Health Information

Prior to bonding, the only means by which filling materials or artificial teeth could adhere to natural teeth was by using strong cement, drilling pins into the tooth structure or cutting retentive grooves into the tooth in order to lock in the filling material. By contrast, bonding is a process by which a tooth colored filling material adheres to the tooth structure forming a strong and permanent bond and usually requires no tooth preparation or local anesthetic.

The process of bonding is a powerful tool in the dental arsenal and has revolutionized many aspect of dentistry. The technique is widely used to place composite fillings, attach veneers, porcelain crowns and inlays, and also as a cost effective means of building up broken and chipped teeth.

Misaligned teeth, abnormal occlusion (the way the upper and lower teeth fit together), TMJ dysfunction, broke and painful teeth can all be associated with grinding. There is also psychological aspect to this condition and many agree that stress is a major contributing factor.

Treatment usually takes a multifaceted approach. Counseling and psychotherapy are effective in reducing the stress factor, while relaxing techniques and massage can help alleviate some of the pain. Muscle relaxants will help ease the tension of sore muscles.

A custom made splint is fabricated from accurate impressions of the teeth. This is worn fitted either on the lower or the upper jaw and not only protects the teeth from grinding, but also opens the bite slightly relieving the pressure on the TMJ.

Alcohol, sugar and caffeine should be avoided at least 4 hours before bedtime.

The effects of avoiding dental care can be devastating not only to your physical well being but also to your social life and work environment. Strong healthy decay free teeth contribute to a happy healthy life style.

Avoiding dental treatment can have serious ramifications. Decayed and broken teeth decrease the ability to properly chew and digest food. Untreated gum disease can result in bad breath, tooth loss and an unaesthetic appearance, which can ultimately affect your self-confidence.

Dental fear can often be traced to adverse childhood experienced in the dental office. This anxiety is often carried to subsequent dental visits resulting in avoidance of dental treatment all together.

A visit to our office for an informal char regarding your fears and concerns can be the start of a long standing relationship based on trust and confidence.

This can be problematic and the offending tooth may have to be removed for the following reasons:

Decay

Plaque can easily gather in the inaccessible area between the teeth leading to tooth decay.

Pericoronitis

This is a painful condition caused by an infection in the gum surrounding the erupting tooth.

Peridontal disease

Due to difficulty in brushing and flossing around the third molar, food and plaque accumulate in this area. This can lead to gum disease, which can eventually cause the loss of not only the wisdom, but also the adjacent tooth.

Be patient, it may take time to get used to wearing dentures. Some people adapt more quickly and learn to control their dentures in a shorter period of time. Having good ridges and boy support to seat the dentures can be a bonus.

Here are some tips to help you:

Considerable care has been taken in custom fabricating your new dentures, and once comfortably settled in, they will provide you with many years of service.

These infections take longer to heal and in severe cases can cause the teeth to loosen and fall out. The most crucial factor in minimizing the damage caused to gum tissue is the control of blood sugar levels.

It is important to inform us of your medical condition in order for us to take the proper precautions. Dental appointments are preferably scheduled in the morning, as this is a time of high glucose and low insulin activity. Make sure you have taken your medication and that you have had a light snack. If you feel the symptoms of an insulin reaction during the appointment let us know immediately.

Dental treatment is better managed with local anesthetics as general anesthetics can produce hyperglycemia.

The treatment for dry mouth can vary depending on the cause. It is important to see the dentist or physician for examination and diagnosis. Medication induced dry mouth can be treated by changing the medication or adjusting the dose, or if cause by other reasons the use of saliva substitutes may be recommended along with frequent sipping of water.

It is also suggested to avoid the following, which aggravate dry mouth:

It is crucial for dry mouth sufferers to maintain good oral hygiene to protect against tooth decay. Regular brushing, flossing, fluoride rinses and dental checkups with allow these patients to maintain an healthy mouth and teeth.

Pregnancy gingivitis is generally most severe in the latter part of the pregnancy and diminishes during the ninth month. Tumors can sometimes develop from sore gums, they are usually harmless and require no intervention unless they are uncomfortable or inhibit speech.

Research supports a ban on X-rays during pregnancy except in emergencies, when they may be necessary to diagnose infections, which can spread and complicate a pregnancy if left untreated. Antibiotics such as tetracycline, and painkillers such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen should be avoided although Penicillin, Amoxicillin and Tylenol may be used after consultation with the attending obstetrician.

In general, elective dental treatment should be postponed until after childbirth although necessary treatments such as broken teeth and fillings or cavities are best treated during the second trimester.

When planning a family, pre-pregnancy checkups and X-rays are essential, as any treatment diagnosed can then be performed prior to the onset of pregnancy. This will also provide a foundation for maintenance care during pregnancy.

Gum disease is not only devastating to the oral health but researchers have linked it to various systematic diseases including heart disease, stroke, and pregnancy problems. It also poses a serious threat to people whose health is compromised by diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Most common forms of periodontal disease are as follows:

Gingivitis

This is the initial stage when the gums are tender and bleed easily. It is easily controlled with proper home and professional care. If untreated however it can lead to more serious complications.

Periodontitis

The gums separate from the teeth forming “pockets”. It is very difficult to properly clean these “pockets” as they are below the gum line and bacterial toxins start to break down the bone and connective tissues that support the tooth. If untreated this can lead to the eventual loss of the tooth.

The main culprit in periodontal disease is plaque formation due to improper oral hygiene (see brushing and flossing), however the following factors can contribute to the disease:

Most of us are aware of the connection between heart and lung diseases and tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, pies and smokeless tobacco. Lesser know are the adverse effects of these products on oral health. Among some of the associated problems are bad breath, stained teeth and tongue, and diminished taste sensation. More serious problems include gum disease and oral cancer.

Smoking is a significant factor in the development of gum disease. Smokers are more susceptible to tartar (hard deposit) build up on the teeth. This predisposes the gum tissue to infection and the formation of pockets around the teeth. Bacteria residing in these pockets destroy tissue and bone resulting in gum recession, tooth exposure and infection and ultimately tooth loss.

Chemicals in cigarettes and smokeless tobacco damage the oral tissue resulting in oral cancer. The most typical locations of this disease include the sides and undersurface of the tongue, floor of the mouth, and sides of the lips and cheeks (see oral lesions).

Early detection of oral cancer vastly improves survival rates while early detection of gum disease can prevent tooth loss. This emphasizes on the importance of regular examination as an important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of these devastating diseases.

Causes of sensitive teeth: