Cosmetic Dentistry Information

Predictable Dentistry

2007-11-01T14:56:00.000-04:00

The ability to generate a smile design plan with a predictable end in mind is what sets a cosmetic dentist apart from other dentists. Traditionally, a patient comes to the dentist with a problem. The dentist looks at the problem and generates a solution. The patient has to trust the dentist's judgment and pretty much take whatever is produced. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this approach, it fails to take into account the specific needs of the patient where smile design is concerned. One dentist's beautiful smile may not be pretty at all to the patient. The cosmetic dentist employs various treatment planning tools that allow the patient to express what they are looking for and allow the dentist to show the patient what the final result might look like. This process can take as long as necessary and accomplishes two things. First, the dentist can develop as clear an idea as possible what specifically the patient is looking for. Second, the patient has input into the final outcome and is informed on the front end if their needs can be met. This process, known as co-diagnosis, is time-consuming and is part of the reason the best cosmetic dentists are considerably more expensive than average. It's also central to their success. Without careful planning and previewing, your chances of getting exactly what you want are greatly reduced. Give this due thought when you are considering cosmetic dentists.

Sensitive Teeth

2007-10-29T12:25:00.000-04:00

Your teeth are made up of an incredibly hard, outer 'enamel' layer that allows you to bite and chew, a more porous 'dentin' layer extending from beneath the enamel to below the gumline, and an inner, soft tissue 'pulp' layer containing the tooth's vital nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Damage such as receding gums or chipped, cracked, worn or broken enamel can allow underlying nerve endings to be exposed to air, hot, cold, and touch… resulting in 'sensitive teeth'. Once dentin is exposed, it's tough to correct the situation. In some cases, laser technology may successfully seal the tiny exposed tubules; in other cases it's necessary to simply treat the symptoms.

First, we may suggest a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your gums from further irritation and recession; we may also recommend a special toothpaste formulated to block access to the nerve endings or to insulate the nerve itself; and finally, we may prescribe a fluoride rinse or gel. For a few weeks, as you wait for these measures to take effect, you'll need to monitor what you eat and drink-- avoiding very hot or cold foods and beverages, stopping any habitual, conscious grinding or clenching, and brushing very gently with a soft brush.

Xrays

2007-10-24T11:33:00.000-04:00

Traditional x rays in a dental office use a technique that has not changed much in almost a century. Light energy, in this case x ray radiation, interacts with a chemical emulsion on the surface of a piece of film. This is developed in a dark-room using still more chemicals to produce an image which the dentist then squints at in front of a light to diagnose. We are taught in dental school to use magnification and a variable light source, but the reality is that few dentists do this. The results of this method are:

diagnosis of the most obvious areas of decay.
Several minutes waiting for the image to see if the thing we wanted to see is actually on the film.
Several more minutes waiting to develop the retake.
Much fretting when the film you want to see has been lost.
You get the idea...

Using digital radiography, your dentist can now clearly identify all external and internal anatomical structures, and accurately diagnose your dental problems all within seconds and with minimal radiation exposure! What's even more amazing is that they can immediately translate that information into a large, clear, accurate image right next to your chair…ready for discussion.

Digital radiography’s technology improves and simplifies the way dentists care for their patients’ teeth, resulting in better dental evaluations and treatment decisions. A sensor placed in the mouth acts like a miniature digital camera with an x-ray sensitive chip, exposing you to 50%-90% less radiation exposure than with traditional x-ray techniques. The resulting highly detailed image of your mouth is almost instantaneously translated onto the computer screen, carrying with it all the conveniences of other digitized images. the dentist can rotate it, magnify it, adjust it for contrast, and even color-code it for educational purposes. Further, they can store it easily and efficiently in our computer files, eliminating paper files as well as image wear and tear. For insurance purposes, referrals or patient education, it can be easily, inexpensively and faithfully reproduced any number of times. And because it helps patients clearly understand the root issues behind their dental health, dentist and patient are able to work together to determine the very best treatment options for each case.

Lumineers

2007-10-22T09:18:00.000-04:00

Lumineers are porcelain facings that are manufactured and marketed--heavily--by the DenMat corporation. The advertisements claim that the veneers can be placed with little or no tooth preparation or grinding and no shots. In some cases, this is true, but most often it is not. Be certain that your dentist has adequate training in cosmetic dentistry before agreeing to have this type of facing placed on your teeth. Improper placement can lead to bulky teeth, painful bite problems, and even tooth loss. Never be afraid to seek a second opinion. A competent dentist will have no problem with this.

Finding your best dentist

2007-10-10T09:12:00.000-04:00

Occasionally, I will do a Google search on cosmetic dentistry just to see who the Google gurus think has the best match for the search term. The first several entries always go to the national organizations and advertising services, but generally their is one actual dentist on the list. For a long time, the first dentist was Shawn Keller in Seattle, but today's search brought up Dr Sun in Los Angeles...Dentist to the stars! Clearly, the stars have no trouble finding the dentist most suited to them. Dr Sun is an excellent clinician and has the credentials to prove it, but how does the average non-star find a good dentist?
The first place to check is with friends, family, and co-workers. Then, check to see if the dentist is a member of the major dental organizations: American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Call to see if the dentist will give you a free "get acquainted" visit or at least give you some time on the phone to ask questions. Your looking for someone skilled who is not in a hurry because they have to see 50 patients a day as many PPO dentists do. As with most things, you get what you pay for. For more on choosing a dentist click here. Happy hunting!

Bad Breath

2006-12-18T12:17:00.000-05:00

Bad breath, halitosis, or mouth odor, is a common problem experienced by just about everyone at some time. Some people are plagued with the problem constantly. Others have it less frequently. Regardless of frequency or severity, mouth odor can be an embarrassing condition.

Oral odors can be generated in many ways. Various foods can contribute to bad breathe. Some of these may just smell bad on their own while others have oils and other components which are absorbed into the bloodstream and excreted through the lungs and oral tissues. Garlic, onions, and alcohol are examples of these odor causers. These odors generally have to just work their way out of the system. If food is not cleaned from between the teeth or from around dentures, it may rot and cause a bad odor. Tobacco products also act in the lungs to produce odors. Tobacco use also aggravates gum disease which is itself a major cause of mouth odors. Dry mouth can contribute to bad breath as well.

Bad breath may be a sign of a sinus infection or other local infection as well as other systemic diseases. Gastrointestinal, kidney, and liver disease all may have bad breath as a side effect. Also note that some medications may also cause mouth odor.

Obviously, finding and eliminating the underlying cause of the problem is the first best step in treatment. There are also many agents available over the counter to help mask oral odors. Your dentist may also prescribe antibacterial treatments Such as Peridex to help fight the root causes of the problem.

Occlusal Disease

2006-12-11T11:53:00.000-05:00

As healthcare has improved over the past century, people have been living longer lives. One of the results of this is a population of people over the age of forty or fifty. We are now seeing and dealing with disease processes which were uncommon just a short time ago. The mouth is no exception. Fifty or sixty years ago, gum disease was almost unheard of. Most people of that time lost all their teeth or died long before they could develop gum problems. One condition that many experts see as an epidemic in our society is occlusal or bite disease. Signs of this problem are:

Biting surfaces of teeth worn flat, often with cupping where dentin is exposed.

Multiple chipped, cracked, and broken teeth and crowns(caps)

"divots" or "toothbrush Abrasion at the gumline (abfraction)

Thick bony growth over the tooth roots

Front teeth with even flat edges and teeth that are wider than they are long

deep creases or wrinkles at the corners of the mouth

Loose or shifting teeth

Occlusal disease may not be painful or uncomfortable to the patient. It can be a component of TMJ syndrome and can aggravate any pre-existing gum disease or periodontal problems. Occlusal Disease can also be a factor in cosmetic and esthetic dental problems.

Treatments for occlusal disease range from no treatment at all to full-mouth rehabilitation. Frequently the bite will need to be "opened up" to correct for the wear that has occurred over the years. It's important to find an experienced dentist who can deal with the complexities of bite reconstruction. Simply patching a worn tooth or "just fixing the teeth that show" are recipes for failure.

Lasers in Cosmetic Dentistry

2006-01-18T09:33:00.000-05:00

"Laser dentistry" seems to be all the rage these days. If a dentist wants to be "high tech", he simply must have the word "laser" associated with his name. Much like the word "turbo" in the '90s, saying it doesn't necessarily make it so.

A laser is basically a light. Very intense, very focused, but just a light. lasers heat things up very fast and very accurately. Different types of laser light can be used to target very specific types of material such as tooth structure, gum tissue, corneal tissue, etc. This works because of the way the energy from the light is absorbed by certain materials and really gets too technical from here on out. Suffice it to say that there are some things lasers do well...and some things they don't. Today, there are several legitimate uses for lasers in cosmetic dentistry. These include:

Laser Cavity Detection
Gum Surgery
Tooth preparation and decay removal
Desensitizing teeth
Tooth Whitening - note that this is an area that is way overhyped!

Lasers can be useful tools for dentists and surgeons. It is important not to be dazzled by the words and miss the message. The bottom line is, what treatment do you really need and what is the best (not the flashiest) way to reach your goals?

Will My Insurance Cover That?

2006-01-15T15:33:00.000-05:00

Will my insurance cover that?

This is a commonly heard question at my office. The flip answer to the question is "it's your insurance, why are you asking me?". This answer doesn't win many friends so I generally start asking questions about the insurance. I am constantly amazed at how little people know about this valuable benefit and how often people fail to use it. To me it's like going to the store and buying groceries, paying, then just leaving them there and going home. It almost seems as if, ahem, people were being kept deliberately in the dark about this benefit, but back to the question. Will your dental insurance cover your dental treatment? The answer is yes, maybe, sort of, sometimes, no. Not very satisfying is it? This confusion results from a basic misunderstanding about the nature of dental insurance. and my first important point.

Dental insurance is NOT insurance.

Insurance is money paid to protect oneself from unforeseen and financially catastrophic loss. Dental needs happen to everyone. Most people visit their dentist twice a year like clockwork...hardly unforeseen and, while never welcome, dental problems can rarely be seen as financially catastrophic.

Your Employer views your "insurance" as part of your pay.

Dental benefits are not required by the government. Your employer buys them for you because it is cheaper than paying you more money plus taxes.

The Insurance Company Does Not Want To Pay.

Let's face it, the insurance company is in business to make money just like everyone else. The more money they can avoid paying out in claims, the better their bottom line looks at the end of the year.

Over the years, different types of dental benefit plans have been developed. These are summarized as follows:

Indemnity Plans - Traditional dental benefits. You choose your dentist and the insurance company either pays benefits to you or the dentist. Benefits are limited by: Yearly maximum ($500.00-$2,500.00), The type of service, and UCR. UCR or usual, customary, and reasonable fee is actually none of these and can vary greatly from region to region, between zip codes in a region, between insurance companies, and even among different plans by a single insurer! There may be a period of time that you must be on the plan before it will pay for some procedures. There is usually a yearly deductible which you must pay before benefits begin. This type of insurance most often pays 100% of preventive costs...cleanings and X-rays, 80% of regular care...fillings, root canals, extractions, and 50% of major dental...crowns, bridges, and dentures. Sometimes they don't pay this well. Rarely, they may pay a little more. Your insurance may not pay to redo work within a certain span of time, so if you get an inlay(major work) and break another piece of the tooth next year(honest, sometimes this just happens) your insurance may not pay. Your insurance may not pay to replace a tooth that was already missing before you started on the plan. Your insurance may not pay for work that it considers to be purely cosmetic. Your insurance company may decide that you don't actually need a procedure at all and refuse to pay or pay for an alternate procedure. (note that if a dentist does one procedure and charges for another it's called fraud).The list goes on and this is why it is imperative that you carefully read your benefits booklet. If you don't have one, get one. Keep in mind that you are ultimately responsible for any charges that your insurance doesn't cover. It is not your dentist's job to keep track of this stuff for you although many do try.

PPO or preferred provider organization. Here the dentist agrees to charge a pre-set fee(usually discounted). The patient still has to pay a part, but it is usually smaller. In return, the insurance company actually sends new patients to the dentist. This is especially good for dentists who have trouble getting new patients. The cost to insurance company, employee, and employer is lower. DHMO's or Dental HMO's are not dental insurance at all. Under these plans you must choose a participating dentist to receive benefits. These plans are of 2 types.

Capitation: The dentist receives a small monthly payment for each patient he is assigned. He is not paid for any preventive or restorative treatment he provides by the insurance company except for that capitation (by the head) payment which he receives whether he treats you or not. Since treating patients costs the dentist money, he fares best if he does not treat his patients at all. This is a clear conflict of interest. I consider all of these plans to be fundamentally dishonest and I do not participate in any of them.

Fixed fee for service: The plan provides a fee schedule for the patient that they have arranged. This fee schedule sets the fees so that it is in the best interest of the dentist to cut costs in order to make a profit. It pays to use low quality low cost laboratories because the use of a high quality lab may eliminate any profit a dentist might have.

Direct Reimbursement Plans are the newest entry into dental care cost assistance and hold great promise. The American Dental Association is promoting Direct Reimbursement Plans and provides and assistance to employers in establishing these plans. The insurance companies are bitterly opposed to them, largely because they eliminate the insurer altogether. In Texas the Texas Dental Association has established Paid Dental. The patient pays for his treatment (many dentists will accept a post-dated check) and brings the paid receipt to his employer to be reimbursed in whole or in part. The percentages of reimbursement are based on the benefits used. A typical plan might pay 100% of the first $200 of dental expenses, 80% of the next $500 and 50% thereafter until an annual maximum of $1000 is reached. Because the patient's share of the expense increases as more benefits are used, the patient is discouraged from overuse of the benefits and encouraged to use his shopping skills to get the most for his and his employer's money. Any additional cost incurred by allowing the patient to control his own treatment is more than made up by eliminating the insurance company's processing costs and profits. These plans may hold the key to providing effective dental cost assistance while providing employers with savings comparable to the managed care scams and maintaining real benefits to the employees.

Meth Mouth!

2006-01-14T18:54:00.000-05:00

The use of methamphetamine has increased drastically over the past several years. Its long lasting effects and easy availability make it the drug of choice for many Americans. Meth produces a profound euphoria in its users which can last for up to twelve hours as compared to 1 or 2 hours for crack cocaine. The less exciting effects of meth use include paranoia, hearing things, shortness of breath, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a decrease in learning ability. More

Anti-Decay Vaccine

2006-01-10T12:45:00.000-05:00

Tooth decay is a genuine worldwide health threat. The pain, suffering, and lost productivity associated with the dental disease are epidemic. Now, researchers at Harvard Medical School and elsewhere are developing a vaccine which promises to greatley reduce the incidence of tooth decay.

Braces

2006-01-04T13:21:00.000-05:00

Orthodontics

Moving Your Teeth to Correct Problems Is a Good Solution For All Ages

Moving your teeth around using braces or other forms of Orthodontic treatment
is often the best and most conservative way to correct smile problems.
Braces are also used to correct bite problems, "crooked" teeth, and skeletal
mis-alignments of the
jaws. Most orthodontists agree the best time to place braces are between the
ages of 8 and 15 when the head and mouth are still growing, but braces
can easily be placed on adults as well. There is really no upper age limit.

How It Works

There are three phases to any orthodontic treatment:

1. Diagnostic Phase: This is where the orthodontist or
dentist gathers information he or she needs to plan and implement the treatment.
There are various
xrays, impressions, and measurements which are made. The patient's oral
hygiene is
also evaluated. Braces don't make it any easier to keep teeth clean. There
is usually a fee associated with this phase.

2. Active Treatment Phase: Now the actual appliances, wires,
etc. are placed on the teeth or the removeable treatment appliances are supplied.
If the orthodontist
determines that the problem is related to a deficiency in the jaw bones,
he or she may recommend surgical treatment to correct the problem before orthodontic
treatment begins. The length of treatment can vary from a few months to a
few
years. Basically, gentle constant pressure is applied to the teeth. The bone,
which is a living tissue just like any other, responds by "getting out
of the way" and filling in behind. Gradually, the teeth move into their
new alignment. The type of braces used may vary depending on
the particular case and the needs of the patient. Lingual braces go on the
backs
of the teeth
and are nearly invisible. Other brackets and bands may be made of plastic
or some other esthetically colored substance so they are not as obvious.

Teeth may feel sore for a short time following adjustment visits and wires
and brackets do occasionally come loose, but the overall experience is not
that difficult. During treatment, extra care should be taken to keep the
teeh and gums clean and healthy. Regular check-ups are mandatory to avoid
cavities forming around the brackets and bands.

3. Retention Phase: Teeth have a tendency to "snap back" when they
are released from orthodontic pressure. For this reason, orthodontists hold
the teeth in position for a time after active treatment. This time, again,
varies, but most feel that the longer the retention, the better the result.

Braces today are not as obvious as they used to be. Some can even be worn
on the inside where they don't show at all and...they're definitely not
just for children. More and more adults are seeking the orthodontist's
care as they learn the benefits of teeth that mesh smoothly and look great.

One of the latest trends in orthodontics is Invisalign. This technique uses
a number of removeable, computer-milled trays to gradually nudge your teeth
into position.

The cost of orthodontics varies widely depending on the severity of the case
and what special techniques are used. While there is some discomfort associated
with braces, It is usually minimal and is more than compensated for by the
end result.

Healthy Gums, Healthy Heart!

2005-12-02T22:10:00.000-05:00

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”

If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard that from a dental patient…well, you get the idea. Unfortunately, many people use this as their excuse for avoiding dental healthcare and healthcare in general. It’s becoming clearer the more we learn about human health that everything is linked together within us and specific areas, dental health included, are ignored at our own risk.

According to several recent studies, there may be a link between poor oral health and increased risk of coronary heart disease. While it may be too soon to say that gum disease or general poor oral health causes or contributes to CHD, there definitely seems to be a correlation. One study showed a 25% greater incidence of CHD in men with gum disease. There has been some discussion as to whether or not poor oral health is merely a reflection of poor general health as opposed to an indicator or “marker” for risk of heart disease. The relationship is clear even when the numbers are adjusted for various factors such as age, nutritional intake, and socioeconomic status. Interestingly, two studies which were adjusted to reflect the health awareness of the subjects, showed no correlation between oral health and heart disease.

The take-home message from all of this is clear. Good oral health is an important part of an individual’s total health. Most dental and gum problems have no symptoms in their early stages, so good preventive care is crucial if you expect to remain healthy for a long time to come. Have yourself checked out and remember to include an oral exam for good health.

I've Got How Many Cavities?

2005-11-28T19:17:00.000-05:00

An alarming trend I've noticed more in the past few years is multiple areas of tooth decay related to consumption of carbonated beverages. The symptoms are similar to those seen in infants with nursing bottle syndrome. Just about every tooth in the head has some decay or at least decalcified areas at or near the gum line. Soda drinks are doubly damaging to teeth. Sugars in the beverage feed bacteria which produce acid. The acid eats away at tooth enamel with bad results. This isn't so bad if you drink a soda every once in a while, but many people drink constantly throughout the day. The other dangerous feature of soda drinks is their acidity. The acid in colas can reduce a molar tooth to jelly in about 24 hours. If you soak your teeth in soda for most of the day, well... you do the math. If you must drink cola drinks, do so sparingly, with meals, and rinse or brush afterwords. Drinking diet makes no difference. Remember that prevention is the best dental treatment!

Tooth Regeneration

2005-11-26T14:01:00.000-05:00

No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you.
Scientists have been working for several years now to develop technology to replace missing teeth with…teeth! If you have been confused by news reports about the human genome and stem cell research, you’re not alone. Scientists are so excited by the possibilities surrounding these areas that they have failed to make it clear to the public just what in the world they are talking about and what useful end results there may be. The topic of human genetics and stem cells is too broad and complicated to address here, but one small area of this amazing research bears mentioning. Tooth regeneration.

Hey! What's the dentist's favorite hymn?

2005-11-20T15:43:00.000-05:00

You guessed it, Crown Him With Many Crowns. Crowns,or caps, are a great way, often the only way to fix broken and damaged teeth. The tooth is still there, only covered. They can also be used to make a smile more attractive.

Gum Disease

2005-11-17T20:55:00.000-05:00

What is gum (periodontal) disease?

Gum disease, also know as Periodontal Disease, is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It's a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

" No offense doc, but I hate you!"

2005-11-12T12:49:00.000-05:00

In addition to damaging my already delicate self-esteem, these words are indicative of a major problem in our society...fear. Fear not only keeps us from going to the dentist, it also keeps us from realizing our full potential as human beings. Whether or not you believe in God or some other supreme life force, most people would agree we must have something more important to do here than eat, sleep, reproduce, and get our teeth fixed. Whatever that something is, you can bet there is some irrational fear standing between you and it. In olden days, dental work was performed by barbers or untrained tooth guys under, well, less-than-antiseptic conditions. These caring souls limited their practice mainly to removing painful teeth with no anesthesia, mind you, and dentists have had a bad reputation ever since. Now I won't say I've never hurt anyone, but you should know that the vast majority of dental patients generally have a fairly unexciting experience. Dental fear, like all fear, is caused by a lack of knowledge. Once you know or have experience with a thing, you may not like it, but you no longer have fear. If you know you have a dental need, give us acall or find a dentist who will take the time to give you the knowledge you need to relieve your fear. You can find some criteria for dentist selection Here and to help if you're nervous after all try the DOCS website for sedation dentists in your area.

Regular Cleanings

2005-11-09T16:34:00.000-05:00

"I brush and floss every day. Why do I need to have the hygeinist clean my teeth?"

While thorough and competant home care is central to a good preventive dental program, It can only provide part of what you need to have a healthy mouth. Most people need a regular cleaning every 3-6 months. These visits serve the following purposes:

Removal of hard and soft tooth deposits which accumulate to some degree on everyone's teeth and are not removed by brushing and flossing.

Provide an opportunity for education and reinforcement of good home care techniques.

Allow for a careful exam of the oral cavity to find cavities, periodontal diseases, examine the mouth for cancer, and discuss possible treatments.

Providing other preventive services such as Fluoride, sealants, and polishing of fillings and crowns.

There is little discomfort associated with teeth cleaning in persons with healthy teeth and gums. People with symptoms of gum disease may need more attention. In some instances the dentist may numb the teeth before a cleaning. Don't be afraid to ask for this service if you think it would make your experience more pleasant.

Porcelain Veneers

2005-11-04T20:24:00.000-05:00

From Average to Outstanding in Just a Few Steps

Many people desire a brighter, cleaner, more attractive smile, but have chipped, stained, discolored, unevenly spaced, or even slightly crooked front teeth. Often, porcelain veneers or laminates can provide these people with a completely new-looking smile in just a few simple appointments. If this sounds like you, we will be glad to help evaluate your specific situation, listen to the exact changes you have in mind, and help you visualize your end results. This may involve a diagnostic 'wax up', reviewing photos of similar case outcomes, or using a computer enhancement program to provide you with several options prior to performing the actual procedure.

Fortunately, most veneers can be applied in one or two simple appointments. Afterwards, you'll just need to clean and floss your new smile daily, visit us regularly for professional care and maintenance, and consider wearing a night-guard to prevent any accidental gritting or grinding pressure while you sleep.

The investment for porcelain veneers varies widely. Celebrity dentists in major cities may charge as much as $2,000.00 per tooth. The vast majority of offices will be charging $1,000.00 or less. Many offices offer financial options to help their patients manage the expense.

Do Women Need More Dental Attention?

2005-10-28T09:37:00.000-04:00

Growing evidence shows women may be significantly more susceptible to serious health consequences unless they maintain a tremendously vigilant home hygiene campaign against tooth decay and gum disease.

Piercing

2005-10-11T15:47:00.000-04:00

Tongue and lip piercing is becoming more and more common these days. Among the unpleasant results of tongue piercing are pain, post-placement swelling, prolonged bleeding, gum injury, permanent numbness, loss of taste, oral hygiene problems, and broken teeth. As if that weren't bad enough, piercings can spread Hepatitis A, B, C, and HIV. Body piercers are not medical practitioners and are not regulated by any health agency. While using the human body as a canvas for "art" is as old as time, this is one variety that needs to fade into the past.

Tooth Decay

2005-10-11T13:56:00.000-04:00

Fighting Cavities is Still the Dentist's Top Job...Yours Too!

Tooth decay, or dental caries, occurs when bacteria in the mouth colonize tooth surfaces. Metabolic waste products in the form of acids and enzymes cause the calcium in the teeth to be dissolved. The tooth surface is softened, allowing the bacteria to penetrate further into the tooth and the process is repeated.

If left unchecked, the dental infection can penetrate to the pulp of the tooth where it can cause pain and lead to infections of the surrounding bone. In rare cases, people have even died from untreated dental infections.

Tooth decay is preventable. Keeping the teeth free of bacteria by brushing and flossing, Removing the bacteria's food supply by reducing sugar intake, and hardening the teeth using fluoride treatment are all effective methods of protecting teeth from decay

Be a Dentist!

2005-10-10T16:44:00.000-04:00

Dentistry is a very rewarding career. Dentists get to work directly with the general public, providing a necessary, if not always appreciated service. At one time, dental services were provided by barbers and self-taught entrepreneurs, but as the medical side of the practice has grown, so has the need for proper training.

Traits that are helpful for a good dentist include:

* A good eye for detail and spatial relations
* Good manual dexterity
* Broad math and science skills
* The ability to work independently

Dental Education consists of High School, a four year undergraduate degree, and good scores on the Dental Admissions Test(DAT)

Once your basic dental education is complete, you may want to pursue further study in one of the recognized dental specialties.

* Orthodontics
* Endodontics
* Pediatric Dentistry
* Periodontics
* Oral Surgery
* Oral Pathology
* Public Health

There are residencies available for general practitioners as well as advanced study in the areas of Implantology, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Holistic Dentistry.

Selecting a Cosmetic Dentist

2005-09-27T15:31:00.000-04:00

It's hard to know just where to begin looking for a dentist when you're ready to begin updating your smile. All dentists do some cosmetic dentistry, but are they all cosmetic dentists? Click here for more information.

Tooth Whitening

2005-09-24T18:59:00.000-04:00

One of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures over the past several years has been bleaching or teeth whitening. There are three main categories of whitening techniques available. These include:

In-office Teeth Whitening

Take-Home or Tray Tooth Whitening

Over the Counter Products

Bonding

2005-09-03T16:45:00.000-04:00

Bonding lies at the heart of many cosmetic dental procedures performed today. It is basically an adhesive process that allows a composite resin or tooth-colored filling material to stick firmly to your existing tooth. The process is used to cement cosmetic crowns and porcelain veneers as well as for tooth-colored fillings

Bonding was first used in dentistry more than twenty-five years ago and has grown to be an important dental procedure, especially in the cosmetic dental practice. The bonding process is fairly simple. The tooth structure is chemically etched with a mild acidic solution which creates microscopic roughness on the surface of enamel and exposes the ends of tiny fibers on the dentin. A thin coat of clear resin is flowed onto the surface and hardened with a brite "curing" light, locking it onto the tooth's surface. Finally, the tooth colored filling or cement is placed on top of the thin layer and "cured" again.

Bonding is a safe and beautiful way to restore damage tooth structure and to enhance a smile.

Fear and modern dentistry

2005-08-30T10:22:00.000-04:00

"No offense doc, but I hate you!" In addition to damaging my already delicate self-esteem, these words are indicative of a major problem in our society...fear. Fear not only keeps us from going to the dentist, it also keeps us from realizing our full potential as human beings. Whether or not you believe in God or some other supreme life force, most people would agree we must have something more important to do here than eat, sleep, reproduce, and get our teeth fixed. Whatever that something is, you can bet there is some irrational fear standing between you and it. In olden days, dental work was performed by barbers or untrained tooth guys under, well, less-than-antiseptic conditions. These caring souls limited their practice mainly to removing painful teeth with no anesthesia, mind you, and dentists have had a bad reputation ever since. Now I won't say I've never hurt anyone,
but you should know that the vast majority of dental patients generally have a fairly unexciting experience. Dental fear, like all fear, is caused by a lack of knowledge. Once you know or have experience with a thing, you may not like it, but you no longer have fear. If you know you have a dental need, find a dentist who will take the time to give you the knowledge you need to relieve your fear. You can find some criteria for dentist selection here and to help if you're nervous after all try the DOCS website for sedation dentists in your area.

Gene Sapp, DDS

2005-08-29T11:31:00.000-04:00

Welcome to what I hope will become a useful source of information on the subject of cosmetic dentistry, smile design, and whatever random thoughts happen to pop into my head. I enjoy being a cosmetic dentist. While dentistry has been a rewarding career for me There is a special pleasure I get from giving someone a better smile. People just respond differently to cosmetic dentistry than they do to other types of dental treatment. Kind of like the thrill you get on Christmas morning or when you get something special from a loved one. Compare this with the thrill you get from a nice oil change or haircut. You appreciate it, you know you needed it, but the excitement just isn't there. Hopefully I can share some of the excitement my patients feel when their lives are change in this manner.