Tag: procedures

Advances in Dental Care

Aug, 7, 2019

dental advances — *Expanded use of 3D modeling technology is advancing dental precision.*

We spend a lot of time telling you when and how often to brush, as well as ways you can do it better. But we also ask ourselves and our staff the same question: How can we do our part better?

Anyone who grew up in the last century will remember what it used to be like — more frequent fillings, bigger x-ray machines, and noisier equipment. Not to mention those fluoride treatments that consisted of holding trays of goo in your mouth for hours. Okay, maybe more like 5 minutes, but it felt like forever.

Modern dentistry is progressing as fast as the rest of our society. While the basic principles remain the same, Drs. Meyer & Johns and our whole team of hygienists go out of their way to incorporate the latest techniques and technology into your treatment.

Happening Now

One of the greatest modern advances was the emergence of ceramic materials in dental work. From replacing the amalgam and metal fillings used for more than 100 years to the construction more-durable crowns and tooth replacements, these new composite materials do everything better. Recent progress includes refinements made to these materials, as well as advances in the tools and techniques used to apply them.

Our instruments and tools have gotten smaller along the way. Modern implant fasteners are far less invasive, allowing a more secure hold, less discomfort, and shorter recovery time. Likewise, technical advancements in our plaque removal tools allow our hygienists to provide a more thorough cleaning in less time.

On the Horizon

The forecast for dental advances includes further refinement of our processes and materials. Imaging technology will continue to improve, allowing earlier identification of problems, and more closely matching repairs to the original tooth shape. Other tech developments on the horizon will center around the application of existing technology to dental processes and procedures, including:

Expanded use of lasers for non-surgical and whitening procedures
3D printing of dental crowns and dentures
Advances in bio-coatings to protect teeth against bacteria

So it may be a while before we print out a tooth crown in our offices. But we are constantly looking for ways to apply new technology for a better dental experience to you and your family.

Root Canals – How Much Ouch?

May, 30, 2019

Did You Know?

Earlier this month there was actually an official celebration of Root Canal Awareness Week. Even though it’s not something most would “celebrate,” the procedure isn’t as bad as its reputation suggests.

What They Are

The pulp at the center of your teeth contains nerves, blood vessels, and other soft tissue. A damaged tooth or unfilled cavity often allows decay to spread unchecked. This can lead to infection and permanent damage to the root of the tooth. At this point the options are extraction of the infected tooth or a root canal.

Since we obviously want and need our own natural teeth whenever possible, root canals are usually the best treatment option. Under local anesthesia, the affected pulp is carefully removed and placed with a solid filler, usually a natural polymer prepared from latex made from the Percha tree. The affected tooth is then fitted with a crown that will last decades if cared for properly.

What to Expect

The entire procedure usually lasts less than 90 minutes, and is only slightly more uncomfortable than a regular filling. However, there can be another pain — the cost. It’s usually around $1,000, depending on the tooth and the degree of damage. Though many insurance plans cover the cost of root canals as medically necessary procedures, co-pay amounts can vary, and some don’t cover them at all. So your best bet is to avoid needing one. Which — it turns out — is pretty easy to do.

Just BRUSH! Dental experts estimate that the average person spends around 48 seconds brushing their teeth — far less than the 2-3 minutes recommended by dentists. Since many root canals result from advanced cavities or decay, the other main tactic to avoid root canals is to see your dentist regularly. When we do visual exams and take x-rays, it allows us to spot problem areas before they become big issues.

Have you made your next six-month appointment? Besides checking your mouth, we’ll give you this special Root Canal Prevention kit – For FREE!

Wisdom Teeth: Your funniest molars?

Mar, 10, 2018

Search the internet for “wisdom teeth aftermath video,” and you’ll have over 1.5 million options to choose from. Filming family members and friends recovering from dental anesthesia has become a huge social media trend. Several hilarious examples – including this one and this one shown above – have gone viral, generating hundreds of millions of views and national TV coverage.

What Are They?

Wisdom teeth – also called 3^rd molars – are the only teeth that don’t develop until after we’re born. Most often they start to emerge in late adolescence, usually between ages 17-24. Humans have always had wisdom teeth, but have become a problem our modern diets are short in specific key nutrients that are critical to bone and jaw development. Because of that, the 3^rd molars crowd the rest of the teeth, potentially causing serious oral and other health problems. There are approximately 10 million wisdom teeth removed each year, at an estimated cost of more than $3 billion.

How Much Ouch?

Despite producing some of the internet’s funniest moments, wisdom tooth extraction is a routine medical procedure. It is usually performed under full sedation, which carries some minor risks. However, the procedure is fairly straightforward, and very few instances of serious complications occur. After tooth removal, the resulting wounds are packed with gauze. Patients are restricted to a liquid diet during recovery, which lasts 3-4 days. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage short-term pain.

It is extremely important to adhere to the treatment and follow-up recommendations. Failing to do so can lead to excessive swelling, discomfort, infection or a painful condition known as dry socket. Fortunately, the remedy for dry socket is simply to remain fully hydrated post-surgery, rinse your mouth frequently, and avoid drinking from a straw during your recovery

wisdom teeth — Wisdom teeth are the last permanent molars to develop.

But what about MY teeth?

In past decades, it was commonplace to have 3^rd molars removed as a preventative measure against potential future problems. However, since 2000 public health policy has been shifting away from the routine removal of asymptomatic wisdom teeth, according to a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information. However, while adopting a wait-and-see approach can avoid a potentially unnecessary procedure, both the patient and the dentist must vigilant. Regular check-ups help to monitor for signs of potential problems through roughly age 30. This follow-through is important, since complications like pericoronitis, unchecked decay, or infected roots can create serious health issues.

The bottom line is to always maintain good communication with your dentist through regular checkups, exams and X-rays. Drs. Meyer and Johns will explain how your 3^rd molars are developing, and what problems you may expect from your teeth.

Have more questions? Ask us at your next appointment.

What Exactly is a Veneer?

Jan, 26, 2017

Dental veneers are thin layers of porcelain applied to your teeth. They are custom fit in order to perfect your smile, and can potentially last decades when treated well. Although veneers certainly can make a smile truly dazzling, not everyone is a good candidate for them, and other restorative options may be more viable options for many individuals.

Function

Veneers are made from porcelain to match the color, functionality, and durability of natural teeth. They can be crafted to adjust small gaps or twists in teeth in addition to other small alignment imperfections.

An added benefit of veneers is that, unlike natural tooth enamel, they are impervious to staining, which means that they will retain their bright white color even for smokers or heavy coffee drinkers, for instance.

Application

The dentist removes a thin layer of enamel from each tooth to prepare it for the veneer adhesive. This durable, light-cured compound is very durable and tightly binds veneer to tooth. The veneers themselves must be created for your individual teeth in a lab, so there is a small wait time.

Maintenance

Caring for veneers is the same as caring for your natural teeth, with regular brushing and flossing. Regular, non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush will take care of them for the most part. They will need to be inspected and polished as a part of your regular dental exams, but should require no special care unless they begin to break or wear down.

Keep in Mind

Although veneers are very long-lived, they are not always permanent. They can chip, break, or wear down to the point of needing replacement. Since the application process requires removal of a thin layer of your natural enamel, natural teeth are no longer viable without a veneer to protect them. Replacement is necessary in these cases.

If you’d like to improve your smile, contact Meyer & Johns today to make an appointment. We would be pleased to discuss with you the best options for you as an individual, both in terms of dental health and cosmetic options.