Mercury-free vs. Mercury-safe

Mercury-Safe vs. Mercury-Free

 

If you have silver-mercury fillings, it might just be time to consider their removal - for the health of both your teeth and overall body.  Old silver-mercury fillings can contain up to 50% elemental mercury; and mercury is a very well known toxin to the human body.  Important to know, however, when choosing a dentist to remove those old fillings, is that there are safe and not-so-safe ways of removal.

 

Just because a dental office says that it is "Mercury-Free" doesn't mean that they will employ all the strictest of mercury vapor reduction techniques.  For example, our office is both mercury-safe and mercury-free and we want to make sure that patients understand the difference. 

The term mercury-free was coined nearly 40 years ago by a dentist who wanted to set himself apart from other dentists who felt silver-mercury fillings were safe.  Mercury-free (M-F) simply refers to an office that does not use these (amalgam) fillings.  Instead these M-F offices will use other restorative materials, such as composite/resin fillings (tooth-colored fillings).  However, in reality, the term “mercury-free” wasn’t entirely true, because mercury is released in excessive amounts during the removal process.

Mercury-safe refers to the practice of removing old amalgam fillings safely and disposing of the material safely. If certain protocols are not in place for removing amalgam fillings, huge amounts of mercury vapors can be released into the air.  This mercury vapor can negatively affect the patient’s health. It is no longer just enough to be mercury-free.  Offices need to practice safe removal protocols for removing amalgam fillings.

Safe Removal Process

It is not enough to assume that an office that is mercury-free is also mercury-safe.  Dentists who are mercury-safe have specialized equipment, training and skills to minimize the patient’s exposure to mercury vapors during the removal process.  If you wish to protect yourself from unnecessary exposure to mercury vapors you need to ask if the office is mercury-safe and mercury-free, before scheduling the appointment.  If you ask the right the right questions and choose the right office, you can safely have a beautiful and healthy new smile!

Six Month Smiles - Straight Teeth. Less Time. Clear Braces.

Six Month Smiles©

If you have hidden your smile “in the closet” for years because you are embarrassed…This blog is dedicated to you!



This lady is wearing Six Month Smiles©

I was talking to a friend the other day and I noticed that he went out of his way to hide his smile and teeth. This friend has excellent oral hygiene, visits his dentist as least twice a year and his teeth are very healthy. This perplexed me, so I asked him why. He admitted that he was uncomfortable with his smile because his teeth were crowded. This man is 45-years-old and has been living with that embarrassment for almost 30 years! I inquired as to why he had never done anything about it. He confided that as an adult he was uncomfortable with the idea of braces. Upon further questioning I discovered his dentist never discussed other options with him, and if he had been made aware options outside of traditional braces he would have probably corrected his smile. Well, it is never too late! The advances in orthodontics have been tremendous and the options are endless!

If you can relate to this man’s story…

Six Month Smiles© may be the answer to achieving YOUR perfect smile!

The perfect candidates for Six Month Smiles© are…

· Adults (15-years-old and older)

· People with crowded teeth

· People with spaced out teeth

· People who want something that fits into your lifestyle

· People who want a quick result

· People who want treatment that is virtually unnoticeable

Six Month Smiles’© key components are using clear braces with the primary focus on moving the teeth that show when you smile quickly and safely.

The advantages of Six Month Smiles© over traditional braces are…

· Shortened treatment time…Which means you get you get your dream smile sooner!

· Gentler movements of the teeth

· Less painful

· The risk of damage to your teeth, gums and bone is less

If you or someone you know could benefit from Six Month Smiles© don’t wait 30 years to do something about it. Talk to Six Month Smiles© provider today! You don’t have to wait your dream smile could be as close as six months!!!

Gum Disease

Gum Disease...Now what? 

Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? Do you have chronic bad breath that doesn’t get better with improved hygiene or a change in diet? You may not realize it, but these can be signs of a serious health concern.  By ignoring these symptoms of a serious infection in your mouth you are playing Russian Roulette with your teeth and your overall health.  And, according to very recent scientific research, it seems plausible (even likely) that lifespan may be negatively affected.

If you have the above oral symptoms it is likely that you have some form of gum disease - as do greater than 70% of all adults.  The 2 most common, scientific names for gum disease are Gingivitis and Periodontitis.  They represent stages of gum disease.  That is ... Gingivitis is early and affects gums only; while Periodontitis is more advanced and affects the underlying (supportive) bone around the teeth.  Both start as a bacterial infection in the gums (and later the surrounding tissues) and are also affected by your body's "sensitivity".  In other words, gum disease is similar to allergies - some people are majorly affected; some minor; while others (those lucky ones) remain unaffected.

If gum disease is left untreated the prognosis is not good.  Infections in the mouth that are not treated will travel throughout the bloodstream and into other body systems. Untreated gum disease can tax your immune and cardiovascular systems causing major health problems, and in severe cases death.  However, this is not the only problem with untreated gum disease.  Untreated gum disease also causes tooth loss.  The infection in the gums will spread to the underlying bone and eventually lead to unnecessary gum recession and bone loss which leaves little support for remaining teeth and causes loose, unstable teeth, and tooth loss. 

X-ray showing significant bone loss caused by periodontal disease. 

Here’s the good news! Is it is treatable.  It is thought that over 75% percent of the  adult population has some form of gum disease. It is often under treated, because for many people it is painless.  And without regular dental exams would go largely unnoticed by a vast majority of the US population.   

Symptoms of gum disease include:

·        Bleeding gums  

·        Tender gums

·        Bright red or purple swollen gums

·        Shiny gums

·        Mouth sores

 

Healthy gums are pink, do not bleed and are not swollen .

 

Symptoms of advanced gum disease include:

·      Bleeding gums

·       Pus and much odor 

·       Loose or mobile teeth

·       Receding gums

 

Risk factors for gum disease include:

·        Pregnancy

·        Poor Dental Hygiene

·        Tobacco use of any kind

·        Certain bodily infections

·        Uncontrolled Diabetes

·        Misaligned teeth (crowded teeth, crooked teeth, etc…)

·        Malocclusion (overbite, cross-bite, etc…)

·        Poor fitting dental appliances (crowns, bridges, dentures, etc…)

·        Some medications, including birth control
 

If you have any of these risk factors it is very important to see your dentist regularly!

Treatment of gum disease includes:

·        Reduce the inflammation

·        Regular/more frequent dental hygiene visits (a minimum of twice a year)

·        If gum disease is severe enough a deeper cleaning called, perio scaling and root planning ,will be recommended.  This is just a cleaning that goes below the gum line and into the perio pockets around the tooth, or gum tissue surrounding the tooth, where the tooth and gums meet.

·        Meticulous at-home oral hygiene, with daily flossing

·        Correcting  misaligned teeth with orthodontic treatment

·        Replacing poor fitting dental appliances with proper fitting ones

·        Treating any bodily infections and proper management of diabetes

·        Using antibacterial mouthwashes and other aids

·        In rare cases where gum disease is not responding to treatment surgery my be required

See your dentist right away if you suspect you might have gum disease. Gum disease is just one of many reasons regular dental check-ups are good for your overall health!

What are Veneers?

What are Veneers?

George Clooney: Veneers lengthened and lightened his smile for a more youthful appearance.

What are veneers, you ask? Veneers are Hollywood’s best kept secret! Just take a look at some before and after photos of some of Hollywood’s best smiles and you will see some veneers, for sure!

Veneers are similar to "false finger nails" for teeth.  They are a thin restorative material placed over the outside tooth surface to either protect the tooth or to improve the tooth’s appearance. The material used , usually, is a ceramic of one type of another.  The best material today is a Lithium Disilicate type that is ultra strong even when only .5 mm in thickness.  Sometimes a composite resin (bonding) material (the stuff we do tooth colored fillings with) may be used.

Demi Moore: Veneers Straitened, lengthened, and brightened her smile

Porcelain (Ceramic) Veneers differ from Crowns in that they only cover one surface of the tooth (the side you see when you smile), instead of wrapping all the way around the tooth like a crown.  Thus, a big advantage of veneers is that very little natural tooth structure must be removed to place a veneer.  Certain cases can be treated with virtually NO tooth preparation whatsoever.  Lumineers is the older version (20 year old technology) of the "prep-less" veneers -- today our materials are even stronger and more natural looking!

Veneers can be used to restore a single tooth that has been broken or discolored, or to make over an entire smile.  They can close spaces between teeth, lengthen teeth and provide uniform shape and symmetry.  Veneers can be like "instant orthodontics" and the best part is that they fix anything else that might be bothering you about your smile.

Porcelain Veneer

Picking a cosmetic dentist can be a little tricky.  Make sure to ask to see many before and after photos of actual cases that they have performed.  Also, some dental offices, like mine, have software that will allow you to see a “Digital Imaged” case (before and after pictures) so that you are better able to visualize your would-be new smile.  This is a huge advantage as you can play with the shape, length and color of your teeth to see how it will look on you! This will allow you to customize your smile, for your features, unique to you!  

 

Some dental offices will request you do a “wax up,” or a model of your teeth to see the end result.  Also, beware of the ceramic material chosen as some offices and labs are usuing materials that are "old school" and they might appear more opaque (fake) upon final cementation.  This subtle difference in the cermics can make a huge difference in the appearance of the veneer. 

I know that fees (price) are on your mind.  For the best type of Ceramic Veneers you can expect to spend over a $1,000 a tooth.  So, for some the alternative types of Veneers (bonding) makes the most sense.  Surprisingly, even some dental insurances companies will cover a portion of the costs.

The smile improvement resulting from Veneers (and associated benefits of improved self confidence, etc), however, many times is a life changing event (so "worth" is difficult to assess in those cases).  See my previous blog "True Value of a Smile" (click here). Veneers are also considered "permanent" and are expected to last many, many years.  In short, veneers have been, and remain, a stellar means of smile improvement.  Might you consider the possibilities?

Dental Anxiety and Dental Sedation

Relaxation Techniques for Dental Anxiety and Dental Oral Sedation

Dental visits feel like this for some patients

With over 20 years experience as a practicing dentist it is very, very clear (sad but true) that dental anxiety is a very real and scary thing for quite a few people.  Few things can elicit the very severe anxiety that dentistry causes in these folks.  Last week, I wrote a blog (click here) about why people really don’t have to be afraid of the dentist, but I understand that some people need more than a pep talk. So, this week is dedicated to solutions for dental anxiety.  

·        Bring a comfort item from home – This can include a blanket, stuffed animal, favorite playlist on your iPod, aromatherapy, favorite movie (for offices with TVs), or warm compress.  As long as it is not distracting to other patients or the dental team it is probably fine to bring. Just in case, you might ask first ... Though most dental offices will welcome whatever makes you happy!

·       Get a good night’s sleep the night before your appointment- It sounds simple, but people can deal with stress and anxiety much better when they are well rested.

           Here are some In-Office (do-it-yourself) Tips ... 
                                              Oral Sedation is Discussed further below  
    Deep Breathing – This is breathing in your nose for a slow count of 3.  Holding it for 3 slow seconds, then breathing out for a slow 3 seconds, repeatedly. This breathing can help to reduce the amount of adrenaline and cortisol your body produces when it is under stress.

·        Guided Imagery and Self-Hypnosis – Try to imagine that you are in a favorite place, such as a beach, lake, Grandma’s house or anywhere you feel safe. This can be used in conjunction with relaxation and soothing play-loops on your iPod, and can be very effective.  

·        Progressive Muscle Relaxation – This is done by tensing one muscle group for 8-10 seconds and then letting the muscle group relax and release. When combined with soothing sounds and deep breathing this can be a great tool!

·        Express your concerns with your dental team – Let them know what your fears are.  Often times your dental team might have a solution that will help ease your mind.  For example, one patient I know felt more comfortable under the lead vest we use for x-rays.  

Dentistry with proper relaxation techniques or sedation

ORAL SEDATION Dentistry ... If all these suggestions don’t help then it is time discuss sedation.  Sedation is a great option for people who need a little extra help to get through their dental procedure and there is no shame in using it.  There are several types of sedation, but the two most commonly used in dental offices are conscious sedation (oral sedation) and IV sedation.

·        Conscious Sedation - is sometimes referred to as oral sedation, because it is administered orally.  Conscious sedation requires that you take a pill one hour prior to your procedure.  Technically you'll be "awake" during the procedure, but you will be so relaxed that you won’t have a care in the world.  Interestingly, after even many hours of dental treatment with oral sedation dentistry, patients don’t even recall the procedure at all or even being in the dental office.  This requires that you have an escort to drive you home and stay with you for several hours after the procedure.  When proper precautions have been taken (following rigid guidelines for patient selection and drug admnistration), Oral Sedation Dentistry safety record is safer than even IV Sedation. (per data from world renowned Dental Oral Sedation Organization - "DOCS").

·        IV Sedation – is administered through an IV.  This sedation can be administered by a sedation team either in a hospital or in the dental office, or by a dentist who has extra education and training in IV sedation.  My personal preference with IV Sedation is for a Board Certified MD to administer the Sedation (while the dentist takes care of the dentistry) -- to ensure the utmost safety. During this type of sedation you will be unconscious completely or in such a deep sedative state that you are unable to respond to any verbal commands; and would require assistance breathing.

If you have a real fear of the dental procedures talk to your dentist and come up with a plan before your appointment.  Consider treatment with a trusted and experienced oral sedation care dentist in the St Louis area.  The days of “dental horror” stories can be a thing of the past.  Sometimes the scariest step is just making that first call.  Don’t let fear keep you out of the dental chair, you are not alone - and many, many success stories are out there.  You can be one also! 

Dental Anxiety

 

Why You should NOT be Afraid of the Dentist

I often hear people complain about having to go to the dentist for their 6-month check-up.  I often wonder… Why?  Isn’t getting your teeth cleaned like taking your car to be detailed and waxed? Who doesn’t want a nice freshly polished smile?  After much thought, I compiled a list of reasons to not be afraid of the dentist.

1.     You get a chance to catch up with your dentist and the dental team!

Believe it or not, dentists have patients who cannot wait to come into the office to show off the most recent pictures of their families, tell them about their child’s honor roll, or let them know about a new grandbaby. Here is the other secret…the dental team looks forward to hearing about it! Over time they build relationships with their patients, and look forward to the chance to visit.  Sometimes those bi-annual check-ups are the only time they get a chance to say hi, hug the babies and see how big the kids are getting.

2.     Your dentist can make your smile amazing!

Dentists can help you brighten your smile with whitening, achieve a smile you have always wanted, or even straighten your teeth!  They can also give you great advice on at-home-hygiene, diet, and habits that will help you maintain that gorgeous smile! See my previous blog:  The True Value of a Smile

3.     Your dentist can save your life!

Did you know that infections that occur in your mouth can actually affect your overall health? Case in point…If your foot gets infected and is left untreated your entire well-being and life are at risk. This is true for infections in the mouth as well.  Moreover, every time you go in for a routine check-up your dentist checks to make sure there are no signs of oral cancer.  Your dentist is your ally and wants to help you!

4.     Your dentist wants to help you keep your choppers!

By seeing your dentist regularly you can minimize damage to your teeth.  Your dentist will be able to catch decay early, advise you on anything that might be damaging your teeth, and catch any other areas of concern.  Also, diagnosing and treating infections in the mouth early helps to reduce premature tooth loss and can save your life.

5.     Your dentist is there to help you!

Dentists are there for you.  They can help you with any medical concerns you have.  If you are in pain, your dentist can help alleviate that pain. You can discuss that bad breath that you are afraid to mention to anyone else.  You can talk about your fears and your dentist will understand.  Your dentist is looking out for your best interest and has a lot of training and education.  They have countless hours of formal education and hands on training, and many dentists complete a residency and keep up with continuing education annually.  They are constantly looking for new and improved ways to help meet your needs in the best possible way.  

6.     Your dentist understands you!

It seems that everyone has a horror story about a past dental visit.  Telling people you are dentist can be compared to telling someone you are pregnant.  Everyone has a horror story they need to share.  Dentists understand that your concerns are very real.  They want you to have a positive experience as much as you do. Dentistry has made amazing strides in recent years to alleviate the bad experiences that people have had in the past.  Dentists and their teams are trained to address your concerns and to make you as comfortable as possible.  Your needs as their patient are their top priority!

7.     You get a new toothbrush, toothpaste and floss!

Who doesn’t love free stuff? 

These are all reasons to NOT fear the dentist.  If you find that your dentist is not meeting your needs and you are fearful of going to him/her, then you should consider finding a new office.  There are many dentists that will address your concerns with sympathy, compassion, and patience.  Many dental offices offer sedation, relaxation tools, and a friendly face.  Don’t allow fear to keep you from taking care of your health, teeth and mouth.  Who knows…You might even make some new friends!