Category: dental technology

Severe Tooth Discoloration: Causes and Treatments

Aging and consuming certain types of foods and beverages can cause mild tooth discoloration that can typically be treated effectively utilizing a take-home whitening kit or with an in-office whitening procedure. However, if you have severe tooth discoloration due to tobacco stains, too much fluoride, genetic causes or tooth trauma, you may need to pursue other cosmetic dental solutions in order to achieve your desired results. This is because severe tooth discoloration that is caused by these factors is a lot harder to treat than simple stains on the teeth. However, don’t lose heart. With today’s advances in cosmetic dentistry, it is possible for virtually everyone to have a brighter and more confident smile. It just may take a little bit more work.

If you have one or a few teeth that are severely discolored, you may want to consider crowns. A crown is a covering that can be placed over the tooth to restore its strength and/or appearance. Crowns can be made of porcelain which can be closely matched to the color of the surrounding teeth for a more natural look.

If most or all of the teeth in your smile zone are severely discolored, you may want to consider porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are extremely thin shells that can be laminated to the front of the teeth in the front of your mouth to improve the appearance of your smile. Again, the porcelain can be closely matched to the color of your natural teeth for a more natural look.  In addition to treating severe tooth discoloration, porcelain veneers can be used to bring more balance to your smile if you have teeth that are too short, misaligned or otherwise unattractive.

If you have severe tooth discoloration on all or some of your teeth and want to achieve a more vibrant and youthful smile, talk to a qualified cosmetic dentist in your local area today. After a complete evaluation, your dentist can recommend the most appropriate cosmetic dental solution to help you reach your goals of a whiter, brighter, more beautiful smile.

Posted on Behalf of Dr. Justin Scott, Pure Dental Health

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Today’s Dentures

Today’s dentures are not like the dentures of the past. In the past, many denture wearers complained of uncomfortable, loose-fitting dentures that had the appearance of false teeth.  For these reasons, this tooth replacement system left a lot to be desired.  However, with today’s advanced technology and manufacturing processes, today’s dentures look more like natural teeth, are better-fitted and are more comfortable to wear.  That is good news for the large percentage of Americans with missing teeth.

The Dentca CAD/CAM denture system represents the greatest advancements in denture technology.  The computer-aided-design and computer-aided-manufacturing system provides for a faster, more cost-effective method of manufacturing dentures that takes the margin of error out of the process.  Dentures manufactured using the Dentca system require one visit before final denture delivery as opposed to the five visits required by dentures manufactured the conventional way (by hand). As a result, a patient’s chair time is reduced from three hours to only forty-five minutes.  And, using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing reduces the processing time from approximately thirty days to approximately ten days.

Unfortunately, tooth loss remains a problem for a large population of American adults despite advances in dental technology and dental hygiene.  To avoid tooth loss, it is important to visit your dentist for regularly scheduled dental cleanings and checkups and to seek prompt treatment for any dental health issues, especially periodontal disease.  It is also important to practice good daily oral hygiene at home.

If you are currently wearing dentures and are unhappy with their fit or appearance, or are in need of a new pair of dentures, visit a certified Dentca dentist in your local area.  After a thorough evaluation, your dentist can determine whether or not the Dentca denture system is right for you.

Posted on Behalf of Dr. Justin Scott, Pure Dental Health

 
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Protecting Your Teeth With a Mouthguard

Spring is in the air and that means soccer, baseball, lacrosse and other children’s sporting activities are in full swing.  While participating in contact sports can be great for kids in terms of exercise, character development and more, it can present a danger to their dental health.  That is, unless the proper protection is used to prevent dental traumas.  Basically, if your child participates in a contact sport, he or she needs to wear a mouth guard to protect his or her teeth.

There are three different types of mouth guards including the following:

•  Custom fitted

•  Stock

•  Boil and bite

Custom fitted mouth guards are made specifically for you, by your dentist.  This is the most expensive option but fits the best and may provide the best protection for the teeth.  This is because it is custom-fitted to your specific mouth.  Stock mouth guards can be purchased at most big box stores and come pre-formed, ready to wear.  Unfortunately, often times they do not fit well, and can make breathing and talking difficult.  Boil and bite mouth guards can be purchased at drug stores and most sporting goods stores.  They are first softened in water (boiled) and then inserted and allowed to conform to the shape of your mouth.  They provide a better fit than the stock mouth guards yet are less expensive than the custom mouth guards.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), custom-fitted mouth guards provided by dentists provide the best protection for teeth.  However, boil and bite mouth guards are a more economical option and do provide some measure of protection.  The important thing is for your child to wear some form of mouth guard to protect the teeth from trauma and injury.  When teeth are lost, it causes problems with smiling, eating talking and your overall dental health.  While there are good options for replacing lost teeth, they can be costly and labor intensive.

If your child is going to be participating in contact sports this spring, put a mouth guard on your list of equipment.  You will be glad you did!

Posted on Behalf of Dr. Justin Scott, Pure Dental Health

 
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Should You Invest in An Electronic Toothbrush?

When you walk down the aisle of the grocery or drug store these days, you are hit with a myriad of different choices of toothbrushes.  Not only are there many different brands, but there are also different types.  These different types include regular old-fashioned toothbrushes, battery-operated spinning toothbrushes and electronic toothbrushes that plug into an outlet, such as the Sonicare brand.  These toothbrushes are not only different in brand and type, but they are also very different in price.

The plain, old-fashioned toothbrushes are the least expensive followed by the battery-operated spinning toothbrushes.  The electronic toothbrushes that plug in, like the Sonicare brand, are the most expensive option.  But is an electronic toothbrush really worth the extra cost?  Most dentists will tell you that the most important thing is to brush your teeth thoroughly, using any type of toothbrush, at least twice daily.  They will also tell you to be careful about how hard you brush and the technique you use.  Dragging a toothbrush across your teeth and gums with too much pressure can damage your gums.  Using a toothbrush that is too firm can also damage your gums.  It is better to brush with a soft or medium bristled toothbrush and to make small circular motions.

One of the good things about electronic toothbrushes is the fact that they eliminate the need apply pressure when you brush.  You can simply hold the electronic toothbrush over the teeth and gums, and let it do all the work.  This is a good option for individuals who have gum recession or who tend to brush with too vigorously.

Your dentist is the best person to help determine which type of toothbrush is right for you.  If you have questions about what type of toothbrush to buy or about your oral health in general, please visit your local dentist today.

Posted on Behalf of Dr. Justin Scott, Pure Dental Health

 

 
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You Can Get Whiter Teeth and a More Beautiful Smile

Have you noticed that everyone’s teeth seem to be getting whiter and whiter?  It is no longer just movie stars and models who have perfectly white teeth.  Now it is your child’s teachers, your banker, your doctor and everyone else around you.  Why is this?  It is because advances in tooth whitening technology have made it possible for virtually everyone to achieve whiter teeth.  And, our ideal is changing since so many people are taking advantage of the opportunity to whiten their teeth.  Well, if you are feeling left out on this popular trend, it is not too late.  You too can achieve whiter teeth and a more beautiful smile.

The first step in achieving whiter teeth is to talk to your dentist.  Whitening your teeth under the supervision of your dentist is the best way to achieve maximal results and to ensure that your teeth are not harmed in the process.  There are a variety of teeth whitening methods that can be used to help you achieve your goals.  There are take-home kits that you can use to whiten your teeth over time.  Their are also a variety of in-office treatments that can be performed in a little more than an hour in the dentists office and provide more immediate results. However, if your tooth discoloration is severe or due to certain factors, these treatments may not be suited for your particular case.  In this case, porcelain veneers or dental crowns may be recommended to help you achieve your goal.  Whatever the case, your dentist can recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your dental history, the cause and severity of your tooth discoloration and your lifestyle and personal goals.

Whitening your teeth can dramatically improve your appearance and make you appear years younger.  If you are feeling embarrassed or self-conscious about your smile due to tooth discoloration or if you just want to achieve a brighter, more beautiful smile, talk to your dentist today about your options for whitening your teeth.

Posted on Behalf of Dr. Justin Scott, Pure Dental Health
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If You Suffer From Chronic Headaches, Talk To Your Dentist About TMJ

Do you suffer from chronic headaches?  If so, it could be from a number of reasons.  That is why it is important to visit your doctor and get a proper diagnoses.  You may also want to talk to your dentist.  In many cases, chronic headaches are caused by malocclusions or bite problems such as Temporomandibular (TMJ) Disorders.

The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the bone at the side of the head (temporal bone).  TMD, stands for Temporomandibular Disorders:  a group of disorders that arise from problems with the muscles of the jaw or the parts of the joint itself.  Symptoms of TMD include chronic headaches, ear pain, dizziness and more.  TMD can be caused by a number of factors including grinding or clenching the teeth, injuries to the jaw such as whiplash, dislocation of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket, and more.  In some cases, TMD can be treated by making adjustments to your bite.  This can be accomplished using orthodontic treatments or fixing restorations that are causing the jaw joint to be out of alignment.  In other cases, TMD may be treated with a custom-fitted mouthguard that you wear at night to prevent you from clenching and/or grinding your teeth when you sleep.

Each case of TMD is different, therefore, the treatments will vary depending on the cause, frequency and severity of symptoms. If you are suffering from chronic headaches and think they may be due to TMD or other bite problems, talk to your dentist today.

Posted on Behalf of Dr. Justin Scott, Pure Dental Health
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The Evolution of Dentistry

Dentistry, like most professions, has evolved quickly over the past few years due to increased technology.  With the average American owning a multitude of electronic devices such as smart phones, laptops and iPads and having access to the Internet, email and text messages 24-hours a-day, we have become an immediate society.  We are no longer in the habit of waiting for things.  That is why banks have extended their hours to include weekends and provide 24-hour access to ATM machines that can now perform most of the functions that used to require a visit to the bank.  Similarly, many dental practices are changing from the traditional model of offering appointments from Monday through Friday from 9AM to 4:30 PM.  Many dental practices throughout the country are now offering extended hours as well as weekend appointments.  They are also offering same-day appointments and emergency dental care.

As consumers, we have become accustomed to getting what we want, when we want it. Think about it.  You can go onto Amazon.com and order just about any product you can think of, and have it shipped your home within 24-hours.  While getting dental care is a lot more complicated than just clicking onto a website, it is possible to get high quality dental care when you need it.  That is, if you are a patient of Pure Dental Health in Atlanta.  Pure Dental Health is now making it easier to get the dental care you need, when you need it the most.  We currently offer extended hours on the week days as well as Saturday appointments.  In addition, we offer same-day appointments and emergency dental care.  Through strategic scheduling and staffing, we are able to offer these services without taking away from our patients who have scheduled their appointments in advance.

If your dental practice does not currently offer the importance services you need to keep up with your hectic lifestyle, you may want to consider making a change.  Pure Dental Health is currently accepting new patients and we would appreciate the opportunity to serve you with top quality, convenient dental care.

Posted on Behalf of Justin Scott, Pure Dental Health

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Clinical Trials Highlight The Success Rate of Dental Implants

Past research has shown dental implants to be a highly effective and successful treatment for missing teeth.  That is why they are currently considered by many experts to be the “gold standard” in tooth replacement.  However, results of recent large, international clinical trials have provided patients and dentists with an even higher level of confidence in this innovative tooth replacement solution.

Results from two of the largest international clinical studies on dental implants have just been published and demonstrate impressive results for dental implants.  Together the two studies evaluated more than one thousand Straumann Bone Level implants in Europe, the United States and Australia.  Both studies reported extremely high implant survival rates of more than 98% and found practically no bone loss around the area of the implants.  These survival rates are higher than the rates that have been documented in previous literature.

This newest data just adds to the wealth of evidence of the effectiveness of dental implants in replacing missing teeth.  This innovative tooth replacement option can be used to replace one, several or all teeth.  In most cases, dental implants require two separate procedures: one to place the implants into the jawbone and another to attach restorations to the implants.  The result is replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth.  With proper care, dental implants can last for a lifetime.  This is a definite advantage over temporary dental bridges or partial dentures.

Many individuals who have worn dentures in the past have made the investment in dental implants.  Although dental implants are more expensive than other traditional tooth replacement solutions, the benefits to the patients far outweigh the added cost in many cases.

Most individuals with missing teeth are candidates for dental implants as there are very few medical reasons that would rule a person out for this procedure.  If you are currently wearing dentures and are interested in making the switch to dental implants, talk to a dental implant dentist in your local area today.

Posted of behalf of Dr. Justin Scott, Pure Dental Health

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Dentca Dentures: An Advanced Solution for Missing Teeth

Technology has transformed virtually every industry in America. With today’s advanced technology, we can now do things we never dreamed were possible.  This is especially true in the field of dentistry.  Using Denta™ CAM/CAD technology, dentists can now provide custom made dentures with increased accuracy and precision, in less time than traditional dentures.  Dentca™ CAD/CAM dentures are also more comfortable to wear than conventional dentures and require far less chair time for patients.  Sound good?

If you are interested in dentures to replace missing teeth or have grown tired of wearing your conventional dentures, you may want to schedule an appointment with a dentist who offers Dentca™ CAM/CAD dentures to find out if you are a candidate for this advanced tooth replacement system.  If so, you are only two dental visits away from having your new teeth.  With Dentca™ CAD/CAM dentures, your dentist will first obtain an impression of your mouth using Dentca’s patented tray system.  He or she will then send them in to Dentca’s dental laboratory for fabrication.  Within five days of receiving your impression, your Dentca™ dentures will be shipped back out to your dentist’s office.  You can then try them on to ensure a comfortable fit, and walk out with your new teeth in just two dental visits and less than one hour of chair time.

Using cutting-edge CAD/CAM technology, Dentca™ has revolutionized the denture fabrication process.  This technology offers significant benefits to both patients and their dentists.  If you want to take advantage of advanced technology in order to get a more beautiful, comfortable smile, talk to a qualified Dentca™ dentist in your local area today.  You are going to have a lot to smile about!

Posted on behalf of Dr. Justin Scott, Pure Dental Health

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Dental Technology and Your Oral Health

Technology has had a dramatic effect on our world.  Just think about how different our daily life is today than it was ten years ago.  Ten years ago, most people owned a cell phone and a home computer.  These days, many people own a laptop, iPad, smart phone, iPod and more.  We no longer send mail through the post office, we simply send a text or an email message.  And, when was the last time you sent out paper invitations or announcements?  If you want to invite someone to a party, you send an electronic invitation.  If you want to announce that you have moved, just put it on Facebook.  Even MapQuest is now almost obsolete since most people have a map application on their cell phone.  The same can be said for the field of dentistry.  From high powered dental lasers to sophisticated intra oral cameras, dental technology has revolutionized the field of dentistry.

However, not all dental practices are embracing this new dental technology.  Dental technology requires an investment in both time and money.  Once a new piece of dental technology has been purchased, both the dentist and some of the staff members must be trained on how to use it before it can be effectively incorporated into the practice.

Most dentists find that incorporating new dental technology into their practice is worth the time and investment involved.  This is because dental technology can greatly improve patient care and the patient experience while at the same time helping the dentist to be more efficient.  The most common types of dental technology being used today include digital x-rays, paperless practice management systems, intra oral cameras, dental lasers, CAM/CAD systems, and environmentally friendly sterilization systems.  Before selecting a dental practice to care for you and your family, it is good idea to ask about the dental technology they are currently using and about any future plans for incorporating new technology in their practice. This will ensure that you are selecting the best dental practice possible to meet your needs.

Posted on behalf of Pure Dental Health