Options for replacing a tooth

There are three  viable options to replace one or more teeth. The oldest method is a removable partial denture ( also called a removable bridge). It consists of a metal framework with metal clasps that retain it in the mouth. The teeth are made of plastic or porcelain that are imbedded in a plastic material that [...]

Laser used to Detected Decay

For a long time in dentistry we have noticed no decay in your x-rays and visual exam only to see a large area of decay six months later. The reasons; the decay was to small to detect at the earlier appointment. We now have a laser (diagnodent) that detects decay that has just started and [...]

Implants, Why Use Them and What Are They?

Implants are titanium “roots” placed in the bone to replace a tooth. Once the implant is placed and the bone heals around it, a post is placed into the implant and a crown is made to fit over the post. There are three components to what you, the patient, think of as an implant tooth. [...]

Oral Cancer Screenings

We have had early detection screenings for breast, prostate and cervical cancers for a long time. We all know that early detection of these three areas save lives. The evidence of oral cancer is rising at an alarming rate. Fortunately, an early cancer screen has been developed. There are two or three methods. The one [...]

Orthodontics and Early Intervention

Traditional orthodontics has always been taught as a “wait and see” process.  By that, I mean to wait until all permanent teeth have erupted and then sort out the crowded  mess that has occurred.  This often requires four permanent teeth to be removed.  Often a “headgear” is used to move the upper front teeth back [...]

Crowns and Onlays in One Appointment

Over 90% of the dentist in the USA today must send your crowns or onlays to a dental laboratory for your crown/onlay to be completed.  That is 2 appointments separated by 2-3 weeks. This means you have to be careful with a temporary in between the appointments.  We have had Cerec technology in our office [...]

Air Abrasion Instead of Drills

We have all had decay that was fixed by using the dental drill.  This required numbing of the tooth and the 2-4 hours afterward for the “wearing off” process.  Air abrasion was brought into dentistry in the early 1990’s by the same people who invented the dental laser.  The concept is that the powder that [...]

Electric Toothbrush or Hand Toothbrush?

As a young child (2 yrs- 7 yrs old) a soft hand tooth brush is best.  For them the vibration of the electric or battery brush is scary.  As they get older I would recommend the Oral-B Vitality electric tooth brush.  It is half speed (as compared to adult electric brushes) and cleans 20 xs [...]

Lasers in Dentistry

We have been using lasers in our office since 1984. Almost everyone has heard of lasers to correct your eye sight, but not many dentists are trained in the use of lasers in the oral cavity Less than 6% of the dentist world wide use Yag Lasers to treat oral conditions. Lasers have the advantage [...]

Unseen Dangers in the Medicine Cabinet

What’s in your medicine cabinet? Aspirin? Vitamins? Antibotics? Medicine cabinets can contain hidden dangers. Moisture from the shower can get inside bottles. If moisture gets inside an Aspirin bottle, for example, it changes the chemical composition and acetylsalicylic acid breaks down to salicylic acid, the same substance used in corn removers. This salicylic acid, when [...]

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