Senior Dental Care Top Five Tips

By AustinDentalSpa on July 16, 2010

Here is a refresher course on the basics for a senior’s dental wellness:
1) Make and keep general dentistry appointments. Your dentist is your friend, advocate and “mouth mechanic” to make sure you can keep your teeth for a lifetime.  With all teeth in place, you’ll be able to keep yourself chewing, swallowing and talking properly.

2) Practice proper dental hygiene per your dentist’s instructions. This includes: regular brushing, flossing and mouthwash rinsing techniques to ensure food particles and possible build-up go down the drain instead of remaining in your mouth. Ask for a recommendation on preferred toothpastes, flossers, and other dental appliances to keep your teeth clean and gums healthy.

3) Again, you and your caregiver, if you have one, are the best monitors of your dental care. If your teeth are sensitive or loose, gums bleed or if you have pain, sores, swelling, grinding, swallowing or chewing difficulties, or jaw alignment issues (popping or clicking), immediately consult your dentist.

4) If you have dentures or bridges, do not neglect their ongoing care. Visit your dentist for regular alignments to accommodate for changes. If you are having problems with your dentures or bridges, you may want to consider cosmetic dentistry.

5) Be sure to communicate with your dentist about any medications that you are taking or changes to medication as these can impact your mouth and dental procedures. For some medical conditions, especially heart-related, it is recommended that patients have a course of antibiotics prior to dental work.

Seniors, keep making positive decisions each day to keep eating, smiling, and enjoying your latter years free from unnecessary dental pain and problems.

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

Posted in Senior Dentistry

Laser Dentistry Takes the Pain and Anxiety Out

By AustinDentalSpa on July 13, 2010

For precision, comfort, effectiveness and safety, you’ll want to consider the use of a laser in your dental procedures.  Since only 6% of all dentists use a laser for dentistry procedures, it’s important to ask your dentist if he or she has a laser so you can enjoy the benefits and beautiful results.

The Laser Advantage
• Eliminates the need for stitches in some dental procedures.
• Eliminates the need for anesthesia is some dental procedures, while still providing a virtually pain free experience.
• Limits blood loss that can otherwise be discomforting.
• Reduces damage to surrounding tissue.
• Seals off wounds to speed up healing.
• Stimulates tissue regeneration.
• Reduces the risk of bacterial infection.

Lasers serve needs for many areas in dentistry, including: general dentistry, restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.   Aside from helping you to feel more comfortable without anxiety, lasers offer a wealth of possibilities. This state-of-the-art technology is used in a wide variety of dentistry procedures, including:

• Cavity Detection
• Dental Filling and Tooth Preparation, except for the replacement of amalgam fillings, onlays or crowns.
• Tooth Sensitivity
• Crown Lengthening
• Gummy Smile
• Muscle Attachment (Frenula)
• Speech Impediments
• Soft Tissue Folds (Epulis) from Ill Fitting Dentures
• Benign Tumors
• Cold Sores
• Nerve Regeneration
• Sleep Apnea Due to Tissue Overgrowth
•Teeth Whitening
• Temporomandibular Joint Treatment

If you are interested in laser dentistry, call Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist who incorporates the use of a laser in his dental treatments at (512) 452-9296.

Posted in Uncategorized

Gum Disease Prevention, Detection and Treatment

By AustinDentalSpa on July 12, 2010

If you are like many people that know they are at risk for periodontal disease, you can have comfort in knowing that there are advanced technologies to identify your risk, simple ways to prevent it and improved techniques for treatment. One thing is for certain. A multi-prong approach focusing on detection, prevention and treatment offers the best opportunity for you to prevent the condition from progressing over time. Check out the details!

Detection

• Micro-IDent® Plus Technology: This technology allows for simple early detection of bacteria that may cause periodontal disease. It’s a pain free treatment that is offered by a select number of dentists and can be performed during your dental check up.

• GenoType PST™ Plus Testing: This diagnostic tool can detect if you are at risk for periodontal disease and helps to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. This technology is often available at dental practices that focus on periodontal disease.

Prevention

• Plaque Removal: Plaque can be removed at home by having the perfect oral health day. Plaque must also be removed at a higher level at least twice a year through professional general dentistry cleanings twice a year or more often, when necessary.

• Biofilm Removal: Most everyone has some degree of biofilms which consists of layers of bacteria pathogens, fungi and toxins in the mouth. When biofilms penetrate pockets between gum tissue and the teeth, periodontal (gum disease) occurs. A select number of dentists offer Perio Protect in which a mouth tray containing oxygenating agents can be used to kill bacteria in the mouth. If you are interested in a home approach, Carie Free offers a variety of gel toothpastes, mouth rinses and gums that combine fluoride, xylitol and pH neutralizing agents to prevent and treat dental infections.

• Metabolic and Hormonal Balance: Pregnancy, puberty and menopause may alter the organic balance of the oral cavity which can contribute to periodontal disease. See your physician to learn how you can maintain a steady metabolic and hormonal balance.

• Medical Condition Management: Certain medical conditions can affect metabolic balance and nutrients in the oral cavity so it’s important to see your dentist regularly if you are being treated for a medical condition. Certain medications that are used to treat medical conditions may adversely affect the gums such as overgrown gums (common in kidney patients) and dry mouth syndrome (a side effect associated with many medications).

• Dry Mouth Syndrome Prevention: If you feel you have dry mouth syndrome , work on creating saliva flow. Poor saliva flow prevents natural fluid from cleansing the teeth. In fact, saliva contains an enzyme that fights off bacteria in your mouth.

• Oral Condition Management: If you are a tooth grinder or clencher, obtain a mouth guard because grinding and clenching pose a risk for periodontal disease. Tend to tooth decay immediately. Do not postpone dental fillings, root canals or other tooth restoration procedures. Managing oral conditions will reduce your risk of periodontal disease.

Treatment

• Root Planing and Scaling: If your gums are not properly adhered to your teeth or your roots have tartar, root planing and scaling is usually performed to deep clean between the gums and teeth, down to the root. Your dentist may also fill your gum pockets with antibiotics to prevent infection.

• Laser Treatment: Some dentists perform laser treatment to seal the exposed pockets between the gums and teeth. This is usually performed following root planing and scaling.

If you have more advanced periodontal disease, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist. Yet, the first step is your primary dentist. So, go for it! Gum disease detection, prevention and treatment do not have to be uncomfortable or problematic. Instead, you can move on to rewards with a healthy mouth that is fresh and clean!

If you think you have signs of periodontal disease, call Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas  dentist at (512) 452-9296. Dr. Sweeney is certified in biofilm treatment and offers advanced technology for the early detection/treatment of periodontal disease.

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

Oral Health Tips for People with Eating Disorders

By AustinDentalSpa on July 11, 2010

Eating disorders are medical conditions that are diagnosed and treated by physicians, psychologists and other medical professionals. However, dentists can also play a role in the diagnosis and treatment of several types of eating disorders. For example, bulimia and anorexia are both characterized by self induced vomiting. Since the substances in the digestive system are highly acidic and can attack the teeth when vomiting, symptoms of eating disorders can become very apparent on your teeth and to your dentist, including:

• Bad breath
• Tooth enamel loss
• Dry mouth syndrome
• Sensitive teeth
• Change in the shape, color and length of the teeth
• Tooth decay, cracks, chips and tooth loss

The good news is that dentists can provide treatment for the oral symptoms associated with eating disorders. There are both restorative and cosmetic dentistry options to explore, including:

• Bad breath can be treated with oral rinses, sprays and gum. As well, there are proactive measures that you can take to reduce your risk of bad breath.
• Dry mouth syndrome may be prevented (link to story). There are also a variety of treatments for dry mouth syndrome.
• Sensitive teeth can be treated with fluoridated toothpastes, mouthwashes, gels or varnishes.
• Tooth enamel loss that weakens the teeth may be reversed with fluoride treatments.
• Tooth decay, root damage and other general dentistry concerns can be treated with dental fillings, root canals and crowns
• Chipped or cracked teeth can be treated with bonding or dental veneers, depending upon the severity of the condition.
• Tooth loss can be treated with dental implants.
• Changes in the anatomy of the teeth can be prevented with mouth guards and improved through dental veneers.

If you think you have an eating disorder, call Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist at (512) 452-9296 to schedule an appointment and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

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

The Green Side of Dentistry

By AustinDentalSpa on July 6, 2010

Mentioning the words “green” and “dentistry” in the same sentence just might cause you to recall childhood memories of classmates who didn’t brush their teeth often enough. However, today these words herald a new era of eco-friendly dentistry in which greater attention is paid to limiting waste and promoting practices that don’t harm the environment.
All industries contribute to climate change and pollution. Medical and dental industry waste from infectious or hazardous materials fills landfills or is consumed by incinerators, thereby producing various greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and ash, all of which may contaminate land, air and water. The concept of “green dentistry” can be traced back to over 10 years ago when innovators in the dental industry proposed a greater reduction of consumption and waste.

Whether you are going for general dentistry or cosmetic dentistry, consider these “outside the box” practices used by such forward-thinking dentists:

• Reduce electrical power with dimmer switches and after-hour settings, improved thermostat regulation for heating and air-conditioning, and fluorescent lighting.
• Decrease water use with the introduction of dry dental vacuum pumps instead of traditional wet devices. This change alone can save more than 40 gallons of water annually, saving money while saving the environment. Low-flow faucets and toilets also make a big difference.
• Choose sterilization over disposal. Sterilizing syringes over and over significantly reduces the waste from single-use plastic syringes. New steam sterilization methods don’t require chemical vapors to be ventilated, and no hazardous waste permits are necessary, saving time, money and hassle.  Reusing cotton towels and bibs and laundering them properly with energy-saving washers and dryers also prevents tons of their paper counterparts from ending up in landfills.
• Invest in and use digital imaging technology instead of film-based X-rays. Digital imaging exposes patients to 90 percent less radiation and greatly reduces the amount of harmful lead and silver released into the environment. Moreover, digital images are available right away without the developing chemicals and wait time, and they are usually of higher quality for greater diagnostic accuracy.
• Adopt the use of more eco-friendly products and, when possible, reduce the amount of chemical use. There are now a number of high-quality, biodegradable disinfectants and cleaners on the market. Less toxic paints can enhance the walls of any dental office needing a fresh look.
• Opt for the natural-looking dental restorations, including adhesive, metal-free restoratives such as porcelain veneers and crowns. The benefit: waste from silver amalgam fillings that could end up polluting the main water supply is negated.

In addition, eco-dentists may remind patients to consume less water when brushing teeth or while engaging in other hygiene activities. In eco-friendly dentistry, a new kind of dentist-patient relationship is being forged for the cause of conservation and health.

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

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's

Dental Spa is the Way to Go for Dentistry

By AustinDentalSpa on July 1, 2010

If you are like many people, your smile is part of the first impression that displays expressions of your happiness, radiance, and beauty. If your teeth appear discolored, misshapen, or otherwise damaged, dental spas offer a unique opportunity to enhance your smile and bring back your youthfulness through cosmetic dentistry and restorative procedures.

For more about cosmetic dentistry , smile makeovers, or  restorative treatments, call or click here to reach Dr. Mark Sweeney, at Austin Dental Spa. If you want to learn more about the niceties of having cosmetic dentistry or restorative procedures at a dental spa, read on. An Austin Dental Spa experience can be wonderful!

Whether you are interested in tooth whitening, dental bonding, veneers, dental implants or tooth restoration, a dental spa offers reassurance through a pleasing ambiance and special patient comforts. The selection of amenities varies among dentists. Yet, the pleasures offered in dental spas make a trip to such a dentist worthwhile. Let’s see how dental spas treat the anxiety factor, technology dynamics and the pain feature.

• The Anxiety Factor:  For people that are anxious about cosmetic dentistry, dentists at spas use a variety of methods to alleviate stress and anxiety. You may find calming lighting, massaging dental chairs, supportive neck pillows, and warming blankets. You may be comforted by music that is piped in through headphones to mask discomforting sounds at the dental office. You may be entertained by movies. Some dentists offer sedation dentistry and advanced technology which can take the anxiety and discomfort out of dentistry during the procedure.

• Technology Dynamics: Dentists at spas may have advanced technology to take the discomfort, fear and time commitment out of dentistry. Laser dentistry offers a method to treat you without needles, drills or anesthesia, in many cases.  The CEREC® dentistry system allows for a dental crown to be completed in one visit instead of two with the use of enhanced software that provides better fitting dental crowns. There’s also dental imaging for previews of cosmetic dentistry procedures you are interested. We can’t forget digital technology that offers improved diagnostics and care.

• The Pain Feature: For people that neglect dental care because they are concerned about the pain they might experience, sedation dentistry will relieve those strains. Sedation dentistry may come in the forms of tranquillizers, depressants, anti-anxiety medications, or nitrous oxide (laughing gas).

If you are interested in dental care at a spa, call Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist at Austin Dental Spa, (512) 452-9296. Dr. Sweeney offers the above mentioned amenities and can enhance your dental experience.

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's, cosmetic dentistry

Dental Implant Advancements Are Here!

By AustinDentalSpa on June 30, 2010

Approximately twenty five years ago, dental implants came out and the dental community was excited about the natural appeal and permanency of implants when compared to dentures and bridges. Today, the technology has become popular as many people suffering from tooth loss now have dental implants.  But formerly, there was a catch. In order to be a candidate for this type of innovative technology, you had to have adequate supporting bone structure. This catch put some people at risk of not qualifying for the procedure. Too, there is usually a waiting time period of four to six months following tooth extraction before a dental implant can be placed. Yet, recent research has opened the door for people suffering from poor bone structure and waiting time issues to receive the most sophisticated approach to repair tooth loss. The answer may be platelet rich plasma, also known as PRP.

Researchers used platelet rich plasma (PRP) following tooth removal on a group of study participants. The results of the research appeared in a report in the Journal of Oral Implantology. The researchers were prompted to attempt this methodology knowing that poor healing contributes to excessive jaw bone loss. Excessive jaw bone loss may delay tooth replacement, create the necessity for reconstructive surgery or may not be repairable at all. The results of using PRP allowed for advanced healing and bone regeneration results as well as decreased waiting time for the rejuvenation of bone. In fact, with the use of PRP, people suffering from tooth loss may be able to have dental implants in two to four months, instead of four to six months. This is very appealing.

Other researchers have suggested that PRP does not play a role in healing and bone formation.

However, these researchers believe that preparation of the PRP and the time that PRP is administered plays a role in the success of bone formation. The use f of PRP seemed to be most beneficial in the initial two week healing time period.

If you are interested in dental implants, call Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas cosmetic dentist that focuses on dental implants, at (512) 452-9296.

Posted in cosmetic dentistry

Sedation Dentistry FAQ

By AustinDentalSpa on June 25, 2010

Yes, a relaxing anxiety free dental experience is highly desirable for all of today’s dental patients. After all, we are not accustomed to discomfort of pain. Sedation dentistry has taken dentistry to a new level, offering a means to breeze through dentistry procedures without anxiety. Let’s explore some of the common questions about sedation dentistry.

1. How does sedation dentistry prevent dental phobia? The medication used in sedation dentistry provides a relaxed calm state of being. In fact, there are injection-free sedation medications that can be administered before or as soon as you hit the dental chair to eliminate dental phobias.
2. How does sedation dentistry shorten treatment time for dental procedures? Because you are more relaxed during treatment with sedation dentistry, dentists can usually accomplish more in one visit. This is particularly beneficial if you require extensive restorative dentistry or for certain cosmetic dentistry procedures.  In fact, the aura that is created by sedation dentistry allows you to feel that the procedure is completed in a much shorter time- in some cases 15 minutes compared to the reality of 1 hour!
3. Will I still require an injection in the mouth for more precise anesthesia to the treatment area? In many cases, you will receive an injection in the mouth and/or treatment area after you have received sedation medication. Since sedation dentistry elevates your pain threshold, you usually do not feel the injection. In fact, you may not even remember that you had an injection.
4. Will sedation dentistry be covered under my insurance plan? Benefits for sedation dentistry vary among insurance carriers. Insurance carriers may be more likely to cover some dental procedures more than others. For example, treatment for periodontal disease is likely to be covered because all four quadrants of your mouth can be comfortably treated at once with sedation dentistry, but periodontal treatment may require four dental visits if you do not have sedation dentistry.
5. What types of sedation medications are offered by dentists? Not all dentists offer sedation dentistry. Dentists that do offer sedation dentistry may use tranquillizers, depressants, anti-anxiety medications, or nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to perform dental procedures and some cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental implants.

Ahh! Now, imagine the feeling of utter relaxation and relief from apprehension. Not much more can be better than being at peace with dentistry. The bright white smile, healthy mouth and fresher breath can all be yours with sedation dentistry.

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

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's, sedation dentistry

Know Your Risk for Gum Disease

By AustinDentalSpa on June 23, 2010

If you are like many of the people in the U.S. that have periodontal disease, it’s important to be aware of risks and symptoms to preserve the longevity of your teeth. Some may refer to periodontal disease as a silent killer because it can creep up on you. Unless you are going for regular general dentistry cleanings, you may neglect the mild symptoms that truly suggest the advent of a much bigger problem to come. The signs of periodontal disease can have a snow ball effect, creating both oral health issues and contributing medical conditions later on. If you have any of the following symptoms, it’s important to read on!

• Bleeding gums while tooth brushing or performing normal daily activities.
• Sensitive, swollen, or red gums.
• Bad breath, also known as halitosis.
• Pus or debris between the teeth.
• Gum recession
• Tooth sensitivity
• Teeth that are loose or have shifted.

Gum disease may start as gingivitis which is a bacterial infection of oral tissues that may not be noticeable to you, and only detectable by a dentist. In fact, most people have biofilms to a certain degree which consists of layers of bacteria pathogens, fungi and toxins in the mouth. When biolflms penetrate pockets between gum tissue and the teeth, periodontal disease can occur.

The next stage is periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease or gum disease. At the onset of this stage, the tissues surrounding the teeth become inflamed. When left untreated, bacteria produce toxins that ultimately destroy connective tissue and bone. In fact, so many people disregard the initial signs of gum disease that the condition has fast become the leading cause of tooth loss.  As well, the Center for Disease Control has determined that there is a clear link between diabetes, stroke and heart attack with gum disease.

The good news is that there many ways to prevent and treat periodontal disease. It’s important to manage the bacterial condition of your mouth so that symptoms do not progress.   Don’t wait! Investigate! Reap the rewards of a cleaner healthier mouth and fresher breath!

If you are concerned about periodontal disease, call Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist at (512) 452-9296. Dr. Sweeney offers advanced technology for early detection and treatment of periodontal disease. He is also certified in biofilm treatment.

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

Cosmetic Dentistry for Seniors

By AustinDentalSpa on June 23, 2010

Growing older does not mean that your mouth’s well-being needs to be anything but terrific. These days, cosmetic dentistry procedures offer the opportunity to recapture a sense of youthfulness and protect your teeth for the future.

Seniors do face some potential challenges in the dental care realm that can be overcome by observing triggers that signify the need for help, including:
· Those who are older are more prone to tooth loss and periodontal (gum) disease. Having semi-annual check-ups and being aware of symptoms are vital to be proactive for your oral hygiene and to prevent minor problems from becoming severe.
· Tooth sensitivity is always a tell-tale sign that something is wrong in the mouth.
· Discoloration of a tooth or teeth can take place due to enamel or dentin loss
· Gum recession may signal a sign of periodontal disease or root deterioration.
· Inflammation, ulcers, bleeding caused by inadequate brushing or flossing, bite and jaw misalignments or misaligned appliances.
· Dry mouth, that is the consequence of many types of medications, is usually quite apparent.
· Untreated tooth decay, infections, periodontal disease and tooth loss.

Now for the Solutions!
Cosmetic dentistry has become popular among seniors. Improvements in technology provide the opportunity for advanced treatments that are speedy and not discomforting. Dentistry for seniors today can actually be simple today!

Tooth Whitening: That brilliant white smile of yesteryear can surface again with tooth whitening, offered by prescription, in-office, or over-the-counter.
Bonding: To relieve tooth sensitivity, small cracks and chips, bonding is a very cost effective method of applying a natural tooth colored substance over the affected area.
Dental Veneers: To improve misshapen teeth, larger chips or cracks, and severe tooth discoloration, it’s wise to consider dental veneers. These tiny sheets of porcelain are delicately placed over the teeth to mask and protect abnormalities.
Dental Implants: Tired of a dental bridge or dentures? Consider a dental implant that offers natural appeal and permanency to forgo appliance misalignments, unattractive clicking sounds, and difficulty eating, talking or chewing.

Full Mouth Reconstruction: Full mouth reconstructive can combine both restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry to provide improved functionality and pleasing aesthetics. Natural tooth colored dental fillings and superior fitting Cerec crowns can replace old ones. Bridges and dentures may be upgraded to implants. Tooth whitening or dental veneers may be the icing on the cake.
In fact, seniors today can benefit from advancements in technology for nearly any symptom or dental condition that they are experiencing. If you are a senior or caregiver, don’t delay! It’s critical to take care of elder teeth now more than ever. Your teeth are part of the backbone for your nutrition and health in elder years.

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

Posted in Senior Dentistry