|
Caries Risk Testing
It’s no longer just about brushing your teeth to prevent dental cavities. In fact, dental decay, the process by which the tooth’s enamel and underlying dentin is degraded and softened, is a complex, infectious disease. The disease is caused by the bacteria, streptococcus mutans.
Strep mutans can be transferred from one tooth to another and from one person to another through the exchange of saliva. In fact, it has been shown through research that infants are free of strep mutans until they start being fed by parents. Parents might then be infecting their children through the sharing of utensils.
Strep mutans levels can be measured. At low levels, the bacteria can cause decay in the grooves of the teeth. However, it takes ten times as many strep mutans to develop decay on the smooth surfaces of teeth. The effects of strep mutans infection are moderated by many factors: genetic susceptibility, enamel hardness, saliva flow, saliva pH, diet, number and quality of dental restorations, dental hygiene and dental checkups.
An exciting new development is our ability to measure a person’s strep mutans levels. The test, CRT (caries risk test), enables the dentist to evaluate a person’s potential risk for dental decay. Furthermore, if caries risk is high, the number of strep mutans can be reduced to nondestructive levels. The caries management protocol involves restoration of all decayed teeth, in-office treatment with sodium fluoride and “at home” use of fluoride and chlorhexidine. Retesting with “CRT” will confirm the reduction of strep mutans and the subsequent benefit of decreased risk of decay.
In summary, we know dental decay is a disease. We know that the strep mutans bacteria are required for dental decay progression. We can test for harmful levels of these bacteria and if present, institute a safe, proven protocol for managing this disease.
BACK TO TOP
Oral Sedation Dentistry
Oral conscious sedation is a wonderful aide for fearful patients, for people requiring comprehensive care, or simply for those who desire their dentistry completed in the fewest number of visits. Experiencing a state of deep relaxation, the patient is relieved of anxiety; has little memory of the sights, smells and sounds associated with their dental visit; gains the ability to sit comfortably for long procedures; and, often naps through the appointment.
No needles are involved! The patient simply dissolves a medication under his or her tongue. The medication is safe, economical and convenient. People no longer need to let anxiety prevent them from having the healthy mouth or confident smile they have imagined. For many, oral conscious sedation is making the impossible possible!
The use of oral sedation began in the 1870’s. Today, the depth of sedation achieved is such that patients are in a “responsive” state which means they are able to “walk and talk.” Vital signs are monitored throughout the sedation visit and reversal agents are kept on hand. Sedation patients routinely display lower, healthier blood pressures and heart rates than the same patients display when they are without the medication! Indeed, the current protocols are time-tested and extremely safe.
If you are a new patient, call Dr. Avis’s office and let Annette or Dee know that you are interested in sedation dentistry. Your first appointment is designed for you to see the office, to meet the doctor and his staff, and to give you a sense for the unique care and experience we provide. At the next one or two visits, the doctor will do a comprehensive examination and consultation in order to provide you with a plan for treatment that will address your needs and put you on a path towards excellent dental health. Some fearful people need to be sedated for the examination visit. This service is gladly provided whenever necessary.
BACK TO TOP
All About Whitening
Dental bleaching is a process of lightening the color of teeth, and the whitening process is most effective on mildly discolored teeth. The most common causes of tooth discoloration are aging, smoking and the consumption of coffee, tea or colas. Darker stains such as those caused by antibiotics, respond more unpredictably to treatment. The degree of whiteness varies from patient to patient, depending on the structure of the teeth, the bleaching system and the duration of treatment.
So how does bleaching work? The active ingredient in the whitening gel is either carbamide or hydrogen peroxide. When these ingredients are broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin and bleaches the discolored tooth structure. The tooth color is then made lighter. Custom bleaching trays are made from impressions and fit comfortably around the patient’s teeth. The patient wears the bleach-filled trays for one hour a day until the desired result is achieved. Results are usually seen within the first week. Maximum results occur over the next 14-21 days.
Is there an advantage to in-office bleaching vs. over-the-counter products? Both products can be effective in whitening teeth. However, there are potential side effects to bleaching products of which patients should be aware. Bleaching that is administered by dental professionals is properly monitored for a more predictable and effective result. Furthermore, the custom-made bleaching trays are the most effective method for keeping the bleaching material against the teeth and minimizing irritation to the gum tissue.
Research indicates that whitening teeth with 10% to 16% carbamide or hydrogen peroxide under the supervision of a dentist is completely safe for your teeth and gums. However, some people experience increased tooth sensitivity to cold during treatment. Others have reported discomfort in the gum tissue. These symptoms usually disappear within a few days after treatment is completed or stopped. Existing white fillings, crowns and denture teeth do not bleach and therefore may need to be redone.
Many patients can benefit from the whitening process; however, there are some cases where treatment may not be effective. Dr. Avis will determine if you are a good candidate for bleaching through a thorough examination and diagnosis. Tooth lightening is ideal for patients who have healthy, unrestored teeth (no fillings) and would like a brighter smile.
BACK TO TOP
About Implant Dentistry
Implant dentistry is a process that enables people to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or an entire mouth of teeth in a manner that most closely duplicates nature. It involves placing a synthetic (titanium alloy) root in the jaw and fitting a crown, crowns or denture over them. The implant is the foundation that retains and supports the overlying prosthetic teeth.
Dr. Avis has placed implants on patients from age 16 to age 86. The only requirement is stable health. People with disorders such as high blood pressure or diabetes are good candidates as long as their conditions are controlled. Bone loss from gum disease, smoking and osteoporosis are not limiting factors for implant dentistry.
Over 20 million people in this country are missing either an entire arch of teeth or an entire mouth of teeth. Dental implants may stabilize a denture or provide support for porcelain crowns. Comfort, security, and function, which were once just a dream, can now become a reality.
Many people have lost a single front tooth to an accident or are missing teeth from the time of birth. To replace these missing teeth, people would have to have adjacent, healthy teeth capped. Dental implants preserve the health of other teeth!
 |
The upper right posterior teeth have been restored using dental implants.
When teeth are lost, the bone that supports the tooth will resorb or dissolve. This loss of bone can result in an older facial appearance. When we replace missing teeth with conventional dental bridges or dentures, we are only replacing teeth but not maintaining critical bony structure. Dental implants not only replace teeth, but preserve bone. This means a more youthful appearance for patients.
BACK TO TOP
|
