Ask a Dentist

Non-Surgical Treatment Of Gum Disease

2012-03-06T09:38:00.000-08:00

Gum disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects nearly 75-90 percent of the general population at one time or another. These chronic infections have been linked to increased risk of heart attack, stroke, ulcers, diabetes, respiratory diseases and pregnancy complications.

It does not have to be this way! Gum disease is easily prevented and gum treatment can be non-surgical, using a simple, antibacterial program pioneered in the 1970s by Dr. Paul Keyes (Keyes Technique).

Our approach often uses the phase contrast microscope to test for bone destroying infectious bacteria beneath the gums. With this microscope we can take a sample from under the gums and look at a slide that shows the live bacteria. The microscope is connected to a monitor so that the patient can see the live bacteria on the TV monitor with us. The microscopic information combined with the information we gather during the exam, enables us to determine how severe the infection is and work with the patient to get things under control.

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues and bone that surround and support the teeth. There are two basic stages of gum disease- gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth called plaque. This causes red, swollen gums that typically bleed easily. Healthy gums don’t bleed. Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis goes untreated and progresses to an advanced form of gum disease. The bacteria cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating bone loss and pockets where the bone used to be. The bacteria can proliferate in the pockets and further damage the bone that supports the teeth. Teeth may become loose, fall out or have to be extracted.

To treat the disease non-surgically deep cleanings called scaling and root planing are performed to clean and smooth the root surfaces. We then treat the infection with antibacterial solutions flowed under the gums to help eliminate the infection. In some cases localized antibiotics must be placed under the gums in deep pockets. The patient is given thorough lessons in proper tooth brushing, flossing and home irrigation to ensure that the periodontal disease process is eliminated and doesn’t return.

For information about other dental topics visit DrTav.com.

Can I Do A Root Canal Therapy In One Visit?

2012-02-29T09:58:00.000-08:00

The term endodontic is a combination of the Greek words endo, which means "inside" and odont, which means "tooth." Endodontic treatment involves treating the inside of the tooth and is also referred to as root canal therapy because it is focused on the root part of the tooth, specifically in the canal portion of the root where the nerve, blood vessels, and connective tissue of the tooth reside.

Inside of a tooth, under the white enamel and a layer called the dentin, is soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.

Root canal therapy is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay due to bacteria, multiple dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, trauma to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain, and/or lead to an abscess. Signs of pulp damage may include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all.

Treating the Tooth

A traditional root canal involves removing the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleaning and shaping the canals inside of the tooth, then filling and sealing the space inside the canal. This can take three visits or more. It is possible to do root canal therapy in one visit if there is no obvious infection present. A crown holds the tooth together and reduces the likelihood of the tooth fracturing in the future. Back teeth often need crowns since a great amount of tooth structure may be lost from decay, which makes them more susceptible to fracture. Front teeth occasionally need crowns and are restored with a crown on a case-by-case basis.

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What Is A Diode Laser?

2012-02-21T09:47:00.000-08:00

The diode laser is rapidly becoming the 21st century replacement for the scalpel. Laser dentistry enables practitioners to manage soft tissue procedures in a clinically effective manner producing results which are generally more predictable, reducing patient post operative pain and discomfort. The diode laser uses a very special light to do what a scalpel or a device called an electrosurge can do to cut and alter the gums or other oral soft tissue.

Laser Dentistry has rapidly emerged with a new level of quality care for patients. Features like the ability to perform more procedures in less time without sacrificing patient care and comfort are an added advantage. A wide range of dental practices and their patients benefit from laser treatment. For instance, lasers can be used around metal crowns, on patients with pacemakers and braces, on teeth with metal amalgams, and in procedures involving bone structure - all with few negative effects. Patients report that laser treatments are much gentler than those administered with an electrosurge and result in little or no recession, swelling, less necrosis (tissue degeneration), and a quicker post operative healing process. Additionally, laser surgery is substantially less invasive, therefore, generates less bleeding during the procedure. Lasers are predictable, precise and produce a reduction in the need for suturing. In most cases stitches aren’t needed at all.

For other dental information visit DrTav.com

Are You Tongue-Tied?

2012-02-15T10:24:00.000-08:00

Most of us think of tongue-tie as a situation we find ourselves in when we are too excited to speak. Actually, tongue-tie is the non-medical term for a relatively common physical condition that limits the use of the tongue, ankyloglossia.

Before we are born, a strong cord of tissue that guides development of mouth structures is positioned in the center of the mouth. It is called a frenulum or frenum. After birth, the lingual frenulum continues to guide the position of incoming teeth. As we grow, it recedes and thins. This frenulum is visible and easily felt if you look in the mirror under your tongue. In some children, the frenulum is especially tight or fails to recede and may cause tongue mobility problems.

The tongue is one of the most important muscles for speech and swallowing. For this reason having tongue-tie can lead to eating or speech problems, which may be serious in some individuals.

A new baby with a too tight frenulum can have trouble sucking and may have poor weight gain. While the tongue is remarkably able to compensate and many children have no speech impediments due to tongue-tie, others do. The following associated characteristics are common:

V-shaped notch at the tip of the tongue
Inability to stick out the tongue past the upper gums
Inability to touch the roof of the mouth
Difficulty moving the tongue from side to side

For older children with tongue-tie, appearance can be affected by persistent dental problems such as a gap between the bottom two front teeth.

Tongue-tie surgery is a simple procedure and there are normally no complications. In most cases the procedure can be done without anesthesia when using a diode laser. This eliminates the need for incisions or stitches and has a faster comfortable healing for the patient. While frenulectomy is relatively simple, it can yield big results. Parents should consider that this surgery often yields more benefit than is obvious by restoring ease of speech and self-esteem.

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Dental Lasers for Canker Sores = A Miracle!

2012-02-07T08:25:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had a canker sore? The official term for them is an apthous ulcer. If you’ve ever had one you know how painful a canker sore can be and how unbearable it feels to wait for them to heal. It could be a week to two week wait! Dental lasers are an amazing answer to the suffering that has been associated with canker sores.

If you don’t know what a canker sore (apthous ulcer) is, let me explain. A canker sore is a small shallow ulcer that appears in the mouth on the palate, tongue, gums or inside cheeks. A cancer sore is an open sore with a red inflamed border with a yellowish or grayish color inside. Pain that affects quality of life is the obvious characteristic of these sores. When the ulcer is white or grayish, the ulcer will be extremely painful and the affected lip may swell. The pain makes it difficult to talk, speak, drink and eat.

Apthous ulcers can affect people of any age. The frequency of aphthous ulcers is reported to be more in females as compared to males. These sores aren’t contagious. They usually begin with a tingling or burning sensation at the site of the future canker sore. In a few days, they often progress to form a red spot or bump, followed by an open ulcer.

The exact cause of canker sores is unknown but citrus fruits, physical trauma like biting a cheek, braces, stress, lack of sleep, sudden weight loss, food allergies, immune system reactions and deficiencies in Vitamin B12, iron, and folic acid may contribute to their development.

In the past, treatment included anesthetic mouth washes and various ointments that basically make you feel like your head is going to go through the roof, they hurt so much to use.

Thank God for dental lasers. It truly is a miracle that a dental laser used for 30 – 45 seconds, can relieve the pain that canker sores cause. The dental laser doesn’t even touch the lesion! It is literally waved like a magic wand over the lesion. After the dental laser is moved over the lesion, the stinging, burning pain is gone! I can personally attest to the miraculous dental laser for treating canker sores! What a relief!!

For other dental information visit DrTav.com

Increase Confidence With Dental Mini Implants

2012-01-31T11:12:00.000-08:00

Are you embarrassed by your smile? Have you given up your favorite foods because you can’t chew properly due to missing teeth? Are you embarrassed to socialize? Well, fear no more, dental mini implants are the newest, pain-free solution.

In expert hands, dental mini implants are like your third set of teeth; they look and feel natural, their chewing strength is nearly as good as your own adult teeth, and best of all no one will know the difference.

Once your new dental mini implants are fitted into your mouth properly, you will have the confidence to eat whatever you want, smile constantly and never have to worry about glue or slipping dentures. The use of mini implants will make the procedure easier than traditional implants. Dental mini implants are made up of a special titanium material that is secured into your jawbone while you sleep. Titanium and its alloys are preferably chosen for dental mini implants because they are biocompatible and are corrosion-resistant. Another material that can be used is Zirconium alloy.

Dental mini implants are a perfect solution to an embarrassing situation. There’s no more daily maintenance to them than regular teeth - just brush your teeth as you normally do. They are natural looking, the procedure is pain free with the use of sedation dentistry, and afterwards, you’ll soon forget you even have them. But you won’t forget the confidence and self-esteem they give you. The only thing you’ll wonder about is what took you so long to make the decision.

Because dental mini implants don’t change your facial features, your friends won’t notice a thing other than your smile, your great appetite, and outgoing personality. No longer will you have to worry about dentures falling out or being embarrassed by a “loose” mouth. Chew, laugh, talk with confidence and never be concerned in public again. Dental mini implants give you the confidence you need to get on with your life.

For information about dental mini implants in New Jersey or other dental topics visit DrTav.com

Hygiene For Dental Mini Implants

2012-01-24T11:43:00.000-08:00

Regular visits to your dentist are important for everyone, but especially for those patients with dental mini implants. Implants are a valulable investment in your future; getting the best return on that investment requires a partnership with your dental care provider. Professional dental hygiene is the best way to achieve this.

As with any advanced dental procedure, the first few months often require close attention. Dental mini implant placement is no different. It is recommended that you have your teeth cleaned every three months during the first year. Your dental specialist is the best place for this. In year two and beyond, professional cleaning should be done every three to six months. The reason for such attention to the dental mini implants is that the gum tissue surrounding an implant requires specialized care to maintain optimal health and provide a lasting protective bond with the replacement teeth.

A comprehensive cleaning plan is the best way to insure it. In addition to the regular cleaning, your dental mini implant dentist may also remove the implant crown every few years for more intensive cleaning. They will then reattach the crown all during the same appointment without any delay.

Regular cleaning should be a part of everyone's dental healthcare. Removing plaque, tartar, and hardened food particles help prevent decay and gum disease.

Studies show that a destructive bacterial infection can compromise not only your oral health, but your overall health as well. Good dental care means good health care. For more information about the connection between your mouth and your body, click on the "Free Reports" link to receive a copy of the Mouth to Body Link at DrTav.com

Your dental mini implants will look great and last a lifetime with regular attention to your oral health.

For information about other dental topics visit DrTav.com

Sleep Dentistry and Dental Mini Implants

2012-01-18T08:57:00.000-08:00

Do you avoid the dentist? Do you need to get those dental mini implants but are afraid to go because of what you think will be alot of pain and anxiety? Relax, sleep dentistry and a trained professional can change your life for the better with a light sedative.

Sleep dentistry is usually provided as conscious sedation, which uses oral medication to help you sleep during dental procedures such as the process for insertion of dental mini implants. There is no anxiety and little or no memory of the treatment. The patient is not completely under - they are more like in a dreamlike state or sleeping. During the process, a trained professional, known as a Sedation Dentist, monitors the patient. Sleep dentistry allows the dentist to do alot of dental work during one appointment, helping the overall treatment move along more quickly.

After an initial consultation with a sedation dentist, you'll be given medication to start the sleep dentistry process. Most important, you'll be relaxed and anxiety free. While you're in the chair, the sleep dentist and sleep dentistry team monitors you closely. You will fall asleep or you'll enjoy a soothing mental and emotional "distance" from goings on.

The next thing you'll know will be your sleep dentist telling you the procedure is complete and it's time to go home.

Sleep dentistry is very useful for longer procedures or for procedures patients may be apprehensive about. Dental mini implants are a very gentle procedure, but some people may have concerns over a perceived level of discomfort. To alleviate these concerns , qualified professionals will recommend sleep dentistry. The patient won't feel anything, won't remember anything, and in many cases can wake up with their new smile supported by dental mini implants.

Sleep dentistry is safer than intravenous sedation with no nauseous after effects. As a result, patients wake feeling great with no pain, no anxiety, and no memory of the procedure - just a perfect smile.

For information about other dental topics visit DrTav.com

What Is The Cost Of Dental Mini Implants?

2012-01-10T11:13:00.000-08:00

There is a great difference between the cost of traditional implants and dental mini implants. The cost of dental implants depends on many factors, including the type of implantation and which teeth are affected, the dentist performing the procedure and the location of their office, and the dental implant material used.

In general, the price differential between traditional and mini implants can be as great as four times the cost. Individual implants of the traditional approach can range from $1,000 to $5,000 each, depending on a number of factors including those above. Some dentists will charge more for back teeth than for those in the front of the mouth. In some cases, depending on the extent of the damage to the jaw, there may be a need for a bone graft in order to have a sufficient foundation into which the implant can be placed. Not all dentists are equipped and/or trained to do that. Therefore, when an oral surgeon or periodontist is required, the cost will go up.

The cost of full-mouth reconstructive dental implants can range from $24,000 to $100,000 or more partly because there are a wide variety of ways to address the missing teeth, depending on what the current conditions are. In contrast, the cost of dental mini implants ranges from $600 to $1,200 per implant. The dental mini implant is a great alternative for people who have been wearing dentures and now want stable teeth. The cost of dental mini implants and a denture per arch ranges from approximately $5,000 to $10,000. This represents a savings that can be as much as 25% of full-mouth reconstruction with traditional dental implants and fixed bridgework (crowned teeth).

The savings with dental mini implants result from the fact that usually the missing teeth are replaced with removable bridges (dentures of some kind), and the dental mini implants are about 25% of the cost of traditional dental implants.

As the materials chosen for the implants themselves also affect the cost, the crown material has a similar impact. Plastic, as opposed to porcelain to gold crowns are less expensive, and are often a wise choice with dental mini implants because plastic teeth put less force on the implants than porcelain to gold crowns.

The reduced cost for dental mini implants means that a person who has been suffering with a denture can spend approximately $5,000 to $10,000 for each jaw they have restored. For about 20% of the cost of traditional implants, that person can have four dental mini implants placed into the bone and have a denture snap into position and be able to function comfortably again without any embarrassment or difficulty eating and speaking because of their loose dentures.

For information about dental mini implants and other dental topics visit DrTav.com

Dentures Vs. Dental Mini Implants

2012-01-04T09:31:00.000-08:00

For adults with missing teeth, the decision to repair the problem is usually an easy one. However, which solution to choose may not be. Whether to have dentures made or dental mini implants inserted can sometimes boil down to price and the perceived ease of the installation procedure. The truth is the difference between dentures and dental implants is like night and day.

To begin with, dentures have no anchors in the mouth. They are attached on top with adhesives and suction formed by the plate at the top of the mouth, and for bottom dentures there is no suction. In either case, movement by the facial and mouth muscles – lips and cheeks on one side and the tongue on the other – is inevitable. They will and do slip and slide while chewing, talking or making any kind of mouth movement.

Because of the physical presence in the mouth, dentures often affect the taste of food, thereby lessening the enjoyment. In fact, many foods cannot be eaten by denture wearers, such as apples, pizza, salad, corn on the cob, steak, peanut butter and jelly, bagels, carrots, subs.

Something as simple as a sneeze, a cough or a laugh can actually cause the dentures to fall out of your mouth. Such results can be very embarrassing in social situations and keep some people from going out in public.

On the other hand, dental mini implants feel like real teeth. They act and look like real teeth and let people speak and eat with real confidence.

Dental mini implants can end a denture wearer’s suffering in one day. With proper homecare, implants and dental mini implants can last a lifetime. Because mini implants maintain the jawbone, the facial features won’t change, which only adds to one’s self-confidence.

With dental mini implants, an individual won’t have to forgo the foods they love. Instead of having to rely on soft foods, they can eat whatever they want. Dental mini implants allow a person to eat a well balanced diet thereby improving their nutrition. In fact, studies have shown people with dental implants, dental mini implants or their natural teeth live 10 years longer than people with dentures.

So what are you waiting for? Call a dental mini implant specialist today and then plan your next picnic!

For information about other dental topics visit DrTav.com

Dental Mini Implants vs. Traditional Dental Implants

2011-12-27T09:17:00.000-08:00

There’s a lot of talk on the internet about dental implants and dental mini implants. When you’re looking for answers about which to choose, it can be pretty confusing. But there are very real
differences between traditional dental implants and dental mini implants. Let’s review what differentiates one from the other.

Right from the start let's make it clear that both types of implants are designed to provide a cosmetic and fully functioning replica of your original teeth or tooth. They both have essentially two elements: the device that is embedded into the upper or lower bone and the crown that is designed specifically for each person so as to fit aesthetically within their mouth. And that's where the similarities end.

Dental mini implants reflect a significantly less invasive procedure. Traditional implants involve incisions and stitches and use a truly surgical procedure requiring the separation of the gum from the bone in order to create the proper surface and receptacle for an implant device. Dental mini implants are put into the bone through the gum without the need for sutures. As a result, the recovery time is only 7-10 days for dental mini implants versus 2-4 months for traditional implants.

Also, because of the more simplified procedure, dental mini implants have less risk of causing infections; and there are no screw or cement to get loose requiring dental repairs. In additon, the process for dental mini implants can be done in a single session with your implant dentist.

Finally, because of the ease and speed with which dental mini implants are inserted, oftentimes they are used as excellent cosmetic transitional treatments while waiting for traditional dental implants to be designed, prepared and integrated as part of the jaw. Dental mini implants are not for everyone, so you have to have a personal evaluation to see if they are best to suit your needs.

Oh, and the best part is the cost of dental mini implants is less than 25% of traditional implants; another reason to consider dental mini implants vs. traditional dental implants.

For information about other dental topics visit DrTav.com

7 Benefits Of Dental Mini Implants

2011-12-20T09:47:00.000-08:00

Dental mini implants replace the entire missing tooth from root to
crown, which is the reason that implants look, feel and function like natural teeth.

The benefits of using dental mini implants are numerous and address both the physical as well as the mental aspects of a patient suffering from the loss of teeth.

Here are seven specific benefits of dental mini implants:

By replacing the root portion of the tooth, you are preserving the jawbone. When teeth are missing, the bone that once integrated with the root begins to melt away or deteriorate. The presence of having the root in place (original or implant), stimulates the bone around it thereby supporting circulation and strengthening the bone.
The restoration of your appearance and self-confidence improves the overall quality of life.
The positive effect the dental mini implant has on your jawbone helps to preserve the integrity of the facial structure. By preventing the reabsorption of the bone which would occur without the implant, the face will not suffer from a severe deformation of the facial features.
By using implants instead of other treatment choices such as
bridges, the teeth on either side of the implant are not impacted
in any way. With the use of a bridge, the teeth on both sides
need to be ground down to allow for the bridge to be cemented
in place. This healthy tooth structure can never be replaced and
the long-term health of these teeth is compromised.
Partial dentures have clasps that hook onto the adjacent teeth.
With such anchoring, as the dentures rock back and forth, an
inevitable characteristic of partial dentures, the anchor teeth receive
undo pressure resulting in a loosening which compromise their
integrity.
Oral care of dental mini implants is much easier than any other
treatments and only as rigorous as caring for your natural teeth.
Finally, choosing dental mini implants over other treatments for
missing teeth eliminate the need for denture adhesives, allow for
you to eat an unencumbered diet improving your nutrition, and
eliminates the fear of being embarrassed when eating, laughing
or just talking. Your new dental mini implants are secure, natural
looking and as good as new.

For information about other dental topics visit DrTav.com

Considering The Dental Implant Option?

2011-12-13T09:20:00.000-08:00

Did you know that as many as 100 million Americans have lost at least one tooth? As you might expect, most of these people really begin to value their own, original, healthy teeth. And they are usually excited to learn that dental implants can offer them artificial teeth that look very natural and feel remarkably secure.

Whether you have full or partial dentures or are just missing teeth, dental implants may be an option for you. As a means of attaching natural-looking teeth directly to the jaw, implants can replace one or more teeth, provide support for a bridge or be used to attach a full denture for either retention or support.

At this time, there are two types of implants that are considered safe and effective by the American Dental Association. These are endosteal and subperiosteal implants.

To determine which type of implant to use, our practice first looks at the patient's jawbone. The jawbone must be able to support the implants, and both the quantity and the quality of bone must be taken into consideration.

Endosteal implants act like a metal "root" and are implanted directly into the jawbone. When the jawbone is thick, a cylindrical endosteal implant is used. When the jawbone is thin, a slender, plate-type implant is recommended.

Unlike an endosteal implant, subperiosteal implantation does not go directly into the jawbone. Instead, a metal framework is inserted onto the jawbone and under the gum tissue. This approach is used when the jawbone has an inadequate amount of bone available for endosteal implantation.

Patients who are candidates for subperiosteal implants usually have been lacking some or all of their teeth for several years and there is not enough bone to support their denture without pain.

The jawbone itself can also be changed or augmented to create a foundation for the implant or implants needed by the patient. To a great extent, the choice of removable or non-removable replacement teeth by the patient will dictate the kind of implants used; and the type of implant, in turn, is usually the determining factor regarding whether or not augmentation of the jawbone is necessary.

A thorough dental evaluation including a clinical examination of your teeth, radiography (x-rays) and a complete medical history is required to determine if you would be a good implant candidate.

For information on other dental topics visit DrTav.com

What Type Of Care Is Required For Dental Implants?

2011-12-06T08:34:00.000-08:00

Once you have had your dental implants you want to make sure you protect your investment in your health and the time and money you’ve invested, too. It’s essential you understand that the gums and the bone that your dental implants sit in, are the foundation of your smile. The area around the gumline of your implants must be kept clean daily and regularly professionally.

Your dental implants aren’t subject to dental decay, but they are at risk of gum disease in the same way your natural teeth are at risk of gum disease. We recommend that you floss daily. You can also clean the teeth with brushes that fit in the spaces between the teeth. These are called interproximal dental brushes. Brush for approximately 2 minutes twice daily with a soft toothbrush. We also recommend using the Hydrofloss once daily. At night before you go to sleep, or in the evening after you’ve eaten your last meal, are the best times to use a Hydrofloss. The Hydrofloss is a dental irrigator and in the head of the irrigator tip is a magnet that changes the polarity of the water. This change in polarity interferes with plaque bacteria, the cause of gum disease, sticking to the teeth and building up at the gumline.

Research has taught us that the plaque that grows at the gumline has a specific pattern of growth. The bacteria form what are called colonies and with time, the colonies of bacteria become more mature and more destructive. Research has shown that the optimum time period to break up the bacterial colonies is at 3 months. Therefore, it makes sense that to give yourself and your dental implants optimum protection, the most favorable time interval between professional dental cleanings is 3 months. In this way, if there are any bone-destroying bacteria present, the professional cleaning is disrupting the bacterial colonization so that it has to start all over again. This helps stop the establishment and progress of any gum disease.

For information about taking care of your dental implants or other dental topics please visit DrTav.com

Are You A Candidate For Dental Implants?

2011-11-29T08:17:00.000-08:00

If you face the loss of one or several teeth or if you’re dissatisfied with dentures or other options available to you, dental implants may be right for you. After a thorough dental evaluation you’ll know if you are a candidate for dental implants.

Many people wonder if they are a candidate for dental implants. It may surprise you, but most people who are missing some or all of their teeth, or who are facing tooth loss, actually are candidates for dental implants.

The basic characteristics of a dental implant candidate is that they have general good health. For our more senior patients, there’s no concern about the additional aches and pains of the golden years preventing you from having dental implants. Even patients with diabetes can have dental implants if they are controlled diabetics. Patients taking blood thinners can have their dosages and the timing of their medication adjusted to accommodate the dental implant procedures. People who have had cancer and received either radiation or chemotherapy have to wait one year before they are candidates for dental implants. People who have Aids or women who are pregnant aren’t candidates for dental implants. It’s easy enough to wait until after the baby is born to have dental implant procedures.

The dental implant candidate must have healthy gums in order to proceed with dental implants. Also, there needs to be sufficient underlying jawbone to support the implants. However, even for patients who don’t have sufficient jawbone, and aren’t candidates for routine dental implant bone grafts, there are advanced bone grafting procedures that can be performed that use bone from the patient’s hip to replace missing jawbone.

The final characteristic for being a candidate for dental implants is to have a good attitude to ensure that you follow through with vital oral hygiene habits.

For information about dental implants, mini dental implants or other dental topics please visit DrTav.com

What Are The Benefits Of Dental Implants?

2011-11-22T08:05:00.000-08:00

Because dental implants are designed to fit the structure of your natural teeth, they provide a highly stable support to replace one or more teeth without affecting adjacent teeth. Dental implants can support a bridge and eliminate the need for a removable partial denture. An additional benefit of dental implants is that they provide support for a denture, making it more comfortable and secure.

Because dental implants function like natural teeth, your confidence will be renewed. The days of being embarrassed to speak and laugh in social settings are over. With dental implants you also experience improved biting pressure. Healthy teeth are able to absorb over 500 pounds of biting pressure per square inch. Dental implants can often restore the amount of pressure that can be withstood compared to the same level of healthy natural teeth. Now, with dental implants you can enjoy eating foods that you haven’t been able to eat for years. Imagine enjoying salads or biting into an apple or enjoying a big juicy steak!

Because your replacement teeth are securely anchored to your jawbone, they can’t slip or slide like unsecured dentures can. Dental implants don’t sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth, so more of your own teeth are left untouched, a long-term benefit to your health.

Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. Because implants integrate into the structure of your jawbone, they can help prevent bone loss and gum recession. With proper oral care and regular dental visits, implants can last a lifetime.

For information about dental implants and other dental topics, please visit DrTav.com

What Happens During Dental Implant Treatment?

2011-11-15T08:37:00.000-08:00

Implant treatment is usually performed by a general dentist, oral surgeon, prosthodontist, periodontist or a team of these doctors. At Tavormina Dentistry we are proud to be able to say that we are your dental implant team. We provide both placement of dental implants, restorations for dental implants, sinus lifts and bone grafting procedures related to placing dental implants. If we receive a referral from a general dentist, we can do bone grafting and implant placement for the general dentist and then the general dentist completes the restorations for his patient. We have also done sinus lifts and bone grafting for periodontists only trained in implant placement.

To devise the best treatment plan for you we first complete a medical and dental history and a thorough oral examination with x-rays. We want to make sure you are a candidate for dental implants from a dental and medical perspective.

First, a member of your team surgically places the implant in the jaw with the top of the implant just above the top of the bone. Your gums cover the implants. Generally, from three to six months or more is allowed for the bone tissue to grow around the implant and hold them securely in place.

Immediately after surgery we will give you specific post-surgical instructions to assure the best possible healing. We are unique in that we are trained to give you medication to prevent pain, swelling and infection. At the implant placement appointment you may be fitted with temporary dentures or natural-looking teeth to help you function as normally as possible until your dental implants are ready for the final restoration. You may have special dietary and oral hygiene instructions.

Once the jawbone has firmly healed around the implant, a small post is attached to each implant. The post protrudes through the gumline and serves as an anchor for the replacement tooth. After your gums have fully healed, the replacement teeth or dentures are securely attached to the posts.

For information about dental implants or other dental topics please visit DrTav.com

About Dental Implants

2011-11-08T10:56:00.000-08:00

The facts about dental implants are helpful when considering replacing your missing teeth. Dental implants are the permanent way to replace missing teeth, with a look and feel that’s as close to your natural teeth that exists today.

Dental implants are metal posts or frames surgically placed into or onto the bone beneath the gums. The implants fuse with the jawbone providing a stable support to artificial teeth, preventing individual teeth, bridges or dentures from shifting in your mouth. They are a high-tech way to replace missing teeth, and offer more stability than traditional bridgework since they do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.

Implant supported teeth allow you to speak, smile, and eat with confidence. Knowing about dental implants and the comfort they provide is an amazing discovery. Teeth supported by dental implants stay in place so you experience comfort and confidence and the freedom to enjoy foods you haven’t eaten for years.

Once you’ve had implant treatment, you need to treat your new smile like you would your own teeth and be vigilant about your oral health. You want to protect your dental implants because they are your new tooth roots, and they may not be subject to decay like your natural teeth, but they are subject to gum disease. We recommend that our patients who have had dental implants visit us every 3 months for check-ups and professional cleanings. We also find that one of the best tools for protecting your dental implants and oral health at home is the Hydrofloss. It is an irrigator that changes the polarity of the water it uses and keeps dental plaque from accumulating under the gums. More about the Hydrofloss and dental hygiene for dental implants in future posts.

For information about other dental topics please visit DrTav.com

What Are Dental Implants?

2011-11-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

Dental implants are manmade replacements for missing tooth roots. They serve as an anchor to replace one or more teeth. Dental implants can be used to anchor a bridge that is fixed, cemented in place, or as anchors for removable teeth.

In most cases dental implants are made of titanium and resemble screws that are placed in the dental bone. Dental implants that are placed in the bone go through a process called osseointegration, which is the process of actually integrating into and becoming part of the dental jawbone. This process actually strengthens the jaw and maintains the dental bone. After teeth are extracted and there’s no more root in the bone, the body doesn’t have a reason to keep the dental bone there, and the dental bone disappears. That’s why it’s important to have dental implants placed soon after tooth loss, before the dental bone is lost. There are procedures to graft dental bone back, but bone grafting cannot be used in all circumstances, and even when bone grafting is possible, the bone grafting procedures add time and money to the end result- replacing the missing tooth/teeth, and making a tooth replacement.

There is also a type of dental implant that sits on the bone instead of in the bone. This type of dental implant is called a subperiosteal implant and is used when there isn’t enough height of dental bone remaining into which implants that are like roots can fit. The subperiosteal implant is recommended, when necessary, for replacing missing teeth in the lower jaw only. There is so much to say about dental implants and we will continue speaking more about them in upcoming posts.

For information about other dental topics please visit DrTav.com

How Do Veneers Feel?

2011-10-25T07:20:00.000-07:00

So, how do veneers feel? Veneers feel like your own teeth, but even better. When you feel the porcelain veneer with your tongue, there’s nothing smoother- not even your own enamel is as smooth as porcelain!

And how does it feel to get your veneers? In most cases no anesthesia is needed because little or no enamel is removed from the teeth. In most cases because no enamel is removed, there isn’t any drilling and when drilling is needed, in most cases, it’s minimal and in the enamel, so most people are comfortable without getting numb. If your teeth are sensitive, it’s easy enough to give anesthesia, and we have several tricks to make that experience comfortable for you.

When enamel is removed and it would be noticeable, temporary veneers are placed so you have a lovely smile while you’re waiting for the laboratory to custom make your veneers and new smile. It’s exciting for you to have a preview of what your new smile is going to look like. It’s really exciting to think that your real veneers are going to look even better. Having temporary veneers also gives you an opportunity to make requests for any changes in size, shape, or color that you would like in the finished veneers.

When you have your appointment to bond the veneers to the front of your teeth, after removing any temporary veneers, the doctor puts a solution called etching solution on the front of your teeth to make microscopic openings for the bonding material to enter and connect the veneer to your enamel. When your veneers are bonded on, you have a beautiful, smooth, shiney, bright new smile!

For information about other dental topics please visit DrTav.com

Are Veneers Different From Fillings Or Crowns?

2011-10-18T07:33:00.000-07:00

There’s a hugh difference between fillings, crowns, and veneers. Fillings are placed within the outside walls of the tooth. When a tooth has decay, first the decay has to be removed so that there only remains healthy tooth structure. After the tooth is free of decay, it needs a filling. In the front teeth, tooth colored filling materials called composite are used. A filling is used when only a small amount of tooth structure needs replacing or repair.

It’s necessary to have enamel on the tooth in order to do a composite filling and to do a veneer, but that’s not the case when it comes to crowns. A crown is needed when too much tooth has been destroyed by decay and there’s not enough tooth left to fill or when a tooth has had root canal therapy. When a crown is made, it requires that the dentist remove the remaining enamel from the tooth. What remains is the inside of the tooth and that is called dentin. The crown acts like a girdle around the dentin and the crown replaces the missing enamel.

So, fillings and crowns usually are replacing far more tooth structure than veneers. Veneers are eggshell thin and are indicated in most cases because we want to conserve and protect the tooth structure. Sometimes when veneers are filling gaps between teeth or are used to “straighten” crooked teeth, there is more porcelain (the preferred material for making veneers), but usually veneers require little or no removal of enamel. Enamel is needed so that the veneer can bond onto the surface of the tooth. A special composite that flows easily is used to attach the veneer to the front surface of the tooth. So for veneers, composites are used like a glue instead of as a filling material. Veneers are for teeth that need a “face lift.”

For information about other dental topics please visit DrTav.com

Three Things To Consider When Getting Veneers

2011-10-11T07:06:00.000-07:00

How exciting! You’re considering getting veneers! You have no idea how amazing the transformation will be once you’ve enhanced your smile with veneers. You will have a strong, natural-looking smile that feels great and is color-stable.

There are always things to consider when making a decision and here are some things we think are important to consider when getting veneers:

1. What material is the dentist using for the veneers that are being proposed for you? There are veneers that are made with composite and veneers made with porcelain. Composite is a tooth-colored filling material that is like a plastic. The surface of composite is porous and tends to pick up stains. Composite is less expensive than porcelain, so if the savings are passed on to you, you might consider the immediate savings a benefit, even though you will probably want to replace your veneers in a few years because of the staining. Sometimes the savings are not passed on to the patient, so be careful you aren’t paying porcelain fees, and not getting porcelain.

2. How much tooth structure has to be removed for the veneers that are being proposed for you? Sometimes little or no tooth structure has to be removed to make porcelain veneers. When your teeth are relatively straight and you want to change the color of your teeth, or fill in gaps between teeth, or fix chipped or broken teeth, the dentist doesn’t have to remove much tooth structure, if any. If your teeth are crooked, very often the dentist has to remove more tooth structure to even out the smile. Make sure you understand whether or not your veneers are a reversible procedure because little or no tooth structure has to be removed, or non- reversible, which means enough tooth has to be removed so that you will always have to have a veneer to replace what will be removed.

3. Does the dentist proposing the veneers have experience in preparing your teeth for both kinds of veneers? It takes more experience on the dentist’s part to prepare the teeth for non-reversible veneers.

For information about other dental topics please visit DrTav.com

What Are Veneers?

2011-10-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

Dental veneers are an excellent cosmetic remedy for a variety of dental conditions that affect the appearance of the front teeth. Veneers are durable and color-stable and in many cases, the perfect way to restore the natural function and beauty of your teeth, so you can smile with confidence.

Veneers are also known as laminates or facings. They can be made with plastic-like material called composite, or they can be made with porcelain. Porcelain veneers produce the most beautiful result, are stronger than composite veneers, and do not stain like composite veneers.

Veneers are a thin, semi-translucent “shell” that is custom made to fit precisely over an existing tooth. They are bonded to the enamel surface of teeth so that the back of the veneer adheres to the front of the tooth.

Though veneers aren’t suitable for every patient, they are a cosmetic alternative for a variety of dental conditions affecting the front teeth. Veneers are used to close spaces between teeth, restore broken or chipped teeth, cover unsightly stained or washed-out fillings, whiten permanently stained or discolored teeth and correct uneven or crooked teeth.

For information about other dental topics please visit DrTav.com

Cosmetic Dentistry Services

2011-09-27T07:23:00.000-07:00

What services are considered cosmetic dentistry services? There are several procedures in our bag of tricks to make sure you have the best cosmetic dentistry has to offer.

Cosmetic recontouring of teeth enables us to reshape the teeth when minimal changes are desired. We can round off a corner of a tooth, make a tooth flatter, even out the smile line in one visit.

Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry service that is simple, painless, and fast. In one visit we can repair chipped, cracked, or crooked teeth by using an enamel-like material that actually bonds to the tooth enamel to create a new color, repair a chip, or create a new shape for your teeth. The material is added to the tooth surface, sculpted into the desired shape, hardened by being exposed to a special dental light, and polished to make a beautiful new cosmetic smile. Tooth colored fillings can be placed to replace old silver fillings by using the bonding procedure.

Teeth that are dark in color and have no fillings in them can be whitened either with take-home whitening kits or with one-hour in-office whitening. In-office results are immediate and take home whitening results are enjoyed in about a week.

The most cosmetic of the cosmetic dentistry services are porcelain veneers. These are eggshell thin porcelain shaped to go over the surfaces of teeth to create the most dramatic smile makeover- newly shaped teeth, whiter teeth, straighter teeth, with a beautiful smooth porcelain finish.

Broken down teeth can be restored with porcelain crowns and missing teeth can be replaced with conventional fixed bridges that are cemented in place, or teeth can be replaced with dental implants to support beautiful new porcelain crowns &/or bridges.

For information on other dental topics, please visit DrTav.com

What Is Dental Bonding?

2011-09-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

Dental bonding is a technique in dentistry that is used to attach tooth-colored filling materials to the enamel of teeth. This method allows us to restore teeth by removing a minimum of tooth structure. Dental Bonding also strengthens teeth.

How does dental bonding work? A special solution called an etchant is placed on the tooth and this solution makes microscopic openings in the enamel. When the tooth-colored material is placed on the tooth, the filling material fills the openings in the enamel. The filling material is sculpted to replace the missing tooth structure or change the shape &/or color of the tooth. Once the desired appearance is achieved, a special dental light called a curing light is aimed at the filling and the light sets the material and makes it hard. The filling literally locks into the openings made in the enamel by the etchant. This process strengthens the tooth and because the filling material locks into or bonds onto the enamel, little or no tooth structure has to be removed to secure the filling.

Tooth-colored fillings can be bonded into back teeth in some instances to replace unsightly old silver fillings. These types of fillings are better in premolars than molars. Molars have to withstand the most pressure, so it’s better to use stronger materials like porcelain inlays/onlays or crowns on molars. Molar teeth can be restored by using dental bonding to bond the inlay or onlay to the tooth.

For information about other dental topics, please visit DrTav.com

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

2011-09-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

Of course, it’s most important to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy and you are doing the best you can to maintain your teeth for a lifetime. We partner with our patients to get their mouths healthy and to keep them healthy, but once that’s been accomplished, there’s a whole field of dentistry devoted to making people look and feel their best, and that’s Cosmetic Dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry is a blend of art, science, and technology that focuses on using a variety of the latest techniques and materials to give our patients the smiles they have always dreamed of.

Cosmetic Dentistry makes it possible for people who hold back smiling (or are too embarrassed to smile because of flaws in the cosmetic appearance of their teeth) to smile- really smile! It’s wonderful to have the tools in our arsenal that can help someone who has always covered their mouth when they smile or laugh, to laugh and smile freely and with confidence. That’s what Cosmetic Dentistry is for.

Cosmetic Dentistry has also proven helpful to business people so that they are more confident when dealing with the public. Also, the fact that someone has an attractive smile has been shown to actually have customers/clients perceive the business person as more competent. I guess confidence goes a long way, and nothing seems to make a person feel more confident than a healthy beautiful smile.

What kind of changes can we make with Cosmetic Dentistry? We can correct spaces between teeth. We can repair broken or chipped teeth. We can handle unsightly, stained or washed-out fillings. We can whiten permanently stained or discolored teeth. We can correct a crooked or poorly shaped smile. We can change the size, shape, position and color of teeth!

For information on other dental topics, please visit DrTav.com

Whitening Your Teeth At The Dentist

2011-09-08T07:55:00.000-07:00

When our patients are ready to whiten their teeth immediately, we provide whitening for them in the office in under an hour. We use the Lumibrite Chairside Whitening System from DenMat because it is fast, effective and gentle so it therefore reduces the chances of sensitivity for our patients who whiten their teeth chairside. It also contains fluoride for an even healthier smile.

We use DenMat’s Sapphire Supreme Plasma Arc Curing and Whitening Light which has been clinically proven to whiten teeth in under an hour without the use of harmful UV rays. It is the only such whitening light on the market and we use it because it is the safest whitening light in the market for our patients.

Whitening your teeth in the office can result in teeth 8-10 shades lighter. We find that additional whitening over time at home enhances and maintains the whitening achieved in the office. Research also shows that the best whitening does happen over time. We recommend to our patients to use take home whitening trays and whitening material after their in-office whitening to get and maintain the white bright smiles they are looking for.

If you like your smile but wish it was whiter, whitening your teeth in the office is the fastest way to get a result, and it’s an amazing boost to your self-confidence. It just makes you want to smile more with whiter teeth!

For information on other dental topics, please visit DrTav.com

Teeth Whitening Facts

2011-08-30T11:59:00.000-07:00

Here are three things to consider when whitening your teeth:

If you have tooth colored fillings in your front teeth on the front surface of your teeth, those fillings will not whiten and you will not be a candidate for teeth whitening without doing veneers.
If your teeth tend to be sensitive you will want to avoid in office, one hour whitening. Sensitivity can be a factor in 20% of people who whiten their teeth, however, with one hour whitening, sensitivity is more likely because a stronger whitening agent is used to produce an immediate result.
Research has shown that the best whitening happens over time, so unless you have to whiten your teeth with short notice for a big occasion, it makes sense to use professional take home whitening for the best result over time. If you are in a hurry for a result- like when you want to lose weight and you get more motivation when you lose 5lbs. the first week- then you may love the immediate whitening results that in office, one hour whitening provides. The whitening effect of one hour whitening doesn’t usually last as long as professional take home whitening, so we recommend to our patients who want an immediate result, to also do some take home whitening to enhance and maintain the results they get with one hour whitening.

For more information on other dental topics, please visit DrTav.com

Best Teeth Whitening Treatments

2011-08-23T07:05:00.000-07:00

All teeth whitening treatments are not the same. Over the counter whitening kits are not as strong as the professional dental take home kits are. Professional whitening kits therefore produce better and more predictable teeth whitening.

Professional take home kits have different features. Some have desensitizing ingredients and others don’t. This can be very important because approximately 20% of the population will have sensitive teeth as a result of doing teeth whitening.

There are different concentrations of the active whitening agent in take home whitening kits. Most of the whiteners use carbamide peroxide (a stable version of hydrogen peroxide) as the active whitening agent. There are various concentrations of the carbamide peroxide available. The take home kits come in 10%, 16%, and 22% carbamide peroxide. The higher the concentration of the active agent, the more likely the teeth will be sensitive from the whitening and although you may think you would get a faster whitening or a better whitening, that hasn’t proven to be true, so a lower concentration makes sense.

With research, over time the take home whitening kits we use for our patients have improved. When they first came out people had to wear the whitening trays overnight, but now, depending on the brand, the daily whitening time can be an hour or even 30 minutes. Within 2 weeks most people are happy with the whitening results and some people get the results they want in 5-6 days! It’s easier to whiten yellowish teeth than teeth that are gray or brown in shade.

We’ll talk about 1-hour whitening in another blog post.

For information about other dental topics, please visit DrTav.com

Geriatric Dental Needs

2011-08-16T07:58:00.000-07:00

As a senior citizen you may face some difficulty with your dental health that you haven’t ever faced or haven’t faced in years. As we get older, many of us have to take medications to manage our heart health and blood pressure. Of course, this may not be able to be avoided, however, with the desired effects of certain medications also come some unwanted effects. Medications can often cause dry mouth.

Dry mouth isn’t just uncomfortable, it also results in a common problem seen in seniors, which is to get tooth decay at the gumline of the teeth. You see, saliva is actually helpful in keeping tooth decay at bay and when there isn’t enough saliva, dry mouth often results in tooth decay at the gumline and on tooth roots which may now be unprotected because of gum recession.

If you have dexterity problems or a physical disability, you may find it difficult to hold onto your toothbrush or dental floss. This can be solved by using a few simple “home remedies” or devices designed to help. Use a wide elastic band to attach the brush to your hand. Enlarge the brush handle with a sponge, rubber ball or bicycle handle grip. Also try winding an elastic bandage or adhesive tape around the handle.

Lengthen the handle with a piece of wood or plastic such as a ruler, popsicle stick or tongue depressor.

Tie floss into a loop for easier handling.

Use an electric toothbrush or commercial floss holder.

For other dental information, please visit DrTav.com

How Often Should You Go To The Dentist?

2011-08-09T12:33:00.000-07:00

How often you go to the dentist depends on several factors. Age is a factor. Children’s first visit is recommended once the child has all of his baby teeth, around age 2. Throughout childhood and the teen years it’s important for children to visit the dentist every 6 months. One reason for this is that when children get decay, that decay can travel very quickly in the decayed tooth and to the neighboring teeth.

In young adulthood, in general, we see less of a problem with decay and very often we see more of a problem with gum disease. Gum disease cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with regular office visits and proper homecare.

Research shows that it takes 90 days for the plaque bacteria to mature to the point where it is destructive to the gum and dental bone. If we can disrupt the infection at the 90 day point before the plaque starts being destructive, we can best keep gum disease under control.

Depending on the study you read, 75-95% of the population has gum disease, so that means that 75-95% of the population needs to visit a dentist every 3 months to keep gum disease under control and prevent the dangerous health risks of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, etc. associated with gum disease.

In future blog posts we’ll discuss geriatric dental needs.

For information on other dental topics, please visit DrTav.com

How Often Do I Need To Brush My Teeth?

2011-08-02T14:32:00.000-07:00

It would be ideal to brush your teeth after eating. Every time you eat, the bacteria in the plaque are eating, too, and this plaque attack lasts up to 20 minutes after eating. If you brush after eating, you are removing plaque and the food they are feeding on, as well as the acid the plaque bacteria produce.

Many people find it difficult to brush after meals throughout the day. If you are one of those people, you can use a technique called “Swish and Swallow.” Take water or a non sugar liquid and swish your mouth with it for a while to dislodge as many food particles as possible, and then swallow.

Brushing your teeth at least twice daily helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, the major causes of tooth loss. Toothpaste does provide a benefit if it has fluoride, or baking soda, or some other benefit, like helping with sensitivity. The bristles without toothpaste actually do the best job in removing plaque at the gumline. You can brush with a dry brush and then afterwards go over your teeth with the toothpaste of your choice. Use a soft-bristle brush and replace your brush every two to three months.

The most important brushing is at night before you go to sleep. If you can only brush once daily, it’s best to do it before bedtime.

For more information about other dental topics, please visit DrTav.com

Why Is Flossing Important?

2011-07-26T12:30:00.000-07:00

Many patients ask us why flossing is so important. That’s a good question. Flossing is so important because when you brush your teeth you are only cleaning about 20% of the teeth surfaces. So without flossing, 80% of your teeth are not being cleaned and that can mean big dental health and overall health problems.

Flossing daily removes plaque and food particles between and below the gumline. Plaque is a sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that is constantly forming on teeth. Saliva, food, and fluids combine to produce these deposits that collect on teeth where teeth and gums meet. Plaque buildup is the primary factor causing periodontal (gum) disease.

Gum disease is a chronic infectious disease and is the reason most people lose their teeth. If plaque isn’t removed daily, there is a slow progression of the infection from the gums into the bone. Eventually the bone that holds the teeth in the jaw is destroyed and teeth are lost.

As if the concern of losing teeth to gum disease isn’t enough, there is a greater danger to your overall health when gum disease is present. Much research has revealed that there definitely is a connection between gum disease and heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s Disease, kidney disease, and the list goes on. Basically if you don’t completely remove plaque with daily flossing, you are at risk of the inflammation and infection of gum disease being spread throughout your body by your blood stream.

Doesn’t that sound like a good reason to floss?

For more information about other dental topics, please visit DrTav.com

Does Your Partner's Snoring Keep You Awake?

2011-07-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

Recently magazines have been carrying advertisements for gimmicks that are supposed to treat snoring. If your partner keeps you up half the night with snoring, you may be tempted to try anything.

There is a professional way to put an end to snoring by treating the cause instead of the symptom. We use the TheraSnore appliance to help our patients who have a problem with snoring and sleep apnea. This appliance uses a scientific approach and was developed by Dr. Thomas E. Meade.

The TheraSnore has been tested by universities, sleep laboratories and other professional groups. These tests show that the adjustable TheraSnore really does work more than 93% of the time.

Almost everyone snores occasionally, in fact one-third of the world’s population snores regularly. Of that one-third 90% snore because, while sleeping your tongue and the tissue around the soft palate relax and falls back, blocking the airway. Due to this lack of air, your body panics and increases the speed of the air inhaled. This increased speed causes the tissues at the back of the throat to vibrate and cause the snoring noise.

Besides making life more unpleasant for significant others, snoring may be an indicator of sleep apnea, a serious, deadly health hazard.

A recent study by Harvard University and Boston’s Brigham and Woman’s Hospital found that simple snoring increases the chance of cardiovascular disease by 33% in women. Previous studies of men with sleep apnea revealed serious health consequences, such as stroke.

It takes us around 30 minutes or less to fit a TheraSnore appliance. It will take you approximately 4 to 7 nights to adjust to wearing it. By the end of the week, you should be sleeping comfortably and soundlessly and with a happy partner by your side.

We think we’ve saved a lot of marriages with this device.

For more information on other dental topics, please visit DrTav.com

Differences Between Dental Plans

2011-07-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

I have been talking lately about dental insurance to shed some light on this confusing subject. Recently I was asked about dental plans that can be purchased by individuals at very low cost. I was asked, “What’s the difference?” That’s a good question. You need to know if the plan you are looking at is in fact a plan that covers a certain amount per year and certain percentages based on the dental procedures, or, if the “plan” is a discount program. A discount program has a fee schedule that it establishes for each dental procedure and this reduced fee you pay to a dentist that participates in their plan. The fees are drastically reduced, so practices that participate rely on a high volume of patients to offset their losses. An office that is committed to excellence and personal service would have a higher overhead and would most likely be unable to participate in such a program.

Dental discount programs don't pay any of your health care costs. They require you to pay a fee for a list of dentists who are willing to offer disounts to members of the program.

Do the math. Try to calculate what your total payment for a discount plan will be for a given amount of time. You could be responsible for paying a substantial amount up front, in addition to monthly fees and other costs. The costs of the program may total more than the savings you anticipate.

A discount program also deprives you of freedom of choice because you will get no benefit from the program if you choose a dentist that isn’t on the discount list. Even if you have conventional dental insurance, make sure your plan gives you the freedom to choose your own dentist and still receive your benefit.

For more information on other dental topics, please visit DrTav.com

More to Know About Dental Insurance

2011-06-28T06:54:00.000-07:00

The benefits you can receive from your insurance program are dependent on the amount your employer pays the insurance company. In order to make a profit, the insurance company must pay out less in benefits than they collect in premium. To limit their expenses, the insurance industry has created various restrictions which have nothing to do with your individual needs or health such as:

An annual limit. Regardless of the treatment you need, they only pay so much per person per year.
Excluded treatment. Regardless of the treatment you need, certain things are not covered like cosmetic work or in most cases, dental implants.
Fee limitations. Regardless of the specifics of your case, only so much may be paid for any particular treatment.
Frequency limitations. Regardless of what you might need, they will pay for a procedure only so often. An example is a dental cleaning which may be “payable only twice a year” regardless of your gum condition that may require cleanings three or four times a year.
Procedural limitations. Regardless of what treatment might be best for you, they may only pay for the least expensive treatment possible. For example, they might only pay for a removable bridge when a fixed bridge would be better or they might only pay for a filling when a cap is clearly a better choice for your tooth.
Time limitations. Regardless of when you want to do the treatment, they may request that you notify them in advance of your intended treatment. They cannot require you to get a pre-estimate prior to treatment as a condition to paying you your benefits. They will always pay you what you are entitled to. As a matter of fact, our experience has often shown that pre-estimates prior to treatment are actually more likely to stimulate a rejection of coverage.

Please remember that while it is nice to have the insurance program pay for as much of your treatment as possible, and finances are sometimes a consideration, your decisions on what treatment you choose are best based on your own best dental health interests.

For more information on other dental topics, please visit DrTav.com

Some Important Information If You Have Dental Insurance

2011-06-15T10:51:00.000-07:00

While many people have dental insurance, very few understand what it does and how it works, or what rules it has and why these rules exist. This information will help you understand your insurance better. We think it’s important that you understand that your dental insurance isn’t dental insurance at all.

Dental insurance is unlike any other type of insurance and so insurance companies have developed some unique policies. We think once you have this information much of the confusion you might have about dental insurance will be cleared up.

In general, insurance has four requirements:

We want to protect something specific against loss. Things we insure are our house, our car, even our life.
The loss must be undesirable and infrequent. No one wants to have their house burn down, have their car stolen, or a gall bladder infection requiring surgery. The insurance company can count on you trying to prevent the loss.
The occurrence of loss must be unpredictable on an individual basis, but statistically predictable on a group basis. In other words, you never know if or when you might have a car accident or need your gall bladder removed, but the insurance company can predict that out of every 100,000 people a certain percent are likely to have their car damaged or need an operation in a given year.
The cost of the loss must be individually predictable and the risk known in advance. The premium charged by the insurance company is based on this. For example, if you want to insure a 1991 Ford Mustang that costs $16,000, the insurance company knows what it usually costs to fix or replace the car. The risk of loss is known in advance. The premium can therefore be calculated in advance on an individual basis.

Dental insurance is actually entirely different because:

Dental disease is not specific. It could be decay, gum disease, broken or chipped teeth. It could even be crooked teeth that one person may want to fix and another might not want to fix.
Most people do have dental disease. Cavities and gum problems are extremely common despite the fact that people don’t want them.
Dental treatment needs vary from person to person based on things like how often people go to the dentist. People may even choose to go to a dentist more often when they have insurance. People who get medical insurance do not decide to get their appendix out to take advantage of their new insurance.
The dental insurance is contracted on a group basis by a company for its employees. No one really knows the dental needs of any one person or the potential risk (cost to repair the dental problems).

You can see that dental insurance really doesn’t satisfy the requirements of insurance at all because dental disease is not specific, not infrequent, not unpredictable in occurrence, and not predictable in cost. Dental insurance really is a program established by your employer to give you an extra benefit of employment and not really insurance at all.

Our next blog will discuss the restrictions the insurance industry has created which have nothing to do with your individual needs or health.

For more information on other dental topics, please visit DrTav.com.

Partial Dentures vs. Implants? Chew on that one.

2011-02-24T09:16:00.000-08:00

For those of you who remember the famous Spy vs. Spy comic books, dentures vs. implants may seem to be different sides of the same coin, but the truth is the choice is easier than you might think. Check out the Q&A below.

Q. I am thinking of getting dental implants to replace the removable partial denture I now have. I can hardly chew with it, and food always gets stuck under it. I think implants will be a great investment in my health. How long does an implant last?

A. You can feel that you’re making a very sound investment. Implants have remained in patients’ mouths for as long as 30 years. With the proper preventive maintenance program, you can ensure the long-term success of your implants. The implants should last a lifetime with your proper daily maintenance and regular maintenance scheduled with us for hygiene and exams. Periodically, the teeth that are supported by your implants may need to be replaced. The timing varies with the dental materials used.

Bone loss can impact denture function

2011-02-15T08:02:00.000-08:00

Q. I wear a lower denture. What will happen without treatment?

A. When you lose your teeth, you gradually lose the bone that holds them in your jaw. As this bone shrinks, problems with a lack of bone lead to increased discomfort, increased movement of your denture, lack of retention and sharp, painful ridges, movable gums, and sore spots. The tongue also enlarges to fill in the spaces. With tooth loss, a five-fold decrease in function happens and the diet shifts to softer foods, which has a bad effect on your nutrition. When bone is lost, numbness to the lower lip or even fracture of the lower jaw can be a possibility. In addition, the progressive bone loss can make it difficult, impossible, and more expensive to solve your problem. You could need more implants or extensive treatment, or we will not be able to provide the treatment we recommend now.

When Is A Silver Lining Not So Good?

2011-02-04T07:48:00.000-08:00

When it's in your teeth!

Q. Why is it important to replace old silver fillings with a crown or onlay?

A. Old silver fillings usually have leakage around the margins, which means that bacteria is getting in between the filling and the tooth and can be a cause of tooth decay or the nerve of the tooth dying (when the nerve dies a root canal therapy is needed on the tooth). Silver also acts as a wedge and can actually eventually help to fracture a tooth. If the fracture is vertical, the tooth has to be extracted. A crown encircles the remaining tooth structure so it protects it and an inlay or onlay is prepared by a laboratory to fit perfectly to the tooth and is more protective to the remaining tooth structure than silver. Fillings prepared by the lab can be done in porcelain to match the existing tooth structure and are a great cosmetic choice.

Implants - the real thing!

2011-01-31T10:50:00.000-08:00

Q. After I have dental implants, will my teeth feel like my own teeth when I chew?

A. Absolutely! Most people don’t even remember that they have dental implants. Dental implants are the closest thing to what nature had given us. They provide a totally solid foundation for beautiful new teeth and they can withstand almost the exact chewing force as regular teeth (natural teeth produce 100 lbs. chewing strength, implants provide 80 lbs. chewing strength per square inch, and dentures produce only 10 lbs. chewing strength).

If you've lost a tooth through an unfortunate accident or other reasons, don't hesitate to consult with your dentist. The restoration of your smile, your ability to chew comfortably again and self confidence you'll gain will be the best decision you'll ever make.

Visit our website - www.drtav.com - for more information on how we can make you smile today.

The Fishy Truth About Periodontal Disease

2011-01-09T14:40:00.000-08:00

A component of periodontal disease is inflammation, however, it's important to remember that periodontal disease is more than an inflammation of the gums, it is an infection. With that said, we are accustomed to treating infection with antibiotic, however, periodontal disease behaves similarly to the way viral infections work- you can't treat them with antibiotics. Viruses stay in the system and can become active when immunity is low and periodontal disease can behave the same way.

It is unrealistic to expect that a person with periodontal disease could be on antibiotics for the rest of their lives. It would cause more harm than good to have prolonged antibiotics. The digestive system would suffer by the helpful bacteria being destroyed and the person would develop reistance to the antibiotic and perhaps develop infections that no longer respond to antibiotics at all.

Therefore, it makes sense to approach the treatment of gum disease with natural methods that benefit the entire health of the patient. Having a healthy diet and one that includes fish oil makes sense as part of a program to treat gum disease. This would be a great adjunct to professional care to control the disease in combination with the patient learning proper homecare techniques.

Juicy fruits and fruit juices are not the same thing

2010-12-03T13:25:00.000-08:00

A recent article on the Fit Day website posed the question about fruit and vegetable juice drinks and whether they were healthy and nutritious. The marketing claims aside, these products are touted as counting towards your 5-9 daily requirement of fruits and vegetables with added benefits of green tea and antioxidants, but does this mean you can drink your veggies and be done with it? Not really.

According to the article, "The juice you're drinking may be just a glassful of sugar, cleverly disguised as something healthy. Some juices contain added vitamins, including vitamins C, E, B2, B3, B6, B12, and beta-carotene (which don't have to be added to whole fruits and vegetables because many are naturally rich in these nutrients). Other juices add caffeine or even oil to their products."

Clever marketing makes consumers think they are getting a lot of value drinking these juices, but nothing compares to actually eating the fruits and vegetables. Reading juice labels is very important to make sure there is no high fructose corn syrup. I follow the guideline of not drinking my calories.

While there is still debate as to whether or not some caffeine in drinks is hepful or not, there is nothing more refreshing than a bite of fresh fruit or fresh steamed vegetables from the local farmer's market.

Don't forget to visit Dr. Tav's website for more information on keeping your teeth healthy.

Mouth to Body Link - Periodontal Disease

2010-11-18T13:21:00.000-08:00

Did you know that healthier gums can lead to a healthier body? People with Periodontal Disease are twice as likely to have heart disease and stroke than those without. Pregnant women with periodontal disease are seven times more likely to have premature and underweight babies. For a long time, risk factors such as smoking, alcohol and drug use were known to contribute to risky pregnancies. Now periodontal disease can be added to the list.

According to an American Academy of Periodontology Study, "Infections in the mouth can play havoc elsewhere in the body. For a long time it was thought that bacteria was the factor that linked periodontal disease to other infections in the body, however, research now demonstrates that inflammation may link periodontal disease to other chronic conditions.

If you have Heart disease, Osteoporosis, Osteopenia, High stress or Diabetes, talk to your dentist today!

Visit the Tavormina Dentistry website for more information on keeping your teeth healthy.

Turn that frown upside down

2010-11-05T14:13:00.000-07:00

Tooth loss doesn't have to stop you from smiling - an implant or bridge can restore your smile back to its youthful appearance. Dental implants and bridges are two of the most common tooth-replacement solutions in cosmetic dentistry. In addition to improving aesthetics, both solutions also help to prevent additional tooth loss.

Implants provide a fixed strutcture for crowns to replace missing teeth. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth, and they preserve the surrounding teeth.

If your gum tissue and bone are healthy, you may be a good candidate for implants. Implants are metal posts that are placed under your gums into the dental bone. Eventually, an implant fuses with the jaw bone and serves as an artificial tooth root. A replacement tooth is then attached to the implant.

Bridges are either fixed or removable. They fit your bite and match the color of surrounding teeth and they prevent the remaining teeth from shifting.

If you have a single missing tooth surrounded by teeth with large silver fillings, a bridge may work best for you. To create a bridge, crowns are placed on the teeth surrounding the missing tooth, and then a third crown is placed in the gap.

In either case, Bridges or Implants can put that smile back on your face and self confidence back in your stride.

For more information on Bridges and Implants, visit http://DrTav.com.

Look into my eyes, you're getting sleepy...okay wake up, it's over!

2010-11-05T12:14:00.000-07:00

Many people put off caring for their teeth for years because they are afraid to go to the dentist. Conscious Sedation enables patients with such a fear to have their dental procedures done without any anxiety or memory of the treatment.

Oral medication is given to the patient before their dental treatment and they are given time to relax fully before any work is started. Most patients fall asleep and those who don't are totally relaxed. The dentist trained in conscious sedation interviews the patient before any medication is given so that they can provide the anxious patient the medication or combination of medications that will work best.

Dental phobic patients find it difficult to believe they can't remember a thing. They can't believe it when they wake up and are told the dentistry is all done. They can't believe it, but they are very happy indeed!

For more information on Conscious Sedation, visit http://DrTav.com.

Tongue Piercings - Nothing to Smile About

2010-11-02T09:01:00.000-07:00

"Playing" with a pierced tongue stud could lead to a gap between the front teeth, according to a new study conducted at the University at Buffalo in New York. The study suggests that tongue piercings could be a major cause of unnecessary orthodontic issues.

The report claims that those with tongue piercings were likely to push the metal stud up against their teeth and consequently cause gaps and other problems. Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr. Nigel Carter, said the study highlighted the risks that tongue piercings have on oral health. In addition to causing an apparent gap, oral piercings can also lead to chipped teeth. Over time, constant pressure can move teeth, resulting from people playing with their studs, crops up in a very high percent of the cases studied. Tooth damage was common in both past and present case studies.

The study concluded that tongue piercings could result in serious injuries, not just to teeth, but to other parts of the body, as well. It has been known to be associated with hemorrhages (bleeding), infections, trauma to the gums, and, in worst cases, brain abscesses. The results of the study were published in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics.

For more information on steps you can take to keep a healthy and happy smile on your face, visit http://DrTav.com.