The ABCs of Good Oral Hygiene Habits
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Chris_A._Harmen] Chris A. Harmen
Your oral hygiene habits are the key to a healthy mouth and smile. Whether you're ready to teach your children about good oral hygiene habits, or know that you need to kick some of your own bad habits to the curb, this article will help you brush up on the ABCs of good oral hygiene habits.
A: Brushing
Brushing is hands down the most effective method for removing the plaque from your teeth that can lead to decay and cavities. Plaque is a sticky, colorless substance that clings to your teeth. When combined with food particles and bacteria in your mouth, plaque can erode the enamel of your teeth causing decay and cavities.
Most dentists recommend brushing three times a day - after meals and before bed. You should choose a soft bristled brush with a compact head, and you should replace your toothbrush approximately every three months.
You should brush your teeth for approximately 2 to 3 minutes, brushing at a 45-degree angle in short, circular motions. Be sure not to neglect other areas in your mouth: your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth - all popular hiding places for bacteria.
B: Flossing
Flossing is essential for removing plaque and debris from in between your teeth and along the gum line that brushing may have missed. It also stimulates your gums and increases blood circulation.
Dentists recommend you floss once a day and most people find this easiest to do at night. The best way to floss is by breaking off about 12 inches of floss and wrapping 1 to 2 inches around each middle finger. This will allow you to use your thumb and forefingers to move the floss inside your mouth. Gently press the floss in between two teeth and slide it up and down several times along the sides of the teeth to remove plaque and food debris.
Your gums may bleed the first few times you floss. However, if you floss regularly and your gums continue to bleed or are very tender, see your dentist; they may suggest an alternative to flossing such as using a water pick.
C: Regular Trips To The Dentist
In addition to brushing, flossing, and having good oral hygiene habits at home, it's important to see your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups.
It is recommended that you visit your dentist twice a year for professional cleanings. During this time, a dental hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth and remove any hardened plaque from your teeth and along the gum line.
At one of these cleanings, your dentist will also do a thorough examination of your mouth and teeth and order a complete set of x-rays to check for any hidden problems or new decay. If any new cavities are discovered, your dentist will have you return for a filling to stop the decay.
Brushing, flossing, and regular trips to the dentist are the ABC's of good oral hygiene habits.
Chris Harmen writes for City Dental, [http://www.citydentalonline.com/]dentists in LA specializing in cosmetic and general dentistry with a commitment to the highest standards in patient care.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-ABCs-of-Good-Oral-Hygiene-Habits&id=3379616] The ABCs of Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Dentists Do More Than Just Drilling and Filling
Dentists Do More Than Just Drilling and Filling
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Stratton] Andrew Stratton
Nobody wants to see the dentist, and why is that exactly? It probably has something to do with drills and your mouth. But what most people don't realize is that he can fix your dental problems without any drilling whatsoever. New methods available meant that he can fill gaps, whiten teeth and even replace missing ones, all without the drill. Whatever problem you suffer from, your dental surgeon has the answer.
Fill 'Er Up
Holes in your teeth? This is not a good state of affairs. Luckily, cosmetic dentistry offers inlays and onlays to fill up those holes. No more wind whistling through your pearly whites!
Inlays and onlays are made of porcelain. This easy treatment can be done in just two appointments. At the first one, the physician makes a mold and gives you a temporary inlay to wear until the permanent one comes. At the second visit, they put in the new inlay and you're ready to go. It works a lot like metal fillings, but porcelain won't stop you at the airport security scanners.
Treat Your Chipped Chompers
Teeth are easier to chip than most folks realize. It just takes one slight misjudgment with a bottle, or some good-natured rough-housing getting a little out of hand, and WHACK - your smile tells the world you're a careless idiot.
For these little disasters, cosmetic dentistry offers composite bonding. This is another technique for filling gaps and holes, but it's even easier. He puts in the composite material, which is made of various particles like silicone and quarts, and then uses light to bond it directly. Composites can be sculpted to fill your chips exactly.
Nobody Likes A Yellow Smile
Tooth discoloration strikes most of us at some time throughout our lives. It's all the food and beverage we consumer over a lifetime, and there's not much you can do to prevent it, no matter what those toothpaste ads say.
That's why there's whitening. These days, whitening has become ridiculously simple. In just a few treatments, you can have that sparkly white movie star smile. There are a variety of treatments, but most involve your dentist putting a tray in your mouth with some goopy gel, and after a few treatments, your teeth will shine.
Using Implants
Get a tooth knocked out of your head? Maybe it's time to give up playing hockey... But don't worry this isn't the end of your smile. Through a variety of methods, your dentist can now get your smile back, using implants.
Dental implants use an artificial root to connect a new tooth so that your smile doesn't have to suffer. These implants are generally better than traditional bridgework, and the result is more natural looking. After all, let's face it: people equate missing teeth with homelessness.
Let your dentist take the terror out of dental work. Get a free consultation with your dentist and see what options are available for fixing your smile. And you hear them warming up the drill, you can always say you have to make a phone call, and slip right out the door.
A [http://local.yodle.com/washington-dc/dentists]Washington DC dentist gives you the best and highly rated treatments, so that your teeth are well-looked after. You can be assured of impeccable dental care, thanks to the expertise of this practitioner. To know more, visit [http://local.yodle.com].
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Dentists-Do-More-Than-Just-Drilling-and-Filling&id=4432601] Dentists Do More Than Just Drilling and Filling
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Stratton] Andrew Stratton
Nobody wants to see the dentist, and why is that exactly? It probably has something to do with drills and your mouth. But what most people don't realize is that he can fix your dental problems without any drilling whatsoever. New methods available meant that he can fill gaps, whiten teeth and even replace missing ones, all without the drill. Whatever problem you suffer from, your dental surgeon has the answer.
Fill 'Er Up
Holes in your teeth? This is not a good state of affairs. Luckily, cosmetic dentistry offers inlays and onlays to fill up those holes. No more wind whistling through your pearly whites!
Inlays and onlays are made of porcelain. This easy treatment can be done in just two appointments. At the first one, the physician makes a mold and gives you a temporary inlay to wear until the permanent one comes. At the second visit, they put in the new inlay and you're ready to go. It works a lot like metal fillings, but porcelain won't stop you at the airport security scanners.
Treat Your Chipped Chompers
Teeth are easier to chip than most folks realize. It just takes one slight misjudgment with a bottle, or some good-natured rough-housing getting a little out of hand, and WHACK - your smile tells the world you're a careless idiot.
For these little disasters, cosmetic dentistry offers composite bonding. This is another technique for filling gaps and holes, but it's even easier. He puts in the composite material, which is made of various particles like silicone and quarts, and then uses light to bond it directly. Composites can be sculpted to fill your chips exactly.
Nobody Likes A Yellow Smile
Tooth discoloration strikes most of us at some time throughout our lives. It's all the food and beverage we consumer over a lifetime, and there's not much you can do to prevent it, no matter what those toothpaste ads say.
That's why there's whitening. These days, whitening has become ridiculously simple. In just a few treatments, you can have that sparkly white movie star smile. There are a variety of treatments, but most involve your dentist putting a tray in your mouth with some goopy gel, and after a few treatments, your teeth will shine.
Using Implants
Get a tooth knocked out of your head? Maybe it's time to give up playing hockey... But don't worry this isn't the end of your smile. Through a variety of methods, your dentist can now get your smile back, using implants.
Dental implants use an artificial root to connect a new tooth so that your smile doesn't have to suffer. These implants are generally better than traditional bridgework, and the result is more natural looking. After all, let's face it: people equate missing teeth with homelessness.
Let your dentist take the terror out of dental work. Get a free consultation with your dentist and see what options are available for fixing your smile. And you hear them warming up the drill, you can always say you have to make a phone call, and slip right out the door.
A [http://local.yodle.com/washington-dc/dentists]Washington DC dentist gives you the best and highly rated treatments, so that your teeth are well-looked after. You can be assured of impeccable dental care, thanks to the expertise of this practitioner. To know more, visit [http://local.yodle.com].
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Dentists-Do-More-Than-Just-Drilling-and-Filling&id=4432601] Dentists Do More Than Just Drilling and Filling
Prosthodontists and Prosthetics
Prosthodontists and Prosthetics
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kyle_Kahveci] Kyle Kahveci
Prosthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that deals mostly with implants (implantology) and oral prosthesis (both to substitute missing teeth), and full mouth reconstruction in some cases. A subsequent three to four-year ADA program is a necessity before any dentist could be considered a prosthodontist.
The primarily roles of a prosthodontist are to diagnose, treat and rehabilitate patients who have missing teeth or are having difficulty performing mouth routines (eating, biting, yawning) because of tooth-related problems. In most cases, prosthodontists specialize in creating "dentures" for the patient. Dentures are prosthetic devices that act as substitutes for missing teeth.
And making dentures is no easy task, which makes the three year certification program a necessity in the both the effectiveness and efficiency of the dentist in creating lifelong prosthetics.
The step-by-step procedures in the creation of prosthetics/dentures:
1. The prosthodontist will first assess the patient's bite by letting him/her bite a resin negative and afterwards, create a plaster cast model taken from a negative replica of the patient's mouth. But before getting an impression of the patient's bite, the patient's teeth must be carefully cleaned are free from any abscess or inflammation, that may cause an unnatural impression of the teeth and gums.
2. The dentist will trim the plaster for any excess material.
3. By the time the first impression has been made, another optional "custom made" impression may also be made; subsequently, procedure #1 will be repeated. Being optional, the third step is used in creating a finalized (master) cast of the dentures. The master cast is now sent to a laboratory.
4. The "Bite Stage" as some prosthodentics would call, is the time when the dental technician pours modeling wax (Dental Wax) into the master cast, thereby creating the "temporary gums" of the denture, mimicking the gum tissue and holding all the false teeth into place.
5. The "Try-in Stage" is when the dentures are tested by both the dentist and the patient if they fit in correctly into the jaw. The initial results will be inadvertently discomforting for the patient, but this process is essential to see whether or not the dentures are tolerable to be withheld by the patient's jaw.
6. If the dentures are okay with the patient, the dentist now sends the wax model to the laboratory to finalize the dentures by converting the wax portion into a gum-resembling pink plastic.
7. The final stage of the denture creation process is when the finalized denture appliance is sent back to the dentist and will be subsequently fitted to the patient to check if the dentures are working well. Again, discomfort may ensue and sores may appear within a few days of use of the dentures.
8. In the first few weeks of trying out the new set of dentures, every patient (regardless of pain felt) is required to return to the dentist for follow-up checkups to ensure that both the prosthetics and the mouth are now "clinching in" together, causing a gradual reduction in pain with the mouth now being used to the new set of teeth.
To make sure that you are getting the right set of dentures, do research on your dentist and see if he/she is really a licensed prosthodentist. A lot of "quack" prosthodentists and even dental technicians are sprouting up lately, offering substandard dentures at very low prices, and evidently, most of the time, the patient will be the one having the bigger financial burden because of the health risks caused by these substandard prosthetics.
Also, take a thorough inspection look on the clinic to see if the dentist is using state-of-the-art equipment. A responsible and professional dentist always keeps his apparati on check, no matter his work experience. Do not forget to ask questions on his/her patient history and other factors pertaining to prosthetics and related issues.
BostonDentist.com is the main resource for people finding dentists in Boston. We offer informational resources that range from up-to-date information about dentists located in Boston and their respective services, to cosmetic and hygienic dental products and valuable information regarding dental insurance. Come visit us at [http://bostondentist.com]http://bostondentist.com.
(c) Article Copyright - BostonDentist.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Prosthodontists-and-Prosthetics&id=4512041] Prosthodontists and Prosthetics
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kyle_Kahveci] Kyle Kahveci
Prosthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that deals mostly with implants (implantology) and oral prosthesis (both to substitute missing teeth), and full mouth reconstruction in some cases. A subsequent three to four-year ADA program is a necessity before any dentist could be considered a prosthodontist.
The primarily roles of a prosthodontist are to diagnose, treat and rehabilitate patients who have missing teeth or are having difficulty performing mouth routines (eating, biting, yawning) because of tooth-related problems. In most cases, prosthodontists specialize in creating "dentures" for the patient. Dentures are prosthetic devices that act as substitutes for missing teeth.
And making dentures is no easy task, which makes the three year certification program a necessity in the both the effectiveness and efficiency of the dentist in creating lifelong prosthetics.
The step-by-step procedures in the creation of prosthetics/dentures:
1. The prosthodontist will first assess the patient's bite by letting him/her bite a resin negative and afterwards, create a plaster cast model taken from a negative replica of the patient's mouth. But before getting an impression of the patient's bite, the patient's teeth must be carefully cleaned are free from any abscess or inflammation, that may cause an unnatural impression of the teeth and gums.
2. The dentist will trim the plaster for any excess material.
3. By the time the first impression has been made, another optional "custom made" impression may also be made; subsequently, procedure #1 will be repeated. Being optional, the third step is used in creating a finalized (master) cast of the dentures. The master cast is now sent to a laboratory.
4. The "Bite Stage" as some prosthodentics would call, is the time when the dental technician pours modeling wax (Dental Wax) into the master cast, thereby creating the "temporary gums" of the denture, mimicking the gum tissue and holding all the false teeth into place.
5. The "Try-in Stage" is when the dentures are tested by both the dentist and the patient if they fit in correctly into the jaw. The initial results will be inadvertently discomforting for the patient, but this process is essential to see whether or not the dentures are tolerable to be withheld by the patient's jaw.
6. If the dentures are okay with the patient, the dentist now sends the wax model to the laboratory to finalize the dentures by converting the wax portion into a gum-resembling pink plastic.
7. The final stage of the denture creation process is when the finalized denture appliance is sent back to the dentist and will be subsequently fitted to the patient to check if the dentures are working well. Again, discomfort may ensue and sores may appear within a few days of use of the dentures.
8. In the first few weeks of trying out the new set of dentures, every patient (regardless of pain felt) is required to return to the dentist for follow-up checkups to ensure that both the prosthetics and the mouth are now "clinching in" together, causing a gradual reduction in pain with the mouth now being used to the new set of teeth.
To make sure that you are getting the right set of dentures, do research on your dentist and see if he/she is really a licensed prosthodentist. A lot of "quack" prosthodentists and even dental technicians are sprouting up lately, offering substandard dentures at very low prices, and evidently, most of the time, the patient will be the one having the bigger financial burden because of the health risks caused by these substandard prosthetics.
Also, take a thorough inspection look on the clinic to see if the dentist is using state-of-the-art equipment. A responsible and professional dentist always keeps his apparati on check, no matter his work experience. Do not forget to ask questions on his/her patient history and other factors pertaining to prosthetics and related issues.
BostonDentist.com is the main resource for people finding dentists in Boston. We offer informational resources that range from up-to-date information about dentists located in Boston and their respective services, to cosmetic and hygienic dental products and valuable information regarding dental insurance. Come visit us at [http://bostondentist.com]http://bostondentist.com.
(c) Article Copyright - BostonDentist.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Prosthodontists-and-Prosthetics&id=4512041] Prosthodontists and Prosthetics
Three Situations in Which You Need to See a Dentist Urgently
Three Situations in Which You Need to See a Dentist Urgently
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Simon_Mahoney] Simon Mahoney
Most people's idea of a dental emergency is where a person is writhing on the ground, subsequent to a very bad toothache. This is the only situation when, to most people, an urgent visit to the dentist becomes essential; given the circumstances. In a situation like this, a call to the ambulance is even warranted, with the patient being met by the 'ER dentist' who is always on all. But anything less than this is not considered reason enough to see a dentist urgently. In actual fact, and unappreciated by many people, the cause for such cases where a person has to writhe on the ground subsequent to a toothache is where people fail to see the dentist urgently when they actually should, eventually leading to these emergency situations.
If you are a rational person, you don't wait till you are writhing on the ground to have people call the ambulance for you. Beware, by the way, that there have been situations where such cases (where people writhe on the ground due to toothache pains) have led to fatalities - so the issue is not as light as it may look. As a rational person, you make efforts to avoid such predicaments: by making a visit to the dentist, on an urgent basis, when you see the first signs of dental trouble. Here are three such signs, which should make you schedule an urgent appointment with the dentist. This you would be doing out of appreciation for the fact that the types of dental problems indicated by these signs can only get worse if not quickly attended to. And for the most part, they are not the sorts of problems that can simply go away on their own.
You need to see a dentist urgently if:
1. You are experiencing even the slightest hint of pain in the teeth: pain in the teeth could be indicative of many things, but none of those is something you can give time to proliferate. Most probably, the pain you experience in the teeth will be due to an infection of the teeth with dental bacteria. These bacteria, of course, are living things. As such, they reproduce, and they tend to do it fast. The more you keep delaying your visit to the dentist, the more time you give the bacteria to reproduce. The end result could be where you have to lose your teeth (compromising your chewing capacity and looks). And it can get worse, where the bacteria seep into your blood system, and end up increasing your risk of suffering a heart attack - which they have been shown to do.
2. Your teeth feel uncomfortable whenever you ingest anything hot or cold: again, this could be a sign that your teeth have gotten infected with bacteria which have eaten the enamel cover that protects your teeth. Granted, it could also be a sign that the enamel has gotten eroded by teeth whitening agents you may have been using. But you can't take chances with the possibility of the increased sensitivity being a sign of an infection. It would be in you best interests to see a dentist urgently to rule out the possibility of the infection. Thankfully, at the stage where all that dental bacteria are causing is enhanced sensitivity, they are usually quite easy to combat. But if you give them time to reproduce, the sensitivity will soon worsen into full blow toothaches and you certainly won't like them.
3. You are experiencing any sort of pain in your gums: this could also be a sign that you are suffering from gum infections. The earlier you see the dentist and have the problem addressed, the better it would be for you in the long run. Keep delaying you visit to the dentist and your gums may get so badly infected that major surgical procedures have to be carried out on them - at great cost, pain and inconvenience to you.
You can get to know a lot of important information about dental correction when you visit the site [http://www.cosmeticdentistryguide.co.uk/]www.cosmeticdentistryguide.co.uk as well as the [http://www.cosmeticdentistryguide.co.uk/implants.html]cosmetic dentistry guide implant page.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Three-Situations-in-Which-You-Need-to-See-a-Dentist-Urgently&id=4564497] Three Situations in Which You Need to See a Dentist Urgently
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Simon_Mahoney] Simon Mahoney
Most people's idea of a dental emergency is where a person is writhing on the ground, subsequent to a very bad toothache. This is the only situation when, to most people, an urgent visit to the dentist becomes essential; given the circumstances. In a situation like this, a call to the ambulance is even warranted, with the patient being met by the 'ER dentist' who is always on all. But anything less than this is not considered reason enough to see a dentist urgently. In actual fact, and unappreciated by many people, the cause for such cases where a person has to writhe on the ground subsequent to a toothache is where people fail to see the dentist urgently when they actually should, eventually leading to these emergency situations.
If you are a rational person, you don't wait till you are writhing on the ground to have people call the ambulance for you. Beware, by the way, that there have been situations where such cases (where people writhe on the ground due to toothache pains) have led to fatalities - so the issue is not as light as it may look. As a rational person, you make efforts to avoid such predicaments: by making a visit to the dentist, on an urgent basis, when you see the first signs of dental trouble. Here are three such signs, which should make you schedule an urgent appointment with the dentist. This you would be doing out of appreciation for the fact that the types of dental problems indicated by these signs can only get worse if not quickly attended to. And for the most part, they are not the sorts of problems that can simply go away on their own.
You need to see a dentist urgently if:
1. You are experiencing even the slightest hint of pain in the teeth: pain in the teeth could be indicative of many things, but none of those is something you can give time to proliferate. Most probably, the pain you experience in the teeth will be due to an infection of the teeth with dental bacteria. These bacteria, of course, are living things. As such, they reproduce, and they tend to do it fast. The more you keep delaying your visit to the dentist, the more time you give the bacteria to reproduce. The end result could be where you have to lose your teeth (compromising your chewing capacity and looks). And it can get worse, where the bacteria seep into your blood system, and end up increasing your risk of suffering a heart attack - which they have been shown to do.
2. Your teeth feel uncomfortable whenever you ingest anything hot or cold: again, this could be a sign that your teeth have gotten infected with bacteria which have eaten the enamel cover that protects your teeth. Granted, it could also be a sign that the enamel has gotten eroded by teeth whitening agents you may have been using. But you can't take chances with the possibility of the increased sensitivity being a sign of an infection. It would be in you best interests to see a dentist urgently to rule out the possibility of the infection. Thankfully, at the stage where all that dental bacteria are causing is enhanced sensitivity, they are usually quite easy to combat. But if you give them time to reproduce, the sensitivity will soon worsen into full blow toothaches and you certainly won't like them.
3. You are experiencing any sort of pain in your gums: this could also be a sign that you are suffering from gum infections. The earlier you see the dentist and have the problem addressed, the better it would be for you in the long run. Keep delaying you visit to the dentist and your gums may get so badly infected that major surgical procedures have to be carried out on them - at great cost, pain and inconvenience to you.
You can get to know a lot of important information about dental correction when you visit the site [http://www.cosmeticdentistryguide.co.uk/]www.cosmeticdentistryguide.co.uk as well as the [http://www.cosmeticdentistryguide.co.uk/implants.html]cosmetic dentistry guide implant page.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Three-Situations-in-Which-You-Need-to-See-a-Dentist-Urgently&id=4564497] Three Situations in Which You Need to See a Dentist Urgently
Time to Let Go of Your Dentist Phobia and Embrace Gorgeous Teeth For the Ultimate Makeover Ever!
Time to Let Go of Your Dentist Phobia and Embrace Gorgeous Teeth For the Ultimate Makeover Ever!
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dominic_Munroe] Dominic Munroe
Trips to the dentist can be downright stressful and unnerving and most of the time, you find yourself drifting into the clinic like a zombie, sit on the high chair and pray the ordeal would be over. It's just one of those rare days you absolutely dread. Usually, a visit to your dentist would just primarily include a check-up and probably a cleaning (hopefully), but when you're scheduled to some major stuff almost similar to a surgery (meaning tooth extraction, gum alignment, root canal, some braces etc.) it can be absolutely painful to bear. And can be a nightmare once you're in all that grilling and tooth poking. These are the days when we rank dentists high on our list of bad news.
Relax. Breathe a little bit. Most of the time, being too paranoid about pain and mistrustful to your dentist makes things a lot more painful and unbearable. But there's one fact you should be willing to accept --- sometimes, being beautiful means having to go through some little sting. Yes. Risk is a constant thing in life. Even if it's just about a little toothache.
Now if you're currently contemplating on finding cosmetic dentists in Surrey to have a major makeover, then for starters, give yourself a little pat on the back. That's great! You're making tiny little steps for self improvement and that's worth praising. However, change may be good, but it does take some amount of risk as well. You can't just decide to have a changeover and then it will just happen in a snap of a finger. It needs hard work, perseverance and will of the mind --- and sometimes, being brave to face your dentist for some little bloodshed. The results will definitely be more than what you expect. For the good, of course.
And why not? A few hours of getting your teeth done would be a lifetime reward than having to look in the mirror every single day with that crooked or damaged little tooth staring right back to you. Now, who wouldn't want to get rid of that? Surely, it won't hurt to finally get the right or even perfect set of teeth we all want for the rest of our lives. And with the presence of numerous cosmetic dentists in Surrey, you will have all the time in the world to pick your dentist of choice. Why don't we just have all the fun while we're at it?
There are plenty of competitive and highly recommended cosmetic dentists in Surrey and you can actually start your research to find the right kind of treatment that you want or specifications of your cosmetic requirements. You'd definitely be reaping the fruits of your labor and finally embrace stunning and lovely teeth for your ultimate makeover!
For more information on [http://www.esteticaa.co.uk/]Cosmetic Dentists in Surrey and the surrounding areas.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Time-to-Let-Go-of-Your-Dentist-Phobia-and-Embrace-Gorgeous-Teeth-For-the-Ultimate-Makeover-Ever!&id=4269268] Time to Let Go of Your Dentist Phobia and Embrace Gorgeous Teeth For the Ultimate Makeover Ever!
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dominic_Munroe] Dominic Munroe
Trips to the dentist can be downright stressful and unnerving and most of the time, you find yourself drifting into the clinic like a zombie, sit on the high chair and pray the ordeal would be over. It's just one of those rare days you absolutely dread. Usually, a visit to your dentist would just primarily include a check-up and probably a cleaning (hopefully), but when you're scheduled to some major stuff almost similar to a surgery (meaning tooth extraction, gum alignment, root canal, some braces etc.) it can be absolutely painful to bear. And can be a nightmare once you're in all that grilling and tooth poking. These are the days when we rank dentists high on our list of bad news.
Relax. Breathe a little bit. Most of the time, being too paranoid about pain and mistrustful to your dentist makes things a lot more painful and unbearable. But there's one fact you should be willing to accept --- sometimes, being beautiful means having to go through some little sting. Yes. Risk is a constant thing in life. Even if it's just about a little toothache.
Now if you're currently contemplating on finding cosmetic dentists in Surrey to have a major makeover, then for starters, give yourself a little pat on the back. That's great! You're making tiny little steps for self improvement and that's worth praising. However, change may be good, but it does take some amount of risk as well. You can't just decide to have a changeover and then it will just happen in a snap of a finger. It needs hard work, perseverance and will of the mind --- and sometimes, being brave to face your dentist for some little bloodshed. The results will definitely be more than what you expect. For the good, of course.
And why not? A few hours of getting your teeth done would be a lifetime reward than having to look in the mirror every single day with that crooked or damaged little tooth staring right back to you. Now, who wouldn't want to get rid of that? Surely, it won't hurt to finally get the right or even perfect set of teeth we all want for the rest of our lives. And with the presence of numerous cosmetic dentists in Surrey, you will have all the time in the world to pick your dentist of choice. Why don't we just have all the fun while we're at it?
There are plenty of competitive and highly recommended cosmetic dentists in Surrey and you can actually start your research to find the right kind of treatment that you want or specifications of your cosmetic requirements. You'd definitely be reaping the fruits of your labor and finally embrace stunning and lovely teeth for your ultimate makeover!
For more information on [http://www.esteticaa.co.uk/]Cosmetic Dentists in Surrey and the surrounding areas.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Time-to-Let-Go-of-Your-Dentist-Phobia-and-Embrace-Gorgeous-Teeth-For-the-Ultimate-Makeover-Ever!&id=4269268] Time to Let Go of Your Dentist Phobia and Embrace Gorgeous Teeth For the Ultimate Makeover Ever!
When Should You Get Porcelain Veneers?
When Should You Get Porcelain Veneers?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jim_Johannasen] Jim Johannasen
There are various reasons why people decide to get porcelain veneers. One of the most common reasons is stained teeth which cannot be improved by whitening because the veneers cover the existing stains. If you have damaged teeth, you can also get porcelain veneers fixed. Teeth are usually damaged by excessive grinding or too much consumption of carbonated drinks. The veneers also work well for teeth that are chipped and broken. For some people, porcelain veneers are the most effective solution for gaps or spaces between the teeth. These dental veneers will close up the gaps and give you a uniform smile.
Porcelain veneers are more popular compared to composite veneers because they tend to look a little more natural and last longer. They also have a translucent appearance and do not stain easily. Once you have decided that porcelain veneers are the best option for your teeth problems, visit a dentist for a consult. The consult will also include an examination to determine the particular needs you have.
After the examination, the dentist will prepare your teeth's front surfaces and reshape them so that they can accommodate the veneers. A local anesthesia is used to numb the area before this procedure. Once the teeth are reshaped, the dentist will create a model of the teeth. This model is used to design the veneers. It usually takes one or three weeks to have the veneers designed. Temporary veneers are fixed on the teeth during this waiting period.
When the veneers are ready, the dentist will fit them on your teeth to check it they are the right shade and size. The teeth have to be cleaned thoroughly and the front surfaces need to be roughened before the porcelain veneers are cemented on the teeth using dental cement. A special light is used to activate the cement.
For more information, visit QualityPlant. QualityPlant offers information on [http://www.qualityplant.co.uk]dental implants, as well as [http://www.qualityplant.co.uk/other_threatments.php]cosmetic dentistry information.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?When-Should-You-Get-Porcelain-Veneers?&id=4180632] When Should You Get Porcelain Veneers?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jim_Johannasen] Jim Johannasen
There are various reasons why people decide to get porcelain veneers. One of the most common reasons is stained teeth which cannot be improved by whitening because the veneers cover the existing stains. If you have damaged teeth, you can also get porcelain veneers fixed. Teeth are usually damaged by excessive grinding or too much consumption of carbonated drinks. The veneers also work well for teeth that are chipped and broken. For some people, porcelain veneers are the most effective solution for gaps or spaces between the teeth. These dental veneers will close up the gaps and give you a uniform smile.
Porcelain veneers are more popular compared to composite veneers because they tend to look a little more natural and last longer. They also have a translucent appearance and do not stain easily. Once you have decided that porcelain veneers are the best option for your teeth problems, visit a dentist for a consult. The consult will also include an examination to determine the particular needs you have.
After the examination, the dentist will prepare your teeth's front surfaces and reshape them so that they can accommodate the veneers. A local anesthesia is used to numb the area before this procedure. Once the teeth are reshaped, the dentist will create a model of the teeth. This model is used to design the veneers. It usually takes one or three weeks to have the veneers designed. Temporary veneers are fixed on the teeth during this waiting period.
When the veneers are ready, the dentist will fit them on your teeth to check it they are the right shade and size. The teeth have to be cleaned thoroughly and the front surfaces need to be roughened before the porcelain veneers are cemented on the teeth using dental cement. A special light is used to activate the cement.
For more information, visit QualityPlant. QualityPlant offers information on [http://www.qualityplant.co.uk]dental implants, as well as [http://www.qualityplant.co.uk/other_threatments.php]cosmetic dentistry information.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?When-Should-You-Get-Porcelain-Veneers?&id=4180632] When Should You Get Porcelain Veneers?
Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns
Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mansi_Aggarwal] Mansi Aggarwal
When the crown procedure is completed, the patient's teeth become stronger and more attractive because crowns are created and designed to look natural and to improve the tooth's appearance. Crowns are intended to last for up to 8 years and it can even last for a much longer period of time when the patient observes good oral hygiene and avoid damaging habits like teeth grinding, ice chewing and fingernail biting.
When the crowned tooth has a retained nerve in it, patient may experience some hot and cold sensitivity especially between the edge of the crown and the gum line. To minimize this tendency, dentist usually recommends brushing with toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Pain that occurs during biting sometime result from crown that is set too high on the tooth. If this is the case, call the dentist so that he can easily fix this problem.
Aside from the sensitivity issues, there are also some slight drawbacks on having teeth crowns when the cement washes out from under the crown. When this happen, the crown become loose and it can allow bacteria to leak in and cause decay to the tooth that remains.
Sometimes crowns may also fall off. This may happen because of improper fit or lack of cement surrounding the crown. If this happens, clean the crown or replace the crown temporarily by using dental adhesive or temporary tooth cement and immediately contact the dentist as soon as possible.
But all of these can be prevented if the patient will refrain from chewing hard food or biting ice or other hard objects. Teeth grinding must be also avoided. Besides regular visits to the dentist and brushing twice daily, cleaning between teeth is vital with crowns. Floss or interdental cleaners are important tools to remove plaque from the crown area where the gum meets the tooth. Plaque in that area can cause dental decay and gum disease.
There are also some advantages and disadvantages that are specific to each type crowns. Tooth crown made from gold is the simplest and least complicated type of crown because the removal of tooth structure is very minimal leaving healthier tooth structure to remain. Fitting gold crowns to the area where the tooth and crown meet are also much easier. Gold crown is not hard and does not cause any wearing on opposing teeth even after several years. The only disadvantage of gold crown is that it does not look appealing or attractive when placed in front mouth.
Tooth crowns prepared and made from porcelain or new reinforced resin are said to be the most aesthetically satisfying because this material comes with different shades that can easily matched to the color of the surrounding teeth. However, porcelain crowns require the dentist to remove more tooth structure regardless whether the structure is healthy or not because porcelain needs a specific thickness to appear attractive. Porcelain crowns are more difficult to fit in between gums and the crown itself requiring higher level of dexterity from the dentist and crown fabricator. Gingival inflammation is the common drawback in porcelain crowns. Crowns made of all-porcelain can sometimes chip. If the chip is small, a composite resin can be used to repair the chip with the crown remaining in the patient's mouth. If the chipping is extensive, the crown may need to be replaced.
To minimize the disadvantages of using all Porcelain crowns, an alternative porcelain fused-to-metal crowns can be fabricated. This porcelain fused to metal crown has a very natural teeth facade but since it has a metal base, a darker line will be noticeable at the edge of the crown near the gum when the crown recedes as time goes by.
Read more about dental crowns and dental caps [http://www.cosmetic-dentists.eu/dentistry/dental-crown-or-dental-caps.html] .
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Pros-and-Cons-of-Dental-Crowns&id=222359] Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mansi_Aggarwal] Mansi Aggarwal
When the crown procedure is completed, the patient's teeth become stronger and more attractive because crowns are created and designed to look natural and to improve the tooth's appearance. Crowns are intended to last for up to 8 years and it can even last for a much longer period of time when the patient observes good oral hygiene and avoid damaging habits like teeth grinding, ice chewing and fingernail biting.
When the crowned tooth has a retained nerve in it, patient may experience some hot and cold sensitivity especially between the edge of the crown and the gum line. To minimize this tendency, dentist usually recommends brushing with toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Pain that occurs during biting sometime result from crown that is set too high on the tooth. If this is the case, call the dentist so that he can easily fix this problem.
Aside from the sensitivity issues, there are also some slight drawbacks on having teeth crowns when the cement washes out from under the crown. When this happen, the crown become loose and it can allow bacteria to leak in and cause decay to the tooth that remains.
Sometimes crowns may also fall off. This may happen because of improper fit or lack of cement surrounding the crown. If this happens, clean the crown or replace the crown temporarily by using dental adhesive or temporary tooth cement and immediately contact the dentist as soon as possible.
But all of these can be prevented if the patient will refrain from chewing hard food or biting ice or other hard objects. Teeth grinding must be also avoided. Besides regular visits to the dentist and brushing twice daily, cleaning between teeth is vital with crowns. Floss or interdental cleaners are important tools to remove plaque from the crown area where the gum meets the tooth. Plaque in that area can cause dental decay and gum disease.
There are also some advantages and disadvantages that are specific to each type crowns. Tooth crown made from gold is the simplest and least complicated type of crown because the removal of tooth structure is very minimal leaving healthier tooth structure to remain. Fitting gold crowns to the area where the tooth and crown meet are also much easier. Gold crown is not hard and does not cause any wearing on opposing teeth even after several years. The only disadvantage of gold crown is that it does not look appealing or attractive when placed in front mouth.
Tooth crowns prepared and made from porcelain or new reinforced resin are said to be the most aesthetically satisfying because this material comes with different shades that can easily matched to the color of the surrounding teeth. However, porcelain crowns require the dentist to remove more tooth structure regardless whether the structure is healthy or not because porcelain needs a specific thickness to appear attractive. Porcelain crowns are more difficult to fit in between gums and the crown itself requiring higher level of dexterity from the dentist and crown fabricator. Gingival inflammation is the common drawback in porcelain crowns. Crowns made of all-porcelain can sometimes chip. If the chip is small, a composite resin can be used to repair the chip with the crown remaining in the patient's mouth. If the chipping is extensive, the crown may need to be replaced.
To minimize the disadvantages of using all Porcelain crowns, an alternative porcelain fused-to-metal crowns can be fabricated. This porcelain fused to metal crown has a very natural teeth facade but since it has a metal base, a darker line will be noticeable at the edge of the crown near the gum when the crown recedes as time goes by.
Read more about dental crowns and dental caps [http://www.cosmetic-dentists.eu/dentistry/dental-crown-or-dental-caps.html] .
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Pros-and-Cons-of-Dental-Crowns&id=222359] Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns
Ask a Dentist - What's the Right Way to Brush Your Teeth?
Ask a Dentist - What's the Right Way to Brush Your Teeth?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Stefano_Grossi] Stefano Grossi
Daily brushing and flossing, accompanied by regular dental checkups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. To ensure that you don't end up with uncomfortable cavities, you need to give the plaque the brush-off! Plaque is the transparent layer of bacteria that accumulates on your teeth. If allowed to accumulate, plaque can harden into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove. Regular usage of reliable toothpaste can help you get rid of plaque and help make the tooth structure more resistant to decay and cavities.
What is the right way to brush my teeth?
The time you need to spend brushing your teeth should be 2-3 minutes. You need to ensure that you try to hold your brush at a 45-degree angle against your gumline. Brush gently, cleaning both the inside and outside surfaces of your teeth. The brush needs to be held vertically while you clean the inside surfaces of your top and bottom front teeth. Remember that your tooth enamel is fairly thin and brushing too hard over a period of time can result in damaged teeth and gums.
Using the right toothpaste is just as important as the steps mentioned above. A pea-sized bit of toothpaste is sufficient for brushing. Since fluoride helps keep your teeth strong, you need to ensure that the toothpaste, which you are using, has the right amount of fluoride in it. With the right toothpaste, you are assured clean and polished teeth, decreased teeth stains, fresh breath.
What kind of toothpaste should I use?
You need to ensure that the toothpaste you use contains fluoride and is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Desensitizing toothpastes are available for people who have sensitive teeth. Don't choose toothpastes which promise to provide whitening formulas or effective tartar control in days! The only way for a healthy, bright smile is brushing and flossing regularly and receiving proper oral check-ups from a dentist.
How often should I brush?
It is best that you brush two to three times a day. The best times to brush are after meals and before bed. Apart from brushing and flossing regularly, you need to ensure that you are careful about what you eat and drink. Eat a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of water to keep your teeth sparkling clean and free of decay!
Mint32 Dentistry provides the latest rel=nofollow [http://www.mint32.com/about/]general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry procedures and is committed to the comfort and care of each patient.
To learn more about how to keep your smile beautiful and healthy, please visit [http://www.mint32.com/about/]http://www.Mint32.com.
Stefano Grossi
Mint 32 Dentistry
(770) 410-0100
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Ask-a-Dentist---Whats-the-Right-Way-to-Brush-Your-Teeth?&id=4265559] Ask a Dentist - What's the Right Way to Brush Your Teeth?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Stefano_Grossi] Stefano Grossi
Daily brushing and flossing, accompanied by regular dental checkups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. To ensure that you don't end up with uncomfortable cavities, you need to give the plaque the brush-off! Plaque is the transparent layer of bacteria that accumulates on your teeth. If allowed to accumulate, plaque can harden into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove. Regular usage of reliable toothpaste can help you get rid of plaque and help make the tooth structure more resistant to decay and cavities.
What is the right way to brush my teeth?
The time you need to spend brushing your teeth should be 2-3 minutes. You need to ensure that you try to hold your brush at a 45-degree angle against your gumline. Brush gently, cleaning both the inside and outside surfaces of your teeth. The brush needs to be held vertically while you clean the inside surfaces of your top and bottom front teeth. Remember that your tooth enamel is fairly thin and brushing too hard over a period of time can result in damaged teeth and gums.
Using the right toothpaste is just as important as the steps mentioned above. A pea-sized bit of toothpaste is sufficient for brushing. Since fluoride helps keep your teeth strong, you need to ensure that the toothpaste, which you are using, has the right amount of fluoride in it. With the right toothpaste, you are assured clean and polished teeth, decreased teeth stains, fresh breath.
What kind of toothpaste should I use?
You need to ensure that the toothpaste you use contains fluoride and is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Desensitizing toothpastes are available for people who have sensitive teeth. Don't choose toothpastes which promise to provide whitening formulas or effective tartar control in days! The only way for a healthy, bright smile is brushing and flossing regularly and receiving proper oral check-ups from a dentist.
How often should I brush?
It is best that you brush two to three times a day. The best times to brush are after meals and before bed. Apart from brushing and flossing regularly, you need to ensure that you are careful about what you eat and drink. Eat a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of water to keep your teeth sparkling clean and free of decay!
Mint32 Dentistry provides the latest rel=nofollow [http://www.mint32.com/about/]general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry procedures and is committed to the comfort and care of each patient.
To learn more about how to keep your smile beautiful and healthy, please visit [http://www.mint32.com/about/]http://www.Mint32.com.
Stefano Grossi
Mint 32 Dentistry
(770) 410-0100
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Ask-a-Dentist---Whats-the-Right-Way-to-Brush-Your-Teeth?&id=4265559] Ask a Dentist - What's the Right Way to Brush Your Teeth?
Dental Mouth Guards and Splints
Dental Mouth Guards and Splints
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Budda_Oliver] Budda Oliver
Many people suffer from nocturnal grinding of the teeth, clenching of the jaw, and other TMJ disorders. TMJ stands for tempromandibular joints, which are the joints of the jaw that connect the mandible (the lower jaw bone) to the skull.
Teeth grinding, otherwise known as bruxism, can be caused by stress, hyper-activeness, or a misalignment of the teeth or jaw. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching can cause varying degrees of pain and discomfort. These habits can also weaken teeth and cause chipping and wearing. If left untreated, teeth grinding can lead to an eventual breakdown of the teeth, jaw pain, headaches, loss of sleep, and other TMJ disorders.
Dental mouth guards and splints can relieve pain, discomfort, and wear caused by teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Specialty mouth guards can also be corrective, conditioning the body to stop grinding the teeth or clenching the jaw. These mouth guards are to be worn at night, during sleep to prevent the pain and discomfort associated with nocturnal bruxism.
One of the most common types of dental mouth guards being used today is the full upper mouth guard/splint. This therapeutic devise is constructed of a specialty material and can be constructed to your mouth's exact specifications by your dentist. Most commonly, the mouth guard fits over all of the upper teeth, but can also be fashioned for the lower set of teeth, should that be necessary, while providing the same results. The full upper mouth guard, sometimes called a bite plate, holds the jaw in a more comfortable position during sleep, reducing jaw clenching and teeth grinding.
The NTI is another type of mouth splint that may be used to treat jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and other TMJ disorders. Unlike the full upper mouth guard, which covers all of the upper teeth, the NTI is worn only around the top front teeth. These devices are also custom fit to your mouth's specifications, and can reduce clenching up to 66%.
While not dangerous, teeth grinding and clenching can cause problems if not properly treated. If the cause of these habits is due to structural problems with the jaw or teeth, then the use of a dental mouth guard or splint is one of the best ways to correct the problem. While sleeping, these bite plates will cause the jaw to settle into a more comfortable position, thereby eliminating the body's unconscious desire to grind the teeth or clench the jaw. Consult your dentist to see if the use of a mouth guard can help you.
Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent of Richmond Dental Health. The dentist office provides cosmetic, family, & preventative dentistry procedures throughout the Richmond Virginia area. For more information on their [http://www.richmonddentalhealth.com]Cosmetic, Family, & Preventative Dentistry in Richmond Virginia please visit their website.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Dental-Mouth-Guards-and-Splints&id=1044708] Dental Mouth Guards and Splints
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Budda_Oliver] Budda Oliver
Many people suffer from nocturnal grinding of the teeth, clenching of the jaw, and other TMJ disorders. TMJ stands for tempromandibular joints, which are the joints of the jaw that connect the mandible (the lower jaw bone) to the skull.
Teeth grinding, otherwise known as bruxism, can be caused by stress, hyper-activeness, or a misalignment of the teeth or jaw. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching can cause varying degrees of pain and discomfort. These habits can also weaken teeth and cause chipping and wearing. If left untreated, teeth grinding can lead to an eventual breakdown of the teeth, jaw pain, headaches, loss of sleep, and other TMJ disorders.
Dental mouth guards and splints can relieve pain, discomfort, and wear caused by teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Specialty mouth guards can also be corrective, conditioning the body to stop grinding the teeth or clenching the jaw. These mouth guards are to be worn at night, during sleep to prevent the pain and discomfort associated with nocturnal bruxism.
One of the most common types of dental mouth guards being used today is the full upper mouth guard/splint. This therapeutic devise is constructed of a specialty material and can be constructed to your mouth's exact specifications by your dentist. Most commonly, the mouth guard fits over all of the upper teeth, but can also be fashioned for the lower set of teeth, should that be necessary, while providing the same results. The full upper mouth guard, sometimes called a bite plate, holds the jaw in a more comfortable position during sleep, reducing jaw clenching and teeth grinding.
The NTI is another type of mouth splint that may be used to treat jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and other TMJ disorders. Unlike the full upper mouth guard, which covers all of the upper teeth, the NTI is worn only around the top front teeth. These devices are also custom fit to your mouth's specifications, and can reduce clenching up to 66%.
While not dangerous, teeth grinding and clenching can cause problems if not properly treated. If the cause of these habits is due to structural problems with the jaw or teeth, then the use of a dental mouth guard or splint is one of the best ways to correct the problem. While sleeping, these bite plates will cause the jaw to settle into a more comfortable position, thereby eliminating the body's unconscious desire to grind the teeth or clench the jaw. Consult your dentist to see if the use of a mouth guard can help you.
Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent of Richmond Dental Health. The dentist office provides cosmetic, family, & preventative dentistry procedures throughout the Richmond Virginia area. For more information on their [http://www.richmonddentalhealth.com]Cosmetic, Family, & Preventative Dentistry in Richmond Virginia please visit their website.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Dental-Mouth-Guards-and-Splints&id=1044708] Dental Mouth Guards and Splints
Porcelain Veneers Or Not? Ask a Cosmetic Dentist
Porcelain Veneers Or Not? Ask a Cosmetic Dentist
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=D.D._Smith] D.D. Smith
As more and more people turn to cosmetic dentistry for smile enhancement, many of those interested become confused about both the type and cost of smile enhancement. Often, people who talk to others who have gotten porcelain veneers assume that is the "only" approach to smile enhancement, other than tooth whitening. The information that follows should not be considered a substitute for seeing an experienced and reputable cosmetic dentist. Rather, it's intended to let you know that an experienced cosmetic dentist has MANY techniques that can be applied, some of which are explained below.
Porcelain veneers - what they are
Much as their name implies, porcelain veneers are very thin layers of porcelain that are custom-fit and then permanently bonded to the fronts of your teeth. They can be used to "cover" certain types of imperfections in your teeth, or to give your smile a whiter and/or more attractive and consistent appearance. Porcelain veneers are strong and durable, but at the same time must be treated with care - much like you should also treat your natural teeth.
Porcelain veneers vs. porcelain crowns
The biggest difference between the two is that veneers cover only the front surface of the tooth while a crown is a "cap" that replaces the whole visible, outer portion of your tooth. With a veneer, more of your natural tooth is preserved, which is generally a good thing. However, only your dentist can advise which procedure (veneer or crown) is the best approach for your case. It is critical that the long-term health of your tooth be preserved. Merely "covering" a diseased tooth with a veneer is never a good idea, and can result in loss of the tooth. Similarly, a poorly fitted veneer - even on a healthy tooth - can cause gum inflammation and eventually even tooth loss.
Composite veneers vs. cosmetic bonding vs. porcelain veneers
Cosmetic bonding techniques have been in use for almost half a century. The quality of the composite materials (resins) used in bonding have certainly improved greatly over the decades, and offer a more natural appearance than they did before. Cosmetic bonding is something that can be done to make repairs on almost any tooth surface; however, its practicality and stability is something your cosmetic dentist should advise you about. (It can be used to address cracks, chips, imperfections, and small gaps between teeth, as well as a "filling" for treated areas of decay.)
A composite veneer, then, is the application of the bonding material (resin) in a shell-like fashion to the front or outer shell of a tooth. One difference between a composite veneer and a porcelain veneer is related to how light hits the surface of each. Composite bonding resins have improved greatly in recent decades and come in many different colors; however, the resins used are more opaque than porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are popular because they are translucent material, and your natural tooth enamel is also translucent.
Other difference between composite and porcelain veneers have to do with durability and staining. Porcelain veneers are the winners in both categories. With time, resins are more likely to become stained or discolored; the resins still have not achieved the long-term durability of the high-quality porcelain used today. On the other hand, it is simpler to grind down and repair or replace a cracked composite veneer, whereas with a porcelain veneer, a custom replacement veneer must be crafted. The location, extent, and size of the imperfection in your tooth (and surrounding teeth), along with your objectives for your smile, are all important factors that your cosmetic dentist should take into account before determining what the best treatment plan is for your situation. There are other factors to consider, as well.
Teeth whitening
If your teeth are in good condition otherwise, and you've tried over-the-counter tooth whitening approaches and been disappointed, that doesn't necessarily mean that you need porcelain veneers. Ask your cosmetic dentist whether the use of in-office or at-home whitening procedures might produce the results you're looking for. For some people, the one-size-fits-all trays provided with over-the-counter overnight whitening products simply aren't a good fit and produce poor results.
Orthodontics and whitening
If your individual teeth are healthy, but simply aren't as bright as you'd like, and perhaps have small gaps, you may also want to consider tooth whitening in conjunction with corrective realignment of your teeth, instead of porcelain veneers. Realigning the teeth can fix some gaps, and the "all-natural" approach is usually the ideal approach if your teeth are otherwise healthy. For adults, the "embarrassment" some feel about wearing traditional braces in a professional setting can often be overcome with the "invisible braces" that are available today, such as Invisalign. The sets of clear aligners used by the Invisalign system move your teeth closer and closer to the desired position over time. For those who don't mind wearing braces for a while, you may be surprised at the clear, less noticeable brackets that are available, as well as the fun colors that you can playfully sport on your way to the lovely smile that will be your "end game."
And the answer is...
When it comes to enhancing your smile, the fact of the matter is that you need to find an experienced and reputable cosmetic dentist to advise you about what the options are for your teeth and for your budget. Porcelain veneers should be considered a "permanent" choice - they are not easily removed, so you should take time to weigh your options and to choose your cosmetic dentistry provider carefully. Situations can vary dramatically from one person to the next - even if they have in mind a similar "end result." You do not need to and should not try to decide what cosmetic dentistry treatment approach is best for you. Do your homework and choose a good cosmetic dentist who can tell you whether porcelain veneers or some other combination of approaches is best for you.
A leading [http://www.raleighdentist.com/]Raleigh, NC Dentist provided these general guidelines for selecting a general dentist in the United States. Practicing [http://www.raleighdentist.com/]Dentists Raleigh, NC at Raleigh Comprehensive and Cosmetic Dentistry and is committed to offering high quality dental services and exceptional patient care. The practice provides a wide variety of dental treatments.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Porcelain-Veneers-Or-Not?-Ask-a-Cosmetic-Dentist&id=4123878] Porcelain Veneers Or Not? Ask a Cosmetic Dentist
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=D.D._Smith] D.D. Smith
As more and more people turn to cosmetic dentistry for smile enhancement, many of those interested become confused about both the type and cost of smile enhancement. Often, people who talk to others who have gotten porcelain veneers assume that is the "only" approach to smile enhancement, other than tooth whitening. The information that follows should not be considered a substitute for seeing an experienced and reputable cosmetic dentist. Rather, it's intended to let you know that an experienced cosmetic dentist has MANY techniques that can be applied, some of which are explained below.
Porcelain veneers - what they are
Much as their name implies, porcelain veneers are very thin layers of porcelain that are custom-fit and then permanently bonded to the fronts of your teeth. They can be used to "cover" certain types of imperfections in your teeth, or to give your smile a whiter and/or more attractive and consistent appearance. Porcelain veneers are strong and durable, but at the same time must be treated with care - much like you should also treat your natural teeth.
Porcelain veneers vs. porcelain crowns
The biggest difference between the two is that veneers cover only the front surface of the tooth while a crown is a "cap" that replaces the whole visible, outer portion of your tooth. With a veneer, more of your natural tooth is preserved, which is generally a good thing. However, only your dentist can advise which procedure (veneer or crown) is the best approach for your case. It is critical that the long-term health of your tooth be preserved. Merely "covering" a diseased tooth with a veneer is never a good idea, and can result in loss of the tooth. Similarly, a poorly fitted veneer - even on a healthy tooth - can cause gum inflammation and eventually even tooth loss.
Composite veneers vs. cosmetic bonding vs. porcelain veneers
Cosmetic bonding techniques have been in use for almost half a century. The quality of the composite materials (resins) used in bonding have certainly improved greatly over the decades, and offer a more natural appearance than they did before. Cosmetic bonding is something that can be done to make repairs on almost any tooth surface; however, its practicality and stability is something your cosmetic dentist should advise you about. (It can be used to address cracks, chips, imperfections, and small gaps between teeth, as well as a "filling" for treated areas of decay.)
A composite veneer, then, is the application of the bonding material (resin) in a shell-like fashion to the front or outer shell of a tooth. One difference between a composite veneer and a porcelain veneer is related to how light hits the surface of each. Composite bonding resins have improved greatly in recent decades and come in many different colors; however, the resins used are more opaque than porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are popular because they are translucent material, and your natural tooth enamel is also translucent.
Other difference between composite and porcelain veneers have to do with durability and staining. Porcelain veneers are the winners in both categories. With time, resins are more likely to become stained or discolored; the resins still have not achieved the long-term durability of the high-quality porcelain used today. On the other hand, it is simpler to grind down and repair or replace a cracked composite veneer, whereas with a porcelain veneer, a custom replacement veneer must be crafted. The location, extent, and size of the imperfection in your tooth (and surrounding teeth), along with your objectives for your smile, are all important factors that your cosmetic dentist should take into account before determining what the best treatment plan is for your situation. There are other factors to consider, as well.
Teeth whitening
If your teeth are in good condition otherwise, and you've tried over-the-counter tooth whitening approaches and been disappointed, that doesn't necessarily mean that you need porcelain veneers. Ask your cosmetic dentist whether the use of in-office or at-home whitening procedures might produce the results you're looking for. For some people, the one-size-fits-all trays provided with over-the-counter overnight whitening products simply aren't a good fit and produce poor results.
Orthodontics and whitening
If your individual teeth are healthy, but simply aren't as bright as you'd like, and perhaps have small gaps, you may also want to consider tooth whitening in conjunction with corrective realignment of your teeth, instead of porcelain veneers. Realigning the teeth can fix some gaps, and the "all-natural" approach is usually the ideal approach if your teeth are otherwise healthy. For adults, the "embarrassment" some feel about wearing traditional braces in a professional setting can often be overcome with the "invisible braces" that are available today, such as Invisalign. The sets of clear aligners used by the Invisalign system move your teeth closer and closer to the desired position over time. For those who don't mind wearing braces for a while, you may be surprised at the clear, less noticeable brackets that are available, as well as the fun colors that you can playfully sport on your way to the lovely smile that will be your "end game."
And the answer is...
When it comes to enhancing your smile, the fact of the matter is that you need to find an experienced and reputable cosmetic dentist to advise you about what the options are for your teeth and for your budget. Porcelain veneers should be considered a "permanent" choice - they are not easily removed, so you should take time to weigh your options and to choose your cosmetic dentistry provider carefully. Situations can vary dramatically from one person to the next - even if they have in mind a similar "end result." You do not need to and should not try to decide what cosmetic dentistry treatment approach is best for you. Do your homework and choose a good cosmetic dentist who can tell you whether porcelain veneers or some other combination of approaches is best for you.
A leading [http://www.raleighdentist.com/]Raleigh, NC Dentist provided these general guidelines for selecting a general dentist in the United States. Practicing [http://www.raleighdentist.com/]Dentists Raleigh, NC at Raleigh Comprehensive and Cosmetic Dentistry and is committed to offering high quality dental services and exceptional patient care. The practice provides a wide variety of dental treatments.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Porcelain-Veneers-Or-Not?-Ask-a-Cosmetic-Dentist&id=4123878] Porcelain Veneers Or Not? Ask a Cosmetic Dentist
Which Toothpaste is Recommended by Dentists?
Which Toothpaste is Recommended by Dentists?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Marina_Rodriguez] Marina Rodriguez
Extreme competition in the market makes easier to shift toothpaste brands. Formulations are easily read in the packages to guarantee consumer safety and to avoid misrepresentation of information. But sometimes the descriptions are just too obscure to understand. Others don't mind about the components, as long as the toothpaste can do its primal purpose of giving oral hygiene. If there are specialists who can be relied upon when deciding the best toothpaste, they are the dentists. What is the kind of toothpaste a dentist prefers to use?
Toothpastes have been used all ages for oral health and cleaning, almost always with the aid of toothbrush. To make the most of the benefit, brushing of the teeth has to be done at least twice a day.
The use of toothpaste is undoubtedly one of the most important hygienic necessities of the modern age and even in the past years. It has been recorded in Egypt at around 4000 years ago that people selected mixed concoctions are made to keep the teeth aesthetically clean. Salt is known to be one of the basic ingredients. The commercial use of toothpastes came to popularity in the 19th century when they get packed in collapsible tubes, sold to the market by bulk. In the present, different brands are competing---those that have been used both domestically and exclusively by practitioners.
The truth is: brushing the teeth alone is not enough. No matter how many TV ads have created alterations about toothpastes, any dentist would still recommend additional effort for complete oral hygiene. It includes flossing, cleaning of tongue, and appropriate diet. Dental check-ups and seasonal maintenance is necessary for an attractive smile. Build-ups of plaques can be removed by prophylaxis (general cleaning of the teeth) done by a dentist. Though brushing of teeth is mostly done at home, while there are occasional times dentists would do it in the clinic.
Nowadays, no one would easily believe in ads proclaiming that certain toothpaste is "dentist recommended." The truth about toothpaste's beneficial use is not about the brand, but how it is done. Too much scrubbing can remove the protective enamel covering of the teeth and even cause decay; but not brushing thoroughly can cause build-ups. With varying additives, some of the components of toothpastes have harsh ingredients, which can affect even the skin of the face, where toothpaste comes in contact during brushing.
While fluoride in toothpastes can strengthen the teeth, some are not aware that fluoride can be harnessed in other means. In the United States, potable water supply had dose fluoride already. This has been imposed by the government as a general measure of giving the same advantage of helping people achieve strong teeth in general. Fluoride is also present in common consumptions of food and medicines. One may not be aware of over exposure to fluoride. It is not at all good.
Any brand can work with any dentists, although there are special formulations for teeth depending on its condition as assessed by a dentist. An example of which is toothpaste for people with sensitive gums, which can be more expensive compared to ordinary kind of toothpaste. Whitening toothpaste also has a special bleaching ingredient more expensive and not applicable to every user. Toothpastes will just vary in price.
Toothpaste formulations will just improve as years go by. It will just serve to help in the professional practice of dentists. Is there a particular toothpaste brand for dentists? Just like every household, they may have preference, but they will still recommend that brushing alone is not enough.
Marina Rodriguez writes about [http://www.dentalporcelainveneers.org/]dental porcelain veneers and [http://www.dentalporcelainveneers.org/lumineersporcelainveneers/]lumineers porcelain veneers
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Which-Toothpaste-is-Recommended-by-Dentists?&id=4059798] Which Toothpaste is Recommended by Dentists?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Marina_Rodriguez] Marina Rodriguez
Extreme competition in the market makes easier to shift toothpaste brands. Formulations are easily read in the packages to guarantee consumer safety and to avoid misrepresentation of information. But sometimes the descriptions are just too obscure to understand. Others don't mind about the components, as long as the toothpaste can do its primal purpose of giving oral hygiene. If there are specialists who can be relied upon when deciding the best toothpaste, they are the dentists. What is the kind of toothpaste a dentist prefers to use?
Toothpastes have been used all ages for oral health and cleaning, almost always with the aid of toothbrush. To make the most of the benefit, brushing of the teeth has to be done at least twice a day.
The use of toothpaste is undoubtedly one of the most important hygienic necessities of the modern age and even in the past years. It has been recorded in Egypt at around 4000 years ago that people selected mixed concoctions are made to keep the teeth aesthetically clean. Salt is known to be one of the basic ingredients. The commercial use of toothpastes came to popularity in the 19th century when they get packed in collapsible tubes, sold to the market by bulk. In the present, different brands are competing---those that have been used both domestically and exclusively by practitioners.
The truth is: brushing the teeth alone is not enough. No matter how many TV ads have created alterations about toothpastes, any dentist would still recommend additional effort for complete oral hygiene. It includes flossing, cleaning of tongue, and appropriate diet. Dental check-ups and seasonal maintenance is necessary for an attractive smile. Build-ups of plaques can be removed by prophylaxis (general cleaning of the teeth) done by a dentist. Though brushing of teeth is mostly done at home, while there are occasional times dentists would do it in the clinic.
Nowadays, no one would easily believe in ads proclaiming that certain toothpaste is "dentist recommended." The truth about toothpaste's beneficial use is not about the brand, but how it is done. Too much scrubbing can remove the protective enamel covering of the teeth and even cause decay; but not brushing thoroughly can cause build-ups. With varying additives, some of the components of toothpastes have harsh ingredients, which can affect even the skin of the face, where toothpaste comes in contact during brushing.
While fluoride in toothpastes can strengthen the teeth, some are not aware that fluoride can be harnessed in other means. In the United States, potable water supply had dose fluoride already. This has been imposed by the government as a general measure of giving the same advantage of helping people achieve strong teeth in general. Fluoride is also present in common consumptions of food and medicines. One may not be aware of over exposure to fluoride. It is not at all good.
Any brand can work with any dentists, although there are special formulations for teeth depending on its condition as assessed by a dentist. An example of which is toothpaste for people with sensitive gums, which can be more expensive compared to ordinary kind of toothpaste. Whitening toothpaste also has a special bleaching ingredient more expensive and not applicable to every user. Toothpastes will just vary in price.
Toothpaste formulations will just improve as years go by. It will just serve to help in the professional practice of dentists. Is there a particular toothpaste brand for dentists? Just like every household, they may have preference, but they will still recommend that brushing alone is not enough.
Marina Rodriguez writes about [http://www.dentalporcelainveneers.org/]dental porcelain veneers and [http://www.dentalporcelainveneers.org/lumineersporcelainveneers/]lumineers porcelain veneers
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Which-Toothpaste-is-Recommended-by-Dentists?&id=4059798] Which Toothpaste is Recommended by Dentists?
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Tips on Taking Children to the Dentist
Tips on Taking Children to the Dentist
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rich_Megale] Rich Megale
First, most people may think that family dentists and children's dentists are the same. In some cases that is true, but it requires special pediatric dentistry training to clean and help with a child's oral health. This may be because, their mouths are smaller than normal, and because they do not have their permanent teeth yet. These dentists may also be trained to be more sensitive and gentle with children's teeth.
It is usually recommended that a child first visit the dentist after two years of age. This way the dentist can perform a quick examination with very little other treatment involved. This is also a good time for the child to get to know the dentist and learn to trust them. A parent may be asked to sit in the room with the child for the first visit. A fluoride check and treatment may also be involved in the first visit to the dentist for a child.
If you are concerned about how your child may react at their first visit to the dentist you can take them to the office before the visit. This way they can see all the chairs and equipment and even see and meet the dentist. This may help them to be less scared or nervous for the actual visit. You can also read books with them about going to the dentist or watch a video about a child going to dentist for the first time. This may help them to know what to expect and make it easier. If they ask you questions about your own visit to the dentist, it is important to be positive about them and not scare your child.
Getting children to do anything they may not want to do can be a challenge and in many cases going to the dentist is no expectation. However, if you follow these tips and explain what will happen, be positive, and take them to see the dentist's office, you may be surprised about how they react. This will also help you have fewer worries and more peace of mind.
Rich is a certified webmaster specializing in search engine optimization and internet marketing. To learn more on how this article has been optimized for the keyword [http://www.lifesmilesdds.com/childrens-dentist-boise-idaho.html]Pediatric Dentist Boise and [http://www.lifesmilesdds.com/cavities-tooth-decay-boise-idaho.html]Kids Dentist Boise contact 467 web design for a free consultation about search engine optimization and article marketing at 1-480-282-2268.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-on-Taking-Children-to-the-Dentist&id=3870022] Tips on Taking Children to the Dentist
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rich_Megale] Rich Megale
First, most people may think that family dentists and children's dentists are the same. In some cases that is true, but it requires special pediatric dentistry training to clean and help with a child's oral health. This may be because, their mouths are smaller than normal, and because they do not have their permanent teeth yet. These dentists may also be trained to be more sensitive and gentle with children's teeth.
It is usually recommended that a child first visit the dentist after two years of age. This way the dentist can perform a quick examination with very little other treatment involved. This is also a good time for the child to get to know the dentist and learn to trust them. A parent may be asked to sit in the room with the child for the first visit. A fluoride check and treatment may also be involved in the first visit to the dentist for a child.
If you are concerned about how your child may react at their first visit to the dentist you can take them to the office before the visit. This way they can see all the chairs and equipment and even see and meet the dentist. This may help them to be less scared or nervous for the actual visit. You can also read books with them about going to the dentist or watch a video about a child going to dentist for the first time. This may help them to know what to expect and make it easier. If they ask you questions about your own visit to the dentist, it is important to be positive about them and not scare your child.
Getting children to do anything they may not want to do can be a challenge and in many cases going to the dentist is no expectation. However, if you follow these tips and explain what will happen, be positive, and take them to see the dentist's office, you may be surprised about how they react. This will also help you have fewer worries and more peace of mind.
Rich is a certified webmaster specializing in search engine optimization and internet marketing. To learn more on how this article has been optimized for the keyword [http://www.lifesmilesdds.com/childrens-dentist-boise-idaho.html]Pediatric Dentist Boise and [http://www.lifesmilesdds.com/cavities-tooth-decay-boise-idaho.html]Kids Dentist Boise contact 467 web design for a free consultation about search engine optimization and article marketing at 1-480-282-2268.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-on-Taking-Children-to-the-Dentist&id=3870022] Tips on Taking Children to the Dentist
Dental - Why We Hate Dentists
Dental - Why We Hate Dentists
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell] Michael Russell
Going to the dentist is probably one of the most hated experiences by most people. And the worst part about going to a dentist is that you start going at a very young age, pretty much as soon as you get your first teeth. There's no point in your life, really, where you can remember not being tortured by that man with the sharp instrument, poking it into your mouth and ripping your teeth apart with it. Okay, it's not quite that bad, but it's certainly not a pleasant experience. The truth is, very little about a dentist visit is pleasant.
For starters, there's that stupid sheet that he wraps around our neck. If he made it any tighter he'd probably cut off our air supply. Sure, he does this so we don't drool all over ourselves, but the least he can do it loosen it just a little. It's not bad enough that the dentist chair itself with that neck brace is so uncomfortable. Talk about leaving the dentist's office with a stiff neck.
Then comes the x-rays. Now let's face it, this can't be the safest thing in the world. I mean he puts this lead covering over our chest and then leaves the room when he puts on the x-ray machine. And that's not even the uncomfortable part. The worst part of the x-rays is when he takes the film, which is twice the size of our mouth to begin with and he then attempts to jam it into one corner of our mouth while attached to these metal tongs that are heavier than a box of screwdrivers. And we're supposed to hold that thing in our mouth without holding it with our hands? Is he on drugs? And then, we have to go through about 4 of these things, 8 when he has to do a full set every 4 or 6 years.
Then after the x-rays, he sticks that thing in our mouth that sucks up the saliva. Feels like we're having our insides sucked out of us. And then, if that's not bad enough, while he's got that thing in our mouth and digging at our teeth with the metal hook, he begins to ask us things like, "So, have you done any fishing lately?" What does he possibly expect to get out of us when we've got all that garbage in our mouth? But like idiots we try to answer him and end up drooling down our chin. The little bib doesn't help very much.
Then after he's done digging at our teeth for a while and we rinse all this blood out of our mouth, (that can't be good) the next thing he does is brush our teeth with this stuff that could take the chrome off a car bumper. The goal is to clean our teeth, not remove them completely.
And then, after it's all over, he hands us this bill for $118. All he did was take a few x-rays, pick at our teeth and brush them and we get hit with a bill that's 5 times what it would cost us to get an oil change for our car.
And dentists wonder why we hate going there.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to [http://computer-memory-direct.com/]Computer Memory
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Dental---Why-We-Hate-Dentists&id=265118] Dental - Why We Hate Dentists
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell] Michael Russell
Going to the dentist is probably one of the most hated experiences by most people. And the worst part about going to a dentist is that you start going at a very young age, pretty much as soon as you get your first teeth. There's no point in your life, really, where you can remember not being tortured by that man with the sharp instrument, poking it into your mouth and ripping your teeth apart with it. Okay, it's not quite that bad, but it's certainly not a pleasant experience. The truth is, very little about a dentist visit is pleasant.
For starters, there's that stupid sheet that he wraps around our neck. If he made it any tighter he'd probably cut off our air supply. Sure, he does this so we don't drool all over ourselves, but the least he can do it loosen it just a little. It's not bad enough that the dentist chair itself with that neck brace is so uncomfortable. Talk about leaving the dentist's office with a stiff neck.
Then comes the x-rays. Now let's face it, this can't be the safest thing in the world. I mean he puts this lead covering over our chest and then leaves the room when he puts on the x-ray machine. And that's not even the uncomfortable part. The worst part of the x-rays is when he takes the film, which is twice the size of our mouth to begin with and he then attempts to jam it into one corner of our mouth while attached to these metal tongs that are heavier than a box of screwdrivers. And we're supposed to hold that thing in our mouth without holding it with our hands? Is he on drugs? And then, we have to go through about 4 of these things, 8 when he has to do a full set every 4 or 6 years.
Then after the x-rays, he sticks that thing in our mouth that sucks up the saliva. Feels like we're having our insides sucked out of us. And then, if that's not bad enough, while he's got that thing in our mouth and digging at our teeth with the metal hook, he begins to ask us things like, "So, have you done any fishing lately?" What does he possibly expect to get out of us when we've got all that garbage in our mouth? But like idiots we try to answer him and end up drooling down our chin. The little bib doesn't help very much.
Then after he's done digging at our teeth for a while and we rinse all this blood out of our mouth, (that can't be good) the next thing he does is brush our teeth with this stuff that could take the chrome off a car bumper. The goal is to clean our teeth, not remove them completely.
And then, after it's all over, he hands us this bill for $118. All he did was take a few x-rays, pick at our teeth and brush them and we get hit with a bill that's 5 times what it would cost us to get an oil change for our car.
And dentists wonder why we hate going there.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to [http://computer-memory-direct.com/]Computer Memory
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Dental---Why-We-Hate-Dentists&id=265118] Dental - Why We Hate Dentists
Dentist - Keeping You and Your Smile Healthy
Dentist - Keeping You and Your Smile Healthy
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Anna_Woodward] Anna Woodward
When you think of visiting the doctor for your health you don't necessarily think of having him check your teeth. But what most of us don't think about is the adverse effect on our health that broken, chipped, missing teeth or cavities might have. But if you were to visit your dentist more often then you wouldn't have to worry about these problems occurring.
Regular appointments to the dentist really are nothing to worry about. Your doctor will take you back to the examining room and there his assistant or hygienist will start cleaning you teeth. There will be x rays taken so that your doctor can more clearly see if there are any cavities. Sometimes these nasty problems hide themselves on the side of a tooth or are very small. This way they can be detected early and you can take care of them early so that you don't damage your health.
Should you have a tooth ache your dentist can help you out there too. Yes many of these problems might result in some discomfort and drilling but it is worth it in the end. While your doctor might have to open up the area in order to get to the infection. You don't want him to fill the tooth while it is still infected because it might keep the infection around longer. Your doctor might pack it with some types of antibiotic packing or he may simply leave it open. Either way you will be prescribed antibiotics to help rid yourself of an infection.
If you do have an infection and you fail to go to your dentist then you could be risking your health. You don't want to worry about the infection spreading to other areas of your body or becoming resistant to medication. That is way the six month appointments are so important. Early detection is the best way to avoid such problems down the road.
It might be a little unnerving to go to the dentist. All that drilling and scraping, it can be nerve wracking and painful, no one likes that. No matter how unnerving it is you really should make sure you have regular check-ups so that you aren't subjecting yourself to illness. Some of these doctors will provide sedation for those who are overly nervous about their visit. Take care of your mouth so it will continue to help take care of you.
If you need a [http://www.smilesoverburleson.com/]Burleson dentist and don't know who to trust, visit the following site for more information: [http://www.smilesoverburleson.com/]http://www.smilesoverburleson.com/.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Dentist---Keeping-You-and-Your-Smile-Healthy&id=4651074] Dentist - Keeping You and Your Smile Healthy
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Anna_Woodward] Anna Woodward
When you think of visiting the doctor for your health you don't necessarily think of having him check your teeth. But what most of us don't think about is the adverse effect on our health that broken, chipped, missing teeth or cavities might have. But if you were to visit your dentist more often then you wouldn't have to worry about these problems occurring.
Regular appointments to the dentist really are nothing to worry about. Your doctor will take you back to the examining room and there his assistant or hygienist will start cleaning you teeth. There will be x rays taken so that your doctor can more clearly see if there are any cavities. Sometimes these nasty problems hide themselves on the side of a tooth or are very small. This way they can be detected early and you can take care of them early so that you don't damage your health.
Should you have a tooth ache your dentist can help you out there too. Yes many of these problems might result in some discomfort and drilling but it is worth it in the end. While your doctor might have to open up the area in order to get to the infection. You don't want him to fill the tooth while it is still infected because it might keep the infection around longer. Your doctor might pack it with some types of antibiotic packing or he may simply leave it open. Either way you will be prescribed antibiotics to help rid yourself of an infection.
If you do have an infection and you fail to go to your dentist then you could be risking your health. You don't want to worry about the infection spreading to other areas of your body or becoming resistant to medication. That is way the six month appointments are so important. Early detection is the best way to avoid such problems down the road.
It might be a little unnerving to go to the dentist. All that drilling and scraping, it can be nerve wracking and painful, no one likes that. No matter how unnerving it is you really should make sure you have regular check-ups so that you aren't subjecting yourself to illness. Some of these doctors will provide sedation for those who are overly nervous about their visit. Take care of your mouth so it will continue to help take care of you.
If you need a [http://www.smilesoverburleson.com/]Burleson dentist and don't know who to trust, visit the following site for more information: [http://www.smilesoverburleson.com/]http://www.smilesoverburleson.com/.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Dentist---Keeping-You-and-Your-Smile-Healthy&id=4651074] Dentist - Keeping You and Your Smile Healthy
Did You Know That Dental Procedures Can Be and Are Painless? - Painless Dentistry
Did You Know That Dental Procedures Can Be and Are Painless? - Painless Dentistry
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Misha_R] Misha R
Are you afraid of the dentist? Have you been procrastinating to visit the dentist because you are afraid the procedure will be painful? If this is true, there is some good news for you. Dental procedures are now completely painless - with sedation dentistry that is. You can sleep through the entire dental procedure and wake-up completely changed. You will not experience any kind of pain or discomfort during the entire procedure. So what are you waiting for? Isn't it time you call your dentist for an appointment?
Sedation dentistry is becoming very popular today. More and more people are opting for it because it is completely painless. As the name suggests, sedation dentistry involves the use of sedatives - chemical substances that act on the central nervous system and make you sleep. Sedatives have been used in the field of dentistry since the last few decades, but their usage has come to prominence only in the recent years with the advent of better sedatives.
The type and quantity of sedatives to be used will be determined by the dentist after taking into consideration various factors such as the extent of anxiety, the type of procedure, etc. Depending on the type and quantity of sedatives given, you'll experience anywhere from complete sleep to drowsy consciousness. However, you will not experience any anxiety or pain. Anesthetic agents may also be given to control pain. Sedatives may be given orally, intravenously or through the nose.
In the early years, sedatives were usually administered intravenously. However, this was a problem for people who have fear of needles. Thus, oral sedatives have become available now and are very suitable in such cases. Nitrous oxide also known as the Laughing Gas is also a very good and popular option. Both oral sedatives and nitrous oxide are moderate sedatives. Stronger sedatives are almost always given intravenously.
Sedatives are very safe and can definitely make the visit to the dentist more pleasant, but certain precautions should still be taken. For instance, it is better to avoid alcoholic drinks as these can interfere with the effects of sedatives. You should also inform your dentist if you are on any prescription drugs, nutritional supplements or herbal medicines. It is possible that some of these may interfere with the effects of sedatives. Overall, sedation dentistry is very safe and is a painless way to get dental procedures done. You may need to contact your dentist to check if sedation dentistry may be feasible in your case.
For more information on [http://www.myabsolutesmile.com/sedation-dentistry/what-is-sedation-dentistry/]Painless Dentistry and other topics or questions visit [http://myabsolutesmile.com]http://www.MyAbsoluteSmile.com. Schedule your FREE CONSULTATION or Contact Us and find out how you can SAVE up to 50% on All Dental Procedures including Dental Implants.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Did-You-Know-That-Dental-Procedures-Can-Be-and-Are-Painless?---Painless-Dentistry&id=4518001] Did You Know That Dental Procedures Can Be and Are Painless? - Painless Dentistry
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Misha_R] Misha R
Are you afraid of the dentist? Have you been procrastinating to visit the dentist because you are afraid the procedure will be painful? If this is true, there is some good news for you. Dental procedures are now completely painless - with sedation dentistry that is. You can sleep through the entire dental procedure and wake-up completely changed. You will not experience any kind of pain or discomfort during the entire procedure. So what are you waiting for? Isn't it time you call your dentist for an appointment?
Sedation dentistry is becoming very popular today. More and more people are opting for it because it is completely painless. As the name suggests, sedation dentistry involves the use of sedatives - chemical substances that act on the central nervous system and make you sleep. Sedatives have been used in the field of dentistry since the last few decades, but their usage has come to prominence only in the recent years with the advent of better sedatives.
The type and quantity of sedatives to be used will be determined by the dentist after taking into consideration various factors such as the extent of anxiety, the type of procedure, etc. Depending on the type and quantity of sedatives given, you'll experience anywhere from complete sleep to drowsy consciousness. However, you will not experience any anxiety or pain. Anesthetic agents may also be given to control pain. Sedatives may be given orally, intravenously or through the nose.
In the early years, sedatives were usually administered intravenously. However, this was a problem for people who have fear of needles. Thus, oral sedatives have become available now and are very suitable in such cases. Nitrous oxide also known as the Laughing Gas is also a very good and popular option. Both oral sedatives and nitrous oxide are moderate sedatives. Stronger sedatives are almost always given intravenously.
Sedatives are very safe and can definitely make the visit to the dentist more pleasant, but certain precautions should still be taken. For instance, it is better to avoid alcoholic drinks as these can interfere with the effects of sedatives. You should also inform your dentist if you are on any prescription drugs, nutritional supplements or herbal medicines. It is possible that some of these may interfere with the effects of sedatives. Overall, sedation dentistry is very safe and is a painless way to get dental procedures done. You may need to contact your dentist to check if sedation dentistry may be feasible in your case.
For more information on [http://www.myabsolutesmile.com/sedation-dentistry/what-is-sedation-dentistry/]Painless Dentistry and other topics or questions visit [http://myabsolutesmile.com]http://www.MyAbsoluteSmile.com. Schedule your FREE CONSULTATION or Contact Us and find out how you can SAVE up to 50% on All Dental Procedures including Dental Implants.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Did-You-Know-That-Dental-Procedures-Can-Be-and-Are-Painless?---Painless-Dentistry&id=4518001] Did You Know That Dental Procedures Can Be and Are Painless? - Painless Dentistry
Having an Appointment With a Dentist? Don't Worry, Be Happy
Having an Appointment With a Dentist? Don't Worry, Be Happy
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Danielle_Sage] Danielle Sage
Are planning to visit a dentist? Most people try to avoid visiting dentists as dental operations are inflicted with pain. Who can forget the intense pain when the dentist pulled out your rotten tooth last time, or the pain you suffered during root canal treatment? But my friend, you cannot find visiting dentists escapable all the time. Your teeth might revolt against you and you might be forced to tame them with the help of a cosmetic dentist. In this article, I will try to show you some simple measures following which you can find visiting a dentist less unbearable. Read on.
Clench Your Fists
While visiting the dentist, clench your fists. You should clench the fists even before you sit on the dentist's chair. Clenching your fists makes your body anticipate pain in advance and prepares you for the painful session ahead. Once you sit on the dental chair, keep your fists clenched and muscles twitched at any cost - you might find the dental treatment session less painful.
Mental Chants and Meditation
Chanting is practiced for spiritual well being. Chanting keeps a person calm and tranquil. While the dentist operates your teeth or the gum, chants can give you extra strength. Repeat to you these words - "I will not yield to the pain. The pain cannot overwhelm me." Believe me, you will find your dental session much less painful. Another thing related to chants that can help you during a painful dental session is meditation. If you are engaged in practicing meditation throughout your life, you will find dental operation less painful.
Scream Loud
Sometimes, the tension associated with a dental treatment session overpowers you much in advance. This beforehand tension makes treatment of your teeth even more unbearable. Before you sit on your dental chair, scream aloud or howl. The tension will gradually disappear. You will eventually calm down and be in a much better position to face the dental treatment session.
Engage in Conversation
Before the dental operation begins; converse with the cosmetic dentist. Engage him or her with a little round of conversation. Try to know the dentist better - first share some information about you, and then the dentist will come up with his or her share too. At the end of the process, you will feel at ease, and at safe hands. This psychological boost will keep the pain at bay.
Painkillers
Take a painkiller right before entering the clinic of the dentist. Your tolerance level for pain might even surprise your dentist. But here is a caveat. Do not go for painkillers when the dental treatment process attracts anesthesia. Taking a painkiller prior to an anesthesia might actually inhibit the spread of numbness in the target area.
Bring Your Date or Visit a Hot Dentist
For single men, bringing your date along with you to the dentist can be a good idea. You will naturally not want to look girly and wail in pain. The presence of your date will help you amass the courage and determination to fight back the pain. Alternatively (not restricted to single men only), visit a hot, good-looking, handsome dentist. In front of him or her, you will naturally try to look smart and not yield to pain!
These are some tips to ward off pain while visiting the clinic of a dentist. Follow one or more of these and feel the difference in your pain-bearing capacity.
Writing is my life and I love it. I write a lot of Articles and Blogs to relay all of my experience about [http://www.citidentonline.com]Cosmetic Dentistry. To know more [http://www.citidentonline.com]Click Here.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Having-an-Appointment-With-a-Dentist?-Dont-Worry,-Be-Happy&id=4689120] Having an Appointment With a Dentist? Don't Worry, Be Happy
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Danielle_Sage] Danielle Sage
Are planning to visit a dentist? Most people try to avoid visiting dentists as dental operations are inflicted with pain. Who can forget the intense pain when the dentist pulled out your rotten tooth last time, or the pain you suffered during root canal treatment? But my friend, you cannot find visiting dentists escapable all the time. Your teeth might revolt against you and you might be forced to tame them with the help of a cosmetic dentist. In this article, I will try to show you some simple measures following which you can find visiting a dentist less unbearable. Read on.
Clench Your Fists
While visiting the dentist, clench your fists. You should clench the fists even before you sit on the dentist's chair. Clenching your fists makes your body anticipate pain in advance and prepares you for the painful session ahead. Once you sit on the dental chair, keep your fists clenched and muscles twitched at any cost - you might find the dental treatment session less painful.
Mental Chants and Meditation
Chanting is practiced for spiritual well being. Chanting keeps a person calm and tranquil. While the dentist operates your teeth or the gum, chants can give you extra strength. Repeat to you these words - "I will not yield to the pain. The pain cannot overwhelm me." Believe me, you will find your dental session much less painful. Another thing related to chants that can help you during a painful dental session is meditation. If you are engaged in practicing meditation throughout your life, you will find dental operation less painful.
Scream Loud
Sometimes, the tension associated with a dental treatment session overpowers you much in advance. This beforehand tension makes treatment of your teeth even more unbearable. Before you sit on your dental chair, scream aloud or howl. The tension will gradually disappear. You will eventually calm down and be in a much better position to face the dental treatment session.
Engage in Conversation
Before the dental operation begins; converse with the cosmetic dentist. Engage him or her with a little round of conversation. Try to know the dentist better - first share some information about you, and then the dentist will come up with his or her share too. At the end of the process, you will feel at ease, and at safe hands. This psychological boost will keep the pain at bay.
Painkillers
Take a painkiller right before entering the clinic of the dentist. Your tolerance level for pain might even surprise your dentist. But here is a caveat. Do not go for painkillers when the dental treatment process attracts anesthesia. Taking a painkiller prior to an anesthesia might actually inhibit the spread of numbness in the target area.
Bring Your Date or Visit a Hot Dentist
For single men, bringing your date along with you to the dentist can be a good idea. You will naturally not want to look girly and wail in pain. The presence of your date will help you amass the courage and determination to fight back the pain. Alternatively (not restricted to single men only), visit a hot, good-looking, handsome dentist. In front of him or her, you will naturally try to look smart and not yield to pain!
These are some tips to ward off pain while visiting the clinic of a dentist. Follow one or more of these and feel the difference in your pain-bearing capacity.
Writing is my life and I love it. I write a lot of Articles and Blogs to relay all of my experience about [http://www.citidentonline.com]Cosmetic Dentistry. To know more [http://www.citidentonline.com]Click Here.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Having-an-Appointment-With-a-Dentist?-Dont-Worry,-Be-Happy&id=4689120] Having an Appointment With a Dentist? Don't Worry, Be Happy
Cracked Tooth Treatment - What to Ask Your Dentist
Cracked Tooth Treatment - What to Ask Your Dentist
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Shawn_Van_De_Vyver] Shawn Van De Vyver
You know exactly what it means, when you hear that typical "crack" as you bite down on your morning sesame seed bagel. Then, you spit out that little white piece of tooth that just snapped off as you were enjoying your breakfast. Now you have to address your broken tooth.
A tooth can fracture with three degrees of severity, each one requiring a different treatment to restore. The first way a tooth can fracture involves only the outer layers of the tooth, the dentin and the enamel. In these cases when the tooth sustains a simple fracture, it can be restored with a restoration if it's in the front, or a crown if it's in the back, depending on the amount of tooth structure remaining. If a significant portion of the tooth is missing it may be necessary to place a core build-up prior to placing crown. A core is a large filling that replaces the missing tooth structure and provides support, giving the crown something to be cemented to.
When a fracture is more complex the nerve tissue of the tooth, called the pulp, is also involved. These fractures expose the pulp tissue to the oral cavity and contaminate it with bacteria. Complex fractures, in addition to a crown restoration, also involve treatment with root canal therapy because the pulp tissue immediately becomes infected. If left alone, without performing a root canal, the pulp dies and becomes a constant irritation to the body. Necrotic pulp tissue can eventually develop into a chronic infection in the jaw bone, called an abscess. A dental abscess can cause severe pain and swelling, and should be prevented whenever possible.
The final way a tooth can break is when a fracture develops and propagates down the root of the tooth. When this happens, and the fracture extends below the gum line and the jaw bone, the tooth cannot be saved and it must be extracted. Thankfully, most fractures like this can be prevented by going to your dentist every six months for examination, x-rays, and cleanings, to diagnose, treat, and eliminate fractures before they cause significant problems.
Here are some important questions you can ask your dentist when your tooth breaks.
Can the tooth be saved?
Will my tooth need a root canal?
Is there enough tooth structure remaining to restore it with a crown?
Will a restoration (filling) be enough to restore my tooth?
Dr. Shawn Van de Vyver, a family and cosmetic dentist, owns [http://www.ClawsonDental.com]Clawson Dental, a cosmetic dental practice in Clawson, MI. He can be contacted by sending an e-mail to [mailto:DrVan@ClawsonDental.com]DrVan@ClawsonDental.com or visiting [http://www.ClawsonDental.com]Clawson Dental.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Cracked-Tooth-Treatment---What-to-Ask-Your-Dentist&id=2659281] Cracked Tooth Treatment - What to Ask Your Dentist
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Shawn_Van_De_Vyver] Shawn Van De Vyver
You know exactly what it means, when you hear that typical "crack" as you bite down on your morning sesame seed bagel. Then, you spit out that little white piece of tooth that just snapped off as you were enjoying your breakfast. Now you have to address your broken tooth.
A tooth can fracture with three degrees of severity, each one requiring a different treatment to restore. The first way a tooth can fracture involves only the outer layers of the tooth, the dentin and the enamel. In these cases when the tooth sustains a simple fracture, it can be restored with a restoration if it's in the front, or a crown if it's in the back, depending on the amount of tooth structure remaining. If a significant portion of the tooth is missing it may be necessary to place a core build-up prior to placing crown. A core is a large filling that replaces the missing tooth structure and provides support, giving the crown something to be cemented to.
When a fracture is more complex the nerve tissue of the tooth, called the pulp, is also involved. These fractures expose the pulp tissue to the oral cavity and contaminate it with bacteria. Complex fractures, in addition to a crown restoration, also involve treatment with root canal therapy because the pulp tissue immediately becomes infected. If left alone, without performing a root canal, the pulp dies and becomes a constant irritation to the body. Necrotic pulp tissue can eventually develop into a chronic infection in the jaw bone, called an abscess. A dental abscess can cause severe pain and swelling, and should be prevented whenever possible.
The final way a tooth can break is when a fracture develops and propagates down the root of the tooth. When this happens, and the fracture extends below the gum line and the jaw bone, the tooth cannot be saved and it must be extracted. Thankfully, most fractures like this can be prevented by going to your dentist every six months for examination, x-rays, and cleanings, to diagnose, treat, and eliminate fractures before they cause significant problems.
Here are some important questions you can ask your dentist when your tooth breaks.
Can the tooth be saved?
Will my tooth need a root canal?
Is there enough tooth structure remaining to restore it with a crown?
Will a restoration (filling) be enough to restore my tooth?
Dr. Shawn Van de Vyver, a family and cosmetic dentist, owns [http://www.ClawsonDental.com]Clawson Dental, a cosmetic dental practice in Clawson, MI. He can be contacted by sending an e-mail to [mailto:DrVan@ClawsonDental.com]DrVan@ClawsonDental.com or visiting [http://www.ClawsonDental.com]Clawson Dental.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Cracked-Tooth-Treatment---What-to-Ask-Your-Dentist&id=2659281] Cracked Tooth Treatment - What to Ask Your Dentist
How Often Should You See a Dentist?
How Often Should You See a Dentist?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=L._Waters] L. Waters
How often should you see a dentist? Generally dentists agree that both adults and children should have regular check-ups and cleanings every 6 months. However, if you are at a greater risk for oral diseases, you should visit your dentist more frequently than that. Only a dentist can determine how often you need to have check ups. If you are a smoker, have diabetes, are pregnant, or have gum disease, these are things your dentist will take into consideration when determining how often you should visit. Keeping your gums and teeth healthy ,and visiting a dentist regularly, can aid in the early detection of problems like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. Studies show that mouth ailments can be an indicator of more serious disorders like cardiovascular disease, blood cell disorders, and HIV symptoms.
Do you have chronic bad breath? This may not be because of something you have eaten. Eighty-five percent of the people with continuous bad breath had a dental condition that was the reason behind this. Mouthwash will only mask the problem, so it is important to tell your dentist if you have this issue. Visiting your dentist regularly can prevent and treat this common condition. Your oral health can impact your overall heath, so it is important that you see a dentist and have a check up. For some conditions, early detection is the key to curing it.
Visiting a dentist, especially if you have a family, can be very expensive if you do not have dental coverage. And if you need to be treated for a filling, crown or root canal, the costs will keep rising. A discount dental plan can cover these kinds of treatments. A discount dental plan can also provide you with coverage in the form of discounted prices for routine dental care. Some plans offer coverage for dentures and braces as well. Most times you can expect 10-60% savings on common procedures. Most plans will cover you for a year and can be activated within a day or two of signing up.
Discount dental plans are also effective because you only pay for the procedure you get - there are no monthly premiums. Instead you pay a yearly membership fee. The amount of the fee will depend on the coverage you choose, but there are plans that carry annual fees of under $100.
Overall, your oral health should not be ignored because of the possible cost of treatment. Discount and rel=nofollow [http://www.lowratesearch.com/affordable_dental_plans.html]affordable dental plans are a solution that people can afford. Many plans are offered by the same major companies that offer traditional dental insurance. A healthy body begins with a healthy mouth. Visit a dentist and be sure your mouth is healthy.
L. Waters
Research Writer, LowRateSearch
© 2009
If you are asking yourself "how often should you see a dentist?", the answer is: you should really see a dentist to find that out. How often you see a dentist depends on the current health condition of your mouth. Only a dental professional can truly determine the best schedule for you.
If you need to get your mouth checked, and do not have any dental insurance, there are [http://www.lowratesearch.com/affordable_dental_plans.html]affordable dental plans available so you can see a dentist quickly. You can save 10% - 60% off of many procedures with your discount dental plan membership. By entering your zip code, you will see the plans, prices, and participating dentists in your area. As soon as you purchase your plan, your benefits are available right away. Do not let a lack of coverage prevent you from getting the dental care that you need.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Often-Should-You-See-a-Dentist?&id=2135818] How Often Should You See a Dentist?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=L._Waters] L. Waters
How often should you see a dentist? Generally dentists agree that both adults and children should have regular check-ups and cleanings every 6 months. However, if you are at a greater risk for oral diseases, you should visit your dentist more frequently than that. Only a dentist can determine how often you need to have check ups. If you are a smoker, have diabetes, are pregnant, or have gum disease, these are things your dentist will take into consideration when determining how often you should visit. Keeping your gums and teeth healthy ,and visiting a dentist regularly, can aid in the early detection of problems like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. Studies show that mouth ailments can be an indicator of more serious disorders like cardiovascular disease, blood cell disorders, and HIV symptoms.
Do you have chronic bad breath? This may not be because of something you have eaten. Eighty-five percent of the people with continuous bad breath had a dental condition that was the reason behind this. Mouthwash will only mask the problem, so it is important to tell your dentist if you have this issue. Visiting your dentist regularly can prevent and treat this common condition. Your oral health can impact your overall heath, so it is important that you see a dentist and have a check up. For some conditions, early detection is the key to curing it.
Visiting a dentist, especially if you have a family, can be very expensive if you do not have dental coverage. And if you need to be treated for a filling, crown or root canal, the costs will keep rising. A discount dental plan can cover these kinds of treatments. A discount dental plan can also provide you with coverage in the form of discounted prices for routine dental care. Some plans offer coverage for dentures and braces as well. Most times you can expect 10-60% savings on common procedures. Most plans will cover you for a year and can be activated within a day or two of signing up.
Discount dental plans are also effective because you only pay for the procedure you get - there are no monthly premiums. Instead you pay a yearly membership fee. The amount of the fee will depend on the coverage you choose, but there are plans that carry annual fees of under $100.
Overall, your oral health should not be ignored because of the possible cost of treatment. Discount and rel=nofollow [http://www.lowratesearch.com/affordable_dental_plans.html]affordable dental plans are a solution that people can afford. Many plans are offered by the same major companies that offer traditional dental insurance. A healthy body begins with a healthy mouth. Visit a dentist and be sure your mouth is healthy.
L. Waters
Research Writer, LowRateSearch
© 2009
If you are asking yourself "how often should you see a dentist?", the answer is: you should really see a dentist to find that out. How often you see a dentist depends on the current health condition of your mouth. Only a dental professional can truly determine the best schedule for you.
If you need to get your mouth checked, and do not have any dental insurance, there are [http://www.lowratesearch.com/affordable_dental_plans.html]affordable dental plans available so you can see a dentist quickly. You can save 10% - 60% off of many procedures with your discount dental plan membership. By entering your zip code, you will see the plans, prices, and participating dentists in your area. As soon as you purchase your plan, your benefits are available right away. Do not let a lack of coverage prevent you from getting the dental care that you need.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Often-Should-You-See-a-Dentist?&id=2135818] How Often Should You See a Dentist?
The Dentist - Pleasant Childhood Visits
The Dentist - Pleasant Childhood Visits
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Stratton] Andrew Stratton
Some dentists and hygienists suggest that a baby should schedule a primary visit when the first tooth emerges while others suggest visiting sometime before the first birthday; however, many insurance policies do not begin to cover preventative dental care until a child is three or even older making those American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines hard to follow.
The idea that a child should have his/her first visit to the dentist at such an early age is most likely to ease the patient's anxiety and is mostly proposed in order that a child's first appointment is one of orientation. Just as an infant is to see the pediatrician several times during infancy and toddlerhood for "well child" appointments, a child should see a dental professional or hygienist not only to acclimate to the environment but also as a source of education and preventative care. In short, if it can be avoided, the first appointment should not be attributed to urgency. A first time trip that results in an extraction is not helpful in promoting the dentist as an ally.
If insurance does not allow a preventative care visit in infancy or early toddlerhood, a parent might consider researching and choosing a pediatric provider and inquire about scheduling a field trip to the office. Many practices, especially those dedicated to pediatrics, will gladly oblige the idea, as it is certain to curb the child's anxiety. If the child has older siblings, perhaps accompanying big brother or sister to an appointment is a good idea. The ADA also promotes National Children's Dental Health Month each February; local schools and pre-schools will participate in the event hosting a local office on campus, and resources and educational materials are readily available from the ADA to help parents and teachers to help children get excited about good oral hygiene.
A good pediatrician will do a minimal oral exam during routine visits in an attempt to prepare the child for official oral exams, and the doctor will usually have a network of local dentists that he/she can suggest based on what he/she knows about the child's demeanor.
Lastly, introducing and maintaining an oral hygiene routine including gum, tooth, and mouth care from infancy will help a child transition into "big kid" appointments and promote good dental habits for life. And, good dental habits generally lead to pleasant visits to the dentist.
If a [http://www.sunshinepages.com/business/LA/metairie/dentists/17-10901-230700.html]dentist in Metairie is bad at his job, you need to replace him by visiting the following site for information: [http://www.sunshinepages.com/]http://www.sunshinepages.com/.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Dentist---Pleasant-Childhood-Visits&id=4702623] The Dentist - Pleasant Childhood Visits
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Stratton] Andrew Stratton
Some dentists and hygienists suggest that a baby should schedule a primary visit when the first tooth emerges while others suggest visiting sometime before the first birthday; however, many insurance policies do not begin to cover preventative dental care until a child is three or even older making those American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines hard to follow.
The idea that a child should have his/her first visit to the dentist at such an early age is most likely to ease the patient's anxiety and is mostly proposed in order that a child's first appointment is one of orientation. Just as an infant is to see the pediatrician several times during infancy and toddlerhood for "well child" appointments, a child should see a dental professional or hygienist not only to acclimate to the environment but also as a source of education and preventative care. In short, if it can be avoided, the first appointment should not be attributed to urgency. A first time trip that results in an extraction is not helpful in promoting the dentist as an ally.
If insurance does not allow a preventative care visit in infancy or early toddlerhood, a parent might consider researching and choosing a pediatric provider and inquire about scheduling a field trip to the office. Many practices, especially those dedicated to pediatrics, will gladly oblige the idea, as it is certain to curb the child's anxiety. If the child has older siblings, perhaps accompanying big brother or sister to an appointment is a good idea. The ADA also promotes National Children's Dental Health Month each February; local schools and pre-schools will participate in the event hosting a local office on campus, and resources and educational materials are readily available from the ADA to help parents and teachers to help children get excited about good oral hygiene.
A good pediatrician will do a minimal oral exam during routine visits in an attempt to prepare the child for official oral exams, and the doctor will usually have a network of local dentists that he/she can suggest based on what he/she knows about the child's demeanor.
Lastly, introducing and maintaining an oral hygiene routine including gum, tooth, and mouth care from infancy will help a child transition into "big kid" appointments and promote good dental habits for life. And, good dental habits generally lead to pleasant visits to the dentist.
If a [http://www.sunshinepages.com/business/LA/metairie/dentists/17-10901-230700.html]dentist in Metairie is bad at his job, you need to replace him by visiting the following site for information: [http://www.sunshinepages.com/]http://www.sunshinepages.com/.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Dentist---Pleasant-Childhood-Visits&id=4702623] The Dentist - Pleasant Childhood Visits
How To Ease Tooth Pain Until You Can Get Into The Dentist
How To Ease Tooth Pain Until You Can Get Into The Dentist
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dr._Scott_Watkins] Dr. Scott Watkins
Toothaches can be one of the most irritating things because of how much pain it can cause, it is almost enough to drive you crazy. The worst part about a really bad toothache is the constant throbbing that never seems to go away. It seems like every time you breathe or move the pain intensifies, no matter how hard you try to avoid the tooth that hurts. Majority of the time this pain is caused by a cavity, but sometimes that pain can be caused from an abscess tooth or an injury to the mouth.
The only way to fix any of those problems is to go into the dentist, but even the best dentist might not be able to see you immediately. With a toothache sometimes even having to wait a day to get into your dentist can seem like forever. The good news is there are quite a few things you can try to help ease the pain until you can get into the dentist.
Tip one:
Try gently removing any food particles from the tooth with your toothbrush or dental floss. Afterwards swish some warm salt water around in your mouth to help ease the pain and to make sure that all of the food particles have been removed. The good thing with the warm salt water is it can be done as often as necessary.
Tip two:
When you are eating try to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Also try to stay away from foods that are very hot or very cold as this could cause the tooth to hurt even more. Also sticking with soft foods will help to avoid putting pressure on the tooth. Be sure to gently brush your teeth after eating to avoid having food particles stuck in the tooth.
Tip three:
Try putting a cotton ball soaked in clove oil directly on the tooth. Clove oil has soothing and infection-fighting properties that might help to relieve the pain. If this makes your tooth ache worse immediately remove the cotton ball and rinse your mouth really good with warm salt water.
Tip four:
You can also try placing a tea bag between the infected tooth and your cheek or holding the tea bag gently between your teeth.
Tip five:
A tried and true method is using an ice pack. You can use frozen vegetables in a bag, a zip lock sandwich bag with a few ice cubes, or a regular ice pack to help provide relief. Simply hold the ice pack on the outside of the cheek closest to the tooth that hurts.
Tip six:
You can also use over the counter topical medications that contain numbing medications. The medication used to numb the tooth can be lidocaine or benzocaine. Orajel is an over the counter product that you apply directly to the tooth and it usually provides instant relief.
Tip seven:
You can also take over the counter pain relievers such as aspirin, Tylenol, and ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is probably the best choice because it contains an anti-inflammatory that will reduce any swelling in your gums, as well as provide pain relief. Some people might recommend that you chew the pain relievers or rub it on your gums, but do not do this as it can cause new or further injury to the gums.
Tip eight:
If the pain does not get better or just continues to get worse you can go to the nearest emergency room to get prescription painkillers.
Regardless of what method or methods you use to help relieve the pain you need to get into the dentist as soon as possible. Remember when going to see the dentist be sure to tell him about anything you did to help relieve the pain.
Dr. Scott Watkins and Dr. William Watkins are leading dentists in Dallas, Pennsylvania. Dr. Scott Watkins and Dr. William Watkins specializes in [http://www.wyomingvalleysmilecenter.com/]Dallas Smile Makeovers, Dental Implants and Sedation Dentistry. Visit us for more information on Dr. Scott Watkins and Dr. William Watkins and the [http://www.wyomingvalleysmilecenter.com/]Wyoming Valley Smile Center, or call (570) 675-1138.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Ease-Tooth-Pain-Until-You-Can-Get-Into-The-Dentist&id=545950] How To Ease Tooth Pain Until You Can Get Into The Dentist
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dr._Scott_Watkins] Dr. Scott Watkins
Toothaches can be one of the most irritating things because of how much pain it can cause, it is almost enough to drive you crazy. The worst part about a really bad toothache is the constant throbbing that never seems to go away. It seems like every time you breathe or move the pain intensifies, no matter how hard you try to avoid the tooth that hurts. Majority of the time this pain is caused by a cavity, but sometimes that pain can be caused from an abscess tooth or an injury to the mouth.
The only way to fix any of those problems is to go into the dentist, but even the best dentist might not be able to see you immediately. With a toothache sometimes even having to wait a day to get into your dentist can seem like forever. The good news is there are quite a few things you can try to help ease the pain until you can get into the dentist.
Tip one:
Try gently removing any food particles from the tooth with your toothbrush or dental floss. Afterwards swish some warm salt water around in your mouth to help ease the pain and to make sure that all of the food particles have been removed. The good thing with the warm salt water is it can be done as often as necessary.
Tip two:
When you are eating try to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Also try to stay away from foods that are very hot or very cold as this could cause the tooth to hurt even more. Also sticking with soft foods will help to avoid putting pressure on the tooth. Be sure to gently brush your teeth after eating to avoid having food particles stuck in the tooth.
Tip three:
Try putting a cotton ball soaked in clove oil directly on the tooth. Clove oil has soothing and infection-fighting properties that might help to relieve the pain. If this makes your tooth ache worse immediately remove the cotton ball and rinse your mouth really good with warm salt water.
Tip four:
You can also try placing a tea bag between the infected tooth and your cheek or holding the tea bag gently between your teeth.
Tip five:
A tried and true method is using an ice pack. You can use frozen vegetables in a bag, a zip lock sandwich bag with a few ice cubes, or a regular ice pack to help provide relief. Simply hold the ice pack on the outside of the cheek closest to the tooth that hurts.
Tip six:
You can also use over the counter topical medications that contain numbing medications. The medication used to numb the tooth can be lidocaine or benzocaine. Orajel is an over the counter product that you apply directly to the tooth and it usually provides instant relief.
Tip seven:
You can also take over the counter pain relievers such as aspirin, Tylenol, and ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is probably the best choice because it contains an anti-inflammatory that will reduce any swelling in your gums, as well as provide pain relief. Some people might recommend that you chew the pain relievers or rub it on your gums, but do not do this as it can cause new or further injury to the gums.
Tip eight:
If the pain does not get better or just continues to get worse you can go to the nearest emergency room to get prescription painkillers.
Regardless of what method or methods you use to help relieve the pain you need to get into the dentist as soon as possible. Remember when going to see the dentist be sure to tell him about anything you did to help relieve the pain.
Dr. Scott Watkins and Dr. William Watkins are leading dentists in Dallas, Pennsylvania. Dr. Scott Watkins and Dr. William Watkins specializes in [http://www.wyomingvalleysmilecenter.com/]Dallas Smile Makeovers, Dental Implants and Sedation Dentistry. Visit us for more information on Dr. Scott Watkins and Dr. William Watkins and the [http://www.wyomingvalleysmilecenter.com/]Wyoming Valley Smile Center, or call (570) 675-1138.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Ease-Tooth-Pain-Until-You-Can-Get-Into-The-Dentist&id=545950] How To Ease Tooth Pain Until You Can Get Into The Dentist
Are Your Fillings Doing More Harm Than Good?
Are Your Fillings Doing More Harm Than Good?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rochelle_Riley] Rochelle Riley
Do you ever get tired of looking at those unsightly silver fillings in your teeth? Besides looking terrible, has anyone ever told you what they do to your remaining tooth structure?
Silver (Amalgam) fillings are composed of a mixture of metals, the most controversial and toxic being Mercury. When this type of restorative material is placed in the mouth, it is not bonded to the tooth, but rather packed into the tooth like a putty. Because there is no chemical bond to provide retention, often times, unnecessary tooth structure must be removed in order to provide for mechanical retention. In other words, more tooth structure may have to be removed in the form of grooves and undercuts to hold in the restorative material.
Have you ever thought of what happens when you go from eating something hot to drinking something cold? These type of fillings have been known to expand and contract causing micro or macro fractures in the teeth. This means that one may suffer from a fractured tooth due to the stresses that these types of fillings may cause. Furthermore, the expansion and contraction of these fillings can lead to separation from the surrounding tooth structure. Leaving microscopic gaps between the filling and the tooth can lead to infiltration of bacteria. Ninety-five percent of the time these type of restorations are removed, decay is found lurking beneath. Why can't we catch this decay sooner? Because of the metal, x-rays are unable to penetrate through, therefore, decay will not be seen radiographically until it has destroyed enough surrounding tooth structure to be visualized.
Why is the tooth blackish/gray? Have you noticed that silver fillings turn your tooth dark in comparison to teeth without these amalgam fillings? This is a direct result of the metals leaching from the restoration and staining the tooth and sometimes even the surrounding gum tissue. In the case of the latter, this is known as an amalgam tattoo. Unfortunately, once the gum tissue is stained, there is no removing the discoloration. In the case of a stained tooth due to an amalgam restoration, some of that discolored tooth structure will be removed upon removal of the silver filling. Many times it is difficult to remove all of the discolored tooth structure, in which case, there are alternative cosmetic procedures available to address these concerns.
So why are these restorations still used? Well they are becoming less and less popular as the public becomes more knowledgeable about ingredients and types of dental materials available. Amalgam fillings are quick and easy restorations to place. They are not as technique sensitivity as bonded restorations. The American Dental Association deems them to be a safe dental material leading to minimal mercury release. We've covered the amount of tooth structure lost when placing an amalgam filling, micro and macro fractures, mercury release and metal staining of surrounding hard and soft tissue. With dental technology so advanced and offering so many better choices in restorative materials, you be the judge of what you want in your mouth. After all, you have to live with it!
It is important to have strong healthy teeth. Regular check ups and visits to a [http://tucsondental.org]dentist can prevent many problems early, before they escalate into a more serious, expensive problem. If you live in Arizona, professional [http://tucsondental.org]Tucson dentist Dr. Rochelle Riley can help you with all of your dental needs.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Are-Your-Fillings-Doing-More-Harm-Than-Good?&id=4523958] Are Your Fillings Doing More Harm Than Good?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rochelle_Riley] Rochelle Riley
Do you ever get tired of looking at those unsightly silver fillings in your teeth? Besides looking terrible, has anyone ever told you what they do to your remaining tooth structure?
Silver (Amalgam) fillings are composed of a mixture of metals, the most controversial and toxic being Mercury. When this type of restorative material is placed in the mouth, it is not bonded to the tooth, but rather packed into the tooth like a putty. Because there is no chemical bond to provide retention, often times, unnecessary tooth structure must be removed in order to provide for mechanical retention. In other words, more tooth structure may have to be removed in the form of grooves and undercuts to hold in the restorative material.
Have you ever thought of what happens when you go from eating something hot to drinking something cold? These type of fillings have been known to expand and contract causing micro or macro fractures in the teeth. This means that one may suffer from a fractured tooth due to the stresses that these types of fillings may cause. Furthermore, the expansion and contraction of these fillings can lead to separation from the surrounding tooth structure. Leaving microscopic gaps between the filling and the tooth can lead to infiltration of bacteria. Ninety-five percent of the time these type of restorations are removed, decay is found lurking beneath. Why can't we catch this decay sooner? Because of the metal, x-rays are unable to penetrate through, therefore, decay will not be seen radiographically until it has destroyed enough surrounding tooth structure to be visualized.
Why is the tooth blackish/gray? Have you noticed that silver fillings turn your tooth dark in comparison to teeth without these amalgam fillings? This is a direct result of the metals leaching from the restoration and staining the tooth and sometimes even the surrounding gum tissue. In the case of the latter, this is known as an amalgam tattoo. Unfortunately, once the gum tissue is stained, there is no removing the discoloration. In the case of a stained tooth due to an amalgam restoration, some of that discolored tooth structure will be removed upon removal of the silver filling. Many times it is difficult to remove all of the discolored tooth structure, in which case, there are alternative cosmetic procedures available to address these concerns.
So why are these restorations still used? Well they are becoming less and less popular as the public becomes more knowledgeable about ingredients and types of dental materials available. Amalgam fillings are quick and easy restorations to place. They are not as technique sensitivity as bonded restorations. The American Dental Association deems them to be a safe dental material leading to minimal mercury release. We've covered the amount of tooth structure lost when placing an amalgam filling, micro and macro fractures, mercury release and metal staining of surrounding hard and soft tissue. With dental technology so advanced and offering so many better choices in restorative materials, you be the judge of what you want in your mouth. After all, you have to live with it!
It is important to have strong healthy teeth. Regular check ups and visits to a [http://tucsondental.org]dentist can prevent many problems early, before they escalate into a more serious, expensive problem. If you live in Arizona, professional [http://tucsondental.org]Tucson dentist Dr. Rochelle Riley can help you with all of your dental needs.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Are-Your-Fillings-Doing-More-Harm-Than-Good?&id=4523958] Are Your Fillings Doing More Harm Than Good?
Daily Teeth Care Will Save You a Dentist Visit
Daily Teeth Care Will Save You a Dentist Visit
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Angel_Abdulnor] Angel Abdulnor
Are you afraid of the dentist? You are not alone. Millions of Americans fear visiting the dentist and go to great lengths to avoid it at all costs - to the extent that the only times they bother visiting a dentist is when something is seriously wrong.
Let me let you in on a little secret - you do not have to visit the dentist that often if you do not want to. But if you want to avoid having to visit the dentist on a regular basis, then the key is to take good care of your teeth. And that means taking care of your teeth every single day.
Not only should you be brushing your teeth at least twice a day, you should also be flossing at least once a day. I remember an old saying my dentist used to repeat to me every time I visited his office as a child: "You do not have to floss all your teeth - only the ones you want to keep!"
That saying has stuck with me my entire life. And you know what? I have followed my dentist's advice religiously. And I can say now, at the age of thirty, that I still have not had a single cavity.
For some people, however, just brushing twice a day and flossing once a day are not enough. For young children and teenagers in particular, it is recommended that brushing three times a day might be best. This is because the teeth are still developing and are sensitive to the wears and tears that our mouths may encounter while still growing.
Bad teeth may run in your family. While this cannot always be avoided, there are things you can do to reduce the amount of cavities you have. If you are a smoker, then quit! Not only is it bad for your lungs - it stains your teeth as well. If you want to avoid stains on your teeth in general, then it is advisable to brush your rel=nofollow [http://www.top10toronto.ca/index.php?p=Dentists]teeth after having a cigarette, drinking a cup of coffee or tea, or drinking red wine. All of these substances cause stains on the teeth. In the event that you are unable to brush your teeth after indulging in one of these activities, then you should at least swish water around in your mouth to try to remove the residue from your teeth. [http://www.for-better-health.com]For better health and avoid [http://www.top10toronto.ca/index.php?p=Dentists]dentists.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Daily-Teeth-Care-Will-Save-You-a-Dentist-Visit&id=803908] Daily Teeth Care Will Save You a Dentist Visit
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Angel_Abdulnor] Angel Abdulnor
Are you afraid of the dentist? You are not alone. Millions of Americans fear visiting the dentist and go to great lengths to avoid it at all costs - to the extent that the only times they bother visiting a dentist is when something is seriously wrong.
Let me let you in on a little secret - you do not have to visit the dentist that often if you do not want to. But if you want to avoid having to visit the dentist on a regular basis, then the key is to take good care of your teeth. And that means taking care of your teeth every single day.
Not only should you be brushing your teeth at least twice a day, you should also be flossing at least once a day. I remember an old saying my dentist used to repeat to me every time I visited his office as a child: "You do not have to floss all your teeth - only the ones you want to keep!"
That saying has stuck with me my entire life. And you know what? I have followed my dentist's advice religiously. And I can say now, at the age of thirty, that I still have not had a single cavity.
For some people, however, just brushing twice a day and flossing once a day are not enough. For young children and teenagers in particular, it is recommended that brushing three times a day might be best. This is because the teeth are still developing and are sensitive to the wears and tears that our mouths may encounter while still growing.
Bad teeth may run in your family. While this cannot always be avoided, there are things you can do to reduce the amount of cavities you have. If you are a smoker, then quit! Not only is it bad for your lungs - it stains your teeth as well. If you want to avoid stains on your teeth in general, then it is advisable to brush your rel=nofollow [http://www.top10toronto.ca/index.php?p=Dentists]teeth after having a cigarette, drinking a cup of coffee or tea, or drinking red wine. All of these substances cause stains on the teeth. In the event that you are unable to brush your teeth after indulging in one of these activities, then you should at least swish water around in your mouth to try to remove the residue from your teeth. [http://www.for-better-health.com]For better health and avoid [http://www.top10toronto.ca/index.php?p=Dentists]dentists.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Daily-Teeth-Care-Will-Save-You-a-Dentist-Visit&id=803908] Daily Teeth Care Will Save You a Dentist Visit
The Difference Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist
The Difference Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=James_H_Brown] James H Brown
Many people consider a dentist for all of their dental treatment. A dentist is more focused on the health of the mouth rather than cosmetics. They can perform cosmetic treatment.
An orthodontist is a dentist, but specialises in straightening or correcting teeth and the jaw line. They are more cosmetic based than treatment based, but some treatments are still for health reasons.
You may need treatment for many reasons including breathing problems such as snoring, problems chewing and trouble speaking due to the teeth alignment. Many people however are very self conscious about their teeth or mouth because of overcrowded, overlapping, uneven or misaligned teeth. Others may have yellowing teeth that need whitening or bad stains to the enamel.
Choosing the correct dentist or orthodontist is essential. You should look for your local area such as rel=nofollow [http://www.midlandorthodontics.com]orthodontist Birmingham, if you are in the Birmingham area. The Internet is a great place to look for first impressions, but there is always local directories and the Yellow pages.
Treatment can be very pricey unfortunately, especially from orthodontists. Your smile is very important though. It is not worth cutting costs for inadequate treatment. You are better going that extra mile to find the perfect orthodontist for you. Whereas a dentist will follow an NHS price range, an orthodontist may follow private rules and can charge what they want within reason. Cosmetic treatment is very rarely covered by the NHS unless there is a problem with your health because of your teeth.
It is well worth expanding your confidence with perfect teeth. It would be well worth the money in the end if you feel better about yourself.
Written by James Brown.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Difference-Between-an-Orthodontist-and-a-Dentist&id=3644248] The Difference Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=James_H_Brown] James H Brown
Many people consider a dentist for all of their dental treatment. A dentist is more focused on the health of the mouth rather than cosmetics. They can perform cosmetic treatment.
An orthodontist is a dentist, but specialises in straightening or correcting teeth and the jaw line. They are more cosmetic based than treatment based, but some treatments are still for health reasons.
You may need treatment for many reasons including breathing problems such as snoring, problems chewing and trouble speaking due to the teeth alignment. Many people however are very self conscious about their teeth or mouth because of overcrowded, overlapping, uneven or misaligned teeth. Others may have yellowing teeth that need whitening or bad stains to the enamel.
Choosing the correct dentist or orthodontist is essential. You should look for your local area such as rel=nofollow [http://www.midlandorthodontics.com]orthodontist Birmingham, if you are in the Birmingham area. The Internet is a great place to look for first impressions, but there is always local directories and the Yellow pages.
Treatment can be very pricey unfortunately, especially from orthodontists. Your smile is very important though. It is not worth cutting costs for inadequate treatment. You are better going that extra mile to find the perfect orthodontist for you. Whereas a dentist will follow an NHS price range, an orthodontist may follow private rules and can charge what they want within reason. Cosmetic treatment is very rarely covered by the NHS unless there is a problem with your health because of your teeth.
It is well worth expanding your confidence with perfect teeth. It would be well worth the money in the end if you feel better about yourself.
Written by James Brown.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Difference-Between-an-Orthodontist-and-a-Dentist&id=3644248] The Difference Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist
Why the Role of the Dentist is Crucial in Maintaining Healthy Teeth
Why the Role of the Dentist is Crucial in Maintaining Healthy Teeth
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rob_Art] Rob Art
Healthy teeth are essential for maintaining a healthy body. The role of the dentist is crucial in maintaining complete oral health. For this reason, it is advisable to visit the dentist often for regular checkup and cleaning procedures. Apart from diagnosing, treating and preventing various dental diseases, the dentist is also a reliable source of information about various dental procedures and products. If you want to know more on any dentistry related topic, you can contact your dentist directly and get your doubts clarified.
The importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene was recognized millennia ago. Even in ancient civilizations, dentistry was a separate specialized field. Excavations from ancient civilizations such as the Indus Valley civilization, Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece indicate that dentistry had been prevalent even in those years. Modern dentistry is a relatively new field. Its development came about as a result of advances in other fields such as medicine, diagnostics, pharmacy, biomedical engineering and recently the field of computers. Dentistry is now an advanced field which plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the modern society.
Dentists perform a number of procedures aimed at diagnosing, treating and preventing the various diseases and conditions that affect the teeth, jaw and mouth. They also perform specialized procedures aimed at improving the appearance of the face. Here are some of the common procedures that dentists perform:
Cleaning: Cleaning procedures are performed to ensure that no food particles are stuck in the gaps between the teeth. When we eat food, food particles get trapped in the gaps of the teeth. These act as a breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria grow and secrete harmful acids destroy the layers of the teeth and form cavities. Dental cavities can be very painful and have to be treated immediately before total loss of teeth takes place. Cleaning procedures should be performed regularly, at least once in every few months.
Dental fillings: Dental fillings are a treatment option for dental caries. In dental fillings, metals such as gold, silver and amalgam are used. Dental fillings not only prevent pain, but also restore the normal functioning of the teeth.
Dentists also perform other specialized procedures such as dental veneers, implants, braces, etc. However these procedures are not performed by general dentists. These procedures have performed by specialists. [http://wearedentistry.com]Wearedentistry.com provides useful information on various dentistry related topics such as tips to find [http://wearedentistry.com/general-dentistry/dentist-dentists/how-the-dentist-helps-in-maintaining-healthy-teeth/]dentists, teeth makeovers, and oral health and hygiene.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-the-Role-of-the-Dentist-is-Crucial-in-Maintaining-Healthy-Teeth&id=4396188] Why the Role of the Dentist is Crucial in Maintaining Healthy Teeth
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rob_Art] Rob Art
Healthy teeth are essential for maintaining a healthy body. The role of the dentist is crucial in maintaining complete oral health. For this reason, it is advisable to visit the dentist often for regular checkup and cleaning procedures. Apart from diagnosing, treating and preventing various dental diseases, the dentist is also a reliable source of information about various dental procedures and products. If you want to know more on any dentistry related topic, you can contact your dentist directly and get your doubts clarified.
The importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene was recognized millennia ago. Even in ancient civilizations, dentistry was a separate specialized field. Excavations from ancient civilizations such as the Indus Valley civilization, Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece indicate that dentistry had been prevalent even in those years. Modern dentistry is a relatively new field. Its development came about as a result of advances in other fields such as medicine, diagnostics, pharmacy, biomedical engineering and recently the field of computers. Dentistry is now an advanced field which plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the modern society.
Dentists perform a number of procedures aimed at diagnosing, treating and preventing the various diseases and conditions that affect the teeth, jaw and mouth. They also perform specialized procedures aimed at improving the appearance of the face. Here are some of the common procedures that dentists perform:
Cleaning: Cleaning procedures are performed to ensure that no food particles are stuck in the gaps between the teeth. When we eat food, food particles get trapped in the gaps of the teeth. These act as a breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria grow and secrete harmful acids destroy the layers of the teeth and form cavities. Dental cavities can be very painful and have to be treated immediately before total loss of teeth takes place. Cleaning procedures should be performed regularly, at least once in every few months.
Dental fillings: Dental fillings are a treatment option for dental caries. In dental fillings, metals such as gold, silver and amalgam are used. Dental fillings not only prevent pain, but also restore the normal functioning of the teeth.
Dentists also perform other specialized procedures such as dental veneers, implants, braces, etc. However these procedures are not performed by general dentists. These procedures have performed by specialists. [http://wearedentistry.com]Wearedentistry.com provides useful information on various dentistry related topics such as tips to find [http://wearedentistry.com/general-dentistry/dentist-dentists/how-the-dentist-helps-in-maintaining-healthy-teeth/]dentists, teeth makeovers, and oral health and hygiene.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-the-Role-of-the-Dentist-is-Crucial-in-Maintaining-Healthy-Teeth&id=4396188] Why the Role of the Dentist is Crucial in Maintaining Healthy Teeth
Can a Dentist and Porcelain Veneers Fix Your Smile?
Can a Dentist and Porcelain Veneers Fix Your Smile?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Chris_A._Harmen] Chris A. Harmen
Are you happy with your smile? Are your teeth chipped, stained, or discolored? Do you have a wide gap between your two front teeth? If you are not happy with your smile and you suffer from any of these dental problems, you may benefit from porcelain veneers, a dental procedure performed by a dentist in Miami Beach or by other numerous dentists around the country.
Porcelain Veneers
A porcelain veneer is tooth-colored ceramic porcelain. Shaped like a natural tooth, the veneer is adhered onto the surface of a tooth to cover up dental problems. The concept is simple, but a skilled and experienced dentist should complete the process. A dentist in Miami Beach can proficiently complete this procedure, usually finishing the entire Miami Beach veneers process in three office visits.
The ceramic used in Miami Beach veneers resembles natural tooth enamel. Light doesn't immediately reflect off natural teeth because they are actually translucent. Light partially penetrates through the inside of the tooth layer called the dentin. This translucency gives teeth their sparkle and luster. Porcelain veneers duplicate natural tooth enamel, giving you both a beautiful and natural looking smile.
How Will My Porcelain Veneers Look?
During your initial consultation where you discuss Miami Beach veneers and other dental options, many dentists, including a dentist in Miami Beach, can also provide you with cosmetic digital imaging. With digital imaging, you can see the end result of your dental procedure before actually having the procedure. Keep in mind that digital imaging is only a prediction of final results. Your real results may vary.
The Porcelain Veneer Procedure
After selecting a dentist in Miami Beach, or a dentist in your city, your first step is a consultation where you will make a plan for achieving your brand new smile. Consider the shape, size, and style of Miami Beach veneers that will work best for the shape of your face and size of your mouth to attain your desired smile.
During the first step of the actual procedure, the dentist removes a thin layer of tooth enamel so that the porcelain veneer fits naturally into your mouth. Then, the dentist will adhere a temporary veneer over each tooth so they are protected while a dental laboratory finishes your final Miami Beach veneers. Once your permanent veneers are ready, the dentist removes the temporary veneers, places the final permanent veneers, and you leave the office with the smile of your dreams.
Are Porcelain Veneers Costly?
The cost of veneers varies greatly, dependent upon several issues, but is generally around $700 to $2,000 per veneer. Keep longevity in mind when deciding upon porcelain veneers along with the attractiveness they provide. There are cheaper alternative treatments, but they don't typically last as long and they require frequent maintenance and costly repairs. A rel=nofollow [http://www.miamibeachdentistry.com/]dentist in Miami Beach can help you make the smartest decision to achieve the smile you desire.
About the Author: Christine O'Kelly is an author for Miami Beach Dental Institute, a Miami Beach dentist specializing in dental procedures and [http://www.miamibeachdentistry.com/veneers.php]Miami Beach veneers
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Can-a-Dentist-and-Porcelain-Veneers-Fix-Your-Smile?&id=1412564] Can a Dentist and Porcelain Veneers Fix Your Smile?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Chris_A._Harmen] Chris A. Harmen
Are you happy with your smile? Are your teeth chipped, stained, or discolored? Do you have a wide gap between your two front teeth? If you are not happy with your smile and you suffer from any of these dental problems, you may benefit from porcelain veneers, a dental procedure performed by a dentist in Miami Beach or by other numerous dentists around the country.
Porcelain Veneers
A porcelain veneer is tooth-colored ceramic porcelain. Shaped like a natural tooth, the veneer is adhered onto the surface of a tooth to cover up dental problems. The concept is simple, but a skilled and experienced dentist should complete the process. A dentist in Miami Beach can proficiently complete this procedure, usually finishing the entire Miami Beach veneers process in three office visits.
The ceramic used in Miami Beach veneers resembles natural tooth enamel. Light doesn't immediately reflect off natural teeth because they are actually translucent. Light partially penetrates through the inside of the tooth layer called the dentin. This translucency gives teeth their sparkle and luster. Porcelain veneers duplicate natural tooth enamel, giving you both a beautiful and natural looking smile.
How Will My Porcelain Veneers Look?
During your initial consultation where you discuss Miami Beach veneers and other dental options, many dentists, including a dentist in Miami Beach, can also provide you with cosmetic digital imaging. With digital imaging, you can see the end result of your dental procedure before actually having the procedure. Keep in mind that digital imaging is only a prediction of final results. Your real results may vary.
The Porcelain Veneer Procedure
After selecting a dentist in Miami Beach, or a dentist in your city, your first step is a consultation where you will make a plan for achieving your brand new smile. Consider the shape, size, and style of Miami Beach veneers that will work best for the shape of your face and size of your mouth to attain your desired smile.
During the first step of the actual procedure, the dentist removes a thin layer of tooth enamel so that the porcelain veneer fits naturally into your mouth. Then, the dentist will adhere a temporary veneer over each tooth so they are protected while a dental laboratory finishes your final Miami Beach veneers. Once your permanent veneers are ready, the dentist removes the temporary veneers, places the final permanent veneers, and you leave the office with the smile of your dreams.
Are Porcelain Veneers Costly?
The cost of veneers varies greatly, dependent upon several issues, but is generally around $700 to $2,000 per veneer. Keep longevity in mind when deciding upon porcelain veneers along with the attractiveness they provide. There are cheaper alternative treatments, but they don't typically last as long and they require frequent maintenance and costly repairs. A rel=nofollow [http://www.miamibeachdentistry.com/]dentist in Miami Beach can help you make the smartest decision to achieve the smile you desire.
About the Author: Christine O'Kelly is an author for Miami Beach Dental Institute, a Miami Beach dentist specializing in dental procedures and [http://www.miamibeachdentistry.com/veneers.php]Miami Beach veneers
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Can-a-Dentist-and-Porcelain-Veneers-Fix-Your-Smile?&id=1412564] Can a Dentist and Porcelain Veneers Fix Your Smile?
5 Simple Steps to Overcome Your Fear of Dentists
5 Simple Steps to Overcome Your Fear of Dentists
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Trevor_Johnson] Trevor Johnson
What steps can you take in overcoming fear of a dentist? This is a question I asked myself before walking in to my first ever dentist appointment. I had neglected to go my entire life, and finally the pain in my tooth was so bad that I couldn't even eat ice cream. My wisdom teeth had grown in completely crooked. It was a nasty sight, not to mention woefully painful. I needed to overcome my fear of a dentist before I ventured into the office, however. I was content to live with the pain before I let some alien-looking guy in a white coat shove his drill in my mouth.
The Five Best Steps to Overcoming Fear of a Dentist
Step 1: Find yourself a good recommendation. Part of the fear associated with a person's trip to the dentist has to do with your dentist being a complete stranger. There's no trust here. And there's also no way that some Johnny-come-lately is going to put things in your mouth. Overcoming fear of a dentist is difficult, but this is the first step in the right direction.
Step 2: Have a sit-down with the dentist. After you've found a highly recommended or family dentist, schedule an appointment to ask questions. Really, this is a chance for you to feel the dentist out and see if you trust him/her. Even still, don't neglect to ask questions associated with pain and recovery. Overcoming fear of a dentist depends on a step like this.
Step 3: Feel and own the fear! Tell him/her about how you're currently overcoming fear of a dentist, and hoping to completely own it before your visit. A good dentist will reassure you and help you along the way.
Step 4: Employ the buddy system. This might not be everyone's cup of tea, but in your overcoming fear of a dentist visit, you may want to bring someone in with you. Most likely, they won't be allowed in the office at the time of the procedure, but by having them there with you, it's another level of comfort that may very well help you fight the fear.
Step 5: Man up! This step is strictly for the guys out there - unless ladies can dig deep for the testosterone as well. Look, guys, all the little kids are going in and out of the dentist's office with their suckers and Styrofoam filled mouths; what's your problem? Overcoming fear of the dentist is something you should have done at 5-years-old, and the quicker you admit this to yourself, the better off you'll be.
No matter which method you choose, overcoming fear of the dentist is important. Taking care of bad teeth and gums right away is imperative - especially when you're an adult. Whether you need to sit down with the dentist or smack some sense into yourself, overcoming the fear needs to be done!
Get more tips to [http://www.squidoo.com/fearofdentist]overcome your fear of dentists here.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Simple-Steps-to-Overcome-Your-Fear-of-Dentists&id=1905909] 5 Simple Steps to Overcome Your Fear of Dentists
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Trevor_Johnson] Trevor Johnson
What steps can you take in overcoming fear of a dentist? This is a question I asked myself before walking in to my first ever dentist appointment. I had neglected to go my entire life, and finally the pain in my tooth was so bad that I couldn't even eat ice cream. My wisdom teeth had grown in completely crooked. It was a nasty sight, not to mention woefully painful. I needed to overcome my fear of a dentist before I ventured into the office, however. I was content to live with the pain before I let some alien-looking guy in a white coat shove his drill in my mouth.
The Five Best Steps to Overcoming Fear of a Dentist
Step 1: Find yourself a good recommendation. Part of the fear associated with a person's trip to the dentist has to do with your dentist being a complete stranger. There's no trust here. And there's also no way that some Johnny-come-lately is going to put things in your mouth. Overcoming fear of a dentist is difficult, but this is the first step in the right direction.
Step 2: Have a sit-down with the dentist. After you've found a highly recommended or family dentist, schedule an appointment to ask questions. Really, this is a chance for you to feel the dentist out and see if you trust him/her. Even still, don't neglect to ask questions associated with pain and recovery. Overcoming fear of a dentist depends on a step like this.
Step 3: Feel and own the fear! Tell him/her about how you're currently overcoming fear of a dentist, and hoping to completely own it before your visit. A good dentist will reassure you and help you along the way.
Step 4: Employ the buddy system. This might not be everyone's cup of tea, but in your overcoming fear of a dentist visit, you may want to bring someone in with you. Most likely, they won't be allowed in the office at the time of the procedure, but by having them there with you, it's another level of comfort that may very well help you fight the fear.
Step 5: Man up! This step is strictly for the guys out there - unless ladies can dig deep for the testosterone as well. Look, guys, all the little kids are going in and out of the dentist's office with their suckers and Styrofoam filled mouths; what's your problem? Overcoming fear of the dentist is something you should have done at 5-years-old, and the quicker you admit this to yourself, the better off you'll be.
No matter which method you choose, overcoming fear of the dentist is important. Taking care of bad teeth and gums right away is imperative - especially when you're an adult. Whether you need to sit down with the dentist or smack some sense into yourself, overcoming the fear needs to be done!
Get more tips to [http://www.squidoo.com/fearofdentist]overcome your fear of dentists here.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Simple-Steps-to-Overcome-Your-Fear-of-Dentists&id=1905909] 5 Simple Steps to Overcome Your Fear of Dentists
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Fear of the Dentist - How NOT to Treat a Child in the Dental Office
Fear of the Dentist - How NOT to Treat a Child in the Dental Office
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dr._Dennis_W._Bressack] Dr. Dennis W. Bressack
"You know too much", was the innocent response from my dentist's receptionist to the questions I asked my dentist about my own dental treatment. Her words were ringing in my ears for days. Telling readers to get information prior to treatment has always been a major focus of my articles. Yet, his hygienist had already caught me by surprise by doing an "unauthorized" fluoride treatment on my five-year-old. And, without my knowledge, the dentist had previously placed a formocresol-medicated cotton pellet into my tooth between root canal therapy visits. I was making an appointment to re-do a crown that had fallen out one month after it had been cemented. Attempting to increase the chances of success and decrease the possibility of another violation of my natural dental beliefs, I had merely been attempting to share my extensive crown and bridge experience.
For the first time I understood how intimidated patients must feel when trying to extract knowledge that they can understand from a health professional. Although dentists are required by law to explain treatment and receive "informed consent," these explanations are often too brief or too technical for the layperson to comprehend. After all, how many patients know what an MODBL is. (Incidentally, after our discussion, my dentist did not use formocresol again and became more open to my crown and bridge knowledge).
I was reminded of another incident in which my family and I personally experienced a dentist's training and philosophy replacing common sense and courtesy. My son, Justin, had four very small cavities. I felt that it would be better to take care of them while they were all still on one surface of the teeth. In the past I would have done the fillings myself, but, because I was retired from the practice of dentistry, we did what most parents would do with in this situation. Even though he was an hour's drive from Woodstock, we went to a recommended Pedodontist (children's dentist)
At the first visit, all the proper child introductory techniques were used. We personally prepared him by telling him about the dentist and what was going to happen. After watching videos in the waiting room, Justin, my wife and I were taken into a treatment room. The dental hygienist gave him a ride on the dental chair and showed him the mirror and explorer (tooth counter.) He had his teeth counted and cleaned and he was given a toothbrush and an appropriate toy for good behavior. The dentist came into the room and examined him. We talked about the probable need to use a local anesthetic to numb the teeth for the fillings and another appointment was made. Justin had been a terrific patient. During the ride home, he asked excitedly when he could go back to the dentist. I knew the first visit had been a success.
At the beginning of the second visit, my wife and I were handed a release form that would give the Pedodontist permission to restrain Justin in a papoose. I was not a specialist, but I did treat a lot of children while I was practicing. I never used a papoose. To me, it is like a straitjacket for children and should only be used in difficult situations with difficult children. We were then told that neither one of us would be allowed in the room while he was being treated, even though 1) we were in the room for the initial examination, 2) our son behaved so well, and 3) I was a dentist. As parents, we knew our son would be a better patient if he was not restrained and we were in the room. He was an adopted child who had lived in a crib in a Russian orphanage until he was thirteen months old. In the first week in our home, he jumped out of his crib and was never confined again. He had also been circumcised at eighteen months, ran around the hospital after the surgery was completed, earned the nickname "the mayor" from the nurses and did not skip a beat during his post-operative recovery.
We were flabbergasted. We felt that we had been deceived because we had not been informed of these parameters at the first visit. If we had been told of them, we never would have returned for treatment. He said that he could do more efficient treatment by doing all four fillings in one visit on a "harnessed" patient. He was not even willing to try treating Justin without a papoose or with either one of us in the room. After ten minutes of heated debate, we left the office right before they were about to restrain my hysterical wife in a papoose and throw us out.
A few weeks later, we took Justin to my dentist, a general practitioner with a good reputation for treating children. In four half-hour visits, he was able to do two fillings without, and two fillings with, local anesthetic. In twenty-five years of dentistry, which included treatment of many young children, I had never seen a better child patient. All Justin cared about was making sure that he got his plastic toy.
In defense of the Pedodontist, his education and training prepared him to handle the most difficult children, who are at times, untreatable without their advanced knowledge. He even had his legitimate reasons for routinely using a papoose on young children and not allowing the parents into the room. It is true that it could be unsafe if the child moves too quickly and touches the dentist's hand or instruments. The children and their parents always appreciate fewer visits and the Pedodontist always appreciates maximum income production per visit.
When I had my general practice in Middletown, NY, I treated a number of children. Some, however, were either just too young or too difficult for me to treat, so I did refer to Pedodontists in my area. In an emergency on a very young child or in situations when young children are very difficult to treat and there is no alternative, the papoose still has a place in dentistry. However, in my opinion, any impatience or laziness on the part of the dentist resulting in the routine use of the papoose to restrain a child based on age, speed of treatment or maximizing income per hour, or even decreasing the number of visits, without any attempt to treat the child unrestricted, is unacceptable in 2010 and even worse can produce a lifetime of dental scars for the child.
However, even if a papoose is ultimately necessary, the parents should be allowed in the room in most circumstances. Dentists were taught that by not allowing any parents into the room, the dentist replaces them as the authority figure. Therefore the child is more likely to listen to the dentist and be better behaved. In my experience, this separation is only acceptable in rare situations where the parents do not want to be in the room or are a detriment to a positive treatment environment. In most cases, parents are an asset. To think otherwise is ludicrous, as long as parents are coached before the visit and follow simple instructions:
Parents should allow the dentist to treat the child unimpeded.
If they speak, they should use calm, supportive, soft-spoken, reassuring language.
They should be encouraged to replace certain trigger words such as "hurt" or "pain" with "discomfort" and "injection" or "shot" with "feel a pinch."
Even though the child may move, cry or appear to be uncomfortable, the parents need to trust that the dentist is doing his or her best and allow them to continue.
The philosophy of "love, trust and patience" instead of "time is money" and the holistic belief that you don't just treat the teeth but the whole human being who is intimately connected to his parents, can result in successful dental experiences for most children. Often a traumatic dental experience, and I have played my part in some; can teach us a lot about ourselves. From these very personal and trying dental visits, I have learned that no matter how much knowledge and expertise you possess, you must still ask questions until you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. You can never know too much.
Addendum: For your information MODBL are the initials for the five surfaces or parts of a tooth. Mesial is the surface facing the front of the mouth, Occlusal is the part you chew on, Distal is the surface facing the back of the throat, Buccal faces the cheek and Lingual faces the tongue. This knowledge is useful because the number of surfaces very often determines the size of a filling and therefore the fee for the treatment.
It is common knowledge that fear of dentists and/or dental procedures is a major factor in why many people avoid regular dental care. It is also known that many dental issues have a deeper, subconscious, unresolved emotional cause.
Many people only go to the dentist during an emergency, and some of those people require pre-medication for those emergencies. Some people need drugs for routine dental care. The result can be detrimental, not only by setting the possible stage for more severe dental problems, but also by escalating the negative emotions these people already have around dental issues. This lifelong fear can affect anyone, and can be especially traumatic as a result of poor early childhood dental experiences.
My 3-DVD series called "Freedom From Dental Fears," presents a powerful and compelling look at how EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) can be used to help patients reduce their dental fears and phobias and help uncover and resolve long-standing issues. In individual one-hour sessions with four patients who had moderate to severe dental fears or phobias, an EFT Master, well known for his heart, compassion, insight and humor, gently guides them to reduce their emotions around their dental issues, and, as becomes obvious very quickly, so much more.
"Freedom From Dental Fears" is for use by people with any dental fear or phobia, EFT practitioners who want to see and learn from a true master at work, and anyone wishing to "Borrow Benefits" and simply tap along during these emotional and compelling sessions.
You can purchase the DVD set from Amazon or from my website, [http://www.freedomfromdentalfears.com/]http://www.freedomfromdentalfears.com/.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Fear-of-the-Dentist---How-NOT-to-Treat-a-Child-in-the-Dental-Office&id=3672963] Fear of the Dentist - How NOT to Treat a Child in the Dental Office
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dr._Dennis_W._Bressack] Dr. Dennis W. Bressack
"You know too much", was the innocent response from my dentist's receptionist to the questions I asked my dentist about my own dental treatment. Her words were ringing in my ears for days. Telling readers to get information prior to treatment has always been a major focus of my articles. Yet, his hygienist had already caught me by surprise by doing an "unauthorized" fluoride treatment on my five-year-old. And, without my knowledge, the dentist had previously placed a formocresol-medicated cotton pellet into my tooth between root canal therapy visits. I was making an appointment to re-do a crown that had fallen out one month after it had been cemented. Attempting to increase the chances of success and decrease the possibility of another violation of my natural dental beliefs, I had merely been attempting to share my extensive crown and bridge experience.
For the first time I understood how intimidated patients must feel when trying to extract knowledge that they can understand from a health professional. Although dentists are required by law to explain treatment and receive "informed consent," these explanations are often too brief or too technical for the layperson to comprehend. After all, how many patients know what an MODBL is. (Incidentally, after our discussion, my dentist did not use formocresol again and became more open to my crown and bridge knowledge).
I was reminded of another incident in which my family and I personally experienced a dentist's training and philosophy replacing common sense and courtesy. My son, Justin, had four very small cavities. I felt that it would be better to take care of them while they were all still on one surface of the teeth. In the past I would have done the fillings myself, but, because I was retired from the practice of dentistry, we did what most parents would do with in this situation. Even though he was an hour's drive from Woodstock, we went to a recommended Pedodontist (children's dentist)
At the first visit, all the proper child introductory techniques were used. We personally prepared him by telling him about the dentist and what was going to happen. After watching videos in the waiting room, Justin, my wife and I were taken into a treatment room. The dental hygienist gave him a ride on the dental chair and showed him the mirror and explorer (tooth counter.) He had his teeth counted and cleaned and he was given a toothbrush and an appropriate toy for good behavior. The dentist came into the room and examined him. We talked about the probable need to use a local anesthetic to numb the teeth for the fillings and another appointment was made. Justin had been a terrific patient. During the ride home, he asked excitedly when he could go back to the dentist. I knew the first visit had been a success.
At the beginning of the second visit, my wife and I were handed a release form that would give the Pedodontist permission to restrain Justin in a papoose. I was not a specialist, but I did treat a lot of children while I was practicing. I never used a papoose. To me, it is like a straitjacket for children and should only be used in difficult situations with difficult children. We were then told that neither one of us would be allowed in the room while he was being treated, even though 1) we were in the room for the initial examination, 2) our son behaved so well, and 3) I was a dentist. As parents, we knew our son would be a better patient if he was not restrained and we were in the room. He was an adopted child who had lived in a crib in a Russian orphanage until he was thirteen months old. In the first week in our home, he jumped out of his crib and was never confined again. He had also been circumcised at eighteen months, ran around the hospital after the surgery was completed, earned the nickname "the mayor" from the nurses and did not skip a beat during his post-operative recovery.
We were flabbergasted. We felt that we had been deceived because we had not been informed of these parameters at the first visit. If we had been told of them, we never would have returned for treatment. He said that he could do more efficient treatment by doing all four fillings in one visit on a "harnessed" patient. He was not even willing to try treating Justin without a papoose or with either one of us in the room. After ten minutes of heated debate, we left the office right before they were about to restrain my hysterical wife in a papoose and throw us out.
A few weeks later, we took Justin to my dentist, a general practitioner with a good reputation for treating children. In four half-hour visits, he was able to do two fillings without, and two fillings with, local anesthetic. In twenty-five years of dentistry, which included treatment of many young children, I had never seen a better child patient. All Justin cared about was making sure that he got his plastic toy.
In defense of the Pedodontist, his education and training prepared him to handle the most difficult children, who are at times, untreatable without their advanced knowledge. He even had his legitimate reasons for routinely using a papoose on young children and not allowing the parents into the room. It is true that it could be unsafe if the child moves too quickly and touches the dentist's hand or instruments. The children and their parents always appreciate fewer visits and the Pedodontist always appreciates maximum income production per visit.
When I had my general practice in Middletown, NY, I treated a number of children. Some, however, were either just too young or too difficult for me to treat, so I did refer to Pedodontists in my area. In an emergency on a very young child or in situations when young children are very difficult to treat and there is no alternative, the papoose still has a place in dentistry. However, in my opinion, any impatience or laziness on the part of the dentist resulting in the routine use of the papoose to restrain a child based on age, speed of treatment or maximizing income per hour, or even decreasing the number of visits, without any attempt to treat the child unrestricted, is unacceptable in 2010 and even worse can produce a lifetime of dental scars for the child.
However, even if a papoose is ultimately necessary, the parents should be allowed in the room in most circumstances. Dentists were taught that by not allowing any parents into the room, the dentist replaces them as the authority figure. Therefore the child is more likely to listen to the dentist and be better behaved. In my experience, this separation is only acceptable in rare situations where the parents do not want to be in the room or are a detriment to a positive treatment environment. In most cases, parents are an asset. To think otherwise is ludicrous, as long as parents are coached before the visit and follow simple instructions:
Parents should allow the dentist to treat the child unimpeded.
If they speak, they should use calm, supportive, soft-spoken, reassuring language.
They should be encouraged to replace certain trigger words such as "hurt" or "pain" with "discomfort" and "injection" or "shot" with "feel a pinch."
Even though the child may move, cry or appear to be uncomfortable, the parents need to trust that the dentist is doing his or her best and allow them to continue.
The philosophy of "love, trust and patience" instead of "time is money" and the holistic belief that you don't just treat the teeth but the whole human being who is intimately connected to his parents, can result in successful dental experiences for most children. Often a traumatic dental experience, and I have played my part in some; can teach us a lot about ourselves. From these very personal and trying dental visits, I have learned that no matter how much knowledge and expertise you possess, you must still ask questions until you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. You can never know too much.
Addendum: For your information MODBL are the initials for the five surfaces or parts of a tooth. Mesial is the surface facing the front of the mouth, Occlusal is the part you chew on, Distal is the surface facing the back of the throat, Buccal faces the cheek and Lingual faces the tongue. This knowledge is useful because the number of surfaces very often determines the size of a filling and therefore the fee for the treatment.
It is common knowledge that fear of dentists and/or dental procedures is a major factor in why many people avoid regular dental care. It is also known that many dental issues have a deeper, subconscious, unresolved emotional cause.
Many people only go to the dentist during an emergency, and some of those people require pre-medication for those emergencies. Some people need drugs for routine dental care. The result can be detrimental, not only by setting the possible stage for more severe dental problems, but also by escalating the negative emotions these people already have around dental issues. This lifelong fear can affect anyone, and can be especially traumatic as a result of poor early childhood dental experiences.
My 3-DVD series called "Freedom From Dental Fears," presents a powerful and compelling look at how EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) can be used to help patients reduce their dental fears and phobias and help uncover and resolve long-standing issues. In individual one-hour sessions with four patients who had moderate to severe dental fears or phobias, an EFT Master, well known for his heart, compassion, insight and humor, gently guides them to reduce their emotions around their dental issues, and, as becomes obvious very quickly, so much more.
"Freedom From Dental Fears" is for use by people with any dental fear or phobia, EFT practitioners who want to see and learn from a true master at work, and anyone wishing to "Borrow Benefits" and simply tap along during these emotional and compelling sessions.
You can purchase the DVD set from Amazon or from my website, [http://www.freedomfromdentalfears.com/]http://www.freedomfromdentalfears.com/.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Fear-of-the-Dentist---How-NOT-to-Treat-a-Child-in-the-Dental-Office&id=3672963] Fear of the Dentist - How NOT to Treat a Child in the Dental Office
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)