One of the most important things we do for our patients is to identify and fill cavities. Since any spot of decay can threaten the integrity of an entire tooth, this is key to preventing a host of future problems. Historically, that's why lengthy poking and prodding sessions have been an acceptable, if not very comfortable, part of dental exams. However, such methods of decay detection are only 50% to 75% successful: cavities can hide along fissure lines, or inside biting or occlusal surfaces. Further, mechanical exploratory methods are limited to finding only those cavities that are equal to or larger than the probe head. Enter DIAGNODENT: a revolutionary, thorough means of detecting cavities.

~Laser Reflection Spots Imperfection

DIAGNODENT technology uses a laser diode to inspect your teeth, comparing reflection wavelength against a healthy baseline wavelength to uncover decay. First, we take a benchmark reading by aiming the laser onto one of your healthy enamel tooth surfaces, shining the laser into all suspect areas. As it pulses into grooves, fissures and cracks, the laser reflects fluorescent light of a specific wavelength which is measured by receptors, converted to an acoustic signal, evaluated electronically to reveal a value between one and 100, and then displayed on a screen. Any variation from the healthy baseline value stimulates emission of a different wavelength and alerts us to a weakened area of decay. Not surprisingly, this technology quickly and precisely identifies even the tiniest bit of decay. This means shallower, simpler fillings, preserving more tooth structure, and providing a specific mean of monitoring suspicious areas without repeated x-rays.

Oral Health & Your Heart
Healthy Hygiene, Healthy Heart?

Believe it or not, how you take care of your teeth affects not only your oral health, but may well affect your heart health, too. Although scientists are not certain of the precise relationship between the heart and oral hygiene, studies consistently demonstrate a link between the two. It's possible that a mouth filled with bacteria and their toxins allows a continuous stream of poisons to enter the system. If the bacteria reaches your arteries, it may easily irritate them, just as it irritated your gums in the first place. And, such arterial wall irritations typically result in a buildup of protective plaque, which in turn can harden, thus blocking blood flow. Of course, without sufficient blood flow your heart can easily have a heart attack. Further, loosened arterial plaque may itself travel through the bloodstream, reach your brain, and form a stroke-producing blockage.

Prevention & Detection

One way we can fight this situation is to use a special “bacterial neutralizing” rinse immediately after dental procedures to reduce the possibility of bacteria entering your bloodstream. However, your best defense against any of these possible scenarios is to maintain a consistently healthy mouth. You do this not only through meticulous daily brushing and flossing habits, but by visiting our office for your regular check-ups at least twice a year. Remember, gum disease is a silent but serious problem that may go unnoticed without those professional exams. And it's relatively easy to take care of a little stubborn tooth plaque now, but far more difficult to take care of the kind that builds up in your arteries.

Composite Resins: Strengthen Your Smile

If you're embarrassed about your smile because of decayed, disfigured, or discolored teeth, you may be a good candidate for composite resins. A composite resin is simply a silicon dioxide-filled tooth-colored plastic mixture that can restore teeth to an attractive, healthy state. Composite resins represent several advantages to the patient compared with traditional silver fillings. First, your dentist is able to blend composite shades and shapes so as to match the original teeth nearly perfectly. Second, the tooth-composite bond actually serves to support the remaining tooth structure, preventing breakage and providing insulation against temperature changes. Third, average-sized and small-sized composites have demonstrated similar duration to silver fillings--seven to ten years.

Finally, resin placement is simple. Depending on the size of the filling and location of the composite, it may require as little as 10 to 20 minutes longer than what's needed for a traditional silver filling. Although some patients notice a bit of post-placement sensitivity, this is temporary. The only caution we usually mention is that coffee, tea, and other staining types of foods and beverages may discolor your composites unless you ask to have them coated with a clear plastic sealant.

Temporomandibular Disorders
Strain, Pain and Ways to Refrain

A Painful Twist of Events. When you chew, the muscles connecting your lower jaw to your skull move the jaw forward, sideways, open and shut. During normal chewing, your lower jaw and connecting joints on both sides are synchronized: the joints on each side slide and rotate just in front of each ear. However, the jaw may accidentally twist during one of these motions, causing pain in the jaw muscles themselves. This condition is known as Temporo-mandibular Disorder (TMD). TMD may include a variety of problems with jaw muscles, the TMD joints, and the related facial nerves, or may be associated with direct injury to the jaw area. A variety of events seem to cause and aggravate TMD, including both strenuous physical jaw work and stressful mental situations. And unfortunately for the victim, TMD is the most common non-dental related chronic source of oral-facial pain.

All Pain, No Gain. The strain related to TMD tends to over-work the jaw muscles, especially if the problem-causing events are habitual. This strain may lead to a wide range of symptoms on both sides of the face, head or jaw, including headaches, side headaches, neck pain, worn or sensitive teeth, traumatized oral tissues, muscle soreness, or pain while biting, chewing or yawning. Or, a person may have an earache, but no related infection; sensitive teeth, but no related dental problems; jaw pain and soreness prevalent in the morning or late afternoon; or sometimes the jaw will actually become locked and stiff during talking, yawning or eating. For some reason, TMD is much more common among women than men.

Take a Load Off. Most of the time, TMD can be taken care of with minor at-home treatment suggestions, without surgery. This usually entails simply resting or "unloading" the joints, taking non-aspirin pain-reliever, and practicing stress management or relaxation techniques. It's also important to break whatever habits lead to the problem in the first place: consciously stop that daily grinding and clenching, or ask your dentist for a nighttime mouthguard if you're an nocturnal 'grinder'. If the problem doesn't respond to such measures, then physical therapy, ice/hot packs, posture training, and a splint may be in order. Further, you can give your muscles a chance to relax by a temporary switch to soft foods and by avoiding chewing gum.

As simple as the treatment may sound, the condition also tends to by cyclical. That means it may recur during significant emotional experiences, whether good or bad. So it's a good idea to take an active part in your own treatment, ask your dentist to explain the causes of your particular TMD problem, break those contributory habits, carefully follow his suggested regime, and schedule routine follow-up check-ups so that he can evaluate the condition over time.

Teeth Whitening
You don't have to be a movie star to have a smile that shines.

A Personal Decision. It's understandable to desire a beautiful smile, including white and shining teeth. One of the most popular, effective and safe means of achieving this is through dentist-supervised tooth whitening. Tooth whitening can be used to lighten your teeth color, with one treatment lasting as long as 5 years. As far as safety concerns go, several recent studies have proven whitening both safe and effective; several of the required products have also received The American Dental Association's seal of approval. Although a few patients may notice slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity during the process, these side effects are resolved when the treatment is over.

A Professional Diagnosis. It's important to discuss with your dentist all possible outcomes of whitening your teeth, as well as the specific whitening system that would best suit your needs. There are some people who simply are better candidates than others for a successful whitening treatment. For example, if your teeth are darkened to a yellow, brownish or orange tinge as a result of age, coffee, tea, or smoking, chances are very good that you'll be able to obtain satisfactory results through teeth whitening. About 90 percent of patients do. However, if your teeth are darkened to a grey tone from fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline use, whitening results may not be as dramatic. Further, whitening does not lighten artificial materials such as resins, silicants or porcelains. And finally, people with very sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or worn enamel are usually not good candidates for whitening either.

A Practical Design. There are a number of different whitening methods used today. However, most patients choose dentist-supervised at-home whitening. The at-home whitening process requires a few separate steps. First, the dentist or hygienist will make impressions of your teeth, used to fabricate a comfortable, lightweight, customized whitening tray appliance for you. Such whitening trays are designed to be so thin and comfortable that they're wearable night and day, while talking, working, sleeping, etc. When you receive the finished whitening trays and usage instructions, you'll also be given the whitening materials, and recommended whitening session lengths. A system requiring two to four hours per day will generally take you three to six weeks to complete, while others requiring nighttime wear may be completed within 10 to 14 days.

A Pristine Delight. Although no one can predict precisely how light your teeth will become, you'll typically see a two-shade improvement as indicated on your dentist's shade guide. And your new, brighter smile will be preserved the longest if you're willing to forgo such habits as smoking, drinking coffee and drinking tea. After one to five years, should you notice that the new color has become less bright, you may choose to have a touch-up. The second procedure is often less costly than the first, as you can often reuse the original whitening trays. Second treatments generally require less treatment time, as well.

Are Their Alternatives to Dentures and Bridges?

If you have missing teeth, you know how hard it is to replace the function and appearance of your own healthy teeth. While most people turn to removable or cemented replacements, there is another way. Whether you are missing one or many teeth, dental implants may be an option for you. Implants provide artificial teeth that look and feel natural and function well. They also help those patients with dentures to achieve a stable and secure fit. Implants do not involve cutting down or altering the adjacent teeth for fit. They also help to preserve bone by replacing the tooth root and preventing bone resorption and collapse. They are much easier to clean than bridges or partials because they are treated like natural teeth. Implants are firmly anchored and allow you to talk, smile, and eat all types of food comfortably and easily.

Dental implants consist of two parts. The first part is a titanium metal root form that is placed inside your bone. The implant is placed in the jaw, and because it is surgery, patients must be in good health, have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. The implant is usually placed by an oral surgeon or a periodontist (gum specialist). Your dentist works with the surgeon to place the implant(s) to fit your mouth perfectly.

After your implant(s) has healed for three to six months, your dentist then places the second part which is the new crown or denture. This is the part of the implant that you can see and feel in your mouth. The implant is treated just as if it were a natural tooth. Your dentist is able to put your beautiful smile back together again!

Doctors Ellis and Walters have both received several hours of specialty training with implants. Not everyone is a candidate for implants, but those who have them enjoy the look and feel of real teeth. Ask us if you can take advantage of this new and exciting way to replace missing teeth.