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

By AustinDentalSpa on July 22, 2010

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

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.

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.

Oral Health for Diabetics

By AustinDentalSpa on June 10, 2010

Posted in Forty Plus Dentistry, Oral Conditions, oral health, Senior Dentistry, Thirty Plus Dentistry

Oral health is particularly important for people that are diabetic.  As you know from your elementary school days, sugar adversely affects the health of teeth. Now we are beginning to understand that there is an irrefutable link between diabetes and oral health for the almost 24 million diabetics in America.

Oral health studies have shown that diabetes increases the likelihood of contracting gum disease (link to story). If you contract gum disease, your teeth may pull away from the gums, creating pockets for food build-up, germs and infection. There is no cure for gum disease, but it can be managed to prevent tooth loss or tooth extraction.

Here is the rub: Recent studies have found that diabetes contributes to gum disease, and conversely, gum disease contributes to diabetes. Diabetics are more prone to having serious gum disease which is known to affect blood glucose levels that lead to diabetes. Diabetics also tend to contract bacterial infections that may attack the gums, and their bodies don’t fight off such infections as well as non-diabetics.

The double edge sword for diabetics is preventable with good oral hygiene practices. Simple monitoring of your blood glucose level does a world of good. Visiting a dentist every six months for general dentistry helps immensely. Consistent flossing and brushing greatly diminish these and other common diabetic-related oral issues like thrush (a fungal infection) and dry mouth syndrome. Thrush and dry mouth syndrome may cause soreness, cavities, ulcers, and infections- particularly difficult for diabetics. If you are a smoker, try hard to quit. Also you should remove and thoroughly clean your dentures every day. Failure to do so creates breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. Have discussions with your dentist and hygienist about your diabetic condition. Obviously, if your blood sugar levels are fluctuating, inform your dental office, who will likely postpone any emergency dental work. Before dental work is performed, take steps maintain proper sugar levels. . A tell-tale sign of higher blood sugar is dry mouth, and less saliva creates a greater chance for tooth decay and dental infection. The remedy? Drink more fluids and chew sugarless gum to trigger more saliva.

A clean bill of oral health is important for diabetics. And the rewards are great! A bright white smile and a healthy mouth can go a long way in life!

If you would like to learn more about diabetes and oral health, call Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas cosmetic 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.

Cosmetic Dentistry for the 30 Something Category

By AustinDentalSpa on March 10, 2010

Posted in cosmetic dentistry, Dentistry FAQ's, Thirty Plus 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

By AustinDentalSpa on March 10, 2010

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's, Forty Plus Dentistry, oral health, Senior Dentistry, Thirty Plus Dentistry

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

By AustinDentalSpa on March 2, 2010

Posted in cosmetic dentistry, Dentistry FAQ's, Forty Plus Dentistry, oral health, Restorative Dentistry, Senior Dentistry, Thirty Plus Dentistry

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.