Old Fillings Can Leak and Chip Requiring Replacement

If you have old fillings, whether they are silver amalgam or tooth colored resin fillings, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist who can make sure that your old fillings are as sound as they used to be.

Even though the jury is still out when it comes to silver amalgam fillings, some claim that the mercury used in the silver amalgam fillings can make you physically ill, old fillings still need to be replaced. Although silver amalgam fillings can last about 10 years, with resin fillings holding up for about five or six, much can occur if you do not see your dentist to have your old fillings checked for chips, cracks and leakage.

Most people have no idea that cracked; chipped or leaking fillings can cause additional decay. If you have old fillings, new dental caries can form in the tooth, even if it has been filled before.

When you schedule an appointment with your dentist, x-rays will be taken so that your dentist can check the integrity of your old tooth colored and silver amalgam fillings. Your dentist will also conduct further investigations to determine if you have any cracks, chips, or leakages in your old fillings.

If your dentist discovers that your old fillings need to be replaced there are some options for you to consider. Your replacement fillings can be fashioned out of gold, and although it is one of the best replacements, is no longer as stylish because of the color. Other filling replacement materials include tooth colored bonding materials, or fillings made out of tooth colored porcelain. Before you decide on a replacement filling, discuss your filling options with your dentist who will be able to determine what tooth filling material would be best for your particular needs.

If you are a tooth grinder, you may be better off having your dentist replace your fillings with gold restorations as porcelain and bonding materials tend to fracture, chip, and break more easily. Your dentist will also consider how much of the tooth structure has been lost because of decay before deciding on filling replacement.

When it comes to old fillings, they may not give you any pain if you have cracks, chips, leaks, or breaks. Only a dentist can determine if your old fillings need to be replaced. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today.

Make Sure You have the Right Dentist for Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain Veneers can drastically improve your smile, but unless you work with a licensed Porcelain Veneers provider, you could be asking for trouble. There really are some common mistakes that dentists often make when fitting people with Porcelain Veneers.

Porcelain Veneers usually involve more than one tooth and can affect your occlusion and the multiple colors of your tooth structure. Porcelain Veneers need to be made to work in conjunction with your soft tissue and can affect the way you talk. Porcelain Veneers are placed where the world can see them, and if they are not where they should be, can cause some serious problems. However, when placed right, Porcelain Veneers can have a huge impact on your self-esteem and confidence.

According to your dentist, some common mistakes are made when placing Porcelain Veneers.

The first mistake is the failure to address the soft tissue symmetry in your smile. A dentist who is adept at soft-tissue symmetry will make sure that it is addressed in order to avoid the esthetic outcome.

One of the biggest mistakes that some dentists make is failing to work with an experienced and professional esthetic ceramist. Creating Porcelain Veneers is truly an art form with Dental Veneers crafted to fit the patients smile in order to improve the esthetics.

Staining under previously placed Porcelain Veneers is a common problem that needs to be addressed if you are having new Porcelain Veneers placed. A good dentist will make sure that there is no staining underneath a previously placed veneer before fitting and placing a new Porcelain Veneer. Black pigmentation is quite typical and can happen when a dentist uses ferric sulfates around the Porcelain Veneers.

One of the most important things to consider if you are thinking about Porcelain Veneers is the dentist. You need to make sure that the dentist you choose for Porcelain Veneers, or any other type of cosmetic restoration procedure has the experience to fit you for PorcelainVeneers.

Because Porcelain Veneers can be tricky, it is important that you choose a dentist who has the proper education, as there are many functional and esthetic considerations that need to be taken into account.

If you have been considering Porcelain Veneers, schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if you are a good candidate for Porcelain Veneers.  

You May Have Gum Disease and Not Even Know it

Even if you practice good oral hygiene, which includes brushing your teeth twice and flossing once each day, seeing your dentist regularly and eating a good diet that is loaded with fruits and vegetables, you may still be susceptible to gum disease. Unfortunately, gum disease affects anyone, even those who have healthy oral health habits.

Web MD explains that gingivitis is the earliest form of gum disease and affects three out of four Americans with twenty percent of the population worldwide developing the more serious periodontal disease.

Although it is often easy to miss the early signs of gum disease, as little as 10 percent of adults who suffer actually are aware that they have it, there are some things to look for when it comes to gum disease. If your gums bleed after you brush or floss, are puffy or red, you may have the early signs of gingivitis. Pain is not usually associated with gingivitis, which could be why so many often overlook the signs.

Gingivitis is most commonly caused by poor oral hygiene or improper oral hygiene techniques. People whom don’t brush every day will have left over food particles that will lead to bacteria build up. This will lead to plaque. Plaque is that thick film that will eventually lead to tartar, which can only be removed by your dentist with a deep cleaning, also known as scaling, and root planing.

Gingivitis can be prevented if you follow solid tooth brushing and flossing techniques. If you are not sure that you are brushing your teeth correctly, schedule an appointment with your dentist who will be able to show you how to brush properly. By following proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques you can reverse the early stages of gum disease.

The most important step when it comes to treating gum disease and gingivitis is to stop ignoring the symptoms. Although a little bit of blood on your toothbrush may seem like nothing it is imperative that you schedule an appointment with your dentist as quickly as possible. During your appointment, your dentist may recommend that you improve your home oral habits, which may include adding an FDA antiseptic mouthwash to your daily routine.

Don’t wait until it is too late. Schedule an appointment with your dentist who can check for gum disease.

Customized Mouthguards for the Whole Family

Spring has sprung and if you or your family plays any type of sports, talk to your dentist about a custom-made mouthguard.

According to the American Dental Association everyone who participates in a sport, whether recreational, amateur, or professional, should wear a mouthguard. ADA research shows that mouth injuries occur when men, women, children, and teens are not wearing mouthguards. Wearing a mouth protector can help prevent cuts on the tongue, inside the cheeks and jaw injuries. Mouthguards can also prevent knocked out or broken teeth and gum injuries.

It’s not just football and hockey players who should wear mouthguards. Your dentist recommends custom-made mouthguards for surfers, skateboarders, soccer players, baseball players, and people who participate in martial arts. You should also consider a mouth protector if you or a member of your family plays water polo, is involved in gymnastics or enjoys mountain biking.

There are three types of mouth protectors available. Stock or readymade, Boil and Bite and custom made. Although all three provide some protection, they are all different.

Stock or readymade mouthguards are formed and come ready to wear. Unfortunately, because stock mouth protectors are not made to fit, it can be difficult to talk and even breathe. Stock mouthguards are available at your local sporting goods store.

Boil and Bite mouth protectors are a bit better than stock mouthguards as they provide a better fit because they are softened in boiling water before being placed in the mouth for a more customized fit. More comfortable than stock or readymade mouthguards boil and bite mouth protectors can be found at the pharmacy or a local sports store.

The best and most comfortable mouthguard is custom fitted by your dentist. Custom fitted mouthguards are more expensive in the long run, but because they are softer and more comfortable are less likely to end up unworn in the gym locker.

Although the majority of mouthguards are made to fit the top teeth, your dentist may recommend a customized mouth protector for your lower teeth.

When choosing a mouthguard make sure that it is comfortable and that you can easily talk and breathe. If you wear a mouth appliance, such as braces, schedule an appointment with your dentist who can advise you on the best mouth protector for your particular needs.

Over Bleaching Can Ruin your Smile

The most popular restorative dental procedure on the planet can work wonders for stained or yellow teeth, but according to your dentist, if tooth-whitening products are used daily, you could be asking for trouble.

Ten years ago, most people had no idea what tooth whitening was. However, that has certainly changed with dozens of over the counter tooth bleaching kits available to anyone who has the desire to whiten their smile. Tooth whitening toothpaste is now more popular than those that contain fluoride.  

When used correctly professional custom-made tooth whitening kits and even products available from your local pharmacy will give you a brighter grin. The American Dental Association recommends that you use an over the counter product for no more than two weeks and your custom-made bleaching kit from your dentist as recommended. Power bleaching, or chair side tooth whitening, should only be done once or twice a year at the most.

Over bleaching your teeth can cause sensitivity. In fact, some suffer from sharp pains that can happen out of the blue. If you bleach your teeth too often, you may also become sensitive to hot and cold when you eat or drink. Some people may experience burning gums, mild tingling, or even intense pain known as, “Zingers.”

Other problems that can occur with over whitening, or, “Bleachorexia,” are bluish enamel, transparent teeth and gum sensitivity. Some people who believe that their teeth are never white enough could also be causing internal damage because of a cracked tooth or an undetected cavity. Not only will this cause pain, but it may mean an emergency trip to the dentist’s office for a root canal.

Your dentist recommends that you aim for a color that will match the whites of your eyes. Anything whiter and you run the risk of going overboard.

Thankfully you don’t have to resort to ancient tooth whitening techniques such as ground pumice and wine vinegar used by the Greeks, or urine, which was a favorite tooth whitening treatment used by the Romans. These days there are plenty of products that will give you a beautiful smile, just be sure to follow the instructions if you are using an over the counter product or a tooth whitening kit from your dentist.

For more information regarding tooth whitening or any other dental restoration procedure, including dental veneers or dental bonding, schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine was is best for your needs.

Can Poor Oral Hygiene Affect your Memory?

If your memory seems to be slowing you down with misplaced reader’s part of your daily routine, it may have something to do with your oral hygiene habits. A recent study conducted by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill indicates that bleeding gums and tooth loss may also affect thinking skills for people over the age of 45.

During the study, Gary Slade, co-author of the study, stated that, “We were interested to see if people with poor dental health had relatively poorer cognitive function.” In other words, how do your numbers and word management measure up when it comes to your memory. What the study discovered is mind-boggling.

Mr. Slade added, “What we found was that for every extra tooth that a person had lost or had removed, cognitive function went down a bit.” He also went on to say that, “People who had none of their teeth had poorer cognitive function that people who did have teeth, and people with fewer teeth had poorer cognition than those with more. The same was true when we looked at patients with severe gum disease.”

With analyzed data that was gathered from 1996 to 1998 with 6,000 men and women between the ages of 45 and 64, the authors and researchers discovered that the numbers for the thinking, memory, word fluency, word recall and skill with numbers tests was lower for people who had no natural teeth.

The study discovered that thirteen percent of those who participated had no natural teeth. Of those who had teeth, about one-fifth of the study had fewer than twenty remaining teeth. Over twelve percent had serious gum disease with deep gum pockets and bleeding gums.

The researchers of the study also discovered that folks who had more teeth and healthier gum tissue scored better on the tests.

As far as which came first, the chicken or the egg, researchers say that a poor diet lacking in foods that are rich in antioxidants could also be to blame for poor memory health. Combine the two and you may not be able to remember what day it is.

Because gingivitis and periodontitis inflames the gums, most doctors and dentists agree that the disease travels throughout your entire system, which will affect cognitive behavior and cognition.

If your memory isn’t what it used to be and you can’t remember the last time you saw your dentist, schedule an appointment with Country Club Dentistry today.  

Root Canal Therapy Can Be Avoided

If those two little words, “Root Canal,” make you cringe with fear, you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist, especially if you have been avoiding that nasty little toothache.

As with most things, prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you avoid the situation and do not take care of your tooth sensitivity, pain or swelling you could make the situation worse as the majority of the time a Root Canal could have been prevented had you scheduled regular checkups with your dentist in Rancho Mirage.

Root Canal Therapy is necessary when the pulp inside of your tooth is diseased or has died. If left to its own devices a diseased tooth could cause serious pain and become infected. Once infection sets in you could be asking for an abscessed tooth. An abscessed tooth needs to be taken care of as quickly as possible as the infection could go to other parts of your body, and in some cases, according to the American Dental Association, could send you straight to the ER.

Root Canal Therapy, also known as Endodontic therapy is a treatment used to remove the infection from the roots in your teeth. The roots in your teeth are filled with nerves, blood vessels, and tissue that can sometimes become infected if the tooth has become decayed. Root Canal Therapy removes the pulp from your tooth using dental tools that actually decontaminate the roots. Once the roots are hallowed, your dentist will get rid of the infection using dental files to widen the root canals. This process removes infected tissue and debris while helping save the tooth. After the roots have been filed, your dentist may treat the infection with an antibiotic before filling with an inert material.

Depending on the severity of the infection, your dentist may fill the tooth with a temporary crown to allow the infection to heal with antibiotics. If this is not necessary, your tooth will be permanently filled before being topped with a dental crown.   

If you have persistent pimples on your gums or around a tooth or teeth, experience swelling or a nagging toothache, you may need Root Canal Therapy.

Don’t wait until it is too late. Schedule an appointment with your dentist in Rancho Mirage who can determine if Root Canal Therapy is necessary. 

Steps to a Whiter and Brighter Smile

Your smile says a lot about you, and if yours is preventing you from expressing yourself, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

The American Academyof Cosmetic Dentistry explains that over 96% of people who responded to a recent survey believed that a beautiful smile was more appealing. In fact, a white and bright smile can even make you look younger. Of course, good oral health goes above and beyond looks.

The mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body and if you do not brush twice, floss once each day and see your dentist twice a year, the rest of your health could be suffering.

According to yourdentist, there are some steps that you can take to improve your smile.

Brushing truly is the most important step when it comes to good oral hygiene as it removes the food particles that feed the bacteria. Brushing twice a day also cleans your teeth and gives you fresh breath. Use a fluoride toothpaste as it helps to strengthen your teeth as well. Your dentist recommends that you brush for two minutes. Use a timer, or purchase an electric toothbrush with a built in timer.

Just like brushing, flossing removes the particles and plaque between your teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing also helps prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease as well. Because you do not produce as much saliva while you sleep, your dentist recommends that you floss just before bedtime as it leaves your mouth less vulnerable to bacteria attack.

Because your dentist can spot gum disease in its infancy, it is vital that you see your dentist twice a year. If gingivitis is caught early enough it can be treated and reversed. Some people are more prone to gum disease and should schedule dental checkups quarterly. People with other health problems such as HIV, diabetes and cancer should also visit the dentist more frequently.

In-between checkups check your mouth for trouble spots. Non-healing sores, bleeding or swollen gums, or pimples on your gums are all signs that you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Keep your smile bright and healthy by quitting smoking and eating a healthy diet that is rich in calcium. Foods such as kale and sardines also contain calcium and should be included as part of your regular diet.

For more information regarding a healthy smile, schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

Preventive Dentistry for you and Your Family

Preventive Dentistry is something that yourdentist can help you with, especially if you have kids and want to teach them proper oral hygiene.

Unfortunately, there are hundreds of thousands of people in the United States who have bad teeth and gums. Accordingto Web MD, most of these folks are dealing with gum disease, cavities, and other dental problems because they were not taught Preventive Dentistry.

Your dentist explains that natural teeth and your teeth that have been restored do best in an oral environment that is clean and healthy. The Preventive Dentistry program from your dentist has been designed specifically to keep cavities and gum disease at bay. The Preventive Dentistry Program helps to preserve your dental restorations, control, and manage gum disease.

During your Preventive Dentistry appointment, your dentist will discuss oral hygiene and suggest ways that you can improve your oral health habits.

Your dentist recommends that you brush twice each day with fluoride toothpaste recommended by the American Dental Association. There is actually a list of ADA approved toothpastes, flosses and mouthwashes listed on the American Dental Association website. Brush using a soft bristle toothbrush and in a circular motion aimed towards your gums.

Flossing is just as important as brushing as flossing helps clean between your teeth and reach areas that your toothbrush can’t get to. Floss up and down while keeping your floss against the tooth in a U-shape.

Your dentist also encourages patients to eat a healthy well balanced diet. Eat plenty of cheese, which helps clean your teeth and avoid sugary snacks and drinks. Your dentist can help you with a complete menu plan that will keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Try using fluoride or antiseptic rinses as directed by your dentist. Fluoride helps prevent cavities and keeps the enamel on your teeth strong and healthy.

When it comes to healthy teeth and gums, Preventive Dentistry really is the way to go. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today who can help you improve your oral hygiene routine. 

A New Smile Just in Time for the Holidays

The holidays are just around the corner, and if you do not like what you see in the mirror, schedule an appointment with your dentist for cosmetic dental solutions.

Your dentist can advise you on the best dental restorations to give you a smile that you will be proud to show off. Having a smile makeover is the best gift that anyone can give themselves. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a healthy smile can boost self-confidence and increase self-esteem.

When you visit your dentist for a smile makeover consultation your teeth and gums will be checked to make sure you mouth is healthy enough for Dental Veneers, Onlays or Inlays, Dental Bonding, Whitening for Life, Crowns, Bridges, or Dental Implants. If you are dealing with gum disease such as gingivitis or periodontal disease, your dentist will recommend a plan to make your teeth and gums healthy enough for cosmetic dental treatments.

If your gum disease has progressed, your dentist may refer you to a Periodontist to help treat your periodontal disease. Your dentist and Periodontist will work together in order to provide you with the best treatment for your particular situation.

Once your teeth and gums are healthy again, your dentist will recommend cosmetic dental solutions to repair that chipped tooth or fill the gap between your front teeth. Your dentist may also recommend Dental Implants if you have a missing tooth.

If you are dealing with stained teeth, your dentist may advise Dental Veneers or Tooth Whitening. If you have had previous dental restorations, Dental Veneers may be the better choice as Tooth Whitening will not alter the color of tooth colored fillings, Dental Bonding or Inlays and Onlays. Dental Whitening can correct mottled tooth staining, brown or yellow teeth. Dental Whitening works on young and old people alike, and can brighten your dull smile restoring it back to its original brightness.

If you would like more information about a smile makeover before the holidays, schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

The Perfect Smile with Dental Crowns

Dental Crowns have certainly changed over the years, and thanks to modern dentistry, you can have your existing crowns replaced or new crowns placed with dental restorations that look and feel just like your own natural teeth.  

According to the American Dental Association, porcelain jacket crowns were made in the early 1900’s, but unfortunately were not very efficient. During the 1950’s, dental crowns were a real possibility as porcelain was fused to metal. These days, crowns are made out of a high-grade porcelain or porcelain that is bonded to gold. Most dentists recommend higher strength materials for more serious dental problems such as lost teeth, excessive wear, and old filling breakdown.

Dental Crowns are used to replace missing teeth and offer support to broken or misshaped teeth. Dental Crowns look and feel natural and can fix a smile while taking care of chewing problems.

If you are experiencing pain in your back teeth, you may have a hairline crack. Your dentist may decide to place Dental Crowns on the teeth in order to relieve the pain. Crowns on your molars will also allow you to return to full dental function.

Porcelain Crowns and Bridges are used in the front teeth to replace older fillings that might be chipped or stained. Porcelain Crowns are also used where Porcelain Veneers are unsuitable.

Your dentist may also recommend a Dental Crown over Root Canals to prevent breakage.

If the damage to your tooth or teeth is extreme, your dentist may use Porcelain or Porcelain fused to gold Dental Crowns. Your dentist explains that Dental Crowns can last for twenty to thirty years if you practice good oral hygiene.

Dental Crown fitting takes two or more dental appointments. During your first visit, your dentist will remove the tooth decay before shaping the tooth and fitting it with a temporary Dental Crown made from metal or plastic.

During your next visit, your dentist will take out the temporary crown before fitting and adjusting your new permanent Dental Crown. The final step in the process is cementing your new Dental Crown in place.

If you would like more information regarding Dental Crowns, schedule an appointment with your dentist today. A beautiful smile really is just a phone call away. 

Are You Prepared for the Risks when it Comes to Oral Piercing?

Tongue, lip and cheek piercing is quite popular, but if you or someone you know is considering oral piercings your dentist will tell you that there are some dangers that everyone should be aware of.

According to Web MD, oral piercings can cause excessive bleeding, gum disease, infection and disease. In fact, oral piercings can also cause eventual tooth loss.

Infections are a common side effect with oral piercings thanks to the millions of bacteria that already live in your mouth. Once jewelry is introduced and has been handled by less than clean hands, your risk of infections is increased ten-fold.

The Herpes Simplex Virus and Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted after oral piercings. Make sure that if you do decide to have your lip, tongue, or cheek pierced that you do so with a reputable oral piercing establishment and schedule an appointment with your dentist.

People who have undiagnosed heart problems could have serious problems, especially if a bacterium enters the blood stream. Endocarditis is a real issue that causes inflammation of the heart valves and the heart itself.

Nobody likes to drool, but if you have oral piercing, it could become a permanent problem as could nerve damage.

It is normal to experience a numb mouth or tongue after oral piercings, but unfortunately, that loss of taste and sensation could become a permanent issue, especially if your nerves were pierced when you had the procedure.

If the blood vessels are accidentally punctured during your oral piercing, you could have prolonged bleeding that could result in excessive blood loss.

Tongue swelling is normal after an oral piercing, but your dentist has seen cases where the swelling was so severe that it cut off the airways making breathing almost impossible.

Gum disease is seen more frequently in people who have had oral piercings and those who wear long stem jewelry, such as barbells could cause injury to the gums. If this occurs, you are setting yourself up for gum recession and eventual tooth loss.

Jewelry aspiration happens if the stud, ring, or barbell becomes loose. You could accidentally swallow the jewelry. Injury to the lungs or digestive track is a real possibility if you wear mouth jewelry.

Of course, many other problems could occur with oral piercings including daily oral function, tooth damage and an allergic reaction to the metal.

For more information about the dangers of oral piercing, schedule an appointment with your dentist who just may be able to change you, a friend, or a family members mind.

How Smoking Affects Oral Health

Kicking that nasty cigarette or cigar habit will not only do wonders for that nagging cough, but will also help your teeth and gums.

According to Web MD, Smoking and smokeless tobacco products can cause serious damage to your teeth and gums. If you use tobacco, and that includes the popular Hookah Pipe, your teeth will eventually become discolored and you will have bad breath. 

Smoking also causes inflammation on the roof of your mouth where some of your salivary gland openings are located, and tartar and plaque on your teeth and gums. If that isn’t reason enough to kick the habit, smoking, and smokeless tobacco products can lead to increased jawbone loss and an increased risk for oral cancer. Smoking and smokeless tobacco products can also delay healing after dental treatments such as tooth extraction, oral surgery, and periodontal treatment. Smokers and people who use smokeless tobacco products have a lower success rate when it comes to Dental Implants and have more chance of developing periodontal disease than people who do not smoke.

Bad oral hygiene isn’t the only thing that causes gingivitis and periodontal disease. According to recent studies and your dentist in Rancho Mirage, smoking actually interferes with normal gum tissue cell function making smokers and those who use smokeless tobacco products more susceptible to gum disease. Smoking also impairs the flow of blood to your gums, which could affect your ability to heal quickly.

Cigars and pipes lead to just as many oral health issues as cigarettes. In fact, cigar smokers suffer from jawbone loss just as much as cigarette smokers do. Although pipe and cigar smokers do not inhale, all are still at risk when it comes to throat and oral cancer as well as stained teeth and bad breath.

Dr. Randall Szutz explains that smokeless tobacco isn’t any better. Chewing tobacco and snuff contain more than 28 harmful chemicals that will increase your risk of esophageal, throat and oral cancer. Have a single snuff, and you are giving your body more nicotine than 60 cigarettes. Chewing tobacco also irritates your gums making them pull away or recede leading to tooth loss. Once your roots are exposed, you will become more sensitive to temperature changes making eating uncomfortable. If that isn’t reason enough to throw out that can of snuff. 

The Journal of the American Dental Association discovered that people who use smokeless tobacco products were more than four times more likely to develop dental caries as snuff has added sugar in order to enhance its flavor.

If you are having trouble kissing your smokes goodbye, schedule an appointment with your dentist who may be able to help you understand how dangerous smoking is for your body and your teeth and gums.

Dental Sealants Can Prevent Tooth Decay

Thanks to the wonders of modern dental technology and the help of your dentist Dr. Randall Szutz in Rancho Mirage, you can now prevent tooth decay with a special acrylic coating known as Dental Sealants.

Unfortunately, no matter how much you brush and floss, it can sometimes be impossible to get into the nooks and crannies in your back teeth. Pits and fissures prevent your toothbrush from reaching areas that are susceptible to tooth decay, and that is where Dental Sealants come in.

According to Wikipedia, Dental Sealants are not new. In fact, one of the very first attempts occurred when dentistry pioneer, Dr. Willoughby D. Miller applied silver nitrate to teeth in 1905. Researcher T.P Hyatt in 1921 and dentist C.F Bodecker carried out further attempts at Dental Sealants in 1929. Silver nitrate was also used in the 1940’s in order to prevent dental carries on the back molars.

Studies conducted by Dr. M.G. Buonocore in 1955 proved that etching the enamel on patients teeth with phosphoric acid and resin provided a bonding system that would eventually lead to today’s dental bonding procedures.

Your dentist understands that Dental Sealants can help children, teens and adults prevent tooth decay on the biting surfaces of the teeth. Applied to the grooves and fissures on the molars, the tooth-colored acrylic coating is actually painted on to the surface providing a barrier against dental carries.

Dental Sealants actually act as a protective barrier and help prevent acid and plaque from penetrating the enamel on your teeth.

When you schedule an appointment with your dentist for Dental Sealants, Dr. Szutz will determine if you are a good candidate. Children and teens are usually deemed suitable for Dental Sealants, as are adults who have not had previous restorative work done on their back teeth.

Dental Sealants take just a few minutes for each tooth and can last for years without the need for reapplication. Dental sealants hold up well to normal chewing and can help prevent tooth decay.

For more information regarding Dental Sealants, schedule an appointment with your dentist today.

Dental Implants For A New Lease on Life

Dental Implants are nothing new; in fact, Dental Implants have been helping people replace missing teeth for thousands of years.

According to Wikipedia, Archaeologists are responsible for unearthing ancient Mayan skulls from 600 A.D. These skulls were filled with semi-precious stones such as lapis, jade, crystal quartz, and turquoise. Other civilizations hammered seashells into their gums to resemble their lost teeth. Those early Cosmetic Dentists helped modern dentists create Dental Implants based on those early procedures. Just like today, some of those implants actually fused to the bone.

Modern Dental Implants can replace an entire mouthful of teeth or your missing front tooth. Dental Implants are quickly becoming the chosen method when it comes to deciding between dentures and Dental Implants.

Dental Implants provide a solid foundation for natural looking replacement teeth. After your Dental Implant procedure, you can eat and drink like the old days without having to worry about loose dentures or a broken bridge. With Dental Implants, you can smile knowing that your new teeth have given you a reason to flash those pearly whites again.

When you schedule a no obligationconsultation with your Dentist for Dental Implants the two of you will discuss your health history and your dentist will examine your teeth and gums in order to determine your candidacy for Dental Implants. If you have any problems such as gingivitis or periodontal disease, those issues will be addressed before any Dental Implant procedures begin.

If your Dental Implant Surgery is given the green light, your dentist will place tiny posts, usually made from titanium, into your jawbone to replace your missing teeth. Because the posts fuse to the jawbone, a strong foundation is created for your natural looking artificial teeth. Dental Implants take a few months to complete depending on your particular situation, but it is well worth the time. Dental implants not only preserve facial structure, but can also be used to stop bone deterioration that occurs when you are missing a tooth.

Schedule an appointment with your Dentist for Dental Implants. Not only will you have more self-confidence, but you will also be able to talk, laugh, eat, and enjoy life more than you have in years.

Contact your Dentist in Rancho Mirage if you Have Bad Breath

If those party invitations are becoming few and far between, it may have something to do with your breath. Chronic halitosis is a big turnoff, especially if you are on the receiving end. Unfortunately, sometimes even your closest friends will not utter those four little words, “You have bad breath.”

Thankfully, there is something you can do about your halitosis. If you do not use tobacco, and have ruled out chronic infections, kidney or liver ailments, dry mouth, diabetes, odorous foods, or systemic diseases, it most probably has something to do with your oral hygiene, and that is where your Dentist in Rancho Mirage can help.

Poor dental habits are the number one cause of chronic halitosis. In fact, more than 60 million adults in America suffer from it.

You really are what you eat, and if you are not brushing twice, flossing once a day and seeing your Rancho Mirage Dentist regularly you are inviting gingivitis and its worse relative, periodontal disease into your teeth and gums.

According to Web MD, the foods that you eat are broken down by the acids in your mouth and will be absorbed in your lungs and eventually carried to your support system, your lungs. Garlic, onions, and those spicy ethnic meals that you love could be the culprit when it comes to your bad breath.

Brushing, flossing and mouthwash are only masking the odor as these types of foods will never go away completely until they have passed through your entire body, which can take more than 72 hours after you have digested them. If you love to eat spicy tacos, curry laden with garlic or deep-fried onion rings, you may want to enjoy when you are on your own, or with someone who could care less about your bad breath.

By far the worst thing you can do is not brush or floss. Brushing and flossing will get rid of the food particles and bacteria that cause chronic halitosis in the first place. Be sure and take care around your gums and do not forget to brush your tongue, as this is where bacteria will truly thrive.

Other causes of chronic halitosis include poorly fitting dentures and chronic dieting. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Randall W. Szutz in Rancho Mirage who will be able to determine the root cause of your chronic bad breath.

You Can Smile Again Thanks to Dental Veneers

Tooth restoration has really changed over the last few years, and if you have been considering Cosmetic Dentistry have a chat with your Dentist in Rancho Mirage, Dr. Randall Szutz.

Your dentist has the skills to correct what used to be known as permanent dental problems including chipped, cracked, or worn teeth, and crowded or crooked teeth. Schedule an appointment with your Dentist in Rancho Mirage who can also replace missing teeth, fix gaps between your teeth, and help with general bite dysfunction. If your teeth are discolored or stained, Dr. Szutz can help.

Ten years ago, the only people who could afford dental veneers were people who made six figures. Celebrities and those in the public eye would visit a cosmetic dentist to improve their smile. These days nearly everyone can have beautiful teeth with affordable dental veneers .

Porcelain veneers are bonded directly to the top and front of your tooth’s surface and are the perfect way to improve your smile. Schedule an appointment with your Rancho Mirage Dentist who will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers. With porcelain veneers you can close those gaps that you have always disliked between your front teeth, repair that crooked or misshaped tooth or cover those unsightly stains that occurred after you finished your round of tetracycline.

According to your Dentist in Rancho Mirage, dental veneers are thin porcelain veneers that Dr. Szutz will bond to your teeth, and best of all, no one will know they are there except for you and your Rancho Mirage Dentist. Because the dental veneers are so thin, they look incredibly natural, especially when light shines right through them.

Dental veneers are the answer to your dental restoration problems. Schedule an appointment with your Dentist in Rancho Mirage today and start smiling again. Beautiful teeth really do make a difference to your overall well-being. Call for an appointment today. 

What You Probably Don’t Know About the Humble Toothbrush

The next time you pick up that dental floss, take a moment to think about how your ancestors brushed and flossed their teeth, and you will quickly realize just how lucky you are.

According to your Dentist in Rancho Mirage, ancient civilizations have always taken care of their teeth and gums, but the methods that they resorted to were often disgusting, and downright painful.

The first tooth whitening methods can be attributed to the Ancient Egyptians who used wine vinegar mixed with a paste to polish and whiten teeth. This method was not as bad as the Ancient Romans who were thoroughly convinced that using their own urine, which contains ammonia, was the only way to brighten teeth.

Early toothbrushes were actually branches that had cleansing and antiseptic properties. These twigs were frayed at the end and used to brush teeth. Known as chew sticks these ancient tools have been discovered in the tombs of ancient Egyptians and are still used by some civilizations today. These twigs, or chew sticks, were probably much more hygienic than the early animal hair toothbrushes that were invented by the Chinese in the 1400’s.

The first toothbrushes were made from boar hair that was pounded into a piece of wood. Although more stylized than the first crude boar hairbrushes, this same concept was used up until DuPont invented the first nylon toothbrush in 1938.

Dental Floss does not have the colorful past that the toothbrush has. Dental floss is probably the world’s oldest product as toothpick remnants and dental floss has been discovered by archaeologists while exploring ancient tombs.

A dentist in New Orleans by the name of Levi Spear Parmly invented modern Dental floss. Dr. Parmly believed that people would have better results if silk floss were used to clean teeth. Before 1882, dental floss was only available at the dentist’s office becoming available to the public after Johnson and Johnson applied for the patent in 1898.

According to a recent survey, people would rather go without their television set or the internet instead of dumping their trusty toothbrush, and your Rancho Mirage Dentist is pretty happy about that. These days you can buy toothbrushes in different sizes and shapes, but the basic concept remains just as it did when it made its first appearance thousands of years ago.

If all this talk about toothbrushes has made you think about your own oral hygiene, perhaps it is time to schedule an appointment with your Dentist in Rancho Mirage, Dr. Randall Szutz.