Halitosis

Chronic Halitosis is an "odor" that is the result of bacteria in the mouth and on the tongue. It causes the formation of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC's) in the form of hydrogen sulfides. Chronic Halitosis is a long term problem that requires extended treatment and professional help.

It is estimated that 40 million people in America suffer from chronic halitosis. Ninety percent of chronic halitosis has no permanent cure.

The Solution to Chronic Halitosis: BreathRx fights both the cause and the effect of bad breath. It contains Zytex, a unique and powerful dual-action complex that fights bad breath. First, Zytex reduces the foul smelling volatile sulfur compounds that give the odor of bad breath. Secondly, Zytex kills the organisms responsible for the formation of VSC's. BreathRx, 100% alcohol free, out performs other products that only mask odor or remain temporarily effective. Now, YOU can have confidence that you truly have the cleanest breath possible with BreathRx.

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Ceramic Fillings

With today's technology, we are able to provide natural looking restorations that have the similar hardness as your natural teeth, and best of all, resembles your natural tooth color.

Ceramic fillings have been practiced since 1988, and have been proven to have many benefits over the traditional silver or gold restorations. Since the ceramic is bonded into the tooth, it has greater longevity and strength. This bonding technique prevents micro-leakage and gapping, which may lead to further tooth decay underneath the filling. Also, because the ceramic filling does not contract and expand in your mouth, the likelihood of a cracked or fractured tooth is rare.

If you currently have silver or gold restorations, do not fret, they can easily be replaced with new ceramic fillings.

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Dental Implants

Benefits of dental implants:

1. Looks, feels and functions like natural teeth
2. Can to be cleaned like a natural tooth
3. Preserves bone because it replaces the tooth root
4. Virtually stops the bone deterioration process
5. Does not compromise adjacent teeth
6. Provides long term esthetics - preventing bone collapse and maintains the integrity of facial structures
7. Improves facial appearance by restoring lost lip support
8. Increases comfort and stability
9. Eliminates pain of dentures and partials
10. Eliminates need for adhesives or adjustments
11. Restores natural biting and chewing capacity

What is a Dental Implant? A dental implant is a tooth root replacement. It is bio-compatible and securely fuses to the bone. It is a way to replace missing teeth without compromising adjacent teeth or bone integrity.

Is an implant better than my natural teeth? No, nothing is better than what nature gave you, but dental implants are the closest thing to your natural teeth. Dental Implants have continued to evolve and improve. They have been in use for over 30 years with excellent success.

Is it painful? Since the bone lacks nerve endings, there is generally very little discomfort associated with implant placement. Our patients usually take a mild pain medication the day of the procedure.

How long does it take? Simple cases can often be completed within 8 weeks. More complex cases may need additional treatment and can take up to 6 - 12 months to complete.

Will I be without my teeth? We are often able to place a temporary replacement tooth/teeth immediately. Occasionally, 2-3 days to a week are necessary to allow swelling to resolve prior to placement of a temporary restoration.

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Sealants

Sealants are recommended to prevent enamel break down, which causes cavities because the sealant creates a barrier against plaque and food.

Your dentist or hygienist will apply the sealant easily and quickly to the back molars, which are more likely to develop tooth decay. First, each tooth is thoroughly cleaned. Second, a safe acid solution is placed on each molar to create a rough surface, so the sealant can adhere to the tooth. Then the sealant, a gel like substance, is applied to the tooth enamel; it bonds to the tooth and hardens, sealing the teeth and protecting them from the dangers of tooth decay.

Since a sealant holds up well under the force of biting and chewing, it rarely has to be redone. Keep in mind, however, that your dentist will periodically check the condition of the sealant and see if any teeth need to be recoated.

REMINDER: Even though the sealant has been applied, you must continue to brush and floss your teeth twice a day and have regular dental visits.

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Teeth Whitening
courtesy of Pro Active Care

1. Brite Smile Teeth Whitening

Brite Smile is the most advanced state-of-the-art technology to whitening teeth, and has achieved an average 9+ shades whiter with many patients. This is one of the first systems to whiten all of the teeth at the same time. The results last from 2-3 years assuming good oral health and staying away from staining agents. In one short hour, you can have a brighter, whiter smile.

The Brite Smile system has been proven to be a safe method of teeth whitening. The Brite Smile gel is primarily hydrogen peroxide, which will not soften enamel or damage existing fillings. Plus, only licensed and properly trained dental professionals are allowed to perform this procedure.

2. Teeth Whitening

What is Teeth Whitening? Teeth whitening utilizes hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to lighten the discoloration of the enamel and dentin. The whitening gel is placed in a customized tray and can be worn during the day or over night while you sleep.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe? YES! Research and clinical studies have proven that whitening teeth with peroxide, under the supervision of a dental professional, is completely safe for enamel, dentin and soft tissue.

Are there any side effects associated with teeth whitening? Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity, which is temporary and disappears within 1-2 days after treatment completion.

How long does teeth whitening take? Results are usually noticed after the very first application and maximum results generally occur when the treatment is continued for 7-14 days.

How long does teeth whitening last? Typical results last several years. Patients can "touch up" for a few days once or twice a year, especially if the patient continues to use staining substances like coffee, tea, tobacco or red wine.

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Cleanings

Dental cleaning is the scaling and prophylaxis, or polishing performed by a Dentist, Dental Hygienist or Dental Therapist to treat gingivitis as well as prevent tooth decay and periodontis. It usually involves the removal of plaque and its calcified form known as tartar from above the gum line. Plaque often forms in areas that are difficult to brush or floss and beneath the gum line where the seal between gum and tooth has failed due to bacterial activity. Left undisturbed, plaque hardens into tarter.

Plaque and most tarter can be removed with a cavitron, which uses ultrasonic sound waves traveling through a jet of water to vibrate plaque and tarter from teeth. (Those who wear a pacemaker should not get ultrasonic cleaning, because a cavitron can interfere with the function of the pacemaker.) The remainder of the tarter must be removed with scaling tools, which are specially shaped scrapers.

Prophylaxis involves the use of a toothpaste with more abrasive particles than normal on a small rubber cup or brush in a drill motor to abrade away stains and microscopic plaque deposits and polish the teeth to discourage future plaque adhesion.

The amount of time needed for dental cleaning is a function of your oral health. Those who have not had regular cleanings will require more time than the normal 25 to 30 minutes. Cleaning should be performed every six months to prevent excessive plaque accumulation.

After cleaning, the gums may briefly bleed due to underlying inflammation caused by the plaque that was present. The tongue may feel that there are gaps between the teeth that are actually the real teeth and gum surfaces that were previously covered with tarter. The tongue soon becomes accustomed to the real mouth.

Teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks, because any exposed root surface that was covered by plaque and calculus is now exposed to the oral environment. With regular cleaning and good oral hygiene, the sensitivity should cease.

There is no pain associated with cleaning teeth, but on occasion the ultrasonic jet of water or a dental pick may irritate sensitive gums. this pain quickly dissipates.

Root planning is the cleaning of pockets between tooth and gum beneath the gum line to stop the cycle of infection, inflammation and separation of bone and gum that can result in tooth loss. Sometimes local anesthesia is needed to prevent pain. Depending on the degree of difficulty, root planning can require several dental visits.

Ear, throat and even lung infections have been trace to tooth and gum infections, so the importance of good oral hygiene and frequent dental cleaning cannot be overstated.

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Preventing Tooth Decay with Fluoride
courtesy of CDA

What is Fluoride? Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally present in varying amounts in almost all foods and water supplies. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making teeth stronger.

What is the best way to get fluoride? You can get fluoride in two ways systemically (swallowed and then absorbed into the system) and topically (applied to the surface of the tooth). We obtain fluoride systemically when a food or liquid containing fluoride is swallowed. The fluoride is taken into the body and is absorbed by the teeth where fluoride acts directly on the tooth enamel.

Systemic and topical fluoride can safely be used individually or in combination to help strengthen the teeth against decay.

Who benefits from fluoride? Everyone can benefit from fluoride's ability to help prevent tooth decay. Many community water districts have either naturally occurring fluoride in their water or they add fluoride to their systems so everyone in the community can benefit. Unfortunately, only 17% of California's water supply is fluoridated meaning individuals who live in areas without fluoridated water must find other ways to get enough fluoride to help prevent tooth decay. As of November 1999, the Encinitas water is not fluoridated.

How can I get fluoride? You can get fluoride from a variety of sources. One easy way to get fluoride is to make sure you are brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste. You can also ask your family dentist if you are getting enough fluoride or if there is something else you should be doing to be sure you are getting its full benefit.

Throughout California many schools conduct weekly fluoride mouth rinse programs. These programs are carried out under the supervision of an adult and can reduce the incidence of tooth decay by about 30% in both fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas.

What to remember? Fluoride alone will not prevent tooth decay. It is important to remember to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day to remove plaque buildup. Eat a balanced diet and limit your number of snacks. See your family dentist regularly.

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Porcelain Veneers

In the last ten years, veneers have become a very popular way to improve a person's appearance.

Less evasive than a traditional cap, the veneer only requires a light filing of the tooth's surface. The purpose of filing is to provide adequate space to fit the veneer. From the impression taken of the prepped area, hand sculpted pieces of porcelain are molded to match the shape and color of your teeth.

The best thing about Porcelain Veneers is that in just two short visits, you can have a new smile.

TIP: You can double the impact of your new smile by whitening your teeth before your veneer procedure.

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