Plaque vs. Tartar: What’s The Difference?

WE OFTEN GET THE QUESTION from our patients, “What’s the difference between plaque and tartar?” Many people think they are the same thing. There is an important difference between the two, however, and it can help explain just why a daily oral hygiene routine is so crucial, as well as twice-yearly visits to your dentist.

What Is Plaque?

Dental plaque is that soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth and under your gums throughout the day. And guess what? It contains millions of bacteria! When you eat—especially carbohydrates or sugar—you’re not the only one getting a meal, so are the bacteria on your teeth. After “eating,” these bacteria produce acids that erode your tooth enamel and cause cavities.

That’s why good daily oral hygiene is essential to preventing tooth decay and protecting your smile from the bacteria in plaque. To prevent plaque buildup, remember to brush at least twice a day and floss once a day. Drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum after meals and snacks can also help!

ADA Dental Plaque

What Is Tartar?

So if that’s plaque, what’s tartar? Tartar is what accumulates on your teeth when plaque is not removed. If plaque is left on your teeth for too long, it will harden into tartar and is much more difficult to remove. In fact, tartar can only be removed by a dental professional–you can’t get rid of it with regular brushing and flossing. Tartar removal is one of the reasons that visiting your dentist every six months is so important!

Plaque buildup that hardens into tartar can cause more than just cavities. It can cause tooth discoloration and sensitivity as well as gum recession and periodontal disease. To reduce plaque buildup and tartar from forming, make sure you are brushing and flossing daily.

Come And See Us Every Six Months

No matter how great your oral hygiene is, plaque and tartar formation are inevitable. So come in to see us every six months! Our job is to help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile that’s plaque- and tarter-free!

Thank you for your trust and loyalty.

Don’t Let Gingivitis Keep You From Smiling

YOU’RE SITTING IN THE DENTAL CHAIR, everything going as planned at your checkup, until your dentist tells you that you have gingivitis. If you haven’t heard of gingivitis before you’re probably thinking, “What is gingivitis? Is it serious? Is it treatable?” We’ve compiled all the information you need to know about gingivitis so you can keep your smile healthy! What Is Gingivitis? Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums characterized by gum irritation, redness, swelling and sometimes bleeding. Symptoms of gingivitis are fairly mild and can even be painless. Visiting your dentist regularly is important so gingivitis can be diagnosed, especially if symptoms are not obvious. Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal, or gum disease, and should be taken seriously. If left untreated, gingivitis will progress to full-blown gum disease, which can lead to receding and damaged gums as well as bone and tooth loss. What Causes Gingivitis? Gingivitis is usually the result of poor oral hygiene. When plaque is not removed by proper brushing and flossing, bacteria-filled plaque hardens and turns into what is called tartar. Plaque and tartar buildup around the gum line cause gum irritation and inflammation or, in other words, gingivitis. Other factors may contribute to the development of gingivitis such as hormonal changes (especially during pregnancy), smoking, certain medications or illnesses and genetic predisposition. Is Gingivitis Reversible? Finding out you have gingivitis can be worrisome but here’s the good news: good oral hygiene habits and professional dental cleanings can, in most cases, rid you of gingivitis. Proper oral hygiene not only prevents gingivitis, but treats it as well. Professional cleanings as recommended by your dentist, daily brushing and flossing, and regular use of an antibacterial mouthwash can keep bacteria found in plaque at bay, effectively preventing and treating gingivitis. So, yes, gingivitis is reversible! By treating it early and following the instructions of your dental care provider, you can treat gingivitis and smile on! Keep Your Smile Healthy A smile shouldn’t only be happy, it should be healthy too! Your oral health is the gateway to your overall health and wellness. So if you’ve been diagnosed with gingivitis, practice proper oral hygiene care and you’ll have your healthy smile back in no time. If you have any questions regarding your oral health, call us today or leave us a Facebook message. We’re always glad to address your concerns!

Diabetes And Your Oral Health

DIABETES IS ONE OF THE MOST prevalent chronic diseases today. In fact, 29.1 million people in the U.S. have diabetes and millions more living with the condition don’t even know they have it. You may know that diabetes can result in other health complications such as vision loss, heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. But many are surprised to learn of the impact diabetes can have on your mouth. Diabetes Is Linked To Oral Infection And Disease Periodontal, or gum, disease affects 22 percent of people diagnosed with diabetes. What’s more, one in five cases of total tooth loss is linked to diabetes. These statistics can be distressing, but a proper understanding of the association between these two diseases is the first step in preventing complications. So, first and foremost, why does diabetes affect oral health? We have billions of bacteria living in our mouths. If that bacteria is allowed to build up, it can lead to gum disease–swollen, bleeding gums as well as bone and tooth loss. Because people with diabetes have a decreased ability to fight off harmful bacteria, they are more susceptible to gum disease. Poor blood glucose control also increases the likelihood of gum problems. The relationship between diabetes and gum disease, however, is two-way. Because infected gums are an easy access point for bacteria to enter the bloodstream, bacteria from the mouth can cause blood sugar spike and fluctuate, making diabetes harder to manage. Beyond gum disease, there are other oral infections and problems associated with diabetes including thrush, dry mouth, cavities and ulcers. Keep Your Dentist Involved Keeping us involved is the most important thing you can do to prevent gum disease and other oral complications linked to diabetes. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or if there are changes in your condition, let us know. Keep us informed of your medications and your doctor’s recommended treatment plan. Come in to see us regularly–every six months or more if deemed necessary. Other things you can do to manage your oral health and diabetes include: Develop good oral hygiene habits Quit smoking Control your blood sugar Your Health Matters To Us Every aspect of your health is important to us, not just your the health of your mouth. If you have questions about how your dentist can help you manage your diabetes, contact us. We are your partners in ensuring both your oral and overall health. Thank you for being our valued patients and friends!

When Getting Dental Implants is a Wise Idea

Dental implants are one way to help resolve the dental issues that adults may struggle with. In fact, it is normal to suffer cavities and an occasional infection throughout your lifetime. However, some adults are more prone to damage, infections, and even tooth loss, than others. Very often, the root cause is genetics. Essentially, people are either born with good teeth or are not. In other cases, things like using an inhaler for asthma can actually cause oral health problems. The same is true for diabetes and taking certain medications.  If you fall in this category, there is a good chance that you are going to be struggling with oral health problems on a regular basis. Eventually, it becomes time to consider whether or not you should continue as is or take more permanent action to resolve the oral health issues.

How You Feel Matters

We like to tell patients that how he or she feels on a daily basis matters a great deal. If you find that your teeth are causing you an incredible amount of pain or discomfort, then it is often wise to consider replacing them. Discomfort to this degree can make it difficult for you to eat what you need to or to speak clearly. It can also have a negative impact on your performance at work or how you behave in social settings. This is understandable when you consider how difficult it can be to do anything when you are in pain.
For this reason, we encourage you to call our office and schedule a consultation when you are experiencing a significant degree of discomfort. This will allow us to examine you and then to determine whether or not replacing some of the teeth with dental implants is the best course of action.

Reasons to Replace Teeth with Dental Implants

• The teeth  are damaged. Dental damage can often be restored using solutions like dental veneers, dental crowns, and even fillings. In most cases, restorative solutions work excellently for solving the problem and eliminating the discomfort. However, when the damage is severe, this may not be enough. At this point, you will need to look for a better solution. Removing the damaged tooth or teeth and replacing them with dental implants may be it. Once a tooth is damaged beyond repair, regular cleaning methods will not be enough.
• The teeth may fall out.  If there is a chance that your teeth are going to fall out because they are already loose or you have severe gum disease, it may be wise for you to schedule an appointment to have them extracted. Instead of waiting for the embarrassing moment when your teeth fall out, you can have them removed in a sterile environment. During this process, we can provide patients with the benefit of anesthesia and schedule the procedure at a time frame that you control.
• Your teeth continue to get infected.  If you are constantly struggling with infection and need root canals on a regular basis, it may be better for you to replace them. We will let you know the best course of action during an examination.

Schedule a Consultation

Remember that you do not have to live with a missing tooth or teeth that are constantly becoming infected. There are options that extend far beyond a dental crown or dentures. You can choose dental implants to give you a new smile that is durable, beautiful, and healthy. To learn more about this solution and to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants, call our dental office and schedule a consultation today.

Implant Dentist  >  Oral Surgery

How a Sleep Dentist Can Relieve Your Anxiety

Going to visit a sleep dentist is nowhere near as stressful as seeing a traditional dentist. With a sleep dentist, there is the potential for you to get relaxing medication that will help you relax during the procedure. As a sleep dentist, we want you to be completely comfortable in the environment while we can perform the procedures necessary to keep your teeth and mouth in optimum health. We also have the ability to give you the type and level of medication you need to completely relax depending on the type of procedure you will be getting.

However, you will benefit even more from attempting to set some of your dental anxiety aside before the beginning of the procedure. We find that many people psych themselves out even before they visit the dentist, regardless of whether it is a sleep dentist or not. Even worse, sometimes it can prevent people from keeping the appointment they have already made.

People have different ways of preparing themselves to go in and see the dentist. We give you an excellent advantage, in that you have the opportunity to take the necessary medication to relax and relieve your dental anxiety. In addition to this, we always recommend that you make it a habit to visit the dentist at least once every six months. With the regularly-scheduled visits, we are able to not only treat any problems that may be arising but also gives you a psychological advantage. The more often you receive dental care, the more comfortable  you will be with it over time.

One of the most important things you can do from a dental anxiety and psychological point of view is to have a positive view of the experience after you are done getting your sleep dentist treatment. In other words, celebrate the fact that you successfully completed your dental appointment and enjoy the benefits from it. This will help you to feel better about receiving dental care and ensure that  you feel better about visiting the dentist next time.

How a Sleep Dentist Can Help You

When you visit our office, we can provide you with medication that will put you to sleep during the procedure. This is ideal for anyone that needs to have major dental work done. Instead of sitting in the dental chair for hours, wide awake, you can go to sleep and wake up with everything complete. Many of our patients find this helpful when:

• Treating gum disease
• Replacing teeth with dental implants
• Having restorative work completed

To learn more about how we can help you, call and schedule an appointment.

Oral Surgery  >  Gum Recession

Read This Before Your Oral Surgery

Oral surgery is significantly more common than you would think. When people think of the word surgery, they often conjure up images of a doctor standing under an operating light, performing heart surgery. However, oral surgery can involve simple things like removing a tooth or extracting impacted wisdom teeth.  Both simple and complicated surgeries can be performed under the banner of oral surgery. However, what is important for you to remember is that when you come in oral surgery, you are in fact having surgery. As such, you will get detailed instructions from our oral surgery team as to how you should prepare for the surgery, as well as getting post-operative instructions. It is absolutely vital if you are scheduled for oral surgery that you follow the preoperative instructions precisely. Actually, we will go over all of these in the final consultation before the day of your surgery. If you have specific concerns or questions about the process, you should make sure to ask in the final consultative visit before the surgery is scheduled.

Here are a few common practices that will help you prepare for the oral surgery. These are not intended to supersede the specific instructions given by our oral surgeon but rather, to give you a general guideline of how to best prepare for your surgery.

• If you have been scheduled to have general anesthesia with your oral surgery, it is critical that you do not eat or drink anything for a minimum of eight hours before the surgery. If you have any liquid or solid food in your stomach during the anesthesia, this can pose a life-threatening situation. In the event you have actually consumed something in the eight hours before the scheduled time of the surgery, you need to let your oral surgeon know as soon as possible. Similarly, we recommend that you do not smoke or consume alcohol for at least eight hours before the surgery.
• We highly recommend that you brush your teeth prior to your appointment. Brushing your teeth will help greatly reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth and hence lower your chance of catching an infection.
• For the day of the oral surgery itself, we recommend that you wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothes. It is highly recommended that you wear a short-sleeve shirt so it is easier for us to take your blood pressure and apply any necessary monitors. Many patients find that a t-shirt, sweatpants, and gym shoes are the most comfortable way to come in for surgery. It is also recommended that you bring a responsible adult with you, somebody who can drive you home while you are still under the effects of anesthesia. You will be groggy for several hours after the appointment and will be unable to drive.
• Finally, we recommend that you take care of all financial arrangements, ask any questions, make arrangements to collect your prescriptions, and use the restroom before the start of your oral surgery. You may be a little too sleepy to remember these things afterward.

We will prepare you for your surgery during your appointments but feel free to ask questions of our surgeon at any time.

Implant Dentist  >  Periodontist

Cosmetic Dentist in Sunnyvale: Improving on History

When you visit our clinic to see a cosmetic dentist in Sunnyvale, you are joining millions of Americans who are coming to see a cosmetic dentist with the hope of improving their smile. This is this is because in modern western society we place a great deal of importance on the image. Even more important than your outward image, is your inward image, and a beautiful smile helps with both of these. Think about it. A smile can really change the mood in a room, help you introduce yourself to people you've never met before, and even help make a good impression when you are on a job interview. Because of this high level of importance that is being placed on a great-looking smile, where it is an essential commodity both socially and professionally, the field of cosmetic dentistry has really bloomed and helped many people get the smile that they want.  However, many people who come in to get cosmetic dentistry do not realize the incredible history of our profession.

It is true that as a cosmetic dentist in Sunnyvale, the treatments we offer use some of the most sophisticated  and modern advances in dentistry. This is because cosmetic dentistry is often at the cutting edge of all the dental sciences and arts. However, the idea of improving one's look through one's teeth is not an invention of the modern age. While it is true that our current cosmetic dental technology, like porcelain veneers or dental veneers, have developed over the last few years, people have known that oral health and hygiene with a good-looking smile is an important asset since ancient Rome. You might be surprised to learn that as far back as 700 BC the Etruscans crafted dentures which were made from ivory and bone. They used these dentures in much the same way as dentures are used by a cosmetic dentist today, to replace missing teeth. The Etruscans also practiced cosmetic dentistry, using gold for crowns and fillings.

One of our favorite tools as a cosmetic dentist in Sunnyvale, are dental implants. Dental implants are more durable than bridges and more secure than dentures. While dental bridges are still very popular among some patients, we prefer dental implants because, as a cosmetic dentist, we know that dental implants are a much sturdier and longer lasting solution to tooth loss. Dental bridges were initially invented to hide the gap caused by missing teeth. Dental implants are a permanent solution that replaces the lost tooth with a crown and implant which look and feel exactly like the natural tooth itself.  This is because the implant is a titanium post that is secured to the jawbone.  It essentially replaces the lost root through the process of osseointegration.  This allows your new tooth (dental crown) to have the same benefits that your natural teeth have.  The chewing force offered by your jaw is provided through the implant and so is the security.  When you eat, speak, run, or laugh, your dental implant will remain secure.  For these reasons and more, patients visit our office for dental implants on a regular basis.

Dental Implants  >  Implant Dentist

LANAP Laser Dentistry in Palo Alto, CA Is Safe for Pregnant Women

The benefits of LANAP laser dentistry in Palo Alto CA cannot be overstated. If you are pregnant and suffering from gum disease, you need to treat it. Your OBGYN will likely advise you to do so immediately because of the risks gum disease poses to an unborn child. If you have gum disease, you are at a greater risk for having your baby premature, which can lead to a variety of health complications for them, including difficulty breathing, heart problems, etc. This condition can also lead to your baby being born underweight. This is why pregnant women are encouraged to receive regular dental care throughout their pregnancy.

The challenge is that while pregnant, you also must be careful with the types of medication you use and whether or not you are given anesthesia. Traditional gum disease treatments require this. That is because metal dental tools are used to scrape away the plaque and tartar, and this is incredibly uncomfortable. Simultaneously, if you have gum recession and need to have your gums restored, cuts and sutures will be made. Naturally, this too requires anesthesia. This is not the case with our solution, and that is what makes it safe for pregnant women.

Reasons to Schedule an Appointment for LANAP Laser Dentistry in Palo Alto CA
#1 - Your gum disease must be treated.
Leaving it alone is not a wise option, given the risk gum disease poses to your unborn child.
#2 - It is safe.
We use lasers to treat gum disease, and LANAP allows us to take the process one step further. We can actually restore your gum tissue safely and without needing to give you anesthesia.
#3 - The recovery process is fast.
Since we are not cutting into your gums or placing sutures, we can complete the process quickly so you can get in and out of our office. If you suffer from some form of dental anxiety, you will find this to be advantageous. Once you leave our office, the recovery will be fast as well, since you are unlikely to have any bleeding, and any swelling will be very minor. By the next day, your gums should look and feel better than they did when you first visited our office.
#4 - You will be protecting your teeth.
If you allow your gum disease to advance, your teeth will be put at risk and you may develop infections that must be addressed or you will eventually lose your teeth. Being proactive now can save you time, money, and effort in the future.

Visit Perio & Implant Center Silicon Valley for LANAP Laser Dentistry in Palo Alto CA
We believe that you can have excellent oral health and that your gums can be healthy and free from disease. We use modern dentistry techniques and lasers in order to achieve this goal because we understand how this solution is far superior to traditional means. Still, it is up to you to make the choice to experience the benefit of laser dentistry for yourself. Whether you are currently under the care of a general dentist or looking for a new one, call Perio & Implant Center Silicon Valley today and schedule your appointment for LANAP laser dentistry.

Dental Implants  >  Cosmetic Dentist

How You Can Benefit from Implant Dentistry

Implant dentistry is one of the modern marvels associated with today's dental care. With implant dentistry, we have been able to recreate the natural function of teeth in a way that makes sure your teeth look and feel exactly like your natural teeth. What is even more amazing is that with dental implants, we are not only giving you the effect of having natural teeth but are actually mimicking the biological functions of the various elements of teeth. In addition to this, and potentially the most important, you do not have to live with tooth loss anymore.
Dental Implants Are -

• Strong and allow you to eat like you would with normal teeth.
• Durable enough to last a lifetime. 
• Natural-looking so that your smile appears intact. 
• Beautiful like your natural teeth.
• Mimic your natural teeth so that your jaw also benefits. 

Tooth loss adversely affects a large portion of the population, and while it is common that tooth loss is mostly in the domain of people of a certain age, it is also true that people of any age can lose the tooth. This is because gum disease, accidents, etc. can happen to anyone at any time. All of these can lead to you losing a tooth and needing to have a replacement. If you do need to get a tooth replacement, you have several choices, including dental implants or dentures. There are pros and cons with every method of replacing teeth, and the good news is that no matter what method you chose, you will not have to live with tooth loss. With implant dentistry, however, you also do not have to live with the sticky, gooey mess that is associated with the adhesives used to bind dentures.
Implant dentistry functions on a very simple concept. If we are able to duplicate the natural functions of the teeth, its roots, and its interaction with the jawbone, you will have far better chances of having a strong and stable replacement tooth. As such, implant dentistry uses titanium, one of the few materials known to man that can actually fuse with human tissue, to replace the root of your tooth in a procedure known as placing an implant. The implant itself is actually a tiny titanium screw that screws directly into your jawbone. There are several reasons why a dental implant is placed directly into the jawbone. First and foremost, it allows the jaw to support the dental implant in much the same way as it supports the natural tooth root structure. Secondly, this added stability and support allows for you to have a dental implant that is strong, stable, and more importantly, able to sustain a dental crown, or fake tooth, for a much longer period of time. The third and most important reason from a biological standpoint is that when we place the titanium screw into the jawbone, it duplicates the functions of your naturally occurring tooth root. Essentially, what this does is stimulate the jawbone, allowing for the body to continue supporting its functions, which in turn makes the jawbone healthier and stronger.

Dental Implants  >  Cosmetic Dentist

Visit a Periodontist if Your Dentures Are Loose

As a periodontist, we treat patients suffering from gum disease. If you are currently wearing a partial set of dentures or even a full set of dentures, it is important that you pay attention to your health. In both cases, the health of your gums is going to directly impact how comfortable your dentures are to wear and whether or not they will fit securely. If you suddenly have loose-fitting dentures, this could be a sign that you have gum disease or that you are suffering from resorption. In either case, we encourage you to visit our dental office so that we can examine you and determine if there are any health conditions that need to be addressed right away.

A Periodontist Can Inspect Your Gums

If you are demonstrating signs of gum disease, we encourage you to call our office and schedule an examination. This is necessary for ensuring that we can catch gum disease in its early stages and provide you with fast treatment. Doing so will ensure that your teeth are not at risk of becoming infected as well.
Here are some signs that you can watch for:

• Bleeding gums. When you brush your gums at night look for signs of bleeding. A little blood on your toothbrush is nothing to be alarmed about as long as it happens infrequently. However, if your gums are bleeding every night or they are bleeding significantly, this is a clear sign of gum disease that demands attention and you should schedule an appointment.
• Red and swollen gums. If your gums are red and swollen they could simply be irritated by your dentures or you could be suffering from gum disease. Again, it is best if we catch gum disease before it causes a serious infection so schedule an appointment for your examination.
• Teeth that look long or larger than normal.   If you have noticed that your remaining natural teeth are looking significantly longer than they used to, it could be a sign of gum recession. This happens when gum disease has advanced and your gums begin to pull away from your tooth structure exposing more of your actual tooth, and sometimes your roots. At first, your teeth will appear larger or longer than they used to so this is an important sign to watch for.
• Loose teeth or dentures.  If your dentures or any remaining teeth are loose this could be indicative of you having gum disease. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss so this is nothing that should be ignored.

Non-Invasive Treatments from a Periodontist

We can treat gum disease using lasers. This is a non-invasive way to treat your gums and restore them to good health. Laser dentistry allows us to produce incredible results by improving your health without causing irritation or discomfort.

Schedule an Examination Today

We will be happy to assist you, so give us a call anytime that you notice your gums are irritated or if you are concerned that you are showing any signs of gum disease. We can examine you and discuss the treatment options that are available to you.

Laser Dentistry Is At The Forefront of Technology

Laser dentistry is at the forefront of emerging technologies that are making dentistry far more palatable for people who are immensely afraid of visiting the dentist. For a large portion of the population, the idea of visiting the dentist makes them break out in a cold sweat. Over the years, these numbers have accumulated to where significant portions of the American adult population would rather live with cavities, dental decay, and even more serious conditions than visit the dentist. Laser dentistry is effectively working to change the perception of a dental visit and also the fears of these kinds of people so they can get the treatment they need and deserve.

Dental Drills Contribute to Dental Anxiety and Fear

In studies conducted across the nation, specifically addressing the idea of dental fear, it has been revealed that the dental drill is one of the leading causes of dental fear in patients. In one specific study conducted at a dental university in Japan, it was found that the brains of people who have intense anxiety about a dental visit react uniquely to the sound of dental drills. These people responded just as strongly as if they were actually in the chair waiting for treatment, even though they were not in a dental chair and a dental drill was nowhere near them at the time of the study. The amazing thing about laser dentistry is that it virtually eliminates the need for the use of a dental drill. This is good news for people who have intense anxiety about dental visits, tied specifically to the dental drill and other equipment used in dental procedures. If a laser dentistry procedure can be done completely in the absence of a drill, there is a good chance we can help eliminate the phobias of a large percentage of the population.

Laser Dentistry is Pain-Free

Another significant advantage of laser dentistry is the fact that it has virtually no discomfort associated with it. Ironically, in studies, it has been shown that 75 percent of patients claimed to experience no pain at all when undergoing regular dental treatment. This is not surprising given the range of modern tools available that are used to ensure that the patient experiences no discomfort. And yet the majority of patients who do not want to visit the dentist or procrastinate about making an appointment state that as the major reason why they do not want to visit the dentist. With laser dentistry, there is virtually no discomfort associated with the treatment at all. This is because laser dentistry uses a laser light beam and water, which fuse together to remove decay, tissue, old fillings, and other things that need to be removed without causing damage to the tissues itself. This revolutionary technology can be used to try to whiten discolored teeth, alleviate the symptoms of gum disease, fight gum recession, and use the laser to remove the decay from a bad tooth so it can be properly prepared for a filling.

Visit Us for Laser Dentistry to Treat Gum Disease

We can treat your gum disease using laser technology. This is a comfortable and convenient way for us to restore your gums to excellent health and since it is non-invasive, you do not need to worry about discomfort.

Seniors Benefit from Working with an Implant Dentist

As an implant dentist, we have the privilege of working with local seniors. It's a lot of fun to work with seniors of retirement age as they go about planning for their future. Thinking about things like where to travel and go on the vacation, what classes to audit, what hobbies to take up or even what to do with the family house, more and more seniors are taking the time to also think about their appearance and the things that they are ready to change. One of those things is often their teeth. If you are a senior that is tired of wearing ill-fitting dentures or having the restrictions that come from tooth loss, we encourage you to visit our dental office to learn more about your options. There is no need to allow age or tooth loss to restrict your happiness.  With our help, you can have a smile that you are proud of.

How an Implant Dentist Can Help You

When you visit our dental office we will begin by conducting a physical examination and taking x-rays. One of the things that we will be looking for is the density of your jawbone. It is important for you to have enough density to support the implant that needs to be placed. Think of it as a screw going into a piece of wood. If the screw is longer than the wood it will not be secure. If your jaw is not dense enough the implant will not be as secure as it needs to be either. The challenge is that after you lose a tooth you can experience  resorption to the point that 25% of your jawbone density can be lost within the first year alone. This creates a situation where many seniors can not get dental implants without first having a bone grafting procedure. If this is the case in your situation, we will let you know and make a recommendation regarding which steps you should take next.

As an implant dentist, we can also discuss other options with you. For example, you may not have enough bone density to support a long traditional dental implant but you could have enough density to support a shorter and wider implant. Also, if you have suffered complete tooth loss you may benefit from implant supported dentures. These are the types of solutions that we can discuss with you during your consultation and examination. Remember that our goal is to provide you with a natural-looking set of replacement teeth that is going to function at optimal levels. We are confident that dental implants are the best way to achieve this goal and will work with you to identify the exact solution and exact procedure that is going to work best for your health and for your appearance.

The Result

By using dental implants to replace your missing teeth we can give you a full set of highly functional teeth that look absolutely amazing. Our patients find that they are able to enjoy life more than when wearing dentures. This is because dental implants don't come out. They are surgically placed and will remain secure in your mouth regardless of what you are doing or what you are eating. As a senior you can replace your teeth with implants and live life without restrictions. This a far superior way to enjoy your retirement years

The Science Behind LANAP Laser Dentistry

LANAP laser dentistry is a procedure that is being used, and has been newly introduced, to structure the laser-assisted treatment of periodontal disease. The surgical laser procedure is designed for the treatment of periodontitis through regeneration rather than through simple reception. The LANAP laser dentistry procedure is a protocol that deals with the inflammation, the infectious process, the occlusion, the tooth mobility, and the osseous components of periodontal disease. It is important to understand that the LANAP laser dentistry protocols are a key achievement in laser dentistry. We know that approximately 80% of Americans suffer from some form of periodontal disease, from the extremely mild to the very severe - 97% of those have moderate to severe periodontitis and do not get the treatment they need.

In order to properly understand how LANAP laser dentistry is an effective therapy, it is important to first understand what periodontal disease is. Periodontal disease, at its core, is when the teeth separate from the gums allowing pockets to exist under the gum line. These pockets can quickly become infected with bacteria and lead to tooth loss, degeneration of the bone, and other serious problems.  Often times the first symptom of a periodontal disease is bleeding of gums. Well over 90% of Americans will experience bleeding gums at some point during their life. It is important to note that if you have consistent bleeding gums you need to get inspected for gingivitis or the even more serious periodontal disease. The good news is that with the LANAP laser dentistry tools, we have an effective therapy to help treat periodontal disease.

Typically we find that the LANAP protocol using LANAP laser dentistry is a procedure that can be completed in two visits, although it has been known to be done in one appointment. On average each of these visits last roughly two hours and you will need to see the dentist for a one-hour post-operative appointment for an evaluation after about a week.   The procedure itself works by targeting a specific wavelength of laser light at the disease infected pockets, under the gum line, where the tooth has separated from the gum. This helps to address the underlying connectivity issues as well as the disease or infection.  Since the laser is extremely selective and pinpointed at the diseased tissue, the underlying connective tissue which connects the tooth and gums is allowed to heal and regenerate rather than having them affected, allowing for a much more rapid recovery.  Simultaneously, by removing the diseased tissue with a laser, healthy tissue has more room to grow and this works well for the re-connection and regeneration of the healthy tissue.

One of the things to understand about LANAP laser dentistry is that during the first year after the procedure typically no work will be done to disturb the periodontal tissue. In fact, we will only be treating caries and working on temporization.  If a patient requires restoration type dental work, we will do this before having the LANAP laser dentistry protocols implemented since very few patients want to wait a year for restorative dentistry.

The good news about this procedure is that it is far more comfortable than traditional methods of treating gum disease.  For this reason, many of our patients prefer laser dentistry.  To learn more about this procedure, call and schedule a consultation.

Gum Recession Risk Factors

Gum recession is a condition during which your upper or lower gums begin to “recede” or pull back from your teeth. When this happens, it often results in teeth having an elongated appearance and sensitivities to hot and cold foods and drinks. It can also often lead to a greater number of cavities and even gum disease, if not already present. While in some cases, gum recession is hereditary due to thin gingival tissue, for most people, receding gums can be avoided by limiting risk factors.

Smoking and Nicotine Use
Smoking and nicotine use are major risk factors for gum recession, and they are rated number one as the most preventable. Fortunately, this risk factor can be completely avoided, resulting in a healthier atmosphere for teeth and gums. Smoking can not only lead to gum recession, but it can also cause periodontal disease, a serious form of gum disease. These bad habits irritate and inflame your gums by reducing the oxygen in your gum tissue. Persistent smoking and nicotine use can eventually even cause bone loss. If you have the ability to reduce your risk by limiting nicotine use or quitting altogether, you can also avoid being one of the 40 percent of smokers who lose all their teeth by the end of their lives.

Periodontal Disease
While periodontal disease is a detrimental condition in itself, it is also a risk factor for gum recession. People who have periodontal disease for an extended period without having it properly treated often suffer from debilitating consequences like loose teeth, chronically sore and inflamed gums, and receding gums. Over three-fourths of American adults possess some form of gum disease, but very few people realize they have it until it causes significant damage to their gums and teeth. While 30 percent of people are genetically predisposed to having periodontal disease, with proper oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist, you can reduce your risk of developing gum disease and by association, gum recession.

Poor Oral Hygiene Habits
Brushing your teeth too aggressively, not brushing and flossing adequately, and failing to visit the dentist regularly can all cause receding gums. Even if you are genetically predisposed to develop gum recession with age, it is important to seek out regular dental care, since a dentist can watch for recession and help you care for your teeth in a way that may slow the process. If you already have receding gums, a dentist can go over treatment options with you to prevent it from becoming worse with time and to fix the damage that has already occurred.

Malpositioned Teeth and Mouth Trauma
If you have malpositioned teeth, orthodontics may help reposition your teeth so your risk of developing gingival irritation and recession from excessive pressure and friction in certain areas is reduced. Mouth trauma is a common risk factor for receding gingival tissues, but this can be avoided by wearing a mouth guard during sports or seeking dental attention immediately following mouth injuries.

The best thing you can do to reduce your risk of gum recession is to visit a dentist at least twice a year. We can coach you on ways to reduce your chances of suffering the cosmetic and dental health consequences of developing receding gums.

Periodontist  >  Laser Dentistry

Visit a Sleep Dentist Before Your Wedding

As a sleep dentist, we work with a lot of brides that want to improve their smile in time for their wedding day. Issues like crooked teeth can be corrected with orthodontics but it can take months and even years for an orthodontic treatment to be completed. Many brides simply cannot wait that long due to a pending wedding date. In this case, cosmetic dentistry can be a useful tool for improving your smile.

Visit a Sleep Dentist for a Gummy Smile

One of the other reasons that brides visit us is to have their gums shaped so that they no longer have a gummy smile where the gums go up too high on the teeth. We can correct this problem by using lasers to remove some of the excess tissue and shaping your gums so that more of your beautiful teeth show through.

You Can Visit a Sleep Dentist to Replace Your Teeth

If you have lost some of your teeth due to an infection or dental damage, we can replace them in time for your wedding.  Instead of wearing dentures that can fall out or make you feel self-conscious, we can provide you with a permanent and secure way to replace your teeth – dental implants. For your wedding, you want to be able to smile and feel proud of how you look. You can, with dental implants securely in place. This is the only solution that replaces both your missing roots and your missing teeth. We complete the procedure by surgically implanting a small titanium post under your gums and securing it to your jawbone. The body responds to titanium like it would to natural matter and it begins to deposit bone tissue around the actual post. This process is called osseointegration and it works incredibly well. While the process can take a couple of months, once done your implant will be as secure as a natural root and we can secure your new tooth or teeth to it.

Why You Should See a Sleep Dentist

When performing procedures that are going to cause you irritation, we can simply put you to sleep. This way you will not feel anything and you will not have the anxiety that can come from undergoing a dental procedure. While preparing for your wedding you are going to have a lot on your plate. Things, like hiring the right catering company and finding the perfect dress, can be fun but they can also be stressful. Adding the anxiety of receiving dental care to this already full schedule, is not wise.  While the actual dental treatments are necessary for giving you a wedding day smile, the anxiety is not. As a sleep dentist, we can solve the problem by making it easier than ever for you to receive dental care. We simply put you to sleep so that you can feel perfectly relaxed and at ease about having your teeth replaced, gums treated or smile improved. To get started, call and schedule an appointment today.

How a Sleep Dentist Can Benefit You

As a sleep dentist, we are focused on your health but also on your comfort.  It is time to reevaluate dentistry and what your experience will be like.  In the past, patients did not have very many options. You visited the local dentist and received the same basic care, regardless of where you went.  Times have changed and we are offering patients an entirely different way to receive dental care – a way that we believe is far better.

What Visiting a Sleep Dentist is Like

When you visit our dental office for a procedure like dental implants or gum repair, we can put you to sleep.  This is the easiest and most comfortable way to receive dental care because you can come in, sit down, fall asleep and wake up when it is over.  Instead of feeling anxious or uncomfortable during your treatment, you can be entirely relaxed physically, mentally and emotionally.  This is a win-win for anyone that is concerned about feeling stressed when receiving dental care.

Additional Benefits of Visiting a Sleep Dentist

#1 The procedure will be over quickly.

By going to sleep, the procedure will seem to be over in the blink of an eye.  Instead of waiting for it to be over and counting down the minutes, you will feel completely relaxed and unaware of time.  This is a significant benefit for your state of wellbeing.  Simultaneously, the procedure actually can be over faster when you are asleep.  This is because we can focus on getting results without taking breaks or going slowly to make it easier for you.  Since you are sleeping, our intense focus will be beneficial and not concerning at all.

#2 We can do more in one sitting.

If you need to have major dental work done, there is a chance that you will have to come to the dentist more than once.  This is typically due to the fact that most people cannot sit still for so many hours.  However, when you visit a sleep dentist, this is not a concern.  We can often complete far more of the necessary work in one sitting because it will be comfortable for you.  This will save you time in the future.

#3 You will leave happy.

Let's face it – dentistry has a bad reputation.  We know this to be true, even though it is often undeserved.  Our patients feel better after visiting us for dental care because we are a gentle dentist and because we offer sedation.  When you visit our sleep dentist office for a procedure we are confident that you will leave happy and pleased that you received care here, rather than from a traditional dental office.

To learn more about sleep dentistry in general or to discuss your oral health concerns, give us a call.  We will be happy to answer your questions and to create a customized treatment plan to address all of your individual needs.  We are highly skilled and capable of giving you a beautiful and healthy smile. 

Periodontist  >  Pinhole Surgical Rejuvenation

Oral Surgery for Impacted Teeth

You may need oral surgery if one of your teeth never came in properly. Most people think of an impacted tooth in relation to a wisdom tooth that only grew in partially or remained impacted, and very often, that is what we treat. We can remove your wisdom teeth so they do not create a health risk or push your teeth forward due to a lack of space. However, orthodontists also recommend oral surgery for impacted teeth, and here is why:

Some teeth never grow in correctly.

There are a variety of reasons that this happens, which can include baby teeth remaining in place for too long. If they do not fall out, it leaves the permanent tooth inside the gums, unable to descend unless it goes on top or behind the baby tooth. Similarly, if there is just not enough room in the mouth for a tooth, it may never descend.

What should I do with an impacted tooth?

Oral surgery is typically your best option since otherwise, it will not come down on its own. The tooth can either be removed entirely or an orthodontist and oral surgeon can work together to bring it down. Surgically, the gum must be cut open so the tooth is exposed. At this point, the surgeon can bond a bracket to the lower portion of the tooth so the orthodontist can access it and begin to complete a procedure to slowly and gently lower the tooth into position. Your orthodontist can let you know how long this will take.

Can I simply leave the tooth in place?

Yes, but it poses a clear health risk. In the case of an impacted wisdom tooth, there is usually an area where food can become trapped, making it all too easy for your back molars to become infected. In the case of a tooth that never descended, leaving it in place can lead to the damage of your tooth roots — the other ones. Essentially, this tooth could disrupt your other healthy teeth and create additional problems for them. The actual impacted tooth can develop a cyst or other conditions. Overall, this makes it important to remove an impacted tooth or undergo a treatment to help it descend.

What happens next?

Once your new tooth is in place, it may not be straight. In fact, it is rather unlikely that it will be. In this scenario, you may want to undergo an orthodontic treatment to straighten all of your teeth and to complete your smile transformation. You may elect to do this with traditional braces or clear aligners. Both work well, but it is highly likely that you will have already been wearing braces to help pull down the impacted tooth.

The first step in this process is to determine if your tooth is impacted and whether or not you want to remove it using oral surgery. Remember that even if you want to keep the tooth, surgery will begin the process by exposing it. We can explain both solutions further when you come in for a consultation.

Why We are Number One for Implant Dentistry

We are number one for implant dentistry and can easily replace your missing teeth.  Whether you have lost one or several teeth, we can provide you with a durable and secure replacement solution that looks entirely natural.  We love dental implants because this is the only solution that replaces both your missing root and the tooth.

Here is how the process works –

We implant a small titanium post under your gums and secure it to your jawbone.  The body responds to titanium like it would natural matter.  As a result, bone will be deposited around the implant, literally fusing metal and bone through the process of osseointegration.  It takes a couple of months for this to happen but once it does, your new tooth will be as secure as a natural one.  When ready, we will attach an abutment to your implant at the surface of your gums and then secure a dental crown (new tooth) to it.  The crown will have been created in the dental lab using an impression of your mouth, measurements and a shade card.  This way it will blend in with your surrounding teeth and look completely natural.

We are number one for implant dentistry because –

#1 We specialize in complex dental treatments and implant dentistry.

Some dentists perform implant surgery as a small part of their practice.  Without ongoing clinical experience, they may inadvertently make a mistake or perform the procedure in a way that causes unnecessary irritation.  The procedure has a high success rate but the more often it is performed, the more successful it is likely to be.  We are constantly placing dental implants and are focused on this area of our practice.

#2 We are a laser dentistry.

Whenever possible we use lasers to help improve the process of our procedures.  Lasers can be used to help reduce bleeding in implant surgery.  We generally use them to make what we do more comfortable and to reduce recovery times.  By leveraging dental technology, we can improve your experience.

#3 Our service is amazing.

Yes, we are a dentist but that does not mean that you should not expect amazing customer service.  We want you to be excited to visit our office and we will provide you with excellent service so that you are.  You can depend on us to greet you with a smile, to gladly answer your questions and to provide you with the information you need to be fully prepared and well-informed. You can also call us at any time after the procedure and during your recovery process.

#4 We are focused on quality.

Your dental implants can last a lifetime if they are placed correctly.  We use the best materials and focus on quality so that your new tooth or teeth can stand the test of time.  You should not have to worry about regularly replacing your teeth and when you visit our implant dentistry office, you won’t. 

To learn more about us or to schedule an appointment for implant dentistry, call today.

Why You Should Have Pinhole Surgical Rejuvenation for Your Gums

In our clinic, we perform the Pinhole Surgical Rejuvenation procedure.  This is the best way to restore the health of your gums after gum disease.  It is extremely common for adults to suffer from gum disease.  In fact, most people will have the earliest form of it, gingivitis, at some point during their lifetime. Whether or not it grows to full-blown gum disease depends on how often you see the dentist and what other risk factors you have. 

In its advanced stage, gum disease will cause your gum tissue to pull away from your tooth structure.  More of your teeth will be exposed and eventually your roots could be as well.  As pockets are created in your gum tissue, you are at an increased risk for infection and bacteria will have more of a direct shot to attacking your teeth and roots.  The result can be infections, loose teeth and eventual tooth loss.  Gum disease is actually one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss so preventing it is incredibly important. For this, we recommend that you visit the dentist twice a year for a teeth cleaning.

If you have passed this point and are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, it is time for you to call our office.  We use the latest in technology to treat gum disease so that you can become healthy again, without the use of invasive dental tools.  We offer a unique procedure called Pinhole Surgical Rejuvenation.  Using this technique, we can stimulate the gums and secure them back around your teeth.  Typically, this has to be done using surgery, in which a gum graft is completed to attach tissue to your gums.  The tissue can be taken from the roof of your mouth or it can even come from a tissue bank.  In any case, the traditional process involves cutting your gums and sutures.  Given how sensitive gum tissue is, this procedure can be both uncomfortable and irritating.  Naturally, it also comes with a  fairly extensive recovery period.  This is something that our clients are trying to avoid and with Pinhole Surgical Rejuvenation, they can.

To complete  the procedure, we make a small “pinhole” in the gum tissue so that we can insert our instruments and begin working with the gums so that the tissue moves back up around the teeth.  The process is faster than traditional gum surgery and since we only make a pinhole, your gums will not swell up, bleed or be irritated like they traditionally would.  When you are comparing your options and reviewing a traditional gum graft as compared with Pinhole Surgical Rejuvenation, there really is no comparison.  Our solution is far more convenient, comfortable, faster, and with less of a recovery period. 

Gum disease is common but innovative solutions are not.  Pinhole Surgical Rejuvenation is not offered by very many dentists offices.  This is why you may not have heard of it.  However, if you know that your gums require treatment, we encourage you to visit our office for a second opinion and to learn how this procedure can benefit you specifically.

 

 

Why You Might Prefer Laser Dentistry Practices Instead of Traditional Dentistry Tools

Laser dentistry practices offer more precise and efficient routes to complete many common dental procedures. Laser dentistry techniques are continually growing and improving, resulting in more successful and quick dental treatments. Thanks to the precision of laser dentistry tools, highly specific areas of focus can be accessed without the potential of damaging surrounding tissues. If you have dental phobia, dislike traditional dentistry tools, or you just want to try the most efficient and discomfort-free solution to dental problems, laser dentistry practices can offer safe and comfortable treatment options that will correct infections and dental cavities quickly and successfully.

Pros of Laser Dentistry Practices Over Traditional Dentistry Tools

    Shorter healing times
    Quicker, suture-free soft tissue treatments
    Minimal need for anesthetics
    Minimal bleeding and swelling due to the accuracy and cauterization that high-energy lasers provide
    Less chance of infection because the laser sterilizes tissues during the treatment
    Laser dentistry treatments can regenerate tissues
    You may spend less time in the dental chair due to the effectiveness of lasers
    You can relax more easily since you won’t be hearing unsettling drill noises
    Laser dentistry practices keep children calm
    Laser dentistry treatments can seal pain receptors, so your teeth become less sensitive

What Laser Dentistry Techniques Are Used For

Cavity Detection and Treatment

Laser dentistry techniques allow dentists to detect cavities sooner than they could with traditional dental tools. Newer lasers can prepare a cavity site for treatment and provide accurate dental fillings with little to no local anesthetic injections. While placing a filling, lasers will kill bacteria so the cavity cannot re-develop under the new fillings. Some filling materials may not be compatible with lasers, but we can discuss these options with you when you visit.

Gum Tissue Corrections

Laser dentistry techniques are now used to combat gum recession. Lasers can help regenerate soft tissue to repair damaged gums after gum disease. Lasers are also able to gently reshape soft tissues to disguise misshapen gums and help them to become stronger and provide more coverage. In addition to correcting problems associated with gum recession, lasers can expose more of your natural teeth, so you do not have a noticeable “gummy smile.”

Gum Disease Treatment

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can be successfully treated by laser dentistry practices. Many dentists prefer to use lasers for gum disease treatment, as they help maintain as much healthy tissue as possible while traditional dental tools often damage healthy tissues while they remove infected tissues. The level of sterilization laser dentistry practices provides also limits the spread of bacteria associated with gum disease, so you are less likely to experience a relapse of infection.

In addition to these areas of laser dentistry that are popular today, lasers are also used for teeth whitening, to remove tumors and cold sores, and in rare cases, lasers can be used to treat problems associated with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders. For more information about why you may be interested in receiving laser dentistry care, schedule an appointment with our office. As with all techniques, lasers may not be appropriate for every dental problem you have, but we can work with you to find the most comfortable solution possible for any dental ailments.

How to Avoid Gum Recession

To some extent, gum recession plagues nearly half of middle-aged adults and 88% of adults over age 65. While receding gums could, unfortunately, be inevitable for some since it can be a hereditary trait, others can avoid gum recession by caring for their teeth and gums properly. If you are interested in preventing the deterioration of your gums, and you want to keep your healthy, beautiful smile, continue reading to learn more about gum recession and how to avoid it.

Brushing Habits

Gum recession has many origins. Like mentioned briefly, some people are more prone to gum recession due to the inheritance of thinner gums that do not stand up well to daily wear and brushing. These people should take extra care when brushing and flossing to do so gently, and a soft-bristled brush should be used. No person should brush too aggressively as this can lead to the deterioration of even the healthiest gums.

Facial Trauma

Gum recession can also be attributed to facial trauma. If you have ever had an injury that affected your teeth and gums, your gums may be more likely to recede. You can prevent facial trauma by wearing a mouthguard when you play sports. Mouthguards act as a barrier for your teeth against any objects that make contact with your face. A dentist can fit you for a proper mouth guard, or you can find one at your local sports store.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the biggest culprits of gum recession. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is the chronic inflammation and infection of the gums. This disease develops due to tartar (hardened plaque) buildup under the gum line that acts as an irritant to your soft tissues. You can prevent periodontal disease by visiting the dentist regularly, receiving deep teeth cleanings, and having cavities taken care of. If you do develop gum disease, you are at risk for not only gum recession but also tooth loss. If you notice that your gums are redder than normal, or they are bleeding easily, visit a dentist immediately for treatment. Regular flossing and brushing can also help you steer clear of gum disease.

Orthodontic Treatment and Oral Piercings

According to a study from the website of the National Center for Biotechnology Information, 15% of young adults out of 303 had gum recession, resulting in the confirmation that gum recession can be correlated with past orthodontic treatment and oral piercings. This statistic should encourage any patient undergoing orthodontic treatment to take special care of their teeth and gums during this time. Many patients give up on flossing during braces treatment because it becomes more of a challenge. Failing to floss results in the potential for gum disease and gum recession. Ask your orthodontist for tips on flossing during your treatment to ensure your gums remain healthy.

As for oral piercings, avoid them altogether. While they may be trendy for a time, the health of your teeth and gums should be more important. Oral piercings act as persistent irritants to your oral tissues, resulting in inflamed gums that will slowly recede.

There are many reasons for gum recession in addition to this list. In order to avoid it, the best thing you can do is to keep up with regular visits to your dentist. A dentist knows the signs of receding gums and can give you more tips on how to avoid it altogether. If you already have receding gums, visit our office to learn more about repairing them.