There are three common reasons why people lose their teeth. 1) The tooth is ruined by decay. 2) The bone support is destroyed by periodontal disease. 3) The tooth is knocked out by some trauma. I lost my tooth due to another, less common, cause. I was having intermittent mild pain in the tooth so we took an x-ray which revealed a condition called external root resorption. Essentially the root begins to dissolve for unknown reasons. This is different from erosion or abrasion which causes notching of the root surface usually at the gumline. My root dissolved below the gum and bone level. Treatment for this condition does not have a good success rate so instead I decided to have it removed and move the other lower front teeth together to close the space.
Dr Munib Derhalli, a periodontist, removed the tooth. He is an excellent surgeon, and because I may have lost bone around the problem area, I wanted him to be able to place a bone graft immediately if needed. The root was compromised because a portion of it had dissolved. So it was no surprise that it broke during the extraction and Dr Derhalli had to carefully remove the root tip without damaging the bone. Fortunately, no grafting was required so I moved on to the next phase.
Dr Michael Brown placed braces on both my top and bottom teeth because there are some other irregularities to correct. I will be wearing them for about 18 months and I will have rubber bands on the back teeth on one side. This is the third time I have worn braces and I hope it is the last. I have had the appliances on for about three weeks now. My tongue is still sore, and I still bite off chunks of my cheek when I try to chew. So I can be very sympathetic with all of you who are going through the same experience.
If you are wearing braces now, let me know how your experience is going.
With Care
Dr Stafford
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
What's the Big Deal about Baby Teeth?
When facing the decision to invest in restoring decayed primary teeth, I am often asked the legitimate question by parents. “Why should we put money into the baby teeth? Aren’t they just going to come out anyway?”
Primary teeth are smaller and less durable than permanent teeth which have much thicker enamel and larger roots. This second set is designed to last a lifetime, the first is not. So why bother repairing them when they get decayed? Why not just leave them alone or take them out? Here are my top three reasons:
1. Primary teeth can get badly infected due to untreated decay and cause an abscess in the jaw. This can be very painful for the child and damage the permanent tooth that is forming in the bone.
2. The jaw grows from the back not the front. Once the 1st permanent molars come in at age 6, the distance around the arch from molar to molar is established and will not grow on its own. If primary teeth lose their size due to decay, or are prematurely removed, the permanent molars will drift forward reducing the arch size. This space can only be regained through orthodontic treatment.
3. Dental decay is an infection. If cavities in primary teeth are not treated, the permanent teeth that erupt into this infected environment are more likely to decay themselves.
Having said this, there are exceptions to treating all decay in primary teeth.
-If the primary tooth will be gone within 6 months and the decay is in the very early stages, I often do not treat it.
-If the primary tooth will be gone within 6 months and the decay is very severe, I will remove the tooth early.
Taking proper care of primary teeth is essential to the health of permanent teeth designed to last a lifetime. So follow the recommendations of your dentist and dental hygienist in order to give your child the best chance of having a cavity free mouth.
This will be my last column in the Clackamas Review. If you have found value in the information I have shared, you can continue to read articles I will write through our Facebook account at www.facebook.com/staffordsmiles.
Yours for excellent dental health,
Dr S
Primary teeth are smaller and less durable than permanent teeth which have much thicker enamel and larger roots. This second set is designed to last a lifetime, the first is not. So why bother repairing them when they get decayed? Why not just leave them alone or take them out? Here are my top three reasons:
1. Primary teeth can get badly infected due to untreated decay and cause an abscess in the jaw. This can be very painful for the child and damage the permanent tooth that is forming in the bone.
2. The jaw grows from the back not the front. Once the 1st permanent molars come in at age 6, the distance around the arch from molar to molar is established and will not grow on its own. If primary teeth lose their size due to decay, or are prematurely removed, the permanent molars will drift forward reducing the arch size. This space can only be regained through orthodontic treatment.
3. Dental decay is an infection. If cavities in primary teeth are not treated, the permanent teeth that erupt into this infected environment are more likely to decay themselves.
Having said this, there are exceptions to treating all decay in primary teeth.
-If the primary tooth will be gone within 6 months and the decay is in the very early stages, I often do not treat it.
-If the primary tooth will be gone within 6 months and the decay is very severe, I will remove the tooth early.
Taking proper care of primary teeth is essential to the health of permanent teeth designed to last a lifetime. So follow the recommendations of your dentist and dental hygienist in order to give your child the best chance of having a cavity free mouth.
This will be my last column in the Clackamas Review. If you have found value in the information I have shared, you can continue to read articles I will write through our Facebook account at www.facebook.com/staffordsmiles.
Yours for excellent dental health,
Dr S
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Dental implants Simplified
One of the most positive developments in dentistry during the last decade is the increase in the success and popularity of dental implants to replace missing teeth. In this article I intend to outline, in ordinary language, what dental implants are and what they are used for.
Dental implants are pure titanium cylinders that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw to replace natural tooth roots. The bone heals so closely around an implant that it is described as “integrated.” Once this occurs, the implant is very stable and a variety of different attachments can be connected to it.
The most common attachment is a single tooth. These are very successful and have become the standard of care to replace a missing tooth. If several teeth are missing, multiple implants can support bridges that are permanently attached. And in a situation where there are no natural teeth remaining, implants can provide greatly enhanced support and retention for a denture.
Following are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
Aren’t implants very expensive?
The cost will vary depending on the situation, but it will be a significant investment. Remember that price is what you pay, and value is what you get. In most cases implants are the very best solution for missing teeth.
Will my dental insurance cover implants?
Not always, but it is becoming more common.
Do they ever fail?
Yes, but it is very rare and the risk can usually be determined prior to placement.
Who can place dental implants?
Any dentist can place implants. No special license is required, but this is a very technique sensitive procedure, so it is important to find a doctor with the training and experience to do it well. Often a surgeon will place the implant and work with a general dentist who restores the teeth.
If you or someone you know would like more information about dental implants, I would be pleased to provide a complimentary consultation to discover if this is the most appropriate treatment.
Yours for excellent dental health,
Dr S
Dental implants are pure titanium cylinders that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw to replace natural tooth roots. The bone heals so closely around an implant that it is described as “integrated.” Once this occurs, the implant is very stable and a variety of different attachments can be connected to it.
The most common attachment is a single tooth. These are very successful and have become the standard of care to replace a missing tooth. If several teeth are missing, multiple implants can support bridges that are permanently attached. And in a situation where there are no natural teeth remaining, implants can provide greatly enhanced support and retention for a denture.
Following are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
Aren’t implants very expensive?
The cost will vary depending on the situation, but it will be a significant investment. Remember that price is what you pay, and value is what you get. In most cases implants are the very best solution for missing teeth.
Will my dental insurance cover implants?
Not always, but it is becoming more common.
Do they ever fail?
Yes, but it is very rare and the risk can usually be determined prior to placement.
Who can place dental implants?
Any dentist can place implants. No special license is required, but this is a very technique sensitive procedure, so it is important to find a doctor with the training and experience to do it well. Often a surgeon will place the implant and work with a general dentist who restores the teeth.
If you or someone you know would like more information about dental implants, I would be pleased to provide a complimentary consultation to discover if this is the most appropriate treatment.
Yours for excellent dental health,
Dr S
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Dental Insurance 201
In my last column I explained the difference between medical “insurance” and dental “benefits.” Understanding this is critical. The next step is to find out just exactly what benefits you have. It is important for you, the policy holder, to obtain this information from the insurance carrier or the human resources department at your work.
A dental office can give you estimates of your benefits based on general information they have about similar policies, but it is your responsibility to understand the specifics of your plan. Since you are the policy holder, it is also easier for you to get the details.
Here is the information you need to know before you visit a new dentist.
- Are my benefits the same regardless of which dentist I choose? If not, what is the difference?
- What is the annual maximum benefit for my plan?
- Is the annual benefit based on a calendar year or some other interval?
- What are my remaining annual benefits?
- Do I have a deductible amount? How much is it for me? For my family?
- Do I have a waiting period before my benefits begin?
- Do I have a limit on how many times per year I can get my teeth cleaned? How is this calculated?
- How do I find out what amount will be covered for specific procedures?
When you are equipped with this information prior to your dental visit, everything will go smoother and there will be less potential for misunderstanding. Remember that your plan is not designed to cover all of your costs. It is more like getting a discount. So the more you know about your plan, the more you will know about your actual discount.
For Your Dental Health,
Dr S
A dental office can give you estimates of your benefits based on general information they have about similar policies, but it is your responsibility to understand the specifics of your plan. Since you are the policy holder, it is also easier for you to get the details.
Here is the information you need to know before you visit a new dentist.
- Are my benefits the same regardless of which dentist I choose? If not, what is the difference?
- What is the annual maximum benefit for my plan?
- Is the annual benefit based on a calendar year or some other interval?
- What are my remaining annual benefits?
- Do I have a deductible amount? How much is it for me? For my family?
- Do I have a waiting period before my benefits begin?
- Do I have a limit on how many times per year I can get my teeth cleaned? How is this calculated?
- How do I find out what amount will be covered for specific procedures?
When you are equipped with this information prior to your dental visit, everything will go smoother and there will be less potential for misunderstanding. Remember that your plan is not designed to cover all of your costs. It is more like getting a discount. So the more you know about your plan, the more you will know about your actual discount.
For Your Dental Health,
Dr S
Monday, June 6, 2011
Dental Insurance 101
In my experience, the topic which causes the most misunderstanding in dentistry is dental insurance. My goal in this series of articles is to give you some basic information to help you understand this often confusing issue.
First of all the term “insurance” is really a misnomer in the context of dentistry. The word “insurance” literally means protection against future loss. This term is commonly used in medicine, as catastrophic loss can occur as a result of sickness or accident and the benefit limits are very high to cover this.
“Benefit” is a word which more accurately describes the allowance which is negotiated for an employee between his/her place of employment and a dental “insurance” company.
All dental “insurance” companies have a maximum annual benefit which rarely exceeds $1500 per calendar year. This amount is very close to the benefits of the 1960′s when dental “insurance” first began. In those days $1500 would cover the majority of treatment that anyone required in a year. If dental benefits were to have kept up with inflation and technology, as they have with medical insurance, they would amount to over $10,000 per year. This amount would be more than enough to cover the treatment most people would need in a year. However because the annual limit that most insurance companies provide has not increased, usually only preventive maintenance and small restorations are covered.
So while a dental benefit plan is nice, it should never be considered insurance against loss. The best way to reduce risk is the following:
- Let your dentist and hygienist know that you want a proactive plan to prevent dental decay and gum disease.
- Ask your dentist to make sure that all of the existing restorations in your mouth are of the highest quality.
More coming on this subject in Dental Insurance 102
Yours for excellent dental health,
Dr S
First of all the term “insurance” is really a misnomer in the context of dentistry. The word “insurance” literally means protection against future loss. This term is commonly used in medicine, as catastrophic loss can occur as a result of sickness or accident and the benefit limits are very high to cover this.
“Benefit” is a word which more accurately describes the allowance which is negotiated for an employee between his/her place of employment and a dental “insurance” company.
All dental “insurance” companies have a maximum annual benefit which rarely exceeds $1500 per calendar year. This amount is very close to the benefits of the 1960′s when dental “insurance” first began. In those days $1500 would cover the majority of treatment that anyone required in a year. If dental benefits were to have kept up with inflation and technology, as they have with medical insurance, they would amount to over $10,000 per year. This amount would be more than enough to cover the treatment most people would need in a year. However because the annual limit that most insurance companies provide has not increased, usually only preventive maintenance and small restorations are covered.
So while a dental benefit plan is nice, it should never be considered insurance against loss. The best way to reduce risk is the following:
- Let your dentist and hygienist know that you want a proactive plan to prevent dental decay and gum disease.
- Ask your dentist to make sure that all of the existing restorations in your mouth are of the highest quality.
More coming on this subject in Dental Insurance 102
Yours for excellent dental health,
Dr S
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Pearls from Boston
I recently returned from the annual conference of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in Boston. This meeting, more than any other, re-ignites my passion for dentistry and gives me a higher vision of what is possible to achieve. The lectures and workshops I attended were first rate, and the knowledge and skills I acquired will immediately raise the level of care I provide. Following are a few pearls from the courses I took:
- We have been successfully placing porcelain veneers for many years. New products and techniques now allow us to place these amazing smile enhancing restorations, in many cases, with no preparation to the underlying teeth, making them non-invasive and essentially reversible.
- New products, techniques, and ongoing research provide increasing support for what everyone wants: a new tooth in one day. If you have a front tooth that for some reason needs to be replaced, in many cases the tooth can be removed, a root replacement implant installed, and a temporary tooth attached to the implant, all in the same day.
- Have you ever noticed a smile that doesn’t quite look right because too much gum tissue shows or the teeth seem to be going downhill on one side? A beautiful smile has just as much to do with where the teeth are located in the smile as it does with the color and shape of the teeth themselves. New treatment options and tools for diagnosis allow us to accurately assess and correct this important aspect of smile design.
- Implant supported attachments offer a much better solution to loose dentures than adhesive products. If an existing denture is otherwise satisfactory, these procedures can often be performed without the expense of replacing the denture or the embarrassment of going without it.
Please let me know if you have questions or would like to discuss any of these procedures further.
Yours for excellent dental health,
Dr S
- We have been successfully placing porcelain veneers for many years. New products and techniques now allow us to place these amazing smile enhancing restorations, in many cases, with no preparation to the underlying teeth, making them non-invasive and essentially reversible.
- New products, techniques, and ongoing research provide increasing support for what everyone wants: a new tooth in one day. If you have a front tooth that for some reason needs to be replaced, in many cases the tooth can be removed, a root replacement implant installed, and a temporary tooth attached to the implant, all in the same day.
- Have you ever noticed a smile that doesn’t quite look right because too much gum tissue shows or the teeth seem to be going downhill on one side? A beautiful smile has just as much to do with where the teeth are located in the smile as it does with the color and shape of the teeth themselves. New treatment options and tools for diagnosis allow us to accurately assess and correct this important aspect of smile design.
- Implant supported attachments offer a much better solution to loose dentures than adhesive products. If an existing denture is otherwise satisfactory, these procedures can often be performed without the expense of replacing the denture or the embarrassment of going without it.
Please let me know if you have questions or would like to discuss any of these procedures further.
Yours for excellent dental health,
Dr S
Friday, May 6, 2011
The Truth about Tooth Colored Fillings
In the last decade tooth colored fillings have become a very popular alternative choice to traditional silver/mercury amalgams. The latest insurance company statistics show that 65% of the fillings placed in the US are tooth colored composites compared to 35% amalgam. If you prefer tooth colored fillings, there are some things you need to know.
Tooth colored fillings are completely different from amalgam fillings. They are not just the same hole filled with a different material. Everything from the preparation to the way the filling is placed is different and much more technique sensitive.
Before you choose a composite restoration you should ask your dentist four questions.
1) Do you use a dental dam or other device to completely isolate the tooth? Saliva contamination during the filling process will severely compromise the final result and must be avoided.
2) How do you determine that all of the decay has been removed? Complete decay removal is critical to the bond of a composite filling to the tooth. There are products available that can confirm total decay elimination.
3) Do you place the composite filling all at one time, or in separate, small layers that are individually cured? Composite fillings shrink as a percentage of their volume when cured. Larger filling increments shrink more and make the restoration more prone to post operative sensitivity and premature failure.
4) Do you offer both silver amalgam fillings and tooth colored composites? Because they are do different, you may want to choose dentists who focus their skills and training on tooth colored composites only.
Millions of silver amalgam restorations have been placed by US dentists over the years and have proved to be a valuable service to many. Tooth colored composites now rival amalgams for durability, but only if placed using the proper techniques.
For your dental health,
Dr S
Tooth colored fillings are completely different from amalgam fillings. They are not just the same hole filled with a different material. Everything from the preparation to the way the filling is placed is different and much more technique sensitive.
Before you choose a composite restoration you should ask your dentist four questions.
1) Do you use a dental dam or other device to completely isolate the tooth? Saliva contamination during the filling process will severely compromise the final result and must be avoided.
2) How do you determine that all of the decay has been removed? Complete decay removal is critical to the bond of a composite filling to the tooth. There are products available that can confirm total decay elimination.
3) Do you place the composite filling all at one time, or in separate, small layers that are individually cured? Composite fillings shrink as a percentage of their volume when cured. Larger filling increments shrink more and make the restoration more prone to post operative sensitivity and premature failure.
4) Do you offer both silver amalgam fillings and tooth colored composites? Because they are do different, you may want to choose dentists who focus their skills and training on tooth colored composites only.
Millions of silver amalgam restorations have been placed by US dentists over the years and have proved to be a valuable service to many. Tooth colored composites now rival amalgams for durability, but only if placed using the proper techniques.
For your dental health,
Dr S
Sunday, April 17, 2011
What Sally Fields Doesn’t Tell You
Bisphosphonates are medications commonly used to prevent or treat osteoporosis (a thinning of the bones) or as part of cancer treatment. Some bisphosphonate medications (such as Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva) are taken orally (swallowed). Others, such as Aredia, Bonefos, Didronel or Zometa, are administered intravenously (injected into a vein).
In rare instances, some individuals receiving bisphosphonate therapy have developed Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), a serious condition that involves severe loss, or destruction, of the jawbone, and for which there is no known treatment. Necrosis refers to dead tissue, in this case bone, and the most common symptoms of BRONJ are areas of exposed bone in the upper or lower jaw that do not heal after more than 6 weeks. Most cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw associated with bisphosphonates have been diagnosed after dental procedures such as teeth extractions, however the condition can also occur spontaneously.
The actual incidence of BRONJ has not been accurately determined, but is reported from as low as 1 in 2,000 for certain oral medications to as high as 1 in 10 for those taking high bisphosphonate doses as part of cancer treatment. I have seen one case of BRONJ in my practice. It was after an extraction and the patient had not reported that he was taking bisphosphonates.
There are several important risk factors that can increase the possibility of developing BRONJ:
1. High doses
2. Continued use for more than 3 years
3. Corticosteroids being taken at the same time
4. Traumatic dental procedures such as teeth extractions
5. Alcohol or tobacco use
6. Diabetes
7. Poor oral hygiene
If you are considering the use of bisphosphonates for any reason, it is essential that you consult with your dentist and physician about the risks of BRONJ, and that you have any elective dental treatment completed prior to initiating therapy. If you are already using bisphosphonates you must inform your dentist so that he/she can help you make the best decisions about any future dental treatment.
Yours for excellent dental health,
Dr S
In rare instances, some individuals receiving bisphosphonate therapy have developed Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), a serious condition that involves severe loss, or destruction, of the jawbone, and for which there is no known treatment. Necrosis refers to dead tissue, in this case bone, and the most common symptoms of BRONJ are areas of exposed bone in the upper or lower jaw that do not heal after more than 6 weeks. Most cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw associated with bisphosphonates have been diagnosed after dental procedures such as teeth extractions, however the condition can also occur spontaneously.
The actual incidence of BRONJ has not been accurately determined, but is reported from as low as 1 in 2,000 for certain oral medications to as high as 1 in 10 for those taking high bisphosphonate doses as part of cancer treatment. I have seen one case of BRONJ in my practice. It was after an extraction and the patient had not reported that he was taking bisphosphonates.
There are several important risk factors that can increase the possibility of developing BRONJ:
1. High doses
2. Continued use for more than 3 years
3. Corticosteroids being taken at the same time
4. Traumatic dental procedures such as teeth extractions
5. Alcohol or tobacco use
6. Diabetes
7. Poor oral hygiene
If you are considering the use of bisphosphonates for any reason, it is essential that you consult with your dentist and physician about the risks of BRONJ, and that you have any elective dental treatment completed prior to initiating therapy. If you are already using bisphosphonates you must inform your dentist so that he/she can help you make the best decisions about any future dental treatment.
Yours for excellent dental health,
Dr S
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
HOW TO PREVENT ONE OF THE MOST COMMON SPORTS INJURIES
According to the American Dental Association, more than 200,000 oral injuries are prevented annually in this country by sports mouthguards. While this is an impressive preventative figure, unfortunately many teeth will still be damaged because failure to wear a proper sports mouthguard exposes an athlete to a 60 times greater chance of dental injury. In fact, dental trauma is the most common type of orofacial injury sustained during participation in sports.
I recently treated a patient in my office for the second injury to his front teeth
within two years. Different teeth were broken each time because he was not wearing a sports mouthguard. While we can repair most types of dental sports injuries, why not prevent them in the first place?
The child or athlete who loses a tooth (or teeth) in a sporting injury faces lifetime
dental rehabilitation costs of up to ten thousand dollars per tooth. The total rehabilitation costs for a single tooth lost in a sporting injury are likely to be
more than 50 times the preventative cost for a custom laminated, professional grade mouthguard.
There are significant differences between a custom fabricated sports mouthguard and the premade or boil and bite type mouthguards typically found in sporting goods stores. Boil and bite type mouthguards do not fit as accurately as custom fabricated types so they often are uncomfortable, frequently interfere with the athletes breathing and speaking ability, and do not provide adequate protection at the points where trauma is likely to occur. Properly designed and custom fabricated mouthguards are essential in the prevention of athletic oral/facial injuries. Check this link for more information on types of sports mouthguards:
http://www.sportsdentistry.com/mouthguards.html
If you have an athlete in your family involved in any type of contact sport, do not risk injury to their teeth by allowing them to play without a custom fitted mouthguard. Call your dentist today to make an appointment for this critically important service.
Yours for excellent dental health,
Dr S
I recently treated a patient in my office for the second injury to his front teeth
within two years. Different teeth were broken each time because he was not wearing a sports mouthguard. While we can repair most types of dental sports injuries, why not prevent them in the first place?
The child or athlete who loses a tooth (or teeth) in a sporting injury faces lifetime
dental rehabilitation costs of up to ten thousand dollars per tooth. The total rehabilitation costs for a single tooth lost in a sporting injury are likely to be
more than 50 times the preventative cost for a custom laminated, professional grade mouthguard.
There are significant differences between a custom fabricated sports mouthguard and the premade or boil and bite type mouthguards typically found in sporting goods stores. Boil and bite type mouthguards do not fit as accurately as custom fabricated types so they often are uncomfortable, frequently interfere with the athletes breathing and speaking ability, and do not provide adequate protection at the points where trauma is likely to occur. Properly designed and custom fabricated mouthguards are essential in the prevention of athletic oral/facial injuries. Check this link for more information on types of sports mouthguards:
http://www.sportsdentistry.com/mouthguards.html
If you have an athlete in your family involved in any type of contact sport, do not risk injury to their teeth by allowing them to play without a custom fitted mouthguard. Call your dentist today to make an appointment for this critically important service.
Yours for excellent dental health,
Dr S
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Change the Oil in Your Mercedes
I see patients in my office who have previously committed
significant amounts of time and money to have their teeth
restored. They have replaced missing teeth, repaired damaged
ones, straightened them, and enhanced the appearance of
their pearly whites through a variety of cosmetic procedures.
Most of these folks recognize the importance of follow up care
to preserve their investment, but there are some who neglect
simple maintenance after the hard work has been done.
I don’t understand this. It’s like someone who makes the
commitment to buy a Mercedes Benz, a durable, high quality
product, but then neglects regular oil changes even though
the cost of this service is just a small fraction of the original
purchase price.
Recently I saw a patient who had extensive dental
restorative work done several years ago. It was a time and
cost intensive project which made a dramatic improvement in
both the patient’s dental function and appearance. When the
work was completed, this person did not return to my office
for several years until they were in pain. Nor did the patient
seek out follow up care anywhere else during the interim. As a
result, additional complex treatment will be required to bring
this patient back to optimal dental health. All this could have
been avoided by following a plan of regular maintenance and
repair.
So what does this mean to you? Whether your teeth have
been restored by a dentist or you have all your natural teeth,
the key to keeping them working well and looking good for
a long time is regular maintenance. Even if you don’t have
dental insurance, the cost of regular care is much less than
the cost of major repairs—just the same as an automobile.
You may not have a Mercedes in the garage, but you have
something just as valuable in your mouth. Take care of it.
Yours for excellent dental health,
significant amounts of time and money to have their teeth
restored. They have replaced missing teeth, repaired damaged
ones, straightened them, and enhanced the appearance of
their pearly whites through a variety of cosmetic procedures.
Most of these folks recognize the importance of follow up care
to preserve their investment, but there are some who neglect
simple maintenance after the hard work has been done.
I don’t understand this. It’s like someone who makes the
commitment to buy a Mercedes Benz, a durable, high quality
product, but then neglects regular oil changes even though
the cost of this service is just a small fraction of the original
purchase price.
Recently I saw a patient who had extensive dental
restorative work done several years ago. It was a time and
cost intensive project which made a dramatic improvement in
both the patient’s dental function and appearance. When the
work was completed, this person did not return to my office
for several years until they were in pain. Nor did the patient
seek out follow up care anywhere else during the interim. As a
result, additional complex treatment will be required to bring
this patient back to optimal dental health. All this could have
been avoided by following a plan of regular maintenance and
repair.
So what does this mean to you? Whether your teeth have
been restored by a dentist or you have all your natural teeth,
the key to keeping them working well and looking good for
a long time is regular maintenance. Even if you don’t have
dental insurance, the cost of regular care is much less than
the cost of major repairs—just the same as an automobile.
You may not have a Mercedes in the garage, but you have
something just as valuable in your mouth. Take care of it.
Yours for excellent dental health,
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Walk Your Way to a Healthy Mouth
Walking really does your body good from head to toe. Not only will it help keep your heart and legs strong and your waist trim, but it may protect your pearly whites, too.
It all has to do with the aerobic fitness benefits that walking confers. In a recent Japanese study, the folks who were the fittest were also the least likely to have severe periodontitis, a form of gum disease.
Tone for Your Teeth
Being both fit and slim is even better for your teeth. In the study, participants with a healthy body mass index (BMI) as well as a high capacity for aerobic endurance had the lowest odds of gum troubles. It's just one more great reason to add a calorie-burning daily walk to your oral-care regimen. You'll make your doctor and your dentist proud.
Axing Inflammation
How, exactly, does breaking a sweat keep your mouth healthy? Well for one, researchers believe that exercise helps quiet inflammation throughout the body, and that's a good thing because inflammation is one of those potential triggers for disease, including gum disease. Physical activity may also help keep blood levels of C-reactive protein in check -- another happy outcome because this compound may play a role in the origins of gum disease.
Reverse Benefit
It works the other way also—keeping your mouth healthy can benefit the rest of your body. Because untreated inflammation in your mouth can lead to inflammation in other parts of your system. In fact, effectively flossing and brushing your teeth daily can make your health age as much as six years younger.
So as you plan your personal health strategy, keep in mind that the health of your mouth is intimately related to the health of the rest of your body.
It all has to do with the aerobic fitness benefits that walking confers. In a recent Japanese study, the folks who were the fittest were also the least likely to have severe periodontitis, a form of gum disease.
Tone for Your Teeth
Being both fit and slim is even better for your teeth. In the study, participants with a healthy body mass index (BMI) as well as a high capacity for aerobic endurance had the lowest odds of gum troubles. It's just one more great reason to add a calorie-burning daily walk to your oral-care regimen. You'll make your doctor and your dentist proud.
Axing Inflammation
How, exactly, does breaking a sweat keep your mouth healthy? Well for one, researchers believe that exercise helps quiet inflammation throughout the body, and that's a good thing because inflammation is one of those potential triggers for disease, including gum disease. Physical activity may also help keep blood levels of C-reactive protein in check -- another happy outcome because this compound may play a role in the origins of gum disease.
Reverse Benefit
It works the other way also—keeping your mouth healthy can benefit the rest of your body. Because untreated inflammation in your mouth can lead to inflammation in other parts of your system. In fact, effectively flossing and brushing your teeth daily can make your health age as much as six years younger.
So as you plan your personal health strategy, keep in mind that the health of your mouth is intimately related to the health of the rest of your body.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
What Will You Do for Your Smile This Year?
As you set goals for your personal health this year, don't forget to include your teeth and your smile. There is a growing body of scientific research that shows a significant connection between oral health and systemic health in general. So, if you goal is to be healthier in 2011, taking care of your smile should be part of your plan. To get you started, here are some ideas to help you decide what you want to do for your own smile.
1. Half of the people who have dental insurance don't use it. If you are one of those, take advantage of what you have this year and make an appointment with a dentist to evaluate your oral health.
2. Even if you do not have dental insurance and have no discomfort in your mouth, remember that preventing dental problems is much more economical that treating them after they occur. Make a commitment to follow a regular dental maintenance plan.
3. If your dentist has already recommended a plan to optimize your oral health, follow through with it. Even if you don't do it all this year, take care of the things that are the highest priority.
4. Dental problems seldom get better on their own. If you know something is wrong with your teeth or gums, deal with it this year before it becomes more complicated and expensive.
5. Maybe 2011 is the year to make the aesthetic changes to your smile that you have always wanted. Ask your dentist to do a computer simulation for the changes you want so you can have a visual proposal to help you decide.
My team and I are available to help you make 2011 your "Year of the Smile."
Yours for excellent dental health,
Dr. S
1. Half of the people who have dental insurance don't use it. If you are one of those, take advantage of what you have this year and make an appointment with a dentist to evaluate your oral health.
2. Even if you do not have dental insurance and have no discomfort in your mouth, remember that preventing dental problems is much more economical that treating them after they occur. Make a commitment to follow a regular dental maintenance plan.
3. If your dentist has already recommended a plan to optimize your oral health, follow through with it. Even if you don't do it all this year, take care of the things that are the highest priority.
4. Dental problems seldom get better on their own. If you know something is wrong with your teeth or gums, deal with it this year before it becomes more complicated and expensive.
5. Maybe 2011 is the year to make the aesthetic changes to your smile that you have always wanted. Ask your dentist to do a computer simulation for the changes you want so you can have a visual proposal to help you decide.
My team and I are available to help you make 2011 your "Year of the Smile."
Yours for excellent dental health,
Dr. S
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)