Covington

July 30, 2007

Dr. Asrani

Frequently Asked Questions
1. My son is over one year old and has no teeth. Should I worry?
Even though most children that age have a number of teeth, some children may have delayed tooth eruption. There is usually no cause for concern about this.

2. My child's permanent lower front tooth is coming in behind his baby tooth. What should I do?

If the baby teeth are moderately to very loose, there is no immediate treatment. Patience is recommended. This is a normal process. The tongue will push the permanent lower front tooth forward. If the teeth are not very loose, your child should be taken for a x-ray and the situation evaluated. The milk tooth may have to be extracted if your dentist feels it may not fall off on his own.

3. My son sucks his thumb or finger. What effect can it have on the bite, and when should I work on stopping the habit?

Most children stop sucking their fingers between the ages of three to five. If your child continues this habit past the time of the eruption of the first permanent tooth, then it can have a permanent effect on the adult bite. The habit should be stopped before these teeth come in. From a preventive point of view, infants should be given pacifiers, as they will do much less harm than finger habits, and most children will discontinue their use earlier.

4. I have heard that a nursing bottle can cause cavities on toddlers, at what age should I take my child off the bottle?

Your child should stop using a bottle when he is old enough to hold a cup. This usually occurs around one year of age. After this age a child should NEVER be placed to sleep with a bottle because this may cause dental decay, increase the incidence of ear infections, and prolong the use of the bottle. If your child is habituated to sleeping with a bottle, the best way to stop this habit is by placing only water in the bottle, or progressively diluting it until it is all water. Then be firm with the child, give juice or milk in a cup, which will not cause as severe a decay.

5. What are the signs of teething, and what can I do to make my child more comfortable?

The signs of teething are drooling, irritability, restlessness, and loss of appetite. Fever, illness, and diarrhea are not symptoms. If your child presents with the latter signs, they need to be evaluated by your doctor. The best solution to comfort the child is to have the child chew on a cold or frozen rubber teething ring. Topical anesthetics/ gels are NOT recommended.

6. Why are baby teeth important? Don't they fall out?

Baby teeth serve the important function of eating, speech, and esthetics (self-image). These teeth not only help form the developing jaws, but they hold space for the permanent teeth to make normal bite possible. The last baby tooth falls out at about twelve years of age. A decayed baby tooth can become so badly decayed that it can do damage to the permanent tooth. At times severe infections of the face, head, and neck can be caused by infected baby teeth, necessitating care of baby teeth knowing they will eventually fall off.

7. When should I expect my son to brush and floss on his own?

We recommend that parents brush their children's teeth for the first five to seven years of life, since young children lack the manual dexterity of proper tooth brushing. The toothbrush should be a child's size, with soft nylon rounded bristles. Toothpaste should not be used until the child is able to spit (three to four years of age) to avoid swallowing it. A pea-sized drop should be dispensed by the parent for young children. Flossing should be performed by the parent prior to brushing. Most children lack the proper manual dexterity to floss on their own until the age of ten and will need a parent's help and supervision.

You can find a dentist in Covington, Washington, WA, 98042 at Covington dentist. Our Covington family practice offers dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and sedation dentistry to the people in Covington, Washington and nearby cities. Our Covington dentist takes people with or without dental insurance. Dr. Hugh Leung, our Covington dentist, and other dentists provide great dental care to the people of Covington, WA and its surrounding areas. If you need to find a dentist for your teeth, our Covington cosmetic dentists treat any smile with a variety of dental procedures such as crowns, fillings, root canals, dentures, implant restorations, tooth whitening, bridges, porcelain veneers, adult dental care, and many more dental practices. Our Covington dentists offer great dental specials on tooth whitening and dental implants with our DDS discounts. Our general dental practice provides the best dental care in Covington, Washington. Patients’ mouths are happy and healthy at our Covington family practice. Dr. Hugh Leung DMD, MS is a great dentist in Covington, WA. Can I find a dentist in Kent? It is not hard to find a dentist anymore because of the great quality at Covington dentist Patients come from Kent, Auburn, Covington, Renton, Des Moines, Issaquah, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Burien, Tukwila, Seattle, Tacoma, and other Washington cities and towns to visit our great and gentle dentists. If you have a toothache, plaque, or any pain in your teeth one of our gentle dentists with a DMD or DDS can treat you. Our cosmetic dentists in Covington can create smile makeovers with dramatic results by using tooth whitening, crowns, implants, and veneers on your teeth.

Georgia Smiles

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is halitosis? More than 90 million people suffer from chronic halitosis or bad breath. In most cases it originates from the gums and tongue.

2. What causes bad breath? Although there may be a number of causes, most of the time, halitosis originates in the mouth. It is caused by oral bacteria breaking down stubborn food debris and their decay. This process creates byproducts called volatile sulfur compounds, which emit a smell similar to rotten eggs. The type of bacteria that initiates this process needs an environment that is free of oxygen, so they usually inhabit areas that are difficult to reach, such as the pockets around teeth and the fissures of the tongue. In some circumstances, the odor may be caused by a systemic condition such as diabetes or a problem in the sinuses, pharynx, lungs, or stomach. Other debris in your mouth and poor oral hygiene can also cause odor. Therefore, the first step in solving bad breath problems is to undergo a medical examination to ensure that there are not any systemic problems contributing to the condition. Other factors can also cause halitosis: tobacco, alcohol, mouth rinses containing alcohol, garlic, onions, spicy food, hunger and dry mouth. These are all secondary to the main culprit - oral bacteria. If you have concerns about bad breath, please discuss this with us.

3. Can bad breath also come from other causes? Bad breath also may occur in people who have a medical infection, gum disease, diabetes, kidney failure, or a liver malfunction. Xerostomia (dry mouth) and tobacco also contribute to this problem. Cancer patients who undergo radiation therapy may experience dry mouth. Even stress, dieting, snoring, age and hormonal changes can have an effect on your breath. An odor that comes from the back of your tongue may indicate post-nasal drip. This is where the mucus secretion, which comes from the nose and moves down your throat, gets stuck on the tongue and causes an odor. Bad breath originating in the stomach, however, is considered to be extremely rare.

4. What can be done to combat bad breath? If it is clear that bacteria are the culprits, methods to reduce them are the first line of defense. That's why if you have bad breath, you should make sure to obtain a complete dental examination that includes a periodontal examination. Keeping your mouth as clean as possible helps eliminate bacteria. In fact, it's valuable to consider this cleaning process as "full-mouth disinfection," focusing on all areas where bacteria may reside. This "disinfection" includes thorough brushing, proper use of dental floss, mouth rinse and cleaning the tongue. At the Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we have a full line of breath control products from companies like BreathRx, which are designed to control or eliminate bad breath. Remember, you're not alone. We are here to help. It is also important to practice good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day. To alleviate the odor, clean your tongue with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper, a plastic tool that scrapes away bacteria that builds on the tongue. Chewing sugar-free gum also may help control the odor. If you have dentures or a removable appliance, such as a retainer or mouthguard, clean the appliance thoroughly before placing it back in your mouth. Before you use mouth rinses, deodorizing sprays or tablets, talk with our dentist because these products only mask the odor temporarily, and some products work better than others.

5. Why is saliva important in the fight against bad breath? Saliva is the key ingredient in your mouth that helps keep the odor under control because it helps wash away food particles and bacteria, the primary cause of bad breath. When you sleep, however, salivary glands slow down the production of saliva allowing the bacteria to grow inside the mouth. To alleviate "morning mouth," brush your teeth and eat a morning meal. Morning mouth also is associated with hunger or fasting. Those who skip breakfast, beware because the odor may reappear even if you've brushed your teeth. 6. Do certain food cause bad breath? A: Very spicy foods, such as onions and garlic, and coffee may be detected on a person's breath for up to 72 hours after digestion. Onions, for example, are absorbed by the stomach and the odor is then excreted through the lungs. Studies have even shown that garlic rubbed on the soles of the feet can show up on the breath.

Eastin Dentistry

1. What’s the problem with mercury silver fillings (amalgam)? Mercury fillings, euphemistically called silver of amalgam fillings, have been used in dentistry since the Civil War era. They are an amalgam of 50% mercury, mixed with silver, copper, tin and other metals. Mercury fillings were invented as a cheap alternative to gold. Because they are easy to place and inexpensive, mercury fillings have been widely used for 150 years. So, what’s the controversy? By volume, amalgam fillings contain over 50% mercury—one of the most toxic substances on earth. Mercury amalgam technology is ancient by modern medical standards. Mercury amalgam was standardized for manufacture in 1895 and dentists have been using it to fill teeth for at least 160 years. Mercury silver fillings do not bond (stick) to the tooth structure. This requires the dentist to wedge the filling into the tooth to keep it from falling out. However, creating this wedge effect requires the removal of excessive amounts of healthy tooth structure—weakening the tooth and predisposing it to cracks and fracture. The lack of a bond between the filling and the tooth permits bacteria to leak underneath the filling. This creates decay that is often not detected until the tooth has been further damaged. Just like in a thermometer, the mercury part of the filling expands and contracts. These expansion and contraction cycles wedge the tooth apart. Eventually the tooth will fatigue, crack and split. Repairing a cracked tooth usually requires either a root canal and/or a crown. In contrast, modern tooth-colored restorations are adhesive, highly cosmetic and mercury-free. Covington dentist bonds these esthetic restorations strongly to the tooth using a state-of-the-art technique that intimately binds the material to the surrounding tooth structure. Using these advanced materials and techniques Covington dentist can restore the original strength and beauty of the tooth.

2. What are the alternatives to mercury silver fillings? Mercury fillings saved many teeth from extraction and they provided great service to the dental field for a long time. But today's materials are far superior and look like real teeth, allowing Covington dentist to provide true restorations. There are outstanding alternatives to mercury fillings. For small cavities, tooth colored, composite resin fillings are excellent. For larger problems, there are options such as reinforced porcelain or resin inlays, onlays and crowns that are custom fabricated in a dental laboratory. These materials are beautiful and can be bonded to a tooth so the final result is as strong as the natural tooth.

3. Why has Covington dentist chosen to avoid the use of mercury silver fillings (amalgam)? Covington dentist's commitment to state-of-the-art, advanced dentistry, precludes the use of silver filling material (called amalgam) to restore your teeth. These are some of the reasons why: Amalgam or “silver” dental fillings contain 50% mercury. Mercury is a one of the most toxic substances known on earth. World renowned mercury toxicologists state that no amount of exposure to mercury vapor can be considered harmless. There are no studies proving that amalgam is safe when placed in the human body. In fact, amalgam has never been subjected to FDA testing. If it were being introduced today, it is highly unlikely that it would ever receive FDA approval as a dental device. OSHA and the EPA classify dental amalgam as a hazardous and toxic waste. They mandate that all amalgam removed from your tooth must be stored in a specialized container to prevent personal and environmental exposure to the continuous release of hazardous mercury vapor. Scientific research has demonstrated that mercury, even in small amounts, can damage the brain and nervous system, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, thyroid gland, pituitary gland, adrenal gland, blood cells, enzymes and hormones. Mercury is also known to suppress the T-cells of immune system by as much as 100%. Mercury readily passes through the placental barrier in pregnant women and can cause permanent damage to the brain of the developing baby. Mercury appears in the amniotic fluid just two days after placement of an amalgam filling in a pregnant woman. Mercury is also concentrated in breast milk. Mercury vapor is continually released from mercury dental fillings. The release of mercury can be increased as much as 15-fold by chewing, brushing, eating acidic foods and drinking hot liquids. The World Health Organization has concluded that the daily intake of mercury from amalgam fillings exceeds the combined daily intake of mercury derived from air, water and food (including fish). Studies by the National Institute of Health confirm a direct correlation between mercury levels in a person’s blood, urine and stool and the number of amalgam fillings in their teeth. Mercury vapor released from amalgam fillings is rapidly absorbed and accumulated in body tissue. In human autopsy studies, it has been found that there is a direct correlation between the amount of mercury found in the brain and the number of mercury fillings in the teeth. Scientific research has shown high levels of mercury in the brains of individuals dead from Alzheimer’s disease. Mercury has been shown to effect the brain in ways similar to Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Autism and Alzheimer’s disease. Placing amalgam fillings often requires drilling away large amounts of healthy tooth structure. These fillings can profoundly weaken the tooth and often lead to the placement of much larger fillings, crowns and, in many cases, root canals. Modern dental materials now exist that are more biologically compatible than dental amalgam. When placed with meticulous attention to detail, the new materials are highly cosmetic and can reinforce the tooth. By using these techniques, we may be able to prevent fractured teeth and the need for some root canals and crowns.

4. Should I have my mercury silver fillings replaced? Covington dentist's recommendation is that you never allow another amalgam filling to be placed in your mouth—of course that would never happen in Covington dentist's office. The decision to replace amalgam fillings that are already in your mouth needs to be carefully considered. There are many reasons to consider the replacement of your existing amalgam fillings:

Many of our patients come to Covington dentist because their physician feels that they may have some health problems where mercury exposure or accumulation may be part of the problem. As an adjunct to their medical treatment, the physician recommends having their amalgam fillings carefully replaced with a more biocompatible material.
Some people come to Covington dentist because they have read and learned enough about mercury issues that they have decided they don't want this material in their mouths anymore and request that we replace it.
Still others understand that mercury silver fillings are an obsolete material. They have learned that these fillings will eventually damage the underlying tooth structure and have elected to replace them with modern materials before irreversible damage has occurred.

In Covington dentist's opinion, any of these is a wise and valid reasons for replacing the old mercury amalgam. We won't take the position that everyone in Covington dentist's office should replace all his or her previous amalgam fillings. Covington dentist does, however, feel a responsibility to educate everyone on the issues surrounding mercury fillings and to let them know that a mercury-free mouth is always available in Covington dentist's office. It's always your choice—however, Covington dentist thinks it's a pretty good choice for most people. Covington dentist wouldn't allow mercury amalgam to be in his mouth, or in the mouths of his family or team.

Please notice, Covington dentist is not saying that if you replace your amalgam fillings you will experience any specific health benefit. However, many of Covington dentist's patients report they have experienced significant, positive health changes when they have followed closely the amalgam replacement protocols described below. But that experience is by no means universal, and Covington dentist wants to be clear that we are making no specific health claims for replacing amalgam fillings. At the very least, you'll be reducing your body burden of a known toxic material, updating your old fillings with modern materials and preventing the eventual tooth related damage caused by amalgam silver fillings.

5. What’s involved in mercury amalgam filling replacement? Safe mercury amalgam replacement is more complex than traditional metal based dentistry. If you decide to replace your mercury amalgam fillings, have it done by Covington dentist who is experienced with, and committed to, mercury-free dentistry.

Amalgam fillings contain over 50% mercury. During the removal of amalgam fillings, Covington dentist vaporizes the mercury component of the filling and the patient can be exposed to amounts one thousand times greater than the EPA allowable air concentration. Amalgam removal needs to be done cautiously to protect the patient from exposure to additional mercury during the course of the dental procedures. This is a very important point and one that is likely to be overlooked by most dentists who are not committed to mercury-free dentistry.

Your health and safety are our primary concern. Covington dentist takes every precaution possible during amalgam filling replacement to protect you, my dental team and myself from additional exposure to mercury. Covington dentist adheres to the following protocol established by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. These steps have been shown to greatly reduce everyone’s exposure to mercury during amalgam filling replacement.

Keep fillings cool—Remove fillings under copious amounts of cold-water spray to minimize the heat-induced release of mercury vapor from the fillings. Covington dentist's dental drills spray water from 3 ports rather than the standard single port.
Section and remove the filling in large pieces.
Use a high volume suction aspirator to evacuate mercury vapor as it is released.
Provide alternative clean air source. All patients having amalgam removed are provided with oxygen delivered through a nasal hood.
Covington dentist uses a rubber dam. A rubber dam is a latex shield placed over the tooth that helps prevent breathing or swallowing mercury vapor or fragments during filling removal. All particles of mercury amalgam that collect on the rubber dam are washed and vacuumed away as soon as they are generated.
Keep the room air pure—All dental offices using or removing mercury fillings should install room air purifiers. You would be alarmed at the amount of mercury vapor in the air of a typical dental office. It enters the air each time a mercury amalgam filling is placed into a tooth or removed from a tooth. Covington dentist's dental office is equipped with a state of the art clean air system that collects any mercury vapor that escapes into the air during amalgam filling removal. This protects everyone who enters our dental office from being exposed to airborne mercury vapor.

6. What are the environmental concerns associated with mercury silver fillings? It is well established that mercury is a significant environmental contaminant. Millions of dollars are spent on cleaning up toxic industrial mercury spills. Controlling mercury emissions from industrial settings has become a big environmental priority. In Washington State, the Department of Ecology has included mercury on its list of the top nine targeted "Persistent Bio-accumulative Toxins" to be eliminated in our environment. A dirty little secret is that the dental industry is spilling a significant amount of mercury into the environment!

Wastewater treatment agencies in several parts of the U.S. and Canada recently have been studying this problem. They find that wastewater entering the municipal treatment plants often contains unacceptable levels of heavy metals—including mercury. Wastewater treatment plants are not designed to process heavy metals. It is important that this contamination is cut off at the source. Their studies have estimated that up to 80% of the mercury contamination of wastewater entering the treatment plants is coming from dental offices!

How does this happen? Any time a mercury amalgam filling is placed or removed by Covington dentist, there is a significant amount of amalgam sludge that is vacuumed up by the dental assistant. It doesn't just disappear. That mercury-laden sludge goes down the drain and into the wastewater system. In most offices, this goes completely unchecked. Several European countries have had regulations for years that require dental offices to be equipped with special mercury-separator devices that filter out or trap mercury before the wastewater leaves Covington dentist's office. In the near future, such regulations will take effect in some Canadian cities, and it is likely that parts of the U.S. will follow suit.

Covington dentist is proud to say that it has had such a wastewater protective service in place for several years. It's a simple step that makes a significant environmental impact.

7. What’s so different about the way you treat gum disease? Gum disease is an infection caused by chronic bacterial infection of the gum tissue. This infection damages the gum and bone that support the teeth. Recent advances in technology now permit the use of a dental laser to painlessly and non-surgically treat this infection and stimulate the body to heal. Covington dentist is one of the only dental practices in the Inland Northwest using this advanced technology.

8. What is your opinion about fluoride? The use of fluoride, and particularly fluoridation of drinking water, has been touted for the last few decades as a huge boon to dental health. Dental societies and public health agencies have vigorously promoted water fluoridation as one of the most beneficial public health policies ever introduced. Covington dentist is not convinced.

Covington dentist believes that an objective and thorough review of the relevant science shows the toxic properties of fluoride have been grossly overlooked, and the benefits of fluoridation have been widely overrated. Simply stated, fluoride is toxic and likely doesn't work as it’s been promoted. If you'd like more information on this point of view refer to one of the factual and reliable websites on this topic: www.fluoridealert.org. Only upon specific request do we provide "fluoride treatments" on kids or adults. Covington dentist does not support public water fluoridation. Covington dentist also does not prescribe fluoride supplements.

9. Are root canals a good idea? Root canal treatment is another area of current controversy. The rationale for this treatment is to save a tooth where the nerve has become irreversibly damaged or infected. Under these conditions the only other option is to extract the tooth. Of course, dentists are always in favor of saving teeth. On one hand it can be said that root canal treatment has saved millions of teeth from extraction, and allowed them to function comfortably and esthetically. On the other hand, some dentists and scientists are asking the question—at what cost?

Again, this is a long and complex story. The short version goes something like this—teeth that have been saved with root canal treatment, even when the treatment looks and feels successful from all traditional criteria, may still harbor residual toxins that can enter the bloodstream and affect the body as a whole. Dr. Weston Price did the original research calling attention to this issue in the 1920s. Dr. George Meinig summarizes his work in a recent book, Root Canal Cover-up Exposed. Very little modern research has been applied to this question. The one outstanding exception is the current work of Dr. Boyd Haley and Dr. Curt Pendergrass at Affinity Labeling Technologies. Their sophisticated research has confirmed that many root canal treated teeth still have significant toxic potential. Their research is presented at www.Altcorp.com.

Two questions naturally arise from this controversy: 1) Should root canal treatments be done at all? 2) Are existing root canal treated teeth a health risk and should they be extracted? At the present time, Covington dentist doesn't feel these questions have a clear-cut answer. Should this situation arise, Covington dentist advises patients on an individual basis. The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology has a standing committee on root canal concerns, and they have been wrestling with this issue. Currently, they still have no consensus on the simple core question: root canals -yes or no?

10. Do you accept my insurance? Covington dentist's goal is to always help you maximize your dental insurance coverage. Please keep in mind that the prime mandate of insurance companies is cost containment—a strategy that does not necessarily equate to high quality dental care. Because of this, Covington dentist is not a defined provider for any specific insurance company. Covington dentist's office provides a variety of payment options to help make quality dental care affordable.

11. I’m kind of nervous about dental treatment. Do you have any ways to help relax me? Absolutely! Covington dentist has nitrous oxide (laughing gas) available for the asking. For people who are just a little nervous, this helps take the edge off.

Dr. Siegelman

1. Is sedation dentistry a good route to take for a patient with Fibromyalgia and facial pain history?

Sedation dentistry can be a good modality for patients with facial pain and fibromyalgia because greater comfort is provided during dental care. Oral sedation at Covington dentist provides a level of relaxation and sometimes a degree of amnesia during the care appointment. Depending on the needs of the patient, Covington dentist will often use intravenous sedation because it allows him to make the patient even more comfortable, pain free, relaxed, and gives the patient the perception that they were "out" for the procedure. With intravenous sedation, Covington dentist is also able to give medications that make the post op more comfortable as well. Over the years many fibro patients have told him they get, "two good days after" my procedures where they are generally pain free of the fibro. Regarding the trigeminal neuralgia, there are adjunctive medications that can be used (orally, or intravenously) during your procedure to address additional pain pathways to best control dental pain and provide the maximum comfort to you. Many fibro and facial pain patients have in general reached the limit of their suffering and want to minimize suffering through anything else, if they can. A consultation would help Covington dentist determine the best approach for you.

July 28, 2007

Gum Surgery.com

1. What is a dental implant?

Dental implants are screw-shaped or cylindrical root-form titanium posts that act as artificial tooth roots. Covington dentist carefully places these in the jawbone and allowed to heal. During the healing phase, your bone is growing right up to the implant surface in order to lock it in place.

Shortly thereafter, Covington dentist makes a crown to fit on top of the implant's so as to replace a missing tooth or teeth with a "brand-new" tooth. In many cases, you can be functioning on your "new" tooth in as little as 6 weeks!

2. What are some of the benefits of dental implants?

They look and feel just like your own teeth. Dental implants restore your confidence to talk, laugh, and chew with comfort and without worries.

Implants preserve the integrity of facial structures. Implants prevent the hard and soft tissue collapse that can occur under conventional bridges and removable partial dentures. In patients who have lost all of their teeth, the lower one-third of the face is prone to collapse if implants are not placed to preserve the bone and the facial profile. Implants form a strong bond to the surrounding bone to provide support and anchorage for biting and chewing as well as stimulation for the bone to hold it in place.

Implant-supported crowns and bridges do not require neighboring teeth for support. When Covington dentist replaces teeth using traditional tooth-supported bridges, the teeth on either side of the missing tooth are ground down so that the bridge can be cemented onto them (Click on figure at left). This tooth structure can never be replaced by Covington dentist. Removable partial dentures use clasps and rests which have to be carved onto adjacent teeth. As the partial rocks back and forth, it can loosen the teeth it depends on for anchorage, causing them to be lost.

Implants replace the entire tooth and the missing root so it is a free-standing restoration. This leaves more of your natural teeth untouched and free of restorations which saves your natural teeth.

Better health and nutrition because you can eat what you want. Patients with dentures often find themselves unable to eat certain foods, such as fruits and vegetables, which can compromise their nutrition. With dental implants from Covington dentist, it is much easier to bite into and chew your favorite foods.

Ease of cleansing. An implant supported crown can be cleaned like your other natural teeth, i.e. brushing and flossing. Cleaning under a bridge, however, requires the use of floss threaders for proper cleaning, while a partial must be taken out several times a day and scrubbed clean.

Enjoy your food. Patients who wear an upper denture often have trouble really tasting food because the roof of the mouth is covered. With implant supported replacement teeth, it is not necessary to cover the roof of the mouth, so it is possible to enjoy the taste of all your favorite foods.

3. What if I have already lost all of my teeth?

If you are a denture wearer and are having problems keeping your dentures in place or you cannot enjoy some of your favorite foods, implants can still make a big difference for you. Depending on your individual case, anywhere from 2 to 8 implants can be placed in each jaw to anchor your dentures in place. No more wobbling or clicking; no more messy pastes and glues. Covington dentist says you will be free to enjoy all of your favorite foods with confidence and comfort.

4. How long do implants last?

Published clinical research shows that implant supported restorations have been successful for over 30 years with success rates now reaching over 95%. These cases were carefully followed from the very beginning and are likely to remain successful for the lifetime of these patients.

Dental implants by Covington dentist are designed to be permanent but there are many factors that contribute to their longevity. Home care and regular visits to Covington dentist or specialist are probably the most critical aspects. However, smoking, grinding of the teeth, or too much pressure on the implants can alter their success.

By comparison, research shows that the typical tooth supported bridge lasts from 7-10 years and that partials and dentures last an average of only 5 years. In fact, insurance companies expect that bridges, partials, and dentures will last 5 years and will therefore pay for replacements every 5 years.

5. In what situation then, if any, would a dentist recommend a tooth supported bridge?

Until recently, most dentists considered conventional bridges the treatment of choice for replacing missing or lost teeth. However, over the past decade there have been tremendous advancements in dental implant systems allowing more options for Covington dentist.

Sometimes if the adjacent teeth have large restorations (fillings) that must be replaced or if the teeth are severely broken down, a tooth supported bridge may be the best option because those teeth could benefit from the protection of crowns attached to traditional bridges.

Most dentists, however, detest the idea of grinding down perfect teeth in order to place a traditional bridge and will therefore recommend dental implants in these cases.

6. Where do I start?

You can begin by making an appointment with any one of the doctors or Covington dentist for a consultation.

Dental implants feel so natural and look so good, you just may forget you ever lost a tooth.

Dr. Gist

1. "What are dentures?"

Dentures are removable prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth.

2. "What are partial dentures?"

Partial dentures are dentures that replace only a few missing teeth.

3. "What are complete dentures?"

Complete dentures are dentures that replace a complete set of missing teeth.

4. "What is the difference between conventional dentures and immediate dentures?"

Conventional dentures are dentures that are made and placed by Covington dentist after the remaining teeth are removed and the tissues have healed. Immediate dentures are dentures that are placed immediately after the removal of the remaining teeth.

5. "What is an over-denture?"

An over-denture is a denture that fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth or implants.

Dr. Ratner

1. What are dentures?

Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. They're made from an acrylic resin, sometimes a resin which incorporates either porcelain or metal for additional structural support. There are many types of dentures, but all dentures are either complete or partial. All types are custom-made specifically for your mouth by Covington dentist.

2. Who is a candidate for dentures?

If you've lost, or are losing, your teeth dentures are an option. If you've only lost some teeth, and your remaining teeth are healthy, partial dentures may be your way to a great smile. Only a qualified cosmetic dentist at Covington dentist can tell you if dentures are for you. There are several personal and medical factors to take into consideration when deciding what route to take regarding missing teeth. Sometimes dental bridges or dental implants are better alternative. Your cosmetic dentist at Covington dentist will help you determine which procedure -- or combination of procedures -- is best for your specific condition.

3. What are the different types of dentures?

Complete Dentures- These are dentures which replace all of your teeth, both upper and lower. Their comfort depends upon a patient's muscle, bones, tongue, and saliva. Complete dentures may require Covington dentist to pull teeth.
Partial Dentures-Partial dentures are designed to correct the gaps in your smile when only some of your teeth are missing. Covington dentist uses metal attachments to anchor the dentures to your natural teeth. Partial dentures maintain tooth alignment by preventing your remaining teeth from shifting. Partial dentures can also help prevent decay or gum disease in your other teeth.
Immediate Dentures- Immediate dentures are dentures which are placed all at once. Once placed, they may require additional adjustments. Note, it may take months for your bone and tissue to stabilize after tooth extractions.
Upper Dentures- Upper dentures are dentures just like complete dentures, only for strictly your upper teeth. They tend to be a bit easier to adjust to.
Over Dentures- Over dentures are similar to complete dentures. The difference is that not all teeth are extracted. Over dentures use one, or more, of your natural teeth for support. This provides greater stabilization during chewing. Over dentures cost more then other dentures, and typically require more preparatory dental appointments.

4. What sort of maintenance is involved?

Dentures do take some getting used to. There are initial, temporary speech issues to overcome. Mouth irritation or sores may occur, but are usually caused by poor dental hygiene, and not removing your dentures when needed. Your mouth may change over the life of your dentures, so there will be times when your dentures will probably need to be changed by Covington dental as well.

5. How much do dentures cost?

Costs vary $500 to $2,500 per upper or lower arch. This is a procedure for which you should definitely research your dental insurance coverage, as much of the cost is often covered. You can also consult with Covington dentist for financing options. Depending on your needs, your cosmetic dentist at Covington dentist can find the right fit for both you mouth and your wallet.

Chino Hills Dentist.com

1. What are wisdom teeth?

Also called third molars, wisdom teeth usually make their first appearance in young adults between the ages of 15 to 25. Because most mouths are too small for these four additional molars, an extraction procedure, sometimes immediately after they surface, is often necessary.

2. When should wisdom teeth be removed?

The following symptoms may indicate that the wisdom teeth have erupted and surfaced, and should be removed before they become impacted -- meaning, the teeth have surfaced and have no room in the mouth to grow. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Covington dentist says symptoms may include: pain infection in the mouth, facial swelling, swelling of the gum line in the back of the mouth. Most oral health specialists at Covington dentist will recommend an immediate removal of the wisdom teeth, as early removal will help to eliminate problems, such as an impacted tooth that destroys the second molar.

3. What problems are often associated with impacted third molars?

Bacteria and plaque build-up
Cysts development (a fluid-filled sac)
Tumor development
Infection
Jaw and gum disease

4. What is involved in the extraction procedure?

Wisdom tooth extraction surgery involves removing the gum tissue that presides over the tooth, gently detaching the connective tissue between the tooth and the bone, removing the tooth, and suturing the opening in the gum line.

5. What is a Dry Socket?

Dry Socket is the most common complication of extraction. (removing a tooth) Most commonly associated with wisdom teeth extractions & lower molar extraction. Dry Socket is one in which the patient is having pain due to the loss of the blood clot from the socket following extraction, thus exposing the bone to air, food, and fluids. Patient experiences excruciating pain along with an offensive odor. This often occurs two or more days after an extraction and can last about 5-6 days.

This condition occurs most commonly -

1. In individuals who smoke before their recommended time. Smoking: decreases healing, decrease blood supply to the protective blood clot, brings toxic products to the area, injuries the gum tissue and the negative pressure of sucking removes the blood clot from the surgery site.

2. If you do not care for your extraction site as instructed by staff at Covington dentist.

3. Not following your home care instructions from Covington dentist.

4. Sucking action from smoking, sneezing, coughing, spitting or sucking, within the first 24 hours.

5. Women taking oral contraceptives are more susceptible.

Washington Center for Dentistry

1. What is a veneer?

A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain or plastic-like an ultra-thin fingernail-that Covington dentist bonds to a tooth to improve its color and shape.

2. Does the porcelain veneer cover the entire tooth?

A porcelain veneer generally covers only the front and top of a tooth.

3. When is a porcelain veneer the best choice of treatment?

Porcelain veneers are often the best treatment to close spaces between teeth, lengthen small or misshapen teeth, or to whiten stained or dark teeth.

4. Are there any other advantages to porcelain veneers?

When teeth are chipped or beginning to wear, porcelain veneers can protect them from further damage and restore their original appearance.

5. How does the porcelain veneer treatment work?

How many appointments? It takes two or more appointments at Covington dentist to restore teeth with porcelain veneers. During the first appointment, Covington dentist shapes and lightly roughens the surface of the teeth. Then impressions are taken that Covington dentist uses to make exact working models of the mouth. It's on these models that the porcelain veneers get artistically crafted to fit the prepared teeth.

During the second appointment to Covington dentist, the prepared teeth get cleaned and polished. Then Covington dentist uses a special adhesive to bond the porcelain veneers to the teeth. A gentle, high-intensity light hardens the adhesive.

6. How will I look while I wait for the lab to make my permanent porcelain veneers?

After the teeth are prepared for porcelain veneers, the patient leaves Covington dentist's office wearing highly specialized temporary porcelain veneers, which look better than their original teeth. The temporaries look very much like the permanent porcelain veneers will look.

7. Will it feel like there are bulky coverings on the teeth?

Once in place, the porcelain veneers virtually become part of the teeth. You can use them exactly as our own teeth, because the bond is extremely strong. The final result: natural, beautiful looking teeth.

8. What determines the color and shape of the porcelain veneers we choose?

The shape of the face, whites of the eyes, skin tones, height, body type, even the personality of the patient are factors that Covington dentist considers when designing porcelain veneers.

9. Do porcelain veneers look as natural as original teeth?

The luster, shine and translucency of porcelain make it a near-perfect copy of natural enamel.

10. How long do porcelain veneers last?

Porcelain veneers last between ten and twenty years. Porcelain is a strong, highly resilient material that will not stain or wear from brushing. And the thin façade of porcelain that is bonded to the enamel becomes extremely strong-and durable!

11. What is a Lumineer? And does it really offer a better veneer solution?

In recent years, powerful marketing has been pumping the image of Lumineers as a choice that provides the thinnest covering for teeth in need of a better look. Dental consumers are hard pressed to challenge the claims of this product that these veneers are “significantly thinner” and there is “no need to prepare the tooth surface.”

Dr. Doundoulakis

1. What is tooth whitening?

It is actually a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin. The system uses a mild solution containing carbamide peroxide retained in a custom-fitted tray that is worn over your teeth for home bleaching.

2. What causes tooth discoloration?

Covington dentist says there are many causes. The most common include aging, consumption of staining substances (coffee, tea, cola's, tobacco), trauma, staining, nerve degeneration, and old fillings. During tooth formation, Covington dentist says consumption of tetracycline or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration. Who may benefit from teeth whitening? Almost anyone! However, there are some cases where the treatment may not be effective. Covington dentist will determine viable candidates for the process through a thorough oral examination and diagnosis. Home Teeth Bleaching is ideal for patients who have healthy, unrestored teeth and would like to have a whiter, brighter smile.

3. What type of stains have best prognosis?

Teeth darkened during aging (brown-orange) respond predictably by lightening approximately 2-3 increments on the dental shade guide. Other types of stains (fluorosis, smoker’s stain, tetracycline) are also lightened, but results are case dependent. Routine use of home bleaching prior to placing anterior restorations on older patients may be advisable since subsequent bleaching causes mismatch with existing restorations.

4. How long does it take before color change is perceptible?

1-3 days for teeth darkened from age & 7-10 days for other types of stain.

5. Does carbamide peroxide applied in tray bleach teeth?

Yes. Profoundness of bleach depends on: (1) type of stain; (2) intensity of stain; (3) bleach contact time on teeth; & (4) amount of available active ingredient in bleach.

6. How does it work?

Covington dentist places the gel in a thin bleaching tray that fits over your teeth. As the active ingredient in the gel, hydrogen peroxide, is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin and bleaches the colored substances. Only the tooth color is made lighter, while the structure of the tooth is unchanged. Why is the Day White Home Bleaching process unique? New breakthrough technology allows you to whiten your teeth comfortably and effectively, in only two 30 minute applications per day. For example, you can whiten your teeth while driving to work or watching your favorite TV show.

7. How long do bleached teeth retain lighter color?

Dependent on patient! The teeth will always be lighter than they were. However, some patients may need periodic re-whitening for one or two days every one to two years, especially if they continue to use staining substances like caffeine or tobacco products.

8. Is the process safe?

YES! Research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth with hydrogen peroxide under the supervision of Covington dentist is safe for teeth and gums. In fact, Covington dentist consider this whitening process the safest cosmetic dental procedure available today.

9. How do patients respond to this treatment?

Very positively! Most people desire white teeth. To bleach faster or as kickoff to home treatment, our state-of-the-art in-office "power" teeth bleaching can be used. Speak to Covington dentist about in-office bleaching.

10. How long does it take?

Results are often seen after the first application. Ideal results generally occur when the process is continued for 10 to 14 days. And faster results may be obtained with more frequent application and/or longer wear periods (i.e., over 1 hour per day).

11. Are there side effects to the treatment?

Sometimes. Tooth hypersensitivity, gum irritations, mild TM disorder from tray, & nausea/ sore throat from swallowing bleach have occurred in some patients. However, the greatest majority have had no side effects.