Distinctive Smiles of Dublin

OLYMPIANS FACE BIG HURDLE

August 18, 2014

What effect can energy drinks, gels, bars, and frequent snacking have on athletes’ teeth? The dental director for the International Olympic Committee reveals that a great many Olympic athletes have broken teeth, abscesses, decay, and other dental issues. The problem is that many of them consume acidic, sugary drinks and energy bars that attack teeth while their dehydrated bodies do not produce enough saliva to remineralize their tooth enamel. In addition, most Olympic athletes are ages 16 to 25 years old, which is the group at highest risk for tooth decay. As these young adults fly the family nest and abandon many of their healthy eating habits, they become more susceptible to tooth decay. Athletes and exercisers take careful note.

Diet and nutrition are important environmental factors affecting oral health problems such as dental caries and periodontal disease. The best time to see your dentist is before you have a problem. The most valuable service DISTINCTIVE SMILES OF DUBLIN can provide is a thorough and complete examination. Virtually all dental problems – decay, gum disease, jaw joint difficulties and loose teeth – are easily detected in their early stages and can be treated economically and comfortably at that time. We are located at 5142 Blazer Parkway, Dublin, where we’re currently accepting new patients. Please call 614.792.1800 to schedule an appointment. Creating Healthy Beautiful Smiles.

P.S. Many competitive athletes grind their teeth at night, probably in response to the competitive pressures they face.

THE NATURAL LOOK OF PORCELAIN

August 3, 2014

 

Whether it is used to create veneers, crowns, or fixed bridges, porcelain is the material of choice  because it so closely matches the appearance, durability, and longevity of tooth enamel. Porcelain mimics the light-reflecting qualities of natural teeth better than opaque resins. All-porcelain dental crowns also generally provide a better natural color match than any other material, making them a good choice for veneers and replacing front teeth. On the other hand, when it comes to crowns and fixed bridges, porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns provide the needed added strength that an underlying metal structure can provide. Porcelain crowns not only look and feel like natural teeth, they also  require the same degree of care.

Talk with us at DISTINCTIVE SMILES OF DUBLIN about the latest developments and technologies available to enhance your smile. Explain the result that you are trying to achieve. We will examine your teeth to make sure veneers are appropriate for you and discuss what the procedure will involve and some of its limitations. Our recommendations are always in the best interest of our patients. We feel a deep responsibility and commitment to provide you the very best care with state-of-the-art technology. We’re located at 5142 Blazer Parkway, Dublin. Please call 614.792.1800 to schedule an appointment for high quality dental care. Let us help you keep your teeth for a lifetime. Creating Healthy Beautiful Smiles.

P.S. Porcelain matches natural enamel’s translucency, enabling light to pass through it and bounce off the inner (more opaque) layer.

 

OVERCOMING REFLEXIVE RESPONSE

July 21, 2014

If dental appointments make you anxious, you should make your feelings known to the dentist and dental hygienist, who can help you overcome your anxiety. A fuller explanation of the procedure at hand often helps patients know what to expect and prepare for any mild discomfort that they may feel. Topical and injected anesthetics make pain a non-issue; however, simply the thought of experiencing pain arouses such anxiety that patients feel a bit overwhelmed. Recent research published in The Journal of the American Dental Association shows that the urge to gag that many patients experience is often founded in fear. Once patient worries are properly addressed with reassurance, soothing music, and/or medication in some cases, dental appointments become worry-free.

Part of our commitment to serving our patients includes providing information that helps them to make more informed decisions about their oral health needs and plans to eliminate anxiety. At DISTINCTIVE SMILES OF DUBLIN, we encourage you to talk to us about your dental health. Preventing dental disease is less costly and more rewarding than correcting the problem. We will show you how to care for your teeth. We’re located at 5142 Blazer Parkway, Dublin, where we provide quality, personal dental care in a comfortable, immaculate, professional environment. Please call 614.792.1800 to schedule an appointment. Let us help you bring out that natural smile. Creating Healthy Beautiful Smiles.

P.S. It is the pain that occurs before treatment that makes root-canal therapy so uncomfortable. Most patients report that the root-canal procedure itself is no more painful than having a filling placed.

MAKING WISE CHOICES

July 7, 2014

When it comes to deciding whether or not to have wisdom teeth extracted, there are a number of factors to consider. While some individuals have enough room in their dental arches to accommodate all their wisdom teeth, those with smaller jaws often find that their wisdom teeth erupt improperly. As a result of coming in crookedly, their third molars are difficult to brush and floss, which can lead to increased risk of gum disease and cavities. To avert these potential problems, some patients elect to have their wisdom teeth extracted. However, some people do not realize that their wisdom teeth are impacted (trapped beneath the gums) until an x-ray indicates as much. If so, a consultation with the dentist is needed.

Many times wisdom teeth — the third molars in the very back of your mouth — do not have room to grow properly, which can cause problems. Erupting wisdom teeth can grow at various angles in the jaw, sometimes even horizontally. For more information about our dental services, we invite you to call DISTINCTIVE SMILES OF DUBLIN today. We would like to increase dental awareness and stress the importance of regular dental care. It’s never too late to start good oral hygiene. Remember that nothing is more economical than regular dental checkups. For gentle compassionate dental care, call 614.792.1800 to schedule an appointment. We’re located at 5142 Blazer Parkway, Dublin. Creating Healthy Beautiful Smiles.

P.S. Wisdom teeth (third molars) are the last teeth to erupt, usually somewhere between the ages of 14 and 21.

WHY SO SENSITIVE?

June 30, 2014

According to recent research published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, one in eight adults suffers from a condition known as “sensitive teeth.” The pain associated with this condition is often triggered by eating or drinking cold, hot, acidic, or sweet foods or beverages. While overzealous brushing or tooth-whitening products may cause sensitive teeth, the primary culprit is gum recession. As the gum tissue recedes with age, pores (or tubules) on the surface of the tooth root become increasingly exposed. Because these tubules travel to the nerve of the tooth, the nerve becomes more susceptible to painful triggers. Gentle brushing, avoidance of home tooth-whiteners, and use of toothpastes created for sensitive teeth can help alleviate pain.

Sensitive teeth rarely represent a medical emergency. Nevertheless, sensitivity can also be associated with tooth decay and can additionally be related to traumatic damage to the tooth, which can become infected if left untreated. At DISTINCTIVE SMILES OF DUBLIN, we welcome the entire family for quality dental treatment. The comfort of our patients is very important to us, which is why we strive to offer the best in dental care. When was the last time you had a comprehensive dental examination? We make every effort to see you promptly and listen to your concerns and needs. We will let you know about new procedures and technologies, and what they can do for you. Please call 614.792.1800 to schedule an appointment. We’re located at 5142 Blazer Parkway, Dublin. Creating Healthy Beautiful Smiles.

P.S. If you have sensitive teeth, avoid acidic drinks or rinse your mouth with water immediately after drinking them, and avoid brushing your teeth right after eating or drinking; wait 10-15 minutes.

THE OTHER TYPE OF TOOTHBRUSH

June 8, 2014

While most people find it simple and easy enough to brush their teeth at least twice a day, some lack either the dexterity or discipline needed to floss daily. This is understandable considering the fact that it takes some time and effort to correctly loop the ends of the floss around the fingers and guide it gingerly between teeth. While there are some flossing products available that help with the process, not everyone gets the hang of them. If so, it should be pointed out that there are small, easy-to-use, pointed brushes known as “interdental brushes” that are nearly as effective as flossing. They not only remove bacterial buildup (plaque) between teeth, they also stimulate gums.

At DISTINCTIVE SMILES OF DUBLIN, our dental team is focused on superior care, personalized treatment and patient comfort. We are prepared to help you achieve the smile you have always wanted. Like other medical sciences, the dental profession is constantly changing. We stay informed about the latest techniques and scientific advances in dentistry. We’re located at 5142 Blazer Parkway, Dublin, where we will gladly answer any questions about treatments and procedures. Call us at 614.792.1800 to schedule an appointment. Creating Healthy Beautiful Smiles.

P.S. Interdental brushes not only lend themselves to cleaning hard-to-reach areas, but they also reach concavities on tooth surfaces that floss may not be able to reach.

REPLACING MISSING TEETH

May 26, 2014

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Patients with one or more successive missing teeth can choose between two replacement possibilities other than dental implants. A “bridge” is a permanent dental appliance that consists of a pontic (false tooth) and two crowns that are cemented into place on the abutment teeth (on either side of the space). Unlike removable partial dentures, fixed bridges cannot be taken out of the mouth. Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases, which are connected by a metal framework. Removable partial dentures attach to the patient’s natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called “precision attachments.” Precision attachments are generally more aesthetic than metal clasps and are nearly invisible.

Tooth loss is often an outcome of injures, dental diseases and old age. There are number of reasons why you may consider replacing your missing teeth. Physical appearance is the most important reason why people may choose to get false teeth alternatives. At DISTINCTIVE SMILES OF DUBLIN, our dental team is trained to take universal precautions to protect our patients. Our goal is to provide the very best dental care possible to our patients so that they may achieve optimal dental health. We’re located at 5142 Blazer Parkway, Dublin, where our entire staff operates as a team. Call 614.792.1800 to schedule your next appointment. Creating Healthy Beautiful Smiles.

P.S. A precision attachment consists of precision-machined, interlocking “male” and “female” components that connect a removable partial denture to fixed bridgework.

“Oral Cancer-Now One of the Biggest Cancer Killers, Get Checked Now”

May 15, 2014

Our office prides itself in communicating any improvements to our practice and we get excited when we introduce something new that will keep our patients healthy.  We also strive to bring our patients state-of-the-art technology to provide the latest advancements in oral health.  We have recently introduced the OralID screening device into our practice.  The OralID examination will allow us to visualize any oral mucosal abnormalities including dysplasia (pre-cancer) before they can be detected with the naked eye.  The procedure is quick, painless, and no rinses or dyes are used.

The OralID is a handheld that looks like a small flashlight that can be used alongside our visual oral cancer exam to screen for any soft tissue abnormalities.  It uses a specific light wavelength that reflects a green color off of healthy tissue but appears dark for tissue that is abnormal.

Similar to other cancers, early detection of Oral Cancer is critical.  Studies have shown that early detection of Oral Cancer with technologies like the OralID dramatically improves the survivability of the disease.  If Oral Cancer is detected in its later stages, which typically occurs during a conventional Oral Cancer exam, the chances of survival are dramatically reduced.  You can find out more information at http://www.forwardscience.com/oralid

We will still perform a visual white light exam at each of your preventative appointments whether or not you choose to have us perform an exam with the OralID.  However, this new technology gives just another tool in our ability for early detection so we encourage you to take advantage of this device.

FIRMLY ROOTED

May 12, 2014

Because it so closely resembles the structure of a natural tooth, a dental implant is often viewed as the preferred method for tooth (or teeth) replacement. The chief benefit of an implant is that it is firmly rooted in the jawbone, much as the root of a natural tooth is. The implant is made out of titanium, which has been proven able to biochemically join with the surrounding bone. As a result, the man-made crown to which it is attached (with an abutment connector) can be expected to remain as steadfast as nature’s own creation. Just as importantly, the implant stimulates the surrounding bone and guards against the bone loss that would otherwise occur when a tooth is lost.

One of the first things people notice is your smile. A tooth implant can be the solution you have been searching for. Our philosophy is to provide care that will be in your best interest now, and in the years to come, so you have a smile that will last a lifetime! Please feel free to discuss all of your oral health concerns with us. We stress preventive dentistry and recommend regular dental check-ups for all family members. We’re located at 5142 Blazer Parkway, Dublin. Come in and see what a difference DISTINCTIVE SMILES OF DUBLIN can make to your smile. We welcome your call at 614.792.1800 to schedule an appointment. Creating Healthy Beautiful Smiles.

P.S. Because dentures do not prevent the loss of bone that occurs with tooth loss, denture wearers’ mouths may eventually develop a caved-in appearance.

 

OSTEOPOROSIS AND TOOTH LOSS

April 28, 2014

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Osteoporosis, the bone-thinning disease that makes bones more vulnerable to fracturing, raises concerns about fractures of the hips, wrists, and spine; however, it should also be noted that osteoporosis can lead to tooth loss. The jaw bone that supports and anchors the teeth (the alveolar process) is vulnerable to the bone-thinning effects of osteoporosis, and there is a good deal of research showing that the loss of alveolar bone is linked to an increase in loose teeth (tooth mobility) and tooth loss. Women suffering from osteoporosis are three times more likely to experience tooth loss than those who do not have the disease. Older women may be more likely to have osteoporosis, but men should also be vigilant.

Osteoporosis disease has some significant symptoms which show how harmful this can be for men and women. We urge a routine of periodic professional exams that will help ensure the health and longevity of your teeth. Fillings, extractions, sealants, root canals, cosmetic dentistry, partial or full dentures, crowns and bridges are just some of the services we offer at DISTINCTIVE SMILES OF DUBLIN. For exceptional dental care, call 614.792.1800 to schedule an appointment. We’re located at 5142 Blazer Parkway, Dublin, where we want to provide your entire family with the best oral health care possible. Creating Healthy Beautiful Smiles.

P.S. Patients with osteoporosis may experience difficulty with loose or ill-fitting dentures as their jaw bones shrink.

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