What is an Abfraction?

Abfractions are notches in the tooth structure near, or even under, the gumline, usually on the cheek side of the tooth. Although all the causes that lead to abfractions are not known, an important factor is improper forces on teeth, which can be caused by a misaligned bite or the grinding and clenching of teeth.

When you bite a slightly off, one tooth may hit sooner than the rest. This causes undue stress on the involved teeth, and they begin to flex. Over time, this continual flexing and stress causes the enamel to separate from the inner dentin layer of the tooth, forming a notch at the gumline. Tooth grinding and clenching also place extra stress on teeth.

How do we correct abfraction?

Treating the abfraction problem may include two or more steps, such as adjusting the bite, wearing a nightguard, and restoring the tooth.

We may first adjust your bite so that chewing forces are evenly distributed among all your teeth. We may have to adjust only the tooth in question, or we may have to adjust all your teeth. If tooth grinding or clenching is the problem, we may prescribe a nightguard to absorb those stresses and protect your teeth.

The second phase involves restoring the damage by bonding a filling in place. Tooth-colored filling can fill in the damage and restore the tooth to nearly its original color and shape.

Dealing with abfractions early can prevent further damage and restore your teeth to beautiful good health.

  
         Before                                                          After

                      

       Deep Abfraction                              Repaired Abfraction with composite Bonding

Soft Tissue Laser Therapy

The latest conservative gum therapy uses a laser. The laser gently disinfects and evaporates diseased tissues from around the tooth and inside the gum pocket. This treatment interrupts the bacterial destruction of the tissues and bone giving the gum pocket a chance to heal. Systematic repeated visits, generally 2-8, allows the gum pocket to be disease-free and sometimes allows tissues to reattach to the pocket back to a normal or near-normal depth. This new laser therapy is gentle, less painful, has a quick recovery. While surgery may still be indicated for severely advanced periodontal cases, laser therapy is a much more conservative, effective and comfortable option for beginning to moderate periodontal cases.

Are Lasers New to Dentistry?

Shortly after the invention of lasers in the early 1960's, lasers were investigated for their use in gum treatment. Recent developments have made it possible to use lasers effectively in the dental office, for treatment of all soft tissues, including gums, and routinely for work on teeth and cavities also.

Will My Insurance Pay for Laser Treatment?

Today many dental services can be performed with the laser or traditional treatment. The procedure itself is usually covered by your dental insurance to some extent BUT the laser mode of therapy is NOT. You must decide if the extra expense for the laser will be worthwhile for you, as it will in many cases add to the cost out of pocket.


              BEFORE                                            AFTER

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.

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.

Canker Sores (Aphthous ulcers) Laser Therapy Treatment

What is an Cold Sore & Aphthous Ulcer?

An aphthous ulcer also known as a canker sore, presents as a painful open sore inside the mouth. Canker sores do not appear to be caused by viruses or bacteria, although an allergy to a type of bacterium commonly found in the mouth may trigger them in some people. The sores may be an allergic reaction to certain foods. Aphthous ulcers can affect people of any age.

Emotional stress and local trauma or injury to the mouth, such as sharp metal braces, brushing with hard toothbrushes, citrus fruits and hot foods can lead to canker sores. Smoking and dentures can also contribute to the problem. Other possible causes of canker sores include illnesses in which the immune system causes swelling or from autoimmune disorders. Female sex hormones also apparently play a role in causing canker sores.

 Laser Therapy Treatment - Laser Therapy is the most effective, giving immediate pain relief and causing the ulcer to heal in 24-72 hours. Pain relief is immediate and lasting. The ulcers heal in two to four days.


Prevention-
Avoiding known triggers.
A healthy diet with vitamin supplementation is recommended.
Excellent oral hygiene, including use of antibacterial rinses (Rx chlorhexidine or OTC Listerine), has been shown to reduce frequency of attacks.
Reducing stress is important as well.


   
               

Bruxism

Bruxism is the clenching or grinding of the teeth that often occurs while a person is sleeping.
The symptoms of bruxism are:  

• A sore, tired jaw
• Difficulty in opening and closing your mouth
• Sensitive teeth
• Headaches or earaches
• Pain in your jaw joints
• Possibly no symptoms   

Bruxism can cause dental problems    

When you brux, the force on your teeth is many times greater than during normal chewing.
These forces can cause:

• Flattened or worn-down teeth
• Loss of tooth enamel near the gumline
• Fractured or loose teeth
• Damage to the jawbone or jaw joints

Treating bruxism



    Thermal Plastic Nightguard

Though all of the causes of bruxism are not know, stress is often a factor. If this is the case, a variety of stress reduction techniques may be recommended. We may also recommend medication to temporarily reduce stress and relieve pain.

Sometimes, missing teeth, worn teeth, spaces between teeth, or teeth that are out of alignment may cause grinding and clenching. In this case, bridges, crowns, equilibration, orthodontics, or other dental treatments can often restore your bite and eliminate grinding and clenching.

A common and effective treatment for stopping the damage caused by bruxism is the use of a nightguard. This is a plastic device that fits over your top or bottom teeth and protects your teeth by absorbing the forces caused by grinding. A custom nightguard, made from models of your teeth, usually offers the most effective and comfortable protection.

No matter what is causing your bruxism, it's important to treatm it early on to prevent damage and restore harmony to your mouth.


                                         

Veneers

A Veneer is a thin shell of porcelain or plastic that is bonded to a tooth to improve its color and shape. A veneer generally covers only the front and top of a tooth. Veneers can be used to close spaces between teeth, lengthen small or misshapen teeth, or whiten stained or dark teeth. When teeth are chipped or beginning to wear, veneers can protect them from damage and restore their original appearance.

How do we restore teeth with veneers?

It takes two or more appointments to restore teeth with veneers. During the first appointment, we shape and roughen the teeth. We then take impressions of your teeth, which we use to make precise working models of your mouth. It's on these models that we artistically craft veneers to fit the prepared teeth.

During the second appointment we clean and polish the prepared teeth. Then we use an adhesive to bond the veneers to the teeth. A harmless, high-intensity light hardens the adhesive. Once in place, veneers virtually become part of the teeth. You can use them like you would your own teeth because the bond is extremely strong. The final result is beautiful and natural-looking teeth.