Using Dental Instruments at Home

With the rise of online marketplaces like Amazon and Ebay, many previously hard-to-find products are now readily available to purchase. Dentistry is no exception, with many options to buy professional cleaning instruments like scalers. Often listed as scrapers, tartar removers and hygiene tools, these items look identical to the ones used in the dental office. Are they safe to use at home? That's another story entirely. Read on for the complete answer!

In short, the only people that should be using hand scalers, polishing cups or other tooth cleaning instruments are licensed dental professionals. Many of these devices are technique sensitive and their misuse can lead to extensive damage to the gums and teeth. It is surprisingly easy to cut off gum tissue (that won't grow back), or chip away healthy enamel (leading to sensitivity). Furthermore, there is no way of knowing if the instruments you are using were made with quality materials. Porous metals can harbor bacteria or even break during use. Imagine the horror of having the tip of your scaler break off below your gumline!

Your best bet in keeping tartar off of your teeth is by brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing daily. This regimen causes you to break up plaque deposits before they can harden into stubborn calculus. Regular dental cleanings will help ensure that you are keeping on top of your dental hygiene and allow us to clean your teeth in a hygenic and professional environment. Call us today to schedule your yearly exam and dental cleaning!

Wisdom Teeth

For most patients, wisdom teeth represent something between a minor inconvenience and a major headache. Otherwise known as third molars, they usually erupt around the age of eighteen, though the exact time frame is variable. They are the most commonly congenitally missing tooth, with many patients having three, two or none. Wisdom teeth also commonly exhibit abnormal anatomy, such as extra cusps or small size.

The most common problem associated with wisdom teeth is impacted eruption. Here, as the molars erupt they contact the adjacent teeth, preventing them from growing into their anatomically correct positions. This becomes a problem as they create cavity prone food traps, which can lead to infection or damage to the second molars. Even if the wisdom teeth grow in properly, they are difficult to keep clean and commonly develop decay. Typically, dentists will not place large fillings or crowns on wisdom teeth, but rather recommend extraction.  

Wisdom teeth are usually extracted by oral surgeons, due to their position in the back of the mouth and tricky anatomy. The roots of third molars can touch or wrap around the inferior alveolar nerve, making nerve damage to the teeth, gums and chin a possible complication. In the United States, wisdom teeth are usually taken out under sedation, so that the patient is more comfortable throughout the procedure. However, this is not a necessary part of their removal.

A referral for wisdom teeth extraction is usually made by a general dentist after a full check-up and necessary x-rays. The oral surgeon will typically have one consultation appointment for an exam and panoramic x-ray and another for the actual surgery. If you are concerned about your wisdom teeth or any other part of your oral health, please call our office to schedule an appointment. 

Dental Questions: Are Metal Fillings Safe

One of the most widely discussed topics in dentistry is the use of mercury in metal "amalgam" fillings. It is proposed that the mercury contained in these restorations can cause various health problems from lethargy to mental impairment. If you personally have metal fillings, you may be worried about the effects on your own well being. In this article, we would like to take a moment to alleviate any concerns you might have about your dental treatments!

For starters, amalgam fillings have been used in dentistry for nearly 200 years. They are safe, convenient and stand up well against regular use and wear. Amalgam uses mercury as a mean of binding loose metal particles together. As the mercury dries, the once malleable filling becomes rock solid. What is left behind is a blend of the various metal components locked together creating a strong structure. 

The mercury found in amalgam fillings is stabilized by the other metals in its mixture, making it inert (unable to affect the body). This contrasts with methylmercury (found in seafood) that accumulates in the body and causes poisoning and elemental mercury which has various toxic effects on the brain. Over time, amalgam does not leach an appreciable amount of mercury and has not been shown to have any affects on physical or cognitive function. Thus, it is just as safe as any other dental material used today. 

With this information in mind, our office does not remove amalgam fillings simply because they contain mercury. This often creates more problems than it solves by requiring unnecessary modifications to the underlying tooth. We will only change out amalgam fillings if they are defective, broken or have new decay emerging underneath them. If you would like to know more about the fillings and other services offered at our office, please give us a call!

Dental Holiday Gift Ideas!

With Christmas around the corner, many people are looking for unique and useful gift ideas. Why not give that special someone an upgrade to their oral health? Here are some of our picks for top dental gift ideas for 2016!

Almost everyone will appreciate the benefits of an electric toothbrush. Wether it spins, slides or vibrates, the motorized action seems to make brushing a more enjoyable experience. We recommend looking for a model with a built in two minute timer and pressure sensor. You can usually find deals at big box stores on brands like Phillips Sonicare and Oral B. Before you buy, make sure replacement heads are readily available and reasonably priced. 

For the person always on-the-go, you may want to consider a dental subscription service like Quip or Goby. Here, you purchase the initial electric toothbrush and the company sends you regular toothpaste refills and replacement brush heads. This takes all the guesswork out of keeping your brush in working order! Again, look for a product that has a timer and pressure sensor. Additionally, check that the refill toothpaste contains cavity fighting fluoride. 

Looking for stocking stuffers? Try a fun brand/flavor of toothpaste. Crest has various lines of toothpaste with flavors like citrus, cinnamon and even chocolate! You can also try organic brands like Toms of Maine. However, be careful that the paste you choose contains fluoride. If you know any kids or teens in braces, built-in threader floss or ORTHOgami flossers can be a fun way to encourage good oral hygiene. The possibilities are endless!

If you need any help picking out the perfect dental Christmas gift, please give our office a call. We want everyone in your family to be excited about having excellent oral health. Happy Holidays!

Case Presentation: Invisalign Orthodontics

Invisalign has made straight teeth a reality for a new generation of adult patients. While traditional braces may not be an option due to esthetic concerns or professional requirements, clear aligners can provide similar results with no visible hardware. In today's patient, Invisalign trays were used to correct minor crowding and spacing issues in the anterior teeth. Notice how the maxillary and mandibular incisors now follow even paths with minimal overlap.

At Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry, we provide Invisalign treatment for long time patients of record with mild orthodontic needs. Severe crowding, cross-bites and complicated spacing issues deserve the attention of an orthodontist. Additionally, it is important to note that Invisalign cannot achieve all the results of traditional braces. Some tooth movements are simply impossible without traditional wires and brackets. To get the whole picture, please visit our office for an exam and consultation!

Dieting and Oral Health

With the new year around the corner, losing weight is at the top of many resolution lists. If you've done your research, you are probably aware of the general benefits and drawbacks of all diet types. However, have you considered their effects on the teeth? In this article, we will cover the risks and benefits of a few popular strategies. We are not endorsing or promoting a single diet, but rather giving you a clue on how they might affect your overall oral health!

One of the fundamental strategies of losing weight is simply eating less. Portion size is a huge component to a successful diet and one of the most difficult aspects to master. However, eating too little can have various negative effects. On top of slowing down your metabolism (and making weight loss more difficult), eating too little can lead to dry mouth conditions. Saliva is a hugely protective factor agains tooth decay, and hyposalivation is clearly linked to an increased risk of developing cavities. 

On the opposite end of the spectrum, diets that rely on frequent, small meals can cause a similar increase in decay risk. Constantly having food in your mouth keeps the decay-causing bacteria working all day, creating more acid and softer enamel. Similarly, juice cleanses or all liquid diets can create the same problems. While your drink might be low calorie, it probably contains ingredients that keep the bacteria in your mouth working overtime!

Patients who are starting the "caveman" or "paleo" diets will be happy to hear that these regimens are anecdotally linked to improved dental health. It makes sense- the paleo diet relies on cutting out carbohydrates, the fuel behind tooth decay. While nearly all food causes the mouth to shift to an acidic state, carbohydrates are some of the worst offenders. 

Naturally, any modification to the amount or types of things we eat will have some effect on the teeth. The oral health implications should be considered as a part of the whole-body effects of your diet. We recommend talking with your physician prior to drastically changing the meals you eat. If you have any further questions, feel free to call our office!

Case Presentation: Repairing Periodontal Damage

According to a recent study put out by the CDC, about half of American adults are affected by periodontal disease. As this condition progresses, the gums and bones recede away from the teeth, eventually leading to their loss. While deep cleanings and medications can stop the spread of the disease, nothing short of extensive surgery can replace lost bone and gums. 

In today's patient, periodontal disease had left them with three lost mandibular incisors and deficient gum levels. Due to the thin nature of bone at the front of the mandible and damage from disease, there was only enough structure to place one implant. Fortunately, by working with the experts at Opus One Dental Labs we were able to create a beautiful three tooth bridge complete with mock gums. Restorations like this have to be designed very carefully to protect the implant and prevent rotation/unscrewing. The end result looks phenomenal and functions just like natural teeth! If you would like to know more about what we can do with implants, please give our office a call!

400 Year Old Dentures

Archaeologists recently unearthed a 400 year old set of dentures from a monastery in Tuscany. The appliance, made from the wearer's lost teeth and gold bands, is the oldest ever discovered of its type. It is thought that the denture was held in place by looping string around four holes in the gold framework. We hope that the string was tight- the wearer couldn't exactly swing by the store for a tube of Poligrip!

Interestingly enough, this ancient denture still shares some features with its modern counterparts. Today we use plastic or porcelain teeth, but removable partial dentures still utilize a metal framework for rigidity. While you won't find a denture held in with strings, many appliances have wire clasps that achieve a similar function. Overall, the similarities are striking, though we much prefer today's offerings!

With the advent of implant dentistry, many patients may think of dentures as ancient history. However, they are still an important and viable option for replacing lost teeth. If you would like to know more about your choices in completing your smile, please give our office a call!

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Dental Questions: Why Do I Need A Deep Cleaning?

According to recent estimates from the CDC, about half of all American adults have some form of periodontal disease. In these patients, gingivitis (inflammation of the gum tissue) has progressed to affect the bone and tissue levels around the teeth. The body's natural response to tarter (hardened plaque) is to lower the bone levels around the teeth, creating deep periodontal pockets.

In normal, healthy tissue, the pockets around the teeth have a depth of about 1-3 millimeters. With a toothbrush or floss, you can clean to a depth of about 4mm at home. Additionally, a toothbrush can remove soft, loose plaque but is ineffective at removing hardened tartar. Cleaning pockets deeper than 5mm or removing tartar from teeth requires the skills of a dental hygienist or a dentist. 

Patients with Severe periodontitis have pockets over 5mm on multiple sites throughout their mouths along with gum recession, bleeding and excessive tartar. For this group, a simple cleaning will not suffice. To manage their disease, a hygienist/dentist will provide a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing.  Here, the gums are numbed so that the ulcerated tissue around the deep pockets is undisturbed by the cleaning process. The practitioner then proceeds to remove all tartar and plaque from the teeth, including the areas far below the gum line. This process is commonly performed over multiple appointments, so that your entire mouth is not numbed at once. 

The ultimate goal of a deep cleaning is to plane the roots of the teeth so that new tissue can heal around them, creating shallower pockets. However, the deep cleaning session is only a half treatment. We can get the teeth cleaned and ready to heal, but periodontal disease can only be managed long term with good oral hygiene- brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing daily. 

Scaling and root planing is only one of many options in treating periodontitis. Depending on the location and severity of the disease, a general dentist or periodontist might recommend anything from a deep cleaning to gum surgery. As with everything in dentistry, a complete exam (including X-rays) is imperative in creating an appropriate treatment plan. If you would like to schedule an appointment today, please contact our office!

Case Presentation: Anterior Crowns

Everyone wants beautiful and uniform teeth, but can you create a smile too "perfect?" In these before pictures, notice how this patient's teeth are smooth, consistently colored and similar in shape. While these qualities sound good on paper, they add up to a less than natural looking smile. We replaced the older porcelain and metal crowns with brand new Emax lithium disilicate restorations. The incisors were lengthened to fill out the smile line and gentle variations were added to the fronts of the teeth. Additionally, the translucent nature of Emax reacts to ambient light similarly to natural teeth. These small changes better mimic real dental enamel, and thus create a more life-like smile. 

If you would like to know more about our cosmetic dental services, please contact our office. We pride ourselves in creating beautiful smiles customized to the individual patient's wants and needs. Schedule an exam today!