David B. Sandquist DDS, Ltd. and Douglas D. Sandquist DDS offer quality General, Cosmetic, and Implant dentistry incorporating state-of-the-art technologies with a knowledgeable team help deliver unsurpassed dentistry in Las Vegas, NV.
The Health of Your Mouth Mirrors Your Overall Health
Your mouth is a mirror that reflects your overall health and well-being, according to Donna E. Shalala in the Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health. It’s also a key determinant of your nutritional status and your self-esteem. “Oral health means more than sound teeth. Oral health is integral to overall health,” she said.
The report, which was the first that the U.S. Surgeon General has undertaken to assess the nation’s oral health, is intended to “alert Americans to the full meaning of oral health and its importance to general health and well-being.”
But what is oral health?
First of all, the word “oral” refers to the mouth, which includes not only the teeth and gums and their supportive tissues, but also the roof and the floor of the mouth (the hard and soft palate), the tongue, the lining of the mouth and the throat (called the mucosa), the lips, the salivary glands, the upper and lower jaws, and the chewing muscles. Oral health also involves the branches of the nervous system, the immune system and the vascular system (blood vessels) that serve this part of your body.
So consequently, oral health means more than just being free from cavities and gum disease. Oral health, the report states, means overall health in the tissues that “allow us to speak and smile; sigh and kiss; smell, taste, touch, chew and swallow; cry out in pain; and convey a world of feelings and emotions through facial expressions.”
Oral health and overall health—an intricate interrelationship
The health of the oral tissues is indicative of the health of organs and systems throughout your body. Your dentist and other healthcare providers can gather an enormous amount of information about your
overall health simply by examining these tissues
Conversely, research is showing us that disease within the mouth—especially periodontal (gum) disease—is connected to ailments throughout the body. Infections in the mouth are a gateway for disease-causing bacteria to enter the bloodstream and provoke a number of diseases, including:
The answer?
Decay (also called caries or cavities) and periodontal disease are the most common, widespread dental diseases. They’re also the most preventable. Community prevention programs, such as fluoridated drinking water, dental hygiene instruction in schools, nutrition education, and tobacco cessation programs, save billions of dollars per year in public health costs, according to the report. And best of all, they help most people keep their natural teeth for a lifetime.
Source - “Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General”
Related reading:
Wall Street Journal-If Your Teeth Could talk
ADA-Systemic and Oral Health Relationship
Mayo Clinic-A window to your oral health
Download Video of Acid Erosion
The two main causes of Acid Erosion in the mouth is:
• Gastric Reflux
• Acid Foods, ie Carbonated Beverages, Energy Drinks, Citrus etc.
This can become a serious problem because the enamel is worn away and the enamel of your teeth is the strongest material in your body. When it’s gone it reveals a soft underlying material called the dentin. This can cause sensitive teeth and eventually significant loss of tooth structure resulting is chipping and fracturing of your teeth. This video shows what can happen and how it’s fixed.
Cavities are caused by a bacterial infection on the teeth known as "caries". Dental caries is the #1 childhood disease, five times more prevalent than #1, which is asthma. This infection in children is primarily caused by:
Our office utilizes Caries Risk Assessment protocols, products and systems from http://www.carifree.com We thank them for their educational resources found in this article and the links below!
A New York University nursing-dental research team has discovered that 90% of those that have Periodontal Gum Disease are also at risk of Diabetes. ScienceDaily has an interesting write up. According to Dr. Strauss from the American Diabetes Association in 2007 5.7 million Americans went undiagnosed. In the near future, part of your exam may include a blood sugar screening.
Tooth Decay-Why Are Teeth Still Decaying from Douglas Sandquist on Vimeo.
Tooth Decay is a caused by bacteria. Certain bacteria produce an acid when they consume sugar. This acid is what etches the teeth and causes carious lesions in the teeth. These bacteria thrive in an acidic oral environment, so the treatment of tooth decay involves neutralizing the pH in the mouth and eliminating the bacteria that produce the most acid.
This is the Before Image: Note the broken filling on the tooth on the right!
We completed the restoration on the right tooth about 2 months ago and were treating the middle tooth today.
An Image of both restorations completed. A Nice Result.
Over time Silver Mercury fillings will break down, start leaking and often fall apart. When they fall apart they usually reveal tooth decay and other stuff. When fillings this size fall apart there isn’t much tooth left, which often require a crown or cap to cover the whole entire tooth. Fortunately, today there are options to restore these teeth without having to cover the whole entire tooth, just the necessary areas. These teeth are great areas to use a restoration called an “Onlay”, which replaces only a portion of the tooth. An Onlay, can be created out of Gold, Ceramic, and Composite materials. Here’s a couple of Onlays completed with Composite material.
This is the Before Image: Note the broken filling on the tooth on the right!
We completed the restoration on the right tooth about 2 months ago and were treating the middle tooth today.
An Image of both restorations completed. A Nice Result.
Just found an article today from Realage.com about the importance of healthy teeth!
The Economy has affected everyone, every dollar matters.
Some have decided to save money and not get their teeth cleaned.
Along with Daily brushing and flossing… Regular professional cleanings monitor gum disease and reduce bacteria that causes it.
The bacteria that causes gum disease also causes inflammation of the blood vessels.
This has been linked to Heart Disease, Stroke, etc.
The dollars spent getting professional cleanings will improve your general health.
We understand that many don’t like getting their teeth cleaned, sometimes it hurts, sometimes the teeth are sensitive after, there are lots of ways to easily reduce pain during your cleanings, often without an injection and even help with the sensitivity after. It’s too important for your general health to let it go.
Call today, 702 734 0776
Mary is our Patient of the Day! Mary just completed over 1 year of comprehensive treatment that included several implants and a new smile. We are grateful for patients like Mary!
Congratulations to Jerry, our Patient of the Week, It’s great to be part of your health care team!
A recent study in the Annals of Neurology, the official journal of the American Neurological Association. The results showed “a significant association between periodontal bone loss and the incidence of stroke or TIA, independent of cardiovascular risk factors. This association was much stronger among men younger than 65 years old”. Link to news article
According to the study, it appears that the link between stroke and gum disease is related to bone loss, not probing depths alone, especially bone loss that occurs at an early age. This research provides evidence that a healthy mouth leads to a healthy body. Regular visits with the hygienist will reduce the risk of bone loss associated with gum disease. If you haven’t seen the hygienist in awhile it might be worth a phone call for an appointment, it could literally save your life!
Many looking for a new smile are concerned about having crowns placed because there is an assumption that crowns are not cosmetic but veneers are. This video reviews the pros and cons..
Have questions or comments? Check out our Facebook Fan Page or on Twitter @sandquistdds
Recently, we did an email interview with Dr. Scott Biggs, an Endodontist(a dental specialist that treats the pulp or nerve of teeth).
1. Why are toothaches so painful?
A toothache can many times be one of the most painful experiences one will experience in their lifetime. The source of such pain can be very complex. Inside the tooth (the pulp), where nerves and blood vessels reside, is a closed and non-expandable area. When the pulp is inflamed due to cavities, bacteria, etc., the tissue becomes engorged yet has nowhere to go. Thus, the nerves are in essence crushed causing constant stimulation of the nerve causing the pain of a toothache.
2. What is the cause of the usual toothache pain?
Toothache pain can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common cause would be a cavity. The bacteria from the cavity causes inflammation of the pulp inside the tooth causing the pain. Cracks or fractures of a tooth can also introduce bacteria into the pulp causing the same problems. Many times after routine fillings or other dental work, teeth can become sensitive to temperature changes for a period of time. This is usually temporary. Other causes of tooth pain or perceived tooth pain, are high fillings, exposed root surfaces, gum disease, temporomandibular joint disorders, cardiac problems (angina), sinus problems, earaches and other atypical facial pain.
3. Why does a toothache wake you up at night?
When the pulp of the tooth is inflamed and is not treated, a pulp can become irreversibly damaged and degenerate. The most common symptoms associated with this degeneration, are sharp lingering pain to cold or hot and spontaneous pain. Normally a nerve sends a signal to the brain when it has been stimulated telling the brain it feels pain. When a nerve degenerates it will sometimes send signals to the brain without being stimulated. This unstimulated signal causes the spontaneous pain that will wake you up at night.
4. Why does the pain hurt like the dickens for days then just goes away?
When a pulp has completely degenerated to a point where there is no longer vitality in the tooth, the tooth is called necrotic. Many times at this point the severe pain that was experienced previously will go away. Unfortunately this is usually short lived. The pain will almost always return eventually, but this time as a dull aching, throbbing type of pain.
Thank you to Dr. Biggs for this very informative article.
Crowns and Veneers as well as adult orthodontics allow us to restore worn and chipped teeth to a functional and natural appearance.
Dental Implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are comprised of 3 components.
The Implant
An Abutment
New Teeth
Think of the actual implant as a root to replace your root that was lost, it will support the new teeth. It is placed in the bone below the gums.
The abutment connects to the implant and supports the new teeth. This piece emerges through the gums.
A crown is a common way a tooth is restored on a dental implant. The crown is cemented on the abutment. Crowns are not the only way that teeth are added to implants, if there are several implants used it is possible to fabricate a fixed bridge framework to connect the implants together. It is also possible to attach a denture or a removable partial denture to the implant providing greater stability and comfort.
1. Dental Implant
Dental Implants are replacements for your tooth roots. A Titanium post is placed in the bone and a crown is attached to the new root to replace the missing teeth.
For more information, read a Simple Explanation of Dental Implants
2. A Bridge
A fixed bridge uses the adjacent teeth around the space to support a false tooth to replace the missing teeth.
3. Removable partial denture-metal framework
This is an appliance that is removable, has a metal framework with plastic teeth added to the framework and this uses the other teeth and gums for support.
4. Removable partial denture-plastic framework
This appliance is removable also, but the whole appliance is made of plastic and primarily uses the gums for support.
5. Dentures
This is replacement of all the teeth on either the top or bottom, or both.
6. Live without it or them.
It’s not the best choice but millions of people live with missing teeth.
It’s always best to try to hang onto a tooth as long as possible, but sometimes it’s not possible, thankfully you have options to replace the missing teeth.
In a previous post Are Your Teeth Sensitive to Cold, we discussed what causes cold sensitivity in teeth and discussed 7 things that cause it. The first approach to dealing with teeth that are cold sensitivity is to try and figure out what’s causing it.
Do you frequently drink regular and/or diet soda?
If so, choose a non carbonated drink or water
Energy drinks?
Reduce the number of drinks daily and drink them with food.
Do you clench or grind your teeth?
Maybe a night guard is needed to protect the teeth during nighttime grinding.
Use Tartar Control or Whitening Toothpastes?
Choose a regular toothpaste instead without the tartar control or whitening agents.
Do you use a hard Toothbrush?
Everybody should be using soft bristled toothbrushes today, but there are some that still feel their teeth won’t get clean unless they use a hard brush. Hard bristled brushes work very well at removing tooth structure as well as plaque.
Usually by removing the cause of the sensitivity, the sensitivity will subside over time, but in some cases it is necessary to intervene. The treatment options for sensitivity are all based around filling up the microscopic tubes in the tooth root that communicate with the nerve of the tooth. Fortunately there are quite a few options. It’s always a good idea to discuss any long term sensitivity with your dentist or dental hygienist. If at any time you experience sensitivity to cold that doesn’t go away immediately when the cold is gone this could be the starting of a tooth ache, which could lead to a root canal. Please call 702 734 0776 or send a quick note to info@sandquistdds.com with questions or to schedule an appintment. You can always reach us on Twitter: @sandquistdds
Recently, we conducted an email interview with Dr. David Trylovich, a Periodontist in Las Vegas,NV(His Website: http://www.lvperio.com) on the topic of Gummy Smiles. Most people have never heard of what a Gummy Smile is so we decided to interview the expert!
What is a Gummy Smile?
A gummy smile is when you smile and gum tissue is visible above the teeth. The more gum tissue you show the gummier your smile. It is normal to show about 1-2 mm of gum tissue above the teeth. There are several things that can result in a gummy smile, they include: a long upper jaw, hyperactive lip muscles, short upper lip, or excess gum tissue covering the teeth. We will only be discussing the excess gum tissue covering the teeth. Your dentist or periodontist can tell you what is the cause of your gummy smile.
How do I know I have a Gummy Smile?
If you show more than 2-3 mm of gum tissue above the teeth then you have a gummy smile. However, the most important thing to evaluate is the shape and length of your teeth. The average front tooth length is 10 millimeters or just less than 1/2 inch. If you have a gummy smile due to excess gum tissue covering your teeth then you likely have front teeth that are short and square shaped. If so, you are an excellent candidate for a gum lift procedure which will correct your gummy smile and improve the appearance of your teeth.
Are Gummy Smiles Common?
Yes, 14% of people have a gummy smile.
What can be done for a Gummy Smile?
If you have excess gum tissue as the cause of your gummy smile then a quick fix is all you need. You can eliminate your gummy smile and improve your smile in one simple appointment. A minor surgical procedure can give you a beautiful smile. Most people require no additional treatment to their teeth other than the simple removal of excess gum tissue. However, some may require cosmetic bonding, veneers, or crowns to give them the ideal smile.
Won’t bleaching or Veneers fix my smile all by themselves?
Bleaching or veneers will improve the appearance of your teeth but will you will still have short teeth and show excess gum tissue when you smile. Your periodontist will discuss with your dentist what is necessary to give you the best looking smile.
Is a Gummy Smile bad?
No, usually a gummy smile is just a cosmetic concern. If you have a gummy smile, you probably think you were just born with short teeth. Actually, you likely just have excess gum tissue covering the white part (enamel) of your teeth.
What is involved in treating a gummy smile?
A simple two hour surgical procedure will usually eliminate your gummy smile. You will have some minor soreness for a few days after the procedure and will be on a pasta or fish consistency diet for the first week. Most clients return to work on the day following their surgery.
Where can I see before and after photos of gummy smiles?
You can check out the Before and After Gallery at http://www.lvperio.com.
How much does it cost to be evaluated for a gummy smile?
We do complimentary examinations for gummy smiles so it cost you nothing to find out if you have a gummy smile and if so what can be done to fix it.
A question came through Twitter asking What Causes Teeth Grinding or Gnashing of Teeth?
This is a commonly asked question in most dental offices, but the answer is often challenging. While there’s been lots of research done on the subject of tooth grinding and tooth clenching, so far we really don’t know why it occurs but let’s explore what we do know.
Tooth Clenching is the squeezing of the teeth together straight up and down with various amounts of pressure.
Tooth Bruxism is grinding of the teeth from side to side along with up and down pressure.
Bruxism or Clenching commonly occurs during sleep and is commonly referred to as “Sleep Bruxism” and occurs even virtually every human. The difference between people that suffer from Bruxism and those that don’t is the quantity of the bruxism bursts. In most studies the control group(those that don’t suffer from Bruxism) exhibit roughly 2 bruxism episodes per hour, while those with Bruxism exhibit 6 or more bruxism episodes per hour. We don’t know why non-bruxers, “Grind” their teeth during sleep patterns. We also don’t know why a true bruxers grind their teeth more.
Tooth Grinding can also occur during the day, this can occur during a stressful part of the day, i.e. driving in traffic or a tough day at work. Problems with the way your teeth come together can also lead to tooth grinding. If there is an area that comes together before the others, this can lead to tooth grinding, as a response to the high spot.
In subsequent articles we’ll discuss the effects and possible treatment options for tooth grinding. Tooth Grinding can be devastating to the teeth, leading to destruction of the hardest substance in the body, your tooth enamel.
A brief video tour of our office and who we are…
This web site is provided for information and education purposes only. No doctor/patient relationship is established by your use of this site. No diagnosis or treatment is being provided. The information contained here should be used in consultation with a dentist of your choice. No guarantees or warranties are made regarding any of the information contained within this web site. This web site is not intended to offer specific medical, dental or surgical advice to anyone.
A question came through Twitter over the weekend. What determines the color of peoples teeth?
There are 3 components of teeth, Enamel, Dentin, and the Nerve.
Enamel is the hardest substance in our bodies and when well mineralized as it usually is, it is fairly white. But can also have varying levels of translucency which display the underlying dentin.
Dentin is much softer and contains both organic and inorganic materials. It is typically yellowish in color, but can vary from brown to grey also.
The Nerve contains nerve tissue and vascular tissue that provides nourishment and sensation to the teeth.
Genetics play an important roll in the color of your teeth. Skin color, gingiva color, mineral content of the enamel, and color of the dentin. Medications have been known to alter the color of the dentin, specifically Tetrycycline used during development of the adult teeth will turn the dentin various shades of grey and brown, which darken the teeth. Illness has also shown to alter the appearance the dentin. Both medication and illness usually affect the color during the development of the teeth.
As teeth age they tend to turn yellow. Years of wear and tear can cause the enamel to turn more translucent and the dentin to darken. Kids teeth can often appear yellow in color, typically baby teeth only have 1mm of enamel covering the dentin. If for some reason a portion of the enamel has eroded away as we discussed in Acid Erosion in Children’s Teeth, the enamel will then be thinner and will display more of the yellow dentin.
There are a few other reasons that teeth will darken and those include vitality of the nerve, some teeth will turn dark when the nerve dies. Another reason is a old restorations silver-mercury fillings will turn teeth black and composite restorations tend to yellow over time.
The image above shows a few teeth of various colors in the same dentition. Tooth roots are made up of dentin, and will provide clues to what the color of the dentin is. You will notice that the front left tooth on the screen is darker then the front right one. This is because the dentin of the tooth is darker, probably because of loss of vitality of the nerve. If we were to cut off the enamel of both these teeth and evaluate it, we would notice that it is the same color. The color difference shown here is because of the dentin color change. The surface stains shown on the lower teeth can easily be removed during a hygiene visit.
The primary roll of vital tooth bleaching is to whiten the dentin, there is evidence that the current peroxide based whitening agents will whiten the dentin. 2-4 weeks is usually sufficient for most people but some teeth like the dark tooth shown above may require months of whitening. At home whitening systems provided by your dentist, provide the best results while providing the ability to control the results. In-Office whitening systems are also effective, but often require multiple visits over a period of 3-6 weeks and provide no superior results over the at home systems. Over the counter systems are effective just less effective then the other systems.
Keep your questions coming, on twitter use @sandquistdds and we’ll try to answer them.
A recent web article titled: Acid Erosion In Children’s Teeth Growing Concern Among Dentists discusses some reasons for acid erosion in children’s teeth, but doesn’t discuss all the issues. The article primarily discusses the child’s diet, specifically avoiding acidic foods and to use Sensodyne’s ProEnamel toothpaste that is designed to reinforce the enamel with a topical fluoride and acid neutralizers.
While this product is helpful along side diet modification, another issue to consider is Gastric Reflux(GERD) which is a very common condition during infancy and often occurs in older children as well. It is common to see “Islands of Wear"(example photos are seen below) on the tops of the molar teeth. While there really isn’t a definitive answer to the cause of these eroded areas, it has been hypothesized that GERD is responsible for these holes in the enamel. These holes in the enamel occur because the acid is allowed to pool on the surfaces of the teeth eroding the enamel, which is why it normally occurs on the top of the lower teeth and the inside of the upper teeth. The location and shape of the eroded areas is often indicative of it’s etiology. A physician reviewed article Reflux in Children discusses symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of GERD in children. Many times GERD in children is a transient condition that comes and goes and sometimes occurs once and never returns. It is often diagnosed because of the evidence of tooth wear.
Yes, Sensodyne ProEnamel is a great product to help prevent the destruction of tooth enamel, but the bigger picture might be treating the actual cause of the acid in the first place.
Hygiene visits are more than just getting your teeth cleaned. We believe that your mouth is the most useful part of your body. You use your mouth to breathe, eat or drink at least 5 times a day, communicate, smile and kiss a loved one. If your mouth is diseased you can’t enjoy your food, can’t chew it properly, can’t digest it thoroughly, and ultimately cant receive proper nutrition.
Therefore you have a lifelong need for ideal dental health. Constant wear and tear occurs because you use your mouth all the time. Dentistry is the only science that can keep you as healthy as a young adult. Our team is trained to screen for Gum Disease, Tooth Decay, Tooth Wear, Oral Cancers and many others. Think of your hygiene visits as your Oral Health Check Up. We recommend hygiene visits twice yearly for our healthy patients. This can change based on your specific needs. Hygiene visits are a simple and effective way to keep tabs on your oral health. We are passionate about your dental health and take pride in providing you only the best care.
Do you avoid cold water? Use warm water to brush your teeth? Do you use a straw whenever possible? Do you avoid regular hygiene visits because your teeth can’t handle the zing? Let’s examine why teeth are sensitive to cold.
The teeth are covered with enamel which provides really good protection from cold sensitivity and the roots are covered by the gums, when the root surface is exposed, however, it’s a different story. The roots of teeth are a continuation of the dentin portion of the teeth. The dentin contains tiny microscopic tubules that communicate with the nerve of the tooth. These tubules are filled with fluid and transmit sensation from the nerve. If these tubes are uncovered and constantly irritated, sensitivity can occur
What can irritate or unplug the dentinal tubules?
Carbonated drinks and Energy drinks have a really low pH, which means they are very acidic, (did you ever clean a penny by dropping it in a glass of Coke?). It is a powerful enough acid that it will not only clean out the dentinal tubules, but it will eat your enamel away.
Tartar Control and Whitening Toothpastes use abrasives for their effects and this can lead to irritation of the tubules.
Hard Toothbrushes as well as hard toothbrushing will slowly wear away the root surface.
Tooth Clenching causes micro-movement of the teeth, which can lead to irritation of the root surface.
Bleaching or whitening the teeth involves placing peroxide on the teeth to whiten them, and this can clean out the tubules and cause brief sensitivity, that usually resolves itself by limiting the time the bleach is used - think 30 minutes compared to 3 hours.
Periodontal Therapy involves cleaning of the tooth roots which often involves removal of a layer of the tooth root along with the tartar or calculus, so oftentimes following perio therapy the teeth will be sensitive.
In our next post we’ll discuss ways to help eliminate tooth sensitivity.
Our office just joined Twitter, Follow @ http://www.twitter.com/sandquistdds in the coming days, weeks and months look for our tweets about the office and your dental health.
The American Diabetes Association has posted a really good article about Diabetes and Oral Health. If you or a family member is dealing with Diabetes this article is for you!
Ok, you’ve just been told you need a filling or a crown at a recent dental visit to fix a cavity. We’ve already discussed How Tooth Decay Happens in a previous SmileByte article. Let’s now discuss what can be done after the cavity has been fixed to prevent future cavities from occurring.
Fillings and or Crowns fix defects or cavities in the teeth caused by tooth decay. However, a filling or crown doesn’t necessarily stop the tooth decay process, it merely removes the decayed tooth structure currently present. If the cause of the tooth decay in the first place is not found then further decay is possible around the brand new restoration. Tooth decay is basically a bacterial infection, and dentists typically refer to this bacterial build up as plague. Plaque is the white film that grows on teeth, and this is what we remove during daily brushing and flossing. It’s the white film that grows on teeth and that film tends to migrate to the spot where the restoration and tooth meet.
Since you have just had a restoration done to treat a cavity is it important to brush and floss daily and see the hygienist on a regular basis. These preventative measures will help to disrupt the plaque colonizing around your brand new restorations. In addition, there has been increasing amounts of research into this process and we are now able to provide each of our patients with a Risk of tooth decay profile ranging from low, moderate, to high. Based on this risk we will then be able to provide recommendations beyond regular brushing and flossing, in terms of dietary coaching, bacteria and saliva testing, hygiene protocols, antibacterial rinses, fluoride rinses and toothpastes, and xylitol gums and candies.
Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol that reduces the bacteria that causes tooth decay. It is equal in sweetness and volume to sugar and the granular form can be used in many of the ways that sugar is used, including to sweeten cereals and hot beverages and for baking (except when sugar is needed for yeast to rise).
How does xylitol prevent cavities?
Xylitol inhibits the growth of the bacteria that cause cavities. It does this because these bacteria (Streptococcus mutans) cannot utilize xylitol to grow. Over time with xylitol use, the quality of the bacteria in the mouth changes and fewer and fewer decay-causing bacteria survive on tooth surfaces. Less plaque forms and the level of acids attacking the tooth surface is lowered.
Studies show that Streptococcus mutans is passed from parents to their newborn children, thus beginning the growth of these decay-producing bacteria in the child. Regular use of xylitol by mothers has been demonstrated to significantly reduce this bacterial transmission, resulting in fewer cavities for the child.
Many gum and mint manufacturers have jumped on the Xylitol bandwagon and have started using Xylitol as their sweetener of choice. Xylitol gum or mints used 3-5 times daily, for a total intake of 5 grams, is considered optimal. Because frequency and duration of exposure is important, gum should be chewed for approximately 5 minutes and mints should be allowed to dissolve.
We now have tools available to evaluate risk of Tooth Decay. Tooth decay is a bacterial infection just as gum disease is a bacterial infection, they are just different bacteria’s affecting different parts of the mouth. Unfortunately, there are no magic pills to take to get rid of it, but we do now have a strategy to reduce your risk. The goal in reducing your risk is to reduce the factors that allow the bacteria to sit on the tooth surface and excrete acid that decays teeth.
Some people have poor home care, so the bacteria is allowed to pile up on the tooth surfaces and do their damage, these people can immediately lower their risk by adding an electric toothbrush to the mix or shortening their hygiene appointments.
Others have adequate home care but still have yearly fillings because they may have poor salivary flow that doesn’t neutralize the acids excreted by the bacteria.
Others may just have more of the bad bacteria that cause tooth decay. They are mutans streptococci and lactobacilli. Today we have a test that is able to measure the salivary flow and measure the level of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in the dental office. So now we can measure the three major risk factors that cause tooth decay! Adding these assessments to home care and dietary considerations can help lead to a plan to lower the risk of Tooth Decay!
Tooth decay is caused by certain types of bacteria (mutans streptococci
and lactobacilli) that live in your mouth. When they attach themselves to
the teeth and multiply in dental plaque, they can do damage. The bacteria
feed on what you eat, especially sugars (including fruit sugars) and cooked
starch (bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, etc.). Within just a few minutes after
you eat, or drink, the bacteria begin producing acids as a by-product of their
digesting your food. Those acids can penetrate into the hard substance of
the tooth and dissolve some of the minerals (calcium and phosphate). If the
acid attacks are infrequent and of short duration, your saliva can help to
repair the damage by neutralizing the acids and supplying minerals and fluo-
ride that can replace those lost from the tooth. However, if:
1) your mouth is dry
2) you have many of these bacteria
3) you snack frequently
then the tooth mineral lost by attacks of acids is too great, and cannot be repaired.
This is the start of tooth decay and leads to cavities.
Porcelain veneers are a very thin layer of beautiful ceramic that is bonded over teeth to change the shape, color and contour. Typically veneers require a minimal tooth preparation, usually less that 1mm of tooth needs to be removed to place a porcelain veneer. Sometimes there is virtually no preparation required. When a majority of the preparation remains in enamel, the veneers have the best bond possible, therefore increased longevity.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers 
• Very lifelike
• Preservation of tooth structure
• Can permanently change color
• Close spaces
• Make small alignment changes
• Rejuvenate worn or chipped teeth
Disadvantages of Porcelain Veneers
• Usually have to remove tooth structure
• Probably will not last forever, but should get 15-20 years
• It is possible to have breakage
• Since they are bonded on it is possible to de-bond off
Porcelain Veneers are not for everybody, but for those that are concerned about worn or chipped teeth, permanent color changes, spaces between the teeth and other issues, veneers may be the answer for you!
Porcelain Veneers are a great option to for teeth that have suffered from erosion as the example on the lower left shows. 6 porcelain veneers were placed to recreate a very natural smile.
With the news of the recent Hepatitis B,C and HIV exposure of 40,000 patients at the Endoscopy Center of Las Vegas, our office has received a few calls from patients concerned about our health and safety because of their possible exposure. Over the past 20 years our office has maintained universal precautions. Every treatment room is cleaned and all surfaces are treated with agents that have been proven to kill potential pathogens. All instruments cleaned and sterilized in our Steri-Center utilizing the latest in sterilization techniques. If you ever have questions about our techniques and protocols please don’t hesitate to ask, we’d be happy to give you a tour!
Recently, our practice has added a CO2 soft tissue laser to our practice. This is very exciting news because of what it means to patient care.
The CO2 laser is:
• Non-Invasive Surgery
• Minimal Pain
• Better Treatment
• Optimal Results
• Less Anesthesia
• Complete Sterilization
The above photos demonstrate the use of the CO2 laser in removing a irritation fibroma, the image on the right hand side is 4 days after removal of the Fibroma.
What are the Advantages of Lasers?
This technology assures a more patient friendly treatment with considerably less post-operative pain, discomfort, and swelling. In many cases, sutures are not required. All laser procedures assure a totally sterile environment of the surgical site, which in turn decreases potential for post-operative infections.
Are Lasers Safe?
The latest generation of dental lasers is absolutely safe for all patients. This technology enables us to use it also on patients with pre-existing conditions such as Pregnancy, Pace-Makers, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Parkinson’s, Hemophilia, and many more.
On your next visit Ask about the Laser Use in conjunction with:
• Smile Design
• Implants
• Periodontal Pocket Therapy
• Veneers and Crowns
Telephone: 702 734 0776
Fax: 702 734 7761
Email: info@sandquistdds.com
Address: 2650 Lake Sahara Dr. Suite 160 Las Vegas, NV 89117
Web:http://www.sandquistdds.com
Ceramics are a great way to replace failing silver amalgam restorations… They are tooth colored, strong, bonded to the existing tooth structure and with the CEREC machine can be done in one visit.
Existing silver amalgam restorations, that are leaking and showing signs of distress, there is a crack in one of the cusps too.
Here are the two teeth with the existing restorations removed, note the tooth on the right hand side there is a crack under the bottom left cusp.
Finished Ceramic restorations completed in one visit.
At MKGC Consulting we take Support very seriously… From Onsite Support, email, telephone, and via the Internet we are the source for Technical Support!
Is a leading technology integrator whose primary focus is providing dental offices with superior service, installation and continuing maintenance of their hi-tech computer systems and networks. With the goal of a paperless office, having a dedicated, reliable and technologically advanced service provider is key to your office’s success.
MKGC Consulting Corporation is a Las Vegas, Nevada based technology integrator whose primary focus is providing dental offices with superior service, installation and continuing maintenance of their hi-tech computer systems and networks. With the goal of a paperless office, having a dedicated, reliable and technologically advanced service provider is key to your office’s success.
Our team is led by John Frihse, whose primary focus is consulting and developing the roadmap to get your office where you want it to be technologically, while personally overseeing its progress. John’s expertise is vast and spans over 20 years in the computer industry. With well over a decade of installations in the Las Vegas & surrounding area with practice management software that includes Daisy, Eaglesoft, Dentrix, Practiceworks, Softdent, Dolphin and Orthotrac, John has the vision, experience and knowledge that you will feel comfortable with. Having been trained by Planmecca and years of imaging experience with Planmecca, Schick, Dexus and Gendex, you can be assured that you are teaming up with a progressive company that is future-minded.
MKGC’s service department is headed by Collin Ploeger, a master computer technician. Collin oversee’s that the vision of your office, as designed by you and John is implemented successfully in coordination with John and our onsite installation department. Collin’s 15 years of experience as a technician, then lead technician, led to his managing the daily technical aspects of an 8 store computer company in Salt Lake City, Utah. Collin’s masterful work with John over the past 7 years led him to move to Las Vegas to join John and the vision and professionalism that makes MKGC Consulting Corporation a superior ally for your computer dental technology needs.
Our onsite installation department is headed by Steve Gregg, a mentor of John’s for so many years. Steve’s experience ranges from operating a very successful computer store in the Everett, Washington area, to an ad hoc roaming technician doing work in every state while having fun travelling for years. More recently, Steve has been “grounded” as the IT Manager for one of the largest casino’s in Laughlin, Nevada. His desire to help people and travel in his customized bus makes him perfect to head our installation team.
From inception of needing our services to the finished product of becoming a leader in the paperless office in your area, you can be sure that you are dealing with very experienced professionals who not only are experts in their field, but that are also extremely knowledgeable in what your office needs to assist you in becoming a leader in your field.
With the knowledge of knowing that even the best networks have a need for unplanned local service, we have developed relationships over the years with many technicians that we use in cities all over the West Coast to provide you typically with same day service for network emergencies, while under the direct supervision of MKGC Consulting Corporation, ensuring the vision of our motto “Technology. Integration. Excellence.” stays true to form.
34000 people on average will be diagnosed with Oral Cancer this year and 8000 will die from Oral Cancer, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. The death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of cervical cancer, Hodgkins disease, cancer of the brain, liver, testes, kidney, or skin cancer (malignant melanoma). The death rate from oral cancer is so high because often times it has often metastasized to another location.(Data courtesy:http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/) Fortunately, researchers from the British Columbia Cancer Agency and the MD Anderson Cancer Center have developed a unique tool that allows us to better determine whether or not an oral lesion is potentially dangerous or not. The Velscope is a special light that causes the tissues in the mouth to fluoresce… Normal healthy tissues fluoresce and those that are potentially dangerous do not, they appear as dark shadows. Our office is now proud to offer the Velscope as part of the oral cancer screening process!
BECAUSE YOUR SMILE IS IMPORTANT TO US. We now offer Care Credit. A convenient, interest free program for 3, 6, or 12 months. Also, an extended low monthly payment program for your entire family specifically designed to pay for your dental care. Applying for CareCredit is quick and easy. Simply choose the option you prefer. You can go on line @ http://www.carecredit.com or use the automated phone application by calling 800-365-8295. Have a healthy and beautiful smile today!
Updating your health history at every appoinment lets us know of any changes going on with your general health. When we know that you are now taking blood thinners we understand to expect the possibility of slightly more bleeding during your cleaning appointment. If you have recently had an artificial heart valve or joint placed, we know that you will need to premedicate with antibiotics before any dental treatment can be done. If you happen to be taking any of the oral osteoporosis medications we know that it is imperative that your periodontal is carefully monitored as these medications have been known to disrupt the healing potential of the bone that holds the teeth in place. There are all sorts of medical conditions that help us understand your dental health and to treat you in the most appropriate way.
Periodontal (gum) disease can occur at any age, with over half of all people over the age of 18 having some form of the disease. Periodontal charting (probing) is an essential tool to help diagnose gum disease problems and to follow the success of gum therapies. A periodontal probe, with ruled millimeter markings, is used to measure the depth of the space between the teeth and gums. Ideally, normal measurements range between 1 and 3 millimeters deep, depths greater than this may signify the presence of periodontal pockets and associated gum disease. 
Image Courtesy Perio.org
January 18, the Las Vegas Review Journal had an interesting article about Dental Implants…
“Dental implants also offer a means of replacing multiple lost teeth. Individual implants can be placed where the missing teeth used to be, or implants can be used as anchors for full or partial dentures.”
Read the Entire article
We have set up a Lens at http://www.squidoo.com/toothbrushing/ to find more about toothbrushing...!
Our dental office has used Dentrix Dental Systems practice management software since around 1995, front office and back. It was version 6 at that time. It was the only system at that time that was built for Windows, it supposedly never had a DOS sibling. Our office jumped on the Dentrix bandwagon right along with Windows95. For many years Dentrix was the leader in dental practice management systems. It’s Appointment Book, chart, ledger, and office management systems were without peer! Back in the day it had its very own image management application called Dentrix image… We had version 1 and 2 of Dentrix Image, and really liked both applications. They worked well with our IntraOral cameras, it was a breeze to capture images and display them to the patient. All images captured appeared at the top of the screen and with one click could be displayed in the main image window. It was still cumbersome to export images, or import images from say a still digital camera, and it didn’t support xrays, but for our purposes it worked great. Since xrays weren’t supported we purchased DenOptix with a bridge and used their software for viewing xrays. Those two applications worked well together. We had no complaints. At the beginning of 2000 Dentrix announced the purchase of Vipersoft(which at that time was the leader in image management). When I heard that, I was excited because once Dentrix engineers figured out how to integrate Vipersoft into Dentrix, we would for sure be able to attach images and xrays to specific teeth, just as soon as they were taken. We would have the ability to use Vipersoft’s image editing features and much much more. The ideas of what was possilble was very exciting, being able to combine xrays and images together would mean that we could provide treatment and when completed with Dentrix’s powerful Practice Management tools we should be able to combine a couple before and after photos into a word doc, with some take home notes. Or easily prepare a referral slip to a specialist that combines the images and photos. After all we were dealing with Dentrix, who’s slogan is DDO(Digital Dentist Office), which means complete digital integration.
Over time Dentrix had a few upgrades, with a few checklist features, like e-claims, a document center(you can scan pieces of paper and store them there), a time clock, a lab tracker, and a few other items that escape me now. Around 2001 we decided to upgrade to Image 3.0(the first version with Vipersoft integration), this was an exciting day. One of the first things I noticed was that when you launched Image, you had to wait for the program to open. This basically meant that there had been no integration, it was only a bridge, a very clever one, but it is still a completely separate program that had no direct communication with the rest of the Dentrix app! I began to use the program, and started to learn the new “Terrible” interface, learning how to import images, from a digital memory card or intraoral camera, learning how to export images, and learning how to display the images to my patients. It was at this point that I almost removed the entire program and went back to version 2.0. Not only was it very difficult to click through a series of photos, there was no way to easily export say 3 images, basically you had to export each one individually. This has changed in version 4.0 but not much you now can export multiples by using a search filter, and if you have tagged your images perfectly you may get the 3 you want, otherwise you get all of them! With version 2.0 I could capture say 15 intra oral images, and have them all display at the top of the screen, when I wanted to view them with a patient I would basically just click on each one that would be shown in the main window below, it was quick and easy. With version 3.0/4.0 once the images are captured you are left with no images on the screen you have to select View all images, to see the thumbnails, it is here that you select the images you wish to view. Instead of lust clicking on them and having them display in a bigger window you have to select the images you wish to view, you are only allowed to view 16 images at a time, then when you click view you see a window with 16 images, it is from this window that you can now view the images in full screen. It takes about 4 or 5 more steps to see images you wish to see. What a complete waste of time. So with those issues in mind our office has started to look elsewhere for our dental practice management software.... We basically narrowed it down to the big 3, Dentrix(which we already have), Eaglesoft, and Practiceworks.... I would love to switch to a Macintosh based system, but due to existing hardware, and a staff that is used to Windows, we have decided to switch to Eaglesoft.... their feature set appears quite robust, and being good Patterson customers they are taking good care of us.... I’ll try and document the process in this blog to hopefully help others out too!
Our office provides a variety of services to maintain the health of our mouth. Sealants can be placed in the grooves of the teeth to prevent decay. All Sealants are done with Air Abrasion which ensures that all the dark lines are removed before the sealant is placed.
Our staff of licensed dental hygienists have all the tools necessary to maximize the longevity of your teeth. This is typically accomplished by routine visits to thoroughly clean all tooth surfaces. If you have ever had any extensive dental treatment such as implants, bridges, crowns, or veneers, regular hygiene visits will maximize the life of those restorations.
Fortunately, today we have incredible capabilities to enhance and restore the natural beauty of the smile. Tooth whitening is a very popular and a non-invasive way to improve an already beautiful smile, and our practice offers two separate methods, one that can be performed in our office, and another that can be done in the comfort of your own home.
If you are looking to improve or change your smile altogether we have three different procedures to help you achieve the look that you desire. With composite bonding, we have the ability to improve minor cosmetic imperfections by adding composite resin to the tooth, in a shade that matches your own precisely.
Oftentimes, however, due to numerous factors such as worn enamel, wear and tear, genes, or uneven teeth, a more successful and necessary restorative procedure may be veneers. Veneers are custom-designed shells of porcelain that are bonded to your teeth. They require minimal tooth preparation and can improve a smile dramatically, but in a natural way.
If your teeth are unhealthy or do not have a significant amount of enamel, all porcelain crowns may be used to restore your smile. Porcelain crowns are similar to veneers but require more preparation and removal of enamel in order to be bonded on properly. Unlike in the past when crowns had to fused to a metal framework, now we can make crowns out of pure porcelain, which means your tooth look exactly as they should- real and beautiful.
See all
Smile Makeovers!
Implant restoration.....
Think of implants as replacements for lost tooth roots. When a tooth is lost due to decay or periodontal disease, there is an alternative to leaving the space open, placing a fixed bridge or a removable appliance. Now, we can place a root form on which a crown can be made to replace the tooth. Not only can implants replace one tooth or multiple teeth, but they can also be used to support a removable appliance. Do you have a few missing teeth? What about an ill-fitting partial or denture? If so, implants may be of help to you.
Read the Tooth Replacement-FAQ
View the Tooth Replacement Gallery
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium fixture that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. The implant is placed in the upper or lower jaw. It will bond with the bone over time and thus serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth.
How successful are dental implants?
Success rates vary, depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed but, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 97%. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.
Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?
There are no relative health contraindications to dental implants. Patients should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. They also must be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for an implant procedure. Heavy smokers, people suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders - such as diabetes or heart disease - or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis. If you are considering implants, talk to your dentist to see if they are right for you.
What are the advantages of Dental Implants?
-Implants restore proper chewing function so you can enjoy foods previously too “difficult” to eat.
-You feel confident that your replacement teeth won’t move or loosen.
-You regain the closest thing to the look, feel and function of your natural teeth.
-Forget about unsightly partial denture clasps which place damaging pressure on remaining natural teeth.
-Chew comfortably and efficiently.
-Eliminate irritated and painful gums.
-Improve your speech by eliminating or reducing the “fullness” of full or partial dentures.
-Replace missing teeth with the look and feel of natural teeth without having to “cut down” healthy teeth.
How are dental implants maintained?
Your new teeth must be cared for and checked regularly, just like your natural teeth. Brush and floss as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist. See your dentist every sixth months, or more frequently if so advised.
How much time is involved with dental implants from start to finish?
Traditionally, the procedure has been performed in two steps. The dentist began by installing the implant, which was left for from three to six months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, the patient was given a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown could be put in place.
Today, there is an alternative to the two-step method that allows you to have the implant installed in one whole piece in one single session. This new method has simplified the procedure a lot, both for patients and dentists.
The procedure chosen depends on several factors, such as the patient’s dental health, the number of teeth involved and which teeth are replaced. These factors will also determine the total number of visits to the dentist throughout the treatment period.
What is the difference between a bridge and a dental implant?
–Improved appearance: When you lose an entire tooth – crown and root – shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental implants can stop this process. A traditional denture or bridge doesn’t.
–Maintained natural teeth: With traditional practices, two teeth adjacent to a missing tooth must be ground down to anchor a bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.
–Permanent solution: There are no loose parts to worry about. The implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is need after installation. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.
Is the treatment painful?
Just as with any surgery, there can be some discomfort. Anesthesia and patient sedation are used to eliminate any discomfort at the time of the procedure. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated. Your doctor will prescribe medications to ease any discomfort that may occur. Ask your dentist to recommend another patient who has already had tooth replacement therapy to assess their personal experience.
Check back for more updates… Pretty soon the whole Staff manual will be online, viewable and searchable..! We will also be posting news items and other hopefully interesting tidbits..!
My gums bleed when I brush and floss. Isn’t that normal?
No. The gums that surround and support the teeth are very durable and when healthy can withstand normal brushing and flossing. Bleeding gums are one of the signs of gum disease. Think of gum tissue as the skin on your hand. If your hands bled every time you washed them, you would know something was wrong. There are a number of other warning signs of gum disease.
What is Periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a serious chronic bacterial infection that attacks and destroys the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place. The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth.
Infection occurs when dental plaque, a sticky sometimes colorless film, accumulates on the surfaces of teeth. The bacteria in the plaque produce chemicals that can affect the gums, causing them to swell and bleed.
In the early stage of periodontal disease, called gingivitis, the gums can become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by routine dental cleanings and daily brushing and flossing.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. Over time, plaque can spread below the gum line. The toxins produced by the bacteria in the plaque irritate the gums and stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body essentially breaks down and destroys the bone and gum that surround the teeth. When this supporting tissue and bone is destroyed, pockets form around the teeth. As the disease advances, these pockets become deeper, providing ever-growing spaces in which plaque accumulates and bacteria can spread, making the disease a major cause of tooth and bone loss. Periodontitis is a chronic, but treatable disease. With proper treatment, patients have a better chance of saving their teeth and prohibiting further disease progression.
In addition to complications from potential tooth loss and surgery, recent studies suggest that oral diseases may have significant effects on general health. These studies show that there is a possible relationship between periodontal infection and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and increased incidence of pre-term, low-birth weight babies.
What are pockets?
Your bone and gum tissue should fit snugly around your teeth like a turtleneck around your neck. When you have periodontal disease, this supporting tissue and bone is destroyed, forming “pockets” around the teeth. Over time, these pockets become deeper, providing a larger space in which bacteria can live. As bacteria develop around the teeth, they can accumulate and advance under the gum tissue. These deep pockets collect even more bacteria, resulting in further bone and tissue loss. Eventually, if too much bone is lost, the teeth will need to be extracted.
What are the warning signs of Gum Disease?
Many of the patients that have early to moderate periodontal disease have not reported any of of the signs listed above. Periodontal disease in the early stages is virtually undetectable. Routine visits and hygiene appointments can keep this devastating disease in check.
Introducing the amazing CEREC system
CEREC is a CAD/CAM chairside system that delivers superb quality porcelain restorations quickly, precisely and efficiently. Just look at these benefits!
Most teeth with existing silver/mercury fillings that need restoration can be completed with a CEREC chairside restoration that is completed in one visit, like the picture above. The replacement of the silver/mercury restorations above was completed in one visit. View the CEREC Gallery.
Why isn’t your office on the insurance Preferred Provider list?
An HMO/DMO/PPO insurance company sets a cap on fees that can be charged for procedures. By joining a HMO/DMO/PPO group, the dentist agrees to abide by these restrictions, which enables the company and the patient to know the predetermined costs. Because fees are controlled, it is possible that a participating dentist may need to control your treatment options, the materials used and the time that can be spent with you during treatment, none of which can be construed as beneficial to you, the patient. Our office believes your dental health is too important to allow any third party insurer determine how your teeth should be cleaned or restored!
Why does my insurance only provide $1000 of coverage a year?
In the mid 1960’s increased competition forced the insurance companies to start offering other services in addition to medical insurance. Many companies started offering $1000 worth of annual dental insurance to sweetin’ the pot so to speak. Over the past forty years we have seen some plans increase their coverage to $1500 or $2000, but a majority still only provide $1000 of annual coverage. If these plans had kept up with the rate of inflation they should be offering $6000 worth of coverage. Why the insurance companies haven’t increased the annual benefit is anyone’s guess. It is safe to assume that your dental health is not one of those reasons.
How does dental insurance differ from other types of insurance?
Dental insurance really isn’t insurance at all. It is really just a benefit. When you purchase a car you call your auto insurance carrier and are given a quote based on the type of vehicle you have purchased. Any time you submit a claim to your car insurance the premium is adjusted higher. If you get a speeding ticket, or are in a car accident the amount you pay goes up. If you use your auto insurance too much, the insurance company will stop coverage all together! With dental insurance, everybody has the same type of car. When you signed up for dental insurance, did they inquire about your current dental health or past dental history? A healthy mouth pays the same as an unhealthy mouth that may require extensive treatment. Each year you are allowed to up to $1000(or whatever limit your policy states) every year. This amount does not roll over into the next year. If you use all of it or none of it your premium stays the same. Auto, Health, Life, and Disability insurance are necessary for catastrophic events that could lead to financial ruin. Fortunately, there aren’t too many catastropic events that can happen to your mouth. Routine hygiene visits and check ups can usually catch problems before they become catastrophes. Dental insurance is a benefit that provides $1000-$2000 towards dental care. Which means that dental insurance is the only type of insurance that doesn’t provide coverage for major dental events, it is better used towards routine dental care. Think of dental insurance as a dental coupon, in which you can use toward care.
My insurance policy states that they pay 50% for major coverage. Why isn’t that 50% of your office’s fee?
The insurance companies use a term “Usual, Customary, and Reasonable” or “UCR”. We really don’t know how they come up with fees, but one thing is for sure they don’t adjust these fees for rates of inflation or new technology. There are some insurance companies that haven’t adjusted their fees in many years, which explains why they haven’t raised their annual benefit in 40 years either. Our fees reflect the time, technology and experience necessary to provide quality dental care in the 21st century. Unfortunately we are unable to provide high level dental care at fees determined by a third party.
My employer is dropping dental insurance coverage, should i purchase private dental coverage?
Some companies still offer dental insurance coverage, but will defer the cost to the employee. This can be very expensive, some plans can cost $400-$600 annually. Some companies are dropping coverage all together. Since most dental coverage plans offer $1000-$2000 of annual dental benefit as we discussed before it doesn’t make much sense to pay $600 for $1000 worth dental benefit. For most people in this situation it is far better to pay themselves the $600 and self fund their own dental insurance. $600 would be more than enough to cover routine hygiene visits, xray and exams annually. If any other work is necessary, such as a few fillings or a crown, our office has some flexible financing plans that are very reasonable.
Tooth pain can occur in many forms, it can be isolated to one tooth, or many, it can be instigated by temperature(hot or cold) or when chewing. Let’s take a look at the most common instances of tooth pain.
There are two basic types of tooth pain.
• Sharp and Dull
Sharp tooth pain is caused by many factors.
• A broken cusp of a tooth
• Decay at the gumline
• A space between a crown/filling at the gumline
• A filling or crown that is too high when chewing
• Grinding and our clenching.
• Cold temperatures
Sharp tooth pain rarely lingers, it is short duration and often instigated by the factors listed above. Sharp tooth pain relief is usually accomplished by repairing fractured cusp with a crown or onlay, adjusting the crown/filling that is too high when biting, checking for and removing any decay or faulty crowns/fillings at the gumline. Sharp tooth pain should always be evaluated because Sharp tooth pain can lead to Dull pain, which is discussed below.
Dull tooth pain is often more serious, and usually means the nerve inside the tooth has been irreveribly damaged.
Dull tooth pain is usually initiated with Hot temperatures, Hot coffee or soup.
It will tend to ache for a significant period of time.
It can wake you up in the middle of the night or just start to ache spontaneously.
It can also be initiated by tapping on the tooth.
Dull tooth pain originates from the nerve/pulp of the tooth. Dull tooth pain usually requires root canal therapy to relieve the problem.
Tooth pain is often an indicator of a potentially serious problem that should be addressed by a dentist, If you live in the Las Vegas area call 702 734 0776 for a check up!
One of the easiest ways to enhance your smile is to Whiten your teeth!
Today there are many ways to whiten teeth… There are strips, trays, lasers, high powered lights and paint on products. These devices don’t actually whiten teeth themselves, they deliver or activate peroxide, the whitening agent. Peroxide is the key component in whitening teeth. Take home systems such as: Strips, Trays, and Paint ons have a lower concentration. The in office “Laser” whitening systems use a high concentration Hydrogen Peroxide. The laser or light systems only mildly improve the activation of the peroxide, many times the peroxide itself if left on the teeth long enough will provide the same results with or with out the light...!
Whitening Systems
Paint on- This is purchased at a drug store and painted on the teeth before bed, while it sounds like an intriguing idea, it is usually washed off in a few minutes and probably doesn’t deliver much whitening power.
WhiteStrips- whitestrips do work but they only whiten the front 6 teeth on the top and bottom. Whitestrips are a very good way to get started, but probably won’t be as successful as custom made trays. Whitestrips are a very cost effective way to begin the whitening process. Our office is able to provide Whitestrips with twice the peroxide concentration than a box purchased from the drugstore.
Take Home Trays-The easiest most successful form of tooth whitening. We take a quick impression of the top and bottom teeth, which gives us a very accurate model of your teeth! We use those models to create a tray that adapts to your teeth. This tray will hold the peroxide that whitens your teeth. These trays are worn with the peroxide in place for a few hours a day, for 2-4 weeks. Once you are satisfied with the results, you can keep the trays handy for a touch up every few months.
In Office Whitening There are many name brands that are available, products like Zoom, BrightSmile, Boost. All of these systems are implemented in the dental office. Each visit is about 60-90 minutes in length, because the gums are completely isolated to prevent burning of the tissue. A high concentration Hydrogen Peroxide is applied outer surfaces of the teeth. The peroxide needs to be in contact with the teeth for a total of 45-60 minutes. Every 15 minutes or so fresh peroxide is applied. Often a light or laser is used to help activate the peroxide. On average it takes 2-6 visits to get the same results as a 4 week take home session. We feel in office whitening is most effective when used in conjuction with take home trays! It is a great jump start!
Ceramic onlays created with CEREC 3D technology, completed in one visit!
Two veneers were used to replace the existing composite resin’s that had yellowed over time. Porcelain veneers can create very natural looking restorations that can provide many years of service....
This patient suffered an unfortunate accident that caused trauma to the front teeth during the adolescent years.... the front 6 teeth had previously been crowned and or veneered because of the accident. the large front tooth on the right had a fractured root which required removal of the tooth! The tooth and root were removed, an implant was placed and allowed to heal, once healed the existing crowns and veneers were removed and replaced with new ones. The implant allowed us to replace the tooth that was lost with a tooth that functions and looks just like a regular tooth....
For more information on Porcelain Veneers CLICK HERE
For more information on Porcelain Crowns CLICK HERE
For more information on Single Implants CLICK HERE
Eating too much? There’s a good chance the problem isn’t only what you eat - it’s how you eat.
Now, your dentist can provide a simple new way to help you eat less. It retrains your eating habits without rewriting your menu. Called the DDS SystemѢ , it’s unlike anything you’ve ever tried before.
Eat slower, eat less
We all have a built-in system that tells our brains when we’ve had enough to eat. It’s called satiety.
When we eat too fast we often ingest more than we need, because the satietyresponse doesn’t have an adequate opportunity to signal “full” to the brain.
Unfortunately, we live in a fast-paced world. We impatiently tap our fingers, waiting in line with so many others . in a hurry to get to the next place. As a consequence, we take less and less time for meals.
The DDS SystemT directly addresses the problem
This new, patented approach slows down the eating process so that your built-in satiety response can allow you to feel full after consuming less food.
The DDS SystemѢ includes a discreet oral insert that’s custom-made just for you. It actually reduces the size of your oral cavity . training you to take smaller bites. Smaller bites require you to eat more slowly. Eating slowly allows you to feel satisfied with less food. It’s a behavior modification system that teaches you new eating habits.
Are you ready to start eating less?
Request an Appointment via the internet or call 702-734-0776
For more information about the DDS System head to Scientficintake.com
Our bodies have a built-in system that communicates to our brain when we’ve had enough to eat.
It’s called satiety.
If we eat too fast we may eat more than we need. The satietysignal may not get to the brain until we are already too full.
Do you often enjoy your meals leisurely, or are you caught up in the fast paced world, impatiently taking less and less time to hurriedly eat your meals? Learn More
Making Dental Occlusion a Science
For years, dental occlusion had been largely a matter of guesswork for dentists. Articulation paper, waxes, pressure indicator paste, etc. were all dentists had to assess and balance the forces of occlusion. Most of these methods are not sensitive enough to detect simultaneous contact, and none measure both biting time and force. Tekscan met the challenge by developing the T-Scan system. T-Scan’s grid-based sensor technology proved so successful that Tekscan has successfully applied the same technology to hundreds of other applications, forming Tekscan’s Medical and Industrial divisions.
In 1997, the T-Scan was further refined and the T-Scan vastly improved. Now, progressive dentists all over the world are reaping the benefits of the latest technological advance in computerized occlusal imaging, the T-Scan II.
The T-Scan II helps reduce the risk of:
implant failure
traumatized teeth
unstable dentures
ineffective splints
porcelain fractures
or anywhere occlusion plays a role!
CEREC-Single visit ceramic crowns, onlays, and inlays.
Read more about CEREC technology.
Digital X-rays- All the xrays we take are digital, which means they are stored on the computer for easy viewing and retrieval. This technology allows for a 90% reduction in radiation from conventional xrays.
Computerized Bite Analysis
This technology allows the dentists to take much of the subjectivity out of traditional bite assessments. This system helps to reduce the risk of implant failures, traumatized teeth, unstable dentures, and porcelain fractures.
Intra-Oral CAM
This micro-mini camera takes up-close and personal photos of the teeth and gums, which allows viewing on either a computer monitor or TV screen, allowing patients to view exactly what the dentist sees - decay, cavities or receding gum lines. With this knowledge, patients and our dentists together can make educated decisions regarding their dental work. Since this technology is integrated into our computer system, all these images are saved on our servers, which means it is easy to update a picture and compare it to an old image.
This tooth unfortunately suffered a fracture of the root which required removal of the tooth. After all options were discussed, and immediate implant was chosen as the treatment of choice. The tooth was removed, the implant placed and a temporary crown was placed during the same visit. After about 6 months of healing the temporary crown was removed and replaced with a porcelain crown.
For more information about Immediate Implants CLICK HERE
This patient had very nice teeth, but they were covered up by too much bone and gum tissue… Underneath all that tissue revealed her natural teeth and smile. Porcelain veneers were placed on the two lateral incisors,(the little teeth on either side the middle incisors), since they had previously been restored with composite resin.
Unfortunately the lateral incisor tooth which is just to the right of the two big ones, had a root fracture, that required removal of the tooth… After all options were discussed, an implant was chosen to restore the area.
After removal of the tooth, the implant was placed and the temporary abutment was attached.. You are looking at the temporary abutment. This picture was taken at the surgical visit, all tissues still look nice and healthy.
Since we were able to stabilize the implant at placement a temporary crown was placed on the temporary abutment.
After a healing period, and impression was taken of the implant, so that the new crown and abutment could be fabricated and delivered.
For more information about Immediate Implants CLICK HERE
Think of implants as replacements for lost tooth roots. When a tooth is lost due to decay or periodontal disease, there is an alternative to leaving the space open, placing a fixed bridge or a removable appliance. Now, we can place a root form on which a crown can be made to replace the tooth. Not only can implants replace one tooth or multiple teeth, but they can also be used to support a removable appliance. Do you have a few missing teeth? What about an ill-fitting partial or denture? If so, implants may be of help to you.
Click Here for more information
CEREC 3 is a high tech computer and milling machine used to manufacture tooth restorations, like porcelain ceramic crowns, inlays, and onlays.
Chairside means the treatment (crown, onlay, etc) is completed in one patient visit and Ceramic refers to the material used to replace the damaged or missing tooth structure - a non-metallic restoration which is bonded to the existing or remaining tooth structure. As such, CEREC restorations are extremely durable and natural looking. CEREC restorations are very conservative in nature, in our office CEREC is the treatment of choice to replace silver/mercury fillings.
With CEREC, the tooth is restored in the same visit, which means no temporary crown to fall off during the 2-3 week period that the Lab requires to make the restoration. The second visit often requires numbing of the area again. One visit and you are done! View some examples of Porcelain Inlays and Onlays created with the CEREC machine!
Read the SmileBytes article about The CEREC Sytem
Smiles
We are proud to launch our new website. We have updated the before and after case area, which can be seen Here
Also, we have added a mailing list feature you can sign up by using the little box on the lower right hand side of the page. The mailing list will be used to inform you of the latest happenings in the world of dentistry.
Health History
About the Office Directions Staff Patient Forms The Doctors
Our office is located on Lake Sahara Dr. which is the first stop light west of Durango, as you travel west on Sahara. Turn left on Lake Sahara Dr about half way down Lake Sahara Dr. on the left hand side is a yellow two story building.. We are located on the bottom floor with our entrance on the east of the building!
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Tooth Colored Restorations
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-Please click on the link above, download, print and fill out before your first appointment.
Directions
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2650 Lake Sahara Dr Ste 160
Las Vegas, NV 89117-3451
This patient was unhappy with the color and appearance of her teeth… 20 porcelain veneers were done to achieve the desired result.
There was decay underneath this silver filling. Once the filling and subsequent decay was removed it left a very weak cusp tip that was covered with the onlay.
For more information about CAD/CAM Cerec restorations CLICK HERE
For information about the Advantages of Porcelain Onlays CLICK HERE
This tooth had a very large silver filling that was failing, notice the gap between the filling and tooth, also notice the fractured pieces of enamel… This tooth was restored with a CEREC onlay, for a very aesthetic result.
For more information about CAD/CAM Cerec restorations CLICK HERE
This patient was unhappy with the dark silver fillings, and wished to have them replaced. Since the silver fillings were not very big, we were able to restore these with tooth colored resin to achieve the desired result.
This patient was unhappy with the color and position of her teeth… 6 all porcelain crowns were placed to achieve the desired result.
For more information on Porcelain Crowns CLICK HERE