You should get your teeth cleaned by a hygienist at least every 6 months. This time frame allows the early detection of problems associated with your teeth, gums and bone. The dentist will want to take a look around and make sure everything is doing okay. X-rays are recommended yearly to help the dentist in making a thorough exam due to some areas of the teeth are unseen upon a visual exam.
Tooth decay starts off small and gets deeper within the tooth. Once deep enough it gets closer and closer to the nerve that lives within each of our teeth. The closer decay or cracks get to the nerve the more pain associated with the situation. Early prevention and diagnosis can prevent pain from coming and needing more extensive treatment like root canals and crowns.
Flossing combined with tooth brushing is the most effective way to clean our teeth. Tooth brushing gets the outer most surfaces of the teeth clean. However, the surfaces between the teeth that are susceptible to getting decay need to be cleaned as well.
The mouth is no different than any other part of the body. When bacterial accumulate somewhere they can cause inflammation and subsequent bleeding. The gums when not cared for accumulate bacterial along their surfaces and when brushed or flossed on and irregular schedule can bleed. The goal is to brush and floss regularly and this inflammation will never take hold.
You should brush your teeth at least for 2 minutes 2 times a day. It should be the last thing you do before you go to bed. Small circular brush motions combine with soft bristles is the way to go when it comes to brushing. Using a hard toothbrush can actually brush away healthy tooth structure along the gum line and can cause gum recession.
2 times a day for 2 minutes each time followed by flossing.
Fluoride is a natural ion found in nature. In small concentrations it can help change the crystalline make up of a tooth making it harder and less susceptible to be eaten up by the bacterial that cause decay (cavities).
Hydroxyappetite. This compound is a crystalline structure that combines with other inorganic and organic compounds to form a tooth. Each tooth has 3 layers; the enamel is the hard outer coating, the dentin is the material found between the enamel and the pulp or nerve of the tooth. It takes decay longer to get through the enamel but once it reaches the dentin spreads quicker and is more of a threat to tooth health and longevity.
Tooth decay is the term given to the softening of a tooth by a process known as demineralization. Once is process has progressed to the point where the surface breaks in then it is known as a cavity.
A cavity is a location on a tooth where enough of its mineral content has been lost that a hole starts to form. The process by which this occurs is called demineralization and it takes place because of the presence of acids on a tooth's surface.
The acids that cause tooth demineralization (cavity formation) are produced by specific types of bacteria (mutans streptococci and lactobacilli) that live in dental plaque.
These bacteria are living organisms just like we are. When we consume foods and beverages, we create waste products. Bacteria do the same thing. The bacteria that cause tooth decay utilize sugars (glucose, sucrose, fructose, lactose, or cooked starches) as their food source. The waste products created from digesting these sugars are the acids (especially lactic acid) that cause the demineralization of tooth enamel and dentin.
Since the bacteria that live in our mouth eat when we do, as we ingest foods that contain sugars (such as soda, candy, milk, and even fruits and vegetables) these bacteria get a meal too. And within minutes they start producing the acids that cause tooth decay.
Once this demineralization process proceeds long enough the outer layer of tooth structure breaks in (cavitates) forming a hole or cavity. A cavity is a process of on and off again demineralization and remineralization. This tug of war can take months to even years of back and forth before an actual cavity can form. Once the demineralization processes win out a hole will form at which time a filling or restoration will be needed to correct and stop this process.
If a restoration is not completed and the decayed portion of tooth structure not removed the process will keep eating up the tooth until getting closer to the nerve causing pain. The earlier we can get to this process the better.
A filling is the term given to a process of correcting the cavity or decay process of a tooth. Once the demineralization of the tooth cavitates in a filling will need to be placed to stop the ongoing process. This filling includes removing all the harmful, soft, decayed portion of tooth structure and replacing it with material which restores to tooth back to health and its original form and function.
A tooth can be restored with any number of materials all of which can do the job while some do it better depending upon the desired outcome and cost. The most common way is with a tooth colored composite material. Different shades of composite can be bonded to a tooth to directly fill in the space left from removing the decay portion of tooth structure.
Other materials such as porcelain and gold can be used to fill in the spaces, which will give a more homogenous strong matrix. Dental amalgam has fallen out of favor due to the mercury content and possible minute exposure to this substance.
If a cavity is not detected in its earliest stages it will destroy more tooth structure and get deeper within a tooth and closer proximity to the nerve. The nerve or pulp of a tooth is where the blood supply and nerve live. Each tooth has a pulp area and when decay gets deep enough it will start to become sensitive to cold and hot and also sensitive to chewing on it.
The goal is to detect the decay before it gets to this point, in doing so will save more of the tooth and ultimately prevent further more in depth treatment such as root canals and crowns.
A crown is a covering that surrounds the tooth restoring form and function. A crown is needed in many circumstances but its main purpose is to keep the tooth around in the mouth when it has been compromised beyond when a restoration or filling is needed. A crown can be needed when a fracture or cracked tooth is present. A crown is indicated when decay gets deep and destroys much of the tooth, more support is needed. When a tooth needs a root canal a crown is needed or when a large existing filling is present with in a tooth and needs replacement a crown is often indicated to hold the small remaining parts of the tooth together.
Crowns can be made of gold, porcelain or a combination of the two. Crowns made of gold are the most durable and kindest to opposing tooth structure however they are the least aesthetic. A combination or porcelain fused to metal crown has the advantages of a hard core of gold alloy and is covered with a porcelain material to hide the metal. An all porcelain crown has several categories, those that have a strong core and those that do not. Of all the options all porcelains look the most natural but can have limitations to them. When needing a crown it is best to discuss with your dentist which option is best for the tooth being crowned.
A cracked tooth is one that has been compromised from wear and tear. It can be from grinding or chewing harder items like ice for a while. Whatever the cause once a fracture is present in the tooth the process has to be stopped before getting too deep and into the nerve or even worse splitting the tooth in parts. A crown acts as a covering and holds the portions of the tooth on either side of the fractures and prevents the propagation of the fractures any deeper. Once the cracks get to the nerve a root canal will be needed to remove the nerve. In some circumstances a crack can get so deep it can split the tooth at which time the only treatment that can be done is to have the tooth removed. Caught early enough a crown can cover a tooth and hold the cracks together preventing the need for a root canal or possible extraction.
An abscess is a term used to describe a tooth that has been infected for a period of time to show signs on x-rays. For whatever the reason decay or fracture close to or into the nerve the nerve starts to die off. This process called necrosis is the process of the nerve of the tooth dying and the body’s reaction to this is the resultant infection. The process of the nerve dying off can be very painful due to the nerve being contained within the confines of the tooth. When something gets infected in swells and gets inflamed and inside a tooth that pressure has nowhere to go, resulting in a pain some view to be the worst. Once this occurs the only treatment option left is to remove the nerve. The most common and most advised way is by root canal therapy.
A root canal is where the nerve of the tooth is removed leaving the tooth in the mouth so it can still be used for many more years to come. Usually when a tooth is infected a course of antibiotics is used to aide the body in ridding itself of the infection. This by itself will only temporarily resolve the problem. Without removing the source of infection, the nerve, the infection will come back. You see, the infection is just the body’s way of not recognizing the nerve of the tooth any longer and so rejecting it. Cells in our body are responsible for removing foreign objects and once the nerve starts to die off it is now foreign material and so is rejected. A root canal removes the necrotic nerve tissue replacing it with a rubbery matrix filling material. Once the root canal is performed a crown is usually indicated for the tooth to help prevent breakage and help support the remaining tooth structure.
First visit by first birthday sums it up. Your child should visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between six and twelve months of age. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future.
The most important reason is to begin a thorough prevention program. Dental problems can begin early. A big concern is Early Childhood Caries (also know as baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries). Your child risks severe decay from using a bottle during naps or at night or when they nurse continuously from the breast.
The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily, learn to speak clearly, and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.
Encourage your child to drink from a cup as they approach their first birthday. Children should not fall asleep with a bottle. At-will nighttime breast-feeding should be avoided after the first primary (baby) teeth begin to erupt. Drinking juice from a bottle should be avoided. When juice is offered, it should be in a cup.
Children should be weaned from the bottle at 12-14 months of age.
Thumb sucking is perfectly normal for infants; most stop by age 2. If your child does not, discourage it after age 4. Prolonged thumb sucking can create crowded, crooked teeth, or bite problems. Your pediatric dentist will be glad to suggest ways to address a prolonged thumb sucking habit.
The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush and water. Remember that most small children do not have the dexterity to brush their teeth effectively. Unless your child’s dentist advises it, do not use fluoridated toothpaste until age 2-3.
From six months to age 3, your child may have sore gums when teeth erupt. Many children like a clean teething ring, cool spoon, or cold wet washcloth. Some parents swear by a chilled ring; others simply rub the baby’s gums with a clean finger.
The term dental sealants is used to describe a plastic resin that is flowed down into the valleys of most back adult teeth to help prevent tooth decay or “cavities” in these areas. These valley areas “pit and fissures” are the most common place to get cavities at the early ages in life.
Tooth decay is caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque (the white film that forms on a person's teeth). In general, the longer dental plaque remains on a tooth's surface the more likely it will be able to form a cavity. The idea behind brushing teeth is that dental plaque that has accumulated on a tooth's surface is scrubbed off. Some teeth however, related to aspects associated with their anatomy, are harder to clean than others. The bristles of the toothbrush just do not get down into these valley areas very effectively. Placing a sealant in these areas makes them easier to keep clean and prevents the food and bacterial “plaque” from lodging in these areas and forming cavities.
That question is a very hard one to answer without seeing you child. If crowding is present or multiple areas of spacing the answer can be yes. Give our office a call if a question or concern about braces arises.
Retainers, traditional braces, and invisible braces can be used to straighten teeth. Some treatments are more effective and can work better depending on the situation.
The short answer is yes, and forever. Teeth have a tendency to move especially if they have been moved by a form or orthodontic “braces” work. Retainers usually worn at night will help prevent rebound and movement of your teeth into an unfavorable position and alignment.
Invisalign is commonly referred to clear or invisible braces. Unlike normal tradition braces no brackets or wires are required. Clear “aligners” are worn in sequence to sequentially move your teeth from their current position to a new-programmed position. Molds, photos and other records are taken and discussed with you, sent to align technologies and a plan is made with the treatment objectives. The results are discussed with you prior to initiation of treatment and the best thing is you get to see and estimated end goal of how your teeth will look at the end of treatment.
After viewing a panoramic x-ray it can be determined whether or not your “wisdom” teeth need removing or not. Most often individuals do not have room for them and even if they do have room they do not provide any addition help for chewing efficiency. They are mainly four more teeth that are difficult to keep clean and maintain. It is usually recommended to have them taken out between the ages of 16-21 due to the eruption patterns of these teeth.
Removable- dentures and removable partial dentures
Fixed- implants, bridges (fixed partial dentures).
It is almost always the best option if you can save a tooth to do it. It is almost always more times consuming and more costly to replace a tooth than it is to save it. Depending on the situation to save a tooth is the best option. A tooth can always be pulled (extracted) out however if a replacement is not inserted in a timely matter then tooth movement, shift and bite changes can occur which are permanent and altering.
A dental implant is designed to permanently replace missing teeth in a fixed non-removable fashion. A specially designed root formed titanium alloy “screw” is placed within the jawbone to act just like a natural tooth would. It can function and mimic a natural tooth to make a very pleasing smile and tooth replacement. An implant can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or can support bridges, partials and dentures. By supporting removable options can make the fit and function multiple times better for chewing and biting efficiency.
Once the dental implant is placed a tooth is designed from an imprint or impression and is either cemented to place or fastened. Dental implants are by far the best way to stabilize and replace the natural dentition if the circumstances allow.
A bridge or fixed partial denture is also a fixed appliance meaning it cannot be removed. It is most commonly to replace one or two missing teeth and is attached to the natural teeth. Your teeth act as the peers of the bridge and where the missing teeth are acts as the bridge space or “pontic” space. There are pros and cons to each option, be sure to discuss with your dentist the option that is right for you.
A removable partial denture or RPD is an appliance that can be removed by the patient and is attached to the remaining teeth by way of attachments. These attachments are usually made of metal and hold on to the existing teeth to help support and steady the appliance.
A denture is needed when you are missing all of your teeth. It is removable and is recommended not to sleep in them due to tissues needing rest from forces applied while chewing. The upper denture can stay in place quite well depending on the amount of bony ridge left over upon tooth extraction or removal. You see, our bone in our jaws has one purpose and that is to hold teeth, once all the teeth are removed the bone starts to atrophy. This atrophy over time is why dentures need to be relined and adjusted on a regular basis. Lower dentures move around quite frequently due to the muscles of the tongue and cheek that have their attachments along where the borders of the dentures sit.
A denture depends on suction to hold in and can be aided by attaching them to dental implants. By the addition of dental implants, dentures are now very predictable and there is no longer and reason why they should come out and be limited by certain foods.
An implant-supported denture is one that is attached or supported by a number of implants. At least two most likely 3-4 implants are placed and attachments are connected to the bottom side of the denture. Think of a nylon snap, one part being on the implant and the corresponding connector on the underbelly of the denture. By this method a denture can click or snap to place and be help firm and steady while normal chewing functions.
A veneer is a thin covering made or porcelain aimed at changing the shape and color of teeth. It us usually bonded onto the fronts of the front teeth to change the look of ones smile. The procedure is very conservative and most of the time very little amounts of tooth structure need to be removed.
Lumineers is a certain type of veneer marketed as not needed any anesthetic or tooth structure removed. Although sometimes this kind of veneer is possible most times some amount of tooth resurfacing is required due to the contours necessary to have a natural looking result. Give the office a call and set up a consultation to see which type of veneer is needed to correct you smile.
Teeth Whitening or commonly referred to bleaching is the removal of intrinsic and extrinsic stains that can accumulate on the tooth surfaces making them appear dark. This removal of stain whitens the teeth to appear whiter and brighter. Differing concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and also carbamide peroxide are used in a custom tray to control the time and concentration of gel used. The time of use can range from 15 minutes to wearing them over night dependant on sensitivity levels and concentration of gel used.
A night guard is an appliance aimed at protecting your natural tooth structure from wear, usually from grinding your teeth. This grinding usually takes place at nighttime and can cause severe wear of your teeth. A night guard can be worn to slow this progression grinding on the hard acrylic that it is made of rather than your own teeth.
Temporomandibular disorder is a term used to describe problems and symptoms associated with disorders and problems with the temporomandibular disc. This disc is the piece of tissue between your skull and jawbone or mandible. It supports and maintains movement of the lower jaw during mastication or chewing. TMD can range from a simple pop or click to pain on opening and even limited opening causing malnutrition and severe headaches and discomfort. There are non-surgical and surgical approaches to treating TMD. Usually it is recommended to exhaust the non-surgical approaches before proceeding with the surgical ones. Call us and set up a consultation where questions can be answered about your individual circumstances.