Tuesday, August 28, 2012

How To Overcome Dental Anxiety



Video Source: The ADA

If you live in or near the Rancho Mirage, CA area and are currently looking for a new dentist, then please contact Country Club Dentistry. We provide exquisite dental services in a caring environment.

Country Club Dentistry
72775 Frank Sinatra Drive
Suite B
Rancho Mirage, CA 92770
Tel: 760-341-2599

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Illustrations: How A Tooth Decays

  1. Healthy Tooth

    Enamel is the hard outer crystal-like layer. Dentin is the softer layer beneath the enamel. The pulp chamber contains nerves and blood vessels and is considered the living part of the tooth.
  2. White Spots

    Bacteria that are exposed to sugars or carbohydrates can make acid, which attacks the crystal-like substance in the tooth's outer surface. This process is known as demineralization. The first sign of this is a chalky white spot. At this stage, the decay process can be reversed. Using fluorides at home and in the dental office can help the tooth repair itself.
  3. Enamel Decay

    Demineralization continues. Enamel starts to break down. Once the enamel surface is broken, the tooth can no longer repair itself. The cavity has to be cleaned and restored by a dentist.
  4. Dentin Decay

    The decay reaches into the dentin where it can spread and undermine the enamel.
  5. Pulp Involvement

    If decay is left untreated, it will reach the tooth's pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. The pulp becomes infected. An abscess (swelling) or a fistula (opening to the surface of the gum) can form in the soft tissues.
*Illustrations created by Simple Steps designer Lynda Buchhalter

Article Source: Colgate 

If you live in or near the Rancho Mirage, CA area and are currently looking for a new dentist, then please contact Country Club Dentistry. We provide exquisite dental services in a caring environment.

Country Club Dentistry
72775 Frank Sinatra Drive
Suite B
Rancho Mirage, CA 92770
Tel: 760-341-2599




Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Video: Aging and Cosmetic Dentistry (ADA)

 

Worried about aging and the state of you teeth? Watch the above video to find out what you can do to slow the effects of aging on your smile. 

Video Source: American Dental Association

If you live in or near the Rancho Mirage, CA area and are currently looking for a new dentist, then please contact Country Club Dentistry. We provide exquisite dental services in a caring environment.

Country Club Dentistry
72775 Frank Sinatra Drive
Suite B
Rancho Mirage, CA 92770
Tel: 760-341-2599

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Veneers: All You Need To Know Form Dr. Szutz

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that bond directly to the front and top surfaces of the teeth. They are an ideal choice for improving your smile and have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility. With veneers as an alternative, there is no reason to put up with gaps between your teeth, teeth that are stained, badly shaped or crooked. A veneer placed on top of your teeth can correct these maladies, simply and quickly, to help you achieve a beautiful smile!

 

Will they look like normal teeth?

When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea, or even cigarette stains. For strength and appearance, their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative options. Because they are thin, light can shine through them and they take on the natural color of the underlying tooth.

 

How durable are porcelain veneers?

With proper care, porcelain veneers will brighten your smile for well over a decade. Dr. Szutz will ensure that your veneers are crafted from the highest quality porcelains and are bonded with the most advanced and proven materials available.

 

The Procedure

This procedure will require three appointments:
  • Diagnosis and treatment planning
  • Preparation
  • Bonding

 

Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

You will want to take an active role in planning your smile design. Dr. Szutz will review the corrective limitations of this procedure and help you plan your new smile.

 

Preparation

The second appointment will take one to two hours. Although the porcelain veneer is very thin, the teeth are lightly buffed to allow for the added thickness. Approximately one half of a millimeter of tooth is removed. This may require little or no local anesthesia.

Then a mold is taken of the teeth and sent to the lab for fabrication. If the teeth are too unsightly a temporary veneer can be placed at this time. The veneers should be ready in approximately three weeks.

 

Bonding

At the time of your third appointment, Dr. Szutz will first place the veneer on your teeth with water or glycerin to check their fit and color. At this point the color of the veneer can still be adjusted by the shade of the cement used to adhere it. Once the color is determined, and the veneer is ready to be applied, the tooth is cleansed with specific chemicals to achieve a bond. A special cement is placed between the teeth and the veneer and a visible light beam is used to harden the cement. This appointment takes approximately one to two hours.

 

Care and Follow Up

Brush and floss daily. Return for a follow-up visit after one to two weeks.

 

Maintenance of Your New Veneers

  • Brush and floss as you normally would. Don’t be afraid that you will damage your veneers by brushing and flossing. Non-abrasive toothpaste is recommended. A good home care regimen will insure the best esthetic success of your veneer.
  • You may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold after placement of your veneer. This is due to the amount of enamel left on the tooth after preparation. Sensitivity is totally normal and should dissipate after one to two weeks. If sensitivity persists please call the office.
  • If you are a known clencher (bruxer), please be sure to let us know. Dr. Szutz may recommend a soft night guard for you to wear to minimize stress placed upon your teeth while you sleep.
We hope that your new veneers fulfill your esthetic goal. With proper home care and scheduled visits, they are sure to provide you with a beautiful smile for years to come.

If you live in or near the Rancho Mirage, CA area and are currently looking for a new dentist, then please contact Country Club Dentistry. We provide exquisite dental services in a caring environment.

Country Club Dentistry
72775 Frank Sinatra Drive
Suite B
Rancho Mirage, CA 92770
Tel: 760-341-2599