Pinhole Surgical Rejuvenation is a Comfortable Way to Repair Your Gums

If your gums need to be repaired, Pinhole Surgical Rejuvenation - the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique  - is an excellent option for you to consider.  Gum disease and gum recession are incredibly common with millions of adults suffering from some sort of gum disease during their lifetime.  Regular dental cleanings can help to prevent gum disease, however, the condition is also caused by genetics and other irritants.  In some cases, patients suffer from gum recession not due to illness or lack of dental care but due to too much care.  Aggressive brushing, as an example, can irritate the gums and cause them to recede.  In either case, regardless of why gums become infected or recede, they must be treated in order to protect the teeth.

Gums are vital for the health of your mouth overall, and they do an important job of protecting teeth.  By surrounding the tooth structure and covering the roots, they prevent anything from touching them directly.  The gums are a sort of barrier that protects a portion of the tooth structure and roots from bacteria and acid, thereby preventing things like tooth decay and bone loss.  If the gums start to recede, this protection no longer exists as the gums pull away from the tooth structure.  As a result, many patients with gum disease suffer bone loss and eventually lose some of their teeth. 

Given the critical nature of having healthy gums, if your gums have receded, we recommend treating them with Pinhole Surgical Rejuvenation.  This is the least invasive way to treat damaged gums and by doing so, we can begin the overall restoration process without the need for surgery.  In fact, this solution is “Scalpel Free, Suture Free, Conventional Graft Free”.  That means that you won’t have a prolonged recovery process or discomfort because your gums are never cut open, so there is no need to suture them or attach other tissue through a grafting process.  These are options that you may have read about or even discussed, and while they are effective, they can create a level of discomfort.  Avoiding the invasive nature of traditional gum therapy is what makes our procedure preferable for patients. 

Many of our patients ask what to expect from the Pinhole Surgical Rejuvenation procedure.  Unlike a traditional grafting procedure where tissue is attached to the gums, in this procedure a needle is used to make a small hole in the gum tissue.  Tiny instruments are inserted through the hole and wiggled around, expanding the gum tissue and pushing it down and over the tooth to where it should be.  Since no incisions are made it typically only takes around two hours to complete, and most patients are back to normal the next day.  Still, if you are concerned about sensitivity or recovery, we suggest scheduling the appointment for the end of the week so that you have the weekend to rest.  In most cases, you will be back to your normal weekend activities without a hitch.  The results are long-lasting and look entirely natural without the inconvenience of traditional gum grafting. 

An Implant Dentist Reviews What the Recovery Process is Like After Surgery

As an implant dentist, we replace damaged or missing teeth on a regular basis.  For many of our patients, dental implant surgery doesn't seem like a very big deal. When you consider the speed of recovery and the amount of impact it has after the surgery, there is definitely a case to be made for it being a very low impact surgery. That being said it is important to remember that minor thought it may be, dental implant installations are, in fact, a surgical process. As a patient, you need to remember this and schedule the procedure for when you will be able to do nothing but recover for several days. Avoiding strenuous situations, like lifting heavy objects, for example, is strongly encouraged. The last thing we want is to have you back for a repair surgery or to fix ripped sutures. 

Time heals dental implant most effectively. Within the first day, you will experience a great deal of recovery, and should be able to go back to life as usual the following day. Naturally, we recommend staying away from anything overly strenuous for at least 4 to 5 days. The overall recovery from dental implant surgery will take several days, and will involve your active participation to be a success. What you do and the choices that you make will play a critical role in determining how quickly you heal from the surgery. To help you along, we will give you with information and instructions on how to best recover.  Following these tips can save you the heartache of a long recovery cycle. 

When you leave you will have a prescription for an antibiotic. It is important that you fill this prescription and take the entire course. As with any surgical procedure the greatest risk to a dental implant surgery is an infection. Taking the antibiotic is a precautionary measure that could prevent an infection from occurring. Since antibiotics can be harsh on the stomach, we advise our patients to take the pill with meals or to use a glass of milk. Milk helps to line the stomach and offset the irritation caused by the antibiotic. In addition to the antibiotic, you will also have a medicated oral rinse to use. Combining this rinse with salt water rinses will work to keep the site of the dental implant surgery clean and disinfected. As an implant dentist, this is the only way we advise washing out the area, since you will not be able to brush it for several days because of the stitches and soreness. 

Bleeding is perfectly natural and occurs in every case of dental implants being installed. You will notice some blood in your saliva. As an implant dentist, we will give you gauze pads to control the bleeding. Using these gauze pads to put a little pressure on the tooth will help to stop the bleeding and also help with clotting. When holding the gauze in place, use light pressure as too much pressure could result in severe discomfort. If you are having discomfort, as many patients do, after the anesthesia wears off, you can always remedy this with over the counter pain medication like Advil or Tylenol. You can also use a cold compress to help reduce or prevent swelling.  Within a couple of days you should feel as good as new, so these are only temporary measures. 

Five Things to Ask Yourself Before Visiting a Cosmetic Dentist

When you visit a cosmetic dentist, this is your opportunity to transform the appearance of your smile and correct anything that you don’t like. With most things in life, you can fix some problems but not all.  This is not the case with a cosmetic dentist.  You can have a complete smile makeover if you want one, or you can simply whiten your teeth.  The range of options available to you are vast so it is important to understand what it is that you are trying to accomplish so that we can create a customized treatment plan for you. 

Start by considering what you do like about your smile.  For example, you may like the current size and shape of your teeth.  If you do, let us know so that we can focus on other areas instead of addressing things that you already like.  Next, make a list of everything that you don’t like about your smile and would like to improve.  This can include your “must have” list and a secondary list of things that you would like to accomplish.  During your consultation, we will want to discuss all of this so that we can address each problem individually or as a group.  

Some of the things that we will want to know are:

How white do you want your teeth?  This is based on personal preference so what works for one person may not for someone else.  You have to live with your smile, so it is important that it is a shade of white you are comfortable with.  While some people like brilliantly white teeth, others do not so it helps to look at samples.  This will give us a benchmark for how white to get your teeth.  

Are you comfortable with the shape of your teeth?  It is common for teeth to be too large or too small for a person’s mouth.  This creates problems with appearance as teeth can look immature like baby teeth or too large like rabbit teeth.  If you have either of these issues, they can be corrected in our cosmetic dentistry office.

Do you have anything that needs replacing?  If you have had a restoration in the past few decades, it may be worn out and need to be replaced.  Things like dental crowns, for example, are only supposed to last for up to fifteen years.  Once they reach that point they can start to wear away, and your teeth can become sensitive again.  Let us know if you are experiencing any irritation or sensitivity so that we can look at your old restorations during your dental exam.  Simultaneously, if you have any new health concerns, we want to know so that we can address them. 

Are your gums the right size?  If your gums are too large, you will see more of your gums when you smile than is visually appealing.  If this is happening to you, we can correct them with a cosmetic dentistry procedure. 

What don’t you like about your teeth?  Make a list that you can share with us when you visit our dental office so that we can plan for how to address each issue. 

As a cosmetic dentist, we can transform your smile but it starts with a dental exam and good communication.  Think of us as your teammate in good oral health, one that can take you over the finish line as long as we know what the finish line is. 

Here Are Common Causes of Gum Recession

Gum recession is a very common dental problem that occurs in a large number of Americans. Described as the process whereby the gum tissue gradually pulls backward or wears down, gum recession can leave you with hyper exposed teeth or even have the gum exposed to the surface. In addition, this problem can cause there to be pockets and gaps in between the teeth, which make it easier for infections to occur due to the bacteria building up within these gaps or pockets. Most people do not realize that they are experiencing gum recession since it is an extremely slow process. However, it is strongly advised to seek dental, or orthodontic, treatment for gum recession as left untreated it will result in repeated infections that can ultimately damage the structure of the teeth, bone, and gums. 

Periodontists treat gum recession and know that seeking treatment is critical to your mouth's overall health. Unlike many gum diseases, gum recession can occur naturally and is often caused by habits that erode the gums over time. There are other factors as to why gum recession occurs, some more serious than other, and there are a number of treatment options that you should consider and go over in depth in our dentist office.

So what causes gum recession in the first place? 

Gum recession can be caused by a number of factors. Some of these are – 

•    Aggressive tooth brushing can cause the gums to start to wear away. People who have a tendency to brush their teeth too hard or use an extremely hard toothbrush run the risk of rubbing away their gums that can ultimately lead to the gums receding. Excessive or overly aggressive brushing can also lead to the enamel on the teeth being worn away, which can also lead to gum recession.
•    Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that will attack your gums. The direct result of this is that your gums will start to recede, leading to gum recession along with a host of other complications. This bacteria will destroy the gums and the bones that hold your teeth in place making it imperative that you seek treatment immediately if you suspect that you have gum recession as a result of periodontal disease.
•    Just like aggressive brushing of the teeth can lead to the gums starting to recede, getting insufficient dental care can also lead to this condition. If the teeth are not cleaned enough, tartar builds up on the teeth. Also known as calculus, this build up can only be removed by extensive professional dental cleaning which can also lead to the gums receding.
•    Bad habits like the use of tobacco are direct causes of gum recession as well. Tobacco users are more likely to have sticky plaque on their teeth that can result in the gums being affected and ultimately wearing down. In a similar manner, people with tongue or lip piercings are at a higher risk for gum recession. The stud in a piercing will constantly rub  against the gums, causing irritation and ultimately a level of erosion which leads to the gums receding as well. 

To learn more about how to prevent or treat gum recession, call and schedule an appointment with our dental office. 

Modern Technology and the Cosmetic Dentist – A Perfect Pair

Technology has revolutionized what a cosmetic dentist can do. Just like the cell phone made communicating easier and a microwave made it possible to heat up meals quickly, modern dental inventions have made it possible to save teeth and transform smiles.  Without innovation, patients would still be getting infected teeth pulled on a regular basis.  We use new technology whenever possible and continue to learn about improved techniques so that our patients can benefit from an improved experience overall. 

One of the major changes in modern dentistry occurred in the 1980s with the invention of resin cement.  In the 70s, dentists started to realize the value of bonding procedures but were unable to do so on a regular basis.  When resin cement was invented, it became possible to bond a crown to a natural tooth which made a crown more durable and reduced the risk of it falling off or slipping.  Prior to that silver amalgam crowns were the go to solution for restoring and protecting teeth.  With the wide use of resin cement, it became possible to use all-ceramic crowns and receive a similar level of durability. 

As a cosmetic dentist, many of the procedures we use today evolved from that one simple invention.  Dental crowns are used on a regular basis to restore and protect damaged or broken teeth, but they are also used to improve the appearance of teeth.  For example, they are used to close gaps in between teeth, cover dark stains, make teeth appear even and more. Patients throughout the country use dental crowns to transform the natural appearance of their smile while keeping their teeth in place. 

Dental veneers are a similar concept that was also made possible by the invention of resin cement.  A veneer is a thin shell that is bonded to the surface of the tooth and can accomplish similar goals to a dental crown only it doesn’t surround the tooth and, therefore, needs less preparation.  Hollywood celebrities are widely known for their use of veneers, and we wouldn’t have the term “Hollywood Smile” without it. 

In the 1990s, this simple invention made it possible for people to start replacing missing teeth without wearing dentures.  The dental bridge was invented in the 90s because resin cement made it possible for the bridge to remain in place.  A bridge works by placing a crown on the two teeth that surround the missing one.  These crowns need to be durable because they hold the bridge and replacement tooth in place.  

Modern technology has continued to advance beyond dental bridges, crowns and veneers to where we are now offering dental implants to replace missing teeth.  This is a permanent way of doing so where we create a new root system by implanting a metal post under the gum line.  A crown is secured to the post for a natural and durable replacement tooth.  All of this has been made possible by continued advancements in technology and, as a result, our patients continue to benefit. To learn about the latest techniques and innovations, visit our cosmetic dentist office. 

Learn More Facts About Replacing Teeth From an Implant Dentist

As an implant dentist, we know that more than 3 million Americans have dental implants today. Dentists have been successfully performing implant dentistry for the better part of fifty years, though only now has the popularity of this procedure really started to grow. Seen for many years as a cosmetic fix, oral health professionals are now advising dental implants for a host of tooth loss problems. Teeth can be lost very easily after an accident, playing sports, due to normal aging, or disease. Having a way to replace teeth and give a person back their speech patterns, their smile, and their natural look is an extremely powerful tool; one that we use on a regular basis. 

What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw which is placed into the jawbone of a person’s mouth. An abutment is added, which is a piece that sticks out from the gum and connects the implant to the crown. Finally, a crown or a uniquely sculptured replacement tooth is placed over the abutment to finish the effect. When completed a dental implant looks and feels exactly like real teeth, giving the patient the comfort and familiarity they are used to with their naturally occurring teeth. 

How much does a dental implant cost?
Dental implants have been slowly going down in price. However, they are still costly to get and often can be cost prohibitive to those who need a replacement tooth.   A single tooth implant can cost between $1,500 and $3,000 with an additional cost of $500 to $3,000 for the crown. Many factors come into play when pricing out an implant, including the amount of support work that will need to be done, the number of teeth to be replaced, extractions, and other treatment that might become necessary around the implant. Also, one has to factor in the type of implant and the materials to be used. As an implant dentist, we can give you a precise quote after a consultation.

What is the process of getting a dental implant?
The process of getting an implant can take up to six months when you consider healing time. To start the process, we will discuss all the options available to you. Next, you will be scheduled for a comprehensive examination and consultation. Once you decide to proceed with the implant, we will take an imprint of the tooth to be replaced along with the gums and nearby teeth. This allows the crown to be customized to fit your mouth perfectly. 

On the day of the surgery, we will implant a small screw or post into your jawbone. It is placed into the socket of the missing tooth and allowed to heal. Healing takes between six to twelve weeks. On your return a small connector post, known as an abutment, will be attached to the implant. The abutment sticks out above the gum line and connects, on the other end, to the crown. An additional two to three weeks of healing are required after the abutment is placed. Finally, the dentist will install your crown or replacement tooth to the abutment. Following some checks and tweaks to ensure your bite is perfect, you will have a perfect new replacement tooth. 

How a Sleep Dentist Helps People With Sensitive Teeth

As a local sleep dentist, we treat people with sensitive teeth on a regular basis. Teeth can become sensitive for a variety of reasons, and when they do, it is difficult for patients to receive treatment because they are already in pain.  We can ensure that our patients are comfortable, and sleeping, during their procedures so that the issue causing the sensitivity can be addressed while keeping patients comfortable.

One of the common reasons for sensitivity is a lack of enamel.  The enamel is the hard outer layer of the tooth.  It is strong and durable but can wear away over time due to a lack of oral health care, brushing too rigorously or eating and drinking certain foods.  As it wears away, dentin is exposed, and since dentin is porous, this can lead to pain. The tiny holes in the dentin contain nerve endings.  As sensations are transmitted through the holes to your roots and to your brain, you can start to feel pain.  This can be addressed with a bonding procedure to seal in the dentin or by having dental crowns placed.

As a sleep dentist, we regularly treat people that are suffering from gum disease.  This condition can become very uncomfortable, lead to infection, and even tooth loss.  Gum disease occurs when bacteria gathers on and under the gums.  Once it is underneath the gums, it needs to be removed through a deep cleaning.  We can do this while patients are sleeping so that there is no discomfort.  After a deep cleaning is performed, the gums will typically heal themselves.

If gum disease spreads to a more advanced stage, the gums will start to recede.  As they do, pockets are created in the gum tissue where bacteria tend to gather.  Since more of the tooth and roots are exposed, the bacteria can start to attack the lower part of the tooth, roots, and the infection can lead to bone loss.  This is a serious condition that can eventually lead to a person losing their teeth.  In order to heal the gums in this stage, we perform a gum graft surgery to close the pockets and protect the tooth.  This can also be done while patients are sleeping to ensure that they are entirely comfortable.

When the enamel is strong, and there is no sign of gum disease, the sensitivity is likely caused by a standard cavity.  The larger a cavity becomes, the more painful it will be and the higher the chance of an infection settling into your jawbone.  This can be incredibly uncomfortable, so we recommend scheduling a dental exam at the first sign of pain.  If a cavity is treated right away, it will be a fast and easy procedure.  If an infection spreads and gets into the jawbone, oral surgery is often required in order to drain the infection so that the mouth can start to heal.  As a sleep dentist, we can assist with this procedure and help our patients to feel better quickly. 

If you have sensitive teeth, schedule an appointment to find out why.