Cosmetic Questions to Ask to Get You on the Right Path to a Better Smile

For some time now, you've noticed things about your teeth and gums - your overall smile - that you would like to change. But you're in unfamiliar territory: you don't know where to begin.

Here, then, are a few basic cosmetic dentistry questions you should ask yourself and us to get you moving in the right direction.

Am I a candidate for cosmetic dentistry? Invariably, the answer is yes - there's always a way to enhance your appearance, starting with basic hygiene or whitening. But whether you're a candidate for a particular procedure will depend on a full examination of your mouth - a "smile analysis" - to assess its current condition and needs, and what cosmetic options would best fit those needs.

Are my expectations realistic? That will first depend on what we find with your smile analysis. It will, however, also include studying the bigger picture - how certain changes might affect not only your smile but your overall facial appearance. Your wants and desires are extremely important in this process, but they should also be balanced with a dose of reality - some things may not be in your best interest health-wise to undertake, or are not in keeping with basic aesthetic principles of beauty.

Will I be able to have an idea beforehand how the changes will look? We've come a long way in providing patients ways to preview their new smile before undertaking a procedure. It's often possible to "see" your proposed smile through computer simulation, or in some cases "test drive" it with temporary (provisional) crowns or veneers. For restorations involving porcelain crowns, it may be possible to take your input and fine-tune the shape and color of the permanent crown before it's completed.

What will it cost? This will depend on the treatment plan we develop. Some treatments like teeth whitening are relatively inexpensive, while procedures like dental implants or orthodontics are major investments. You should also consider the costs to your time - some treatments require only a single visit, while others may take months or even years to complete. Depending on your financial means and comfort level, cost will need to be factored into the final plan, as well as your expectations.

If you would like more information on cosmetic dentistry, please visit our website at www.parkfamilydental.com, or contact us here, or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article "Cosmetic Dentistry: A Time for a Change."

More Pros Are Using Mouthguards...So Should You!

When he isn't among the ten players vying for position on the basketball court, Cole Aldrich of the New York Knicks sometimes lets his dangle behind one ear. Mason Plumlee, who plays for the Brooklyn Nets, slips his snugly inside one of his socks during off times. Other players can be seen at timeouts gnawing on them nervously, or tucking them into spandex waistbands. But when the whistle blows, they go into the mouth before the players get on the court.

We're talking about protective mouthguards, of course. According to a recent story in the New York Times, only a handful of basketball players wore them regularly a few years ago. Today, more and more are wearing them, both in practice and during games. What's the reason for the change?

Partly, it's the result of better design and improved construction; today's mouthguards are more comfortable and better-fitting than ever. Part of it comes from mounting evidence that they work: Research studies have consistently demonstrated the benefits of wearing a mouthguard - not only to protect the teeth, but also to reduce the risk of concussion. And partly, it stems from the growing acceptance that safety is an important aspect of all athletic activity.

If the pros are doing it - shouldn't you be too? While you may think that only contact sports (such as football) are risky, the fact is that "non-contact" sports like baseball and basketball account for the majority of dental injuries. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends you wear a mouthguard when you participate in activities like handball, soccer, surfing and weight lifting - as well as boxing, skydiving, martial arts and "extreme sports" - whatever that may mean to you.

What's the best kind of mouthguard? It's the one that you actually wear, of course! And the most comfortable and best-fitting mouthguard is the one that's custom-made for you by your dentist. Sure, you can pick up an off-the-shelf mouthguard at a big box store; but it can't offer you the same level of protection and comfort you'll get from a mouthguard that is made from a model of your own teeth. Custom-made mouthguards from your dentist are reasonably priced - and by preventing dental trauma, they can save an untold amount of hurt... both to your body and to your pocketbook.

So take a tip from the pros: Get a custom-made mouthguard, and wear it every time you play. But when you're done playing... how about putting it away in a case?

If you would like more information about custom-made athletic mouthguards, please visit our website at www.parkfamilydental.com, or contact us here, or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can learn more by reading the Dear Doctor magazine articles "An Introduction to Sports Injuries & Dentistry" and "Athletic Mouthguards."

Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most

A few days before the Oscars, Vanity Fair magazine asked Academy Awards host Neil Patrick Harris to name his most treasured possession. Was it his Tony award statuette for best leading actor in a musical? His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? The stethoscope he wore while playing teenaged doctor Doogie Howser on TV? No, as it turns out, the 41-year-old actor's most treasured possession is... his wisdom teeth. Yes, you read that correctly. "Oddly, I still have my four wisdom teeth," Harris said. "I refuse to let them go or I'll lose my wise parts."

How odd is it for a 41-year-old to have wisdom teeth? Actually, not that odd at all. While it is true that wisdom teeth are often removed, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to this. It all depends on whether they are causing problems now, or are likely to cause problems in the future.

The trouble wisdom teeth cause is related to the fact that they are the last molars to come in, and that molars are large in size. By the time wisdom teeth appear between the ages of 17 and 21, there often is not enough room for them in the jaw. Sometimes it's because you may have inherited a jaw size that's too small for your tooth size; and generally speaking, the size of the human jaw has evolved to become smaller over time.

If room is lacking, the adjacent molar (that came in earlier) can interfere with the path of eruption - causing the wisdom tooth to come in at an odd angle. The wisdom tooth can hit up against that other tooth, possibly causing pain or damaging the adjacent tooth. This is known as "impaction." Sometimes the wisdom tooth breaks only partway through the gum tissue, leaving a space beneath the gum line that's almost impossible to clean, causing infection. A serious oral infection can jeopardize the survival of teeth, and even spread to other parts of the body.

If a wisdom tooth is impacted, will you know it? Not necessarily. A tooth can be impacted without causing pain. But we can see the position of your wisdom teeth on a dental x-ray and help you make an informed decision as to whether they should stay or go. If removal is the best course of action, rest assured that this procedure is completely routine and that your comfort and safety is our highest priority. If there is no great risk to keeping them, as Neil Patrick Harris has done, we can simply continue to monitor their condition at your regular dental checkups. It will be particularly important to make sure you are reaching those teeth with your brush and floss, and that you keep to your schedule of regular professional cleanings at the dental office. All healthy teeth are indeed worth treasuring.

If you would like more information about wisdom teeth, please visit our website at www.parkfamilydental.com, or contact us here, or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can learn more by reading the Dear Doctor magazine articles "Wisdom Teeth" and "Removing Wisdom Teeth."

Three Things to Know About Crowns Before Your Restoration

Today's crowns, the visible part of a tooth replacement system, can effectively mimic the shape and color of natural teeth. But not all crowns are equal - so it's best to be well-informed before you undergo a restoration on your natural teeth such as a single crown or bridgework - or if you need a crown on a dental implant that replaces a missing tooth.

To give you a starting point, here are 3 things to keep in mind about crowns as you consider a dental restoration.

Material composition. Most crowns in years past were made of a precious metal, most notably gold. What it lacked in appearance, it made up for in performance and durability. In recent years, dental porcelain has become the popular choice because of its ability to mimic the appearance and translucent color of natural teeth. Today's porcelains are much stronger and are used more frequently for back teeth than in years past. A common recommendation for back teeth is a hybrid crown using metal and porcelain. Metal is incorporated beneath the porcelain in this type of crown to create a strong foundation and is also used along biting surfaces for strength. Porcelain is used in the more visible areas for esthetics.

The dental technician's level of artistry. Most dentists sub-contract crown fabrication to dental laboratory technicians who may have varying levels of experience and artistic ability. A highly skilled technician can produce a crown that blends seamlessly with the patient's remaining natural teeth.

Take a "test drive" of your future smile. Although we as dentists adhere to certain aesthetic principles, beauty is ultimately subjective - "in the eye of the beholder." The final product must meet your expectations and level of comfort. If available, then, consider wearing temporary "trial smile" crowns as a preview of your new smile while your permanent set is under construction. This allows you to "try out" your future smile ahead of time, so you can make recommendations and sign off on the final set before it's finished.

Undertaking any dental restoration is an important life step, both for your health and appearance. Being well-informed - especially about the crowns that you and others will see - will help you make wise choices that lead to a satisfying outcome.

If you would like more information on crowns, please visit our website at www.parkfamilydental.com, or contact us here, or schedule an appointment for a consultation.

Difficult or Not, Plaque Removal is Necessary for Stopping Gum Disease

When we refer to periodontal (gum) disease, we're actually talking about a family of progressive, infectious diseases that attack the gums and other tissues attached to the teeth. Caused primarily by bacterial plaque left on tooth surfaces from inefficient oral hygiene, gum disease can ultimately lead to tooth loss.

There's only one way to stop the infection and restore health to diseased tissues - remove all of the offending plaque and calculus (hardened plaque deposits) possible from tooth and gum surfaces, including below the gum line at the roots. The basic tools for this task are specialized hand instruments called scalers or ultrasonic equipment that vibrates plaque loose. A series of cleaning sessions using these tools could stop the infection and promote healing if followed with a consistent, efficient daily hygiene habit.

There are times, however, when the infection has progressed so deeply below the gum line or into the tissues that it requires other procedures to remove the plaque and infected tissue. One such situation is the formation of an abscess within the gum tissues, a pus-filled sac that has developed in response to infection. After administering local anesthesia, the abscess must be treated to remove the cause and allow the infectious fluid to drain. The area is then thoroughly flushed with saline or an antibacterial solution.

The gum tissues are not completely attached to the tooth surface for a small distance creating a space. These spaces are called periodontal pockets when they are inflamed and continue to deepen as the disease progresses. These inflamed and sometimes pus-filled pockets form when tissues damaged by the infection detach from the teeth. If the pockets are located near the gum line, it may be possible to clean out the infectious material using scaling techniques. If, however, they're located four or more millimeters below the gum line a technique known as root planing may be needed, where plaque and calculus are shaved or "planed" from the root surface. As the disease progresses and the pockets deepen, it may also be necessary for surgical intervention to gain access to the tooth roots.

To stop gum disease and promote soft tissue healing, we should use any or all treatment tools at our disposal to reach even the most difficult places for removing plaque and calculus. The end result - a saved tooth - is well worth the effort.

If you would like more information on treating periodontal disease, please visit our website at www.parkfamilydental.com, or contact us here, or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article "Treating Difficult Areas of Periodontal Disease."

3 Ways to Stop or Reduce Painful Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can be disheartening: you're always on your guard with what you eat or drink, and perhaps you've even given up on favorite foods or beverages.

The most common cause for this painful sensitivity is dentin exposure caused by receding gums. Dentin contains tiny open structures called tubules that transmit changes in temperature or pressure to the nerves in the pulp, which in turn signal pain to the brain. The enamel that covers the dentin, along with the gum tissues, creates a barrier between the environment and dentin to prevent it from becoming over-stimulated.

Due to such causes as aggressive over-brushing or periodontal (gum) disease, the gum tissues can recede from the teeth. This exposes portions of the dentin not covered by enamel to the effects of hot or cold. The result is an over-stimulation of the dentin when encountering normal environmental conditions.

So, what can be done to relieve painful tooth sensitivity? Here are 3 ways to stop or minimize the symptoms.

Change your brushing habits. As mentioned, brushing too hard and/or too often can contribute to gum recession. The whole purpose of brushing (and flossing) is to remove bacterial plaque that's built up on tooth surfaces; a gentle action with a soft brush is sufficient. Anything more than two brushings a day is usually too much - you should also avoid brushing just after consuming acidic foods or liquids to give saliva time to neutralize acid and restore minerals to the enamel.

Include fluoride in your dental care. Fluoride has been proven to strengthen enamel. Be sure, then, to use toothpastes and other hygiene products that contain fluoride. With severe sensitivity you may also benefit from a fluoride varnish applied by a dentist to your teeth that not only strengthens enamel but also provides a barrier to exposed dentin.

Seek treatment for dental disease. Tooth sensitivity is often linked to tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease. Treating dental disease may include plaque removal, gum surgery to restore receded gums, a filling to remove decay or root canal therapy when the decay gets to the tooth pulp. These treatments could all have an effect on reducing or ending your tooth sensitivity.

If you would like more information on the causes and treatments for sensitive teeth, please visit our website at www.parkfamilydental.com, or contact us here, or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article "Tooth Sensitivity."

Four Tips for Preventing Premature Loss of Baby Teeth From Tooth Decay

Most often, all of your child's primary teeth will eventually be replaced by permanent teeth, but you shouldn't consider them less important - there are serious consequences for losing a primary tooth prematurely. Besides providing a means for a child to chew food and speak clearly, primary teeth also save space for the permanent teeth to erupt; a premature loss could lead to malocclusions (bad bites) that may result in costly orthodontic treatment later.

That's why it's important to fight tooth decay in primary teeth. By keeping them healthy and in place until it's time for their departure, their permanent replacements have a better chance of erupting into their proper positions.

Here are 4 tips for preventing tooth decay in primary teeth:

Begin daily oral hygiene when teeth first appear. Begin brushing with fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first primary teeth come in. Brushing removes bacterial plaque, the primary cause of tooth decay, and fluoride strengthens enamel. Because they tend to swallow toothpaste rather than spit it out, use just a smear of toothpaste for infants and toddlers, and a pea-sized amount for ages two and older.

Start regular dental visits by the child's first birthday. By beginning regular checkups around age 1, we'll have a better chance of discovering developing tooth decay or other problems early. You're also setting a good foundation for what should be a lifelong habit for optimum dental health.

Limit sugar consumption. The oral bacteria that cause tooth decay feed on leftover carbohydrates like sugar, so you should limit intake especially between meals. One culprit to watch out for: a bedtime bottle filled with formula, milk or fruit juices, all of which contain carbohydrates (sugar). Water or no bottle at all is a better alternative.

Consider topical fluoride or sealants for extra protection. In some circumstances, we may advise protecting the enamel of newly erupted teeth with an applied sealant. These protective coatings fill in porous pits and fissures in young teeth to deny access to disease. Supplemental fluoride will further strengthen young tooth enamel.

Taking these measures and remaining vigilant to the first signs of decay can go a long way toward preserving your child's teeth. Their future oral health depends on it.

If you would like more information on dental care for children, please visit our website at www.parkfamilydental.com, or contact us here, or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article "Dentistry and Oral Health for Children."