A dental bridge is a device fitted into your mouth that fills the space left by a missing tooth that you have lost to an accident or to decay. Dental bridge care is of paramount importance if you want your bridge to last 8-10 years like it should. It is very important to keep your adjacent teeth and gums healthy so they can continue supporting the bridge.

In the beginning, it may not be easy for you to keep your bridge, teeth, and gums clean and plaque free. However, there are a variety of tools and activities that will maximize the effectiveness of your dental bridge care.

Basics

1 Avoid chewing any kind of hard food or candy. Never chew on ice whether you have a bridge or not.
2 If you grind your teeth, consult with a Houston Dentist about getting a mouthpiece to stop Bruxism.
3 Examine your teeth in the mirror and check daily for any plaque build-up between the gum and teeth. If you find any, do not use anything sharp to clean the build ups. Call your dentist and schedule a teeth cleaning.
4 If you experience any pain, unusual sensitivity, or discomfort, call your dentist.

Brushing and Flossing
You need to brush and floss your teeth as usual after every meal. Make sure you also brush and floss the abutment teeth.

You need to also floss your teeth and bridge using superfloss and a floss threader. This keeps the area between the artificial tooth and your gums free from plaque. You can identify superfloss by its stiff end that helps it pass through tight areas. Superfloss also has a fuzzy area that removes plaque and food particles. All you need to do is insert the superfloss between the bridge and your gums, then floss the area completely.

You need to do this with a floss threader. A floss threader has a thin, stiff end and a loop through which you can thread the superfloss. Pull about 18 inches of floss through the loop of the threader, then insert the thin end of the threader between the bride and gums. Pull the threader all the way through to the other side, until the floss is squarely under your bridge. Then, take the threader off the floss and use the floss as you normally would.

Other Tools and Techniques
You may need to use additional tools and dental bridge care techniques if so determined by your Houston cosmetic dentist. This may be necessary to make certain that areas around your bridge remain free from plaque buildup. Such tools include oral irrigators, small brushes, and other devices.

We also encourage regular dental checkups to make sure your bridge is in top condition. This, combined with sound home care, can give you the best performance from your dental bridge.

Once you have received a temporary bridge, it is necessary to follow the instructions of your Houston cosmetic dentist in order to ensure the best success of your tooth restoration.

• Do not drink hot drinks while your mouth is numb because this may burn your skin.
• For the next few days after receiving your temporary bridge, take a mild analgesic with the approval of your Houston cosmetic dentist.
• It will help reduce swelling in your mouth if you rinse out your mouth with warm salt water. Use one tablespoon of salt with 8 ounces of water.
• Keep the area around your temporary bridge clean. This will help maintain compatibility with mouth tissue and the new prosthesis.
• Rinse your mouth once or twice daily with an antibacterial, alcohol free mouthwash like Breath Rx™
• Do not eat anything with curry because it may turn your temporary bridge yellow or orange.
• Do not smoke if you can help it because this can also stain your temporary.

Chewing
First of all, avoid chewing for ½ hour to let the cement set in place. After this, be very careful about what you chew and when you chew. Until the anesthetic completely wears off, you may risk biting your lip or cheek if you are not careful. Eat only soft foods until the numbness is completely gone. Avoid hard candy and sticky foods and do not chew gum. Use the side of your mouth opposite the bridge as much as possible.

Brushing and flossing
Brush as normal, but be very careful when you floss. You should brush your teeth and your temporary bridge at least twice a day. Be sure to brush all around the temporary. We may give you special brushes and flosses to take home with you. If we do; use only these until otherwise directed.

If your teeth hurt or feel sensitive to temperature, use desensitizing toothpaste. Call us if sensitivity persists after trying this.

Medication and Discomfort
Take whatever medication we prescribe along with your temporary bridge. If you take any over-the-counter medication, talk to us first about its use.

When to Call Us
If your bridge becomes loose, do not attempt to put it back in your mouth yourself. It is very important that it be refitted properly in order to ensure the proper fit of your final bridge.

Call us immediately and come in so we can referent it. Also, call our office if your bite feels uneven, if you feel pain, sensitivity, or persistent discomfort.

Our staff will also answer any questions you email us or call us with.

Do not be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days after receiving your temporary. In no time at all, you will adapt and be speaking normally. It is also normal for you to experience increased salivation. This is because your brain is getting used to the size and shape of your bridge. Normal rates of salivation should return in about a week.

Labels: temporary bridges

If you have a tooth that becomes severely damaged and broken down, you may not have enough tooth structure remaining to hold a cosmetic dental crown securely in place. However, this does not mean you have to do without a dental crown. Houston Cosmetic Dentists at the Medical Center Dental Group can still help you by creating something called a core build up. A core build up replaces the missing portion of the tooth so it can then support gold, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or all porcelain crown.

While there are many materials we use in this process, the cosmetic dental material we prefer to use in most cases is composite dental resin that is bonded to the tooth. This compensates for the insufficient tooth mass and creates new mass for Houston cosmetic dentists to work with.

The Procedure
We like to make things painless for our patients. We believe in solutions without fear or suffering. Therefore, we always numb the area around the tooth we plan to create the core build up in. Then, we check the tooth for signs of decay, and if we find them, we remove them with dental tools which will not hurt you, because the tooth has been numbed.

Next, we will use a mild etching solution to prepare the tooth for core build up. This etching solution creates tiny lines in the tooth enamel. These lines give the cosmetic dental bonding material something to grab onto tightly so it seats more permanently into the tooth surface.

Once the etching is complete, we apply the cosmetic dental bonding resin to the tooth. Some types of resin will harden on their own. Others require exposure to a special, high-intensity light to harden.

Now, the core build up material and the tooth can be shaped to accommodate a dental crown. Once this is complete, we follow the standard procedures we always follow when making a cosmetic dental crown.

The dentist checks your bite and takes impressions of your teeth that are used to create a mold that functions as a working replica of your mouth. Making the crown is one thing, but since the crown will be working in relationship with other teeth, we need to see how it fits in with your mouth from the perspective of interaction and interrelationship with other mouth structures and teeth.

The benefits of a core buildup
Building up a tooth like this offers the patient a number of medical advantages. These benefits include:

Support for the remaining tooth structure
Better stability and retention for the crown
Insulation that works to reduce any sensitivity that often develops between the crown soft inner tooth pulp

It is clear then that getting a core build up done is often a very important and very necessary step for us to take in order to give you the very best dental crown. It will repair any tooth severely damaged by decay or fracture, and it will save the tooth from extraction and create the foundation for a new, attractive and highly functional tooth enhancement.

Labels: dental core buildup

Making tooth restorations used to be a very complex and arduous process. Not only did dentists have to get the size of the restoration right, they also had to match the color of the restoration to that of the existing teeth surrounding it.

Now, when a tooth needs to be restored, Houston dentists can use the CAD/CAM system to aid in the procedure. The letters in “CAD/CAM” stand for “computer aided design” and computer aided manufacturing. This procedure is done in a CAD/CAM milling machine.

This machine is used to custom-design and to manufacture a number of cosmetic dental materials. These materials include tooth-colored restorations, dental crowns, dental onlays, dental inlays, and porcelain veneers.

Due to the precision of this sophisticated machine, CAD/CAM can produce some of the very best cosmetic dental solutions available to patients today.

There are several advantages to the CAD/CAM SYSTEM. These advantages include, but are not limited, to the following:

They are extremely accurate.
Most of the tooth’s structure is left intact because only a minimal amount of tooth preparation is necessary.
The colors of the restorations look identical to the color of teeth.

The CAD/CAM system involves a number of steps

Step One:
The area around the restoration is numbed in order to make you comfortable. A rubber dam is placed in your mouth to protect your throat from any dental debris that may be created while we work in your mouth.

Step Two:
Decay is removed and the tooth is shaped with a dental handpiece.

Step Three:
The dentist makes a mold of a tooth that will later be sent to a lab that has the CAD/CAM system in place.

Step Four:
The dentist sends this data to the lab where the CAD/CAM machine is located. At the lab, the optical, infrared camera of the CAD-CAM system reads the details of the molds and creates a virtual, digital image of the tooth. This image is identical to the dimensions of your natural tooth.

Step Five:
The lab will then place the specified material into the milling machine, The special software in the computer, along with the detailed image and tooth restoration material, will then be used to manufacture your cosmetic dental fitting.

Step Six:
The dentist will then choose the most appropriate restoration for your tooth. He or she will also match the color of that restoration to your existing natural teeth.

Step Seven:
When you return to the office, we will fit you with the new restoration. At this time, we will add any necessary custom coloring and bond the restoration in place with cement. We will check your bite and make any final adjustments, then polish the restoration to make it blend with the surrounding teeth.

Labels: CAD/CAM Milling Machine, CAD/CAM System, tooth restorations

Like every other type of dental bridge, the replacement tooth in a Maryland bridge is held in place with the support of adjacent teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, however, Maryland bridges do not require Houston dentists to reduce the size of supporting teeth. Only reduction of the back of the teeth is necessary so that the wings of the bridge can be bonded to them.

Dental labs make the wings of a Maryland bridge from metal or resin. In Houston cosmetic dentistry, the actual artificial tooth can be made from porcelain or porcelain fused-to-metal.

It normally takes at least two trips to a Houston cosmetic dentist to get fitted with one of these bridges. The main reason for this is that dental bridges must be made in a laboratory, and the laboratory will need very accurate, personal data on your teeth to make the bridge fit your mouth. To provide them with this, your first visit to your Houston cosmetic dentist will involve having your teeth examined and prepared for a bridge fitting.

We begin by numbing the area around your teeth so we can work on them without discomforting you. We also place a rubber dam in the back of your mouth to prevent any debris from falling into your throat.

Using a handpiece, we then remove decay from the teeth surrounding the gap. We also lightly reduce the surface areas of the backs of these teeth so they can later support the Maryland dental bridge we have made for you.

Most importantly, at this point, we take impressions of your teeth and create a model of your mouth using these impressions. This model is subsequently sent off to a dental lab. The lab, when it receives this model, will use it to create a bridge that provides an exact fit for your teeth and bite.

In the meantime, our Houston cosmetic dentists will fit you with a temporary bridge. This bridge will allow you to eat and speak normally, but you should be careful not to eat any hard foods or rely upon this bridge as you would a permanent one. It is, after all, only temporary.

After the lab has sent us your permanent Maryland bridge, we then call you in for your second appointment. At that time, we place it without bonding it in order to check the fit and the bite. If these things check out fine, we will bond the wings of the bridge to the teeth on either side.

These dental bridges offer several advantages.

--They provide replacement teeth for biting and chewing.
--They help you speak clearly.
--They prevent your teeth from shifting
--Best of all, they only need minor tooth preparation.

Maryland bridges result in stronger teeth, minimized chances of future tooth sensitivity, and healthier gums.

Labels: cosmetic dental bridge, cosmetic dental bridges, maryland bridge, maryland bridges

When you are missing one or more teeth, you have several options.

You can choose to do nothing and delay treatment.
You can choose to get a dental bridge.
You can choose to get dental implants.

Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages to dental bridges and the alternatives to dental bridges.

Delaying treatment
Most people immediately assume they are giving themselves a financial advantage by delaying treatment. After all, not seeking treatment means not having to pay a dental bill.
However, this is only going to cause you more problems. Your health will suffer, and in the long run, your pocketbook will suffer as well. Leaving your teeth as they are will cause them to shift. Over time, your bite will change. This will cause some teeth to become loose, and you will eventually lose them as well.

Choosing a dental bridge
A dental bridge is an excellent way to replace one or more missing teeth and restore stability to your mouth. A bridge is a natural replacement that is attached securely to the supporting teeth. They are dependable, easy to care for, and they look great.

This is why many Houston dentists recommend dental bridges. A bridge fills the space between existing and restores your natural bite and smile.

The disadvantage to a bridge is it has to be anchored to natural teeth and will wear on the enamel, damaging them in the process.

Trying a partial denture
A partial denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth. A partial will work well if several teeth are missing in the mouth because it will in the spaces and keep surrounding teeth in alignment.

The disadvantage to a partial as an alternative to a dental bridge is that dentures of any kind are not as strong as natural teeth and make less than ideal replacements.

Some dentures also make annoying sounds when you eat, and all have to be removed and cleaned at times. Of course, the more you are willing to invest in high quality dentures, particularly fixed partials, the better your chance at getting something workable in terms of a tooth replacement.

Still, dental implants are the best alternative to dental bridges if you have enough remaining bone mass to implant them.

Getting implants
Dental implants really are the best form of tooth replacement. They are designed to be permanent and completely assume the function of natural teeth. An implant with a crown can also replace a tooth, and it does not require us to work on the teeth next to the space. Implants stop bone loss and require surgery. Treatment time is somewhat longer, but the outcome is cosmetic and often indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Labels: cosmetic dental implants, Dental Implants, dentures

A three-unit bridge is a good way to replace a missing tooth. A three-unit bridge works by connecting both ends of an artificial tooth on to dental crowns. These crowns are placed over adjacent teeth to hold the bridge in place.

A Houston dentist can make a dental bridge out of gold, porcelain, or porcelain-fused-to-metal. This bridge is custom made just for you in a dental laboratory. In most cases, it take two or more appointments to make the bridge.

On your first appointment, the dentist begins by numbing the gumline around your missing tooth in order to make the procedure comfortable for you. The dentist will also place a device called a rubber dam in your mouth that will keep debris from falling into your throat during the procedure.

The dentist then uses a hand piece to scrape away tartar and decay from the teeth that will later be used to support the three-unit bridge. The dentist then takes impressions of your teeth, which are used to make a model of your entire mouth.

This model is very important. It gives the dental lab something to work with when they are ready to create your dental bridge. Since the teeth in the model are identical to the ones in your mouth, it is possible for the lab to create a tooth replacement that precisely matches your bite.

Since it takes a while for the lab to do its work, your Houston dentist will fit you with a temporary bridge in the meantime. You will wear this until your permanent bridge is ready.

When you return for your second appointment, the dentist removes the temporary bridge and intitates a series of tests to make sure the dental bridge properly fits. The bridge is placed and the bite is tested. The dentist also checks your bite to makes sure that both your natural teeth and your new artificial tooth are all in alignment.

When everything is determined to be as it should be, the dentist bonds the bridge to the teeth so it will remain in place.

There are a number of advantages to three-unit bridges.

• They replace missing teeth for biting and chewing.
• They make it easy for a person to speak clearly.
• The crowns that support the bridge actually help repair adjacent teeth that may have been damaged by cavities.
• Crowns also protect adjacent teeth from new cavities.
• Most importantly, a bridge keeps neighboring teeth from shifting our of alignment.

Overall, a three-unit bridge is an affordable, highly functional, and very attractive tooth replacement that will let a person live a normal life and smile with confidence.

Labels: cosmetic dental bridges, three-unit bridges, tooth replacements

The Cosmetic Dentistry Center in the Houston Medical Center Dental Group offers the full range of cosmetic dentistry procedures and general dentistry practices. Every patient is treated as a genuinely unique individual with his or her own set of unique and specific needs. We like to say that no two smiles are exactly alike, so when you come to our office, you can be confident we provide your smile with a restorative or cosmetic solution that is specifically created just for you.


I HAVE AETNA FOR MY DENTAL INSURANCE AND CIGNA FOR MY MEDICAL. I HAVE TOP DENTURES BUT I LOST MY PARTIALS THAT GO ON THE BOTTOM ON EACH SIDE PLUS THE TEETH THAT ARE AT THE BOTTOM (6) ATLEAST 2 ARE DECAYED AND I REALLY AM TIRED OF WEARING THE DENTURES. WHAT WOULD MY OFFICE VISIT CO PAY BE AND CAN I GET THE IMPLANTS STARTED BEFORE MY BIRTHDAY OF DECEMBER 22 WHICH I WILL BE 55 YEARS OLD.


Thanks for your enquiry. First of all, we need to do a comprehensive dental exam in order to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants and also to determine what your dental needs are. This appointment is extremely important because in addition to determining your dental needs we will be able to possibly offer you different treatment options.

It is great that you have dental benefits. Most dental plans have a yearly maximum that they will pay towards your dental treatment after you have met your low deductable. It is not like medical insurance that has a high deductable and an almost unlimited maximum. Dental insurance is the exact opposite of medical insurance. But it is good that you have dental benefits. A lot of patients are not as fortunate as you.

Yes, we can start the process very quickly. We just need to start with the appointment for the comprehensive exam. Would you like to make an appointment?

Thanks,

Dale J. Brant, DDS

Charles Campbell, DDS

713.795.5905

888.790.0309

I would like to know about 6 month braces and its advantages.


Hi, Chakki –

Short term orthodontic treatment is designed for patients with an early to moderate orthodontic problem. It is very good at straightening teeth cosmetically, it is not designed to correct major bite problems. Most of these cases take several months to complete, thus the 6 month reference – if you have an interest, you should come in to see if you are a candidate for this treatment. We want to make sure that you have no decay or other problem that would need to be taken care of prior to ortho treatment.

If you have a major bite issue, such as severe overbite, or severe crossbite or extreme spacing, then you might not be a candidate for limited treatment. Some of these more complex situations can take up to 2-3 years to resolve. Give us a call so we can see you and discuss your options.

Chuck Campbell, DDS
Dale Brant, DDS
713-795-5905

You may become afraid if one of your teeth cracks. This is understandable when you think about how quickly this can lead to bigger problems. However, it is never good for you to panic. If one of your teeth cracks, call a Houston dentist at the Medical Center Dental Group and schedule an appointment.

You may have already noticed certain symptoms. One of the first symptoms is a sharp pain that you feel when you bit. You may also have noticed sensitivity to hot and cold drinks, or even certain foods.

If your case is more sever, you may even see the crack when you bite down and look at your teeth in the mirror.

If you have experienced any of the following symptoms, it is time to call your Houston dentist as soon as you can. Do not put this off. Tooth decay can result, because a crack can make a tooth sensitive because of the movement of the fractured edges.

As they separate, they allow food, saliva, and liquid from drinks to lead directly into the pulp.

Craze lines are tiny, superficial cracks in the tooth enamel. They are very common in adults, and they are quite often the natural result of aging. These are often seen on anterior teeth—something equivalent to miles on a car.

Craze lines require no treatment. However, you need a Houston dentist to determine if you have craze lines or something more serious.

Other cracks, however, will require professional dental treatment. These are the ones that produce the symptoms discussed previously in this blog. Treating the tooth will vary based upon the type of crack and its severity.

Symptomatic cracks cause pain that can vary from minor sensitivity to a throbbing toothache. You need to get to a dental chair as soon as you can if you have any of these symptoms.

There are also asymptomatic cracks that do not hurt, and they can only be discovered when you see a Houston dentist. They can only be detected through a thorough dental examination. Often they can lie “dormant” for a long period of time, only to become more severe and begin producing symptoms as the condition of your tooth worsens.

This is why regular checkups are so important.

The treatments we use here at the Cosmetic Dentistry Center can range from a bonded filling or a crown that reinforces the tooth to the more drastic measure of a root canal treatment. A root canal must be performed when a tooth nerve has been damaged by a fracture.

Occasionally, a tooth that has a fracture in it simply cannot be fixed. However, the advantage of getting this bad news at our office is that we can also replace that tooth with a natural-looking, fully functional dental implant.

Labels: cracked teeth, symptomatic cracks

What do I need to tell my Houston dentist about my diabetes?

• Discuss any changes or new developments in your medical history
• Let your Houston dentist know if the disease is under control or not.
• List all prescription and over-the-counter drugs you are taking

How can diabetes affect my oral health?

• It can cause tooth decay and periodontal disease.
• It can cause salivary gland dysfunction.
• It can cause fungal infections.
• It can trigger inflammatory skin diseases like lichen planus and lichenoid reactions
• It can complicate infection and delay healing.
• It can impair taste buds.

Does diabetes cause periodontal disease?
Diabetes weakens the immune system, so gum tissue is likely to be affected. Periodontal disease is often linked to the control of diabetes. You may have periodontal disease and not have all of the warning signs. If you notice any of the warning signs of gum disease, see your dentist immediately.

Because diabetes lowers resistance and a prolongs, the longer healing process, periodontal disease often develops among persons with diabetes. It also tends to be more severe.

How can I fight this?
Stay on top of your blood sugar levels. A well-balanced diet is also necessary that will meet your nutritional needs. Practice good oral care at home, and see your Houston dentist on a regular basis. In fact, if you are a diabetic either Type I or Type II, you need to see the dentist more often because of the many complications to oral health you potentially face.

What do I do about the dry mouth I often get?
Chewing sugarless gum will help. If you do not like gum use sugarless mints. You can also sip on water or use melting ice chips. DO NOT chew on ice. Also, restrict your use of caffeine and alcohol. Nothing good comes from smoking so we do not even need to elaborate on that point.

What other some other oral conditions that can be associated with diabetes?
Oral candidiasis, which is a fungal infection in the mouth, seems to be more prevalent among diabetics, including those who wear dentures. Your Houston dentist may prescribe antifungal medications to treat this condition. Consistent and proper oral hygiene is a must.

Another problem is a skin disorder called Lichen planus. It produces lesions in the mouth. More severe strains produce painful ulcers that erode surface tissue. While there is no permanent cure, your Houston dentist may prescribe a topical anesthetic or other medication to reduce and relieve the condition.

What if I need oral surgery?
Infection is a risk for those with diabetes. This can make it more difficult to control blood glucose levels. If you are having extensive oral surgery, your Houston dentist may prescribe antibiotics to minimize the risk of infection. LANAP is a much better procedure for diabetics because it involves minimal cutting of tissue, and because the laser is sterilizes tissue as it removes diseased material.

Labels: diabetes and oral health, houston dentist

We receive a great deal of questions about temporary crowns at our cosmetic dentist office.

A temporary is a crown that is placed on top of a tooth until your permanent crown is made and ready to be placed. The temporary crown is very important because it protects the exposed tooth dentin and prevents it from being sensitive to heat and cold. It also prevents food from gathering in the preparation, and it prevents the prepared tooth from shifting and moving that could make seating the permanent restoration more difficult.

You need to use your toothbrush to clean the temporary as you normally do your other teeth. Your Houston dental hygienist or Houston cosmetic dentist will let you know if you will be able to floss around it.

It is normal for the gum around your tooth to be a bit sore after the anesthesia wears off. This soreness disappears within 24 hours.

While you are waiting for your next appointment, do your best to chew on the side of your mouth opposite your temporary crown. Avoid chewing sticky foods because they can sometimes dislodge temporaries.

It is not uncommon to have the following reactions or problems with your temporary crown.

Why does it feel rough to my tongue?
It should not feel rough. Call us if it is causing tongue sensitivity.

What do I do? My temporary crown came off?

Do not panic, because this is actually the most common problem reported to Houston cosmetic dentists. It is supposed to come off easily when it is time to place the permanent crown, and sometimes certain foods will cause this to happen prematurely.

Avoid sticky foods or gum. It’s important for your temporary crown to remain in place, so call our office for an appointment.

Why does my temporary feels higher than the tops of my other teeth?
It feels that way because it probably is. See your Houston cosmetic dentist about this. More than likely it needs to be readjusted.

This is something you do need to address. If the temporary crown is too high, you can bruise the nerve of the tooth. See your Houston cosmetic dentist so he or she can adjust it.


My temporary crown is sensitive when I drink cold or hot drinks. Why is this?
Temporary will not seal as well as the permanent restoration will, so there may be some sensitivity to hot and cold and perhaps when chewing. If it is too uncomfortable, please call your Houston cosmetic dentist.

If you have any questions concerning the temporary, please feel free to call the Cosmetic Dentistry Center of Houston. Remember, you will only have your temporary for a week or two, and it will be all worth it when you get your beautiful permanent restoration.

Labels: after cosmetic dentistry, dental crowns, houston dentists, temporary crowns

Ideally, jaw bones and gum tissue should fit tightly together. A good analogy would be the snug fit of a turtleneck sweater around the human neck. However, periodontal disease can destroy supporting tissue and bone if not caught quickly enough. This supporting tissue is vital to keeping the gumline snug and tight with the bone: but if it is diminished, pockets will form around the teeth.

This does not happen all at once, however, so there is hope. Periodontal disease occurs in stages. These stages are gingivitis (an early and reversible condition), mild Periodontitis, moderate Periodontitis, and severe Periodontitis.

Periodontal pockets begin to develop during mild Periodontitis. They become progressively deeper as gum disease progresses. As they increase in size, bacteria have more space to breed and thrive. As they begin to accumulate, they advance beneath the gum tissue and begin attacking the deeper tissues beneath the skin. Eventually the bacteria become so prevalent and strong they begin to attack the bone as well.

People find it hard to believe that bacteria can eat away at bone like this, but they can. Even worse, bone loss will eventually cause tooth loss. This is because the teeth become so loose in a diminishing jaw line that they cannot function properly and will experience sensitivity and pain when exposed to hot and cold, and when any amount of normal bite pressure is applied.

Once this happens, the teeth will need to be extracted, and replacing them with a bridge or dental will be very expensive. Most people opt for cheaper dentures, but these never really do the job as well as more advanced tooth replacements.

Fortunately, our team of cosmetic dentists at the Medical Center Dental Group can do a lot for patients who are facing the apparent inevitability of tooth extraction. In fact, our cosmetic dentists routinely retain teeth that a lot of dentists may otherwise extract. We are able to do this because of ultra-sophisticated laser technology, and a procedure known as LANAP that has done as much for dentistry as LASIK has done for eye surgery.

LANAP saves as much healthy tissue as possible and is much more sterile than surgery with knives. It also maximizes patient healing time and thereby creates more opportunity for periodontal pockets to heal on their own.

LANAP not only cuts away tissue, but it also addresses the problem of periodontal pockets. A calibrated probe called a periodontal probe is used to measure the depth of the pocket, and this information then enables the cosmetic dentist to better apply the laser for maximum treatment of gum disease.

In the event that we do have to extract teeth, and assuming the worst case scenario of major bone loss, we can still do full mouth reconstructions for patients with Periodontitis. By using natural teeth in combination with dental implants we can help keep a patient from losing all of their teeth and having to resort to the unpleasant use of dentures.

There is nothing that can replace the feel and function of your natural teeth.

Labels: LANAP, periodontal pocket, periodontal surgery

Houston cosmetic dentists at the Medical Center Dental Group strongly believe periodontal health should be done in the least invasive and most cost-effective manner. This is often accomplished through non-surgical periodontal treatment, including scaling and root planing.

Scaling involves scraping beneath the gumline to remove plaque and tartar. This is done with an ultrasonic tool. Root planing makes the root surface smooth so it will better resist further buildup of tartar.

If so recommended by the dental tea, the patient may also be given adjunctive therapy such as local delivery antimicrobials and host modulation. This is done on on a case-by-case basis.

Most Houston cosmetic dentists would agree that after scaling and root planing, many patients do not require any further active treatment, especially periodontal surgery.

However, ongoing observation and care will be necessary. Surgery may still be necessary, but it does not have to involve the use of cutting instruments. Thanks to Laser Periodontal Therapy, (also known as LANAP and LPT), tissue that has been damaged by periodontal disease can be removed with the precision of ultra-modern lasers that are both highly sterile and comfortable to the patient.

This is why you need to see a Houston cosmetic dentist who can perform LANAP. When a person is diagnosed with mild, moderate, or severe periodontal disease, surgery often is the only option. However, cutting into the gums metal instruments is both crude and destructive. Too much healthy tissue is damaged in the process, and the risk of infection is higher because it takes so long for the gums to heal.

Plus, it hurts. LANAP can be used instead for any and all of the following periodontal surgeries traditionally done with primitive instruments.

* Pocket Reduction Procedures
* Regenerative Procedures
* Crown Lengthening
* Soft Tissue Grafts

LPT (LANAP) causes patients far less discomfort during surgery, less bleeding during and after surgery, and less swelling after surgery. However, every laser has different wavelengths and power levels that can be used safely during different periodontal procedures. Damage to periodontal tissues can result if an the wrong setting is used.

It is therefore important that you see an expert in LANAP such as Dr. Dale Brandt who is a nationally renowned specialist in this procedure.

In addition to procedures to treat periodontal disease, many Houston cosmetic dentists also perform purely aesthetic procedures to enhance your smile. Oftentimes, patients who pursue cosmetic procedures notice improved function as well. Cosmetic procedures include:

* Crown Lengthening
* Soft Tissue Grafts
* Ridge Augmentation

There is also a new tray delivery device called Perio Protect® that is made just for treating gum disease. Call our office for information on how to obtain a fact sheet on this exciting new device.

My son had one of his front permanent teeth knocked out in baseball practice.
If at all possible, get to the office of a Houston dentist within one hour of the accident. If you wait longer than one hour, the chances of the tooth being successfully re-implanted are slim. If you have time before you leave the house, have him rinse his mouth in cool water. Do not wipe it or scrub it.

While calling the dental emergency line, place the tooth in a glass of water, or even better, milk if you have any. While on the way to the office of your Houston dentist, bring it wrapped it in a clean, damp cloth.

Please be aware that teeth like this that have been knocked out have to be treated with a root canal. However, the tooth itself will survive for years if it is re-implanted one hour after the injury.

My daughter slammed her front baby tooth on the floor and now it's dark. Is it dead?
It may very well be, but we can’t be sure until you bring her in. The dark color is an indicator that the blow has broken a blood vessel at the tip of the tooth root. However, do not despair or assume the worst just yet. Baby teeth are very tough, and they can withstand impacts that almost always kill adult teeth.

Nevertheless, consider this a true dental emergency and get your daughter to a Houston dentist ASAP for an examination.

How long will it take to fix my son’s tooth that he chipped?
If you are can find the fragment, bring it with you to the office. There are times when a cosmetic dentist can bond the fragment back onto the tooth. Even without the fragment, though, a skilled cosmetic dentist can restore the natural look and shape of the tooth in less than one hour.

What should I do if my child has a toothache?
Call your Houston dentist immediately. It is a good idea to rinse your child’s mouth with lukewarm water and applying cloth-wrapped ice to the face. We do not recommend that you use any warm water or apply any form of heat.

NEVER PUT AN ASPIRIN ON THE TOOTH OR GUMS. ASPIRIN IS ACIDIC AND CAN BURN THE SKIN. ONLY SWALLOW ASPIRING, NEVER USE IT FOR TOPICAL CARE.

How do I keep dental emergencies from happening in the first place?
For toddlers, child proof the house. Pad sharp corners, handles on furniture, and door knobs that stick out. Lock the doors to the rooms with this furniture. Make sure you secure your child in his or her safety seat when you drive, and always double check the strap on the stroller when you put your child in it.

Mouthguards will often prevent dental emergencies in older children. Most dental injuries happen at or near the home, not on the sports court or athletic court, so have your child wear his or her mouthguard even when playing at home.

Labels: cracked tooth syndrom, dental emergency service, mouthguard

Alternatives to Dental Bridges-BLOG
When you are missing one or more teeth, you have several options.

You can choose to do nothing and delay treatment.
You can choose to get a dental bridge.
You can choose to get dental implants.

Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages to dental bridges and the alternatives to dental bridges.

Delaying treatment
Most people immediately assume they are giving themselves a financial advantage by delaying treatment. After all, not seeking treatment means not having to pay a dental bill.
However, this is only going to cause you more problems. Your health will suffer, and in the long run, your pocketbook will suffer as well. Leaving your teeth as they are will cause them to shift. Over time, your bite will change. This will cause some teeth to become loose, and you will eventually lose them as well.

Choosing a dental bridge
A dental bridge is an excellent way to replace one or more missing teeth and restore stability to your mouth. A bridge is a natural replacement that is attached securely to the supporting teeth. They are dependable, easy to care for, and they look great.

This is why many Houston dentists recommend dental bridges. A bridge fills the space between existing and restores your natural bite and smile.

The disadvantage to a bridge is it has to be anchored to natural teeth and will wear on the enamel, damaging them in the process.

Trying a partial denture
A partial denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth. A partial will work well if several teeth are missing in the mouth because it will in the spaces and keep surrounding teeth in alignment.

The disadvantage to a partial as an alternative to a dental bridge is that dentures of any kind are not as strong as natural teeth and make less than ideal replacements.

Some dentures also make annoying sounds when you eat, and all have to be removed and cleaned at times. Of course, the more you are willing to invest in high quality dentures, particularly fixed partials, or cosmetic removable partial dentures, the better your chance at getting something workable in terms of a tooth replacement.

Still, dental implants are the best alternative to dental bridges if you have enough remaining bone mass to implant them.

Getting implants
Dental implants really are the best form of tooth replacement. They are designed to be permanent and completely assume the function of natural teeth. An implant with a crown can also replace a tooth, and it does not require us to work on the teeth next to the space. Implants stop bone loss and require surgery. Treatment time is somewhat longer, but the outcome is cosmetic and often indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Labels: cosmetic dental bridges, cosmetic dental implants, cosmetic removable partial dentures

Houston cosmetic dentists at the Medical Center Dental Group strongly believe periodontal health should be done in the least invasive and most cost-effective manner. This is often accomplished through non-surgical periodontal treatment, including scaling and root planing.

Scaling involves scraping beneath the gumline to remove plaque and tartar. This is done with an ultrasonic tool. Root planing makes the root surface smooth so it will better resist further buildup of tartar.

If so recommended by the dental tea, the patient may also be given adjunctive therapy such as local delivery antimicrobials and host modulation. This is done on on a case-by-case basis.

Most Houston cosmetic dentists would agree that after scaling and root planing, many patients do not require any further active treatment, especially periodontal surgery.

However, ongoing observation and care will be necessary. Surgery may still be necessary, but it does not have to involve the use of cutting instruments. Thanks to Laser Periodontal Therapy, (also known as LANAP and LPT), tissue that has been damaged by periodontal disease can be removed with the precision of ultra-modern lasers that are both highly sterile and comfortable to the patient.

This is why you need to see a Houston cosmetic dentist who can perform LANAP. When a person is diagnosed with mild, moderate, or severe periodontal disease, surgery often is the only option. However, cutting into the gums metal instruments is both crude and destructive. Too much healthy tissue is damaged in the process, and the risk of infection is higher because it takes so long for the gums to heal.

Plus, it hurts. LANAP can be used instead for any and all of the following periodontal surgeries traditionally done with primitive instruments.

* Pocket Reduction Procedures
* Regenerative Procedures
* Crown Lengthening
* Soft Tissue Grafts

LPT (LANAP) causes patients far less discomfort during surgery, less bleeding during and after surgery, and less swelling after surgery. However, every laser has different wavelengths and power levels that can be used safely during different periodontal procedures. Damage to periodontal tissues can result if an the wrong setting is used.

It is therefore important that you see an expert in LANAP such as Dr. Dale Brandt who is a nationally renowned specialist in this procedure.

In addition to procedures to treat periodontal disease, many Houston cosmetic dentists also perform purely aesthetic procedures to enhance your smile. Oftentimes, patients who pursue cosmetic procedures notice improved function as well. Cosmetic procedures include:

* Crown Lengthening
* Soft Tissue Grafts
* Ridge Augmentation

There is also a new tray delivery device called Perio Protect® that is made just for treating gum disease. Call our office for information on how to obtain a fact sheet on this exciting new device.

Labels: Gum Disease, nonsurgical treatments for periodontal disease, periodontitis

Ask the Dental Experts
Our philosophy is to help our patients achieve and maintain exceptional dental health. We work hard to make sure that our level of care is deserving of our patients’ respect and confidence. Our tradition of preventive dentistry is the basis for all service and care in our practice. We welcome all questions and comments regarding dentistry in the hope that we increase your dental "IQ" and help you make better dental health decisions.

Due to several unfortunate experiences with a dentist, I do not have enough bone and tissue on my left lower jaw. What extra cost would there be to have dental implants to support a lower denture? I have seen one prosthodontist who told me I would never be able to wear a lower denture without implants to support it. Do I have any affordable options?

Thanks for the inquiry, Vicki.
You need to have a comprehensive exam, x-rays and photos appointment to be able to answer your questions.
Lower dentures are difficult for us to make and for you to use. The use of implants dramatically stabilizes lower dentures….a terrific option for someone in trouble. There are always several options for treatment. We would be happy to help you understand your choices. It will depend a lot on what teeth you have remaining and their condition. If you have no teeth remaining, then the option of an overdenture is probably your best choice, but from afar, I would only be guessing. Give us a call.


Chuck Campbell, DDS
Dale Brant, DDS