Posts Tagged ‘cosmetic dentistry’

People cashing in their teeth

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

For years, people with bad teeth have invested in fillings made of gold. Now with the price of gold through the roof, people are realizing that practice has brought a whole new meaning to the phrase “putting your money where your mouth is.”

At least two business people in Hannibal who regularly purchase gold report that people are walking into their businesses with gold fillings to convert to cash.

“We get teeth every day. It’s not odd,” said Bobby Heiser, owner of Crescent Jewelry. “People that have their old crowns, they’re worth a lot because they’re like 16 carats. I’ve had people bring complete bridges in, even with the teeth. I don’t pay as much if I have to take the teeth out. That’s not pleasant.”

“We get gold teeth in and we buy them, believe it or not,” said Lori Maddox, owner of Rags to Riches Pawn, adding that in addition to teeth, she’s also seen gold-laden mouth “grills,” which are a type of jewelry worn over teeth.

Some individuals retain their gold fillings through the end of their life. But what then? Can family members ask to remove the gold from a deceased family member’s mouth before they are laid to rest?

“We’ve actually been asked that question before,” said James O’Donnell of the James O’Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal.

In years past, O’Donnell says the amount of gold was not worth the expense of bringing in a dentist to professionally remove the precious metal. But now that gold is trading at over $1,100 an ounce, O’Donnell acknowledges that “it doesn’t take too much (gold) to add up to a lot.”

“If the family asked for that (gold extraction), we would arrange it, but just as with everything else we do, we would have it done in a professional, dignified manner,” he said.

O’Donnell adds that survivors don’t have to worry about gold being removed from loved ones without their permission.

“It is absolutely always buried with the person like jewelry or anything else,” he said.
By DANNY HENLEY

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The Dental Laser Changes Gum Disease Treatment

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

By Tony Mandarich

Laser technology has revolutionized medical treatment. Lasers are now used routinely throughout healthcare. In the dental field, LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure), has created an attractive option for patients suffering with gum disease (periodontal disease).

Developed by Dr. Robert H. Gregg II and Dr. Delwin McCarthy of Cerritos, California, LANAP has proven to be an attractive option for gum disease treatment. Unlike traditional gum surgery, LANAP is is completely non-invasive. Traditional gum surgery requires surgical cutting and scaling back of the gums for treatment. In addition traditional surgery surgical stitches are applied in the patient’s mouth. During LANAP, the dentist or periodontist utilizes a dental laser (The Periolase MVP-7, Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc) to gently “zap” gum disease with no cutting and no stitches.

According to Dr. Bruce Nelson, a dentist and LANAP practitioner, the difference between LANAP and traditional methods is remarkable. Dr. Nelson said, “With traditional gum surgery healing time was very slow, often taking weeks or months. With LANAP there is virtually no recovery time.” Dr. Nicholas Meyer, another LANAP practitioner concurs, “With LANAP, the patient experiences little or no bleeding. Any discomfort is minimal and very short term.”

The LANAP science is constantly evolving and improving based largely on the work of Raymond A. Yukio of the University of Colorado (formerly, Louisiana State University). Dr. Yukio has provided the statistical evidence proving the procedure’s validity. The LANAP protocol is FDA approved and the Periolase laser is FDA cleared. The procedure has been proven safe, effective, and predictable for thousands of patients throughout the United States.

As might be expected, LANAP is very popular with patients. “It was love at first sight.” Said a LANAP patient. “It (LANAP) didn’t hurt. It’s just great. My teeth came out nice.” She said flashing a smile. Another LANAP patient echoed her sentiment. “I’m really glad I had it done. It was virtually the best thing I’ve ever done for my mouth…because I don’t have any problems anymore.”

A big benefit of LANAP is it’s very short recovery time. Many patients report returning to their daily activities the same day they have the procedure. This is in marked contrast to traditional gum surgery which may require weeks or months to heal.

Since it is so patient friendly, the LANAP procedure also works to reduce patient anxiety about the treatment. “Many patients who are diagnosed with gum disease refuse to have it treated because of fear.” Said LANAP practitioner, Dr. Bruce LaChot. According to Dr. LaChot, this fear of perceived pain and discomfort, not to mention the inconvenience of time off work, has caused many to procrastinate on badly needed treatment. “Now with LANAP, they can relax it really reduces a patient’s anxiety.” He said.

Typically, LANAP is less expensive than traditional gum surgery. Costs, however, do vary depending on the extent of gum disease and the individual LANAP practitioner. LANAP is available throughout the United States, and, most large or medium cities have at least one or two [http://www.ameridontics.com/meet.htm]LANAP practitioners. [http://www.ameridontics.com]Laser Gum Surgery

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Benefits of Invisalign Orthodontics

Sunday, June 21st, 2009

At many of the best dentists practices, invisalign has become the prevalent method for correcting misaligned teeth in adults. In the past, if a person was not born with perfectly straight teeth, the only way to achieve the alignment was with bulky metal hardware. the invisalign sidesteps the bulky hardware for a more streamlined orthodontic-correction method.

The invisalign treatment takes the straightening benefits of traditional braces but doesn’t involve all the wire, rubber, and metal. The orthodontic tooth movement is instead achieved by using a set of clear, almost invisible, plastic aligners that gradually straighten a patient’s smile.

At the best dentists offices, getting started with invisalign orthodontics is really simple. After an initial consultation with one of the dentists, patients learn if he or she is a qualified candidate. If qualified, impressions are taken. These are followed by computerized, digital radiographs and photographs. These records are then compiled and a 3-D image of the mouth is created on the computer.

In a subsequent computerized consultation, patients are able to view their current tooth position; learn how invisalign treatment will correct their misalignment over time; and ultimately”see what their orthodontic results will be when treatment is complete. From here, patients can discuss and set a treatment plan and time-frame with their dentist.

The dentistry experts offer the initial invisalign consultation at no charge. They believe it is so important for patients to explore all their treatment options and they feel that this consultation is the best avenue to discuss the optimal treatment for oral alignment correction and the possibility of using invisalign orthodontics.

Patients receive new trays for the upper and lower row of teeth every other week from their dentist, and each new set gradually moves their crooked teeth to a beautiful, straight smile. Whether suffering from crowded or spaced teeth, a cross bite, overbite, under bite, or virtually any other orthodontic disorder, invisalign can correct the malady and put patients on the road to a happier, healthier smile

The dentists’ offices have been treating patients with misaligned teeth since 2004. The invisalign is one of their favorite procedures because the treatment is easy for the patient, it doesn’t involve bulky metal hardware. Plus, they love the outcome.

In addition to the benefit of using clear, almost invisible, trays for straightening, patients really appreciate the ability to take the trays out of their mouth for eating and cleaning their teeth. And, most cases can go from crooked to straight in less than a year!

Dentists like to send before and after pictures of patients’ smiles. It’s just amazing the difference a smile can make. It’s not only the teeth that change. Many times patients’ eyes sparkle a little more and they are smiling a little bigger. They are proud of their smiles. It’s awesome to experience how a patient’s straight teeth can have such a positive influence to their self-esteem.

Besides boosting patients’ self-esteem, invisalign is gentler on the mouth than other orthodontic methods. The invisalign uses a hardened plastic that molds to the teeth, whereas braces require metal brackets to be cemented to the teeth. The harsh metals often cause irritation and cuts on the soft tissue of the gums and inner mouth. Of course some discomfort is regular when moving teeth, but, with invisalign, cuts and irritations of the mouth are minimal.

If you would like more information on invisalign, or you would like more information on the Ozark dental practice Barnett-Davis Dental Group, please call for a free consultation: (417) 581-3600.

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Dental Crown Placement: It’s Easier Than You Think

Saturday, May 16th, 2009

Imagine having something slightly more complicated than a cavity, and its only solution is a dental crown. However, before you get too upset, consider that placement of a dental crown really isn’t that bad. In fact, it’s just one of the many things that cosmetic dentists do well.

What Does Crown Placement Involve?

Crowns are used to repair severely damaged teeth that are cracked, chipped, or otherwise broken.

Obtaining a crown means you’ll need two dental visits. During the first visit, your dentist will examine your tooth and ready it for the crown. The second visit centers on crown placement.

Visit one will involve x-rays of the affected tooth and gum to determine the extent of decay. Sometimes a crown may not be sufficient. In this case you will typically receive another procedure, the dreaded root canal. If a crown is indeed your solution, your dentist will begin by filing away the tooth’s decayed portion.

Next, your dentist will create an impression of the tooth using paste or putty. They will provide a protective temporary crown for use while your permanent crown is fashioned, a process that typically takes two to three weeks. These days, crowns are usually made out of porcelain. Porcelain resembles the texture and the color of natural teeth and is built to last a long time. However, this isn’t the only type of crown. The most frequently used materials for dental crowns are:

  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal

  • All-porcelain

  • Gold

During visit two, your dentist will place your permanent crown.

Waiting for Your Permanent Crown

During the waiting period, go easy on your temporary crown:

  • Don’t floss your teeth in an upward motion – move side-to-side instead.

  • Avoid “sticky” foods, such as gum and caramel.

  • Avoid chewing hard foods, such as raw carrots.

  • Chew mainly on the side of your mouth without the crown.

Problems

Once your permanent crown is placed, difficulties occasionally follow, both immediate and longer term. Most are easily remedied. Typical issues include:

· Sensitivity to hot and cold – A toothpaste for sensitive teeth may be recommended

· Pain from a too-high bite – This can be rapidly corrected at your dentist’s office

· Chipped crown – A composite resin can sometimes easily repair a chipped crown depending on the extent of the chip

· Crown falls off – Take good care of the loose crown; your dentist may be able to reseat it

· Allergic reaction to crown – Very rarely, patients allergic to the porcelain or metal used to make the crown

With good dental hygiene and lack of excessive wear from tooth-grinding, ice-chewing, or other things, a crown should last between five and 15 years.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/dental-crown-placement-its-easier-than-you-think-460532.html

About the Author:

If you feel that replacing your damaged teeth with a crown or crowns is a good option for you and you are in the Dallas, Highland Park, Plano, or Fort Worth, Texas area, please contact Dr. Daniel Strader at Dallas Designer Smiles.

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Finding a New Dentist

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

Dentistry has gotten complicated over the past several decades. There are nine areas of specialty, fillings are no longer the norm, and preventive care is as important as repair and replacement. The end result is that choosing a dentist has become an important decision. The good news is that with the assistance of the Internet you’re in a better position to make an informed decision than you have ever been.

Step #1: Ask for a referral. The best place to start your search for a dentist is with your primary care physician. Ask them for several names of dentists that they recommend. However, be careful and don’t stop your research here, what they think is a good dentist is limited to their experience and the information that they have received from others. Friends and family is another source for a referral, but again be cautious, you don’t always know how much research they did to fine their favorite dentist.

Step #2: Look for education and specialty. In all service professions, particularly medical professions, education is of primary importance. A doctor of dentistry is a degree program after receiving an undergraduate bachelor’s degree in science. You want to find a dentist that has continued their education. There are 9 areas of dental specialty:

• Dental public health (dental epidemiology and social health policies),
• Endodontics (root canal therapy and study of diseases of the dental pulp),
• Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (diagnosis, and sometimes the treatment of oral and maxillofacial related diseases),
• Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (\ radiologic interpretation of oral and maxillofacial diseases),
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (extractions, implants, and facial surgery),
• Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics (straightening of teeth and modification of midface and mandibular growth),
• Periodontics (study and treatment of diseases of the periodontium (non-surgical and surgical), and placement and maintenance of dental implants),
• Pediatric dentistry (dentistry for children),
• Prosthodontics (dentures, bridges and the restoration of implants.)
As in other professions Board Certification is an indication that the dentist has continued to stay on top of the information and techniques that are at the cutting edge of the dentistry profession.

Ask your potential dentist some questions about their education and training:
• What dental school did you graduate from?
• What is your undergraduate degree in and from what university?
• How many years have you been practicing as a dentist?
• Have you done any post-graduate work?
• Are you board certified?
• What is your specialty?

Step #3: Research your potential dentist’s standing in their profession. It’s easy to go to the American Dental Association website and do a search by name, city, state or zip code or by specialty to find out if the dentist that you are considering is in good standing. They have 159,000 members so you will be able to compile a list of dentists in your areas by specialty. You can then find a list of those dentists that have been Board Certified as well as have been recognized as the best of their profession on www.BestofUS.com.

Step #4: Use the Internet. The Internet is a tremendous resource to get you up to speed if you have a particular condition. Find out the latest treatments for your condition, find out the details of what is going on in your mouth, understand the terminology used so that you can ask pertinent questions as well as understand what you are being told. Research your potential dentist; find out what other people are saying about them. Find out if they write papers, articles or books on their area of specialty. Find out if they are sought out by their peers as a speaker or educator. Find out if they have been recognized by the media and their peers as the best in their profession. The Internet gives you the opportunity to make an informed decision; use it.

If you’d like a starting point for finding the best dentists in your community start your search on www.BestofUS.com. This website lists the best of class in ten professions, doctors, lawyers, dentists, financial advisors, chiropractors, physical therapists, accountants, mortgage brokers, real estate agents and veterinarians. Best of the United States LLC searches for the best educated, most peer recognized, and most industry recognized authorities in each of the professions. Listed professionals cannot pay to be included on the BestofUS listing. BestofUS.com is the most complete listing of the best professionals on the Internet.

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How to Find the Best Dentists in Your City

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

We are accepting articles on the following topics:
• Denial hygiene
• Finding the best dentists
• Dental and gun disease
• Teeth whiteners
• Other dental related topics

Contact Kerry at kj@BestofUs.com
Visit BestofUS.com to learn more about The Best of the U.S. LLC

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