Why One Visit to Your Austin Dentist Seems to Turn Into Two

By AustinDentalSpa on October 31, 2011

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's

Your Austin dentist may always seem to need to see you for more than one visit for a variety of reasons. You may think you’ve followed all of the proper oral hygiene recommendations from your dentist so why bother? You may feel that you have maintained a proper diet to support your oral health. You may feel that your breath is fresh and your oral cavity is free from cavity causing debris. Yet, sometimes you may not seem to be able to get away from a second dental visit after you visit your dentist for a preventive dental visit. The oral cavity can be tricky to manage at best.   Though you may receive lessons about proper tooth brushing and dental flossing during your first dental visit, you may notice that you receive repeat lessons over the years for reinforcement.  Just like your body, the oral cavity must thrive through many changes each day and each year. So, your dentist will highlight specific areas that need extra care and methods for focusing on those areas.

Sometimes, your dentist may request you come back for an additional visit in three months instead of six. Sometimes, your dentist may request you return to the office for deeper cleaning through root planing and scaling. Sometimes, your dentist may request you return to the office for restorative dental work, such as, dental fillings, root canals and dental crowns. Let’s explore the details…

• When it comes to having extra professional cleanings throughout the year, this request may occur if you have excess or speedier plaque build-up. Excess or speedier plaque build-up may be caused by failure to brush and floss properly, dry mouth syndrome, certain medications or medical conditions.
• Root planing and scaling is popular because 75% of the population has the precursor to gum disease or gum disease itself. Root planing and scaling helps to control the progression of the disease. This is very important because there is no cure.
• The need for dental fillings is usually identified in the first visit. So, there is not enough time for dental fillings. To perform a root canal, typically antibiotics must be taken over the course of days before root canal treatment.  Dental crowns require the fabrication of the crown after an impression is made of the treatment area.

There may be one or more reasons why you need additional dental visits.  The important point is that regular preventive visits reduce the risk of follow up visits.

If you are interested in a consultation, contact Austin dentist Dr. Mark Sweeney 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.

Oral Health and the Days after Halloween

By AustinDentalSpa on October 28, 2011

Posted in oral health

Halloween and Oral Health

Halloween is a great tradition for children to enjoy with sweet treats. There are also dental traditions that tie in with Halloween. These solutions can be fun for your children to enjoy which will prevent damage from sweets. After all, sweets trigger the production of acid that can result in tooth decay.    So, let’s consider some healthy treats and ways to promote oral health in the days following Halloween.

Fun Food Choices

Select sugarless gum containing Xylitol for Halloween gift giving and for your children to chew on after eating Halloween treats because Xylitol and chewing stimulates saliva flow which is deep cleaning. Animal crackers might also be a wiser alternative treat when compared to sugar filled Halloween treats brought home by your children. You can also try creative meals to satisfy your children’s desires for the Halloween spirit. Try boiled eggs dressed like ghosts with black olive eyes and asparagus eyebrows and a haunted house made of cheese cubes to boost saliva flow and wash away food debris. It might also be fun to make Jell-O goblins using Halloween theme stencils.

Make Oral Health Entertaining

There are cartoon character toothbrushes and custom Halloween toothbrushes that can provide an entertaining experience for your children while tooth brushing. There are also Halloween tooth brush holders and flavored dental floss that may be enticing.  Having these helpful dental tools in your bathroom is a great surprise, making it a great time to reinforce proper brushing techniques. There are also special tablets, solutions and swabs that can be placed in your child’s mouth to reveal areas that have not been brushed properly so you can show your children how to improve. These tools are available at your local pharmacy.

Set Limits

Sticky candies and too many treats a day don’t keep your dentist away. It’s best to discard big lollipops and sticky candies that remain in your child’s mouth for a long period of time. Only allow your children to eat one treat a day. Have your children drink water and brush their teeth after eating sweets.

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

Cosmetic Dentistry in Austin or Mexico?

By AustinDentalSpa on September 14, 2011

Posted in cosmetic dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry in Austin has always been the obvious choice for most people.  The advantage of convenience has been the biggest factor in the decision for where to have dental treatment formerly. Yet, today’s difficult economic times have sent some people down to Mexico for dental treatment and there is reason for concern. Traveling out of the U.S. for dental treatment is a cause for concern for several reasons. In the end, the best choice may be cosmetic dentistry in Austin.

• In terms of treatment providers, the U.S. sets standards for dental treatment whereas other countries may not have standards for treatment. This creates a risk that the treatment provider is not capable of providing an accurate diagnosis or treatment plan for your condition.  In addition, U.S. dentists attend dental school and typically continue on with dental education courses throughout their career. Similar standards may not exist in Mexico and there may not be a method to verify credentials.
• In terms of diagnostics, dentists in the U.S. are known to have advanced technology available for enhanced diagnostics. A select number of dentists offer a full scope of free and some fee based diagnostic tests to help ensure proper diagnosis. Dr. Mark Sweeney is one of the select number of U.S. dentists that can offer fully comprehensive dental care with advanced diagnostics. In fact, there have been reports that people received a different diagnosis in Mexico than in the U.S.  Consequently, the trip to Mexico was more costly due to the need for comparative diagnostic testing and conflicting treatment plans.
• In terms of treatment, treatment is reflective of the diagnosis and the skill of the treatment provider.  Keeping the two above mentioned points in mind, it is not difficult to surmise that treatment may be compromised when traveling out of the U.S. for dentistry.
• In terms of cost, procedures in the U.S., when compared by type, may seem to be more costly than Mexico. However, be on the look- out for hidden fees in Mexico that are not uncovered until after treatment when it is time to pay the bill.  Also, you may require additional treatment should the treatment you receive in Mexico be inappropriate or fail.

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

Attn. Austin Women: Watch Out for the Risk of Tooth Loss

By AustinDentalSpa on September 13, 2011

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's

Dentistry and tooth loss don’t go hand in hand unless you being evaluated for a dental implant, bridge or dentures.  What is widely known is that women tend to have better oral health than men.  Women may be more likely to brush teeth twice daily for two minutes each session.   Women may be more likely to floss each day to remove debris on and between their teeth. Women may be more likely to visit their dentist for additional professional tooth cleanings when they notice excessive plaque build-up.

What is not widely known is that recent study results suggest that women are 90% more likely to lose a tooth loss following menopause if other risk factors are present, such as, diabetes or smoking. This information is derived from study results published in the Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology (2) involving over 1000 women. Study results demonstrated that one out of every four post-menopausal women are likely to lose a tooth over a five year time period.

There have been several similar studies on the topic in the past. Each study has focused on unique factors, such as, the link between tooth loss and oestrogen deficiency.  For example, a U.S. based study showed the likelihood of tooth loss at 28% over a five year period in post-menopausal women. Regardless, the risk of tooth loss increases after menopause. So, lifestyle habits and medical conditions that are suggestive of playing a role in tooth loss are just as important to keep in check.   For example physicians recommend that people visit their office for specific tests at different ages in order to identify their risk for disease. In this way, physicians may have the opportunity to develop a preventative treatment plan to reduce the risk of a medical condition, which in fact may also be linked to tooth loss. In the end, it’s important to visit your dentist for semi-annual check ups. It’s also important to visit your physician for annual check-ups.

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

Baby Dental Care: What about Dental Wiping!

By AustinDentalSpa on September 11, 2011

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's

We all know about tooth brushes, but what about dental wiping to prevent tooth decay? Making tooth wiping part of a daily routine for your child from the moment a tooth erupts is critical.   Little do most people know that the risk of tooth decay can commence upon tooth eruption. In addition, though these are not permanent teeth, failure to clean infant teeth is a contributing factor for tooth decay in permanent teeth.  By the time children reach school age, 40% have cavities. Dental pain is the most common illness. Yet, you can get a head start on preventing cavities for your children  by starting tooth wiping as soon as a soon erupts. Simply, consider it part of your baby’s normal oral hygiene routine. Out with dental pain and tooth decay!

We wanted to bring this to your attention after a recent study. Bacteria that is linked to dental cavities is present in infant saliva, according to a recent University of Illinois study.  Previous studies focused on the presence of cavity causing bacteria up to 33 months after birth, but this study focused on evaluating changes in the oral cavity after birth. The study results suggest that soft tissues present in the oral cavity may house pathogens that should be better characterized. For example, it may be remarkable to monitor changes in the oral cavity from birth, to tooth eruption, to liquid to the solid food shift. For now, this study demonstrates that there is a microbial evolution that does take place in the oral cavity.

Previously, studies suggested that the time period of infectivity which may contribute to dental cavities was between 19 and 33 months. Today, we know that the time period begins at a younger age. For this reason, it is wise to wipe your child’s gums after feedings.

If you are interested in having your baby see a dentist, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist at 512-380-1300!

Diabetes Screening While at Your Austin Dentists Office?

By AustinDentalSpa on September 10, 2011

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's

Austin dentists may offer an advantage for medical diagnostics if they can play a bigger role in the diagnosis of medical conditions, especially since people be more likely to go to their dentist than their physician.  Since the advent of sedation dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, more people have not been intimidated by dentistry and welcome the refreshing changes in their smiles with cosmetic dentistry. People today may also be more likely to make visit their dentist twice a year to maintain their beautiful smiles. On the other hand, people may not be inclined to visit their physician for a check-up unless they have a medical concern. In fact, an annual physician visit is the typical recommendation unless a health issue arises. So, the turf may be opening up for Austin dentists.

Since dentists may be more likely to see patients more often, there may be an opportunity to have dentists play a bigger role in medical diagnostics. It is now widely recognized that there is an oral body connection. Undoubtedly, oral health and physical health go hand in hand.   Several medical conditions have been linked to unhealthy biofilm layers in the oral cavity. There are other symptoms in the oral cavity, such as, gum disease, that suggest links to medical   conditions. So, Columbia University researchers conducted a study in which periodontal health and the finger stick hemoglobin blood tests could be performed on study participant to identify risk for diabetes and other diseases. Those identified at risk returned for a plasma glucose test to see if they were diabetic or in the pre stage of diabetes. In this way, researchers could better identify protocols for dentists and physicians to follow in the treatment of their patients.

Twenty-five percent of people in the U.S do not know they have type 2 diabetes and people in the pre-diabetic stage are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke and other vascular conditions,  according to the Centers for Disease Control. It is for this reason that an opportunity for dentist to play a role in medical care may one day become a reality.

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

Time for Sport Protectors to Prevent Dental Injuries in Austin

By AustinDentalSpa on September 8, 2011

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's

Dental injuries in Austin may not occur as often as suspected nationwide according to The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation. The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation projects that over 3 million teeth to be knocked out during sporting activities in the 2011-2012 year. Dental injuries can be serious and may result in much more than a tooth being lost.

Tooth loss prevents proper spacing of teeth to occur. Tooth loss may create a location for debris to accumulate, contributing to tooth decay in other teeth. If a tooth is not lost during a sporting injury, it may be cracked, displaced or may produce a broken jaw or craniofacial injury.  While baseball and basketball are two common sports linked to dental injuries, every sport or playful sporting activity poses a risk for a dental injury, even playing on a playground.

Prevent Dental Injuries!

If you have a child, you’ll want to check in with your dentist about a mouth guard. Mouth guards protect teeth from dental injuries, but do not interfere with the activity.  There are a variety of mouth guards to select from. Your child’s mouth guard will be custom made for his or her needs. You’ll also want to purchase an appropriately fitted helmet for contact sports.  There are also different types of helmets for each sport. Helmets with facial protection offer similar support to prevent dental injuries.

What to Do If Your Child Has a Dental Injury

• If a tooth has fallen out, you may pick it up without touching the tooth root, try to clean it with only milk and replace it in the tooth socket.  If that measure fails, place the tooth in milk and go to a dentist immediately to see if they can preserve the tooth.
• If a tooth is cracked or broken off, visit a dentist within 24 hours to receive emergency treatment.
• If your child has a jaw injury, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

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

Root Canal Awareness

By AustinDentalSpa on September 7, 2011

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's

Root canal awareness offers a means to dispel any misconceptions you might have due to the fear of a root canal. In fact, a recent study demonstrates that many people feel a root canal is painful, but still prefer to have a root canal instead of losing a tooth, particularly when compared to paying taxes.

Yet, root canals can be easily managed with lack of discomfort through services provided by the right dentists. Your general dentist, also referred to as a cosmetic dentist in some cases, will know when a referral is necessary.

More survey respondents indicated a desire to avoid losing a permanent tooth or getting root canal treatment than paying taxes or speaking in public. Two-thirds also ranked root canals as the dental procedure they most fear, more than having a tooth pulled or a cavity filled.

Unfortunately, much of the fear of root canals is based on outdated misconceptions. A previous AAE survey found that 89 percent of patients were satisfied when they received treatment from an endodontist, and the AAE also found that the vast majority of general dentists, 93 percent, agree that endodontists are important partners in delivering quality dental care.

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.

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.