My Blog
Posts for: January, 2018

For whatever reason, you’ve put off replacing a missing tooth for awhile. Now you want to fill that empty gap in your smile with a dental implant restoration.
But if your tooth’s been missing for a long time, there could be a problem with space. This is because the teeth on either side of the space may have gradually drifted into it, leaving no room for the implant. You could need orthodontic work first to return these teeth to their proper position.
We could use braces, metal orthodontic devices with wires threaded through brackets bonded to the teeth that are then anchored, usually to back teeth. The orthodontist uses elastics or springs as well as possibly incrementally tightening of the wire against the anchors. These techniques create pressure or tension on the teeth for the desired direction of movement. The teeth’s natural mechanism for movement does the rest.
But while effective, braces can be quite noticeable, an embarrassing thought for many adults having to wear them over several months of treatment. But there may be an alternative: clear aligners, a succession of slightly different plastic trays usually worn in two-week intervals. Sequentially wearing each tray gradually moves the teeth to their desired positions.
Though not appropriate for all bite situations, clear aligners have a number of benefits when they can be used. They’re nearly invisible to others and can be removed for hygiene tasks or rare special occasions. What’s more, the orthodontist may attach a temporary prosthetic (false) tooth to the trays to camouflage the missing space during treatment.
There’s one other issue you may have to deal with: if your tooth loss was related to periodontal (gum) disease, the gums and underlying bone may be in poor condition. In fact, substantial bone loss could rule out an implant altogether. But we may be able to remedy both gum and bone deficiencies through grafting or plastic surgery. It may be possible to regenerate enough bone to support the implant; and surgically repairing your gums will help ensure the implant appears natural.
If you have problems like these, don’t give up on your restoration goal just yet. With some orthodontic and dental work ahead of time, we may still be able to make implants a reality for you.
If you would like more information on restoring your smile after losing teeth, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.

While some aspects of regular dental visits are much the same for everyone, they can be more involved for an older adult. That’s because people later in life face an increased risk of dental disease and other age-related issues.
If you’re a caregiver for an older adult, you’ll want to be aware of these heightened risks. Here are 4 areas of concern we may check during their next regular dental visit.
Oral cancer. While it can occur at any age, cancer is more prevalent among older adults. Although rarer than other cancers, oral cancer’s survival rate is a dismal 50% after five years. This is because the disease is difficult to detect early or is misidentified as other conditions. To increase the odds of early detection (and better survival chances) we may perform a cancer screening during the visit.
Dental disease. The risks for tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease also increase with age. A primary risk factor for older people is a lack of adequate saliva (the mouth’s natural disease fighter) often caused by medications or systemic conditions. We’ll watch carefully for any signs of disease, as well as assess their individual risk factors (including medications) for decreased oral health.
Dentures. If they wear dentures, we’ll check the appliance’s fit. While dentures can wear with use, the fit may also grow loose due to continuing bone loss in the jaw, a downside of denture wearing. We’ll make sure they still fit comfortably and aren’t stressing the gums or supporting teeth. It may be necessary to reline them or consider replacing them with a new set.
Oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing are just as important for older adults as for younger people for preventing dental disease, but often more difficult due to mental or physical impairment. We can note areas of bacterial plaque buildup and recommend ways to improve their hygiene efforts.
Depending on how well your older adult can care for themselves, it may be advisable for you to come with them when they visit us. Our dental team can provide valuable information and advice to help you help them have a healthier mouth.
If you would like more information on dental care for older adults, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Aging & Dental Health.”

Winter is the time for snowy landscapes, hot cocoa and flannel PJs, but for some 'tis the season for tooth trouble. What can you do to keep your teeth from becoming a pain this winter?
Tackle tooth sensitivity. Does crisp winter air on your teeth give you a jolt? A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that 1 in 8 people (over 12%) suffer from tooth sensitivity, particularly to cold. Sensitivity can result from receding gums, erosion of tooth enamel, tooth decay or other dental problems. If you experience tooth sensitivity, use toothpaste that is specially formulated for sensitive teeth and breathe through your nose to protect your teeth from extreme cold. Most importantly, schedule a dental exam to determine why your teeth are sensitive.
Stay hydrated. In winter, we spend more time with the heat on and we tend to drink less water. A dry mouth can result, which can lead to bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease. Staying well hydrated keeps your gums and teeth moist and helps you produce more saliva, which is key to good oral health and fresh breath. Saliva helps wash away food debris and bacteria, neutralize decay-causing acid and repair weakened tooth enamel. For healthy teeth and gums, be sure to drink plenty of water this winter.
Safeguard your teeth on the slopes. Are you planning to hit the slopes this winter? Be sure to wear a mouthguard to help protect against injury. Beginning skiers and snowboarders are more likely to suffer falls that could result in dental injuries, while experts may fly over bumps and jumps, causing the upper and lower teeth to knock together with force. Even backyard sledders are at risk of dental injury. Mouthguards help protect against chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth as well as soft tissue damage. So before you enjoy wintertime sports, make sure your teeth are protected. For the best fit and comfort, ask us about a custom mouthguard.
If you have questions about these or other dental issues, please contact us or schedule a consultation. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Treatment of Tooth Sensitivity” and “Dry Mouth.”

For a predictable outcome, a dental implant should be placed as soon as the bone and gum tissues following a tooth extraction have healed. But what happens if the tooth has been missing for months or years? You might then run the risk of not having enough bone to properly place an implant.
This can happen because of a disruption in the growth cycle of living bone tissue. As older bone cells dissolve (resorption), new bone develops to take its place. This is a dynamic process, as the amount and exact location of the new growth is in response to changes in the mouth, particularly from forces generated by the teeth as we chew. If, however, this stimulation transmitted to the bone no longer occurs because the tooth is missing, the bone will tend to dissolve over time.
In fact, within the first year after a tooth loss the associated bone can lose as much as a quarter of its normal width. This is why we typically place bone grafting material in an empty socket at the same time as we extract the tooth. This encourages bone growth during the healing period in anticipation of installing a dental implant or a fixed bridge. If, however, the bone has diminished to less than required for a dental implant, we must then use techniques to encourage new bone growth to support a future implant.
One such technique for restoring bone in the back of the upper jaw is to surgically access the area through the maxillary sinus (a membrane-lined air space within the bone structure of the face) positioned just over the jawbone to place grafting material. During surgery performed usually with local anesthesia, the surgeon accesses the sinus cavity, lifts the tissue membrane up from the sinus floor and applies the grafting material on top of the bone. Eventually, the new bone growth will replace the grafting material.
If successful, the new bone growth will be sufficient to support an implant. Thanks to this renewed growth, you’ll soon be able to enjoy better function and a transformed smile provided by your new implant.
If you would like more information on forming new bone for implants through sinus surgery, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Sinus Surgery.”

The human body’s immune system has amazing defensive capabilities. Without it a common cold or small wound could turn deadly.
One of the more important processes of the immune system is inflammation, the body’s ability to isolate diseased or injured tissue from unaffected tissue. Ironically, though, this vital component of the healing process could actually cause harm if it becomes chronic.
This often happens with periodontal (gum) disease, an infection of the gums caused by bacterial plaque built up on teeth due to inadequate hygiene, which in turn triggers inflammation. The infection is often fueled by plaque, however, and can become difficult for the body to overcome on its own. A kind of trench warfare sets in between the body and the infection, resulting in continuing inflammation that can damage gum tissues. Untreated, the damage may eventually lead to tooth and bone loss.
In treating gum disease, our main goal is to stop the infection (and hence the inflammation) by aggressively removing plaque and calculus (tartar). Without plaque the infection diminishes, the inflammation subsides and the gums can begin to heal. This reduces the danger to teeth and bone and hopefully averts their loss.
But there’s another benefit of this treatment that could impact other inflammatory conditions in the body. Because all the body’s organic systems are interrelated, what occurs in one part affects another especially if it involves inflammation.
It’s now theorized that reducing gum inflammation could lessen inflammation in other parts of the body. Likewise, treating other conditions like high blood pressure and other risk factors for inflammatory diseases could lower your risk of gum disease and boost the effectiveness of treatment.
The real key is to improve and maintain your overall health, including your teeth and gums. Practice daily brushing and flossing to remove plaque, and visit your dentist regularly for more thorough cleanings. And see your dentist at the first sign of possible gum problems like bleeding, redness or swelling. You’ll not only be helping your mouth you could also be helping the rest of your body enjoy better health.
If you would like more information on the relationship between gum disease and other systemic conditions, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “The Link between Heart & Gum Diseases.”
Blog Content
Archive:
- 2019
- January (6)
- Crown Lengthening Might be Necessary for Seniors with Tooth Decay
- A New Veneer with Minimal or No Tooth Alteration
- Wisdom Teeth Warrant Close Watch to Avoid Future Health Issues
- You may Need Orthodontic Treatment Before Obtaining Implants
- Implant-Supported Dentures Could Boost Your Jawbone Health
- 3 Reasons Why Your New Dentist Needs Your Treatment Records
- 2018
- December (6)
- Oral Health Concerns for Preteens
- People Born with Missing Teeth can Still Gain a Beautiful Smile
- Crown Lengthening Helps us Treat Hard to Reach Cavities
- Get a Look at Your Future Makeover Look Now with a 'Trial Smile'
- Practice Daily Oral Hygiene to Prevent Calcified Plaque Formation
- Stop Smoking to Reduce Your Risk of Gum Disease
- November (6)
- Your Teen Could get a Straighter Smile with Clear Aligners Rather than Braces
- Don't Ignore Sudden Tooth Pain - Your Teeth may be Telling you Something
- Keep up Regular Dental Care While You're Pregnant
- Take Steps to Save an Incoming Tooth's Place to Avoid a Poor Bite
- Prompt Treatment for Gum Disease Could Ultimately Save Your Teeth
- Take a Look into Your Future with a Trial Smile
- October (6)
- Dental Porcelain is a Great Option for Creating a Natural Appearance
- How to Help Your Kids Form Good Oral Hygiene Habits
- Stop Root Cavities with Prevention and Prompt Treatment
- Five Tips for Top-Notch Tooth Brushing
- Inflammation: the Link Between Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Disease
- Don't Stress Over Your Child's Teeth Grinding Habit Unless it Persists
- September (6)
- Advances in Porcelain Veneers Improve Both Strength and Appearance
- A Pediatric Dentist Could be a Great Choice for Your Child's Dental Care
- We can Build up Lost Bone Before Your Implant
- New Advances Could Revolutionize Decay Treatment
- Keep on Course during the 3 Phases of a Smile Makeover
- Veneers may Offer a Less Invasive Way to Transform Your Smile
- August (6)
- There's Still Hope for a Re-Infected Tooth After Root Canal Treatment
- Be on the Alert for Gum Disease While Wearing Braces
- Dental Care of Prime Importance for Children with Special Health Needs
- What Happens in a Root Canal Treatment and How it Can Save Your Tooth
- 3 Reasons You Should Consider Tooth Whitening
- Back to School Do's and Don'ts
- July (7)
- Those Red Patches on Your Tongue are Nothing to be Alarmed About
- Clean Your Implants Just Like you Clean Your Natural Teeth
- Gum Recession Could Shorten the Life of Your Teeth
- Teenagers with Missing Teeth Usually Need a Temporary Restoration
- Ensure the Best Outcome with the Right Care for a Teen's Missing Tooth
- Get Your Vitamins the Natural Way for Optimum Dental Health
- Stop Gum Disease Before it Becomes a Major Health Issue
- June (6)
- A Root Canal Treatment may be Your Best Chance to Save a Tooth
- June Is National Safety Month: Be Prepared for Dental Emergencies
- 3 Advantages for Improving Your Smile with Composite Resins
- Keep Alert for this Extreme Form of Gingivitis
- Watch Out for Signs of Gum Recession
- Sedation Can Help Create a More Positive Dental Experience for a Child
- 2017
- December (5)
- Provisional Restorations let you Try out Your New Smile First
- Gum Disease can Prevent Your Gums from Protecting Your Teeth
- Change Your Smile for the Better with Porcelain Veneers
- Composite Resin Could Transform Your Tooth's Appearance in Just one Visit
- Certain People may Benefit from Antibiotics Before Implant Surgery
- September (5)
- 'Test Drive' Your Future Look after Dental Work with a Trial Smile
- Stay Vigilant with Oral Hygiene to Avoid Another Bout of Gum Disease
- Reduce Future Bite Problems with These Innovative Techniques
- Take Proactive Steps to Protect Your Oral Health During Cancer Treatment
- A Teen with a Missing Tooth May Need to Wait on a Dental Implant
- May (5)
- Safety is a Priority When Imaging Children's Teeth with X-Rays
- Answers to Common Questions About Root Canal Treatments
- Keep an Eye on Your Young Children's Fluoride Intake
- Pediatric Dentists Specialize in Dental Care for Children and Teens
- Look at Your Options for Saving a Tooth First Before Replacing it
- April (5)
- Plan Ahead to Make Your Smile the Best it can be for Your Big Day!
- Enhance Your Smile for that Special, Once-in-a-Lifetime Day
- Don't Let Sleep Apnea Ruin Your Sleep - or Your Health
- Children with Chronic Health Conditions may Need Extra Dental Care
- Encourage Your Child to Stop Thumb Sucking Around Age 3
- 2016
- November (5)
- Keep Your Baby's Fluoride Intake within Moderate Limits
- Don't Let the Acid in Sports and Energy Drinks Ruin Your Tooth Enamel
- Dental Implants can Replace Your Whole Tooth, Not Just What You See
- Clear Aligners Make it Easier for Teenagers to have Their Teeth Straightened
- Follow These Common Sense Steps When Your Child has a Toothache
- June (5)
- Teens Benefit Most from A Temporary Solution to Missing Teeth
- Keeping Gum Disease at Bay Could Help Your Overall Health
- That Small Mouth Sore is Likely Nothing - but Still Have it Checked
- Consider a Removable Partial Denture as a Temporary Solution After Tooth Loss
- Replacing a Tooth or Saving it - Which Should you do?
- May (5)
- 5 Ways to Make Your Smile More Confident and Inviting
- Prudent Use of X-Rays in Children Provides the most Benefit at the Lowest Risk
- Get a Handle on Stress-Related Tooth Grinding to Stop Tooth Damage
- Replacing a Missing Tooth isn't Just About Improving Your Smile
- Put an End to Uncomfortable and Embarrassing Cracked Mouth Corners
- March (5)
- Irritating Cold Sore Outbreaks can be Controlled Through Medication
- Your Gum Tissue 'Biotype' Could Determine How Gum Disease Affects You
- Keep a Watchful Eye on Your Child's Teeth Grinding Habit
- Is There a Link Between Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Health?
- Though not Always Seen, it's Still Important to Replace a Missing Back Tooth
- 2015
- December (5)
- Eating Disorders May Contribute to Damaged Teeth and Gums
- Treating a Baby Tooth with Inner Decay can be Complicated - but Still Necessary
- A Second Root Canal Treatment May Help Save an Endangered Tooth
- Dental Amalgam Continues to be a Durable and Safe Tooth Filling
- Is Dental Treatment Safe During Pregnancy?
- July (5)
- Common Types of Tooth Injuries and How to Treat Them
- Conscious Sedation Eases Treatment Anxiety for Young Dental Patients
- Stains from Within a Tooth Require Professional Whitening
- There are Various Ways to Treat Sensitivity - Depending on its Cause
- Effective Oral Hygiene is Key to Disease Prevention While Wearing Braces
- April (5)
- Choosing the Right Mouth Rinse that Matches your Oral Health Needs
- 'Simple' Tooth Extractions are a Common Dental Procedure
- Dental Amalgam Fillings Remain a Safe and Reliable Tooth Restoration Option
- Cosmetic Questions to Ask to Get You on the Right Path to a Better Smile
- Getting Smart About Wisdom Teeth
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
- 2011
Tags
- tooth decay (16)
- oral health (79)
- pediatric dentistry (35)
- cosmetic dentistry (46)
- smile makeover (26)
- root canal (13)
- wedding day smiles (2)
- oral hygiene (37)
- dental implants (33)
- tmd (5)
- tmj (5)
- gum disease (31)
- periodontal disease (10)
- heart disease (2)
- dental hygienist (1)
- dental hygiene (4)
- snoring and sleep apnea (4)
- common symptoms (10)
- crown (5)
- celebrity smiles (3)
- dental injuries (7)
- periodontal (gum) disease (7)
- diabetes (3)
- wisdom teeth (3)
- bonding (2)
- chipped tooth (1)
- floss (1)
- snoring (4)
- sleep apnea (4)
- tooth wear (2)
- thumb sucking (4)
- smile (1)
- tongue scraper (1)
- bad breath (3)
- brushing teeth (1)
- veneers (10)
- mouthguards (2)
- sports dentistry (3)
- tooth decay quiz (1)
- dental emergencies (3)
- dentures (6)
- loose dentures (1)
- overdenture (1)
- fluoride (4)
- fun dental facts (1)
- clear orthodontic aligners (2)
- braces (6)
- teeth whitening (12)
- oral cancer (12)
- wedding day smile (2)
- tooth colored fillings (2)
- fillings (3)
- missing tooth (2)
- replacing teeth (1)
- dental implant (1)
- oral sedation (2)
- sedation dentistry (5)
- dental anxiety (1)
- denture (1)
- prepless veneers (1)
- CAT scans (1)
- bleeding gums (1)
- dental crowns (1)
- dental fillings (1)
- loose teeth (3)
- porcelain veneers (9)
- mouthguard (1)
- invisalign (1)
- orthodontics (7)
- periodontal plastic surgery (1)
- dental emergency (1)
- dental injury (4)
- sensitive teeth (3)
- pregnancy (7)
- blood pressure (1)
- tooth bleaching (1)
- endodontics (1)
- furcation (1)
- nutrition (3)
- bridgework (1)
- cracked tooth syndrome (1)
- gum surgery (1)
- toothache (3)
- tooth pain (2)
- water (1)
- geographic tongue (2)
- herbal remedy (1)
- dental cleanings (1)
- smoking (2)
- orthodontic treatment (7)
- adult orthodontics (1)
- baby teeth (1)
- tmj disorders (3)
- oral surgery (1)
- cosmetic gum surgery (1)
- removable partial denture (1)
- bridge (1)
- extractions (1)
- mouth rinse (1)
- toothpaste (2)
- space maintainer (2)
- crowns (6)
- smile design (3)
- gum recession (6)
- tooth erosion (2)
- age one dental visit (1)
- medications (1)
- eating disorders (1)
- laser dentistry (3)
- ulcers (1)
- canker sores (1)
- tooth replacement (2)
- missing teeth (4)
- teeth grinding (4)
- cold sore (1)
- implant overdentures (1)
- chewing tobacco (1)
- cracked mouth (1)
- stress (1)
- x-rays (2)
- root canal treatment (7)
- partial denture (1)
- mouth sores (2)
- clear aligners (4)
- antibiotics (2)
- jaw pain (1)
- burning mouth syndrome (2)
- sugar (1)
- tooth extraction (3)
- saliva (1)
- bruxism (1)
- bacteria (1)
- periodontal surgery (2)
- interceptive orthodontics (1)
- dental care (3)
- teething (1)
- chipped teeth (1)
- sinus surgery (1)
- cancer treatment (1)
- bone loss (1)
- bone grafting (2)
- crown lengthening (2)
- dental records (1)
- topical fluoride (1)