A study published in the November issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that eating moderate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids seemed beneficial in preventing gum disease. The American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish at least twice a week. So it appears that omega-3 is a good idea for heart and gum health.
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums caused by the accumulation of plaque and tartar along the gum line of teeth. The bacteria of plaque release toxins which cause inflammation, the body's attempt to heal and repair itself. This chronic inflammation causes decay in the surrounding gum and bone causing pockets or cavities. About half of the adult population over 35 years of age experiences gingivitis, an infection limited to the gums, while 10-20 percent experience the more advanced form of periodontal disease effecting the gum and bone called periodontitis.
The usual treatment of periodontal disease is good home care involving daily brushing and flossing with supportive professional care by the dentist to remove the hard deposits of tartar and applying local antibiotics to kill the bacteria. This study supports incorporating fish into one's diet for the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 to limit the destruction of gum and bone as a result of periodontitis. Dietary sources of omega-3 are sardines, herring, salmon, along with walnuts and flax seed. For more information on periodontitis and the relation to heart health, refer to my September 29, 2010 blog post or visit www.dulski.com/gum-disease.html.
Tags: Prevention of Gum Disease, Periodontitis, Periodontal Disease, Treatment of Periodontal Disease
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Cosmetic Dentistry
Innovations in dental technology have made a trip to the dentist an entirely new experience thanks to the advances of cosmetic dentistry. The main goal of traditional dentistry is to keep teeth healthy and free of decay. Cosmetic dentistry takes the profession to a whole new level with the goal of enhancing the appearance of your smile and consequently your self-esteem. With cosmetic dentistry, even getting a cavity filled can be an opportunity to improve your smile.
For over 150 years, cavities were filled with a metal called amalgam, a mixture of silver and mercury. You may have seen these black filling on the back teeth of an individual when they laughed. Today, cavities are filled with composites which are made of resins that are matched to the tooth color for a natural appearance. Composite fillings also provide an excellent seal since they are bonded to the tooth using a strong dental adhesive.
Bonding technology is also used to restore severely discolored or decayed teeth with porcelain veneers or crowns. One of the more popular developments in cosmetic dentistry is the use of porcelain veneers to close gaps or straighten crowded teeth. The result is a new smile which can be accomplished in as little as one week.
Stained teeth are very common among adults of all ages and come from foods such as coffee, tea, tobacco, red wine and soda. Teeth whitening is a safe, effective and fast procedure. The key to a long-lasting, dazzling white smile is to have them whitened by a cosmetic dentist using a prescription strength agent applied using the technologies available in a professional office.
Teeth whitening used in conjunction with Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligner to close gaps and straighten healthy teeth without the metal brackets and wires of conventional braces. 3-D computer imaging technology allows you to see the results of your beautiful new smile right at the chair. It's one thing for me to tell you the services available through the advances of cosmetic dentistry. Why not see the results for yourself and hear patients relate their success stories by visiting www.dulski.com/success.html.
Tags: Cosmetic Dentistry, Compposite Fillings, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Crowns, Teeth Whitening, Invisalign
For over 150 years, cavities were filled with a metal called amalgam, a mixture of silver and mercury. You may have seen these black filling on the back teeth of an individual when they laughed. Today, cavities are filled with composites which are made of resins that are matched to the tooth color for a natural appearance. Composite fillings also provide an excellent seal since they are bonded to the tooth using a strong dental adhesive.
Bonding technology is also used to restore severely discolored or decayed teeth with porcelain veneers or crowns. One of the more popular developments in cosmetic dentistry is the use of porcelain veneers to close gaps or straighten crowded teeth. The result is a new smile which can be accomplished in as little as one week.
Stained teeth are very common among adults of all ages and come from foods such as coffee, tea, tobacco, red wine and soda. Teeth whitening is a safe, effective and fast procedure. The key to a long-lasting, dazzling white smile is to have them whitened by a cosmetic dentist using a prescription strength agent applied using the technologies available in a professional office.
Teeth whitening used in conjunction with Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligner to close gaps and straighten healthy teeth without the metal brackets and wires of conventional braces. 3-D computer imaging technology allows you to see the results of your beautiful new smile right at the chair. It's one thing for me to tell you the services available through the advances of cosmetic dentistry. Why not see the results for yourself and hear patients relate their success stories by visiting www.dulski.com/success.html.
Tags: Cosmetic Dentistry, Compposite Fillings, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Crowns, Teeth Whitening, Invisalign
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Teeth Whitening
A smile is one of the first things that you notice about people. A bright, beautiful smile catches your attention. Stained or discolored teeth are very common among adults of all ages, and comes from a variety of sources, such as smoking or drinking coffee, tea, or red wine.
Those with stained teeth tend to brush more vigorously which can cause gum recession and expose and damage tender root surfaces. Others use over-the-counter whitening kits which don't have the prescription strength and lasting effects of professional teeth whitening.
The key to a long lasting, bright, naturally white smile is to have teeth whitened by a cosmetic dentist. I have found blue light activated teeth whitening to be safe, gentle and effective. Blue Light Teeth Whitening works by the dentist carefully applying the whitening gel to the teeth. The gel is then activated by a gentle blue light for 20 minutes while you relax and watch a video or listen to music. The process is repeated before you go home with a naturally dazzling new smile.
There's no laser, no heat and no scraping; only gel and light to achieve dramatic results in one hour. To learn more about what teeth whitening can do for you, visit /www.dulski.com/whiten.html.
Tags: Teeth Whitening, Cosmetic Dentist, Blue Light Teeth Whitening
Those with stained teeth tend to brush more vigorously which can cause gum recession and expose and damage tender root surfaces. Others use over-the-counter whitening kits which don't have the prescription strength and lasting effects of professional teeth whitening.
The key to a long lasting, bright, naturally white smile is to have teeth whitened by a cosmetic dentist. I have found blue light activated teeth whitening to be safe, gentle and effective. Blue Light Teeth Whitening works by the dentist carefully applying the whitening gel to the teeth. The gel is then activated by a gentle blue light for 20 minutes while you relax and watch a video or listen to music. The process is repeated before you go home with a naturally dazzling new smile.
There's no laser, no heat and no scraping; only gel and light to achieve dramatic results in one hour. To learn more about what teeth whitening can do for you, visit /www.dulski.com/whiten.html.
Tags: Teeth Whitening, Cosmetic Dentist, Blue Light Teeth Whitening
Monday, October 11, 2010
Why Dental Implants?
There are plenty of reasons to replace a missing tooth. A gap between your teeth if in your smile is an embarrassment. A missing tooth can also impair your speech. Missing back teeth, although not noticeable, diminish your bite.
When a back tooth is lost, the biting force on the remaining teeth increases and adjacent teeth collapse into the gap. These extra pressures if distributed to the jaw joints can lead to dysfunction and pain. If a missing tooth is not replaced, the shifting teeth open gaps at the gums which accumulate plaque which can lead to tooth decay, periodontal disease and further tooth loss. The need for many dentures began with the loss of a single tooth.
Dental implants are an excellent treatment for replacing a missing tooth. Implants are small titanium posts that replace the roots of missing teeth. Custom crafted crowns are secured to the implant which then restore the bite and hold the adjacent teeth firmly in place. Single tooth implants are not removable.
The placement of an implant has several phases. First, we determine if an implant is right for you by discussing your health and treatment goals. We do a comprehensive examination to check the health of your gums and the supporting jaw bone.
To begin the procedure, we shape a shaft in the bone, then place the implant in the prepared space. Over the course of the next two months, the implant will become fused in the bone. The last step is to secure the crown for final restoration.
Implants have several benefits. They stimulate the jaw bone when you chew preserving the jaw bone and keeping it healthy. Implants are comfortable and secure, and they have the look and feel of natural teeth. With good home care and regular check-ups, implants can be a good long-term solution for missing teeth. For more information, visit www.dulski.com/implants.html or www.ada.org/public/topics/implants.asp.
Tags: Dental Implants, Single Tooth Implants
When a back tooth is lost, the biting force on the remaining teeth increases and adjacent teeth collapse into the gap. These extra pressures if distributed to the jaw joints can lead to dysfunction and pain. If a missing tooth is not replaced, the shifting teeth open gaps at the gums which accumulate plaque which can lead to tooth decay, periodontal disease and further tooth loss. The need for many dentures began with the loss of a single tooth.
Dental implants are an excellent treatment for replacing a missing tooth. Implants are small titanium posts that replace the roots of missing teeth. Custom crafted crowns are secured to the implant which then restore the bite and hold the adjacent teeth firmly in place. Single tooth implants are not removable.
The placement of an implant has several phases. First, we determine if an implant is right for you by discussing your health and treatment goals. We do a comprehensive examination to check the health of your gums and the supporting jaw bone.
To begin the procedure, we shape a shaft in the bone, then place the implant in the prepared space. Over the course of the next two months, the implant will become fused in the bone. The last step is to secure the crown for final restoration.
Implants have several benefits. They stimulate the jaw bone when you chew preserving the jaw bone and keeping it healthy. Implants are comfortable and secure, and they have the look and feel of natural teeth. With good home care and regular check-ups, implants can be a good long-term solution for missing teeth. For more information, visit www.dulski.com/implants.html or www.ada.org/public/topics/implants.asp.
Tags: Dental Implants, Single Tooth Implants
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Key Reason Found for Gum and Heart Disease Link
Scientists say they have established one reason why gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease. The link between gum and heart problems has long been recognized but it is unclear if poor oral health is simply a marker of a person's general well-being. UK and Irish experts now say bacteria enter the bloodstream via sore gums and deposit a clot forming protein. The findings are being presented at a meeting of the Society for General Microbiology. Earlier this year a Scottish study of more than 11,000 people found that people who did not brush their teeth twice a day were at increased risk of heart disease. It backed up previous findings suggesting a link, but researchers stressed the nature of the relationship still needed further analysis.
Scientists from the University of Bristol working with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland now suggest it is the Streptococcus bacteria responsible for causing tooth plaque and gum disease which may be to blame. Their work shows this bacteria once loose in the bloodstream makes a protein known as PadA which forces platelets in the blood to stick together and clot.
"When the platelets clump together they completely encase the bacteria. This provides a protective cover not only from the immune system, but also from antibiotics that might be used to treat infection," said Professor Howard Jenkinson, who led the research. Unfortunately, as well as helping out the bacteria, platelet clumping can cause small blood clots, growths on the heart valve, or inflammation of blood vessels that can block the blood supply to the heart and brain." While maintaining good dental hygiene could minimize the risk, the team is also investigating how the platelet activating function of the protein PadA can be blocked.
Professor Damian Walmsley, scientific adviser to the British Dental Association, said, "Research such as this makes a welcome contribution to further understanding the nature of the relationship between gum disease and heart disease. It also underlines the high importance to the relationship between gum disease and heart disease. It also underlines the high importance of brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, restricting your intake of sugary foods and drinks and visiting the dentist regularly in order to maintain good oral health."
The British Heart Foundation said that other factors besides oral health had a greater impact on heart health. But their senior cardiac nurse Cathy Ross added that combining good oral health care "with a healthy diet, not smoking and taking part in plenty of physical activity will go a long way in helping you reduce your overall risk of heart disease." To learn what dental services are available in Rochester, New York to maintain a healthy heart, visit http://www.dulski.com/services.html.
Tags: Gum Disease, Heart Disease, Oral Health, Risk of Heart Disease, Healthy Heart
Scientists from the University of Bristol working with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland now suggest it is the Streptococcus bacteria responsible for causing tooth plaque and gum disease which may be to blame. Their work shows this bacteria once loose in the bloodstream makes a protein known as PadA which forces platelets in the blood to stick together and clot.
"When the platelets clump together they completely encase the bacteria. This provides a protective cover not only from the immune system, but also from antibiotics that might be used to treat infection," said Professor Howard Jenkinson, who led the research. Unfortunately, as well as helping out the bacteria, platelet clumping can cause small blood clots, growths on the heart valve, or inflammation of blood vessels that can block the blood supply to the heart and brain." While maintaining good dental hygiene could minimize the risk, the team is also investigating how the platelet activating function of the protein PadA can be blocked.
Professor Damian Walmsley, scientific adviser to the British Dental Association, said, "Research such as this makes a welcome contribution to further understanding the nature of the relationship between gum disease and heart disease. It also underlines the high importance to the relationship between gum disease and heart disease. It also underlines the high importance of brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, restricting your intake of sugary foods and drinks and visiting the dentist regularly in order to maintain good oral health."
The British Heart Foundation said that other factors besides oral health had a greater impact on heart health. But their senior cardiac nurse Cathy Ross added that combining good oral health care "with a healthy diet, not smoking and taking part in plenty of physical activity will go a long way in helping you reduce your overall risk of heart disease." To learn what dental services are available in Rochester, New York to maintain a healthy heart, visit http://www.dulski.com/services.html.
Tags: Gum Disease, Heart Disease, Oral Health, Risk of Heart Disease, Healthy Heart
Monday, September 27, 2010
Anethesia and Sedation
The question often arises from an anxious patient whether sedation such as nitrous oxide can substitute for "a shot." I think the anxious patient often poses the question in the hope of avoiding "the needle." The question can be answered by understanding the difference between anesthesia and sedation.
The purpose of local anesthesia is to eliminate pain during dental treatment. A topical anesthetic is sprayed to the area to make the injection more comfortable. Local anesthetics are injected into the tissues to block the nerves that transmit pain thereby numbing the mouth tissues. The numbness lasts during the one to two hour dental procedure.
Anti-anxiety agents, such as nitrous oxide, or sedatives, help you relax during dental visits and are used along with local anesthetics. Nitrous oxide provides a light level of sedation. The advantage is being able to drive to home or office shortly after the procedure. Conscious oral sedation uses oral medications in addition to nitrous oxide to produce a deeper level of sedation where a friend or relative will need to drive you home to recover after the procedure. The range of sedation is used to match the severity of the dental anxiety presented by the patient.
To better understand the range of sedation choices available to relieve anxiety, visit /www.dulski.com/oral.html. Anxiety need not be a barrier to safe and comfortable dental visits to keep your smile healthy.
Tags: Conscious Oral Sedation, Local Anethetics, Nitrous Oxide
The purpose of local anesthesia is to eliminate pain during dental treatment. A topical anesthetic is sprayed to the area to make the injection more comfortable. Local anesthetics are injected into the tissues to block the nerves that transmit pain thereby numbing the mouth tissues. The numbness lasts during the one to two hour dental procedure.
Anti-anxiety agents, such as nitrous oxide, or sedatives, help you relax during dental visits and are used along with local anesthetics. Nitrous oxide provides a light level of sedation. The advantage is being able to drive to home or office shortly after the procedure. Conscious oral sedation uses oral medications in addition to nitrous oxide to produce a deeper level of sedation where a friend or relative will need to drive you home to recover after the procedure. The range of sedation is used to match the severity of the dental anxiety presented by the patient.
To better understand the range of sedation choices available to relieve anxiety, visit /www.dulski.com/oral.html. Anxiety need not be a barrier to safe and comfortable dental visits to keep your smile healthy.
Tags: Conscious Oral Sedation, Local Anethetics, Nitrous Oxide
Monday, September 20, 2010
The Value of Conservative Tooth Restorations
The Value of Conservative Tooth Restorations
Has there been a movement away from conservative tooth restorations in recent years towards large, deep, aggressive preparations and full crowns? Dr. Gordon Christensen, co-founder and senior consultant of Clinical Research Associates in Provo, Utah believes so ("What Has Happened to Conservative Tooth Restorations?" Gordon Christensen, DDS, J am Dent Assoc, Vol 136, No 10, 1435-1437).
The belief is that too many full-coverage restorations are provided when less radical restorations could have been placed. As an example, a popular speaker at a continuing education course taught that a tooth with any restoration to be replaced, regardless of the restoration size, should be replaced with a full crown. Instead, Dr. Dulski believes that conservative restorations should be encouraged. This report discusses some of the reasons full crowns are being accomplished more commonly than in the past, the rationale for returning to more conservative restorations, the financial implications of crowns versus conservative treatment, and the potential longevity differences between small and large restorations.
The rationale for conservative restorations is preservation of tooth structure. Assuming that a given tooth has a significant amount of tooth structure remaining and that the structure is not discolored or cracked, conservative restorations have some significant advantages. Among these advantages is long-term esthetic acceptability for the tooth restored with a conservative tooth-colored restoration. When a tooth-colored full crown is placed in the smile zone of the mouth, the esthetic desirability of the crown is usually good for only the first years. Eventually, the gums around the crown begin to shrink and recede, and the margin joining the crown and the remaining tooth structure is revealed. The overall esthetic result is then unacceptable.
Most dentists agree that preservation of tooth is a desirable goal. Once enamel is removed, it cannot be replaced with anything as long-lasting. If tooth structure and restorative material can be bonded successfully, the result achieves the goal of preserving tooth structure. Bonding tooth structure, especially enamel, to restorative materials is a reality today.
It is well-known that restorations, including full crowns, have a finite life expectancy. People are living longer than ever before. At some point in the life of every restoration, replacement is inevitable. Why not restore teeth conservatively for a filling or two before a full crown is required? Full crowns can be placed in the future.
What are the financial implications of conservative tooth restorations? If a full-crown costs about $1000, a typical three surface white filling costs about one-sixth or $167. If the conservative filling can be placed with the confidence that it has a reasonable chance of achieving adequate longevity, such conservative placement allows several replacements before the patient's financial outlay reaches the cost of a crown.
There is a tendency in dentistry to place more full crowns than may be necessary. This report has discussed the rationale for a reduction in the use of full crowns and a preservation of enamel. Dr. Dulski supports the desirability of placing more conservative restorations to realize the financial and longevity benefits offered by more conservative restorative dentistry. Visit www.dulski.com to learn how contemporary methods give us the tools to give you a gorgeous, bright smile with minimally invasive treatments and fewer repeat visits.
Tags: Conservative Tooth Restorations, Crowns, Tooth-Colored Restorations, Conservative Restorative Dentistry, Minimally Invasive Dentistry
Has there been a movement away from conservative tooth restorations in recent years towards large, deep, aggressive preparations and full crowns? Dr. Gordon Christensen, co-founder and senior consultant of Clinical Research Associates in Provo, Utah believes so ("What Has Happened to Conservative Tooth Restorations?" Gordon Christensen, DDS, J am Dent Assoc, Vol 136, No 10, 1435-1437).
The belief is that too many full-coverage restorations are provided when less radical restorations could have been placed. As an example, a popular speaker at a continuing education course taught that a tooth with any restoration to be replaced, regardless of the restoration size, should be replaced with a full crown. Instead, Dr. Dulski believes that conservative restorations should be encouraged. This report discusses some of the reasons full crowns are being accomplished more commonly than in the past, the rationale for returning to more conservative restorations, the financial implications of crowns versus conservative treatment, and the potential longevity differences between small and large restorations.
The rationale for conservative restorations is preservation of tooth structure. Assuming that a given tooth has a significant amount of tooth structure remaining and that the structure is not discolored or cracked, conservative restorations have some significant advantages. Among these advantages is long-term esthetic acceptability for the tooth restored with a conservative tooth-colored restoration. When a tooth-colored full crown is placed in the smile zone of the mouth, the esthetic desirability of the crown is usually good for only the first years. Eventually, the gums around the crown begin to shrink and recede, and the margin joining the crown and the remaining tooth structure is revealed. The overall esthetic result is then unacceptable.
Most dentists agree that preservation of tooth is a desirable goal. Once enamel is removed, it cannot be replaced with anything as long-lasting. If tooth structure and restorative material can be bonded successfully, the result achieves the goal of preserving tooth structure. Bonding tooth structure, especially enamel, to restorative materials is a reality today.
It is well-known that restorations, including full crowns, have a finite life expectancy. People are living longer than ever before. At some point in the life of every restoration, replacement is inevitable. Why not restore teeth conservatively for a filling or two before a full crown is required? Full crowns can be placed in the future.
What are the financial implications of conservative tooth restorations? If a full-crown costs about $1000, a typical three surface white filling costs about one-sixth or $167. If the conservative filling can be placed with the confidence that it has a reasonable chance of achieving adequate longevity, such conservative placement allows several replacements before the patient's financial outlay reaches the cost of a crown.
There is a tendency in dentistry to place more full crowns than may be necessary. This report has discussed the rationale for a reduction in the use of full crowns and a preservation of enamel. Dr. Dulski supports the desirability of placing more conservative restorations to realize the financial and longevity benefits offered by more conservative restorative dentistry. Visit www.dulski.com to learn how contemporary methods give us the tools to give you a gorgeous, bright smile with minimally invasive treatments and fewer repeat visits.
Tags: Conservative Tooth Restorations, Crowns, Tooth-Colored Restorations, Conservative Restorative Dentistry, Minimally Invasive Dentistry
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