Case Presentation: Smile Improvement Using Crowns and Veneers

In dentistry, many small changes can add up to make a huge difference! Today's patient came to our office dissatisfied with the uneven appearance of their front teeth. Note how the left central incisor has a large chip while the two lateral incisors are very different shapes. Additionally, the teeth do not have a uniform color shade, causing the crown on the patient's right central incisor to stick out noticeably.

Dr. Kari Ann Hong used a combination of three new zirconia veneers and a full zirconia crown on the right central incisor to create a matching shape and color across all the anterior teeth. She also provided minimal recontouring to the gums around the right incisor to create a more symmetric gum line. The result is an undeniably more natural smile! If you would like to know about the services we offer and what Dr. Hong can do for your smile, please give our office a call!

Nitrous Oxide

For years, nitrous oxide has helped nervous patients relax and enjoy their experience at the dental office. Even with new medications and sedatives available today, nitrous proves to be one of the safest and most effective ways to ease dental anxiety. Read more on how and why nitrous is a fantastic supplement for many patient's fears!

Nitrous oxide is a sedative compound that is delivered via inhalation through a nose mask. For anxious patients, it provides mild amnesia and dulling of pain responses. At the same time, you are still conscious, aware and moving/breathing under your own power. While the exact mechanism in which it works is not fully understood, we do know that it works on the Brain and brainstem to stimulate receptors that cause drowsiness and sleep. Nitrous oxide is also eliminated from the body by exhalation, making it very safe for periodic use. In the unlikely event of being administered too much nitrous, simply breathing regular oxygen will quickly bring down the levels in your body. Patients leave the office with no lasting side effects and can return to work after their appointments. 

Because nitrous oxide is so safe, there are very few medical limitations on it's use. It is even safe for asthmatic patients, as the process of administering nitrous involves delivering a higher percentage of oxygen than ambient air. However, some people do not respond positively to nitrous and report anxiety or uncomfortable sensations. It is important to let us know if you have a history of poor reactions to sedatives and a complete list of the medications you are taking. If you have more questions about nitrous and how it is used at our office, please give us a call today!

Dental Questions: Who Places Dental Implants?

Implants represent a new shift in how dental offices can replace missing teeth. Never before have dentists been able to reproduce one or more teeth in a non-removable fashion without altering adjacent teeth. In the midst of this new treatment trend, many different general practices and specialists are placing implants. In this article, we hope to make sense of who offers implant surgeries and why they do so!

For starters, almost any licensed dentist can become trained to place implants. There is no specific requirement for a specialist to place them, and training programs are very common. As such, our office places implants on healthy, long standing patients in uncomplicated scenarios. We feel that any case beyond these parameters requires the expertise of a specialist.

Many times, an oral surgeon will place implants. They benefit from years of surgical training and managing medically complex patients. Most offices will offer various sedation options when providing the surgery. Periodontists also frequently perform implant treatment. Here, their specialized knowledge of gum tissue, bone characteristics and healing allows them to place implants in highly esthetic areas. They also typically offer sedation as a part of treatment. Other specialists, such as prosthodontists and endodontists may place implants on a case-by-case basis.

No matter who places your implant, know that your referral from Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry was made with the highest quality care in mind. We take surgical treatment very seriously and only refer patients to our trusted network of specialists. If you want to know more about implants and how they might improve your treatment options, please give our office a call!

Using Dental Instruments at Home

With the rise of online marketplaces like Amazon and Ebay, many previously hard-to-find products are now readily available to purchase. Dentistry is no exception, with many options to buy professional cleaning instruments like scalers. Often listed as scrapers, tartar removers and hygiene tools, these items look identical to the ones used in the dental office. Are they safe to use at home? That's another story entirely. Read on for the complete answer!

In short, the only people that should be using hand scalers, polishing cups or other tooth cleaning instruments are licensed dental professionals. Many of these devices are technique sensitive and their misuse can lead to extensive damage to the gums and teeth. It is surprisingly easy to cut off gum tissue (that won't grow back), or chip away healthy enamel (leading to sensitivity). Furthermore, there is no way of knowing if the instruments you are using were made with quality materials. Porous metals can harbor bacteria or even break during use. Imagine the horror of having the tip of your scaler break off below your gumline!

Your best bet in keeping tartar off of your teeth is by brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing daily. This regimen causes you to break up plaque deposits before they can harden into stubborn calculus. Regular dental cleanings will help ensure that you are keeping on top of your dental hygiene and allow us to clean your teeth in a hygenic and professional environment. Call us today to schedule your yearly exam and dental cleaning!

Wisdom Teeth

For most patients, wisdom teeth represent something between a minor inconvenience and a major headache. Otherwise known as third molars, they usually erupt around the age of eighteen, though the exact time frame is variable. They are the most commonly congenitally missing tooth, with many patients having three, two or none. Wisdom teeth also commonly exhibit abnormal anatomy, such as extra cusps or small size.

The most common problem associated with wisdom teeth is impacted eruption. Here, as the molars erupt they contact the adjacent teeth, preventing them from growing into their anatomically correct positions. This becomes a problem as they create cavity prone food traps, which can lead to infection or damage to the second molars. Even if the wisdom teeth grow in properly, they are difficult to keep clean and commonly develop decay. Typically, dentists will not place large fillings or crowns on wisdom teeth, but rather recommend extraction.  

Wisdom teeth are usually extracted by oral surgeons, due to their position in the back of the mouth and tricky anatomy. The roots of third molars can touch or wrap around the inferior alveolar nerve, making nerve damage to the teeth, gums and chin a possible complication. In the United States, wisdom teeth are usually taken out under sedation, so that the patient is more comfortable throughout the procedure. However, this is not a necessary part of their removal.

A referral for wisdom teeth extraction is usually made by a general dentist after a full check-up and necessary x-rays. The oral surgeon will typically have one consultation appointment for an exam and panoramic x-ray and another for the actual surgery. If you are concerned about your wisdom teeth or any other part of your oral health, please call our office to schedule an appointment. 

Dental Questions: Are Metal Fillings Safe

One of the most widely discussed topics in dentistry is the use of mercury in metal "amalgam" fillings. It is proposed that the mercury contained in these restorations can cause various health problems from lethargy to mental impairment. If you personally have metal fillings, you may be worried about the effects on your own well being. In this article, we would like to take a moment to alleviate any concerns you might have about your dental treatments!

For starters, amalgam fillings have been used in dentistry for nearly 200 years. They are safe, convenient and stand up well against regular use and wear. Amalgam uses mercury as a mean of binding loose metal particles together. As the mercury dries, the once malleable filling becomes rock solid. What is left behind is a blend of the various metal components locked together creating a strong structure. 

The mercury found in amalgam fillings is stabilized by the other metals in its mixture, making it inert (unable to affect the body). This contrasts with methylmercury (found in seafood) that accumulates in the body and causes poisoning and elemental mercury which has various toxic effects on the brain. Over time, amalgam does not leach an appreciable amount of mercury and has not been shown to have any affects on physical or cognitive function. Thus, it is just as safe as any other dental material used today. 

With this information in mind, our office does not remove amalgam fillings simply because they contain mercury. This often creates more problems than it solves by requiring unnecessary modifications to the underlying tooth. We will only change out amalgam fillings if they are defective, broken or have new decay emerging underneath them. If you would like to know more about the fillings and other services offered at our office, please give us a call!

Dental Holiday Gift Ideas!

With Christmas around the corner, many people are looking for unique and useful gift ideas. Why not give that special someone an upgrade to their oral health? Here are some of our picks for top dental gift ideas for 2016!

Almost everyone will appreciate the benefits of an electric toothbrush. Wether it spins, slides or vibrates, the motorized action seems to make brushing a more enjoyable experience. We recommend looking for a model with a built in two minute timer and pressure sensor. You can usually find deals at big box stores on brands like Phillips Sonicare and Oral B. Before you buy, make sure replacement heads are readily available and reasonably priced. 

For the person always on-the-go, you may want to consider a dental subscription service like Quip or Goby. Here, you purchase the initial electric toothbrush and the company sends you regular toothpaste refills and replacement brush heads. This takes all the guesswork out of keeping your brush in working order! Again, look for a product that has a timer and pressure sensor. Additionally, check that the refill toothpaste contains cavity fighting fluoride. 

Looking for stocking stuffers? Try a fun brand/flavor of toothpaste. Crest has various lines of toothpaste with flavors like citrus, cinnamon and even chocolate! You can also try organic brands like Toms of Maine. However, be careful that the paste you choose contains fluoride. If you know any kids or teens in braces, built-in threader floss or ORTHOgami flossers can be a fun way to encourage good oral hygiene. The possibilities are endless!

If you need any help picking out the perfect dental Christmas gift, please give our office a call. We want everyone in your family to be excited about having excellent oral health. Happy Holidays!

Case Presentation: Invisalign Orthodontics

Invisalign has made straight teeth a reality for a new generation of adult patients. While traditional braces may not be an option due to esthetic concerns or professional requirements, clear aligners can provide similar results with no visible hardware. In today's patient, Invisalign trays were used to correct minor crowding and spacing issues in the anterior teeth. Notice how the maxillary and mandibular incisors now follow even paths with minimal overlap.

At Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry, we provide Invisalign treatment for long time patients of record with mild orthodontic needs. Severe crowding, cross-bites and complicated spacing issues deserve the attention of an orthodontist. Additionally, it is important to note that Invisalign cannot achieve all the results of traditional braces. Some tooth movements are simply impossible without traditional wires and brackets. To get the whole picture, please visit our office for an exam and consultation!

Dieting and Oral Health

With the new year around the corner, losing weight is at the top of many resolution lists. If you've done your research, you are probably aware of the general benefits and drawbacks of all diet types. However, have you considered their effects on the teeth? In this article, we will cover the risks and benefits of a few popular strategies. We are not endorsing or promoting a single diet, but rather giving you a clue on how they might affect your overall oral health!

One of the fundamental strategies of losing weight is simply eating less. Portion size is a huge component to a successful diet and one of the most difficult aspects to master. However, eating too little can have various negative effects. On top of slowing down your metabolism (and making weight loss more difficult), eating too little can lead to dry mouth conditions. Saliva is a hugely protective factor agains tooth decay, and hyposalivation is clearly linked to an increased risk of developing cavities. 

On the opposite end of the spectrum, diets that rely on frequent, small meals can cause a similar increase in decay risk. Constantly having food in your mouth keeps the decay-causing bacteria working all day, creating more acid and softer enamel. Similarly, juice cleanses or all liquid diets can create the same problems. While your drink might be low calorie, it probably contains ingredients that keep the bacteria in your mouth working overtime!

Patients who are starting the "caveman" or "paleo" diets will be happy to hear that these regimens are anecdotally linked to improved dental health. It makes sense- the paleo diet relies on cutting out carbohydrates, the fuel behind tooth decay. While nearly all food causes the mouth to shift to an acidic state, carbohydrates are some of the worst offenders. 

Naturally, any modification to the amount or types of things we eat will have some effect on the teeth. The oral health implications should be considered as a part of the whole-body effects of your diet. We recommend talking with your physician prior to drastically changing the meals you eat. If you have any further questions, feel free to call our office!

Case Presentation: Repairing Periodontal Damage

According to a recent study put out by the CDC, about half of American adults are affected by periodontal disease. As this condition progresses, the gums and bones recede away from the teeth, eventually leading to their loss. While deep cleanings and medications can stop the spread of the disease, nothing short of extensive surgery can replace lost bone and gums. 

In today's patient, periodontal disease had left them with three lost mandibular incisors and deficient gum levels. Due to the thin nature of bone at the front of the mandible and damage from disease, there was only enough structure to place one implant. Fortunately, by working with the experts at Opus One Dental Labs we were able to create a beautiful three tooth bridge complete with mock gums. Restorations like this have to be designed very carefully to protect the implant and prevent rotation/unscrewing. The end result looks phenomenal and functions just like natural teeth! If you would like to know more about what we can do with implants, please give our office a call!