Zirconia Crown and Bridge Replacement

Subtle changes can have powerful effects in cosmetic dentistry! Check out the crowns and bridge patient's before photos. The opaque shade and rounded features gave these teeth a definite "chiclet" appearance. Additionally, gum recession had left the teeth with dark lines surrounding their bases that contrasted with the white porcelain. By working with the Opus One Dental Laboratory, we were able to create new crowns with more lifelike shape and translucency. Even with similar color shades, the new crowns/bridge look infinitely more natural and beautiful in this patient's mouth. 

If you would like to know more about the amazing transformations we can achieve with crowns, bridges, implants and veneers, give our office a call. We specialize in providing the highest quality dentistry with a personal touch. Come see what Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry can do for you!

Dentistry and Diabetes

Across the United States, about 30 Million people suffer from type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Chances are a friend, a family member or even you yourself are affected by this condition. Most patients are familiar with the general process of diabetes: your body either doesn't make enough insulin or responds to insulin improperly, leading to high amounts of sugar in the blood (known as high blood glucose). However, diabetes has global effects on all parts of the body, ranging from the heart, muscles, limbs and even the mouth. In this article we would like to explore the relationship between diabetes and dentistry. Take a look!

As you may have expected, poorly controlled diabetes has a negative effect on your teeth and gum. On the very surface, the root cause of type 2 diabetes (over consumption of sugar) is the same as dental decay. However, while diabetes comes from the quantity of sugar, cavities are caused by the duration of consumption. Diabetes also has a significant effect on the health of the gums and bones. Periodontal disease is typically worse in patients with diabetes, and has a poorer response to cleanings. Additionally, all types of surgeries (gum grafts, implants, sinus lifts, etc.) take longer to heal and have a higher chance of failure. The high concentration of blood glucose decreases the bodies ability to self-heal, and thus interferes with the procedure's success. 

In an interesting turn, new research suggests that controlling periodontal disease has a positive effect on managing blood glucose in diabetics. It is though that by removing the chronic inflammation from your gum tissues, your body can better regulate it's response to inulin. This has had a profound effect on the management of diabetes and highlights the interplay between your mouth and your overall health. Some insurance companies, like Blue Cross Blue Shield, are now offering coverage for an additional yearly cleaning to their patients with diabetes. For them, better gum health results in better diabetes control and lower costs. For you, it means an easier path towards a healthy blood sugar level!

Of course, diabetes is only one of many conditions that has a delicate interplay with dentistry. Pregnancy, smoking, cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS and even stress can effect your dental treatment and how your body will respond. This highlights the importance of keeping us updated on all aspects of your health history- even the parts that seem irrelevant. If you would like to know more about the importance of dentistry in overall health, please contact our office!

We Want Your Candy, But Don't Worry It Is For a Good Cause

This Halloween local trick-or-treaters will join kids across the nation when they bring their Halloween candy and handwritten letters of gratitude to Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry.  The goodies will be shipped to Operation Gratitude for inclusion in care packages to U.S. Service Members deployed overseas in harm's way and to First Responders serving here at home.  Dr. Kari Ann Hong and staff are proud to participate in the Operation Gratitude Halloween GIVE-Back Program to reduce excess sugar consumption, prevent dental decay, and teach children the importance of saying "Thank you" to all who serve. 

What to Expect When Your Baby is Teething

This post comes courtesy of the American Dental Association's Mouth Healthy blog.  The original article can be found here. Enjoy!

Teething can be a very stressful time for parents between fussy daytime hours and restless nights. For better or for worse, it is a necessary, natural and healthy process of childhood development. Babies have twenty primary teeth that start coming in at about 6-12 months and finish at about three years of age. During this time, irritability, poor sleep, loss of appetite and increased drooling are common. Fever, rash and diarrhea are not normal signs and need to be evaluated by a pediatrician.

To sooth a teething baby, you might be tempted to try a anesthetic gel like Orajel or Orabase. These products may provide temporary relief, but pose a risk of inducing a rare but fatal condition known as methemoglobinemia. Rather, try gently rubbing your clean finger, a cold spoon or a piece of gauze over the irritated gums. You can also use a teething ring to alleviate some pain. This age range is a critical period for your child to become inoculated with decay causing bacteria, so make sure whatever you use is cleaned and not shared between family members or siblings. 

We know that caring for an infant is a true labor of love. If you ever have any questions about your child's dental needs, development or expectations, please give our office a call! 

Fall Festivals, Winter Parties and Dental Woes

The next three months will be marked by office parties, fun sized candy bars and indulgent meals with your friends and loved ones. For many of us, this can also be a stressful time between end-of-year obligations and hosting family gatherings. Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry wants to take a moment to remind our patients about the risks posed during these fall/winter months, and how to manage them. Remember, it only takes a few easy changes to protect your teeth and save yourself from future dental headaches. 

Firstly, avoid marathon meals and snack sessions. Does that bowl of halloween candy call to you at all hours of the day? Every time we eat or drink anything other than water, our mouths become acidic enough to demineralize enamel for thirty minutes. If you eat one candy bar every half hour, your teeth would spend the whole day in this softened state. Likewise, the classic 4pm to 9pm holiday meals have the exact same effect. Minimize your risks by paying attention to the duration over which you are eating. By limiting yourself to three meals a day with light sugar/carb free snacks in between, you give you saliva a chance to use its natural remineralizing powers. 

Another way to avoid dental troubles this holiday season is to stay hydrated with water. When the thermometer drops, we often gravitate towards teas, coffees and other warm beverages. Unfortunately, these are often acidic, sugary and sipped over a long period of time. This creates a perfect storm for cavities and damaged enamel. Try to swap out some of your favorite fall/winter drinks for an old fashioned glass of water. This small change spares your teeth from demineralization, provides a rinsing effect and (if you are drinking tap water in Southern California) provides a beneficial dose of fluoride. Its a win-win-win!

Finally, make sure to take care of yourself! As the days get shorter and the calendars get more full, it becomes easy to forget the basics. Make sure to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day. Additionally, don't ignore your regular dental cleanings and exams! It can make a huge difference in the longevity and comfort of your teeth. If you would like to know more about how to keep your teeth healthy this fall/winter season or schedule an exam, please give our office a call!

Case Presentation: Cosmetic Veneer Transformation!

Check out this awesome veneer transformation! This patient came to us with anterior teeth that were cosmetically compromised but structurally sound. The patient's left lateral incisor had an aging composite filling, the two central incisors were chipped and all the teeth had uneven staining and decalcification. In cases like this, we like to use zirconia veneers to enhance aesthetics while altering the original tooth as little as possible. 

Teeth are prepared for veneers by removing a small amount of enamel to compensate for the new dimension of zirconia. Once the teeth are prepared, impressions are taken and sent to our lab. You will spend two weeks in temporary veneers while the technicians hone in the ideal dimensions and shade to match your other teeth. The result, as seen above, is a beautiful transformation that looks entirely natural. Modern veneers can make you look younger and create a more vibrant smile with minimal changes to your existing teeth. If you would like to know more about veneers, how we place them and why we use them, please give our office a call!

Dental Implants: Our Office Policies

Without a doubt, implants are the newest and biggest trend in the dental profession. Never before have dentists been able to replace teeth so easily without dentures or bridges. Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry is at the forefront of implant treatment, offering tried and true techniques and procedures. As such, we would like to take a moment to inform our patients of how our office handles implant treatments.

A dental implant essentially consists of three parts: the titanium screw that sits in your bone. the "abutment" that extends above the gum line and the crown that is cemented or screwed to the abutment. At out office, we typically have one of our specialists place the implant screw. They bring years of knowledge and expertise to the procedure, along with advanced technology like Cone Beam CT scanners. All of this allows them to get better results in more difficult areas. Our specialists use Swiss made Straumann implants, which utilize the highest quality components and materials available. We don't want to take any chances with a procedure as sensitive as implant therapy.

After the implant screw is placed, it generally takes three to four months for the bones and gums to heal. In the meantime, we can offer you a temporary denture called a "stay plate" or "flipper" to fill in the missing space. Once the implant is fully integrated, it generally takes two appointments three week apart for us to take an impression and for our lab to create the final crown. While the process is long, implants are the ideal treatment for replacing lost teeth. We avoid having to alter adjacent teeth (as with a bridge) and there is no need for a removable appliance (as with dentures). It truly functions like the tooth that was there before. 

Does our office ever place our own implants in-house? We do, but only in specific cases. Firstly, we do not accept new patients solely to place implants (you must be a patient of record). You must also be healthy, have adequate height/width of bone and only need a single implant. For these patients, we can place implants replacing posterior teeth (molars and premolars). Any case that violates these parameters deserves the expertise and attention of a dental specialist. 

At Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry, we are ready and excited to handle your implant treatment. The first step is an evaluation to check your teeth and discuss options. If you would like to schedule this exam or learn more about implant dentistry, please give our office a call! 

Dental School

For many students, dental school provides the most challenging, humbling and stressful academic experiences of their lives. At the same time, it can be extremely rewarding to watch yourself transition into a practicing clinician. Somewhere between the lectures, tests, patient encounters and graduation requirements lies a special mixture that gives you the right to go by the title "doctor." 

Like medical school, most dental schools are four year programs split between traditional classroom learning and clinical experience. Dentists-in-training take classes that cover the entire human body- not just the teeth. This lays a foundation for treating patients with all types of medical conditions, disabilities and special needs. Furthermore, the first two years of dental school always have a patient simulation component. Here, students work on mannequins in a lab to learn the basics of removing cavities, placing crowns and other dental procedures. One of the biggest challenges during this time is balancing studying, lab courses and your own personal time. 

However, the most daunting challenge in dental school (and any health education program) is transitioning to the clinical years. Treating actual patients comes with huge psychological, emotional and educational hurdles. No amount of training can prepare you for the reality of being responsible for another human being's health. As students treat patients, they are very closely monitored by school faculty. While this ensures patient safety, it can also make the appointments much longer than private practice. If you are planning on being seen by a dental student, be prepared to wait!

Beyond dental school, many students elect to attend a residency program. These can range from one year (general practice residency) to six years (DDS/MD oral surgery programs). Here, students learn more advanced techniques and get experience practicing on medically compromised patients. After residency, license renewal requires dentists to take frequent continuing education classes. These courses cover everything from clinical refreshers to cosmetics and even surgical techniques. The educational process never stops! If you would like to know more about what it takes to become a dentist, feel free to give our office a call.  

Dental Questions: Can I Overbrush My Teeth?

Does your toothbrush get used five times a day? Are you constantly following your lunch hour with a stop to clean your pearly whites? Contrary to popular belief, there is such thing as too much brushing. Read on to find out why you might want to change your habits!

The ADA recommends using a toothbrush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, along with daily flossing. Brushing once in the morning and once at night is generally sufficient to keep bacteria at bay and ward off cavities and gum problems. However, many patients feel more comfortable supplementing this with a quick brush after each meal. To understand why this is a problem, it is important to know how tooth decay works. Every time we eat or drink anything other than water, our mouths become acidic for a 30 minute period. If you brush your teeth right after eating, you are basically taking a surface softened by acid and rubbing it down with sand paper. Over time, this can wear away tooth structure and slowly lead to new cavities. For this same reason, many dentists recommend brushing your teeth in the morning before breakfast.

Naturally, using your tooth brush occasionally after meals to clear out sticky or stringy food is not a problem. If you want to add something to your daily routine to clean your teeth after meals, there are still a number of great options. You can always swish with fluoridated water for a quick and easy clean. To get food out of the grooves and pits of teeth, consider chewing a stick of xylitol gum. Finally, try modifying the order that you eat foods to self-clean your mouth. Hard, moist fruits and veggies like apples, celery, and carrots will naturally dislodge sticky carbs like cookies and crackers. If you would like more information on keeping your teeth in top shape, feel free to contact our office!

As an aside, you can also brush your teeth too hard! Habitually aggressive brushers usually present with distinct patterns of abrasion and gum recession. To best prevent this, use a light touch while brushing (lighter than you think!). Additionally, many electric toothbrushes now come with built in pressure sensors to take the guesswork out of brushing force.

Case Presentation: ZOOM Whitening

Take a look at the dramatic change we achieved in this patient using the ZOOM Whitening products. Can you believe this transformation only took a single office visit?

At a typical ZOOM appointment, we start by quickly polishing the teeth to remove any surface staining. Then, a special material is applied to the gums surrounding the teeth to protect them from the bleaching gel. The actual "bleach" is a special formulation of peroxide that is activated using the ZOOM light. The entire session takes about an hour and a half where you can relax, listen to Pandora music, watch cable TV or catch up on your favorite Netflix series! If you would like to know more about your bleaching options or to schedule a ZOOM appointment for yourself, please call or email our office.