Below
are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have
about dentistry and oral health issues. If you have any other
questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would
love to hear from you.
Bad breath (halitosis) can
be an unpleasant and embarrassing condition. Many
of us may not realize that we have bad breath, but
everyone has it from time to time, especially in the
morning.
There are various reasons one may have bad breath,
but in healthy people, the major reason is due to
microbial deposits on the tongue, especially the back
of the tongue. Some studies have shown that simply
brushing the tongue reduced bad breath by as much
as 70 percent.
What may cause bad breath?
Morning time - Saliva flow almost stops
during sleep and its reduced cleansing action
allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
Certain foods - Garlic, onions, etc.
Foods containing odor-causing compounds enter
the blood stream; they are transferred to the
lungs, where they are exhaled.
Poor oral hygiene habits - Food particles
remaining in the mouth promote bacterial growth.
Periodontal (gum) disease - Colonies
of bacteria and food debris residing under inflamed
gums.
Dental cavities and improperly fitted dental
appliances - May also contribute to bad breath.
Dry mouth (Xerostomia) - May be caused
by certain medications, salivary gland problems,
or continuous mouth breathing.
Tobacco products - Dry the mouth, causing
bad breath.
Dieting - Certain chemicals called ketones
are released in the breath as the body burns fat.
Dehydration, hunger, and missed meals
- Drinking water and chewing food increases saliva
flow and washes bacteria away.
Certain medical conditions and illnesses
- Diabetes, liver and kidney problems, chronic
sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia are
several conditions that may contribute to bad
breath.
Keeping a record of what you eat may help identify
the cause of bad breath. Also, review your current
medications, recent surgeries, or illnesses with you
dentist.
What can I do to prevent bad breath?
Practice good oral hygiene - Brush at
least twice a day with an ADA approved fluoride
toothpaste and toothbrush. Floss daily to remove
food debris and plaque from in between the teeth
and under the gumline. Brush or use a tongue
scraper to clean the tongue and reach the back
areas. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months.
If you wear dentures or removable bridges, clean
them thoroughly and place them back in your mouth
in the morning.
See your dentist regularly - Get a check-up
and cleaning at least twice a year. If you have
or have had periodontal disease, your dentist
will recommend more frequent visits.
Stop smoking/chewing tobacco - Ask your
dentist what they recommend to help break the
habit.
Drink water frequently - Water will
help keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria.
Use mouthwash/rinses - Some over-the-counter
products only provide a temporary solution to
mask unpleasant mouth odor. Ask your dentist
about antiseptic rinses that not only alleviate
bad breath, but also kill the germs that cause
the problem.
In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath.
If it is determined that your mouth is healthy, but
bad breath is persistent, your dentist may refer you
to your physician to determine the cause of the odor
and an appropriate treatment plan.
Brushing and flossing help
control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental
disease.
Plaque is a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva
that sticks to the teeth and gums. The bacteria in
plaque convert certain food particles into acids that
cause tooth decay. Also, if plaque is not removed,
it turns into calculus (tartar). If plaque and calculus
are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and
bone, causing periodontal (gum) disease.
Plaque formation and growth is continuous and can
only be controlled by regular brushing, flossing,
and the use of other dental aids.
Toothbrushing - Brush your teeth at least
twice a day (especially before going to bed
at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush
and toothpaste.
Brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums, gently using
a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always
feel the bristles on the gums.
Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each
tooth.
Use the tip of the brush head to clean the inside
front teeth.
Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen
your breath.
Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They are easy
to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply
place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums
and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several
teeth at a time.
Flossing - Daily
flossing is the best way to clean between
the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only
helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies
from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth,
and bone.
Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap
it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2
inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss,
gently insert the floss between teeth using a
sawing motion.
Curve the floss into a "C" shape around
each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move
the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each
tooth.
Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using
conventional floss.
Rinsing - It is important to rinse
your mouth with water after brushing, and also after
meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using
an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it's a good
idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist
on its appropriateness for you.
The ADA (American Dental
Association) states that silver fillings are safe
and that studies have failed to find any link between
silver containing mercury and any medical disorder.
Most modern dentists are not using amalgam routinely
because there are better materials to take it's place.
Over the years there has been some concern as to the
safety of amalgam (silver) fillings. An amalgam is
a blend of copper, silver, tin and zinc, bound by
elemental mercury. Dentists have used this blended
metal to fill teeth for more than 100 years. The
controversy is due to claims that the exposure to
the vapor and minute particles from the mercury can
cause a variety of health problems.
The general consensus is that amalgam (silver) fillings
are safe. Although studies indicate that there
are no measurable health risks to patients who have
silver fillings, we do know that mercury is a toxic
material when we are exposed at high, unsafe levels.
For instance, we have been warned to limit the consumption
of certain types of fish that carry high levels of
mercury in them. However, with respect to amalgam
fillings, the ADA maintains that when the mercury
combines with the other components of the filling,
it becomes an inactive substance that is safe.
There are numerous options to silver fillings, including
composite and porcelain fillings. We encourage you
to discuss these options with the doctors so you can
determine which is the best option for you.
You should have your
teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year,
though your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend
more frequent visits.
Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential
in preventing dental problems and maintaining the
health of your teeth and gums. At these visits, your
teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities. Additionally,
there are many other things that are checked and monitored
to help detect, prevent, and maintain your dental
health. These include:
Medical history review: Knowing
the status of any current medical conditions,
new medications, and illnesses, gives us insight
to your over all health and also your dental health.
Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs):
Essential for detection of decay,
tumors, cysts, and bone loss.X-rays also help
determine tooth and root positions.
Oral cancer screening: Check
the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues,
and gums for any sings of oral cancer.
Gum disease evaluation: Check
the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs
of periodontal disease.
Examination of tooth decay: All
tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with
special dental instruments.
Examination of existing restorations:
Check current fillings, crowns,
etc.
Removal of calculus (tartar):
Calculus is hardened plaque that has
been left on the tooth for sometime and is now
firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus
forms above and below the gum line, and can only
be removed with special dental instruments.
Removal of plaque: Plaque
is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms
on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living
bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria
produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums.
This inflammation is the start of periodontal
disease!
Teeth polishing:
Removes stain and plaque that is not otherwise
removed during toothbrushing and scaling.
Oral hygiene recommendations:
Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed
(electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning
aids, fluorides, rinses, etc.).
Review dietary habits:
Your eating habits play a very important role
in your dental health.
As you can see, a good dental exam and cleaning involves
quite a lot more than just checking for cavities and
polishing your teeth. We are committed to providing
you with the best possible care, and to do so will
require regular check-ups and cleanings.
Four out of five people have
periodontal disease and don'-t know it! Most people
are not aware of it because the disease is usually
painless in the early stages. Unlike tooth decay,
which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have
periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms.
Having regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations
are very important and will help detect if periodontal
problems exist.
Periodontal disease begins
when plaque, a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria,
food debris, and saliva, is left on the teeth and
gums. The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that inflame
the gums and slowly destroy the bone. Brushing and
flossing regularly and properly will ensure that plaque
is not left behind to do its damage.
Other than poor oral hygiene, there are several other
factors that may increase the risk of developing periodontal
disease:
Smoking or chewing tobacco - Tobacco
users are more likely than nonusers to form plaque
and tartar on their teeth.
Certain tooth or appliance conditions
- Bridges that no longer fit properly, crowded
teeth, or defective fillings that may trap plaque
and bacteria.
Many medications - Steroids, cancer
therapy drugs, blood pressure meds, oral contraceptives.
Some medications have side affects that reduce
saliva, making the mouth dry and plaque easier
to adhere to the teeth and gums.
Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and puberty
- Can cause changes in hormone levels, causing
gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacteria
toxins.
Systemic diseases - Diabetes, blood
cell disorders, HIV / AIDS, etc.
Genetics may play role - Some patients
may be predisposed to a more aggressive type of
periodontitis. Patients with a family history
of tooth loss should pay particular attention
to their gums.
Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Red and puffy gums
- Gums should never be red or swollen.
Bleeding gums
- Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously
or use dental floss.
Persistent bad breath
- Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
New spacing between teeth - Caused by
bone loss.
Loose teeth - Also caused by bone loss
or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support
the tooth to the bone).
Pus around the teeth and gums - Sign
that there is an infection present.
Receding gums - Loss of gum around a
tooth.
Tenderness or Discomfort - Plaque, calculus,
and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.
Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits
can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal
disease.
Brushing our teeth removes
food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth
surfaces, except in between the teeth.
Unfortunately, our toothbrush can't reach these areas
that are highly susceptible to decay and periodontal
(gum) disease.
Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the
teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps
clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from
building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth,
and bone.
Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms
on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria,
food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins
(acids) that cause cavities and irritate and inflame
the gums. Also, when plaque is not removed above
and below the gumline, it hardens and turns into calculus
(tartar). This will further irritate and inflame
the gums and also slowly destroy the bone. This is
the beginning of periodontal disease.
How to floss properly:
Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap
it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2
inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss,
gently insert the floss between teeth using a
sawing motion.
Curve the floss into a "C" shape around
each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move
the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each
tooth.
Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using
conventional floss.
Daily flossing will help you keep a beautiful smile
for life!
If you're feeling somewhat
self-conscious about your teeth, or just want to improve
your smile, cosmetic dental treatments may be the
answer to a more beautiful, confident smile.
Cosmetic dentistry has become very popular in the
last several years, not only due the many advances
in cosmetic dental procedures and materials available
today, but also because patients are becoming more
and more focused on improving their overall health.
This includes dental prevention and having a healthier,
whiter, more radiant smile.
There are many cosmetic dental procedures available
to improve your teeth and enhance your smile. Depending
on your particular needs, cosmetic dental treatments
can change your smile dramatically, from restoring
a single tooth to having a full mouth make-over.
Ask your dentist how you can improve the health and
beauty of your smile with cosmetic dentistry.
Cosmetic Procedures:
Teeth Whitening: Bleaching lightens teeth that
have been stained or discolored by age, food, drink,
and smoking. Teeth darkened as a result of injury
or taking certain medications can also be bleached,
but the effectiveness depends on the degree of staining
present.
Composite (tooth-colored) Fillings: Also known
as "bonding", composite fillings are now
widely used instead of amalgam (silver) fillings to
repair teeth with cavities, and also to replace old
defective fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are also
used to repair chipped, broken, or discolored teeth.
This type of filling is also very useful to fill in
gaps and to protect sensitive, exposed root surfaces
caused by gum recession.
Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are thin custom-made,
tooth-colored shells that are bonded onto the fronts
of teeth to create a beautiful individual smile.
They can help restore or camouflage damaged, discolored,
poorly shaped, or misaligned teeth. Unlike crowns,
veneers require minimal tooth structure to be removed
from the surface of the tooth.
Porcelain Crowns (caps): A crown is a tooth-colored,
custom-made covering that encases the entire tooth
surface restoring it to its original shape and size.
Crowns protect and strengthen teeth that cannot be
restored with fillings or other types of restorations. They
are ideal for teeth that have large, fractured or
broken fillings and also for those that are badly
decayed.
Dental Implants: Dental implants are artificial
roots that are surgically placed into the jaw to replace
one or more missing teeth. Porcelain crowns, bridges,
and dentures can be made specifically to fit and attach
to implants, giving a patient a strong, stable, and
durable solution to removable dental appliances.
Orthodontics: Less visible and more effective
brackets and wires are making straightening teeth
with orthodontics much more appealing to adult patients.
Also, in some cases, teeth may be straightened with
Invisalign, custom-made, clear, removable aligners
that require no braces.
Thanks to the advances in modern dentistry, cosmetic
treatments can make a difference in making your smile
shine!
Invisalign is the clear
alternative to braces. Invisalign uses a series of
clear aligners that are custom-molded to fit you.
The virtually invisible aligners gradually reposition
your teeth into a smile you'll be proud of. You change
aligners every two weeks, and they move your teeth
little by little.
The convenience and ease of use of the Invisalign
system have made it the choice of over half a million
people. In fact, Invisalign has been effective in
giving hundreds of thousands of people amazing new
smiles.
Most people won't notice you're in orthodontic treatment
Porcelain veneers are
very thin shells of tooth-shaped porcelain that are
individually crafted to cover the fronts of teeth.
They are very durable and will not stain, making them
a very popular solution for those seeking to restore
or enhance the beauty of their smile.
Veneers may be used to restore or correct the following
dental conditions:
Severely discolored or stained teeth
Unwanted or uneven spaces
Worn or chipped teeth
Slight tooth crowding
Misshapen teeth
Teeth that are too small or large
Getting veneers usually requires two visits. Veneers are
created from an impression (mold) of your teeth that
is then sent to a professional dental laboratory where
each veneer is custom-made (for shape and color) for
your individual smile.
With little or no
anesthesia, teeth are prepared by lightly buffing
and shaping the front surface of the teeth to allow
for the small thickness of veneers. The veneers are
carefully fitted and bonded onto the tooth surface
with special bonding cements and occasionally a specialized
light may be used to harden and set the bond.
Veneers are an excellent dental
treatment that can dramatically improve your teeth
and give you a natural, beautiful smile.
Since teeth whitening has
now become the number one aesthetic concern
of many patients, there are many products and methods
available to achieve a brighter smile.
Professional
teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive
dental treatment used to change the color of natural
tooth enamel, and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty
of your smile. Over-the-counter products are also
available, but they are much less effective than professional
treatments and may not be approved by the American
Dental Association (ADA).
As we age, the outer layer of tooth enamel wears away,
eventually revealing a darker or yellow shade. The
color of our teeth also comes from the inside of the
tooth, which may become darker over time. Smoking,
drinking coffee, tea, and wine may also contribute
to tooth discoloration, making our teeth yellow and
dull. Sometimes, teeth can become discolored from
taking certain medications as a child, such as tetracycline.
Excessive fluoridation (fluorosis) during tooth development
can also cause teeth to become discolored.
It's important to have your teeth evaluated by your
dentist to determine if you-re a good candidate for
bleaching. Occasionally, tetracycline and fluorosis
stains are difficult to bleach and your dentist may
offer other options, such as veneers or crowns to
cover up such stains. Since teeth whitening only
works on natural tooth enamel, it is also important
to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns,
etc. before bleaching begins. Once the bleaching
is done, your dentist can match the new restorations
to the shade of the newly whitened teeth.
Since teeth whitening is not permanent, a touch-up
may be needed every several years to keep your smile
looking bright.
The most widely used professional
teeth whitening systems:
Home teeth whitening systems: At-home
products usually come in a gel form that is placed
in a custom-fitted mouthguard (tray), created from
a mold of your teeth. The trays are worn either twice
a day for approximately 30 minutes, or overnight while
you sleep. It usually takes several weeks to achieve
the desired results depending on the degree of staining
and the desired level of whitening.
In
office teeth whitening: This treatment
is done in the dental office and you will see results
immediately. It may require more than one visit,
with each visit lasting 30 to 60 minutes. While your
gums are protected, a bleaching solution is applied
to the teeth. A special light may be used to enhance
the action of the agent while the teeth are whitened.
Some patients may experience
tooth sensitivity after having their teeth whitened.
This sensation is temporary and subsides shortly after
you complete the bleaching process, usually within
a few days to one weak.
Teeth whitening can be very effective and can give
you a brighter, whiter, more confident smile!
CEREC has revolutionized
the way we restore teeth. CEREC 3D has helped dentists
place over 6 million dental restorations worldwide.
CEREC 3D technology enables us to prepare beautiful
porcelain restorations in a single visit. Perfectly
fitted restorations are designed on the computer in
three dimensions, and the solid blocks of porcelain
are milled right in the office.
With CEREC, our doctors can restore decayed, fractured,
or broken teeth, replace amalgam fillings, and place
inlays, onlays and crowns in just one appointment.
The final result is a beautiful, natural-colored tooth
restoration that is much stronger than before. The
ceramic material is chemically bonded to your tooth,
so we can preserve as much healthy tooth structure
as possible. CEREC provides dental restorations that
actually strengthen your teeth.
The Wand is a revolutionary
new computer controlled local anesthesia injection
system that can provide a more comfortable and effective
anesthetic delivery. The Wand allows a more predicable
& comfortable injection, especially in the more
sensitive areas such as the palate or front of the
mouth. It also allows the use of less anesthetic.
The needle is not what causes the main discomfort
of an injection. It is the pressure and volume of
the fluid going into the tissues. The microprocessor
inside The Wand automatically compensates for different
tissue densities. The anesthetic is delivered at a
constant pressure and volume that's typically below
the threshold of pain. The computer also provides
a flow of anesthetic directly ahead of the needle.
This numbs the site of insertion and develops a "pathway
of anesthesia" so you hardly feel the needle
at all. The Wand delivers the anesthetic at an optimal
flow rate for a comfortable injection every time.
The Odyssey®
Diode Laser from Ivoclar Vivadent, Inc. represents
the latest diode laser technology available for
soft tissue modification and preventive care.
It features a unique fiber management system and
the most sophisticated, precise and minimally
invasive technology available.
The Odyssey uses the power of light to vaporize
oral soft tissues with UNMATCHED PRECISION, usually
without injected anesthetics, and will heal with
less post-operative pain than any other technique.
Common procedures we perform with the laser for
our patients benefit are:
Gingivectomy, Gingivoplasty
Exposure of slow erupting teeth
Soft Tissue Crown Lengthening
Frenum Release
Troughing for impressions
Reducing sulcular oral bacteria or cementation and other flora
"I hadn’t been to the dentist in 16 yrs. I needed a lot of work and was very scared of the dentist. I’ll tell you these guys at Nelsen Family Dentistry are wonderful! They take care of you, and my fears are gone!"
