Why See A Dentist Regularly?
As the saying goes...An ounce of prevention is worth a pound
of cure! Your general dentist is the first line of defense
against many serious but common oral ailments including
tooth decay, periodontitis, gingivitis and oral cancer.
Regular visits to the dentist to receive examinations,
x-rays and dental cleanings will ensure that you have a
beautiful, healthy smile for a lifetime.
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What is
Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the most common periodontal disease. It is an
infection of the gums caused by bacteria that form plaque.
In small amounts (when it is newly formed) plaque is
invisible. When left to accumulate, plaque increases
in volume and the proportion of harmful bacteria grows.
These bacteria release toxins that result in inflammation of
the gum tissue. If not properly treated, gingivitis
may progress to periodontitis, a periodontal disease in
which there is loss of the bone that supports the teeth.
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What Is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a periodontal disease in which there is
loss of the bone that supports the teeth. Periodontal
disease can go on for years without pain and without
detection unless specific examination procedures are
performed. Visual oral examination by itself (even by
a dentist) will not reliably detect periodontal disease
until it has reached an advanced stage. Early
detection and adequate diagnosis require measurement of
pockets (the crevice between the tooth and gum) with a
periodontal probe. While treatment for periodontal disease
is available, the damage caused as the disease progresses is
irreversible. Early detection and treatment is
critical to prevent tooth loss and disfigurement. Some
signs of periodontal disease are: bleeding gums, redness of
gum tissue, swelling of gums around the teeth, breath odor,
receding gums, mobility of teeth.
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What
Causes Bad Breath?
While bad breath or "Halitosis" might be a symptom of some
other disorder, it most often stems from dental decay,
gingivitis or periodontitis. Periodontitis is a
disease affecting the gums and bone that support the teeth.
The irritated gums pull away from the teeth forming pockets
in which bacteria and pus form and emit a foul odor.
Bad breath is more than an embarrassment - it can be a
warning of a more serious problem.
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What is a
Crown?
A crown is a cover for a tooth made of porcelain or gold.
It completely covers the portion of the tooth that is
exposed to the mouth.
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Why
Do I Need A Crown?
Crowns (caps) are recommended for various reasons. Often
crowns are needed to restore fractured and/or unattractive
teeth. Teeth are often restored with fillings of
silver or composite resin. However, fillings require
that a portion of the natural tooth be healthy and strong
enough to hold the filling. Crowns must be used when
damage to the tooth has required the removal of too much
tooth structure to hold a filling. Crowns strengthen
and restore the entire top of a tooth and can also be part
of the attachment of a fixed bridge for the replacement of
teeth. The tooth is strengthened because it is covered
from the outside with a casting of metal or ceramic that
will wrap up and splint the tooth. Chewing with the
tooth can be made comfortable because the crown can be
reshaped to match more efficiently with the opposing teeth.
Crowns an create a more aesthetically pleasing effect
through the use of modern ceramic processes that produce
translucency and color more like natural teeth.
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What Is A Crown Made of?
Dental crowns are most often made of porcelain or gold.
Crowns also can be made of stainless steel. Stainless
steel crowns are temporary and not designed for long-term
wear. Porcelain crowns are usually built on a metal
base, which fits snugly over the natural tooth and are
chosen in a shade that matches the color of your natural
teeth. Crowns can also be made entirely of gold.
Gold crowns are are not subject to fracture and are used
where cosmetics are not an issue. The most cosmetic
option currently available is the all ceramic crown.
Because they contain no metal, these crowns are difficult to
distinguish from natural teeth. Grand Rapids Dental
Care is committed to helping restore your smile by finding
the best and most natural option for you.
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How Do I Care For My Crown?
Once your crown is in place, take care to brush the area
well and floss below the gum line. While the crown
protects your remaining tooth from further decay, you must
protect the base of the crown from bacterial growth and gum
disease. Care for your crown as you would your natural
teeth with regular brushing and flossing.
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When Should I Start Cleaning My
Children's Teeth?
You should begin cleaning your children's teeth with a damp
washcloth or toothbrush as soon as they begin to erupt.
Tooth brushing is an important job for parents of
preschoolers. Children are usually unable to brush
their own teeth well until they reach 8 years of age.
Be sure to check your child's teeth regularly for any chalky
white or brown spots which could be the beginning of tooth
decay.
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Is My
Baby Teething?
With the eruption of the primary baby teeth parents can
expect their baby to display increased salivation,
restlessness, fretful behavior and an increased tendency to
put fingers and hands in his or her mouth. Other
symptoms can include fever and systemic disturbances such as
croup or diarrhea. These symptoms occur with eruption
and should be treated as advised by your pediatrician or
dentist.
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How Can I Provide Relief From Teething
Symptoms?
From the age of six months to three years discomfort from
teething can occur periodically and last for several days
with each eruption. You can attempt to alleviate
discomfort by offering your baby something clean to bite on
such as a teething ring, cool spoon, wet washcloth or
toothbrush. You can also try massaging your baby's
gums with your clean finger.
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When Should My Child Start Seeing The
Dentist?
Dental problems can begin early so early examination and
preventive care will ensure your child's healthy smile and
instill good oral care habits. Your child should visit
a dentist for the first time between the ages of 18 and 24
months or sooner if you have concerns.
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What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (BBTD)?
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is a common yet preventable problem.
It can result from a baby's teeth being exposed for long
periods of time to liquids containing sugar. Common
culprits include breast milk, formula, cow's milk, and
juice. Make sure you never allow your baby to sleep
with a baby bottle containing sugary liquid in his or her
mouth. Limiting sweet or sticky snacks can also help
prevent BBTD. Children with healthy teeth can chew
food well, speak clearly and share precious smiles.
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How Can I Prevent Tooth Decay in My
Children?
Tooth Decay is entirely preventable through parental
awareness and the development of good oral hygiene habits.
Make sure you always remove your baby from the breast and/or
remove the bottle from his or her mouth when he or she falls
asleep. Hold your baby while bottle feeding and always
take a bottle filled with milk or juice away from a sleeping
child. If your child requires a bottle at bedtime
provide a bottle filled with water or try comforting your
child with a pacifier or a favorite toy or blanket.
Fluoride has been proven to reduce the incidence of tooth
decay. Many municipal water systems supply fluoridated
water. However, if your water supply is not
fluoridated or contains less than recommended amounts of
fluoride - supplements may be necessary for your children.
If necessary, the administration of fluoride supplements
should begin shortly after birth and continue through the
time of eruption of the second permanent molars (approx. 12
years of age). Check with your health care provider to
make sure your child is getting the right amount of
fluoride.
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What About Soft Drink Consumption?
The recent large increase in soft drink consumption in our
society has caused a huge increase in tooth decay,
especially among young people. Soft drinks in general
have approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar per 12 ounce can.
They also generally are very acidic. These two
factors dissolve tooth enamel very quickly. The
dentition of a young person can go from decay free to
hopelessly decayed in a matter of a few years. It is
an unprecedented public health disaster which was
acknowledged by the Surgeon General recently. Because
of the marketing efforts of soft drink manufacturers we now
have a whole generation of Americans who believe that the
only option when thirsty is to reach for a can of pop.
So…Please be aware of this and protect your children and
yourself. If you or someone you know has a problem
with soft drink (or sweetened fruit juice) consumption, we
can help with information and strategies to getting unhooked
from the soft drink addiction. Reach for a glass of water
instead!
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How Can I Protect My Athlete's Teeth
From Injury?
A mouth guard is worth its weight in gold! It protects
your smile by cushioning blows to the face and neck.
They reduce the possibility of a concussion and protect
teeth and soft tissue. Children and adults alike
should make a mouth-guard a mandatory part of their sporting
equipment. A custom-fitted Pro-Form mouth guard is
available from Grand Rapids Dental Care and will provide the
best protection for teeth, braces and fixed bridges while
causing little interference with speaking or breathing.
While ready-made mouth guards can be purchased at sporting
goods stores - they are the least effective and least
comfortable option. Never wear removable appliances
like retainers when playing sports.
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What Do I Do in the Case of Accidental
Tooth Loss?
Proper first aid can save your smile! If the tooth is
loose but still attached to the gums in any way - leave it
in place and call Grand Rapids Dental Care immediately; do
not remove it. If the tooth is out of its socket
completely but remains in the mouth, it is best to have the
person hold it there, if possible, until re-implantation can
be attempted. If the tooth is out of the mouth, do not
let it dry out. Handle it as little as possible and
make no attempt to clean or disinfect the tooth or to remove
any tissue attached to it. If it is recovered from the
ground or other soiled area, rinse it off in lukewarm water.
Preserve it in milk until it can be examined by a dentist.
If milk is not available, lukewarm water will suffice.
Time out of the socket is critical in the long-term success
of re-implantation. After 30 minutes, the potential
for a successful outcome begins to decline. However,
re-implantation is possible even after several hours so an
attempt can still be made even if the tooth has been
out-of-socket for a long period of time. Call Grand
Rapids Dental Care at 218-326-3438 immediately in the event
of an accidental tooth loss.
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Can
My Smile Be Whitened?
There are many causes of tooth discoloration; substances
like coffee, cola and smoking. Some medications and
ageing can also cause your teeth to stain over time.
The professionals at Grand Rapids Dental Care can determine
the source of your discoloration, then recommend the best
whitening system for you. In most cases the results
are striking! Options for whiter teeth include an
in-office whitening procedure (Zoom!)
as well as an at-home technique to make your smile more
beautiful.
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Is Tooth Whitening Right For Me?
Teeth bleaching or whitening to lightens the color of teeth
whether darkened by age or stained by coffee, tea or
tobacco. Its brightening effects can last up to five
years after the treatment depending on your personal habits.
It has a higher than 90% success rate and bleaching is tough
on stains but gentle on teeth. Results vary depending
on the reason for the staining and bleaching will not
lighten fillings or artificial materials such as crowns,
porcelain veneers, fillings etc. You may be
discouraged from bleaching treatment if you have sensitive
teeth, periodontal disease, worn enamel or if you're
pregnant or breast-feeding.
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What Whitening Technique is Best For
Me?
Zoom!
whitening is an in-office procedure which produces quick
results. This is the whitening technique used on the
TV show “Extreme Makeover.” Alternatively, an
at-home bleaching systems produce the same results when
closely supervised by your dentist. While at-home
bleaching is more economical, results take longer to
achieve. The type of stain and its cause determine the
best type of whitening option to be used. At Grand
Rapids Dental Care we work with our patients to determine
the best technique to achieve the desired effect.
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How Does The Tooth Whitening Process
Work?
Grand Rapids Dental Care begins with a thorough examination
of your teeth and gums and then discusses the procedure best
suited to your individual needs. Any problems such as
cavities or gum problems must be treated before bleaching
can begin. The in-office method generally takes one to
two hours and results in an immediate noticeable change.
The at-home method requires the creation of special molds of
your teeth which are used to make custom-fitted flexible
trays. These trays hold the bleaching gel against your
teeth. The at-home method requires adherence to
guidelines communicated to you by our dental professionals.
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Is Tooth Whitening Safe?
Research over the last five years has proven bleaching to be
both safe and effective. The American Dental
Association has given its approval to a wide range of tooth
whitening products. Generally, sensitivity to hot and
cold foods is the only side-effect of treatment and will
normally disappear within 48 hours.
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Can My Silver Fillings Be Replaced
With Something More Attractive?
Traditionally cavities have been repaired with silver
fillings called amalgams. The amalgam material is used
to fill the space where the decayed tooth has been removed.
Unfortunately the amalgam eventually corrodes causing the
silver (and oftentimes the tooth) to blacken. The
result is an obvious, unsightly and embarrassing tooth.
To combat the problem new technology has resulted in the
advent of composite fillings. Made of a porcelain-like
material, they are an attractive alternative for the
problems associated with silver amalgam fillings.
These fillings bond to the tooth for a tight seal and
provide a strong and stain-resistant option. Best of
all Grand Rapids Dental care will make them "invisible" by
matching the color filling to the natural tooth.
Composite fillings may be more comfortable than their
amalgam cousins since they lack the sensitivity often
associated with silver fillings and they are well-suited for
smaller cavities and/or patients who are allergic to metal
fillings.
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How Can Grand Rapids Dental Care Help
My Broken Tooth Look Better?
Bonding is a technique involving the placement of a thin
plastic coating on the surface of the tooth. A
putty-like material is sculpted and tinted to match the
natural tooth. Application of a high-intensity light
causes the plastic to harden allowing it to be smoothed and
polished. Bonding can be used to close gaps, alter
crooked teeth and lighten stains through a technique that
can be painless but yields dramatic results.
Oftentimes porcelain veneers are used for the same reasons
as bonding, however, they are considerably more durable and
stain resistant than bonding. The veneer is a thin
piece of porcelain approximately the size of a fingernail.
The veneer is bonded to the tooth. Veneers blend very
well with the remaining tooth structure so that it is
invisible to the naked-eye. Once in place, it looks, feels,
and functions like a regular tooth.
Grand Rapids Dental Care can use bonding and porcelain
veneers to change the shape and color of a single tooth or
to recreate your entire smile. Our professionals will
be happy to discuss the best option for revamping your
smile.
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How Can I Fix a Missing Tooth?
You don't have to live with a lost tooth. In fact, the
gap caused by a missing tooth allows nearby teeth to move
from their normal position. When teeth tip into an
empty space they are more susceptible to tooth decay and gum
disease. There is a loss of function as well. Loss of
teeth can result in severe bite problems which can lead to
jaw pain and headaches. The main cause of TMJ problems
is loss of support due to missing back teeth. Grand
Rapids Dental Care can fix the bite problems as well as the
obvious cosmetic problem through use of a fixed bridge or a
dental implant. Both of these treatments offer a good
functional and cosmetic result.
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What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth with a
titanium metal replacement that is surgically implanted in
the jawbone. The jaw bone fuses to the implant allowing the
implant to be used to anchor crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Dental implants are the most natural replacement for a
missing tooth.
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What is the Dental Implant Process?
We begin with a thorough evaluation of the patient's medical
and dental history as well as a full clinical examination of
the mouth and x-rays. After a comprehensive assessment
by the professionals at Grand Rapids Dental Care and with
input from the patient, a treatment plan is devised.
Implants are then surgically placed in the jawbone by an
Oral Surgeon under local anesthesia. After adequate
healing has taken place the implant can be used to support a
crown, bridge, or denture.
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How Many Dental Implants are Used?
This question is best answered after a full assessment has
been completed. Many factors figure into the equation
including the quality and quantity of the patient's bone,
the existing anatomy of the bone and the financial resources
of the patient. However, a good rule-of-thumb is one
implant for each tooth replaced.
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Who Performs the Implant Surgery?
We have a close relationship with several oral surgeons in
our area. Generally the implant is surgically placed
by one of these professionals. Once the implant has
healed, Grand Rapids Dental Care provides the restoration of
the implant in our office.
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Is There Help for Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous disorder in which
breathing is interrupted intermittently while you sleep.
Breathing cessation, or apnea, can last from seconds to
nearly a minute. While the symptoms may seem benign: -
loud, explosive snoring, morning headaches, daytime
sleepiness - the cumulative effect can be devastating.
Sleep apnea is the result of an obstruction of the upper air
passages in the mouth and throat. Successful treatment
may include use of an acrylic dental appliance during sleep
to keep air passages open. It's comfortable and easy
to use. If you suffer from loud snoring and/or other
apnea symptoms call Grand Rapids Dental Care to schedule an
examination today. A good night's sleep can be your
reward!
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Is It Safe to
Pierce My Tongue?
Like other forms of body piercing, tongue piercing is risky
business. Serious risks are inherent in the procedure
and include: local or systemic infection, allergic
reactions, bleeding problems, choking hazards and damage to
surrounding teeth.
Because the mouth is hard to sterilize and many piercing
establishments do not maintain good sterilization procedures
- local infection (infection at the piercing site) is a
common occurrence. Serious systemic infection is also
a possibility including the contraction of hepatitis and/or
AIDS. Allergic reactions to the metals used are not
uncommon if the materials are not of the highest quality.
Unlike other forms of piercing, the tongue caries an
increased risk of bleeding problems since the tongue has
many blood vessels. The jewelry itself can pose a
choking hazard if it becomes loosened for any reason.
Finally, tongue piercing carries the risk of damage to the
surrounding teeth. The hard jewelry can chip and break
enamel or fillings as one talks and eats. This damage
can result in the death of the tooth's inner pulp if the
trauma to the tooth is chronic. The tooth may become
so damaged that it requires expensive crowns or even a root
canal to restore a smile. Stripping of gum
tissue and bone with eventual tooth loss is also a
possibility.
It is important to remember that piercing establishments are
not regulated by law nor are the operators licensed.
The operator's experience and competence can vary and are
not guaranteed. These are important matters to
consider before undergoing tongue piercing. If there
is a problem after tongue piercing, it is important not only
to contact the piercing establishment, but your physician or
dentist as needed.
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How Can I Afford The Dental Care I
Need?
Grand Rapids Dental Care is committed to your oral health.
For that reason we offer patients financing options designed
to take the financial worry over procedure costs out of the
equation. Click here for more
information.
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Searching
for a Grand Rapids Dentist?
Call, stop
by, or email us today to schedule an appointment. Let
us help you achieve a lifetime of health, happy smiles!
 Grand
Rapids Dental Care
220 SE 21st Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Phone: 218-326-3438
Fax: 218-327-1475
Email:
smile@grdental.com
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