Cosmetic Dentistry Fillings Replace Silver Dental Fillings

By AustinDentalSpa on August 9, 2010

Over the past decade, tooth colored composite dental fillings have replaced many people’s old silver amalgam fillings.

The initial reason for the shift has been more pleasing aesthetics due to the tooth colored appearance of composites when compared to shiny silver dental fillings. There is also another reason why many people have opted to select composite fillings or replace old amalgam fillings. Some people have been bothered by a metal taste in their mouths. Others reported an allergic reaction to the metals in their mouths.

In December of this year, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to hold an advisory panel to discuss scientific issues that may affect the regulation of dental amalgam, particularly the elevated risks that silver fillings may pose for pregnant women, unborn children and young children.

Silver dental amalgam fillings are comprised of a variety of metals, including: liquid mercury, powdered amalgam alloy, silver, tin, and copper. Recently, the FDA changed the classification of dental amalgams from a Class I to Class II.  This change raised concerns from many about the adequacy of the risk assessment used by the FDA to classify dental amalgam, including: the effect of mercury and the exposure of mercury vapor for children. The group contends that more clinical studies must be performed to identify the appropriate classification for dental amalgam.

Dental amalgams may be appropriate for certain teeth in the right quantity, particularly for people with molar cavities who are likely to experience excessive wear and tear on molar fillings due to repetitive biting. Amalgam dental fillings are stronger and last longer than composites, but the esthetic appeal and reduced risks have made composite fillings more appealing to many people today. Most people do not mind returning to the dentist to replace aged composite fillings every seven to ten years.  Composite fillings are just another example of cosmetic dentistry that improves functionality, while providing aesthetic appeal.

If you are interested in composite fillings or cosmetic dentistry, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas cosmetic dentist, for a consultation at 512-380-1300.

Posted in Restorative Dentistry, cosmetic dentistry

Having Trouble Brushing? Consider New Techniques

By AustinDentalSpa on August 6, 2010

There may be several reasons why people have difficulty brushing their teeth. Regardless of the reason, it’s important to learn about techniques that can improve your daily teeth cleaning routine to maintain oral health. Some check out some of the ways that you can leverage your tooth brushing technique for enhanced oral health.

Caring for a young infant or an ill loved one?
Very young infants and some people that are ill such as those on a respirator may not be able to brush their teeth. People in this category may have a caregiver try a soft washcloth or q-tips to scrub teeth and remove trapped food.

Can’t Reach the Back of Your Mouth?
Since the back of the mouth is one of the most important areas to keep clean, you may want to consider using a tongue depressor to keep your tongue down or a tongue cleaner to lengthen your toothbrush for hard to reach areas.

Can’t Brush the Backs of Your Teeth?
There are special tooth brushes available at your dentist’s office to brush the back of your teeth with. Offered in a circular bristled design that is small enough to fit tight areas behind the teeth, these toothbrushes provide better access to the back of the teeth.

Do You Have Poor Hand Coordination?
Arthritis sufferers or those recovering from strokes or other conditions that affect hand coordination have found that inserting the back end of a toothbrush into a tennis ball can greatly help with grip and maneuverability.

Your dentist will no doubt have other suggestions for enhancing your ability to care for your teeth and mouth. This may include helping to remove trapped food with a swish of a rinsing agent, or dietetic changes that can optimize you oral health. There may also be specific tools and techniques that relate to your particular situation. So, see your dentist for a general dentistry check up to learn more about the ways to improve your brushing for better oral health.

If you are having difficulty brushing your or a loved one’s teeth, call Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist at (512) 452-9296.

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's, Oral Conditions, Senior Dentistry

Early On Meth Use Linked to Oral Health Conditions

By AustinDentalSpa on August 3, 2010

Since the National Institute on Drug Abuse has estimated that more than 10 million Americans have tried methamphetamine and 1.4 million are habitual users, the medical community had become concerned about the elevated risk for mood disturbances, violent behavior, infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis, crime, unemployment, as well as child abuse and neglect. Now, the dental community has identified that meth users are at risk for a dental disease known as meth mouth.

Meth mouth is a term used to describe the acceleration of tooth decay which occurs in the early stages of meth use.  Consequently, many feel that dentists can be at the forefront of uncovering meth use in people and may be instrumental in preventing further meth use which can otherwise lead to greater health issues later on. In 2005, the economic cost of methamphetamine use in the U.S. escalated to $23.4 billion, according to the RAND Corp. For this reason, The National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Drug Abuse has granted a request for a $1.86 million fund to be used by the UCLA School of Dentistry for the study of oral health consequences associated with methamphetamine use.

Dr. Vivek Shetty, a professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery, had previously determined that higher rates of oral disease exist among methamphetamine abusers in a study.

Identifying meth use in the early stages of drug abuse through dentistry treatment will allow dentists to be part of the team of health professionals involved in thwarting off meth use which has now reached epidemic proportions.

If you or a loved one is using meth, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney for a consultation to identify your elevated risk of tooth decay, oral diseases and ultimately, medical conditions.

Posted in Oral Conditions

Aloe Vera Assists in Dentistry

By AustinDentalSpa on August 1, 2010

Recently, researchers have found that Aloe Vera can be useful for enhancing healing and minimizing pain associated with certain oral conditions. In addition, there are also anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunological benefits offered in Aloe Vera. Here’s a fast recap of the benefits of Aloe Vera used in dentistry.

Gum Abrasions

If you’ve disrupted your gum tissue with a toothbrush abrasion, sharp foods, dental floss, toothpicks or periodontal surgery, the application of Aloe Vera directly to the affected site can reduce pain and speed up healing.

Chemical Burns

For people who have chemical burns such as those that may occur because of aspirin, the application of Aloe Vera to the affected area can be appealing as an anti-inflammatory agent, pain reliever and healing remedy.

Tooth Extractions

If you have had a tooth extraction, treated sites respond with greater ease and there is a reduced risk of dry sockets when Aloe Vera is applied to the affected area.

Acute Mouth Lesions

If you suffer from viral lesions, aphthous ulcers or canker sores, you can experience an improvement in your condition with Aloe Vera treatment.

Cracked Lip Corners

If you have cracked lip corners due to aging or a medical condition, Aloe Vera can be a worthwhile remedy. There may also be other recommendations that your dentist will have for your cracked lip corners. For example, this symptom is linked to dry mouth syndrome. If you have dry mouth syndrome, there are other remedies that can be useful.

Sore Gum Ridges from Dentures

For people who have sore gum ridges from ill fitting dentures, Aloe Vera can help prevent fungus and bacterial contamination as well as reduce inflammation.

Fungal Disorders, Bacterial Infections, Gingivitis, Leukemia, Hematological Disorders

Aloe Vera has been proven to be beneficial for such oral disorders, including gum abscesses , gum disease, and other gum issues associated with AIDS and Leukemia.

Dry Mouth Syndrome

If you suffer from dry mouth, Aloe Vera may be a suggestion from you dentist, along with other tools.

If you are considering Aloe Vera or are concerned about any of the above mentioned conditions, call Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist at (512) 452-9296 to ensure that Aloe Vera is right for you.

Posted in Oral Conditions, gum disease

Brush Twice a Day to Keep Heart Disease Away!

By AustinDentalSpa on July 29, 2010

That’s right. According to a report published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) in May 2010, people can significantly reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease if they brush their teeth twice daily.

Previous studies have already demonstrated the link between cardiovascular disease and gum disease (periodontal disease). It has also been well documented that inflammation of the gums and mouth, which may be undetectable to individuals, is a significant contributor to plaque that can limit blood flow and block arteries. According to the results of Professor Richard Watt from University College London, and the rest of the research team in the Britan,  number of times individuals brush their teeth has a significant impact on the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Over 11,000 adults who participated in a Scottish Healthy Survey provided information about their lifestyle habits including: physical activity, oral health routines, smoking, and dental visit regimens.  Then, medical history and family history information was gathered from hospital admission and death records to compare the degree of body inflammation, one of the biggest contributors to heart disease.   The totals, as follows:

• Over 60% of the participants visit their dentist every six months
• Over 70% brush their teeth twice a daily.
• Participants who had poor oral hygiene tested positive for inflammatory markers such as the C-reactive protein and fibrinogen.

Then, this data was compared to cardiovascular disease risk factors such as social class, smoking, obesity and family history of heart disease to find that people who brushed their teeth less than twice daily were at a 70% increased risk for heart disease compared to individuals who brushed their teeth twice a day. These study results are not considered conclusive to date, but do suggest the need for further studies to support the validity of claims. In the meantime, we have another reason to be certain to have a perfect oral health day.

If you are interested in identifying your risk factors for oral inflammation, call Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist at (512) 452-9296.

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's, Oral Conditions, oral health

Ying and Yang of Mouth Bacteria

By AustinDentalSpa on July 26, 2010

We all have good and bad bacteria microbes that inhabit our bodies. Our immune system is responsible for fending off harmful organisms like bacteria, fungi and viruses while maintaining a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria. Our immune system may fail to maintain a natural bacterial balance when the immune system is weakened, hormones change, smoking, good bacteria is destroyed, dry mouth syndrome occurs, and ph balance and acidity levels are thrown off kilter. Certain medications such as chemotherapy, antibiotics and steroids can trigger an imbalance in bacteria. Medical conditions such as diabetes and anemia may foster a bacterial imbalance. Denture wear may also put you at risk for imbalance of your bacteria.

Bacterial imbalance is also a root cause for diseases and oral conditions such as thrush and gum disease. In the end, our bodily systems are not immune to the concept of Ying and Yang.
For these reasons, it’s important to know how to maintain your balance of good and bad bacteria.

To maintain the proper balance of good and bad bacteria in your mouth, consider these tips:

• Drink plenty of H2O and rinse your mouth at least twice daily and more often following the use of medications and asthma inhalers.
• Brush you teeth twice daily and floss to remove bacteria causing food debris between your teeth.
• Limit intake of sugar and yeast-containing foods to prevent the growth of fungal Candida. Eat fresh culture yogurt containing lactobacillus acidophilus or bifid bacterium. Ask you physician about acidophilus capsules if you are taking antibiotics.
• Visit your dentist for general dentistry check ups at least twice a year or more often when recommended by your dentist.
• Maintain a healthy balance of biofilms, a layer of bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens,   in your mouth. A select number of dentists offer biofilm treatment if your biofilms are out of order.

If you are interested in fighting off your biofilms, call Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist certified in biofilm treatment at (512) 452-9296.

Posted in Biofilm Treatment, Dentistry FAQ's, Oral Conditions, gum disease

Gum Disease Causing Bacteria May Provide Hints about Neurodegenerative Disorder Treatments

By AustinDentalSpa on July 24, 2010

At the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in San Diego recently, researchers from the University of Florida announced a study of the mutant strain called P. gingivalis (PG0717) and how this mutant may affect  Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other neurological diseases.

Scientists do not know how these neurodegenerative diseases surface, but researchers Progulske-Fox and her colleagues know that clustered proteins form plaque build up that can affect people’s neurons. The researchers believe that if cells can be directed to breakdown cell waste products, plaque build up will not develop which would potentially prevent the advent of such neurodegenerative diseases as well as assist in the recovery from such diseases.

Previous study evidence demonstrates that the ability for affected cells to break down plaque build-ups has a very significant impact on the recovery from neurodegenerative diseases. The researchers believe that ability to activate autophagy within these cells can be priceless in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Autophagy is a naturally occurring biological process in which cells degrade and stimulates the recycling of cell derivatives into amino acids that can be used by the body. Researchers believe that their study of P. gingivalis will help identify how this mutant strain ignites autophagy in host cells which would potentially lead to innovative treatments for neurodegenerative disorders. In previous Porphyromonas gingivalis studies, these researchers found that the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis can activate autophagy when exposed to a human cell line.

Scientists in the dental community have already established that biofilms, comprised of bacteria and fungal pathogens, which exist in the mouth can trigger gum disease and are linked to a variety of serious medical conditions. You can fight off biofilms with treatments offered by a select number of dentists certified in biofilm treatment. Biolfim treatment can be a step in the right direction to fight off inflammatory markers that are linked to diseases.

If you are interested in fighting off your biofilms, call Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist certified in biofilm treatment at (512) 452-9296.

Posted in Biofilm Treatment, Oral Conditions, gum disease

Veterans in Several States Exposed to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV pathogens during Dentistry

By AustinDentalSpa on July 22, 2010

Veterans who received dental treatment from February 1, 2009 to March 11, 2009 at certain VA Centers may be at risk for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV due to a breach in sanitation processes. It is estimated that 18,000 veterans in Missouri, Illinois and other states have been exposed to these disease pathogens during treatment for oral health conditions within the date above mentioned range. It is not known if Texas is one of those states.  However, Texan veterans can contact the VA to identify if they may be affected by this breach and may request a blood test to rule out the presence of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV pathogens.

To date, the St. Louis VA Medical Center at the John Cochran Division has sent nearly 2,000 letters to veterans announcing the breach in dental practices and risk for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. So, not all affected veterans may be aware of these disease risks at this point in time. Congressman Russ Carnahan of Missouri has demanded a formal investigation and has contacted the White House, the Veterans Administration, and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs regarding this matter.

If you feel you have been affected, you can contact a veteran medical center near you to schedule an appointment for blood tests that can identify and rule out the risk.

Sterilization is an important process for all dental professionals. Dentists take precautions to avoid the risk of transmitting disease ridden pathogens to patients. In fact, many private dentists have been on the forefront of going green to prevent pollutants from contaminating dental equipment and our environment.

If you are interested in learning more about precautions taken at dental practices to prevent the risk of disease, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist at 512-380-1300.

Posted in Forty Plus Dentistry, Oral Conditions, Thirty Plus Dentistry

Choosing Your Cosmetic Dentist

By AustinDentalSpa on July 20, 2010

Whether you are deciding on tooth whitening, composite fillings, bonding, veneers or dental implants, one of the most important aspects in your decision is in the selection of your dentist. When you go for a dentistry consultation, you may be equipped with intraoral photos, before and after photographs, tooth impressions, study models and the like, and the details about your dentist can play a role in the success of your treatment.

Advanced Training and Experience: Training varies among cosmetic dentists. Those that are sustaining members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry are more likely to have the most experience performing cosmetic dentistry procedures. Advanced cosmetic dentists also tend to use the latest technology to perform procedures such as laser dentistry and sedation dentistry. Full mouth reconstruction experience is also highly desirable in cosmetic dentistry professionals because procedures like dental crowns, root canals, and bridges can affect your bite which can impact the longevity of cosmetic dentistry procedures.  So, it’s wise to ask your dentist about the organizations they participate in, the technology that they have been trained to use, and the types of procedures they have focused on.

Proof in Results: Cosmetic dentists with experience in such procedures usually have a gallery of before and after photos that you can view to obtain an idea of the outcome you can expect to receive from treatment. They may also use imaging technology and study models to provide a preview of the results you can achieve. If you are interested in dental veneers, you may receive temporary veneers until the permanent veneers are made so you can experience firsthand the comfortable fit, color and shape of your new teeth.

Patient Comforts: Cosmetic dentists may offer relaxing music, special comfort chairs and the like to help you be relaxed for your procedure. Some dentists offer sedation dentistry for total relaxation. Some incorporate a dental spa atmosphere to allow for the most comfortable experience.

Aftercare Support: Since you may have questions following treatment, it’s nice to know your dentist’s policies for after-hour support. Cosmetic dentists may be personally available to address any questions that may come up following treatment.

It might now be time to know more about the types of procedures available in cosmetic dentistry. You also may want to know the frequently asked questions about these types of treatment. With a bit of due diligence, you can soon be ready to enjoy the benefits of cosmetic dentistry!

If you are interested in learning more about cosmetic dentistry, call Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas cosmetic dentist at (512) 452-9296.

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's, cosmetic dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry FAQ

By AustinDentalSpa on July 18, 2010

To bring your teeth back to a beautifully whitened color, repair tooth decay with tooth-like composite fillings, bond or veneer chips, cracks and gaps, or implant a tooth to compensate for tooth loss, you’ll want to consider cosmetic dentistry. But, of course, the first consideration is the most frequently asked questions that people have about cosmetic dentistry.

1. How does cosmetic dentistry focus on the aesthetic appeal of the teeth?
Compared to traditional dental procedures, cosmetic dentistry offers aesthetic appeal because of the materials used during the procedures. Whitening solutions containing peroxide gel transform discolored teeth into attractive whitened teeth. Compared to silver metal dental fillings, composite fillings use a composite resin material that mimics the appearance of your natural tooth color. Bonding also uses a composite resin material to fill in little chips, uneven edges, cracks, grooves, and gaps.  For more serious imperfections and severe tooth discolorations, veneers are comprised of laminate sheets of porcelain or composite resin to create a white well aligned smile. For tooth loss, dental implants provide strong and durable metal roots with tooth colored crowns for a permanent solution.

2. Are these treatments painful?
These treatments are not considered painful. Some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity following tooth whitening. Sedation dentistry may be used to prevent discomfort during a composite filling, bonding veneer or dental implant procedure.

3. Are these treatments long lasting?
Teeth whitening may last up to six months Composite dental fillings may last seven to ten years. Bonding may last a lifetime.  Porcelain veneers last 10-15 years and composite resin veneers last 5-7 years. The longevity in the results of the above mentioned procedures may be affected by lifestyle, chewing and bite habits, but can be maintained with follow up treatments for a reasonable cost. Dental implants are permanent.

4. Are these treatments expensive?
Costs for cosmetic dentistry are sensible when considering the benefits.  For $400.00 or more, in-office tooth whitening can be performed. From $200.00 to $20.00, you can choose from a host of professionally dispensed and over-the-counter whitening kits that produce results over time instead of in one session with in-office whitening. Your out-of-pocket expense for composite dental fillings is roughly one half of the cost of the filling.  Veneers cost between $250.00 and $2500 per tooth, depending upon the type. Dental implants range from $2,000 to $6,000, depending upon your insurance, your dentist, and the type of materials used. Dental financing is available for cosmetic dentistry procedures to help you manage the costs.

Now that you’ve gotten the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, it may be time to receive the rest of the answers that you need in order to make a well educated decision. So, perhaps, it’s time to consider a consultation with a dentist. After all, treatment can usually be complete in one to two visits and you’ll be able to enjoy wonderful results right after treatment.

If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry, call Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas cosmetic dentist at (512) 452-9296.

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's, cosmetic dentistry