Years ago, decay was easily viewed on top of the teeth as “black holes.”If you’re old enough, perhaps you can remember self-diagnosing your own decayed tooth because it was so obvious.
Dentists would confirm whether the “black hole” was in fact decay by using an explorer, a kind of dental instrument that would touch the groove of the tooth to see if it would “stick.” A “sticking” groove meant decay and a non-sticking one probably just meant that the tooth was stained.
But today, things are different, in large thanks to fluoridation. From home fluoride treatments to fluoridated water, fluoride makes the enamel hard and not as vulnerable to decay. But decay still exists and because of the hardened enamel, the “sticking” technique no longer applies because the explorer may not be able to penetrate through the decay, leaving some decay undiagnosed.
Until the Diagnodent came along.
The Diagnodent ® is a Cavity Detection Laser that uses a laser to scan the teeth for decay, including suspect areas where decay is just in its early stages of forming.
This device allows for minimally invasive dental solutions such as smaller fillings and in some cases, no need for drills. What this means for you is less discomfort, less expense and stronger and healthier teeth.
Livonia Dental Care offers this state-of-the-art technology. To find out more about how this progressive and efficient process can save you money and can save your beautiful smile, give us a call. We’d be happy to talk with you. For more information on this topic or any dental related procedure check out our website. If you have any questions, or a dental emergency, you can reach Dr. Jay at Livonia Dental Care at 734.427.7555. “Like” us on Facebook and check out our YouTube.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Sensitive Teeth 101
Sensitive teeth is a common condition that affects about 30 percent of Americans at some point in their lives. It is marked by sudden and sharp tooth in response to changes in pressure and temperature.
Risk Factors
Sensitive teeth are caused by a variety of risk factors. Aggressive tooth brushing, tooth decay, dental cracks, ill-fitting dentures and receding gums are just some of the factors can cause hypersensitivity in teeth.
This occurs when the dentin, the underlying part of the tooth that is covered by enamel becomes exposed due to receding gum tissue. This exposure leads directly to the nerve of the tooth and the result is the sensation of pain.
In addition, excessively consuming citrus fruits and juices, carbonated drinks and wine may also contribute to sensitive teeth. And conditions, like the eating disorder bulimia or the medical problem, GERD are also risk factors as the acids in both of these conditions erode the enamel and result in tooth hypersensitivity.
Treatment
While every one has a different threshold for pain, tooth sensitivity should be examined by your dentist in order to prevent further damage and to make you more comfortable.
A variety of treatments are available. Choosing the appropriate one largely depends upon the degree of the tooth sensitivity, the cause of the hypersensitivity, and the joint decision between the patient and dentist.
The most basic treatment involves using toothpastes with a high fluoride content. For more advanced hypersensitivity, invasive procedures such as surgery may be recommended.
If your tooth sensitivity is interrupting your quality of life and is forcing you to abstain from certain foods, drinks or activities, call Livonia Dental Care.
We are here to help you. If you have a chipped tooth, contact Livonia Dental Care. We’d be happy to set up an appointment with you as soon as possible and evaluate your teeth at no cost to you. For more information on this topic or any dental related procedure check out our website. If you have any questions, or a dental emergency, you can reach Dr. Jay at Livonia Dental Care at 734-427-7555. “Like” us on Facebook and check out our YouTube.
Risk Factors
Sensitive teeth are caused by a variety of risk factors. Aggressive tooth brushing, tooth decay, dental cracks, ill-fitting dentures and receding gums are just some of the factors can cause hypersensitivity in teeth.
This occurs when the dentin, the underlying part of the tooth that is covered by enamel becomes exposed due to receding gum tissue. This exposure leads directly to the nerve of the tooth and the result is the sensation of pain.
In addition, excessively consuming citrus fruits and juices, carbonated drinks and wine may also contribute to sensitive teeth. And conditions, like the eating disorder bulimia or the medical problem, GERD are also risk factors as the acids in both of these conditions erode the enamel and result in tooth hypersensitivity.
Treatment
While every one has a different threshold for pain, tooth sensitivity should be examined by your dentist in order to prevent further damage and to make you more comfortable.
A variety of treatments are available. Choosing the appropriate one largely depends upon the degree of the tooth sensitivity, the cause of the hypersensitivity, and the joint decision between the patient and dentist.
The most basic treatment involves using toothpastes with a high fluoride content. For more advanced hypersensitivity, invasive procedures such as surgery may be recommended.
If your tooth sensitivity is interrupting your quality of life and is forcing you to abstain from certain foods, drinks or activities, call Livonia Dental Care.
We are here to help you. If you have a chipped tooth, contact Livonia Dental Care. We’d be happy to set up an appointment with you as soon as possible and evaluate your teeth at no cost to you. For more information on this topic or any dental related procedure check out our website. If you have any questions, or a dental emergency, you can reach Dr. Jay at Livonia Dental Care at 734-427-7555. “Like” us on Facebook and check out our YouTube.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Managing a Chipped Tooth
If you chip your tooth, it is an extremely wise idea to visit your dentist immediately, even if you are experiencing no pain. Here’s why: Teeth may fracture or splint for a variety of reasons. Underlying cavities, weak enamel and a brittle tooth surface can all cause the tooth to fracture once it has been chipped.
Small fracture lines on the chipped tooth may continue to increase as well, which creates a greater risk for progressing the chip or it can also lead to discomfort or pain.
The good news is that chipped teeth can be treated quite easily as long as they are brought to your dentist’s attention promptly. Treatments for fractured teeth range from adding new fillings to installing a crowns or veneers. If the tooth’s fracture is advanced, a root canal may be necessary and in extreme cases, may require a tooth extraction. Even if the tooth splints off of the gum line, there is still a good chance it can be saved.
If you have a chipped tooth, contact Livonia Dental Care. We’d be happy to set up an appointment with you as soon as possible and evaluate your teeth at no cost to you. For more information on this topic or any dental related procedure check out our website. If you have any questions, or a dental emergency, you can reach Dr. Jay at Livonia Dental Care at 734-427-7555. “Like” us on Facebook and check out our YouTube.
Small fracture lines on the chipped tooth may continue to increase as well, which creates a greater risk for progressing the chip or it can also lead to discomfort or pain.
The good news is that chipped teeth can be treated quite easily as long as they are brought to your dentist’s attention promptly. Treatments for fractured teeth range from adding new fillings to installing a crowns or veneers. If the tooth’s fracture is advanced, a root canal may be necessary and in extreme cases, may require a tooth extraction. Even if the tooth splints off of the gum line, there is still a good chance it can be saved.
If you have a chipped tooth, contact Livonia Dental Care. We’d be happy to set up an appointment with you as soon as possible and evaluate your teeth at no cost to you. For more information on this topic or any dental related procedure check out our website. If you have any questions, or a dental emergency, you can reach Dr. Jay at Livonia Dental Care at 734-427-7555. “Like” us on Facebook and check out our YouTube.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques
Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques
Even if you feel too tired to brush and floss your teeth, your smile depends upon you practicing good dental hygiene habits every day.
Here are some brushing and flossing tips so that you can effectively and properly care for your teeth.
Brushing
Practice good technique by holding your toothbrush at a slight angle against your teeth. Brush your teeth with back and forth motions, rather than up and down. Pay special attention to brush all surfaces of your teeth as well as your tongue. Avoid using excess force or brushing too rigorously, both of which can irritate your gums.
Flossing
Daily flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth. Your toothbrush does an excellent job at cleaning your teeth, but flossing your teeth allows you to remove debris and bacteria from in between your teeth, which if not removed can lead to dental caries as well as bad breath.
To floss your teeth, start with 18 inches of dental floss and wind the floss around the middle finger on one hand, and the rest around the middle finger on the other hand. Leave just about one inch of floss and use your thumbs and forefingers to gently glide the floss in between teeth in a sawing motion. You can also rub the floss over the surface of your teeth to remove plaque.
Unwind and then rewind so that you have fresh floss as you progress to the next tooth.
If you have additional questions about brushing or flossing your teeth, or if you’re experiencing pain or bleeding gums while you brush and/or floss, contact Livonia Dental Care. We would be happy to address your concerns and show you more comfortable techniques to care for your teeth. For more information on this topic or any dental related procedure check out our website. If you have any questions, or a dental emergency, you can reach Dr. Jay at Livonia Dental Care at 734-427-7555. “Like” us on Facebook and check out our YouTube.
Even if you feel too tired to brush and floss your teeth, your smile depends upon you practicing good dental hygiene habits every day.
Here are some brushing and flossing tips so that you can effectively and properly care for your teeth.
Brushing
Practice good technique by holding your toothbrush at a slight angle against your teeth. Brush your teeth with back and forth motions, rather than up and down. Pay special attention to brush all surfaces of your teeth as well as your tongue. Avoid using excess force or brushing too rigorously, both of which can irritate your gums.
Flossing
Daily flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth. Your toothbrush does an excellent job at cleaning your teeth, but flossing your teeth allows you to remove debris and bacteria from in between your teeth, which if not removed can lead to dental caries as well as bad breath.
To floss your teeth, start with 18 inches of dental floss and wind the floss around the middle finger on one hand, and the rest around the middle finger on the other hand. Leave just about one inch of floss and use your thumbs and forefingers to gently glide the floss in between teeth in a sawing motion. You can also rub the floss over the surface of your teeth to remove plaque.
Unwind and then rewind so that you have fresh floss as you progress to the next tooth.
If you have additional questions about brushing or flossing your teeth, or if you’re experiencing pain or bleeding gums while you brush and/or floss, contact Livonia Dental Care. We would be happy to address your concerns and show you more comfortable techniques to care for your teeth. For more information on this topic or any dental related procedure check out our website. If you have any questions, or a dental emergency, you can reach Dr. Jay at Livonia Dental Care at 734-427-7555. “Like” us on Facebook and check out our YouTube.
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