Signs of Imminent Tooth Decay In Children and Adults

Decay is a reasonably straightforward process, and the signs of it are the same in adults and children. The difference is that an adult is more likely to notice the onset of decay before a child. However, you can help your children know what to look for. This will keep them on track to maintaining good oral health and help them alert you when they first begin to appear.

The first stage of dental decay is the appearance of white blemishes on the surface of the teeth. These blemishes represent areas where the enamel has begun to weaken due to demineralization. If caught at this stage, it’s possible to reverse the process and avoid lasting damage. These blemishes, known as white spot lesions, can be easily identified and treated by your dentist. Make sure to schedule a visit immediately if you notice them appearing. During your visit, the dentist may offer:

• Fluoride supplements to help strengthen teeth
• new oral hygiene techniques to improve coverage
• Fluoride treatments that can help strengthen your teeth
• Professional cleaning to eliminate plaque and tartar responsible for the decay

Gum disease is another clear sign that serious oral health concerns are happening. Gum disease symptoms appear as red, tender, and puffy gums. They also tend to bleed when brushed. In severe cases, the gums can begin pulling away from the teeth. The resulting pockets expose the more sensitive enamel of the gums and create pockets for biofilms and food debris to hide. This condition is harder to reverse but can be done with the assistance of your dentist. The process generally involves getting a professional periodontal cleaning, root scaling, and planning. During this treatment, the plaque and tartar are removed from the dental surface, which is then polished to discourage regrowth.

Speak To Your Dentist For Next Steps

Reaching out to your dentist is an effective way of getting tips for handling tooth decay at any age. They’ll let you know other indicators to watch for and what to do when they appear. They can also help you and your family ensure everyone is brushing properly and thoroughly. You can provide your family with the toothbrushes, dental floss, and mouthwash they need for a complete dental care routine. Don’t wait to start protecting your family’s smiles! Call for a consultation today.

The post Signs of Imminent Tooth Decay In Children and Adults appeared first on Heritage Park Dental.

What CBCT Brings To The Realm Of Dental Care

When planning treatment, your dentist needs to know as much about your current oral health. Oral health involves every part of your orofacial area, including the bony structures typically hidden by soft tissues. Previously the only way to view these regions was by taking multiple images from different angles using x-rays. While x-ray technology is still at the heart of dental imaging, a new process has been developed that improves the resulting images. The patient is positioned with their chin on a platform to hold their head steady. A camera on a swing-arm then passes in an arc in front of them, taking hundreds of images in a few seconds.

These images will then be stitched together using advanced software to produce a digital image of the patient’s orofacial structures. The resulting image is highly precise and rendered in a 3D format that allows the dentist to view the result from any angle. This imaging technique provides numerous benefits to the patient and dentist alike, including:

• Enhanced diagnostic ability resulting from greater visibility of the orofacial area
• Better treatment planning as a highly-realistic depiction is available based it on
• Improved visualization of the nasal cavities, sinuses, and nerve canals
• Immediate identification of infection, abscesses, and other oral health concerns

There is another benefit due to the digital nature of the image. It can be easily passed from practitioner to practitioner, to your insurance company, and even to you with ease. Your dentist can achieve this without the risk of losing the original image. Sometimes, your dentist may even use the digitally scanned image to produce a 3D model of your orofacial area to aid in diagnosis and treatment.

Learn How Your Dental Clinic Uses CBCT

Every dentist has unique approaches to providing dental care and applying their available technology. Reaching out to your dental health provider is a great way to learn how they’ve taken advantage of this new advanced dental imaging technology. Some use it as their primary form of imaging, while others continue to combine it with traditional imaging methods. You may find that your dentist uses it as the primary form of dental imaging in all their oral care. Schedule your next bi-annual appointment to get a chance to ask them about the technology in use at their clinic. You may find more treatment options available than you previously thought!

The post CBCT Technology in Endodontics: How This Device Plays a Drastic Role in Treatment appeared first on Heritage Park Dental.

Introducing The Power Of Conservative Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic treatments can significantly improve the appearance of dental patients’ smiles. They often address the most common concerns, such as dental staining and slight imperfections in our oral cavity. Even though these treatments are largely cosmetic, they can also have beneficial therapeutic effects. Correcting dental alignment not only makes your smile look amazing. It also eliminates gaps where plaque and tartar can hide. Addressing imperfections in the shape of our teeth can help prevent issues developing from an improper bite.

• Dental Whitening – Lightening the shade of our enamel can help our teeth look bright and beautiful. This is easily the most frequently requested cosmetic treatment on the market today. The dentist will apply a special peroxide solution to your enamel that breaks down the proteins causing the stains. In many cases, your dentist will use a special lighting device to help stimulate the action of the solution, producing greater results.
• Clear Aligners – One of the newest tools available in the dental market is clear aligners. These are special trays that work to apply precise pressure that adjusts the placement and orientation of your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, these can be removed for up to 2 hours daily. This makes it easy to enjoy your favorite food and properly clean your teeth.
• Dental Bonding – The process of dental bonding using a special composite resin affixed to your teeth. This material is used to correct chips, close gaps, and cover areas of staining that your dentist can’t address with peroxide treatments.

Each of these treatments addresses common concerns brought to dentists. They can improve our smiles, improve our dental hygiene, and aid our oral health. Other forms of treatment available are more invasive, but these stand as the most popular.

When Non-Conservative Cosmetic Dentistry Works

Non-conservative approaches to cosmetic dentistry are necessary when significant changes are needed. This can happen due to excessive gum recession or when too much gingival tissue is present. There are also times when it’s necessary to reduce the amount of enamel visible. These treatments remove tissue using various techniques. The typical approach involves using scalpels and stitches for the gums or a rotary drill to reduce excess enamel. Modern approaches use laser dentistry which has better results, shorter recovery times, and less chance of complications.

The post What Does A Conservative Approach Mean in Cosmetic Dentistry? appeared first on Heritage Park Dental.

 Easing Discomfort After Orthodontic Care

While the majority of those who receive orthodontic care don’t report discomfort afterward, it does happen. The discomfort experienced is often mild, involving some soreness and inflammation. However, this discomfort doesn’t persist throughout the entire period of care. The exact degree of discomfort and its nature will vary with each patient and treatment. When present, it is generally treatable with over-the-counter medication.

• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: When patients are reporting inflammation or swelling, NSAIDs are a common solution. These medications, known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are excellent at easing swelling. Ibuprofen, Aleve, naproxen sodium, and Motrin are familiar types of NSAID for many patients.
• Analgesics: These medicines ease the sensation of pain, making them an excellent companion for NSAIDs in pain relief. Aspirin is a well-known brand of analgesic found in pharmacies everywhere. Your dentist may prescribe this to help control your discomfort.
• Cold Therapy: Cold has a soothing effect on many forms of dental pain, especially inflammation and swelling. Eating cold drinks, sucking (not chewing) on ice, or using a cold pack can help reduce your discomfort.
• Gargle Salt Water: This practice can help ease the soreness that impacts the cheeks and gums following treatment. Just take a sip of warm salt water, swish it around, and spit it out in the sink.
• Gum Massage: Gently rubbing your gums can have a soothing effect on the discomfort as well. It stimulates circulation to the area, helping reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Targeted Nutritional Guidance: Certain foods can cause discomfort when wearing an orthodontic appliance. You should avoid particularly crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods during your treatment.

It’s essential that you communicate any pain you’re experiencing to your dentist. Patients who are experiencing discomfort after receiving an orthodontic appliance generally have nothing to worry about. However, if the pain persists for a period longer than two weeks, it may indicate something more concerning. This is why your dentist must be alerted of any new symptoms, even if it’s immediately after the initial treatment.

Consult Your Dentist For Orthodontic Pain Relief

Orthodontic care has many benefits for the patient, even beyond the aesthetic results. It can improve the effectiveness of dental hygiene practices. This boost comes from eliminating spaces where bacteria can hide in your teeth. It also helps your brush and mouthwash reach every tooth surface, especially when combined with flossing. Call your orthodontist to learn more about controlling post-orthodontic care discomfort.

The post Our Strategies For Treating Orthodontic Pain appeared first on Heritage Park Dental.

The Products That Make For Outstanding Results

There are a number of products and procedures that may become familiar to you when you’re receiving restoration or cosmetic dental care. These procedures are performed to restore both function and appearance to your smile. To accomplish this goal,, they have to be good at what they do, producing attractive and durable results. Even so, it’s your dentist’s skills and expertise that get the process started. Long before you arrive for the procedure, they’re considering which products they use that will best suit your needs. The first part of the process is often decided for them, as they have learned to rely on products approved by the FDA and ADA. These organizations are responsible for rating products and ensuring that they meet certain minimum quality and safety standards.

• Composite Systems: A tooth that has been damaged needs to be restored, and composite systems are often the tool required. While there is a certain amount of variation in technique from dentist to dentist, the products used tend to be fairly universal. Omnichroma flow is one example, a material known for its exceptional color matching and longevity. Another option is Venus Pearl One, which blends in with the neighboring teeth well.
• Universal Bonding Systems: Bonding systems work to ensure that the restoration or cosmetic material put in place stays there. Rely Universal Resin and Adhesive and KaVo Kerr Optibond Universal Solution are the ones used most often. They both have an exceptional reputation for longevity and effectiveness. Kerr Optibond, in particular, is well-liked for its compatibility with a range of composites and cement.
• Temporary Cement: When setting a temporary restoration in place, a unique concern arises. There is a need for cement that holds the restoration in place firmly while also being temporary in nature. Provincial QM Aesthetic temporary cement fits the bill perfectly.
• Bioceramic Restoratives: Ceramic products that are able to integrate well with the body’s natural systems are known as bioceramics. Pulpdent Active Bioactive Restorative is one such restorative that is used. Ceramir Restore Quickcap is another.

Speak To Your Dental Professional About Their Products

When it comes to selecting dental care products, there’s no one better than your dentist. They spend their entire career exploring new dental brands and products, looking for the best ones to treat their patients. Ask yours for their advice on how to improve your dental hygiene practices through products available at home.

The post Professional Dental Products That Make For Outstanding Results appeared first on Heritage Park Dental.

How Teleorthodontic Care Makes Dental Visits Easier

It was somewhat surprising how quickly dental services adapted to using teledentistry in their practices. It started out with simple phone calls, but soon dentists started taking advantage of options such as video calling. Teleorthodontics was a bit trickier. Traditionally dental care required a visit to the office to take measurements and get imaging in preparation for the treatment. Innovation and a reimagining of the process made it possible to accomplish these goals remotely.

While receiving x-rays still requires a visit to the office, applying older technology to get molds remotely was possible. Patients are sent a dental impression kit that they use in the comfort of their own homes. These kits are then sent back to the dental office and used to create a physical model. This model is examined for any obvious concerns and is then applied to developing an effective treatment plan. In the best-case scenarios, these models are used to design clear aligners that are then sent to the patient. Your dentist can accomplish all of this without the patient needing to visit the office.

If traditional braces or other orthodontic care forms are required, your care may require a physical visit. However, teledentistry helps with this by reducing the foot traffic into the dental office. Once the braces are put in place, this new technique comes into play again. Your dentist can perform check-ups on the progress of your orthodontic adjustment via video call. You can communicate any concerns you have, such as dental pain, and still visit the office if it’s deemed necessary.

There are some notable benefits to using teledentistry for your care. For example:

• There’s a reduced need for visits to the office
• Appointments can occur at times that are convenient for you
• It’s easier to get care while living in remote areas
• Most follow-ups no longer require an office visit

These are some of the reasons that have made teledentistry become an increasingly popular option among patients and dentists. Even insurance providers are finding teledentistry to be beneficial for their coverage. This has led to an ever-increasing number of policies, including teledentistry under the plans.

Connect With Your Dentist About Teledentistry

Contact your dentist if you’re wondering if teledentistry will work for you. They’ll be able to inform you of the options they have available and how they implement telehealth practices in your care.

The post How Teleorthodontic Care Makes Dental Visits Easier appeared first on Heritage Park Dental.

The Rise Of Digital Imaging and Impressions

Dental impressions are an essential tool used to plan out procedures and design restorations. With these physical 3D representations of your oral cavity, your dentist is able to carefully plan out any dental work needed. They reveal any imperfections, show a true-to-life representation of your oral cavity, and can be viewed from any angle. It’s hard to see how these keystones of dental treatment could be replaced. Digital impressions and imaging are here to do just that.

X-rays have served an important role in dentistry for nearly 200 years, along with dental impressions. They revealed aspects of your oral cavity and orofacial area that just couldn’t be seen with the naked eye. They gave the dentist essential information, from hidden cavities to infections at the root of your teeth. Digital imaging is a special process that uses x-rays to create a perfect view of the bony structures of your oral cavity. The produced images are saved in a digital format that can be viewed on a screen, 3D printed or sent digitally to other providers.

Similar technology takes advantage of an intra-oral camera to create a 3D image of the inside of your mouth. This imaging tool takes thousands of images of the inside of your mouth and then stitches them together to create a near-perfect 3-D image. This image of the teeth and soft tissues of your mouth comes with all the benefits of the 3-D imaging mentioned above.

Both of these imaging methods come with a shared set of benefits:

• Ultra-precise 3D images in stunning detail
• True-to-life visualizations of your oral cavity and health
• No more trays that are uncomfortable and messy
• No unpleasant-tasting impression mediums
• A superior ability to plan procedures

These benefits clearly indicate why digital imaging and impressions have had an incredible impact on restoration and cosmetic dentistry. In addition, they’re easy to share with patients and other specialists without fear of losing the document. Patients can have copies for their own records and can even view them on their own home computers.

Speak With Your Dental Provider To Learn More

Impressions will always be with us, but digital impressions continue to drive dentistry into the modern age. These technologies influence every element of your oral health care. The improved diagnostic ability makes it even easier for your dentist to choose the right treatment options for you. Cosmetic procedures will be more effective and successful than ever. Just contact your dentist and ask how dental imaging is used in their practice.

The post How Digital Impressions Improve Your Care appeared first on Heritage Park Dental.

How Orthodontic Anchorage Works In Treatment

The first form of orthodontic anchorage was developed by Henry Albert Baker. Baker’s anchorage continues to be used to the present day. Many new processes and styles of anchorage have been developed to handle varying orthodontic conditions. These processes are classified in the following manner:

• Site-Based Classification
  • Intraoral – These are anchorages that are placed inside the mouth.
  • Extraoral – A term for external anchorages that rely on headgear and face masks. Three forms of headgear are available, cervical, occipital, and combination headgear.
  • Muscular – When muscle-based anchorages are used to secure the teeth.
• Number of Treated Teeth 
  • Simple/Primary – When only a primary, meaning single, tooth is involved.
  • Compound – More than one tooth is involved in this anchorage.
  • Reinforced – When appliances or other teeth are used to secure the base anchorage in place. The supporting anchorages are often extraoral or muscular.
  • Reciprocal – When two teeth need to move towards each other an equal amount.
  • Stationary – When one tooth needs to be moved from one location to another, a stationary anchorage is used.
• Space-Based Classification
  • Group A – When anterior (front) teeth need to be moved towards the back.
  • Group B – When both anterior and posterior (rear) teeth need to be moved.
  • Group C – When posterior teeth need to move towards the front.
  • Absolute Anchorage – When all of the teeth involved are being moved towards the rear of the mouth. In all the other forms, there is some portion or posterior and anterior teeth being moved.

These three types of classifications represent those most commonly used and referenced. There are two other types of classification, which refer to the implants being used or the bone being used as an anchor point. In all types of anchorages, there is one singular goal, to ensure that only the desired teeth are moved while the rest remain stationary. If these teeth should move unexpectedly, there can be consequences for the orthodontic treatment.

Work With A Specialist For Orthodontic Care

These classifications demonstrate just how involved the orthodontic process can become. With the rising tide of mail-order orthodontics and DIY braces, it’s important that patients understand what’s involved. Each stage of your orthodontic care requires active oversight from a specialist. Without it, you encounter the risk of poor results or even dangerous complications that can endanger your oral health. Ensure your teeth are getting proper care by speaking to a professional orthodontic specialist about your treatment.

The post The Purpose Of Orthodontic Anchorage In Dental Care appeared first on Heritage Park Dental.

How To Follow An Environmentally Safe Oral Hygiene Routine

While it’s entirely possible to limit the environmental impact of your oral hygiene practice, it does take a little effort. The best way to limit the amount of plastic waste in your routine is to limit the amount of plastic you use. You can do this by changing the products you use in dental hygiene. Floss can last for up to 80 years once it gets into a landfill, and a football stadium’s worth of empty containers is used each year. Changing to mulberry silk floss in a biodegradable container can help impact this waste.

Mouthwash bottles are almost all plastic, but there are ways to limit your waste. One way is to switch to mouthwash in a pill form in a small metal container. These significantly reduce the water waste related to mouthwash and eliminate the wasteful plastic container. Toothbrushes also come in biodegradable forms, with bamboo being one of the most popular. However, research has shown that recycling your plastic toothbrushes may be more sustainable. Bamboo takes a lot of water to grow, and there’s less waste in recycling plastic.

In addition to limiting the plastic waste you produce, you can also reduce the water you use. The average person wastes up to four gallons of water while brushing their teeth. When multiplied across almost 400 million Americans, that amounts to well over a billion gallons of wasted water a year. Do your part to limit water waste by doing the following:

• Turn off the tap after filling a glass with water
• Wet your toothbrush in the water before adding toothpaste
• Use floss before you rinse to take advantage of the toothpaste foam
• Rinse with the water in your glass without using all of it
• Use the remaining water to rinse your brush
• Pour the last of the water down the sink.

This method will eliminate a lot of the water waste involved in the process. Between this and the tips suggested earlier for reducing your plastic waste, you’ll be helping to keep the Earth a beautiful place for generations to come.

A Combined Effort Can Reduce Environmental Impact

With everyone working together, we can significantly impact dental plastic waste. You can also speak to your dentist to get tips on how to reduce your impact while maintaining good oral health.

The post How To Follow An Environmentally Safe Oral Hygiene Routine appeared first on Heritage Park Dental.

Understanding The Steps of The Tooth Cleaning Procedure

The specifics of the procedure vary from office to office but follow largely similar guidelines. In most cases, your dental cleaning will be performed by a dental hygienist. In some cases, your dentist may perform the procedure.

Steps to expect during the cleaning procedure include:

• Teeth and gum examination – It all starts with a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. During this step, your hygienist is looking for potential problems, including dark spots on the teeth. Plaque, tartar, and inflamed gums are also checked for. This aids the hygienist in knowing what to focus on while cleaning. If serious concerns are identified, the dentist may be called for a deeper assessment.
• Scaling – The first step of the process is known as scaling. This step removes the tartar and plaque that have built upon the surface of your teeth. The focus tends to be on the space between the teeth and on the gum line. When possible, an ultrasonic scaler will be used, but a manual scaler may be necessary for severe buildup. The ultrasonic scaler feels like a gentle vibration of the teeth. The manual scaler is a painless scraping on the teeth.
• Polishing and Flossing – The next step in cleaning your teeth involves the use of an electric polisher. The tip of the polisher has a rubber cup known as a prophy cup and is used to hold the gritty paste that will be used to polish your teeth. A gentle grinding sensation is felt on the teeth during this stage. The hygienist will also floss your teeth during this stage to remove any remaining paste and plaque.
• Fluoride – Fluoride treatments are a common part of the dental cleaning process. There are several flavors of gel to make the experience more pleasant. The gel is placed in a mouthpiece that is then placed over your teeth. This stays in place for a minute before being removed.

Overall the experience of having your teeth cleaned is a painless experience. When long periods have passed between dental cleanings and gingivitis has developed, some discomfort might be present. The hygienist will have to do a deep cleaning beneath the gum line. In general, this is only mildly uncomfortable, requiring no anesthesia.

A Final Not On Dental Cleanings

Some patients may feel a little discomfort during the procedure, but it isn’t a painful process. However, some may feel the process is invasive or experience anxiety in anticipation of it. In some cases sedation, dentistry may be available to help these feelings. Most important is to ensure that between cleanings, you maintain a consistent dental hygiene practice to avoid deeper cleanings being needed.

The post Understanding The Tooth Cleaning Procedure appeared first on Heritage Park Dental.