Dental Implant Info

Dental implants involve using an artificial tooth which is then mounted to a post usually made of titanium. A dentist will use a mold to make sure the tooth fits in with the surrounding teeth. The post is inserted into the bone beneath the gums. This makes it a permanent fixture in the patient’s mouth. This gives the mouth a more natural look then dentures would and are more convenient.

The types of dental implants can range from a single tooth to a few side by side teeth or one method known as the All in Four. This procedure is recommended for those who need a complete replacement of teeth on the top, bottom, or both. All in Four implants involves using four posts or screws to attach a grouping teeth. This is a permanent solution that will not be removed.

Pros for Dental Implants

One of the biggest benefits to dental implants is that they are permanent. Rather then choosing a bridge that would be removable or needs cement that can be loosened over time, implants should only be  inserted once. The All in Four implants allows for a more natural appearance and a sturdier set of teeth then dentures. There is none of the worry about your teeth falling out.

Implants also allow the pressure of a bite to be taken by the jaw bone, unlike dentures that spread the weight across the gums. This allows for a better comfort. Another big benefit is that by replacing missing teeth with implants, there is less of a chance of the surrounding teeth falling out.

Cons for Dental Implants

Dental implants can be an extremely expensive procedure that many individuals may not be able to afford. As with any surgical procedure there are risks. There will also be discomfort and healing time varies with every individual. False teeth (crowns) will eventually need to be replaced, but this is a much less invasive procedure.

For further information about this topic, or any other dental topic, contact Dr Slootsky at info@drslootsky.com, or call 954-972-1000

Questions to ask your dentist about dental implant procedures

1. Are dentist implants the right treatment for my problem?
2. Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
3. How long has the dentist been placing implants?
4. What type of anesthesia will be used?
5. Do I have to go without teeth while healing?
6. What are the risks of the dental implant procedure?
7. What can I expect in the following hours and days following the implant surgery?
8. Will there be any maintenance required once I have my dental implant?
9. What happens if an implant fails or I need repairs?
10. What will be the total cost of my treatment?
11. How will my follow up care be handled?

Implant centers are becoming more popular all over the country. It is important to do some research into which one would fit you the best. See witch dentist and surgeon makes you the most comfortable. Take you time in looking around. Look into different treatment plans. While most patients get a full fixed detachable denture on  top of four implants, every patients is unique and will require something different. Keep all this in mind when deciding if dental implants are for you.

For further information about this topic, or any other dental topic, contact Dr Slootsky at info@drslootsky.com, or call 954-972-1000

Why are my teeth sensitive?

Exposed dentin is the likely reason. Dentin is the tissue that makes up the core of each tooth. Dentin is covered by a protective coating of enamel. When this enamel wears away or decays, the dentin becomes exposed and receptive to sensations, including pain. Dentin exposure and sensitivity also occur when roots are exposed due to gum recession.

When does tooth sensitivity usually occur?

You may experience tooth sensitivity, or dentin hypersensitivity, after eating cold or hot foods, drinking cold or hot liquids, or breathing cold air.

What causes dentin hypersensitivity?

Causes of dentin hypersensitivity include brushing too hard, which wears away enamel, and gum disease. Other causes include cracked or chipped teeth and grinding or clenching your teeth. Medical conditions like bulimia also may lead to exposed dentin. Your diet may play a role as well. Consumption of acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits and carbonated beverages, can chemically dissolve enamel over time, resulting in exposed dentin.

What can increase dentin hypersensitivity?

Some toothpaste brands contain abrasive ingredients that may wear away enamel. Ingredients found in some whitening toothpastes and bleaching treatments may increase tooth sensitivity as well.

How do I know when it’s time to see a dentist?

If your teeth are highly sensitive for more than three or four days and they react to hot and cold temperatures, it’s best to get an evaluation from your dentist.

How does a dentist determine dentin hypersensitivity?

A dentist can gauge the severity of your sensitive teeth by using an air test. The dentist sprays air across each area of your teeth to pinpoint the exact location of sensitivity.

What can the dentist do to treat dentin hypersensitivity?

Your dentist will examine your teeth, look for causes of sensitivity, and make treatment recommendations. If sensitivity is associated with clenching and/or grinding, your dentist may recommend a mouth guard. Dentists have a variety of treatments for dentin hypersensitivity. Products for home use include desensitizing toothpastes and mouth rinses. In-office procedures include application of desensitizing agents or protective sealants.

What can I do to improve tooth sensitivity?

Practice good oral hygiene to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid brushing your teeth too hard. And watch what you eat: Avoid acidic foods and drinks.

For further information about this topic, or any other dental topic, contact Dr Slootsky at info@drslootsky.com, or call 954-972-1000

Published with permission by the Academy of General Dentistry. © Copyright 2010 by the Academy of General Dentistry. All rights reserved

The Need for Orthodontic Straightening

Tooth straightening procedures are performed for a number of reasons. Many people are born with teeth that are not perfectly straight, or teeth can become crooked with age leading to bite problems. Crooked teeth can also become a long term problem if left untreated; they can place strain on the jaws and jaw muscles leading to other problems such as headaches. In some cases crooked teeth look simply unsightly, and if the front teeth are crooked they can be easily damaged.

How Can Orthodontic Procedures Help?

Orthodontic procedures will be able to straighten crooked teeth and move them into the best position in the mouth. Having straight teeth also makes cleaning easier, which in turn can help eliminate decay to the teeth and gums. A dentist may be able to carry out the necessary orthodontic treatments after a full evaluation, or they may refer the patient to an orthodontist. Having a full examination is vital to assess which dental procedure will be the most suitable for the patient.

Surgery Involved In Teeth Straightening

In many cases surgery will not be needed with the straightening process. However, if there is not enough space in the mouth for the permanent teeth to align then some surgery may be involved. This could include removing some permanent teeth, and with more serious bite problems may mean jaw surgery. A short stay in hospital may be necessary for this type of dental surgery. A dentist will look at all alternatives but surgery may be the only option for people with very serious bite (malocclusion) conditions.

Teeth Straightening Devices

There are a number of non surgical dental devices used to commonly straighten teeth. Many people, at some point in their life, will have known people that have worn braces for a period of time. However, braces are no longer the obtrusive or unsightly devices that they once were. The dental braces market has come a long way in recent years, and braces are now designed to be as unobtrusive as possible and provide a faster straightening period. A dentist or orthodontist will be able to give information on the types of braces available. If the procedure is a cosmetic treatment for adults then there will usually be various prices depending on the different types of braces.

Common Braces

Braces do vary from the more traditional fixed braces to new, more modern systems that has no visible wires. Most adults will choose braces which are not visible and are removable for cleaning of the teeth. In most adult cases the brace will need to be adjusted at regular intervals as the teeth straighten.

Other Teeth Straightening Options

Porcelain veneers are a very popular method of giving the appearance of straight teeth without the need for braces. Veneers may be suitable for people that do not have any major orthodontic problems but would like to improve the color, shape and alignment of their teeth. The advantage of porcelain veneers is that the procedure can usually be accomplished in just a few visits. There will be some removal of the natural tooth structure to allow the veneer to sit on top of the tooth. Dentists will be able to advise if porcelain veneers are a suitable option.

For many people, having crooked teeth can result in severe bite problems and even speech impediments. For others, having crooked teeth is embarrassing and can lead to a loss in confidence. Teeth straightening procedures are a simple way to correct crooked teeth and improve an individual’s appearance. A dentist or orthodontist will be able to recommend the best way forward and the options available for anyone who is considering teeth straightening treatments.

For further information about this topic, or any other dental topic, contact Dr Slootsky at info@drslootsky.com, or call 954-972-1000

Start With A Healthy Oral Hygiene Program

While good oral hygiene that includes regular brushing, flossing and visits for professional cleanings is important to keep teeth cleaner and whiter, it’s not usually enough for many of us. Daily assaults from red wine, tea, coffee and a number of other beverages and foods can leave our teeth stained and unattractive.

These kinds of stains aren’t always easy to remove by brushing alone, which leads people to choose tooth whitening. Those who are smokers will struggle even more to remove stains by brushing alone.

Risks of Tooth Whitening

Unfortunately, it’s not so simple to just get professional or at-home tooth whitening done and be problem-free. There are things that can go wrong and you need to do your research before choosing tooth whitening for a brighter smile. As tooth whitening continues to become more popular, the drive for new products can mean that we don’t find out about all the risks right away either.

Choosing the Best System

There are many kinds of tooth whitening procedures that can be used at the dentist or in the privacy of your own home. First and foremost, if you do choose professional whitening, make sure you go with a qualified dentist. Today, some of the people offering whitening are merely technicians and do not have the specialized training to understand dentistry or deal with some of the problems that can arise. 

Gum and Tooth Sensitivity

One of the shared problems no matter what system you choose – at-home or in-office – is that gums can become extremely sensitive from the chemicals that are used in tooth whitening products. If you tend to naturally have sensitive teeth already, you should be particularly cautious about the products you use to whiten your teeth. For this reason, a professional whitening procedure performed under a qualified dentist may be the best choice for you.

Those who have healthy teeth and don’t tend to experience tooth sensitivity to hot and cold drinks may fare well with an at-home kit. These are typically much cheaper than dentist whitening procedures, so they are often favored for this reason. You can also use a toothpaste that is specially formulated for sensitive teeth; it can be helpful while you undergo whitening and if you don’t already have sensitive teeth, it can help to prevent future issues from the whitening kit.

Some of the whitening kits used at home can also harm tooth enamel, so it is important to use one that is approved by your dentist and ideally carries a seal of approval from your national dental organization.

Burns to Gums

While uncommon, there is the potential for gum damage from both at-home or in-office whitening procedures. The newer laser whitening has also resulted in reports of gum problems. This, however, can be minimized by choosing a dentist who has significant experience in the field of cosmetic dentistry.

Whitening Restorative Substances

If you have fillings, you should know that tooth whitening typically won’t whiten these substances. Talk to your dentist about your best options for whitening if you have porcelain or other materials used for fillings or any other kind of restorative work in your mouth.

Making the Right Choice

Approach tooth whiteners with care and caution along with advice from a qualified dentist. This way, you can find the right one for you while minimizing risks and getting the beautiful white teeth that give the first impression you want.

For further information about this topic, or any other dental topic, contact Dr Slootsky at info@drslootsky.com, or call 954-972-1000

Natural Looking restoration

When a tooth has a cavity or you need to replace a worn filling, a natural-looking white restoration can be a beautiful choice.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEzvei5nwbY

Advantages

White fillings have several advantages over silver filings.

• They are bonded to your tooth, making it stronger than if we used a silver filling
• We do not have to remove as much tooth structure as with silver filling
• The bonding agent can insulate your tooth from extremes of hot and cold
• Some white restorations can be done in just one visit

Procedure

After we remove the decay, we build layers of the resin directly onto your tooth. We use a special light to bond the resin to the tooth for strength.

A larger cavity may need an indirect restoration. We remove the decay or the old, worn restoration. The new restoration will be created in the lab to precisely fit your tooth.

Once crafted, we bond the restoration to your tooth for strength.  It takes two or more visits to get this kind of restoration.

White fillings can be a great choice to give your healthy teeth and a beautiful, natural-looking smile.

For further information about this topic, or any other dental topic, contact Dr Slootsky at info@drslootsky.com, or call 954-972-1000

Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be an embarrassing problem. It can be caused by the foods you eat, dry mouth, tobacco products, or a medical disorder. Maintaining proper oral health can help reduce or eliminate bad breath.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7bmlNFy8ug

Bad Breath Causes

Bad breath (halitosis) can be caused by a variety of things including diet, medication, poor oral hygiene, and diseases or conditions such as diabetes, GERD, lactose intolerance, gum disease, and more. Treatment for bad breath depends on the cause.

There are many things that can cause bad breath, including the following:

Diet

•  When a person does not brush or floss their teeth thoroughly, food particles may remain in the mouth. These particles may rot and cause foul odors. In addition, food particles over time can promote the growth of bacteria, which can also cause foul odors. The bacteria can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
• Foods with strong odors also affect the air a person exhales. Foods commonly known to contribute to bad breath include onions and garlic, exotic spices (such as curry), some cheeses, fish, and acidic beverages such as coffee. Foods are absorbed into the bloodstream and then transferred to the lungs, causing noticeable odors when exhaled. These foods may also cause gastrointestinal upset and belching, which can contribute to bad breath. In addition, certain supplements such as fish oil capsules can contribute to bad breath.
• Low carbohydrate diets may also cause what is known as ‘ketone breath.’ So-called ‘low carb’ diets cause the body to burn fat as its energy source. The end-product of making this energy are ketones, which cause a fruity acetone-like odor on the breath when exhaled.

Dry Mouth

Bad breath can also be caused by decreased flow of saliva, which is a vital part of the digestive process and removes odor-causing particles in the mouth. Also called xerostomia, dry mouth may be caused by medications, breathing through the mouth, or salivary gland problems.

Bad breath can be reduced or prevented if you:

1. Practice good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your teeth after you eat (keep a toothbrush at work or school to brush after lunch). Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. Use floss or an interdental cleaner to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth once a day. Dentures should be removed at night and cleaned thoroughly before being placed in your mouth the next morning.
2. See your dentist regularly -- at least twice a year. He or she will conduct an oral examination and professional teeth cleaning and will be able detect and treat periodontal disease, dry mouth, or other problems that may be the cause of bad mouth odor.
3. Stop smoking/chewing tobacco-based products. Ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.
4. Drink lots of water. This will keep your mouth moist. Chewing gum (preferably sugarless) or sucking on candy (preferably sugarless) also stimulates the production of saliva, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
5. Keep a log of the foods you eat. If you think the foods that you eat may be causing your bad breath, record what you eat. Bring the log to your dentist to review. Similarly, make a list of the medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors.

For further information about this topic, or any other dental topic, contact Dr Slootsky at info@drslootsky.com, or call 954-972-1000

A new way to straighten teeth

Braces used to be the only way to straighten teeth affected by malocclusion (a bad bite). But now, we have a system called “Invisalign” that allows us to straighten your teeth without using the brackets and wires of traditional braces.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2T1-d4gFcg

The patented Invisalign system uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually reposition the teeth. We’ve chosen to offer the Invisalign system because the aligners are more visually appealing than braces. They are also removable, which makes it easier to clean your teeth after eating. The aligner are smooth and comfortable, and they don’t irritate your gums, cheek , or tongue. The Invisalign system also eliminates any allergic reactions  that you may experience with metal.

 Creating and using Invisalign

We first take impressions of your teeth, bite registrations, photographs, and x-rays. We send these materials, accompanied by a treatment plan, to the laboratory. The lab than creates the aligners – a set of precisely customized, clear molds. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks, and you will remove them only to eat, drink, brush and floss.

About every two weeks, you will replace the aligner with the next one in the series. Your teeth will move, a little at a time, until they are straightened to the desired position. About every six weeks, you will visit us to that we can ensure that your treatment is progressing appropriately.

It typically take nine to 15 months to complete orthodontic  treatment with Invisalign, during which time 18 to 30 aligners are used. The time it takes to complete treatment will vary according to your specific  circumstances.

After a thoutough exam and review of your health history and lifestyle, we will be able to determine if Invisalign is right for you.

For further information about this topic, or any other dental topic, contact Dr Slootsky at info@drslootsky.com, or call 954-972-1000

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bCXywmrDfs

For further information about this topic, or any other dental topic, contact Dr. Slootsky at info@drslootsky.com, or call 954-972-1000.

Dental Inlays and Onlays
Dental inlays and onlays are restorations used to repair rear teeth that have a mild to moderate amount of decay. They can also be used to restore teeth that are cracked or fractured if the damage is not severe enough to require a dental crown. Inlays and onlays are usually made from porcelain, composite resin, and sometimes even from gold. Because they can be created from tooth-colored materials, inlays and onlays are often used to replace metal fillings for patients who desire a more natural looking smile. Read on to find out about how inlays and onlays may be able to enhance your smile’s health and appearance.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5Wu8_MCnJs

Dental Inlays
Dental inlays are used to treat teeth that have decay or damage lying within their indented top surfaces. They can also be used to replace old and damaged metal fillings. Inlay placement is usually carried out over two appointments. During your first visit to the dentist, an impression of your tooth will be taken, and a temporary inlay will be placed over the tooth. The dentist will send the impression off to a dental lab, which will create the inlay to match your tooth’s specifications. When you return to the dentist’s office, the temporary inlay will be removed and the permanent one will be placed carefully over your tooth. There is no downtime after receiving a dental inlay, only a mild level of tenderness in the treated area, so you can return to work or other activities as soon as you leave the office.

Since dental inlays and onlays can be made from durable, tooth-colored porcelain, they offer much more enduring and natural-looking results than metal fillings. In addition, their customized nature allows dentists to securely bond them to the tooth surface, adding structural integrity and preventing bacteria from entering and forming cavities.

Dental Onlays
Whereas dental inlays are designed to treat decay within the cusps, or top projections, of a tooth, onlays are used to treat decay that extends to one or more of the cusps. Onlays are placed in much the same way as inlays. First, an impression of the decayed tooth is taken, and a temporary onlay is placed over the tooth. The impression is then sent to a lab, where a dental technician creates the onlay according to the tooth’s dimensions. When the patient returns to the dentist’s office, the temporary onlay is removed, and the permanent restoration is placed on the tooth and securely bonded using high-strength dental resins.

Like dental inlays, onlays can be created from tooth-colored material, which makes them virtually undetectable to the naked eye. Onlays also help to conserve more tooth structure because their use requires minimal removal a tooth’s surface. Perhaps their most important benefit, however, is that, in saving damaged teeth, onlays help patients avoid the eventual need for more extensive treatment with dental crowns, dental bridges, or dental implants.

Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays
In treating dental decay, inlays and onlays help to eliminate tooth sensitivity and eventual tooth loss. Inlays and onlays also offer the following benefits:
• Since they can be made from tooth-colored material, including porcelain and composite resin, inlays and onlays are virtually invisible.
• Unlike metal fillings, inlays and onlays will not expand or contract in response to temperature changes caused by hot or cold foods. This change in size can cause teeth to weaken or fracture.
• The use of inlays and onlays requires less tooth reduction than does the use of metal fillings. This allows dentists to conserve more of a patient’s natural tooth structure in the treatment process.
• Because of the way inlays and onlays are made, they help to strengthen teeth by up to 75 percent.
• The durable material from which inlays and onlays are made helps them last up to 30 years, much longer than that of conventional fillings.
• Inlays and onlays can replace silver fillings to create a healthier, more natural-looking smile.
• By saving decayed teeth, inlays and onlays prevent the need for more extensive treatment later on.

Because of their strength, durability, and aesthetic quality, porcelain inlays and onlays are excellent solutions for larger cases of tooth decay.

For further information about this topic, or any other dental topic, contact Dr Slootsky at info@drslootsky.com, or call 954-972-1000.