General Dentistry

Jul 28 2019

Replacing Missing Teeth Makes You Look Younger

Whatever your age, nothing makes a greater first impression than a beautiful smile. Unfortunately, not all mouths are created equal. If you happen to have one or more missing teeth, there are solutions available. And one of the most effective, hassle-free, and most natural-looking alternatives to uncomfortable dentures or partials is dental implants.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is an artificial root commonly made of titanium metal, that serves as a replacement for the root of your natural tooth. It is installed directly into the jawbone. Then, an artificial replacement tooth is attached to the implant, serving as an anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants are strong, solid and function just like real teeth. When it comes to recapturing the confidence associated with that youthful smile, there really is no greater option.

Are you a candidate for dental implants?

The best way to determine if dental implants are right for you would be to talk to your dentist. However, as a rule of thumb, if you are in good general health, have relatively healthy gums and sufficient bone within the jaw to hold an implant, you are likely a great candidate.

Where can you get dental implants?

If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, your dentist can likely refer you to a dental specialist with specific training—these are usually ‘periodontists’ or ‘oral surgeons’. Specialists who place crowns, bridges and dentures on implants are called ‘prosthodontists’.

What can you expect at your initial assessment?

During your initial, non-invasive assessment, your dental specialist will carefully examine your mouth and bite, followed by some routine x-rays of your head and jaw. Based on these results, it will be determined whether or not dental implants are right for you. While no two assessment appointments are alike, dental implant technology is making the process easier for all patients across North America—from consultation to installation to restoration. Having the right specialist on your side is key.

Caring for dental implants

Since dental implants are placed in the jawbone, artificial replacement teeth attached to implants resemble and act just like natural teeth. And, like natural teeth, implants must be kept clean using proper oral care, including brushing and flossing. Your specialist will demonstrate proper cleaning techniques once your implants are in place. It is important to maintain regular dental checkups—not just for upkeep, but also, your dentist will want to monitor your adjustment to the implants and periodically check on the positioning of your bite. This is to ensure that your implants are not becoming loose.

Regardless of age, you should feel confident every time you open your mouth. You deserve to look as young as you feel, and there is no greater way of recapturing the look of a beautiful and healthy smile than with safe, effective dental implants. Speak with your dentist or oral care specialist today—and get ready to see a new and improved you.

Jul 11 2019

Calcium and How it Affects Teeth

Strong teeth and bones are important for overall health.

One important factor in keeping your teeth strong and healthy is calcium.

Calcium is one of the most abundant minerals in the body. It can be found in certain foods and is also added to vitamins and other dietary supplements as it is such an important mineral that the body needs.

Almost all of the calcium found in the human body is stored in the bones and teeth. In addition to strengthening teeth and bones, calcium is also important for the body’s blood vessels, muscles, and fluids.

Calcium works to help blood vessels and muscles function properly.

Having enough calcium is important for people of all ages contrary to some beliefs.

Babies and young children need calcium to develop strong teeth and bones while adults need calcium to maintain healthy teeth and a strong skeleton

Effects of Being Deficient in Calcium

Being deficient in calcium can lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis, which causes the bones to weaken, making them break more easily.

Osteoporosis does not just affect bones; it can also affect teeth as it can cause the jaw bone to become weak, a problem that may require bone grafting to solve.

The jaw bone is an anchor for your teeth so if it becomes damaged, it is more likely that teeth will loosen and possibly fall out. Women, in particular, are three times more likely to lose their teeth if they have osteoporosis than those with healthy bones.

Along with osteoporosis, not getting enough calcium can increase your risk of periodontal disease.

Studies have shown that people who do not have enough calcium in their diet are more than fifty percent more likely to develop gum disease than people who have enough calcium in their diet.

Recommended Calcium Intake Across All Ages

Not everyone needs the same amount of calcium. The National Academy of Sciences recommends different dietary intakes based on gender and age.

For instance, children and pregnant women need more calcium than adults.

Babies 0-12 Months – 200mg-260mg
Children 1-3 Years – 700mg
Children 4-8 Years – 1,000mg
Children & Teens 9-18 Years – 1,300mg
Adults 19-71 Years – 1,000mg
Adults 71+ Years – 1,200mg

Calcium-Rich Foods

If it is determined that you need more calcium in your diet, there are certain foods you can consume that are rich in calcium.

Dairy products such as

Milk
Yogurt
Cheese

Other sources include:

Green, leafy vegetables
Cereals that have been fortified with calcium.
A daily multivitamin is also a good idea as most of them contain calcium.

How To Keep Teeth Healthy

In addition to eating foods that contain calcium, sugary snacks and drinks should be avoided as the sugar can eat away at the enamel on the teeth, potentially causing decay.

It is also important to brush and floss regularly and schedule regular visits to the dentist to get your teeth cleaned and deal with any issues that may arise before they get worse. Schedule a routine

cleaning on the Bedford Dental website.

Jul 02 2019

What to Do if Your Crown Has Come Off

Losing a crown can be an unsettling and alarming event—not to mention, painful. Your filling may have fallen out for any number of reasons: it may have become loose and dislodged as a result of chewing hard or sticky food, or you may have experienced trauma to your face as the result of an accident. Worse, you may (unknowingly) be experiencing tooth decay as a result of gingivitis, which can cause your temporary filling to lose support.

Whatever the scenario, once a crown has fallen out of place, it is important that you take steps to address the remaining area. If neglected, food particles and bacteria can enter the gums, making your situation even worse.

Here are a few steps you should take if your crown falls out:

If possible, hang on to the crown

Once you’ve discovered that your crown has become dislodged, remove it completely from your mouth (so as not swallow it or choke). After you remove it, keep it and bring with you to your dentist so that they can assess whether it can be repurposed.

Call your dentist—right away

This may seem like a standard response, however, many do not recognize the importance of having a specialist correct your issue promptly. Call your dentist and book the earliest available appointment (let the receptionist know your situation, as they may be able to fit you in on the same day).

Protect your mouth with a replacement filling

While you wait for your dental appointment, you must protect your broken tooth at all costs.

If you have kept the crown, you may be able to coat it with dental cement (available at most drugstores) and place it back over the opening as a quick fix—be extra careful while eating and drinking. You can also pick up dental wax from your dentist’s office. This substance provides a temporary barrier from food debris and bacteria. No matter what, always keep your mouth clean. Brush and rinse more than usual until you can see your dentist.

Work through the pain

Oftentimes, when a crown falls out, it can leave the nerves exposed to the elements, creating intense pain and sensitivity. Over-the-counter medication can prove helpful (always take as directed), but should not be viewed as a long-term solution. Many homeopathic remedies exist for the treating of light to severe toothaches but exercise caution when applying any topical analgesic.

Eating: proceed with caution

It goes without saying—if you are experiencing a broken crown, be sure to chew all food on the opposite side of the affected tooth until you can get it replaced (you will probably find it too painful to use the damaged side anyways). But that’s not all. You will need to monitor the types of foods you consume while awaiting your dental appointment. Try to avoid anything that can cause further damage, decay or pain, including:

-Foods and drinks with high sugar content (candy, soda, certain cereals, etc.)

-Foods and drinks with extreme temperatures (coffee, tea, soups, etc.)

-Hard foods (whole apples, corn on the cob, etc.)

-Foods and drinks that are highly acidic (oranges, citrus juices, etc.)

Know that you know the facts, you can hopefully rest assured that a fallen crown is not the end of the world. Don’t panic, call your dentist and take extra measures to keep your mouth clean!

May 28 2019

5 Dental Habits to Cut Out from Your Health Routine

Whether we recognize them or not, we all have habits which eventually shape our routines. We are so accustomed to hearing particular pieces of advice that these things quickly become staples in our day-to-day lives— eat plenty of citrus fruits, don’t forget to use mouthwash, and brush your teeth with an electric toothbrush after every meal, for example.

While these words of wisdom aren’t necessarily bad advice, they do come with caveats. In some cases, it may be better to cut particular habits from your oral care regimen rather than to add more and more steps to a routine that’s already perfect for your teeth and gums.

We’ve chosen five frequent habits which you may want to consider modifying or removing altogether from your daily routine.

1. Toss the Hard-Bristled Toothbrush

Some may be fooled into thinking that a toothbrush with sturdier bristles will do a more thorough job of removing plaque and perform better when pitted against buildup or stubborn food particles. However, a firm-bristled toothbrush may actually do more harm than good by irritating the gums or even contributing to sensitive teeth. Try a soft-bristled toothbrush instead.

2. Take It Easy with Vitamin C

The high concentration of vitamin C found in citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes may serve as motivation to consume them in large quantities. Even when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet, everything is better in moderation, especially since highly acidic citrus fruits can erode enamel and irritate existing oral sores or injuries.

3. Avoid Overbrushing

Electric toothbrushes are all the rage these days, and for good reason! It’s likely that your dentist and dental hygienist have even suggested the use of electric toothbrushes for day-to-day oral care, but brushing with an electric toothbrush requires a different strategy than using a manual brush. Instead of brushing actively, simply glide the bristles across your teeth. Brushing along with the rotating bristles can result in overbrushing that puts you at risk for enamel damage and gum disease.

4. Reconsider Mouthwash

Reconsider your use of mouthwash, particularly if you are relying on it to keep your mouth and gums clean. According to Lance Vernon, a doctor of dental medicine and professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, using mouthwash is only fractionally effective when compared to brushing and flossing—in fact, brushing for only five seconds is preferable to a longer swish of mouth rinse.

If you do choose to supplement your oral healthcare routine with mouthwash, double-check the ingredients. Most mouthwashes rely on the key ingredient alcohol, but some cosmetic dentists claim that this high concentration of alcohol can dry out your teeth and contribute to painful oral sensitivity.

5. Don’t Whiten Your Teeth Too Much

For some people, teeth bleaching is just as much a part of their regular routine as brushing and flossing. While there are many safe ways to whiten your teeth, beware of making it a habit. Excessive whitening may cause side effects such as increased sensitivity and gum irritation. You can schedule professional and recommended teeth whitening treatments with Dr. Naysan from Bedford Dental Group.

Remember, always address any questions or concerns by speaking to a professional, and let your dentist know about any major changes you have made or plan to make to your dental health routine.

Aug 20 2018

A Primer on Veneers

Are discolored teeth, chipped teeth, or large gaps getting between you and that smile you’ve always wanted? Then maybe it’s time to consider dental veneers. Dental veneers can Improve your smile and boost your confidence by filling in unwanted gaps, reshaping chipped or malformed teeth, even straightening minor bite alignment issues. Veneers are an effective and easy way of giving you a permanently bright and white smile.

At Bedford Dental Group we want you to know that when considering whether dental veneers are right for you, there are plenty of options for you. It’s also important to understand the pros and cons of each different type of dental veneer on the market. Then, you will be able to have a meaningful conversation with your dentist about which option will help you achieve a perfect smile.

There are 5 different types of veneers currently available:

1. Porcelain

Bedford Dental Group specializes in Porcelain Veneers (also known as traditional veneers), which are the most dependable and have been around the longest. Dentists began using procelain veneers in the 1930’s. When being fitted with porcelain veneers, your dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel from the front of the tooth before permanently affixing the veneer. With proper care, these veneers can last 20 years.

2. Lumineers

Lumineers are the thinnest option when it comes to dental veneers — about as thick as a contact lens. Applying Lumineers does not require grinding and is pain free for the patient. Common complaints include lumineers becoming detached, dark natural teeth casting a shadow through the thin Lumineer surface, and dissatisfaction with the thickness of the Lumineer.

3. Composite

Composite veneers (also known as bonded veneers) are a less-expensive option that does not require any grinding or reshaping of your natural teeth. They typically last five to ten years with proper care — but they can be prone to chipping and staining. The upside is that they are easy to fix.

4. Zirconia

Zirconia porcelain veneers are ideal for patients who have teeth that are more severely damaged or decayed. The material is stronger than traditional porcelain and is appropriate for patients who need additional reinforcement of their natural tooth. Zirconia veneers are also able to withstand more wear and tear, making them appropriate for use on back teeth.

The CEREC® (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) system allows your dentist to design and create custom veneers in-office, eliminating the need for a second appointment. They are a quick and convenient option for patients looking for an easy smile-transformation process.

The cost of dental veneers varies and patients being fitted with dental veneers should be ready to pay for this cosmetic procedure out-of-pocket. Most patients who have changed their smile with veneers consider the procedure more than a worthwhile investment. That is why it is important to educate yourself on the options and make a choice that fits with your goals and budget.

If you have any additional questions, contact Bedford Dental Group. We specialize in porcelain veneers in Beverly Hills.