic tongue coatings (which can range in color from clear, white, yellow, or green) and removes them from the body. However, still remain strict on continuing with the rest of your dental care routine, The bacteria that causes tartar to build up still remains your teeth and under your gums. Left untreated, this can lead to gum disease, receding gums, and loose teeth that can ultimately fall out.

What is a tongue scraper?
It is a long, thin, flat piece of metal that is bent in a "U" shape 

How to use a tongue-scraper
You should use a tongue-scraper on a regular basis, in the morning and on an empty stomach. 
1. Stand in front of a mirror
2. Hold the two ends of the scraper in both hands
3. Stick out your tongue
4. Place the scraper as far back on your tongue as possible
5. With firm but gentle pressure, scrape the surface of your tongue in one long stroke
6. Rinse the scraper and repeat until your tongue feels clean and is free of coating (usually 5 to 10 times) 

Why do I need one?
1. Lessen halitosis
Bad breath can have a negative impact on a person's life, relationships, and self-esteem. Given that most bad breath comes from the bacteria at the back of the tongue (an area that's difficult to reach with a toothbrush), clinical studies have shown that tongue scraping significantly reduces and removes oral bacteria from the crevices of all areas on the tongue.

2. Experience the flavors of your food
Proper digestion begins with taste and salivation. If you do not take steps to remove toxic mucus on the tongue, your taste buds can become blocked. This may lead to false cravings or an inability to recognize the taste of food. Removing build-up from the surface of your tongue will open up its pores and better expose your taste buds, allow for greater enjoyment of food flavors, and help your body digest and assimilate food.

3. Boost your immunity
The tongue is part of the first line of defense in your immune system. Scraping your tongue prevents toxins from being reabsorbed into your body and boosts overall immune function.

4. Improve your dental health
This oral hygiene product promotes general tooth and gum health and removes bacteria and toxins responsible for periodontal problems, plaque build-up, tooth decay, loss of teeth, gum infections, and gum recession.

5. Improve your digestive health
Given that digestion begins with taste, it is important to remove any toxins that may obstruct optimal functioning. Scraping also activates saliva production and promotes agni (the body's digestive fire) to help with digestion throughout the day.

Where do I buy one?
Tongue scrapers and inexpensive and can be found at most health food stores as well as online. Choose a stainless steel scraper because they are easier to clean. Another dental tip, the side of a metal spoon can also be effective.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12028/5-reasons-why-everyone-needs-a-tongue-scraper.html

Dental Insurance Coverage

Your employer, management, or union has purchased dental insurance coverage from a selection of plans offered by an insurance company or broker. Each insurance company offers many different plans. 

What is covered?
The type of dental benefits that are covered relate to the dollar amount spent on the benefit package. Generally, the more money spent on a plan, the more services are covered. Most dental insurance covers only 50% to 80% of the cost of the treatment. Major services (crowns, bridges, etc.), which are the most expensive dental procedures, are usually only covered at a 50% rate. For example, some dental benefit packages will not cover the fees for porcelain (tooth-colored material) crowns on teeth that are not visible when you talk or smile; they will only pay for a metal crown. Under this type of plan, you must pay the full amount of the cost of the porcelain on those teeth. According to insurance companies, fillings in front teeth have both functional use and cosmetic components. They will pay for the functional part but not the full amount for the cosmetic restorations.

Who is responsible for payment?
The fees charged for dental treatment reflect the many different parts of a particular procedure or procedures. Treatment for your particular needs may or may not fall within the limits set by your particular dental plan. Many dental procedures may not even be listed in your insurance's procedure/payment schedule. If your dental procedure falls into this category, you may not receive any insurance reimbursement for that procedure. You are ultimately responsible for paying the entire fee for an accepted dental treatment, regardless of your insurance coverage.

Choosing Treatment Options
Our goal through your examination, diagnosis, and treatment phases is to provide you with the best possible oral health. We do not allow the insurance company to tell us how to treat you. We recommend to you those treatments that we believe you need and we will discuss alternative plans with you. Whether or not the recommended treatment is a covered dental benefit is between you and your employer and the insurance carrier.

Submitting the Claim
We are happy to help you receive the maximum benefits you are allowed from your dental coverage. In order for us to submit your insurance claim, we will need an insurance form with your portion completed and signed. We deal with dental insurance companies on a daily basis; therefore, we have a great deal of experience submitting these claims to insurance carriers. We take great care in submitting claims properly the first time. 

There are three things we cannot do: 
1) Alter the date of treatment; 
2) Submit a claim for more than the actual fee; 
3) Submit a claim for procedures that have not been performed. 

Because it is not at all uncommon for the insurance carriers to make a mistake, we would prefer to submit the claims ourselves, and then verify proper payment. Insurance carriers may respond to requests for payment of preauthorized treatment in as little as a week or as long as 45 days. Please be patient; we have no control over the post office or the speed with which the insurance carrier processes your claim.

Our office cannot negotiate with your insurance company for reimbursement of dental expenses. Only the purchaser of the plan (your employer) can negotiate better coverage. If you would like better or more coverage, you will need to talk with your plan purchaser about the features you want in your dental plan.

If you have any questions about your dental insurance coverage, please feel free to ask us. 

Remineralization Device Could Soon Come to Market

A new device being developed by dental researchers at King's College London could soon bring to market an electronic tool that would encourage teeth to remineralize. 

Demineralization and remineralization have a crucial impact on the hardness and strength of tooth enamel.

What is demineralization?
Poor hygiene, bad brushing techniques, as well an inappropriate diet can lead to tooth decay due to changed acid levels in the oral cavity. Demineralization occurs at a low pH (acidic) when the oral environment is UNDERsaturated with mineral ions. Acids demineralize the tooth structure by dissolving calcium, phosphorus, etc. The enamel is dissolved by these organic acids (lactic and acetic acids) that are produced by the cellular action of plaque bacteria in the presence of dietary carbohydrates. This enamel erosion leads to dental cavities. 

Demineralized surfaces are porous and adherent, thus becoming favorable to bacteria growth that causes dental cavities and decay. In other words, enamel demineralization equals the beginning of cavity formation. Often, as a result of smoothness reduction, the tooth surface may suffer from superficial pigmentation, which can be visually unpleasant and impossible to remove with the toothbrush. 

Demineralized teeth are very sensitive to diverse stimuli: sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks, as well as sensitive to the touch; brushing can be uncomfortable, even painful, and the patient can be tempted to skip brushing or cut it short, which is usually fatal for his or her teeth. When demineralized hypersensitive teeth are not properly cleaned, severe dental cavities affect the entire dental structure. Treatment becomes difficult. Patients need to understand that this condition appears as a result of an infection that can easily get out of control if hygiene is neglected.

What is remineralization?
Remineralization allows the loss of calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions to be replaced. 

How do dentists fix cavities now?

With 2.3 billion affected annually, dental caries is one of the most common preventable diseases globally. Tooth decay normally develops in several stages, starting as a microscopic defect where minerals leach out of tooth. Dentists normally treat established caries in a tooth by drilling to remove the decay and filling the tooth with a material such as amalgam or composite resin. 

What can this tool do?
Reminova Ltd, a company that emerged from King's College London Dental Innovation and Translation Centre, takes a different approach - one that rebuilds the tooth and heals it without the need for drills, needles, or amalgam. By accelerating the natural process by which calcium and phosphate minerals re-enter the tooth to repair a defect, the device boosts the tooth's natural repair process.

How would the tool work?

Electric currents already used to check pulp/nerve of a tooth

The two-step method developed by Reminova first prepares the damaged part of the enamel outer layer of the tooth and then uses a tiny electric current to "push" minerals into the tooth to repair the damaged site. The defect is remineralized in a painless process that requires no drills, no injections, and no filling materials. Electric currents are already used by dentists to check the pulp or nerve of a tooth; the new device uses a far smaller current than that currently used on patients and cannot be felt by the patient. The technique, known as Electrically Accelerated and Enhanced Remineralization (EAER), could be brought to market within 3 years.

What is the company?
Reminova Ltd will be based in Perth, Scotland, to benefit from the strong life sciences and dentistry base. It will commercialize the work of Professor Nigel Pitts and Dr. Chris Longbottom, based in the Dental Institute at King's College London. With a combined 80 years' experience in dentistry, they have previously brought dental devices to market to detect tooth decay. The company, formed in collaboration with Innova Partnerships, is currently seeking private investment to develop their remineralization device. 

Who are the designers?
Kit Malthouse, chair of MedCity and London's deputy mayor for business and enterprise, commented, "It's brilliant to see the really creative research taking place at King's making its way out of the lab so quickly and being turned into a new device that has the potential to make a real difference to the dental health and patient experience of people with tooth decay."

Sources:
https://wwww.dentalaegis.com/news.php?id=15411
http://www.dentfix.ro/en/2011/10/demineralization/ 
http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/wdj/print/volume-4/issue-9/focus-on-orthodontics/demineralization-and-remineralization-the-battle-to-keep-teeth-strong-and-healthy.html

Prophylaxis

There is nothing more important to your dental health than maintaining a clean mouth. Prevention or absence of infection optimizes our general health. A clean mouth will be disease-, infection-, and trouble-free. A clean mouth will not be predisposed to developing either decay or periodontal (gum) disease. One of our very important functions in dentistry is to teach you how to properly maintain your teeth and gums, and to regularly remove anything that you are unable to remove yourself.

The theory and practice of preventive dentistry have undergone revolutionary changes in recent years. We now know that the preventive needs of every individual differ. The adage of "see you dentist regularly; get your teeth cleaned twice a year" has changed too.

What Is Prophylaxis?
Oral prophylaxis is a simple dental procedure by which your dentist or hygienist will clean your teeth using hand instruments or ultrasonic scaler. No matter how good you are at cleaning your teeth, there is always plaque left between your teeth and at the gum line. As time advances and cleaning is neglected, the early stage soft plaque will change into hard tartar (calculus). This plaque and calculus gives rise to periodontitis and gingivitis.

How Oral Prophylaxis Is Done
1. Sit back and relax on the dental chair while your dentist evaluates your medical history
2. Dentist will examine your mouth and look for signs of periodontal pockets and gum infections
3. An ultrasonic scaler will be used to clean your teeth. The scaler is a hand-held device with a hand piece and a pointy tip. It ejects pressurized water and the tip vibrates in order to remove the plaque and calculus from the teeth surface
4. Hand instruments are used to clean tricky spots and difficult to reach areas
5. If you have any cavities or gum problems, you will be notified
6. In the end, a prophylaxis paste will be used for polishing the tooth surface. A miniature rubber cup is fitted over a hand piece and small amount of prophy paste will be applied on the cup and your teeth will be polished 

How Often Should You Schedule Cleanings?
The recare and examination interval that we have recommended for you is designed for your unique situation. And it, too, can change. The interval between regular prophylaxis (cleaning) appointments that is established for you is a function of many things.
These include:

• general health

• dexterity and hand/eye coordination

• age

• diet

• stress levels

• oral habits

• position and alignment of the teeth

• number, type, size, and location of restorations

• restorative materials used

• periodontal history

• location of bone and periodontal tissues

Simply stated, the more complex your dental situation and the more your tooth position and alignment deviate from the normal, the harder you will find it to keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy.

Recent studies have identified many of the microorganisms that cause gum disease and decay. They can be controlled with your help and with ours. These studies also show that a "cleaning" every 6 months may not be adequate for some patients. In order to prevent destructive oral disease, prophylaxis appointments in intervals of anywhere from 2 months to a year may be recommended. Periodontal (gum) disease can happen anywhere in your mouth at any time.

You don't have to let it happen to you! We are here to be your guide to good health.

If you have any questions about your oral care maintenance intervals, please feel free to call our office at 512-250-5012.

Does Oil Pulling Work?

Starting the day off at the beach with your skin smelling of tropical-scented sunscreen can be one of life's greatest pleasures. Smelling coconut oil as you swish it around in your mouth before work -- well, that's another story. 

What is Oil Pulling?

Oil pulling, or placing oil in the mouth to kill harmful bacteria, seems to have caught on recently. It's a controversial practice that takes dedication and time, though fortunately not the 10 or 20 minutes of marathon swishing some sources suggest. Oil pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic folk practice, dates back 3,000 to 5,000 years to traditional Indian medical remedies. Advocates claim swishing any type of oil in your mouth every day will whiten your teeth, reduce bacteria, strengthen your gums and jaw, improve your skin, clear your sinuses, prevent ​bad breath and even protect against heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. 

Two sessions of four minutes, as recommended by Dr. Amala Guha, assistant professor of immunology and medicine at the University of Connecticut Health Center and the founding president of The International Society for Ayurveda and Health, were sufficient for my first attempt at oil pulling. The taste itself isn't so bad on the surface, but putting chunky coconut oil in your mouth before being fully awake can trigger a gag reflex.

"People are saying that their breath is better, their gums don’t bleed anymore and their teeth look a little whiter," says Jeffrey Dalin​, a dentist based in St. Louis. "I haven’t had the guts to do it, but I think it’s something at least worth looking into." 

What does research say?

But what's the scope (and scoop) on this mouth rinse practice? Does it work?

"It's not given proper credit," said Guha, who was trained in Ayurveda, a traditional form of medicine that relies on natural healing, in India. She explains that using liquids in the mouth for health purposes is mentioned in two ancient Indian Ayurvedic texts (one written in 800 B.C. and the other in 700 B.C.), and the practice is part of one of the oldest health systems in the world.

Oil pulling for oral hygiene is common. But before you go racing out to the store for oil, the American Dental Association cautions that because of a lack of evidence, they do not recommend oil pulling as a replacement for standard oral health care such as flossing and teeth brushing.

The texts also claim that about 30 systemic diseases, including headaches and diabetes, can be cured. Yet there is a lack of knowledge on the science and side effects behind the practice, according to Guha.

A small study published in 2009 involving sesame oil and 20 adolescent boys with plaque-induced gingivitis found that oil pulling reduced plaque and the bacterium Streptococcus mutans. This bacterium is cited as being a major cause of tooth decay and overgrowth of bacteria in mouth can also lead to gum disease.

A larger study published in 2013, also using sesame oil, found similar results, summarizing that oil pulling had a significant effect on plaque and gingivitis.

For coconut oil users, lauric acid found in the oil can be a benefit. It is known for its antimicrobial properties, such as the ability to fight off viruses, bacteria and yeasts.

Another study from 2011 says, "Oil pulling therapy has been equally effective like chlorhexidine [mouthwash] on halitosis and organisms."

How it works

Guha says there are two oil pulling techniques: kavala and gandusa.

Kavala: fill your mouth with liquid and hold it there for a couple of minutes before swirling it around the mouth and spitting it out. The process shouldn't exceed more than three or four minutes; it's repeated at least two or three times.

Gandusa: the technique of holding the liquid still in the mouth for three to five minutes. The liquid is then spit out and the process is repeated.

In Ayurveda, many different liquids can be used depending on the condition being treated and the physiology of the person. Milk, honey and hot water containing herbs are just some of the other mediums, explains Guha.

For daily oral hygiene, she recommends using coconut or sesame oil, which she says have mild abrasive powers and more healing benefits than other oils (and are less harmful).

Where to dispose the oil?

Jennifer Beckinsale, who tried oil pulling for 10 days, spit hers into a disposable cup and threw it away, but didn't like how wasteful that felt. Still, she says she would try oil pulling again. Remember, your sink is out, because the oil may harden and clog your pipes.

When to expect results?

Results can be expected in a few months with benefits such as reduced plaque, cavity prevention and stronger gums for individuals who already have a healthy mouth. For the person with plaque buildup, we recommend a teeth cleaning first for faster results.

How it doesn't work

Mark Wolff, professor and chair at the New York University College of Dentistry, expresses skepticism about oil pulling's effects on oral health. "I am not sure there is any harm, but I have never seen it have any positive effect on my patients who have been using oil pulling or in clinical research that has been published."

Limited research, mostly dating back to 2008 and 2009, suggests oil pulling – particularly with coconut oil – can stop plaque from forming. But evidence is lacking, and experts caution that you shouldn’t expect any greater benefits. "There’s absolutely no data whatsoever that shows diabetes can be treated or prevented, or that heart disease can be," says Lyla Blake-Gumbs, a physician with the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Integrative Medicine. "It’s not a new practice – it’s been done thousands of years – but there were no real records kept​. So I can’t go to any objective, well-run clinical trials to look into the other claims." 

There is also little research available on the effectiveness of these treatments to cure other diseases.

Negative Side Effects

Guha warns that there can be negative side effects if improper technique is used, including dry mouth, excessive thirst, muscular stiffness, exhaustion and loss of sensation or taste in the mouth. Oil pulling likely won’t cause any adverse effects – so long as you don’t swallow the oil. Doing so could cause diarrhea or an upset stomach, Blake-Gumbs says. And the swooshing itself isn’t going to taste good. Oil, be it olive, sesame or coconut, is often difficult to tolerate – and some types are solid at room temperature, until they begin to melt in your mouth. "I had one patient tell me she did it with sesame oil first, and she couldn’t hold it in her mouth because it was too strong a flavor," Blake-Gumbs says. "Then she tried olive oil, and that was more agreeable to her."

Are You Interested?

Individuals who are interested in trying kavala or gandusa to treat health conditions need to review all credentials of Ayruvedic practitioners before starting any treatment. Guha says that there are very few trained professionals in the United States as none of the Ayurveda schools here are accredited; only schools in India provide the proper certifications.

Bottom line? 

Oil pulling is relatively simple and inexpensive – coconut oil runs around $10 ​or less​ ​​​​– and it’s not invasive. But there’s still no solid evidence that it actually works, and experts agree that if you’re concerned about your teeth, it’s best to brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time.

If you're just looking for a natural way to boost your oral health, you can oil away without supervision and get about the same benefits as commercial mouthwash.

Just don't forget to floss.

Article published on CNN.

US News article.

Instruments of a Dental Office

When you go to your dentist, do you ever wonder what those tools going into your mouth are used for? They can be pointy, sharp, loud and very scary looking! We are here to put your fears to rest! These tools are simple and were made to make your dental visit pain-free.

The prophy cup polishes teeth after cleaning 

 An explorer detects breaks in enamel

A perio probe measures sulcus depth

 The high speed handpiece prepares teeth for fillings, etc

The slow speed handpiece removes soft decay

The sonic scaler cleans teeth quickly and easily

The Micro Air-Abrasion handpiece prepares teeth for fillings

 The high velocity suction removes water quickly

 The slow speed suction keeps the mouth dry

 The curing light is used to harden white fillings

The air/water syringe squirts air and/or water

Takes diagnostic x-rays of your teeth 

Click here to HEAR what sound each instrument makes!

These tools help make modern dentistry possible! You can come for your dental appointment without worry of pain!

Here are some antique dental tools that, thankfully, no longer are used!

Douglas Lever: a combination of elevator and forceps

Clockwork Drill: the first drill that could rotate continuously to remove damage from a tooth

Civil War era set of dental forceps: the drill in the center telescoped to work on the root of the tooth being extracted. Can you believe that during this time, the dental anesthetic still had not been popularized?! Ouch!

If you have any questions about what instruments Omni Dental uses or how we use it, please feel free to check out our website or give us a call at 512-250-5012

Check out this article for a more in-depth look at antique dental tools: http://gajitz.com/the-whole-tooth-5-truly-terrifying-antique-dental-tools/

Crowns: An Overview

Why would I need a crown (cap)?
1. A tooth has been so badly damaged by decay or so heavily restored by fillings that it can only be saved with cast restoration
2. A tooth has been treated endodontically (root canal treatment). These teeth are almost always restored with a cast restoration because they have lost a great deal of tooth structure from fracture, decay, or the drilling process. These teeth are prone to fracture under normal and light chewing forces.
3. The tooth needs to be used as an abutment (anchor) for a bridge to replace missing teeth.
4. Grinding your teeth, an improper bite, age, fillings and tooth decay can all be contributing factors in the wearing down, cracking or breakage of your teeth. 

What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns cover the entire visible surface of your affected tooth and add strength, durability and tooth stability. Click here to learn about the difference between crowns, bridges, and implants.

What kinds of crowns are there?
Expect to pay more for porcelain crowns because they are usually more time-consuming than gold crowns. Porcelain, porcelain over metal and gold crowns average between $600 to $3100 each in total cost. The new reinforced resin or bonded all-porcelain type costs more than other types, require more skill from your dentist and the lab, and may exceed your insurance plan coverage for crowns.

• Resin and Porcelain Crowns

• The new reinforced resin or bonded all-porcelain type of crown as the nicest appearance. This crown can be made from pure ceramic or a new reinforced composite resin, and is almost indistinguishable from natural teeth. Thew new bonding technology involved provides an exceptional bond to your tooth. It is metal-free, and thus satisfies the needs of patients with metal sensitivities. When correcting your back teeth with bonding, the cosmetic dentist will perform a tooth colored onlay. This type of procedure is used to correct only those parts of the tooth that are in need. This is a metal-free procedure. 
• Advantage: Porcelain crowns or new reinforced resin are considered to be the most aesthetically pleasing, as it is so easily matched in color to the surrounding teeth
• Disadvantage: The thickness of the porcelain required for pleasing aesthetics also requires that more tooth structure needs to be removed. It is more difficult for your cosmetic dentist to get an ideal fit where your gum meets the crown. Gingival inflammation appears to be more common with porcelain crowns that gold crowns. All-porcelain crowns require a higher skill level from your dentist and lab.
• Crowns Made of Gold

• Gold crowns are appropriate when appearance is not a priority to you. The gold metal is extremely workable, making gold crowns a more precise fit than any other type. While there exists a slight possibility of chipping with porcelain crowns, gold crowns provide no such possibility.
• Advantage: The preparation of a tooth for a gold crown is the simplest and least complicated preparation as there is minimal tooth structure removal with as much as possible of the healthy tooth structure remaining untouched. While porcelain is hard by comparison, it may cause wear on opposing teeth over the years where goal is not as likely to do so. Gold is also easier to fit to the area where the tooth and crown meet for a better fit. Gold is also a healthier environment for the gum tissue.
• Disadvantage: The cosmetic aspect, unless it is being used in the back of your mouth
• Porcelain and Metal Crowns

• For a very natural appearance, porcelain fused to metal crowns are the answer. However, they have a metal substructure and require an opaque below the porcelain. This can make the translucency of natural teeth difficult to replicate. Occasionally, a darker line will be visible at the edge of the crown, near to your gum when it recedes with age. 
• Advantage: Porcelain fused-to-metal crowns have a very natural appearance
• Disadvantage: They have a metal substructure and require an opaque below the porcelain. This can make the translucency of natural teeth difficult to replicate. Occasionally a darker line will be visible at the edge of the crown, near to your gum when it recedes with age
• Types of Porcelain
• There are two types of porcelain - felspathic and pressed ceramic porcelains. The felspathic type is the original method that has been around for 20 years. Ceramist in a dental lab bakes porcelain onto tin foil and then heats it in an oven. The Ceramist is able to create tints and opaques inside the porcelain to give the natural look we seek.
• Pressed ceramic is created from a single ingot. The single ingot is milled in one piece to create the desired shape. The stains and opaques are applied only to the surface of the porcelain to give a natural look.

How do I choose a color for the dental crowns - how white should it be?
Whiten your natural teeth to either the level of whiteness you want or to the brightest they can be. Your cosmetic dentist will then have the crowns made to that color. Teeth are of course not monochromatic, so typically more than one color is used to used a very natural look. This color variation is critical in avoiding fake or artificial looking teeth. It is the internal contrast of colors that help create vitality. The internal play of light on the porcelain in the restoration helps to create this vitality. Surface texture is also very important, and helps to break up light reflections and make the crown look more natural.

There is no one standard system in the dental field to measure and determine tooth color. The most often heard about, however, is the Vita shade guide. This guide divides tooth color into four basic shade ranges:

A (reddish brown)
B (reddish yellow)
C (gray)
D (reddish gray)

In the A range, there are five level of darkness. Ranges B, C, and D, each have four levels.

Not all of your teeth are the same natural color. Usually your eye teeth tend to be darker than the others, your front teeth are typically the whitest, and molars tend to be a shade between the two. The goal for everyone is to achieve their individual optimum whiteness while still looking natural.

Most dentists will show you a shade chart for your to pick from. Keep in mind, with a good cosmetic dentist, this is merely a starting point. Other considerations when determining the color of crowns for each patient are your complexion, hair color, the color of your natural teeth and even your eye color.

What is the procedure?
- Preparing (drilling) the tooth in an appropriate fashion for the type of crown chosen
- Making impressions of the prepared tooth, opposing teeth, and the occlusal (bite) relationships
- Selecting a shade for tooth-colored crowns
- Fabricating a provisional restoration that will remain in place while the crown is being constructed
- Cementing or bonding the completed crown into position. If the work to be done is extensive, there may also be several appointments needed for preliminary seating (try-in) of the crowns or castings

What do I need to do BEFORE I get the crown?
It is important for the ultimate success of the crown(s) that you understand and can perform thorough plaque removal. You should immediately begin following the oral self-care instructions that you have been given. It will make the procedure more comfortable and efficient, and the resulting restorations will look better. Final impressions cannot be taken until the gum tissue is healthy. Crown lengthening is an oral surgery treatment that involves removing excess gum tissue around the upper teeth to make them look longer. Your cooperation is appreciated and necessary.

What do I need to do AFTER I get the crown?
As is true with your natural teeth and especially with teeth that have been restored with any dental material, you should avoid chewing on excessively hard or sticky foods after the crowns have been cemented. It is especially important not to bite down on hard foods with just one tooth. The porcelain material can fracture from the metal substructure under extreme forces. Anything you chew that could break a natural tooth could break a crown!

Be sure to brush and floss daily as instructed. We also advise using a fluoride mouthrinse as part of your daily routine. Please be sure to return for your regular examinations and prophylaxis (cleaning) appointments at the time intervals we suggest.

After observing these types of procedures for many years, we note that the gingiva (gums) can recede from the crown margins and the surrounding tooth structure may become visible. This recession usually takes place over a period of several years and may require restoration replacements or a periodontal plastic surgery procedure to correct it.

We expect that you will receive many years of service from the cast restoration.

If you have any questions about crowns and bridges, call our office and ask or set up an appointment. We have 3 convenient locations around Austin.