Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry is a philosophy that takes advantage of the latest technology and techniques to help keep your teeth healthy and beautiful.  The principles of  preventive dentistry are to prevent tooth decay, detect and treat decay as early as possible, preserve the maximum amount of tooth structure, and restore your teeth comfortably with tooth-colored materials.  These same principles of early detection and treatment to preserve supporting tissue also apply to gum disease to prevent tooth loss.

As a first step, we'll talk with you about your diet, home care routine, and health history to help you lower your risk for tooth decay.  If you are at high risk, we may recommend special fluoride tooth paste, mouth rinses, sealants, or other treatments to help prevent decay.  We'll also perform a thorough examination.  And, if we suspect that the decay has already begun, we will use extremely small instruments to remove the decay in the pits and grooves or in-between areas of teeth where decay begins.  Fortunately, these methods are gentle on teeth.

If teeth are at risk of decay, we may place sealants on the biting surfaces of teeth to prevent future damage.  If teeth are already decayed, then we will remove the decay and bond in a small tooth-colored filling to protect and restore the tooth.  At Adult Dentistry of Rochester, preventive dentistry techniques allow us to detect problems early and help you keep your healthy, beautiful smile.  We invite you to visit http://www.dulski.com/ for a free comprehensive exam. We think this is the best way for you to get acquainted with our advanced, comfort-conscience,

Tags: Preventive Dentistry, Dental Sealants, Tooth-Colored Fillings, Dental Bonding, Diet and Risk of Tooth Decay

Seven Factors You Can't Ignore

Gum disease is a chronic bacterial infection that triggers an inflammatory response in your body and can lead to tooth loss.  Scientists believe that this inflammatory process my be linked to other inflammatory diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease.  The incidence of gum disease effects over 50% of the adult population. There are seven factors that could make you vulnerable to developing gum disease:

1)  Tobacco and Alcohol.  Smoking or chewing tobacco and drinking alcohol are leading causes of gum disease and can lead to oral cancer.  Doing both could put you at 15 times greater risk that others.
2)  Genetic Susceptibility.  About 30% of the population inherits the tendency to be six times more at risk for gum disease.
3)  Hormonal Changes.  Life stages that bring natural changes in hormone levels include puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and andropause.
4)  Stress.  Stress can make it more difficult for you to fight off oral and other infections.
5)  Diabetes.  Diabetics are at higher risk for infections including gum diseases which can make it more difficult to control blood sugar.
6)  Clenching or Grinding Teeth.  Excess force on the supporting tissues of your teeth could speed their deterioration.
7)  Avoiding Dental Visits.  Regular exams and confirmation of proper home care techniques can help you prevent gum disease.  At Adult Dentistry of Rochester, we can identify gum disease before you can and help you to halt its progression.  It's critical to your health, and the health of your family, to have the condition of  your teeth and gums checked now.  Please visit us at http://www.dulski.com/ for your free exam and consultation.

Tags: Gum Disease, TMD, Preventive Dentistry, Periodontal Disease

Best Teeth Whitening

There is a disagreement within dentistry about the effectiveness of bleaching lights and lasers to increase the effectiveness of dentist in-office bleaching solutions.  Some dentists believe that teeth whitening is more effective with the use of light or lasers.  While other dentists believe that the effectiveness of the bleaching solution is not increased by using lights or lasers.

Different manufacturers, all promoting their own light source, claim that their light used with their bleaching solution increases the effectiveness of teeth whitening.  Bleaching lights look impressive and cost a few thousand dollars, making the set-up of a dentist in-office whitening system expensive to own and operate, increasing the cost of teeth whitening in the dentist office for the consumer.

Many recent studies show that the active ingredient in these teeth whitening solutions, peroxide, is effective without the use of a light.  These studies were done by whitening the teeth on one side of the mouth with the light, and the other side of the mouth without the light using the same whitening solution on both sides of the mouth.  The studies show that both sides of the mouth whitened equally well.  Could the promotion of bleaching lights simply be a marketing gimmick?

At Adult Dentistry of Rochester, Dr. Dulski uses a leading professional in-office teeth whitening brand that does not use a light or laser.  For the best value for your teeth whitening dollar, visit http://www.dulski.com/whiten.html.

Tags: Teeth Whitening, Dentist In-Office Teeth Bleaching, Professional Teeth Whitening, Cosmetic Dentistry

Initial Dental Exam

During your initial visit to Adult Dentistry of Rochester, Dr. Dulski wants you to understand what's included in a thorough dental examination because we believe that it is vital to be an active participant in your dental care.  When we examine your mouth, we look for signs of periodontal disease, tooth decay, and bite problems.

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum and bone supporting the teeth causing loss of support and cavities or pockets between the gum, bone and tooth.  Since you may have no symptoms with periodontal disease, we use visual examination, a periodontal probe and X-rays to look for it.  During your exam, we look for red and swollen gums as in this example of early periodontal disease.

We also use a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the pocket from where the gums are attached to the tooth to the top of the gums.  A probe reading of more that 3 mm is a sign of periodontal disease.  And, the deeper the pocket, the greater the spread of the disease.  Sometimes gums bleed when we probe.  Bleeding is a sign of infection.  Healthy gums don't bleed.

 

X-rays also show us allot about periodontal disease.  In a healthy mouth, the bone completely covers the roots of the teeth and is even throughout the mouth.  In advanced periodontal disease, the bone level is much lower and uneven.

 During an exam, we also look for tooth decay.  Tooth decay is produced by acids which is caused by certain types of bacteria in the mouth.  The acids dissolve tooth structure and cause cavities in the tooth.  Some cavities are easy to see, but for hard to see cavities, we may use a dental explorer and X-rays.  A dental explorer sticks slightly when it contacts decayed surfaces on the top and sides of teeth.  We also use X-rays to look for cavities.  Cavities between the teeth show up as dark spots.

During your check-up, we also inspect your bite.  When you chew, a healthy mouth allows all of your teeth to  hit simultaneously, chewing muscles to contract evenly, and your jaw joint to be seated in it's proper position.  However, misaligned teeth can trap bacteria leading to periodontal disease and tooth decay.  Bite problems can also contribute to difficulties with your jaw joint, the TMJ.  It can also cause tooth grinding and clenching, resulting in the loss of enamel near the gum line.

At Adult Dentistry of Rochester, we believe that it is important to monitor the health of your mouth regularly because dental problems can grow quickly and lead to worsening infections, tooth loss, and an unattractive appearance.  For a free smile saving exam with Dr. Dulski, visit http://www.dulski.com/.

Tags: Dental Examination, Gum Disease, Periodontal Disease, Tooth Decay, TMJ Disorder, Dental X-rays

Root Canal Treatment

When tooth decay progresses beyond simple restoration with a filling, to infect the nerve of the tooth, root canal treatment is necessary to save the tooth.  The infected nerve is removed and replaced with a root canal filling, likely a rubber material gutta-percha cemented in place.

The procedure usually requires one or two appointments and is not painful once the tooth is thoroughly numbed.  After completion of the root canal, the tooth is weak and brittle, requiring a crown to restore the natural strength and beauty of the tooth.

The alternatives to root canal treatment are not favorable.  Delay in treatment often means increasing pain and swelling as the infected nerve deteriorates into a dental abscess infecting the surrounding jaw bone and face.  The tooth can be extracted and replaced with an implant crown.  This alternative is twice as expensive and time consuming than simply saving the tooth with root canal treatment.

At Adult Dentistry of Rochester, Dr. Dulski believes that the best root canal treatment is one that never need be done.  With routine X-rays and examination, tooth decay can be restored with a simple composite filling for one-tenth the cost of a root canal and crown.  To learn how Dr. Dulski can help you avoid the time and expense of complex restorative care, visit http://www.dulski.com/rootcanals.html.

Tags: Root Canals, Tooth Pain, Root Canal Treatment, Crown

Invisalign

Invisalign works by using a series of aligner trays that are made of clear plastic that are virtually invisible when worn over the teeth.  Wearing the aligners gradually and gently shifts your teeth into place based on the movements that Dr. Dulski has planned.  There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten.  You simply snap in a new set of aligners every two weeks until your treatment in complete and you achieve the confident smile that you've always wanted.  The best part about the whole process is the most people won't even know that you're straightening your teeth.

 Michael Burn's Success Story:

“I went through a six-month Invisalign treatment and am very pleased with the results.  My bite is well-rounded, and my teeth have straightened very nicely.  I am really happy with my smile and have enjoyed working with Dr. Dulski, as he really made the process very easy and painless.”

Michael Burns

Shamara Ferguson's Success Story:

Dear Dr. Dulski,

"When I first came to you seeking help for my teeth, I thought they were beyond repair.  You always were positive and encouraging.  You worked with me and I was able to get Invisalign.  Quickly I saw improvement with my teeth.
Now my teeth are perfect!  I never thought my smile could be so beautiful!  Thanks for being patient and kind!  You are a wonderful dentist.  I will always recommend you to whomever may need dental treatment!  Thanks again!"

Shamara Ferguson

To summarize the comparative benefits of Invisalign over braces, Invisalign uses clear aligners that are virtually invisible unlike unsightly metal brackets and wires of traditional braces.  The smooth plastic aligners are comfortable to wear unlike the wires of braces which can irritate the mouth.  Aligners are removable for easy cleaning unlike braces which require much effort when brushing and flossing.  Finally, with Invisalign, you can eat whatever you want because the aligners are removable whereas braces have many food restrictions.  For a free consultation with Dr. Dulski to learn if Invisalign is right for you, contact us at http://www.dulski.com/invisalign.html.

Tags: Teeth Whitening, Invisalign, Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers, Dental Bonding, Closing Spaces, Braces

Porcelain Veneers Transform Lives

At Adult Dentistry of Rochester, Dr. Dulski can restore chipped, discolored, gaps, or short or poorly shaped teeth to give you a beautiful, natural-looking smile.  Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain bonded to the teeth.  The procedure can be accomplished in just two visits.

Doug Hammond's Success Story:

 "My problems started with gum recession.  I was biking, had an accident, and chipped a lateral tooth.  When I asked advice, Dr. Dulski and crew assisted in restoring, whitening, and rebuilding my entire smile for me.  It has been a painless and thrilling experience for me.  My smile has transformed my life."

Doug Hammond

 Nick Benedetto's Success Story:

"I am happy with my new smile!  Since I was twelve years old I've had to deal with stained teeth, because of tetracycline that was give to me. Through the years I've tried different ways to lighten my teeth, but nothing really worked.  Dr. Dulski informed me about porcelain veneers which are bonded to the teeth.  I have to say I am very happy with the results, I look better and feel better about myself.  Most of all I'm not afraid to smile!  It's a great feeling being able to smile freely.  I am getting married soon so smiling for the camera will be easy!  Hats off to Dr. Dulski and his team, you guys are true professionals!"

Nick Benedetto

Porcelain veneers are custom crafted in a dental laboratory to meet Dr. Dulski's exacting specifications.  A model of your temporary veneers are sent to the lab as a prescription for your new porcelain veneers.  Your facial structure, existing teeth, and skin tone are considered when planning the porcelain veneers.  Visit Adult Dentistry of Rochester to learn how Dr. Dulski can transform your life, http://www.dulski.com/veneers.html.

Tags: Porcelain Veneers, Invisalign, Teeth Whitening, Cosmetic Dentistry