Dental Fillings Improve Your Smile

Posted on February 22, 2012 by dentist

When you have a cavity, your dentist will remove the decay and repair the remaining tooth structure. Typically, a dental filling is the choice for restoring your smile. Your dentist has two options: an amalgam or composite filling. Learn more about filling basics so that you can make an informed decision about your oral health.

Amalgam Fillings
Metal fillings have been used for years to fix a tooth with that has a cavity. Less expensive than the composite fillings, amalgams offer durability, especially for back teeth. Mercury is a component of amalgam fillings, however, and questions have arisen about whether these fillings can contribute to mercury overexposure. Amalgam fillings also tend to look dark or gray with time, which can detract from your smile’s appearance. Wear and tear can cause amalgams to crack or leak, producing new decay in and around the damaged filling.

Composite Fillings
Initially, composite fillings were used for individuals who worried about the impact of metal fillings on their white smiles. Because the mercury in amalgam fillings has come under fire for contributing to potential health issues, many dentists have begun using only composite fillings. In fact, all-white fillings are becoming the standard in dental care.

Created to match your natural tooth coloring, composite fillings provide additional benefits as well. These restorations allow your dentist to perform a more conservative repair and leave more healthy tooth structure in place. Because all-white fillings bond to the tooth, they won’t change shape or leak over time. Many people have started replacing amalgam fillings with composite alternatives.

Flintridge New Image Dental Group

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Coping with Dental Anxiety

Posted on February 8, 2012 by dentist

Approximately 40 million Americans avoid dental visits because of fear; however, routine exams protect your oral health. Without treatment, you could develop problems like tooth decay, gum, disease, and oral cancer. Oral health can also impact overall wellness, contributing to bigger issues such as diabetes complications, increased risk of stroke, Alzheimer’s, and pre-term births.

Minimize your fears by:

Choosing the right dentist
When you are looking for a provider, schedule consultation appointments with those on your list so that you can talk with the candidates and get a feel for their personalities. Having a dentist that you like and trust will go a long way toward making you feel better about visiting the office regularly.

Sharing your concerns
If you don’t let the dentist know how you feel, your doctor can’t help you. Be honest about your feelings and allow your dentist the chance to assuage some of your fears by answering questions and providing reassurance.

Finding helpful distractions
Many dental practices offer headphones, DVDs, and special glasses to help patients feel comfortable during their treatments. If your dentist doesn’t have these options, bring your iPod and listen to your own musical selections.

Considering sedation
Thanks to dental advances, dentists have a variety of options to keep patients relaxed during treatment. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, creates feelings of warmth and only lasts as long as you breathe in the gas. Oral conscious sedation combines nitrous oxide and a dose of anti-anxiety medication to provide a state of total peacefulness. For patients with high levels of fear, those with a strong gag reflex, and anyone who requires multiple procedures at one time, IV sedation offers the deepest level of relaxation.

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The Difference between Composite and Amalgam Fillings

Posted on January 18, 2012 by dentist

When you have a cavity, your dentist will have to remove the decay and repair the tooth with a filling. For years, the only option for tooth restorations was amalgam, or metal, fillings. These fillings stabilized the tooth and were relatively inexpensive and easy for dental practitioners to use. Currently, many dentists have started choosing composite fillings instead.

Amalgam fillings contain several different metals, but they are over 50 percent mercury, a potentially toxic material. Normal chewing and grinding can release some amount of the chemical into your system. Overexposure to mercury can lead to problems such as kidney dysfunction, neurological impairment, birth defects, and other serious issues. The FDA still considers amalgam fillings a safe option for tooth repair.

Tooth-colored fillings offer several advantages to amalgam fillings. With metal-free fillings, your dentist can remove less of the healthy tooth structure, which protects the tooth’s strength. All-white restorations create an natural-looking repair whereas amalgams turn dark over time and then stand out in your mostly white smile. Though metal fillings can leak or crack from normal wear and tear, all-white fillings bond to the tooth and form a solid surface.

Usually, the dentist can fill your cavity in one appointment. The doctor will remove the decayed area and clean the remaining tooth surface. Then, he or she will tint the composite material and fill in the tooth. A curing light will harden the new filling, and the dentist will polish the tooth to finish the process.

Flintridge New Image Dental Group in La Canada Flintridge, CA – Dr. Mike Sagarian – Dental Fillings

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Are Americans are Getting Too Much Fluoride Exposure?

Posted on January 4, 2012 by dentist

Fluoride strengthens teeth and protects against tooth decay, but too much fluoride can cause problems. Recently, U.S. health officials released a statement recommending a reduction in fluoride levels in drinking water. This recommendation comes based on the fact that most people now get fluoride from drinking water, toothpaste, and other products. Over exposure to fluoride can result in streaks on teeth and other issues.

Since the 1950s, the U.S. has encouraged the addition of fluoride to municipal water supplies. At that time, water was the main source of fluoride. Now, fluoride is in other products, like toothpaste and bottled water. Additionally, most kids receive fluoride supplements when they visit the dentist. In many cases, young children may be getting too much fluoride.

Research indicates that approximately two of five adolescents show signs of over fluoridation. Common indicates of fluorosis include streaking and spots on the teeth. The numbers of children 12 to 15 with this condition seems to have risen, up about 18 percent since the 1980s. Although fluorosis is mostly a cosmetic issue, other concerns about fluoride have also come to light. The EPA recently released a study suggesting that high fluoride intake can result in an increased risk of brittle bones, fractures, and other bone problems.

There are some simple tips you can follow to reduce fluoride overexposure:

• Don’t buy water or other beverages with added fluoride
• Skip fluoride toothpaste for children under age two
• Talk with your dentist if you have concerns about your family fluoride intake
• Teach your kids not to swallow the toothpaste

Flintridge New Image Dental Group in La Canada Flintridge, CA – Dr. Mike Sagarian

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Your child’s health is our priority at Flintridge New Image Dental Group in La Canada Flintridge, CA – Dr. Mike Sagarian.

Posted on December 26, 2011 by dentist

Most people cringe at the thought of a root canal. The dread associated with this procedure often stems from a lack of understanding about the root canal itself. In most cases, patients usually feel better after root canal therapy.

Your tooth has a hard outer shell, a layer of dentin, and a soft core of nerve cells called the pulp, which supplies nutrients and blood flow to the tooth. If a tooth sustains intense trauma or develops deep decay, the pulp can die. Pressure and infection will then build inside the tooth, and you often experience severe discomfort.

To save the tooth, your dentist will probably suggest root canal therapy. During the procedure, the doctor will remove the diseased tissue, clean out the inside, and seal the tooth to prevent future issues. After a root canal, your dentist will typically place a dental crown to strengthen the tooth and improve function.

Modern anesthesia makes root canal therapy similar to any other dental procedure. Laughing gas and oral sedation allow patients to relax and feel completely peaceful while the dentist works on repairing the damaged tooth. For any mild soreness, patients can take an over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Losing even one tooth can create other oral health issue such as shifting, uneven tooth wear, and other loose teeth. Replacing teeth can take extra time and require a larger financial investment. Most dentists recommend making every effort to save your natural teeth and root canal therapy is generally a good option.

Flintridge New Image Dental Group in La Canada Flintridge, CA – Dr. Mike Sagarian – Root Canal Therapy

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Help Your Child Stop Thumb Sucking

Posted on December 16, 2011 by dentist

In young babies, thumb sucking is a good self-soothing option. As children grow, this habit can cause dental problems. Roughly 18 percent of children from ages two to six suck their thumbs. As permanent teeth grow, ask your dentist for advice about how to get your child to break the habit. The following tips may help speed up this process:

Don’t pressure your child too soon
Talk with your pediatrician and dentist to determine the best age to work on quitting. Many health care providers don’t worry about thumb sucking until permanent teeth start to come in, usually around age five or six.

Establish a reward system
Encourage your child to stop thumb sucking through positive reinforcement. Try stickers on a chart and small prizes after so many days of progress.

Start small
Begin the process by working with your child on curtailing the habit in public. Slowly move on to more difficult times, such as bedtime.

Be patient
Realize that your child will have slip-ups and setbacks. Don’t punish or yell at your child because these actions can actually make your child upset or nervous, which may lead to more thumb sucking.

Use peer pressure
If you child sucks his or her thumb around other people, talk with your child about what the kids say about this behavior. Sometimes, this discomfort is enough to motivate your child to quit.

Consider additional help
Look into purchasing a thumb guard. These devices make thumb sucking difficult, if not impossible, and may give your child an additional boost with giving up this habit.

Your child’s health is our priority at Flintridge New Image Dental Group in La Canada Flintridge, CA – Dr. Mike Sagarian.

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Stress and Your Oral Health

Posted on November 23, 2011 by dentist

Everyone knows that stress can take a toll on the body. Headaches, stomach pain, and feeling edgy are common by-products of excessive tension in your life. Many people don’t realize that stress can also significantly affect your oral health. During times of high anxiety, you may experience the following oral health issues:

Increased risk of gum disease

Even if your situation is only short-term, stress can boost plaque production. When plaque levels rise, you may contend with gingivitis, the early form of gum disease. Learning positive coping strategies for managing your anxiety can reduce the damage to your oral health.

Improper oral hygiene

Often, personal care falls by the wayside when you are really stressed out. If you don’t take care of your teeth and gums, you could end up dealing with issues like gum disease or tooth decay. Continue to brush twice a day and floss frequently to protect your whole mouth.

Flare-ups of mouth sores

Fatigue and stress can lead to canker sores as well as outbreaks of fever blisters. Small ulcers that develop on your soft tissues, canker sores can cause a great deal of discomfort. A result of the herpes simplex virus, fever blisters can definitely pop up during times of emotional stress.

Grinding and clenching

Often an unconscious habit, clenching and grinding your teeth can become exacerbated by stress. Not only can this cause painful symptoms like headaches and facial pain, but clenching and grinding can also result in tooth fractures and uneven tooth wear.

We care about your oral health at Flintridge New Image Dental Group

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Test Your Dental Knowledge

Posted on November 7, 2011 by dentist

How much do you really know about your mouth? Most people understand basic brushing and flossing, but they may not realize the myriad of factors that influence dental health. Knowing how your lifestyle impacts your teeth and gums can help you make the best choices to protect your smile.

True or False: You don’t need to floss every day.
Answer: False. Brushing alone won’t protect your mouth from decay or gum disease. Floss gets hard-to-reach areas, cleaning out the plaque and bacteria that wreak havoc on your oral health.

True or False: Taking care of your tongue is important, so you should brush it regularly.
Answer: True. The tiny bumps on your tongue called papillae trap food and bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Brushing twice a day will keep your breath smelling great.

True or False: Soft drinks and sports drinks don’t damage teeth.
Answer: False. These beverages, as well as red wine and fruit juices, can lead to enamel erosion. It’s best to stick with water, but if you consume these drinks, rinse your mouth when you finish.

True or False: It’s okay to put your baby to bed with a bottle of juice or milk.
Answer: False. When you let your baby or toddler fall asleep with anything but water, you increase the risk of baby bottle tooth decay. This condition occurs because of prolonged bottle feeding, usually during sleep. Young children don’t have good plaque removal, so these beverages provide a breeding ground for bacteria.

True or False: Fluoride reduces decay 20 to 40 percent.
Answer: True. Drinking water with fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and also reduces the amount of acid that the bacteria in your mouth produce. Since fluoride was added to the drinking water supplies across the country, childhood cavity rates have dramatically dropped.

Give us a call at Flintridge New Image Dental Group in La Canada Flintridge CA – Dr. Mike Sagarian

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Treatment for Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Posted on October 17, 2011 by dentist

Do you wake up feeling just as tired as when you went to sleep? If so, you are not alone. Approximately 12 to 20 million Americans suffer from some degree of sleep apnea, a serious health condition that impacts your overall wellbeing. Snoring is often a symptom of this problem, but many people don’t take that sign seriously enough.

What is sleep apnea?
Characterized by frequent lapses in breathing throughout the night that last for 10-20 seconds each time, sleep apnea occurs in two forms, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by airway blockage. With OSA, the soft tissues in your throat relax too much and collapse, which cuts off your air supply. Central sleep apnea happens when the brain forgets to send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Signs of OSA may include loud snoring, headaches, confusion, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and decreased energy.

Can sleep apnea impact my daily life?
Not only will you feel exhausted, but sleep apnea can affect your ability to function. Often, people with sleep apnea experience daytime grogginess, irritability, and memory issues. As well, sleep apnea can increase your risk for certain medical conditions such as weight gain, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and heart-related problems like hypertension.

What treatment is available?
After you undergo a thorough evaluation to confirm sleep apnea, your doctor can recommend therapy to address the problem. The most common treatment is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which regulates breathing while you sleep. Many individuals don’t respond well to CPAP machines, finding them bulky or uncomfortable. As an alternative, your orthodontist can fit your for a night guard, an oral appliance that keeps your airways open during sleep.

Snore Treatment at Flintridge New Image Dental Group

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Have a Happy Halloween and a Healthy Mouth

Posted on October 4, 2011 by dentist

As October 31st approaches, your children are probably busy picking the best trick-or-treat routes and selecting the perfect costumes. Halloween is a spook-tacular holiday for kids and adults, but it is important to remember to protect your children’s oral health as they enjoy themselves. These helpful hints will help you and your child have the best time this Halloween:

Offer alternatives to sugary treats

When you purchase items for Halloween, consider small bags of popcorn, stickers, or pencils. These options still make the holiday fun, but they also cut down on the number of cavity-causing sweets your kids will ingest.

Limit the time sugar sits on teeth

After your kids finish trick-or-treating, go through their bags and discard hard or sticky candy such fruit snacks, caramels, or suckers because they stay on your teeth for a longer time and increase the exposure to sugar.

Teach your child moderation

The key to good overall health, including your teeth and gums, is eating food in moderation. Children and adults should make sure to have a variety of healthy options, including low-fat dairy, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.

Remind kids about oral home care

Halloween gives you the perfect opportunity to once again talk with your children about the importance of brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. Buy new toothbrushes for everyone as a special treat.

Create a candy bank

If left to their own devices, your kids would probably consume their entire stash in no time at all. You can control how much they junk they eat but allowing them to have a piece or two each day.

Pediatric dentistry at Flintridge New Image Dental Group in La Canada Flintridge, CA – Dr. Mike Sagarian

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