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- Are Silver Amalgam Fillings Hazardous to my Health? 2317 view(s)
- Do I Need Dentures (False Teeth)? Do I Have Alternatives? 2296 view(s)
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- Clear Braces - What are the Choices and Cost? 1861 view(s)
- Home Remedies: How to Fix or Remedy a Toothache or Sore Tooth Until You Get to the Dentist 1404 view(s)
- Teeth Whitening: What Works and What Doesn't 1317 view(s)
- Importance of Equipment & Technology when Finding a Dentist 1312 view(s)
- What is a Root Canal or Endodontic Surgery? 1237 view(s)
- Guide to Finding a Good Dentist in San Francisco, CA 1137 view(s)
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To sleep or not to sleep, that is the question. Sedation dentistry can be very helpful for fearful patients or for procedures that require extensive work without the patient feeling or remembering it. Sedation does not necessarily mean that you are asleep but it can help put you in a calm state of being. Oral consciousness and IV sedation can be used in general dentistry or in speciality offices.
If the thought of getting a filling sends you reeling in fear, an oral sedation might help you out. Normally, oral sedation is medication used to help calm or relieve some stress of going to the dentist. It is a popular treatment option for many people because it does not require the use of a needle. Medication is prescribed to you to take the night before the appointment. This ensures that you have a good night’s sleep and can make you very calm before the appointment. Sometimes, the dentist can pair the oral medication with nitrous oxide (laughing gas). This air inhalant can further the feeling of relaxation. The best part of this form of sedation is that it can be cleared out of your body before your appointment is over. Even though the laughing gas is out of your body, you still need to have someone drive you to your appointment and drive you home.
All the same rules apply for IV sedation. IV or intravenous sedation achieves the calm state but can be quick acting. A needle and tubing is placed into your arm and anti-anxiety medication can be administered directly into your bloodstream. The nice thing about this form of sedation is that the medication can be adjusted during the procedure so that you can remain comfortable at all times. The not so nice thing is that if you are afraid of needles, this may not be the avenue for you. Unfortunately, needles are still involved in the appointment either way. The dentist needs to use local anesthetics to get the teeth numb so that your are completely comfortable throughout the appointment.
If these two forms of sedation still cannot relax you during your procedures, then general anesthesia needs to come into play. This is the true “sleep dentistry.” A dental anesthesiologist or an oral surgeon can administer this type of sedation. You are completely asleep while the needed treatment is performed on you in only one appointment. It is very effective but there are risks to this type of sedation, most notably the need for assisted breathing. While sleep dentistry is an acceptable form of sedation for the dentist, it can take a toll on your wallet. Most dental insurance companies do not cover the cost of having general anesthesia and it can be expensive. However, this may be the only way to get work done, if oral medication or IV sedation is not an option.
Sedation dentistry can truly make your visit a pleasant one, rather than a white knuckle fearful one. Doctorbase can help you search for a local dentist that specializes in sedation dentistry.
-Alissa
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The Real Housewives of Orange County do it. Heck, Heidi Montag from MTV’s reality TV show The Hills did it 10 times in 1 day at the age of 23. But plastic surgery isn’t just for the rich and famous anymore. Just because you didn’t win the genetic lottery doesn’t mean you can’t look like you did. That’s right kiddies, even YOU can have a new rack, the butt of an 18 year old gymnast, or a look of complete apathy even when you’re smiling from ear to ear.
Whether your motivation is to keep up with Jones’s or to simply have your 65 year old face match your 18 year old inner-self, here are some safeguards to take before voluntarily going under the knife:
Make sure your surgeon is licensed AND board certified. You can find this information by visiting your state’s medical board website. In California, the site will provide you with information regarding if and when the surgeon was licensed, any board certifications they hold, any disciplinary action that has been taken against the surgeon, where the surgeon went to medical school, and where they currently practice.
Get referrals by asking around. This is not the time to use the Yellow Pages. You can, however, use the DoctorBase database to find a surgeon with rave reviews that been verified. You can also ask neighbors, friends, co-workers and anyone else you know. Luckily, you won’t have to trust their word. The proof will be written all over their face, or body, depending on what procedures they’ve had done.
Shop around. Go to more than one doctor and ask to see the before and after photos of their work. Talk to them, see how thorough they are when discussing options, possible complications and fees. If you get a nagging feeling that something’s just not right, listen to yourself and run like the wind.
If you follow the above recommendations you’ll be well on your way to finding a reputable, talented and legitimate surgeon to fit all your plastic surgery needs.
Good luck and happy new you!
-Jenna
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If you are like most adults over the age of 18, you’ve probably had your wisdom teeth removed. If you have, then you most likely saw an Maxillofacial Surgeon. Surely they must do more than pull teeth, and they do. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons care for patients with problem wisdom teeth, facial pain, and misaligned jaws. They treat accident victims suffering facial injuries, place dental implants, care for patients with oral cancer, tumors and cysts of the jaws, and perform facial cosmetic surgery. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the surgical specialists of the dental profession. In addition to earning their degree in dentistry, they also complete four to six year surgical residencies that specifically train them in anesthesia administration including local anesthesia (shots), laughing gas, I.V. sedation and general anesthesia. All of this extra education makes the Maxillofacial Surgeon highly qualified to diagnose, treat and manage the conditions, defects, and injuries of the mouth, teeth, jaws and face. Among the conditions and symptoms treated by oral and maxillofacial surgeons are:
Diagnosis and management of impacted teeth and tooth extraction
The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow at an angle relative to the other teeth, partially emerge from the gum, or even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.
Facial pain, including problems related to issues relating to temporomandibular joint disease (TMJ)
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a unique joint that is located in front of the ear where the skull and the lower jaw meet. It allows the lower jaw to move and function. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction may present a variety of symptoms such as earaches, headaches, neck pain, and limited mouth opening. People may also complain of joint noises such as clicking or grating sounds, or pain when opening and closing the mouth. TMJ treatment may range from conservative dental and medical care to complex surgery.
Diagnosis and removal of oral cancers
Maxillofacial Surgeons can treat cancers in the head and mouth region, by performing biopsies and other tests and procedures that are required to diagnose the problem and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment and repair of injuries to the face, jaws, mouth and teeth caused by trauma
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts in treating trauma, including fractures of the upper and lower jaws and eye sockets, and the cosmetic management of facial injuries.
The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is an important member of your dental team of specialists due to their advanced training in anesthesia, their surgical and dental background and their ability to reconstruct facial structures damaged through trauma and/or cancer.
-Cheryl
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You have nothing to be afraid of!
Going to the dentist is not one of the most exciting things to do in your day. Yet you go, get a cleaning, an exam with the dentist, and a goody bag and you’re good to go. Most people can handle this and other dental procedures, but there are some that can’t. A dental phobia is very real and can be very debilitating. There is some apprehension to having someone stick their gloved hands in your mouth, ask you a question with sharp instruments in it, and a glaring light in your face. It isn’t the most fun, but should not be something that causes phobia.
As a child, every adult seems large in size compared to themselves. When children visit the dentist for the first time, the dentist and their hands reaching toward their small mouths probably seems like a giant’s. If the dentist is not sensitive to a child, that child can grow up with an irrational fear of a dentist. I have heard many times in my chair that adults are afraid of the dentist because of a negative childhood experience. In the past, it was not common practice for dentists to use anesthesia on a child. Some dentists would tell parents that baby teeth have no feeling and that they would not need to numb them for certain procedures. We now know that simply is not true. So now we have a large generation of people as adults,that have this fear when visiting the dentist.
Some people never had a phobia as a child, but had one bad experience as an adult. This lone experience can cause people to not return to the dentist at all. If teeth are left to their own devices, they can have a cavity party! That is not a good thing for a dental phobic. Regular visits can prevent cavities and an emergency in the future.
So what is a phobic to do about the daunting task of going to the dentist? There is always an answer but it depends on the person and how severe the fear is. General dentists can start with talking to a phobic patient. Sometimes just knowing what is going to happen before it happens can put people at ease.
If talking doesn’t calm the nerves, then medication definitely can. Dentists can prescribe a light sedative to patients. They usually take it before the appointment but need to be driven home once the procedure is finished. If all else fails, there are dentists that specialize in sedation dentistry. There are various way a sedation dentist can deliver the drugs, either intravenous (IV) sedation through a tube that goes into the arm or hand or a strong oral sedative. Many times tranquilizers, anti-anxiety medications and depressants are combined with nitrous oxide in the office. These levels of sedation can be safe but not a great way to always receive dental care.
At some point the phobia needs to be dealt with. Present day dentistry is not what it was thirty years ago. The modalities have improved and so have the dentists. People know that going to the dentist is not the most comfortable thing to do, but offices are trying very hard to make it as comfortable as possible. There are offices now that consider themselves “Spa Dental Offices.” They offer great dental care along with spa like amenities. Some have massage chairs, aromatherapy towelettes, and even a masseuse to massage your back and feet. If you need a little more TLC than a massage, then searching for a sedation dentist is easier then the click of a mouse. Doctorbase has a great way to search for a sedation dentist and even narrow down the search close to your house. Dental phobias are real but they don’t have to be a real pain.
-Alissa
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Relax!
Imagine being crushed by 250 pounds! YOWZERS! Well, you may be one of the 30 million Americans who grind, clench and gnash your teeth on a nightly basis. Clenching and grinding are medically known as bruxism and for all you bruxers out there, you are unknowingly exerting a range of 100 to 600 pounds per square inch of force on your poor little teeth!
Many people do not realize they grind their teeth. Bruxism usually occurs during the night and may become strident enough to awaken their sleep partner. Some tell-tale signs are associated with TMJ disorders such as soreness near the ears when yawning or chewing, tenderness of the jaw muscles, clicking or popping of the jaw and headaches. Additional symptoms may include worn down, flattened, fractured, loose or chipped teeth; chewed-up cheek tissue; increased tooth sensitivity and ultimately tooth loss.
What triggers bruxism?
Unfortunately, the exact cause of bruxism is unknown. However, stress and anxiety are believed to be the chief cause…so calm down and RELAX! An abnormal bite and missing or crooked teeth are thought to elicit grinding and clenching as well. Children are often prone to bruxism as grinding may be related to growth and development of the jaw and teeth. Conversely, juvenile bruxism will usually disappear by adolescence.
Specific treatments for bruxism should be determined by your dental practitioner. In many cases, bruxism can be treated by a custom-made mouth guard or splint prescribed by your dentist. In other circumstances, clenching and grinding may be successfully treated by specialized behavior modifications which involve relaxing the tongue and lips. Other reported treatments include daily exercise, alcohol and caffeine reduction and hypnosis. To sum it up, decreasing your tension and stress will not only prolong the life of your teeth, but your life in general!
-Katie
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According to the Academy of Periodontology (AAP) three out of four Americans suffer from some form of gum disease – from mild cases of gingivitis, to the more severe form known as periodontitis. However, despite this prevalence, approximately only three percent seek treatment for their gum disease. With recent research indicating that gum disease may be linked to several other diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and certain forms of cancer, maintaining healthy teeth and gums has become more important than ever. So, if these statements are true, then why aren’t more people seeing their dentist to find out if they do have gum disease? Could the reason be that most people do not realize the importance of good oral health? Here are 4 common myths that people believe about periodontal disease and some facts about oral health that you may find helpful.
MYTH #1: The only people who get gum disease are the people who don’t clean their teeth well.
It’s true that brushing and flossing are very important for reducing your risk for getting gum disease, but seeing your dentist and dental hygienist on a regular basis for a professional cleaning is what is important to keep your smile healthy. Also, keep in mind that if you are a smoker, take certain medications, or have a family history of gum disease, you may be at a higher risk for developing gum problems.
MYTH #2: Bleeding when I brush is normal and is nothing to worry about.
Ok, so let me ask you this – if your scalp bled every time you brushed your hair, would you be concerned? Would you go to your doctor to find out why? I hope so! So, the same goes for your gums. Bleeding when you brush and/or floss is NOT NORMAL. Bleeding is an important warning sign that you may have gum disease. Normal, healthy gums should not bleed when you brush and floss. Don’t be afraid to tell your dental professional if you notice bleeding gums.
MYTH #3: I will be able to tell if I have gum disease.
Like high blood pressure, most people will not be able to tell if they have gum disease–especially during the early (gingivitis) stages when the symptoms may be silent and not noticeable. Again, it is important to see your dentist/hygienist on a regular basis so that if you do have gum disease, it can be detected and treated early.
MYTH #4: I can take care of my gum disease all by myself. All I need to do is brush and floss more.
Gum disease is a bacterial infection that can cause permanent damage such as bone and tooth loss if left untreated. Sometimes brushing and flossing more may not be enough. Professional treatments such as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), and non-surgical laser therapy may be what is needed to get below the gumline and fight the infection at its source.
If you would like to know if you are one of the millions of Americans who may be at risk for gum disease, the AAP has a little test that you can take. Then check out the highly qualified dentists who can diagnose and treat any of you dental needs.
Here is a very informative video about gum disease:
-Cheryl
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Your smile is worth a million bucks...literally?
We all want perfect teeth, but at what cost? There are certain procedures that can be performed that can completely change the way your mouth looks, but it’s going to cost you!
Implants
If you have a missing tooth and want the replacement to look very natural, an implant is your best bet. Implants can be very expensive but is the most cost effective in the long run. Basically, an implant replaces the root and crown of a tooth. A post (or pin) is placed in the bone and usually made of titanium. The bone and the titanium post have to osteointegrate, which means the bone and post have to mesh together in order to be successful. Once that is complete, a crown that looks very much like a real tooth, is screwed into the post above the gum. And there you have it, a “new” tooth. The reason it is cost effective is that it only effects one tooth, as opposed to a bridge. A bridge normally involves three teeth, the tooth that is missing, and two teeth on either side of it. Studies have shown that an implant lasts much longer than a bridge. So, if you are missing a tooth and have money saved, this is for you.
Veneers
Do you envy the movie star smile? Do you wish you had straight, white teeth but don’t want to wear those metal braces? Then veneers are for you! Veneers are a shell of a crown, and affix to teeth usually in the front. They give the appearance of many different outcomes. It can make teeth look longer, wider, whiter, straighter, and all around different. But it comes at a cost. Veneers are not covered by dental insurance, because they are considered a cosmetic procedure. Again, if you have the money or can finance, veneers give a wonderful natural look to a new you.
Gum Surgery
You may not want the new you to involve gum surgery, but sometimes it is needed rather than wanted. Gum and bone disease are serious issues and need serious attention. The surgery can be expensive because it takes great skill in order to be performed properly. The down side is that once you have been diagnosed as needing gum surgery there is no getting around it. You can certainly put it off, but it is inevitable. Most people have negative comments about it, but once it’s done, you are healthy and can move on to the more “fun” procedures like bleaching!
Bleaching
Ahhh nothing like a pearly white grin to start the day! But bleach!? No, it’s not the bleach you use to get those whites white in the wash! It’s a special dental bleach that makes virgin teeth whiter. Now virgin teeth are teeth that do not have any crowns on top of them, any fillings on them or have been stained from the inside out. If you have teeth like that, particularly in the front of the mouth, then bleaching is not for you. But if you drink a lot of coffee or want to brighten that smile for a date then sign right up. There are three different ways to bleach and three different price tags. The first and most cost effective is over the counter bleaching strips. They can be messy and take up to 14 days to achieve the whiteness you desire. The second is bleaching trays from a dental office. You can have trays made especially for your mouth and you place bleach given to you by the dentist in them. The bleach concentration is a bit stronger than over the counter but can also take up to 14 days as well. The big hitter and the fastest way to a blindingly white mouth is doing an in-office bleach. It is expensive but you can have the desired whiteness done in about an hour. There are two different ways, ZOOM whitening system or BriteSmile system.
Braces
When thinking of braces, does it conjure up thoughts of horrible adolescent memories of being teased for having a metal mouth? Well, those days are long gone. Traditional braces, metal, can look pretty amazing in 2010. There are now clear braces, gold braces and you can pick any color under the sun to cover the brackets. And now the new trend is to use Invisalign. They are considered braces, just another way to straighten your teeth without the teasing. These procedures can be very expensive but so worth it in the long run. Parents want to see their children have straight teeth, but as a dental health professional I see braces as a way to stay healthy. When teeth are crowded it can make it difficult to brush them properly. If they are very crowded then flossing can seem impossible. If left crowded, over time the bone holding teeth in can be damaged and diseased. Conversely, if teeth are spaced too much, food can be jammed in between. This can be very annoying over time. Many people feel embarrassed by their spacing as well. Crowded or spaced, braces can solve the problems. Many general dentists are doing orthodontia now, so if you don’t want to go to an orthodontist, ask your dentist!
All of these dental procedures are expensive. It may seem daunting or aggravating to spend a lot on your mouth. Yet, these procedures take great knowledge and know how to be performed. Think of your mouth as a part of your overall health. Having the best person do the best job, affects your health!
-Alissa
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X-rays, and fillings, and crowns! Oh, my! If you have dental insurance then consider yourself fortunate. Nevertheless, do you know precisely what your dental insurance covers, and what it doesn’t?
Alright, before we get started let’s talk UCR fees to reduce any confusion. Most dental insurance companies utilize a “Usual, Customary and Reasonable” (UCR) fee guide to determine the portion of the dental treatment they will pay. In other words, insurance companies decide the price based not on what a dentist actually charges, but on what the insurance company believes is a “usual, customary and reasonable” fee for dental service. With that in mind, the insurance companies break down their coverage types into 3 main groups- Preventative, Basic and Major.
Preventative – Preventative dental services include routine cleanings, examinations, x-rays, sealants, and fluoride treatments. But wait, here’s the confusing part! Some of these items are considered preventative OR basic so it depends upon your insurance company. The good news is that the majority of insurance companies will cover 80-100% of UCR fees for these services!
Basic – Basic and restorative services include fillings, fixing chipped teeth, simple tooth extractions, periodontal treatment and occasionally crowns and root canals. Once again, this depends upon the insurance provider. Typical insurance coverage is around 80% of UCR fees.
Major – Major dental services are exactly that- major. These generally include crowns, bridges, dentures, partials, surgical tooth extractions and any other large, expensive dental procedures. On average, the insurance coverage is around 50% of UCR fees.
So, what do insurance companies NOT cover?
Well, basically anything considered to be “cosmetic dentistry”. This includes porcelain veneers, bleaching trays or tooth whitening procedures, tooth bonding to correct spaces between teeth and some dental implants. Overall, it is vital to analyze your insurance policy’s premiums, deductibles, and annual maximums specific to your dental insurance that meets your unique needs.
-Katie
-Kat
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Do you love to Yelp a place to eat sushi, or a fancy spa? Well, reviews about restaurants or local hangouts are great on Yelp but finding dentist reviews isn’t always so great. The anonymous person actually writing a review about their dental experience is a patient. They have the viewpoint of a person sitting in the chair looking at the bright light affixed to the ceiling. They do not know the inner workings of the anatomy of a dental office.
Yelpers use stars based on their experience. So, if someone did not like the way the dentist said hello or he did not wash his hands long enough before putting on gloves, that dentist could potentially get a low rating. That low rating in turn, turns people off to that particular dentist. What other Yelpers may not know, is that dentist could be the best dentist in the state. There are many dentist rating sites, but your best bet, if you like to do research before meeting a dentist, is to review all the sites. You can find incredibly detailed dentist reviews on DoctorBase, then try finding the same dentist on another. If they have good reviews on both or they have qualities that are appealing to you, then try them out.
The great thing about being a patient is that YOU have the choice of who you want your dentist to be. There is no law that says you have to stick with the first dentist you find on Yelp. In fact, a great dentist would encourage someone to find a second opinion – it only shows they are confident in their work. In my opinion, a great dentist would explain all needed procedures, explain the pros and cons of different procedures, allow the patient to have a say and ultimately allow the patient to make their own dental decisions. A great way to know if a potential dentist is an excellent dentist is to ask them when they last went to a continuing education class and what it was. Dental professionals must continue their education beyond graduation. If a dentist is on the cutting edge and is responsible to keep up with their profession, they will actively go to continue education.
Remember, Yelp is still a good way to find dentist reviews, but if you need more accurate reviews do some searching, that is the great thing about Google, there is always a site for something. I don’t know how I would rate this dentist…
Don’t forget to floss!
-Alissa
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Thanks to advances in dental technology, visits aren't like this.
Dentistry has come a long way since Moe pulled out Curley’s tooth with a pair of pliers while Larry held Curley down. If this image of dentistry has kept you from getting the smile you want, then you will be happy to hear that dentists now have a variety of tools that they can use to make the entire dental experience more pleasant than in the past.
Quiet hand drills and Isolite suction
Imagine a trip to the dentist with no high-pitched whining drills, no needles, and no water going down your throat. The Waterlase by Biolase Technology, Inc. can perform a variety of dental treatments without a dentist’s drill. The Waterlase combines a laser with water to cut the tooth or gums without the pain and numbness associated with traditional dental treatment. The Waterlase can remove cavities and even gum disease.
To help your dentist in removing saliva and water from your mouth during dental treatment, Isolite Dental has created a dental device to light up the mouth, hold back the cheek, and remove water and saliva. The Isolite system is composed of a soft, flexible mouthpiece that the dentist can use to see the top and bottom teeth at the same time while protecting the tongue and cheek. With the Isolite system, you won’t have to worry about keeping your mouth open while having saliva and water building up at the back of your throat.
Sedation dentistry and one-day crowns
Dentistry does not have to be painful or scary. Sedation dentistry offers safe, effective, and comfortable dental treatment to anxious and fearful patients. Whether it is a broken tooth that needs to be fixed, yellow teeth that need to be whitened, or pain that needs to be eliminated, dental sedation can help you have the fabulous smile you’ve always wanted. In fact, any dental procedure can be performed while you are sedated.
Here’s how it works: You are given a prescription sedative the night before your appointment. The day of your appointment, the dentist provides medication to you that have been safe and effective for decades. Your certified sedation dentist will make sure that you are being monitored throughout your whole sedation appointment. The result is you remember little to nothing of your time in the dental chair. Hours pass like minutes and more dentistry can be performed in a single visit because the dentist is able to work more efficiently.
While you are sedated, or if you need a new crown fast, Sirona has invented Cerec, which is an all porcelain crown that can be done in one hour. Most crowns require two dental appointments before you have your new crown. The Cerec machine does this entire process while you wait, saving you that second appointment. The Cerec crown is made with a CAD/CAM machine using an infrared photo of the tooth without messy, uncomfortable impressions. Cerek crowns look natural, with no dark gum line.
Intra-oral technology and DIAGNOdent
Most people value healthy and attractive teeth. The key to this is early detection and care. An intra-oral camera is a camera that has been designed to be used in the mouth for the purpose of taking video or still photography. For the dentist or hygienist it is helpful to be able to show the patient exactly what is going on inside their mouths and explain areas where attention may be needed. In addition, cameras can be used to take clear visual records for patient files, which can be used for discussion and consultations with other dental specialists.
The DIAGNOdent by KaVo uses reflected laser fluorescent light to determine if a tooth has decay. An audio signal alerts the operator and patient that there is a cavity in the tooth. The dentist no longer needs to use a dental pick to check for cavities. The DIAGNOdent is 90% accurate, simple, fast, and painless. It removes doubt from teatment and can even find small cavities at their earliest stage. With intra-oral cameras and DIAGNOdent, your dentist can offer the best and most conservative treatment for any of your dental needs.
So as you can see, with modern dental technology, your trip to the dentist can be quiet, more comfortable, stress-free, and painless while providing you, the patient, with healthy teeth and gums that you have always wanted. To find a dentist that provides these services and more, check out DoctorBase.com.
-Cheryl
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Manual or battery powered? Get your mind of out the gutter, I’m referring to toothbrushes! Today, types of toothbrushes range from manual to electric and even chewable. I was perfectly happy with a piece of wood and some horse hair, but there’s no stopping progress. So which type of toothbrush is right for you?
Electric Toothbrush
Pros: They do most of the work. All you have to do is move the toothbrush around every so often. With some of these models you don’t even have to think about how long you’ve been brushing for. The ever-popular Sonicare has an alarm that sounds when you’ve reached your two minutes of brushing time. I must confess, I happen to own one of these bad boys but never knew about the two minute beep. Apparently, I don’t brush my teeth long enough to reach the recommended two minutes. Don’t hate. At least I floss every day!
Cons: Price. You could spend upwards of $200 on a nice electric toothbrush, plus $30 for the replacement heads. They’re also a little bulky to travel with.
Traditional Manual Toothbrush
Pros: Cheap! There’s also no electric parts that can break and it fits easily into any travel bag. When it wears down, toss it and buy another one for the price of a pack of gum.
Cons: Well, it’s manual. It requires it’s handler (you) to actually move the toothbrush in the proper motion, constantly. I know, ridiculous. You also have to guess when your two minutes are up since there’s no fancy alarm on it.
Hard bristle vs. soft bristle brushes: When using a hard bristle brush it might appear that one is cleaning their teeth extra well, but tougher doesn’t always mean better. In reality, most dentists recommend soft bristles. Soft bristles are much gentler. They won’t tear up your gums like hard bristles might. They are also more flexible than hard bristles so they can get into those hard to reach areas of your teeth and gums making for a more effective cleaning process.
Chewable Toothbrushes
Someone finally did it. Fuzzy Brush has designed a “brush” that you toss in your mouth, maneuver around while chewing on it and then spit out. It even has a breath freshener built in. Great for when you’re on the go. It’s also advantageous to those children who seem to be allergic to brushing their teeth. Visit Fuzzy’s website for details about the materials and availability.
There are many other toothbrush options to consider, such as angled, straight, ones with rotating heads and vibrating ones. Whichever you decide on, choose one that’s comfortable to use. It won’t do much good sitting by the sink looking pretty.
If you’re interested in other dental technological advancements, check out my other article, Say Goodbye to the Drill and Hello to Waterlase.
-Jenna
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Don't panic! Image: Flickr/finephotography
Imagine this for a second- you’re ready to go away for a much needed weekend getaway, it’s a Friday evening and you break a tooth. Who is open on a Friday evening and can you even still go away? Well, don’t panic, dentists are out there to help you, even if you’re deathly afraid of them! Finding an emergency dentist can be daunting, but searching shouldn’t be stressful. Look for someone that is willing to come in after hours and especially open on weekends.
So what constitutes an emergency? An emergency can range from a toothache to a broken tooth to a sore on your lip. If you are not sure if it’s a true emergency or an annoyance you should always call a dental office to get an opinion. Here are some helpful tips for some of the most common tooth emergencies:
Toothache: If there is hot or cold sensitivity, it could be something more than an “ache” in your tooth. Sometimes, if you have sinus issues, pressure from your sinuses can put pressure on the roots of your teeth. This can feel like a toothache, but if more than one tooth is feeling this way, it is a good chance it is just your sinuses acting up.
Dental abscess: An abscess is a collection of infections that looks like a pimple on the gums. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
Broken tooth: If a tooth breaks, make sure you don’t swallow any piece of it. Put a cold compress on the area where the tooth broke.
A tooth that has been knocked out: Really make sure you don’t swallow this one! If you can put the tooth back into the area from which it fell out, that is great. If not, place the tooth in a cup of milk, and get to a dentist right away.
Lost filling or dental crown: The filling material cannot be placed back into the tooth, but a crown sometimes can. So, save that little guy and make your way to a dental office.
Sore on lip or tongue: There are various reasons why there are sores or pain on the lip and tongue. It is a good idea to get them checked out, even if it seems harmless.
These are some of the most common types of dental emergencies one could expect to see a dentist any day of the week. Make sure to always call a dentist for support and diagnosis. Hopefully, with good dental hygiene, you won’t have to have an emergency dental visit, especially if you are trying to get away for that weekend trip!
-Alissa
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Proper research will ensure you don't end up with this guy as your dentist! Image: Flickr/der_makabere
It can be easy to neglect your health by making poor decisions, especially during your hectic schedule and fast-paced lifestyle. Caring for your teeth should be at the top of your priority list. Aside from brushing and the “F-word” known as flossing, there are other ways in which you could be carelessly mistreating your pearly whites. Steer clear of these 3 common mistakes when it comes to tooth care:
1. Missing regular dentist checkups due to this bad economic time.
Times are tough…no joke! The majority of Americans are rethinking their financial situation and finding ways to budget. Unfortunately, this may include putting off your regular dental visits. Many patients come to the conclusion that “I don’t have a toothache so everything must be fine” attitude or “I probably have cavities but I’ll just live with it” and therefore spare the cost of seeing their dentist. However, it is vital to maintain your regular check-ups as well as your dental cleanings every 6 months. Early detection of gum disease, oral cancer and cavities may sometimes have no signs or symptoms at all that would prompt you to see your dentist before it becomes severe, painful and very costly.
2. Ignoring dental pain thinking it will go away.
Ouch! Dental pain can come from an array of sources including a cracked tooth, tooth eruption, tooth impaction, exposed root, cracked root, exposed nerve, dental cavities, gum disease, lodged food debris and TMJ discomfort, to name a few. Overlooking the feeling of pain can be dangerous. The sensation known as pain operates as your body’s warning system which indicates to your brain that there is a problem that requires immediate attention. Alert! Alert! Ignoring pain may cause infection and other serious and more agonizing health problems that could become more excruciating (and not to mention, expensive) than the original source of tooth pain. Most of the time, the origin of dental pain and their treatments are often fairly simple if you seek help from a dentist right away.
3. Not doing your research in choosing dental specialists.
Whether you are moving to a new area or you are unhappy with your current dentist, finding a dentist that is a perfect match for you can be challenging. Where to start!?! Yellow pages? Internet? Word of mouth? Closest dental office? Yes, these are all things to take into account. Also, does the dentist accept your insurance? Does the dentist offer multiple payment options? Aaah! So much to consider! Relax, an easy way to get started is to call or write your local or state dental society to locate a dentist with the specific credentials you are looking for. You may also visit DoctorBase to browse the verified unbiased reviews. Do not be afraid to contact the dental offices you may be interested in and inquire about their appointment schedule, fees, emergency care and any other questions you may have. Remember, a decent office staff person will not think any of your questions are stupid. Go visit the office. Does the office appear to be clean? Was the office staff nice to you? After you have completed your research, make an appointment for a consultation. Ask the dentist questions. Hopefully, you will be able to feel out the dentist and make a decision. If you are not happy, move on. With the precise research you will find your perfect match.
-Katie
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Something revolutionary has worked its way into dental offices around the world, and its name is Waterlase. Write it down. This is a name you won’t want to forget.
The Waterlase system, invented by Biolase, acts like a drill and scalpel but has no sharp edges and doesn’t even touch your tooth. That’s right, I said it, it doesn’t even touch your tooth! What does touch your tooth? Water. Waterlase is a comfy combination of a laser beam and water. A variety of dental procedures are now being performed with a laser instead of the traditional and often painful drill and scalpel. That means no more novacaine injections, and just as importantly, no sippy cup for that post-dentist drink.
How is it possible that our dentists can now fill our filings and root our root canals with a simple stream of H2O? Easy. The system uses a very accurate stream of water that is energized by the laser to cut through tissue or tooth. It sounds sci-fi but I promise you it’s the real deal. Biolase has even come out with a “Turbo” version of this technology. If turbo means I get in and out of my appointment quicker, I’ll take two!
Can Waterlase be used for all dental procedures? Not quite. For example, Waterlase can’t be used to remove silver fillings. But Waterlase can be used to perform a variety of dental procedures, such as:
Treating mild to moderate periodontal disease
Remove decay
Fillings
Root canals
All of this with little or no pain. No more needles, no more vibration or heat or loud drilling noises. Believe me when I say, the face of dentistry is changing.
In 1998, Waterlase was the first device of it’s kind to receive FDA approval for use on soft and hard tissue. You might be doing the calculations in your head. 1998… 2010…hmm… Don’t ask me why you haven’t heard of this before, ask your dentist. Or better yet, use DoctorBase to find a dentist schooled in this technology and be on your way to a fast, easy and painless dental procedure.
For more information on pain-free dental visits, you might enjoy How to Achieve a Pain-Free Dental Visit.
If you’re a dentist who has used Waterlase to treat patients, please enlighten us all by leaving a comment regarding your experience with this technology.
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Invisalign: What is it? Invisalign is a series of clear alignment trays that you wear in order to straighten your teeth. Is it a true alternative to traditional metal braces? Somewhat. Is it a way to avoid the awful teenage years of having a mouth full of metal and a head-gear as a best friend? Definitely.
So how does this too-good-to-be-true braces thing actually work? First, have a consultation with your orthodontist to decide if Invisalign is right for you. If you decide to move forward with it, your orthodontist will take a mold of your teeth, work up a treatment plan and send the molds and the plan off to Invisalign. The company then makes a series of clear “alignment” trays that you wear continuously except when you’re eating and brushing. Typically, you wear a new tray every two weeks until you’ve completed your treatment plan; at which time your teeth should be perfectly straight!
Now let’s talk advantages and disadvantages. The most obvious advantage is that it isn’t obvious. Because it’s clear. You also won’t get a sore mouth from metal wires sticking into your cheeks and gums. And they’re removable so you can brush and floss like you normally would, whereas with metal braces you need some sort of 007 special gadget to get the floss under the wire and between the brackets.
A disadvantage is that Invisalign’s effectiveness is limited. It can only correct your teeth so much, so if you have a serious over-bite or massive structural problems, Invisalign probably won’t do the trick. And then there’s cost. I can’t tell you what your orthodontist is going to charge you, but I can tell you that his office has to pay up front for all of the trays, which means it’s likely you’ll be required to pay a much larger down payment than you would with metal braces.
In a dentistry.com forum, you can read about patients’ experiences with Invisalign. One popular complaint is that when the trays are removed to eat, patients just forget to put them back in. If you’re eating at home it’s not such a big deal, but if you’re stuffing your face at Mc Donald’s and you wrap the trays in a napkin for safe keeping, you can kiss them goodbye. Of course you could always try your luck at dumpster diving, but chances are you won’t find them. After all, they’re invisible.
If you’ve been thinking about trying Invisalign, visit a Doctorbase orthodontist and discuss it. Decide whether you’re going to try this new, stealthy method or kick it old school with metal.
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If you’ve recently noticed that your pearly whites would better be described as pearly yellows or worse yet, nearly browns, then this article is for you. Bringing your teeth back to their pre-nicotine, pre-Starbucks whiteness isn’t as simple as going to your local drug store and picking up some whitening strips. Although at-home bleaching kits and whitening toothpastes are readily available, their effectiveness is questionable. In-office professional whitening systems, such as Zoom! or BriteSmile, are the way to go for the best immediate and long-term results.
Keep in mind there are many variables that will help determine the right teeth-whitening method for you. What color are your teeth? What is the cause of the discoloration? How much money and time are you willing to spend on whitening? Is this something you want to accomplish while watching an episode of Heroes? Or are you willing to spend a few hours in the dental chair? And last but not least, how do you know which ones really work and which ones will leave you yellow-toothed and broke.
Your best bet is to find a dentist who is knowledgeable about the latest and greatest teeth-whitening techniques. Spend some time together, give a great big smile and let the evaluation begin. Once evaluated, your dentist will make some recommendiations as well as review the pros and cons of each option. They will also be able to steer you away from the companies who promise you whiter teeth and then don’t deliver. Don’t get me wrong, your teeth will look whiter, in comparison to your beat red face at the realization you’ve just been duped. One company very popular among the complaint boards is Dazzle White. So do your research! And then get to your dentist so your pearly whites can live up to their name.
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A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away, dentists would use x-rays to see what was going on inside our pearly whites. Today, x-rays are starting to take their place next to cassette tapes and VCRs as digital images steal the spotlight. And for good reason: Among other advantages, digital images are a much cleaner, greener way to go.
To take an x-ray, the dentist places a square piece of film in our mouth, which is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole, while we hold real still and get doused with little bits of radiation. Then the dentist or the dental assistant disappears for a bit while the x-rays are processed. They then return with the x-ray in hand to show us what not brushing after every meal has done to us. With digital imaging, the dentist places a simple sensor in our mouth, takes a “picture”, and voila! Everything you ever wanted to know about your teeth pops up on the computer screen in seconds, with our precious selves exposed to a fraction of the radiation.
Now for the real improvement: Traditional film x-rays require an x-ray machine, x-ray film, developer and fixer (both chemicals), lead foil and lead shields. Stay with me here… fixer contains silver and is considered hazardous. The developer is not considered hazardous unless it gets mixed with the fixer. The x-ray developer cleaner may contain Chromium, which is also considered hazardous. Not to mention the lead in the lead aprons and shields. Yikes! I feel contaminated just writing this! Now add all that hazardous waste up and remember that it needs to be disposed of. Somewhere. Somehow.
Other advantages of digital use include:
- No more waiting for x-rays to be “processed”.
- We are subjected to less radiation. No two-headed offspring for us!
- Easy manipulation of the image, such as enlarging it, adjusting contrast and brightness and ability to improve a not-so-great image without having to retake the x-ray.
- Ability to email or place the x-ray on a disc. Great use if you are being referred to a specialist or move out of state.
Not every dentist out there has become a convert of the digital image just yet, and possibly for good reason. After all, it can cost thousands of dollars to make the switch from film to digital imaging and some dentists are perfectly happy with their old technology. But, if you’re a fan of Mother Earth, keep digital technology in mind when searching for a dentist and reading dentist reviews on DoctorBase.
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ADA, AACD, OMG, LOL… there are tons of acronyms out there, but the most important one that applies to cosmetic dentistry is AACD. AACD stands for The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Most professions have organizations that members of a particular field can join and in turn enjoy all sorts of benefits. If you’re thinking, I have no idea what that means or why I should care, let me break it down for you.
Per the AACD website, “The AACD is dedicated to advancing excellence in the art and science of cosmetic dentistry and encouraging the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care”. This might be the perfect time for another acronym: WTF?
If I may be so bold as to restate their mission statement in layman’s terms, I’d say their goal is to provide their members with the necessary tools so we, their patients, will receive the best possible care. The AACD wants to make sure we walk out of our dentist’s offices with winning smiles instead of a snaggle-tooth grin. By becoming a member of the AACD, cosmetic dentists gain access to a wide variety of resources and benefits to assist in their professional growth. Some of these benefits include:
- Annual conferences where all the members meet at some fancy shmancy resort that I could never afford to stay at and proceed to be instructed by the top educators in their field. They also get an opportunity to do some fun hands-on training. Who’s up for Veneers?
- Availability of a forum where experts can bounce ideas off of each other and share their knowledge with their peers. Sort of like an AOL chat room, except a lot less fun. And for dentists.
- The most up-to-date dental journals with information regarding the latest research and results.
- Discounts on a variety of dental publications. Who doesn’t like to save a buck?
- So why should you care if your cosmetic dentist is an AACD member? You should care because there are cosmetic dentists out there who graduated from dental school and then made no effort to keep up with the latest technologies and advancements. That could translate into a cosmetic dentist making an abstract art piece out of your mouth instead of a Picasso.
Here is a video of some great cosmetic dentistry before and afters.
By choosing a dentist who belongs to the AACD, you can rest assured your cosmetic dentist has been required to meet the highest standard of service and that they’re committed to continually improving their knowledge and skill set. In other words, no disfigured mouth for you!
Now that one less acronym is a mystery to you and you understand what being a member of the AACD means, you’re better equipped to evaluate which cosmetic dentist is right for you. YMMV.
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Most of us have, at one time or another, used Yelp! or some other social media review site to research a place of business, such as a restaurant. Using a review site to find a great restaurant may be ideal. If it turns out the reviewers were a bunch of compulsive liars, worse case scenerio is you end up hugging the toilet for a few hours.
On the other hand, if you’re searching for something as important as a doctor or a dentist, you might want to think twice before trusting Joe Schmo’s review. Call me crazy, but when it comes to choosing a health professional who will be injecting my mouth with lidocaine and drilling for oil, I want to know more about the business than whether the receptionist was friendly.
That’s where DoctorBase comes in. Doctorbase is different than your typical social media network site. For one, each review posted on DB is verified. DB makes sure that only reviews with useful and pertinent information are posted. Secondly, when searching for a dentist you can also filter the results by procedure or insurance company. Third, DB posts "reviews across the web" for each dentist, which is a summary of all reviews that could be found for that particular dentist. All in all, DB makes sure that the reviews posted answer some pertinent questions that will help you decide on the right dentist for you.
So, what type of information should you be looking for when searching for a dentist? For starters:
- What sort of technology is the office using? Did you know that on average it can take a dental office more than 10 years to adopt a new technology? While one dental office may be using state of the art equipment, another office is using the same equipment as when they opened in 1984; technology that was bigger, louder and way less efficient. What does this mean for you? It could mean that while your best buddy who is having the same procedure as you is only making one visit to the dreaded D, you will be making three. Three times the cash and three times the pain. It seems sort of worth it to ask about the technology, doesn’t it?
- How many times has the dentist performed the specific procedure he claims to be specialized in. I’m quite certain this information wasn’t disclosed in the "he was so friendly and his office was adorable" review.
Positive reviews aren’t the only ones that should be ashamed of themselves. Negative reviews can be just as inadequate. A common reason for a ‘one star’ review is that someone was "upsold on an unneccessary procedure". The fact is, in the majority of cases, this is simply untrue. Insurance guidelines dictate that dentists justify all submitted charges via a photograph. Basically, dentists have to plead their case to the almighty insurance Gods and hope they are granted their wish of reimbursement. Keep in mind, as evil as it sounds, insurance companies reserve the right to say "yay" or "nay" to covering any procedure they wish. Fair, isn’t it? The problem is, your average reviewer doesn’t know this and you can find a number of dental forums where this is a major complaint.
So what have we learned? A typical dental review on a social media site leaves out crucial information needed to determine whether a dentist is favorable or not. Remember, don’t be fooled by the rave reviews of dentists being friendly and funny and having offices that smell like freshly picked roses. Go deep and go for the good stuff. Your mouth will thank you for it.
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OK folks, this is going to be short and sweet. Here are 2 questions to ask yourself and 1 friendly tip to keep in mind when searching for the perfect dentist.
- What is your purpose for wanting to visit the dentist? Did you smoke too many Marlboro lights in high school and now your teeth are a lovely shade of nicotine? Or maybe you wince in pain every time you chew on anything thicker than baby food. The answer will help you determine what type of speciality you’ll want your dentist schooled in.
- What’s your budget? Do you have dental insurance to help foot the bill? If not, are you willing to give up next year’s vacation in order to afford a doc with the latest Matrix-like technology? Decisions, decisions…
- When reading reviews of a dentist on a social media site, please please please keep your salt shaker by your side. Review sites possess a few fundamental flaws. These include:
- The reviews are opinions. We all perceive experiences differently.
- There are rumors that businesses pay people to write positive reviews. I’m no Veronica Mars, teenage PI, and I have no proof of this, but it’s definitely conceivable.
- There is the probability that some of the positive reviews are being written by employees of the business while negative reviews may be written by their competitors.
- Small sample size. Users are basing their decisions on possibly one or two reviews when the business is visited by hundreds or thousands of people.
Hopefully answering these questions will give you a bit more focus on what type of dentist you’ll want to look for. For more helpful tips on finding that one-of-a-kind dentist in San Francisco, check our dentist reviews and ratings.
Photo by gerlos
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Contributor Bios
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- Jenna Rogers, RN
Jenna has worked in the health care field for 13 years as a Registered Nurse, specializing in Oncology and clinical research. Jenna writes articles and equipment and procedure explanations for DoctorBase with the consumer-patient perspective in mind. She is an avid writer and photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area and in her spare time writes a relationship improvement column for Examiner.com. -
- Katie Sullivan, RDH
Katie Sullivan is a full-time Registered Dental Hygienist in Sonoma County. She recently graduated from Santa Rosa Junior College in 2009, majoring in Dental Hygiene. Katie brings a fresh, young standpoint to DoctorBase as she conveys a current perspective not only to the younger patients, but to the skilled professionals & consumers as well. Katie is a member of the ADHA, CDHA & Redwood Dental Hygiene Society.
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- James Newman, MD
James Newman, MD completed his fellowship in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Stanford University where he continues to serve on the Clinical Faculty. He has performed over one thousand surgical procedures and is trained in the use of every major laser system used in plastic surgery today. Dr. Newman is well known for his surgical expertise and shares his clinical experience by teaching surgical residents at Stanford University as well as authoring over 30 scientific publications related to plastic surgery and laser surgery. -
- Marzieh Oghabian, DDS
Dr. Marzieh Oghabian, graduated from Case Western University School of Dentistry in Cleveland OH with a doctor of dental surgery . Dr. Oghabian was awarded the "Excellence in Prosthodontics" award from Case Western where she also completed an externship in Oral Surgery. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Neurophysiology and Biology from University of California, at Davis. She is a member of the American Dental Association. - Cheryl Calmis, RDH, BS
Cheryl Calmis, RDH, BS is a registered dental hygienist in the San Francisco Bay area. She graduated from U. C. San Francisco with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. Ms. Calmis' clinical experiences include laser assisted periodontal therapy, sedation dentistry, and non-surgical periodontal treatment. Prior to becoming a dental hygienist, Cheryl worked as a Microbiology Lab technician in the biotech industry after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from San Jose State University. -
- Alissa Pacheco, RDH
Alissa has worked in the dental field for 10 years. She got her dental assisting and dental hygiene degrees at Diablo Valley College. She loves learning about dentistry and enjoys helping people get healthy one smile at a time. In her spare time, Alissa loves to bake and play with her young daughter.
