People can be unhappy with their appearance for any number of reasons, and the smile is one thing that can be corrected and made more appealing. This is where the cosmetic dentist comes in with tooth-whitening procedures and veneers. But what if it is not necessarily your teeth that spoil your smile, but your gums? That's where the plastic surgeon of dentistry comes in: the periodontist. He or she specializes in treating the tissues that surround an support the teeth, including the gums.
15 December 2014
Lasers were originally created to slice through tough objects. Once scientists figured out how to control the wavelength of a laser, it became a useful medical tool in surgery, eye care, and now dental care as well. If you are experiencing the early stages of periodontal disease, lasers may be able to help. Lasers Burn Bacteria Your periodontist has taken courses in laser gum treatment and learned how to use lasers to fight disease.
13 December 2014
If you've ever noticed that you seem to get cavities, plaque and tartar no matter how often or vigorously you brush, it's possible you're just not brushing the right way. Proper brushing does require certain techniques and attention to detail. In fact, too much brushing using the wrong methods can actually do more harm to your teeth than good, which can speed up problems like cavities and teeth sensitivity.
12 December 2014
Even though the fencing derives from classical military sword fighting, few think of the Olympic sport as being dangerous. All sports have an element of danger and the quick, immediate thrusting of a fencing foil towards your person does present the risk of major dental damage. Taking a few smart precautionary steps are well advised to ensure you do not lose any teeth while participating in the noble sport of fencing.
11 December 2014
With the cost of replacing just a single tooth with a dental implant as high as $7500, it's no wonder some patients seek low cost alternatives. These may range from seeking treatment through a periodontal college, or leaving the country in search of quality dental care. It might seem quite severe, but seeking dental implant surgery abroad is relatively common. There are some hidden costs that go far beyond money, so be cautious if you're considering it.
11 December 2014
Your teeth are a living record of all the food and drink you consume each day. A poor diet can lead to tooth decay and deterioration, but even nutritious meals leave behind a permanent record on your teeth. Food residue left in teeth enamel can be detected in teeth years after the meal was eaten. In fact, some types of food leave a record so long lasting that researchers are able to infer details of ancient hominid diets from teeth fossils dating to around 3.
10 December 2014
Crown lengthening is commonly performed to prepare a tooth for cosmetic or restorative procedures. It can also be used to correct a "gummy smile" in which the teeth appear too short due to excessive gum tissue coverage. According to Everyday Health Media, crown lengthening can be costly, ranging from $1,000 to $4,000, although most insurance companies will pick up some of the cost. Learn more about crown lengthening, what it involves, and what types of oral health problems it can rectify.
7 August 2014
