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.The term “endosseous” refers to the fact that the implant is embedded in the jawbone and penetrates through the gum tissue. The term “root form” refers to the fact that this type of implant is somewhat similar in shape as the root of a natural tooth. (This isn’t precisely accurate in the sense that some teeth have multiple roots.)

Root form endosseous tooth implants are also described as “osseointegrated (osteointegrated) implants.” The term osseointegration refers to the fact that there is a direct fixed connection between the dental implant and living bone.

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.

Research conducted jointly by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Procter & Gamble (P&G) Oral Care has found that more than 9,000 genes – nearly 30 percent of the genes found in the human body – are expressed differently during the onset and healing process associated with gingivitis. Biological pathways associated with activation of the immune system were found to be the major pathways being activated and critical to controlling the body’s reaction to plaque build-up on the teeth. Additionally, other gene expression pathways activated during plaque overgrowth include those involved in wound healing, neural processes and skin turnover.

Results of the study are published in the December 2009 edition of the Journal of Periodontology. This study is the first to successfully identify gene expression and biological pathways involved with the onset and healing process of gingivitis.

Gingivitis is characterized by gums that are red, swollen and tender and that bleed easily during brushing and flossing. If untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, which has been studied extensively for its possible relation to heart disease, diabetes and pre-term birth. Researchers said that understanding how gingivitis develops and resolves on a molecular level can possibly provide critical insights into gum disease prevention, as well as new treatments.

“The study’s findings demonstrate that clinical symptoms of gingivitis reflect complicated changes in cellular and molecular processes within the body,” said Steven Offenbacher, D.D.S., Ph.D., the study’s lead author and director of the UNC School of Dentistry-based Center for Oral and Systemic Diseases. “Understanding the thousands of individual genes and multiple systems involved in gingivitis will help explain exactly what is occurring in a person’s body at the onset of the disease and how it relates to their overall health.”

The build-up of plaque formed during the onset of gingivitis represents the overgrowth of bacteria as a biofilm on the teeth above and below the gum line. Biofilms can form in other parts of the body and are known to be involved with health conditions, such as urinary tract infections, ear infections and chronic sinusitis. Researchers believe learning about how the body interacts with bacteria overgrowth during gingivitis could provide insight into a variety of bio-film-associated diseases.

Meet Dr. Sorkin! on PatientFYI

Click here to view the embedded video.

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.

Having regular dental exams is the most important step, but knowing what to look for between check-ups is also critical. Test your knowledge with a short multiple-choice online quiz. Then, go a step further and listen to a three-minute podcast with Dr. Cary Sun, a dental director at CIGNA Dental, on http://www.itstimetofeelbetter.com‘s audio page. Finally, ask your dentist for an oral cancer exam at your next regular checkup.

“Since oral cancer is not in the news as often as other types of cancer, education is extremely important,” Dr. Sun said. “If people learn about the disease and its symptoms, oral cancer can be detected sooner.”

As part of CIGNA’s effort to help people improve their health, wellness and sense of security through health education, the quiz and podcast teach people about the signs of oral cancer:

- unusual spots
- unexplained tender areas in the mouth
- a feeling like something is stuck in one’s throat
- thickening of the tissue in the mouth or neck

“Screenings for oral cancer are usually quick and painless,” Dr. Sun said. “People need to make sure they get their regular dental exams, not just for teeth cleanings and cavity treatment, but to guard against more serious ailments like oral cancer.”

Meet Dr. Sorkin

Click here to view the embedded video.

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!

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.

Dr. Sorkin on Modern Endodontics: Teeth with roots that have been damaged or infected used to require extraction, which can cause a lot of problems and should be done as a last resort. When dental decay reaches the nerve of the tooth (or the tooth has become infected), a simple filling does not suffice. Endodontics can save the tooth by removing the pulp of a tooth and replacing it with a filling material. Root canals of the past were quite painful and gained a reputation as something to be avoided. However, with today’s modern anesthetics and technology, we can offer treatment that is often painless.

PatientFYI

Dentistry Without Drills or Needles?

Dr. Sorkin on Air Abrasion: Is it possible to go to the dentist and never feel the drill or the pinch of that dreaded needle? One of the most spectacular advances in recent dentistry is called Air Brush. Instead of a conventional drill, this device aims a stream of tiny particles and air at the area of decay and gently mists it away! Most patients require little or no anesthesia at all. The sound and vibrations of the drill are gone – and so is most of the pain! For many procedures, it’s good-bye needles, good-bye drill!

Central Jersey Dental on PatientFYI

No Mercury! No Metals! No Kidding!

Dr. Sorkin on Mercury-Free Fillings: For years, the silver-mercury amalgam was the standard filling material used in dental practices, and many practices still use it. While they are a reasonable restoration, amalgams have certain shortcomings.

Metal does not bond well to teeth, so decay can and does eventually leak into the tooth. But the biggest reason many of our patients are choosing the white bonded fillings has to do with the way they look. We offer modern, state-of-the-art restorations that are a natural-looking white, contain no metals, and can actually strengthen your teeth. They also bond very tightly with the healthy part of the tooth so there is less chance of decay in the future.

Central Jersey Dental on PatientFYI

Crowns in a Single Visit

Dr. Sorkin on Same-Day Dentistry: Welcome to dentistry in the 21st century! We are pleased to offer crowns made with CEREC 3D™, a highly precise computer milling machine that makes crowns right in the office, in one visit. No more temporaries, additional visits, or crowns that don’t seem to fit right.

CEREC 3D crowns are convenient, aesthetically desirable, and you do not have to give up function. Due to the custom design and precise fit, CEREC 3D restorations are bonded to the tooth with the optimum strength available. We are pleased to be one of the first in our community to offer crowns with the CEREC 3D machine. If you have ever had a crown placed the traditional way, we are sure you will notice the difference!

Central Jersey Dental on PatientFYI

Dr. Sorkin on Digital X-Rays: Introducing digital radiography, now available at our practice. With this new technology, a digital image is taken of your mouth and downloaded into our computer system, where it is immediately available. This method results in 75% less radiation than conventional X-rays. No more waiting for images to develop. And no more chemical waste to pollute the environment.

Central Jersey Dental on PatientFYI