Physicians and dentists may recommend that a patient takes antibiotics prior to certain dental procedures. This is called “antibiotic prophylaxis”. But why do physicians and dentists at times recommend antibiotic prophylaxis?
All of us have bacteria in our mouths, and many dental procedures allow bacteria to enter the blood stream. This is known as bacteremia. For most of us, this does not pose a problem. A healthy immune system typically prevents the bacteria from causing any harm.There is a concern, however, that for some people, bacteremia could potentially cause an infection elsewhere in the body.
Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for people who have specific heart conditions. In 2008, the American Heart Association released new guidelines identifying people who need to take antibiotics prior to dental care. Antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered for people with:
Certain congenital heart defects including:
The guidelines prior to 2008 suggested use of antibiotics for many additional conditions. Conditions for which antibiotic prophylaxis is no longer recommended include:
Antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines were also developed for those who have orthopedic implants, such as artificial joints. In the past, antibiotics were recommended for two years post artificial joint placement. And in rare occasions, more than two years. In 2012, the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons updated these recommendations.
The new guidelines do not recommend routinely prescribing antibiotics for people with artificial joints. Due to these changes, dentists and physicians rely more on case-by-case assessments and consultation with patients to determine when antibiotics are appropriate with orthopedic implants. For example, antibiotic prophylaxis might be used for the patients that also have a compromised immune system which might increase the risk of orthopedic implant infection.
If you have a heart condition or an orthopedic implant, talk with your dentist or physician about whether antibiotic prophylaxis is necessary.
Sources:
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/infective-endocarditis
http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Member%20Center/Files/PT ED Page Antibiotics 2.ashx
One of the most common concerns voiced in the dental office; here are a couple solutions. First we need to differentiate between gum and tooth sensitivity. If you have symptoms of sore, bleeding, or red gums, this would indicate gum sensitivity. If you drink cold or hot foods/drinks and begin to feel a “ZING” feeling to the tooth and nerves, this would indicate tooth sensitivity. First and foremost, the easiest method of gum sensitivity prevention it to brush, floss, and remain consistent with your dental re-care visits. In addition, there are different toothpastes and fluoride treatment that can help with tooth sensitivity.
#1- Home Care: By staying on top of a great home care routine of brushing twice per day for two minutes and integrating a method of flossing, there with be less plaque retention around the gums. This plaque can be causing irritation, inflammation, and in some cases bleeding. By improving your home care regimen, gum pain can reduce and furthermore protect your teeth from decay.
#2- Desensitizing Toothpaste: Sensodyne toothpaste, MI Paste, and PreviDent are created specifically for remineralization of the tooth but also help with sensitivity. Sensodyne is available over the counter while MI Paste and PreviDent are stronger strength and can be dispensed at the dental office. Remember when using these toothpastes to brush, spit, but do NOT rinse. It is important to allow the ingredients to sit on the teeth rather than rinse away with water.
#3- Fluoride Treatment: There are a few different methods of fluoride treatment available for patients. One in specific that has an easy and swift application would be a fluoride varnish. These vitamins are tooth-colored and painted onto the teeth after a cleaning. It is designed to assist with tooth sensitivity and promote remineralization of the tooth. Fluoride varnish is great for all ages and it comes in various flavors.
One size does not fit all to meet our patient’s needs for treatment of sensitivity. Ask your hygienist if you have any other questions regarding sensitivity to chose a possible treatment that is best for you.
Sources:
When thinking about cleaning between teeth, floss will probably come to mind. This is a great way to clean between teeth, but it is not the only way! There are other oral hygiene aids that are available and it’s not one size fits all. Below are options with the benefits and uses for each one.
One person could benefit from using more than one type of inter-dental aid, depending on the area of the mouth. No matter what oral hygiene aids are used to clean between teeth, it is important to use proper technique in order for them to be effective. Speak with a dental professional for instructions on how to use any oral hygiene aids.
Sources:
https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/why-oral-b/floss/types-of-floss-choosing-right-floss-for-you
https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/solutions/floss/benefits-flossing-your-teeth
https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/solutions/floss/dental-floss-types-pros-cons
Sources:
https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/dentures
You can start before your baby even has teeth, it is best to incorporate mouth cleaning at bath time. This routine will help your baby get used to you cleaning their mouth, which can allow a smoother transition when you do begin to brushing their teeth. This will also help you to know when your babies teeth first start to push through their gum tissue.
The bacteria that lives in the mouth is not harmful to the gum tissue, but can be harmful to the teeth. The enamel on baby teeth are 50% thinner than adult teeth. Therefore baby teeth are more susceptible to the bacteria that causes cavities.
To clean your babies mouth before tooth eruption use a clean wet wash cloth. Wrap wash cloth around your finger then rub it gently around your babies gums.
When the teeth have started to erupt, this will be time to transition from a wash cloth to a baby tooth brush. Look for a tooth brush specifically made for infants. This will usually start around six months old. This will also be the time to change from bath time mouth cleaning to brushing two times daily.
It is fine to just dry brush with just tap water, or a fluoridated tooth paste can be used. When using toothpaste, use the tiniest smear. It is never too early to help create a good brushing routine for your child.
Sources:
https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/infants/caring-for-baby-teeth-gums.
As a Dental Hygienist, I frequently get asked about bad breath. Many patients suffer from chronic bad breath, or halitosis, and are constantly seeking a cure! Here’s the deal with halitosis:
Cavities and periodontal disease are both caused by different types of bacteria. Infections are also caused by bacteria that feed on mucus produced by the body. Left untreated, all of these bacteria can cause odors in the mouth that contribute to bad breath. Poor oral hygiene can leave plaque and calculus on the teeth, also contributing to bad odors. An obvious cause of bad breath would be a diet of potent foods such as garlic and onions. Usually odors from these foods can be eliminated after brushing/flossing/rinsing, so if the odors persist, there is most likely a more pressing underlying issue. Saliva helps rinse the mouth and remove debris after eating. When saliva flow is decreased the removal of debris is also decreased and leftover food in the mouth could be one cause of bad breath. Smoking and/or tobacco use come with their own associated odors but can also contribute to periodontal disease, which can be a major cause of halitosis. Chronic conditions such as gastric reflux, diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, etc. may also contribute to halitosis. Our mouths are connected to our bodies and chronic diseases may present with signs or symptoms in the mouth.
For specific questions or concerns about halitosis, ask your Dentist or Dental Hygienist.
Sources:
Looking to whiten and brighten your smile? The popularity of teeth whitening is growing, and is rapidly becoming one of our most performed cosmetic dentistry procedures. Alameda Dental Care offers patients in-house and take-home teeth whitening procedures. Just a couple of hours in your dentist’s chair will reinvent your smile. We require patients to schedule an initial consultation with your Tempe dentist in order to treat each case individually and because dental treatment plans vary according to the patient needs. Desired results might include:
Alameda Dental Care combines in-office treatment with take-home follow up care. The in-house bleaching treatment consists of 2-4 treatments depending on the original shade of a patient’s teeth. Each treatment round lasts approximately 15 minutes and the service is completed in one office appointment. The Venus Max product contains a special ingredient to help limit sensitivity problems during treatment. Patients will see the improvement for themselves. Teeth can change multiple shade levels before the patient leaves the office.
The Venus Pro whitening kit consists of custom trays that go home with the patient for continued treatment and follow-up care. The take home kits continue to limit sensitivity problems and are user-friendly. Refill kits are available for touch-ups every 6-12 months.
In order to maintain your bright new smile, your dentist may also recommend avoiding certain foods and drinks in your daily diet. In addition to limiting coffee, tea, red wine and cola drinks, your dentist may also advise patient’s to quit smoking. Of course, regular teeth cleaning by a hygienist will also contribute to long-lasting results.
During the months of March-June, Alameda Dental Care participate in a national fundraiser. During this time, 100% of their teeth whitening proceeds are donated to both local and global children’s charities.
Find out what kind of teeth whitening treatment will work best for your personal goals. Our office will create the best treatment plan for your particular situation. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. It’s never too late to create a perfect smile!
Looking for a permanent solution to missing teeth? Dental implants are the preferred solution for many patients looking to replace one or multiple missing teeth. Providing a natural look, permanent dental implants enhance a person’s quality of life and restore facial structure. Unlike denture wearers, people with dental implants don’t have to worry about them slipping or suffering from food limitations.
Our full service Tempe dental office will get the job done in-house. We have experienced dental professionals available to safely and effectively carry out this advanced procedure using the latest in dental technology. Dental implant surgery brings ‘false’ teeth to a new level of comfort.
During your first visit, the dentist will inspect your jawbone to make sure there is enough bone left to secure the implant. An implant is fit into the bone to perform the same function as the tooth’s roots. This is the base that will hold everything in place. It will normally take a couple of months for the bone to heal around the implant. During this time, you should continue on everyday life, making sure to keep the area clean each day. Once the implant is securely integrated in place, the artificial tooth is fabricated (takes roughly two weeks) and secured on top of the dental implant. Implant patients often wonder why they didn’t have the procedure done sooner!
The end result blends in with the rest of your smile. The tooth (crown) is built to fit perfectly within the given space and match the color of adjacent teeth. Patients will no longer have to worry about chewing or speaking problems. A dental implant will also help preserve the structural support of the face. Dental implant surgery will bring patients long-lasting confidence.
Our team of experts are ready to reinvent your beautiful smile and restore the functionality of your teeth . Call Alameda Dental Care today and schedule an appointment!
The Invisalign® system is virtually invisible, pain free, and straightens your teeth to achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
Using advanced 3-D computer-imaging technology, Invisalign® designs your complete treatment plan, from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position. All this is based on your specific needs. Then a series of clear aligners, also called invisible braces, are custom-made for your teeth – to gradually move them.
Invisalign clear aligners are made of flexible plastic — specifically, a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack® created exclusively for Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign clear aligners are FDA-approved and contain no BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten. They are thin, clear, and fit snugly over your teeth, making them virtually invisible.
Current research shows straight teeth are important for our mouths to function properly. Straight teeth have fewer cavities and the gum tissue is overall healthier.
Over time, our teeth can shift and move. When this happens, plaque traps are created. These areas are difficult to clean and often result in dental disease.
Invisalign treatment starts with a consultation at our Mesa dental office with our Invisalign-trained doctor. Your doctor will evaluate your smile and then map out a precise, customized digital treatment plan that showcases the step-by-step transformation of your smile. Our office uses the latest technology, an Itero scanner to create 3D images of your teeth in just minutes. You’ll be able to see first hand the entire treatment without even wearing the first aligner. By using a 3D scanner, we’re able to more accurately create your aligners, and more do it more comfortably. That means fewer impressions, and no more goop or gagging.
Once you approve your plan, your unique aligners will be created. You will wear each set of aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, changing to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks, as directed by your doctor. Each set of aligners will gently and gradually shift your teeth into place, according to your treatment plan, until you reach your beautiful new smile.
If you want a great smile with beautiful straight and nicely aligned teeth but not sure if Invisalign® is the best option for you, don’t worry. Call us today to schedule your free consultation with one of our Invisalign certified dentists in Tempe.
Current research shows straight teeth are important for our mouths to function properly. Straight teeth have fewer cavities and the gum tissue is overall healthier.
Over time, our teeth can shift and move. When this happens plaque traps are created. These areas are difficult to clean and often result in dental disease.
Our dental team has been trained to evaluate individual cases for invisalign. Invisalign is a metal-free system used to straighten teeth by using a series of trays.
A consultation with Dr. Nelson is your first step to a healthier smile. He will evaluated your needs and advise you if Invisalign is the best option for you.
You must be sure all broken or decayed teeth are taken care of with Dr. Nelson prior to starting the invisalign process. Additionally, you must visit with one of our hygienists to be sure you have your gum tissue as healthy as possible before you begin your treatment.
When your teeth and gums are healthy Dr. Nelson and his team will gather impressions, photos and records to send to Invisalign to start the fabrication of your custom trays. Your trays will be returned to our office 4-6 weeks later.
Your next visit with Dr. Nelson, we will have your first set of trays ready to deliver to you. Often, we place tooth colored “buttons” on the teeth needing some extra movement. These “buttons” match your tooth color and are used as anchors so the trays can move your teeth.
Trays must be worn constantly for the most predictable results. You should only remove them to eat, drink and brush your teeth. NEVER wear your trays while you drink anything but water. The liquid can be trapped in your trays and increase your risk of cavities.
Invisalign is best suited for adults and young adults. This system is not designed for children.
Give us a call today and schedule your orthodontics consultation!
At Alameda Dental Care we offer a wide range of restorative dentistry options when you tooth has a problem. We pride ourselves on offering you options for your care. We believe through education and consultation with your dentist, we can plan the very best comprehensive care plan for your long-term dental health.
We encourage you to take some time and review some of the treatment options that are available for you in our office. We are available to answer your questions. Feel free to give us a call anytime.
When a permanent tooth is lost, the adjacent and the opposing teeth will drift into the open spaces. This creates an unhealthy situation for your overall dental health. Therefore, replacement of the lost tooth is very important to your overall health.
We are able to place and restore most dental implants start to finish right here in our office. Once your dentist has determined you are a good candidate for a dental implant the process can begin.
A complete dental implant has three separate pieces. The implant, the abutment and the restoration.
If you have questions about implants and if they are right for you, give our office a call. We will schedule a consultation with one of our highly skilled dentists.
Composites, or tooth-colored, fillings are a procedure to repair old failing fillings, decayed, fractured, and/or cracked teeth. We try to conserve as much of your natural tooth structure as we can when we plan for your care. Composite fillings make it possible for us to restore your tooth to a beautiful functional tooth without needing a crown.
A composite filling, like any other dental restoration, is durable and long-lasting in the presence of good oral hygiene and regular dental care. However, they do not last forever. When the margins (edges) of the filling begin to breakdown and show signs of leakage and recurrent decay, it is important to have them fixed by your dentist.
Composite fillings do not require any lab work so we can place them in one appointment. We do recommend if you need to have several fillings placed in one area, you should do them at the same appointment. This helps achieve the best functional and cosmetic results with minimal visits to the office, fewer injections of anesthetic too.
Typically, you should expect your new fillings to be sensitive to cold temperatures for up to six months after they are placed. This is normal and only if the teeth keep you up at night, become sensitive to heat or hurt without being provoked should you become concerned. The cold sensitivity will subside.
It is important to note decay is visible to the dentist’s eye, but bacteria are invisible. Therefore, sometimes the bacteria can invade the nerve chamber of the tooth without the dentist or you knowing about it. When the tooth is filled, the nerve can respond unfavorably. This condition is called pulpitis. This is an indication the bacteria contaminated the nerve prior to the filling being placed and you might need to have follow up treatment. It is best to consult your dentist in Tempe if you have any post treatment symptoms that concern your best dentist in Tempe if you have any post treatment symptoms that concern you.
Dental crowns (caps) are a full coverage restoration that is placed on teeth that are too badly damaged to be filled with filling materials.
Dental crowns can be fabricated from a number of materials. These materials include all porcelain, porcelain fused to metal or a full gold crown. We are often asked which material is best. The answer depends on your condition and situation. Your dentist will discuss the pros and cons with you. Together, you will be able to confidently move forward with your dental care.
You can expect your procedure to take two appointments. The first appointment the dental staff will assist your dentist in removing the failing restorations, decay and/or fractures. The tooth structure that remains often requires reinforcement with a build up to support the new crown. Records and impressions are gathered and sent to the dental laboratory. The new crown returns to our office according to the doctors specifications. You will have a temporary crown to protect your tooth for two-three weeks.
Your follow-up (cementation) appointment is when the new crown is tried into place. Your dentist will adjust the bite and contacts as needed and assure the new crown fits well prior to cementation.
There is usually an adjustment period as your tongue gets used to the feel and fit of the new crown. At your hygiene visits, please let your hygienist know if you have any questions about your new tooth.
Dentures have been a part of dentistry for many years. Although, we do everything we can to help patients’ keep their natural teeth, there are times when a denture is the best long-term option for them. If you are a first time denture wearer, mental preparedness is necessary to the success of your case.
New dentures can be difficult to adjust too. They require follow up visits and fine-tuning. There are several types of dentures. Some dentures completely replace all of your teeth where others replace just a few.
Denture/partial denture fabrication takes several appointments with your dentist. Make sure you are armed with patience as you move through the process. Our number one concern is accuracy, not speed. When you are considering dentures as a restorative option, be sure to consult with one of our top dentists about which option is best for you.
Fixed bridges are a wonderful way to replace missing teeth. Fixed bridges utilize teeth adjacent to the missing tooth as anchor teeth and a “false” tooth, called a pontic, is fused between the anchor teeth. Fixed bridges are commonly fabricated from porcelain or porcelain with a metal base for strength.
Fixed bridges are often the best choice in restoring a missing tooth when the adjacent anchor teeth are heavily restored or in need of dental care. Fixed bridges are also a good choice when you are not a good candidate for a dental implant.
You can expect your fixed bridge procedure to take a minimum of two appointments over approximately three weeks.
The first appointment allows your dentist to prepare the area for the bridge. Any decaying areas, large failing fillings or fractures in the anchor teeth are removed and restored for strength. Impressions and records are taken at this appointment and temporary restorations are fabricated for you. The impressions and records are sent to the lab, where they create your restoration according to the doctors’ specifications.
The second appointment allows your dentist to try-in, adjust and cement the bridge into place. Unlike single implants to replace teeth, your fixed bridge creates some cleaning challenges. The dental assistant will teach you how to care for your new bridge. She will demonstrate how to clean under and around the restoration. Like all restorations, you must take care of the area at home and keep up with your dental hygiene visits.
Asking your dentist in Tempe about fixed bridges to replace your missing teeth is encouraged.
The thought of needing a root canal can be scary for patients. At Alameda Dental Care, we use the latest technology to assure the best results for your therapy with the least amount of discomfort.
Root canals are a great alternative to tooth loss. When a tooth has become infected (abscessed) due to bacteria, decay, trauma or unknown reasons, the tooth does not have to be extracted. In fact, in the long-term, saving your tooth saves you money and discomfort.
If your dentist determines a root canal is a treatment option for your tooth, it is good to understand what the procedure involves. Root canals can take several appointments or sometimes can be done in one day. Care is taken to insure you are comfortable during the appointment. The doctor uses equipment to remove the damaged nerve tissue and fills the empty space with a filling material your body accepts. The infection should resolve and your tooth should feel much better after a couple of weeks.
If you do not already have one, your tooth must have a crown placed on it following your root canal therapy. When a tree has nourished roots the branches of the tree are pliable and difficult to break. A tooth is the same way. Once the nourishment (the nerve) is removed the tooth becomes brittle and is easy to break. Therefore, a crown is placed to protect and save your tooth.
If you still find you are afraid of the procedure and would like to discuss sedation options, we are able to help you. Just communicate openly with your dentist and we will help you achieve your dental needs.
Gum (periodontal) disease affects 4 out of 5 adults. Gum disease is caused by bacteria. These bacteria reside in the mouth. They accumulate on the teeth and gum tissue that surrounds each tooth. Your dental professional will sometimes refer to the tissue around the tooth as a gum “pocket”. When bacteria remain undisrupted in the “pocket” they begin to emit a harmful by-product. This by-product is acidic in nature and causes destruction to the supporting tissues that surround the teeth. These structures are bone and soft tissue. When they are destroyed it is not yet possible to restore them. As the saying goes, the best defense against gum disease is a good offense.
Some symptoms of gum disease are swollen and bleeding gums, tenderness while brushing and/or flossing, visible inflammation and a shiny appearance to the gum tissue are just a few symptoms. However, most patients are unaware they have the condition. Your dental hygienist, under the direction of your Mesa dentist, will screen for gum disease at each of your hygiene visits. If she sees any change in your periodontal health she will inform you and advise your dentist of her findings. Together, a course of treatment will be recommended to stop the progression of this harmful condition.
Your dentist will use several pieces of information to diagnose gum disease. Most of the information is gathered by your dental hygienist. Some of the information your dentist will use to determine the health of the bone and tissues are:
Dental x-rays allow the dentist to see the bone levels below the gum-line. He evaluates the x-rays for many signs, but primarily he looks at the contour of the bone and examines the root structures for build-up of calculus (tartar) below the gum-line.
The periodontal examination includes measurements of the gum pocket depths (obtained with an instrument called a probe), gum recession, bleeding points, areas of exudate (pus), and general appearance of the tissues. These assessments are documented on a periodontal chart and are submitted to the dentist for evaluation.
Overall health is part of the periodontal assessment. The medical community has linked several systemic diseases to periodontal disease.
There are a number of treatments for gum disease due to the various degrees of gum disease. The most common is a non-surgical “deep cleaning” called scaling and root planing. Our highly skilled and gentle dental hygienists will clean above and below the gum-line during a “deep cleaning” appointment.
Throughout the course of your gum therapy the dental hygienist focuses on your comfort while removing the harmful bacteria and tartar from the teeth. At Alameda Dental Care we use the best anesthetics and the most advance instruments to care for you. Most recommended therapies will take several appointments. The success of the treatment is heavily reliant on the patients’ compliance to the home care regimen the hygienist recommends.
Following the active therapy portion of your treatment plan, the hygienist will see you for a follow up appointment to assess the response of the tissues. Occasionally, a referral to a specialist may be appropriate. The follow up appointment is very important to establish a proper maintenance program for each patient’s individual condition.
When the scaling and root planing and the 30 day evaluation are complete, your dentist and hygienist will recommend a maintenance schedule that is right for you. Based on how advanced the destruction is to the supporting structures and how well your mouth has responded to the treatment, a maintenance plan will be developed.
Extensive home care instructions and a continuation of your compliance at home is just one part of the maintenance regimen.
Typically, the first year after a deep cleaning, you will need to return to the office every three months for a maintenance cleaning. Maintenance cleanings are not to be confused with scaling and root planing. The reason why your hygienist will see you every three months is due to the re-infection rates for gum disease. At the 90 day mark is usually when we see the beginning stages of re-infection of the gum pockets. When your hygienist can disrupt and clean the pockets every 90 days, you are able to maintain the bone support you have left.
If you have issues prior to your three month visit, you should make an appointment to see your provider sooner than later.
The answer to this is simple. A “regular” cleaning is no longer appropriate treatment for you. Once you have lost bone around your teeth, it does not grow back. Therefore, we are no longer preventing disease; we are maintaining a compromised condition. There are times, when a patient’s condition has been stable for at least two years. When we see this situation, we recommend the patient return every four to six months for maintenance visits. The best action to take is to follow your dentist and dental hygienists home care and professional care advice and take care of yourself as best you can.
We take the screening for and treatment of gum disease very seriously at Alameda Dental Care. Our philosophy is the supporting structures are the solid foundation on which we build a healthy and beautiful smile to last a life time. It is important to note there are varying degrees of gum disease and only your dentist can properly diagnose your condition. We encourage you to review the educational videos found on our website for more information.
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