Full Mouth Reconstruction Fun?

By AustinDentalSpa on January 8, 2012

Posted in cosmetic dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

 Who knew getting in full mouth reconstruction could actually be enjoyable? When obtaining dental procedures, you can reflect on the results which can be many good times rather than the chore of getting treatment. In this way, you may be more likely to pursue full mouth reconstruction.  Chances are, you’ve been indulging in wonderful treats during the holiday season. If you want to keep your mouth in check, you know you’ll have to make up for it somehow. Besides seeing the transformation your appearance from full mouth reconstruction, you’ll likely experience an over-all sense of well-being following treatment.

First, let’s clear this up. What is full mouth reconstruction? Full mouth reconstruction involves bringing your oral cavity up-to-date by replacing old tooth restorations and ensuring that your bite (occlusion) is on target. The end result is a beautiful smile.

There are so many reasons to commit to full mouth reconstruction. When you look good, you’ll feel good and enjoy a boost in confidence that will improve your daily life. Healthy habits become easy to achieve as time passes, and the outcome is undeniably worth it. Once you start seeing results (and turning heads) with your new smile, regular dental visits to maintain your appearance can become even more addicting than Grandma’s chocolate chip cookies. We all know that anything rewarding in life is going to take some work, but who says the result won’t be fun?

If you are interested in dentistry, contact Austin dentist Dr. Mark Sweeney for a consultation at 512-380-1300.

Preventative vs. Restorative Dentistry

By AustinDentalSpa on October 29, 2011

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's, Restorative Dentistry

Dentistry appointments twice a year for preventative dental care have increased over years, but there are still many people that postpone preventative dental visits until restorative dentistry is required.  The reasons for this may be numerous. Perhaps, such people are not aware that there is sedation dentistry available which alleviates fear, anxiety and discomfort from dental procedures.   Alternatively, it may seem that preventative dental visits are cost prohibitive since there are a limited number of dental insurance companies that offer adequate insurance coverage for dental visits. By the same token, restorative dentistry can be very costly, particularly by comparison to preventative dental visits.  So, we’d like to alleviate the two common strains for avoiding dentals visits with more detail about insurance constraints and sedation dentistry.

Sedation dentistry is offered by a select number of dentists. There are a variety of options available for sedation dentistry. So, it is wise to contact your dentist’s receptionist to convey your concerns about dentistry. Then, your dentist’s receptionist can convey your concerns to your dentist to determine the best approach to allow you to have a carefree experience.  Sedation dentistry options are not designed to be expensive, making oral medications, laughing gas or other modalities easy to fit into your checkbook.

Insurance is the second important consideration.  Many insurance programs are discounted programs that do not provide as much as 50% off on preventive services. Some insurance programs may seem more appropriate, offering comparable coverage to the type of coverage you would find through an employer’s health insurance policy. There are also other dental insurance policies you can purchase online that may be comparable to traditional programs at 80% preventative and 50% for restorative.  In the end, even if you decide to purchase a policy before your dental treatment, you can be rest assured that you are far more likely to contain dental costs through preventative dental treatments.

If you are interested in a consultation, contact Austin dentist Dr. Mark Sweeney at 512-380-1300.

Fear of a Lost Tooth

By AustinDentalSpa on September 5, 2011

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's, Restorative Dentistry

Fear tooth loss? You are not alone. The American Association of Endodontists released study results showing that 70% of people in the U.S. fear tooth loss. So, we’d like to tell you what you need to know to help ensure you keep all of your teeth over the course of your lifetime. First and foremost is proper tooth brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups. Proper diet also plays a role in oral health so check out our oral health diet article. If you lose a tooth due to traumatic injury, you can try to place the tooth back in your mouth after cleaning it with water only as you contact your dentist immediately so you can step into his or her office to see if you can save your tooth.

The most important component is to not miss out on dental treatment if you need treatment. Small dental cavities can easily be detected at your dentist’s office with advanced technology. This offers an opportunity to fill in small cavities, preserves more healthy tooth structure and prevents increased decay that would otherwise lead to larger dental fillings, less natural tooth structure, and more invasive dental treatment. More invasive dental treatment, such as, dental crowns and root canals, are required for advanced tooth decay and take away from normal tooth structure. So, proper oral hygiene is the key that unlocks the door for preserving your teeth over the course of your lifetime. Have no fear, see your dentist regularly and learn more about how you can preserve your healthy tooth structures for a lifetime.

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

Tooth Decay Risk Reduced by Fluoride but Still Epidemic

By AustinDentalSpa on September 2, 2011

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's, Restorative Dentistry

Tooth decay risks have significantly been reduced with the introduction of fluoride in water supplies or when necessary prescription strength fluoride toothpaste. Still, tooth decay has recently been deemed a public health crisis epidemic. The reasons for this are numerous. Sometimes it is the fear of dentistry that keeps people away from 2 annual dental visits each year that would otherwise prevent tooth decay. Other times, it is the lack of funds to cover dental expenses. Still, other times it is simply lack of awareness that oral health through proper tooth brushing, flossing and semi-annual check-ups are crucial for protecting oral health and drastically limiting dental expenses over the course of a lifetime when compared to improper dental regimens.

This crisis can shift with simple strategies that individuals can choose to employ, including:

• Take the fear out of dentistry and maintain two oral health visits a year with sedation dentistry.
• Know that for only $300 per year and a time investment of one hour each visit with your dentist, you will not only learn the skills necessary to maintain your oral health at home but you will prevent tooth decay which can be costly over time.

In the end, it is important to discuss the availability of fluoride in your city’s water department with your dentist and to have your teeth properly evaluated to identify possible needs for additional flouride, as well as, any improvement required in your own dental hygiene program to optimize your oral health.

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

Stem Cells May Solve Gum Disease Tooth Loss or Trauma Tooth Loss

By AustinDentalSpa on May 14, 2011

Posted in cosmetic dentistry, gum disease, Restorative Dentistry

Stem cell treatment may be new up and coming method for treating problems associated with gum disease. With only a quarter of the population that is free of some stage in gum disease, the idea that stem cells may treat the consequence of tooth loss due to gum disease is quite promising. Traditionally, there is no cure for gum disease. It is a condition that must be managed to prevent the progression that would otherwise lead to tooth loss.

Some dentists use bio films treatments to limit unhealthy biofilm layers of bacteria that cause gum disease. Bio film treatment is both preventative to forgo progression and a form of treatment to best to manage periodontal disease.  he traditional method to treat  the precursor to gum disease is root planing and scaling, as well as, professional dental cleanings more often than the norm. For later stages of gum disease, laser treatment or periodontal surgery may be an option to limit progression.

Recently, the results of stem cell research were published in the journal Tissue Engineering. Apparently, UIC’s Brodie Laboratory for Craniofacial Genetics researchers obtained a grant from the National Institutes of Health to extract periodontal molar ligaments from mice to prepare them with stem cell treatment. Once the teeth were replaced in the mice’s mouths, the stem cells triggered new fibrous attachments that firmly anchored the replaced to the bone. These newly formed ligaments were comprised of all the essentials to complete the anchor.   The combination of a natural tooth structure and periodontal progenitor cells was successful!  The results of the study suggest that a revolutionary method for treating tooth loos may soon be available.

Typically, the procedure to follow when a tooth is lost due to trauma is to replace the tooth into your mouth, holding it firmly in place for a few minutes. At times, this may work. Other times, the tooth may not be able to anchor or may be loose.

In the end, it’s important to see your dentist fi you’ve lost a tooth as soon as possible. Replacing your teeth with a dental implants, bridge or dentures will prevent your teeth from moving and help to reduce the risk of oral conditions.

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

Halloween: Trick or Treat?

By AustinDentalSpa on October 27, 2010

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's, Restorative Dentistry

Just as the old adage implies, Halloween can be a time of tricks or treats. Amidst harmless spider webs, witches, skeletons, pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns, there’s a real increased risk of one trick that we all want to stay away from- tooth decay.  Of course, that’s’ not going to prevent children and adults from enjoying this scary holiday. After all, it’s been a customary tradition since the 1950’s. By the same token, since the 1950’s we have learned we need to be aware that candy treats pose a risk for tooth decay.

How so, you may ask? Candy is a refined carbohydrate that tends to be sticky and adheres to your teeth. Once candy adheres to your teeth, it stimulates acidic build up on your teeth which can penetrate into your teeth, causing tooth decay. Candy intake also disrupts your mouth’s pH balance, further increasing acidity. According to Dr. Mark Helpin, Chair of Pediatric Dentistry at Temple’s Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry, it requires up to 60 minutes for your mouth’s pH balance to recover from one piece of candy.  Dr. Mark Helpin also found that the longer the teeth are in an acidic environment, the greater the risk of tooth decay. In the end, it’s ok to enjoy the holiday with more than one piece of candy in one sitting.  But, stay away from indulging in candy throughout the day.  If you don’t, your teeth can be gobbled up by the ghosts and goblins of acid and bacteria.  Here’s a few more tips to take the trick of tooth decay out of your Halloween.

• Make Halloween candy the dessert or snack of the day so you and your children don’t have haunting teeth following the celebration. Don’t make candy an all day affair or forget a balanced diet to take the spook out of your teeth.

• Brush teeth after candy eating or at least rinse your mouth out 3-4 times to help restore pH balance and to limit gory acidity.

• Try sugar free candy, cracker snack packs and trail mixes for trick or treaters and you’ll be the angel of the evening.

• Focus on flossing to help take the fright of tooth decay out of your life, it’s also good time to teach children how to floss which will remove candy that is caught between the teeth.

• Knock on the door of your dentist for a professional dental cleaning when the festivities have come to an end.

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

Cosmetic Dentistry Fillings Replace Silver Dental Fillings

By AustinDentalSpa on August 9, 2010

Posted in cosmetic dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

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.

Sensitive Teeth, Brrr!

By AustinDentalSpa on June 15, 2010

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's, Oral Conditions, Restorative Dentistry, Thirty Plus Dentistry

Have you ever sipped on a cold beverage and cringed? Have you experienced tings of pain when brushing your teeth? Have you awakened from tooth grinding to be bothered by the chill of your teeth? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, you may be suffering from sensitive teeth.  Tooth sensitivity affects approximately 45 million people. So, rest assured you are not alone.

Sensitive teeth can affect you if you have gum recession or exposed dentin on your teeth. The condition may also occur if you have tooth enamel loss, plaque, dry mouth syndrome, or gum disease. Cracked or chipped teeth, tooth decay and root nerve damage are other reasons for tooth sensitivity. Tooth whitening may also cause temporary sensitivity. The good news is that there are tasks you can perform to reduce sensitive teeth.

Tips for Sensitive Teeth

• The Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste: You’ll likely to be able to reduce tooth sensitivity by using a soft toothbrush and desensitizing toothpaste.
• Consider Fluoride: You’ll probably benefit from a fluoride mouthwash, gel or varnish which help to remineralize and strengthen the teeth. There are also prescription strength fluoride toothpastes.
• See Your Dentist: Sensitive teeth may be a sign of tooth decay. So, it’s important to see your dentist about tooth sensitivity. Dentists also have in-office desensitizers and sealers that can be painted or sprayed on the teeth, offering an advanced method for managing sensitive teeth. Dentists can also perform bonding to protect tooth surfaces from sensitivity. You may also request prescription strength fluoride toothpaste. General dentistry appointments are highly advantageous for people with sensitive teeth.  In fact, some dentists such as Dr. Mark Sweeney offer sedation dentistry for restorative dentistry procedures that people with sensitive teeth might need.

Sensitive teeth may appear problematic. Yet, the solutions are many. With the right treatment, you need not suffer from sensitive teeth. The first step is to see your dentist so you can rule out oral health issues that require treatment and receive the right treatment for your sensitivity.

If you would like to learn more about sensitive teeth, call Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas cosmetic dentist at (512) 452-9296.

The Costly Grind of Teeth

By AustinDentalSpa on April 21, 2010

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

Do you wake up with a sore jaw or headache? Have you noticed that your teeth have changed shape? Do you feel that there’s more space between your teeth?  Do you feel that your teeth are loose? Do you have TMD or TMJ? Do you suffer from unexplained hearing loss? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you may suffer from teeth grinding, also known as bruxism.

Teeth grinding can be particularly problematic because the condition may seem to be out of our control. Occurring throughout the night, teeth grinding may seem to be a silent killer, but not to the partners we sleep with at night. In truth, over time teeth grinding catches up with all of us that grind.

Teeth grinding can be costly from several perspectives. Because we are likely to experience ongoing pain from teeth grinding, bruxism is associated with chronic pain. This pain can affect our relationships, our social life and professional life. In addition, teeth grinding places extensive friction and pressure on the teeth. In turn, teeth grinders are more likely to experience tooth fractures. In fact, teeth grinding can wear teeth down to stumps or result in tooth loss. Bruxism also destroys tooth restorations and cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental veneers. Teeth grinders who do not receive treatment are at a higher risk for dental bridges, dental crowns, root canals, dental implants and dentures.   When we consider all costs associated with teeth grinding, a preventative treatment plan becomes important.

Teeth Grinding Prevention

Mouth Guard: Dentists can custom design a mouth guard that fits to the size of your teeth as well as contours of your teeth and tooth restorations. Mouth guards protect your teeth, cosmetic dentistry and tooth restorations from damage due to grinding.

Oral Hygiene: Improper oral hygiene is a contributor to teeth grinding. Daily brushing and flossing is important for teeth grinders. Obtaining dental fillings, root canals, dental crowns and the like, when necessary, reduces the risk of teeth grinding. Proper alignment of your bite, also known as occlusion, helps to prevent teeth grinding.

Massage: Certain massage therapists can focus on areas of the jaw to relax the jaw muscles. Regular massage has been known to alleviate the pain associated with teeth grinding.

Stress Relief: Stress is a factor in teeth grinding. Cardiovascular exercise and weight training help to reduce stress. Holistic therapies such as Tia Chi and Meditation are known to reduce stress.

Diet: Refrain from caffeine foods and drinks that contribute to teeth grinding. This includes soda, coffee and chocolate. Stay away from alcohol that makes grinding worse. Don’t chew gum as the chewing motion can be a trigger for grinding.

And don’t forget that general dentistry care is critical for tooth grinders.

If you are suffering from teeth grinding, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist, at (512)380-1300.

Fear of Dentistry Relieved

By AustinDentalSpa on March 17, 2010

Posted in cosmetic dentistry, Dentistry FAQ's, Forty Plus Dentistry, gum disease, Oral Conditions, oral health, Restorative Dentistry, sedation dentistry, Senior Dentistry, Thirty Plus 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.