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Archive for March, 2010
Contest Winner Update
Posted on March 31, 2010 10:52PM in Uncategorized
Remember Brian? The winner of “the Most Interesting Patient in the World” video contests. Brian rapped his way to a smile makeover, and this week his cosmetic dentistry transformation began at Austin Dental Spa.
On Monday, Brian came in for the initial phase of his treatment. Dr. Sweeney prepared his teeth for his new porcelain dental veneers and he also received his temporaries or prototypes. The temporaries are exact replicas of the permanent porcelain veneers which he will receive in a few weeks. Brian loves his temporaries and cannot believe what his smile is going to look like. He also had a some nerve damage repaired in a few teeth on Monday. Today his lower teeth were whitened using Zoom!® Advanced Power™ in-office teeth whitening system. Stay tuned as we’ll be sure to update Brian’s progress during his smile makeover.
Bad Breath Squelchers!
Posted on March 31, 2010 6:32PM in Biofilm Treatment, Dentistry FAQ's, Oral Conditions, gum disease, oral health
Bad breath affects approximately 90 million people, according to WebMD. There may be refuge in knowing that you are among many who have suffered from bad breath. Yet, this is no conciliation when contending with odorous breath. The conversation, the kiss, sleeping with your partner at night and waking up together in the morning may be inhibited by bad breath. Certainly, there are bad breath gums, refreshing sprays and toothpastes that may mask bad breath. However, it’s important to get to the root of bad breath and strike it at its core. Leftover food particles in the mouth can cause bad breath. Since saliva has disinfecting enzymes that can kill odor causing bacteria in the mouth, it’s important to maintain adequate saliva flow in order to avoid bad breath. Periodontal disease is another cause of bad breath which can be managed with professional teeth cleaning, root planing and scaling. There’s also several more ways to avoid bad breath, as follows.
1. Stay away from acidic foods that affect pH balance in the mouth which can cause bad breath. Consider a pH balanced mouthwash.
2. Avoid alcohol based mouthwashes that dry out the mouth and contribute to bad breath.
3. Invest in xylitol gum or sugar free gum that makes you salivate to cleanse away odor causing bacteria from your mouth.
4. Use a tongue cleaner to remove bacteria on the tongue.
5. Floss and use a water pick to remove debris that causes odors from your teeth.
6. See your dentist at least twice a year to remove plaque, a major contributor to bad breath. Maintain tooth restorations. Prevent cavities, tooth decay, or periodontal (gum) disease from surfacing. All of which, if not prevented, may lead to halitosis.
7. Look into oral moisturizing gels if you have a dry mouth so you can prevent bacteria from surfacing in the mouth.
8. Manage medical conditions that trigger halitosis such as sinusitis.
9. Check to see if you have a vitamin deficiency. Deficiencies in Vitamin A, C and Zinc are known to lead to halitosis.
10. Be mindful of low carb diets that can cause bad breath. Refresh your breath with celery, peanuts and carrots.
11. See your dentist to check on your level of biofilms.
To learn more about bad breath, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist, at 512.380.1300.
The Lowdown on Dental Plaque
Posted on March 24, 2010 10:21PM in Oral Conditions, gum disease, oral health
Dental plaque is the colorless, filmy buildup of invisible germs found around and on our teeth. If it sounds like a horror story, it actually can be! Plaque can cause problems far beyond our mouths.
Technically, Streptococcus mutans (what we commonly know as strep, as in a strep throat) and bacteria are the microorganisms that find a welcome, wet place to grow on our teeth. These microorganisms cause havoc without proper oral hygiene. The “extracellular matrix” is also a part of plaque, and it contains proteins, long chain polysaccharides, and lipids.
Without brushing, flossing, or regular dental visits, these germs cause cavities and even worse tooth damage. Namely, the failure to consistently remove dental plaque can result in the production of strong acids that break down the vital minerals on the surfaces of teeth, thus compromising them. Saliva that normally neutralizes the acids is prevented from doing so. The result? Irritation of the gums, gingivitis (gum inflammation), periodontal disease (including bleeding and redness), or even the loss of teeth- and of course, dental plaque.
Dental plaque can be invisible, so how is it detected? Just perform your usual dental care maintenance and you may see the remnants of dental plaque. Second, if you want to actually see the extent of plaque on your teeth, you can pick up red “disclosing tablets” at many drug stores and supermarkets. The old-fashioned way is to dip a cotton swab in green food coloring and spread it over your teeth. Any colored stains you see reveal the dental plaque. It’s a good wake-up call if you’ve been slack in taking charge of your oral hygiene. Dentists can also identify and remove excessive plaque that is not removed from tooth brushing at general dental visits.
As bad as dental plaque is for your gums and teeth, it doesn’t stop there. Doctors have discovered a link between periodontal disease and heart disease. A study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association examined 657 people without known heart disease issues. The study’s authors found that people with higher blood levels of certain disease-causing bacteria originating in the mouth were more likely to have atherosclerosis in carotid arteries, which can lead to strokes. It’s important to emphasize, however, the kind of dental plaque in heart arteries has no relationship to the sticky plaque on your teeth. That said, both cardiologists and dentists often require patients with preexisting heart conditions to take a course of antibiotics prior to having any dental work done as a precaution.
It has been said that there is a secret weapon for good health: a toothbrush. Good oral hygiene is mandatory for preventing dental plaque from making a home in your mouth. Brush after meals. Floss regularly. Don’t let dental plaque plague your health.
If you are concerned about dental plaque and it’s time for your dental check up, contact Dr. Mark Sweeny, an Austin Texas dentist, at 512.380.1300.
Fear of Dentistry Relieved
Posted on March 17, 2010 6:05PM in Dentistry FAQ's, Forty Plus Dentistry, Oral Conditions, Restorative Dentistry, Senior Dentistry, Thirty Plus Dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, gum disease, oral health, sedation dentistry
Fear of dentistry affects up to 75% of people in the United States, according to Wikipedia. Fear of dentistry may be because of the anticipation of injections to come. The fear may relate to the images of dental technology, the odors in the office, or the sounds of the technology being used in the office. The root cause of fear may be associated with a prior experience in a dental office. To make matters worse, dental fear may build when we realize that things are out of our control. For whatever reason, the fear of dentistry is real for many people.
The good news is that dentists have developed many ways to alleviate the fear of dentistry. Many dental offices provide a comforting ambiance to ease apprehension. Dental chairs are designed to have a soothing effect. Dentists educate patients about dental technology and procedures so that they can set reasonable expectations for the procedure and this reduces fear. Dentists may offer music or television to distract and relax the patient’s mind. Dentists have also learned that deep breathing and water drinking helps to relieve the fear of dentistry. Sedation dentistry allows us to release inhibitions from dentistry. The use of tranquilizers, depressants or anti-anxiety medications has been known to settle concerns about dentistry. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, reduces the fear and discomfort associated with dentistry. Injections provide a pain block to the treatment area and can be given after sedation dentistry is administered so the injection is pain free.
Despite the fear, more people have been attracted to dentistry over recent years. They have been better educated about the importance of oral hygiene and are more likely to receive professional dental cleanings twice a year. They understand that waiting for a dental emergency can mean more invasive dental treatment. So, people are generally less likely to postpone dental treatment. People are also commonly attracted to cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental veneers, tooth whitening and dental implants. In the final analysis, people today have many reasons to proceed with dental treatment despite their fears. Knowing that dentists take precautions to avoid the fear of dentistry allows people to receive treatment in comfort and with ease.
If you are interested in relieving your fears about dentistry, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas cosmetic dentist, at 512.380.1300.
Cosmetic Dentistry for the 30 Something Category
Posted on March 10, 2010 8:59PM in Dentistry FAQ's, Thirty Plus Dentistry, cosmetic dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is something that many people in their 30’s have thought about. The idea of composite dental fillings, bonding, porcelain veneers, tooth whitening, and dental implants is highly desirable for people in the 30 something category. Cosmetic dentistry has fast become part of the dental treatment plan for people in their thirties. Here are some of the common reasons why.
Wear and Tear
By now, you may have some wear and tear on your teeth. You may have experienced tooth trauma and have fractured or chipped one or more of your teeth. Bonding can repair chipped, uneven and cracked teeth.
Old Dental Fillings
Tooth restorations have typically aged and require replacement by the 30’s. Composite fillings offer a natural tooth like color and remove the disenchanting appearance of silver from your mouth.
Dull Tooth Color
As you age, you may experience tooth enamel loss. This combined with years of taking in foods and drinks that stain may make your teeth appear duller. If you are a smoker, you may have yellow or brown stains on your teeth. If your mother used tetracycline while pregnant with you, you may have gray or greenish stains on your teeth. Tooth whitening can alleviate such strains.
Dental Conditions
Dental conditions are more likely to surface in the thirties. Gingivitis or periodontal disease may affect your oral health and place you at risk for tooth decay, tooth loss, gum recession and bad breath. Procedures such as root planing and scaling as well as at home periodontal and biofilm treatments help to manage gingivitis and periodontal disease. The ill effects from teeth grinding may also be evident in the thirties. Cosmetic dentistry procedures can repair the tooth damage caused by dental conditions such as gingivitis and teeth grinding.
Cosmetic dentistry procedures are indeed popular for people in the 30 something category. The advantages are numerous. In fact, cosmetic dentistry procedures don’t take long to complete. Usually, these procedures can be completed in one to two visits. A Smile Makeover may require more time. The benefits of cosmetic dentistry may last from ten to fifteen years or a lifetime.
To learn more about cosmetic dentistry, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist, at 512.380.1300.
Oral Hygiene Must Haves
Posted on March 10, 2010 8:41PM in Dentistry FAQ's, Forty Plus Dentistry, Senior Dentistry, Thirty Plus Dentistry, oral health
Oral hygiene goody bags offer incentive for oral health. Dentists provide these goody bags after semi-annual visits for oral hygiene. Filled with a new toothbrush, dental floss and oral hygiene tools specific to our needs, this bag of treats sends friendly reminders about our oral health. But it’s up to us to manage our oral health care for the year. Let’s look at the items for you to add to your dental shopping list…
• Toothbrushes only last for one to two months. So, you may want to stock up on a supply of toothbrushes for the year. Add to this, a toothbrush case for keeping the toothbrush protected from pollutants in the air, you’ll certainly help optimize your oral hygiene.
• Tongue scapers that combat bacteria on the tongue are a must in today’s environment. Changing your tongue scraper every three months ensures that you obtain the maximum benefit.
• Water picks offers deep cleaning below the gum line and between the teeth which are high risk areas for tooth decay and periodontal disease. An investment in a thirty dollar water pick can last for many years.
• Superfloss is said to be one step up from regular floss with the ability to remove plaque from below the gum line. Superfloss also offers convenience to reach troublesome areas such as crowns and braces to leverage oral health.
• Alcohol free mouthwashes with anti-bacterial agents are helpful for deep cleaning around crowns, bridges and braces. A good mouthwash can go a long way towards maintaining a healthy mouth.
• Gum stimulators are useful for stimulating the gums to be healthy, improve circulation and remove plaque from between the teeth. Don’t forget to change out your gum stimulator every three months or so in order to keep on top of oral hygiene.
• Sugar free gum helps provide for adequate saliva flow in the mouth. Adequate saliva flow is important to decontaminate the mouth and teeth from harmful bacteria that can produce tooth decay and periodontal disease. The chewing action of sugar free gum is certain to enhance saliva flow. If you have dry mouth syndrome, consider oral gels that can be placed on the tongue to stimulate saliva flow.
Oral hygiene tips are just a few of the items that are important for oral health. Undoubtedly, your dentist will have many tips that will help you to have a healthy mouth.
If you are interested in learning more about your oral hygiene, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist, at 512.380.1300.
Smile Makeover for the New You
Posted on March 2, 2010 4:27PM in Dentistry FAQ's, Forty Plus Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Senior Dentistry, Thirty Plus Dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, oral health
Smile Makeover offers a brilliant, white, well aligned smile that can be appealing for many reasons. A change from aged tooth restorations is one reason why you may be interested in a Smile Makeover. Refreshing youthfulness is motivation for a Smile Makeover. A boost in self confidence that results from a Smile Makeover may be grounds for your decision to proceed with dental treatments that will make you over. The advantages of cosmetic dentistry treatments that are popular today may be incentive for a Smile Makeover. Check out the offers…
Tooth Whitening: To improve the color of stained or dulled teeth, tooth whitening is designed to provide the tooth color and shade that you’d like to have.
Bonding: To repair chipped, uneven and cracked teeth, consider bonding- a pain-free cosmetic dentistry procedure that involves painting a natural tooth color substance over the damaged area to protect the tooth and mask the damage.
Composite Dental Fillings: To replace silver amalgam dental fillings, take into account that tooth colored composite fillings are associated with less risk and are more pleasing to the eyes.
Dental Veneers: To repair crooked, overlapping or gapped teeth, investigate translucent dental veneers or orthodontics. Short teeth may be improved with veneers as well. Cosmetic dentistry can never be better than with veneers for those in need.
Dental Implants: To replace a missing tooth, look into dental implants that can be anchored for permanent replacement.
Inlays and Onlays: To repair tooth decay and prevent the need of a dental crown, you may be a candidate for a natural tooth colored inlay or onlay.
Metal Free Dental Crowns: To repair extensive tooth decay, consider metal free dental crowns that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Dental Bridges: To replace a missing tooth, the dental bridge is an alternative to a dental implant.
Oral Maxillofacial Surgery: To create more youthfulness with fuller lips and cheeks, explore oral maxillofacial surgery and dental veneers.
Smile Makeover Treatment Plan
Cosmetic dentists consider many factors when deciding on the treatment plan for a Smile Makeover. They consider the spacing between your teeth. Cosmetic dentists measure the length of your teeth as well as identify your tooth color and shade. They evaluate your smile line which provides a measurement for the appropriate length of your teeth. It is all of these elements that help determine the appropriate treatment plan for your teeth. Following the evaluation, the Smile Makeover can usually be performed in one to two visits. The results are immediate. In fact, the beauty of a Smile Makeover lasts for a very long time. Touch up procedures may be required after ten to fifteen years, but people usually do not mind returning for a touch up because of the great number of benefits they receive from treatment.
For a cosmetic dentist in Austin Texas, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney at 512.380.1300.
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Email Us Now!Mark Sweeney, D.D.S.
Austin Dental Spa
3305 Northland, Suite 515
Austin, Texas 78731
Ph. 512.380.1300
Fx. 512 452 5983
