Dental Veneers Ft Lauderdale Before

Dental Veneers Ft Lauderdale After

Dental restorations restore the function, integrity, and morphology of missing tooth structure, which can be caused by caries or external trauma, such as chipping or cracking a tooth. Fabrication of a crown (a type of dental restoration) usually requires two dental visits. The first visit involves an examination of the tooth to determine how it should be restored and preparation of the tooth for the restoration; this visit may include a core build-up (sometimes requiring a post), fabrication of a temporary crown, and making an impression to be sent to the laboratory. The second visit usually involves delivery of the final restoration, which has been fabricated in the laboratory. In some offices that have access to specialized equipment, the dentist may be able to perform the entire crown procedure in the same day.

What is a crown?

A crown is a restoration that covers (or “caps”) a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size, which can strengthen and improve the appearance of the tooth. Crowns are necessary when a tooth has been damaged significantly and cannot be adequately restored with a filling. A crown can protect a weak tooth from fracturing; it also can prevent a cracked tooth from further damage. Crowns can cover discolored or misshapen teeth for more aesthetically pleasing smiles.

What is a post and core build-up?

The dentist may use a filling material to restore a more ideal shape for supporting a crown (core build-up) when a tooth is severely decayed or fractured and lacks sufficient tooth structure. In some cases, a dentist will first perform a root canal, a procedure in which pulp is cleared out of the tooth and the canal is sealed with a special material. After the root canal, the dentist may place a post in the open canal and secure it with dental filling to “build up” the structure of the tooth. Once the material has hardened, the tooth can be prepared for a crown.

Will a crown look natural?

It can, depending on the type of crown you elect to have made. A crown can be fabricated from porcelain, from gold, or from a combination of porcelain and metal. A crown can look just like a natural tooth when it is made with porcelain coverage. Numerous factors are considered when determining the crown material that is best for your particular tooth, including the color, bite, shape, space, and location of the tooth in your mouth.

How should I care for my teeth after I receive a crown?

To prevent damaging or fracturing the crown, avoid chewing extremely hard foods and ice. You also should avoid grinding or clenching your teeth. In addition to brushing twice a day and visiting your dentist regularly, cleaning between your teeth is essential if you have crowns. Use floss or interdental cleaners (specially shaped brushes and sticks) to remove plaque from the crown area where the gum meets the tooth. This process helps to prevent both dental decay and gum disease.

What do I do if I’m a still confused about these procedures?

If you are still unclear about the process of placing a crown or a post and core build-up, speak to your dentist. Your dentist can walk you through the steps of the procedures and address any questions or concerns you may have. It is important to have these types of conversations with your dentist so that your journey to an improved smile doesn’t start—or end—with a frown.

Brushing for Two

If you’re planning to become pregnant or suspect you’re already pregnant, it’s important that you see a dentist right away. Pregnancy may cause unexpected oral health changes due to hormones—particularly an increase in estrogen and progesterone—which can exaggerate the way in which gum tissues react to plaque. Research continues to show that overall health and oral health coincide, so it’s especially important for you to maintain good oral hygiene throughout your pregnancy. Visiting your dentist will allow him or her to assess your oral condition and map out a dental plan for the remainder of your pregnancy.

How does plaque build-up affect me?

When plaque isn’t removed, it can cause gingivitis—red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed. So-called “pregnancy gingivitis” affects most pregnant women to some degree and generally begins to surface as early as the second month of pregnancy. If you already have gingivitis, the condition is likely to worsen during pregnancy. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that includes bone loss.

How does gingivitis affect my baby’s health?

Research suggests a link between pre-term delivery, low birthweight babies, and gingivitis. Excessive bacteria can enter the bloodstream through your gums; the bacteria can travel to the uterus, triggering the production of chemicals called prostaglandins, which are suspected to induce premature labor.

How can I prevent gingivitis?

You can prevent gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean, especially near the gumline. You should brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and after each meal when possible. You also should floss each day. Good nutrition keeps the oral cavity healthy and strong; in particular, you should get plenty of vitamins C and B12. More frequent cleanings from the dentist also will help control plaque and prevent gingivitis.

What are pregnancy tumors?

Pregnant women are at risk for developing pregnancy tumors—inflammatory, non-cancerous growths that develop between the teeth or when swollen gums become irritated. These localized growths or swellings are believed to be related to excess plaque. Normally, the tumors are left alone and will usually shrink on their own after the baby’s birth; however, if a tumor is uncomfortable and interferes with chewing, brushing, or other oral hygiene procedures, your dentist may decide to remove it.

Are there any dental procedures I should avoid?

Routine exams and cleanings can be performed throughout pregnancy; however, non-emergency procedures should only be performed during the second trimester of pregnancy. Dental emergencies that create severe pain can be treated during any trimester, but your obstetrician should be consulted during any emergency that requires anesthesia or whenever medication is prescribed. X-rays should only be taken for emergency situations. Lastly, elective and cosmetic procedures should be postponed until after the baby’s birth. Because every woman is different, it’s best to discuss and determine a treatment plan with your dentist.

Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy

Published with permission by the Academy of General Dentistry. © Copyright 2009 by the Academy of General Dentistry. All rights reserved.

Cardiovascular disease is a class of disease that affects the heart and/or blood vessels. It is estimated that more than 80 million people in the United States have one or more forms of cardiovascular disease; these forms include high blood pressure, coronary heart disease (acute heart attack and angina pectoris), stroke, and heart failure. Studies have shown that there is a link between cardiovascular disease and periodontal (gum) disease, the chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue. Forms of gum disease, such as gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (bone loss), can be indicators for cardiovascular problems, which is why it is important for individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease to visit a dentist on a regular basis, practice good oral hygiene, and keep their dentist informed of any oral and overall health issues.

How are periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease connected?
It has been suggested that the inflammatory proteins and bacteria associated with gum disease enter a person’s bloodstream and can cause various effects on the cardiovascular system. A study published in the February 2005 issue of Circulation examined the presence of the bacteria known to cause periodontitis and the thickening of the blood vessel wall typically seen in heart disease. After examining samples from more than 650 participants, the investigators concluded that the presence of the same bacteria known to cause periodontitis was associated with an increased level of blood vessel thickening.

What can I do to keep my gums and heart healthy?
Practicing proper oral hygiene is essential to maintaining healthy gums. This includes flossing regularly, brushing twice a day with antibacterial toothpaste, and visiting a dentist at least every six months. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help improve both your cardiovascular health and your overall health.

What do my physician and dentist need to know?
It is important to keep all medical professionals up-to-date on your oral and overall health issues. Inform your physician if you have been diagnosed with a form of periodontal disease or are experiencing any issues with gum inflammation. Likewise, inform your dentist if you have been diagnosed with any form of cardiovascular disease, have experienced any cardiovascular problems, or have a family history of cardiovascular disease.

What other risk factors are associated with cardiovascular disease?
Individuals who are most at risk for cardiovascular disease include those over age 65, African-Americans, Hispanics, and males. While these particular factors cannot be changed, there are some risk factors that you can change through lifestyle management and/or medical treatment to reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease. These risk factors include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and stress. Questions? Be sure to ask your physician and dentist.

The Link Between Periodontal Disease and Cardiovascular Disease

Published with permission by the Academy of General Dentistry. © Copyright 2009 by the Academy of General Dentistry. All rights reserved.

Recently a patient asked, “I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Do I need to do anything differently dentally? If so, when is a good time to do that — before, during or after treatment?”

If chemotherapy is part of a woman’s treatment plan for breast cancer, she should schedule a regular cleaning with her dentist before starting treatment. Most chemotherapy agents will suppress white cells, which protect against infection. And that increases the risk that doing an invasive procedure, such as a tooth extraction or deep cleaning will cause infection. This is true usually for about a week after each treatment is given. During this period, the woman’s oncologist can advise her and her dentist about when it would be safe to do a dental procedure. Breast cancer patients should maintain good hygiene — brushing, rinsing and flossing — throughout their treatment.

The most common dental disability from chemo is generalized soreness of the oral soft tissues. Sub-clinical yeast infections, from the fungus candida, can cause difficulty in eating. Since this diagnosis is very difficult to make, the oral physician needs to be very astute to recognize this. The fungus can spread down the throat, making swallowing painful. The mouth is usually dry, and sometimes patients complain of a burning sensation.

Fortunately, there are many new products on the market for dry mouth. I prefer ones with xylitol, and recommend xylimelts, which are lozenges that very slowly melt in your mouth and can be used while sleeping. In addition, there are newer sprays, toothpastes, and mouthwashes today that are excellent.

As of today’s research, if a woman has breast cancer and is treated by surgery or by radiation only, the mouth is not affected. However, there may be an issue for patients who have been treated with bisphosphonates, such as Fossomax, Boniva, and Zometa (there are others) of developing decay in the jaw bone, impeding healing. This is seen following a tooth extraction or aggressive cleaning. The risk is low, but increases if the patient is on chemotherapy.

About the author:

Dr. Alan Slootsky practices dentistry in Pompano Beach. He teaches dentists and has attained Mastership from the Academy of General Dentistry. Contact him at 954-972-100 or www.drslootsky.com

Recent research shows that gum disease affects 75% of people over age 35. The link is through an inflammation blood marker call C-reactive protein, or CRP which is a known risk for heart attacks. And the diabetic link is elevated in the blood test, hemoglobin A1c. Additionally, the bacteria produced by gum disease produce nitrosamines, which are known to cause cancer.
According to www.healthyheartdentistry.com, patients can be tested in the dental office with a simple finger prick before gum treatment, and 6-8 weeks following treatment. In many cases, the markers improve, which means that the underlying medical condition improves. If the markers do not improve, then more tests should be done by your physician to rule out other latent medical problems.

Many people do not seek treatment for various reasons, such as fear of the unknown, costs, and time issues. But there should be no reason today not to at least get diagnosed! Many times treatment is simple enough to just get deep cleanings! Other times, we recommend newer conservative home treatments, as home products have also improved dramatically in the past 30 years since I have been in practice. And before surgery is recommended, newer laser approaches have proven successful.
If surgery is indicated, some people do not like to cut away gum tissue to reduce the pocket depth. Today, advanced techniques can stimulate your body to grow new bone to reduce the gum pocket, and restore the original look of your teeth and gums.

In the future, dentistry will continue to become a specialty of medicine, proving how prophetic Charles Mayo rally was.
For further information about this topic, or any other dental topic, contact Dr Slootsky at info@drslootsky.com, or call 954-972-1000