Thursday, February 23, 2012

Mercury Free Fillings (Composite fillings)

Composite fillings are a great way to restore your teeth they are 100%  mercury free. They bond directly to teeth, they provide the added strength that damaged teeth need to withstand frequent biting preassure. Also, we can match the color of the resin to your teeth to preserve your beautiful, natural-looking smile.

The Procedure

We want the entire procedure to be comfortable for you, so the first thing we do is make sure that the tooth and surrounding area are thoroughly numb. Depending on the size of the filling and which tooth we're working on, we may also use a rubber dam. A rubber dam is a small flexible rubber sheet that isolates the teeth we're working on and prevents anything from falling to the back of your throat.

We use the handpiece to remove the decay and shape the tooth. Then we apply a gel that chemically roughens the tooth surface to ensure a stonger bond with the resin filling. To mold the filling to the shape of the tooth, we first surround the tooth with a thin, flexible band. A small wooden wedge between the teeth holds the band snugly in place. once we've placed the resin in the tooth, we use a harmless, high-intensity light to harden the filling.

After the filling has set, we smooth and polish it. We check the bite with colored tape that shows us where your teeth are touching. Finally, we make sure that you'll be able to floss around the filling to keep plaque-free and healthy.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

What is your Dental Health New Year's Resolution?




New years resolution shouldn't be just about loosing weight! Why not set a resolution that will be a benefit to your Dental Health and your pocket!

More Flossing

Most cavities and periodontal disease begin between the teeth. While brushing is important, the bristles of your toothbrush simply don't remove plaque and bacteria from between the teeth. That's why we recommend that you floss every day.

Less Sweets

Substitute sugary snacks for healthy ones.If you do indulge every once in a while, remember to chew sugarless gum with Xylitol after – this increases saliva production, and helps shed your teeth of leftover sugars from the candy.

Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash does more than freshen your breath – it kills germs and bacteria, removes plaque, and helps prevent tooth decay.

Get Back to the Dentist

Regular checkups allow us to treat problems early. To keep these dental problems from becoming serious we recommend twice yearly checkups. Regular cleanings enable us to keep tartar from accumulating on your teeth. During your regular visit, we will also perform a thorough exam to check your gums, measure the bone levels around your teeth, look for cavities, check your restorations, check for oral cancer and TMJ.

Regular exams are the best way to eliminate the growth phase of dental problems and minimize the time and money you spend in the dental chair.

Say Yes to Flouride

If you don’t use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, it’s time to switch toothpastes. Resolving to use fluoride-containing toothpaste can prevent cavities and save you from an expensive visit to the dentist.

What is your dental-related New Year’s resolution? Share with us in the comments below.