PatientFYI: The most common type of tooth implant (dental implant) that is placed today is the “endosseous root form implant.” These objects are cylindrical or screw shaped devices that are positioned into a person’s jawbone. In essence, a dental implant acts as an “artificial root” on top of which a dental crown or one end of dental bridgework can be secured. read more…

Tags: Cosmetic Dentists, Dental Implants, Dentist Reviews, Find a Cosmetic Dentist

PatientFYI: Bisphosphonates, (also known as disphosphonates) are a class of drugs that prevent the loss of bone mass, used for treatment ranging from osteoporosis to cancer related conditions. Bisphosphonate has become a prevalent drug in our society and is a potent suppressor of osteoclastic (bone resorbing) activities, thus bone remodeling and healing are being affected. read more…

Tags: Bisphosphonate, Bone Healing, Dental Implants, Jaw Surgery, Oral Surgery

Gingivitis, which may affect more than one-half of the U.S. adult population, is a condition commonly attributed to lapses in simple oral hygiene habits. However, a new study shows that development and reversal of gingivitis at the molecular level is apparently much more complicated than its causes might indicate. read more…

Tags: Find a Dentist, Gingivitis, Oral Hygiene, Patient Reviews

PatientFYI: A dental exam is much more than a cavity-spotting expedition. In addition to decay, dentists look for potentially life-threatening conditions including oral cancer.

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, 35,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with oral cancer, while 8,000 Americans each year die from it. Without early detection, survival rates significantly worsen. read more…

Tags: Dental Health, dental technology, Dentist Ratings, Find a Dentist, Gum Disease, Parent Reviews of local Dentists, Patient Reviews

PatientFYI: Whether you’re preparing for Valentines Day or are just in the mood for some love, you’re probably fully aware of the connection between the state of your mouth and the quality of your kisses. Still, a little reminder never hurts. Here’s the skinny on getting lucky without embarrassment (from your mouth, anyway)! read more…

Tags: Better Kisses, Cosmetic Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists, Find a Dentist, Parent Reviews of local Dentists

PatientFYI: Whether or not children receive regular dental care is strongly associated with their parents’ history of seeking dental care. A new report to appear in the journal Pediatrics, which has been released online, is the first to analyze the relationship between parents’ and children’s’ dental visits in a nationally representative sample.

“When parents don’t see the dentist, their children are much less likely to see the dentist,” says Inyang Isong, MD, MPH, of the MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC) Center for Child and Adolescent Health Policy, the study’s lead author. “It looks like strategies to promote oral health should focus on the whole family.” The result of this study is clear. To set the pattern of good dental care for their children, parents need to set the example of regular dental care for themselves. Parents, you’re children are watching!

Meet Dr. Sorkin!

Tags: Children's Dentistry, Dental Health, Find a Children's Dentist, Find a Dentist, Parent Reviews of local Dentists, Preventive Dentistry

It is estimated that 80 percent of people brush their teeth every day, but far fewer pet owners do the same for their pets. Pet Dental Health Month, celebrated every February, teaches pet owners proper dental hygiene is equally as important for their pets.

“Most people have no idea that dental health is so important to their pets, and that’s why Pet Dental Health Month is such a great idea,” explains Dr. Larry Corry, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). “In fact, veterinarians report that periodontal disease is the most commonly diagnosed problem in dogs and cats. This can lead to painful infections of the mouth, and in severe cases these infections can spread and become life-threatening conditions. During Pet Dental Health Month, the AVMA is encouraging all dog and cat owners to regularly brush their pet’s teeth and regularly see their veterinarian for checkups.”

The AVMA, a sponsor of Pet Dental Health Month, offers an informative video giving step-by-step instructions on how to brush your pet’s teeth. The Pet Dental Month Web site, http://www.petdental.com, includes tips from a veterinary expert on pet dental health, Dr. Brook Niemiec.

“Periodontal disease, an infection of the gums, is incredibly common in pets, and it can be quite serious,” explains Dr. Niemiec, a board certified veterinary dental specialist. “It’s estimated that by the age of two, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal infections have been linked to diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and other life threatening disorders. The best way to prevent periodontal disease is by regularly brushing your pet’s teeth and by regularly visiting your veterinarian.”

For more information, please visit http://www.avma.org, and to show off your pet’s pearly whites upload their photos at the AVMA Flickr site Pearly White Pets.

Tags: Cats, Dental Health, Dogs, Veterinarians

Here at Dr. Mangia’s office we understand the importance of health as well as cosmetics. Let’s face it, appearance does matter and sometimes a small change can go a long way. Improving your smile can be just the small change you need and veneers are a great way to go. They close gaps between teeth, whiten your smile, and give some length to worn teeth due to grinding. Veneers don’t stain, wear down and can improve your appearance instantly and give you some extra self-confidence. They are a perfect way to take years off your appearance.

read more…

Tags: cosmetic dentist, Patient Reviews, restorations, sherman oaks dentist, Veneers

I would like to give an overview on the ultrasonic scaling here. To fight periodontal disease, there is a need to reduce plaque, tartar & the number of bacteria in the pockets in your mouth. One device used to remove calculus from teeth is an ultrasonic scaler. It consists of a wand with a small scaling tip that produces a soft ultrasonic vibration. The small, quick vibrations in combination with a water flow give us a whole new level of effectiveness in calculus removal. The benefits of ultrasonic scaling include removing of calculus & reducing the number of harmful bacteria below the gum line. It is an important tool in the prevention & treatment of periodontal disease.

I hope this gives an fair idea about ultrasonic scaling. I would touch upon more details in further blogs.

Regards
Dr. Swati Agarwal
(http://www.dentistswati.com)

Tags: harmful bacteria reduction, periodontal disease, remove calculus, Ultrasonic Scaling

We’ve seen thousands of great Patient Reviews in which the high level of technology that a Dental Practice offers is highlighted by the Patient… and Electronic Dental Records (EDRs) have quickly proven to be a value-add that get noticed by Patients upon visiting a Dental Practice that uses them.

So we’re excited to share with you an announcement from Pacific Dental Services (and their 180+ locations that are highlighted on PatientFYI) regarding their recent move to empowering a better patient experience through the use of EDRs. (Read More).

Tags: Electronic Dental Records, Pacific Dental Services