Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of a Tooth Abscess:
By admin | November 30, 2011
A tooth abscess can occur without warning. So, you may be asking “What exactly is an abscess?” An abscess is a pocket of pus which can either form at the root tip and show on an X-ray or in the tissues surrounding the tooth. A tooth abscess occurs when the immune system tries to fight off a bacterial infection. When the pocket of pus has no where to drain, it grows in size as the pus keeps forming. Often, a fistula (hole in the tissue) will form allowing for pus to drain to elevate the pressure. Just a little side note… the bacteria associated with gum disease and tooth decay are the same bacteria when it comes to a tooth abscess. Proper oral hygiene at home at consistent visits to the dental hygienist decrease the amount of bacteria present in the mouth, thus lessening your chance of infection.
Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess:
Pain in the form of a long-lasting dull ache or sharp quick pain can be signs that an abscess has formed. In some cases, there is very little pain reported with an abscess, however bad breath or foul taste in the mouth are also signs that an abscess has formed. Along with these symptoms of a tooth abscess, most often the glands surrounding the jaw will become swollen.
Treatment for an Abscessed Tooth:
It is best to call your dentist right away if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. Over the counter pain relief medication like Ibuprofen will help with pain. Swishing with warm salt water or hydrogen peroxide and water will help to disinfect the area. At my Holistic-minded dental office, we strive to accommodate all dental emergencies in the same day that the patient calls our office. You can expect that we take an X-ray and perform and exam to determine exactly what type of abscess/infection is present. In severe cases, I prescribe antibiotics to help the body destroy the bacteria. Again, depending on the location of the abscess, I more than likely will refer my patients’ to my friend and colleague who is a first-class Endodontist for further evaluation. With further testing from the specialist, we can determine if the tooth is savable with a root canal. If the abscess and infection are severe, then I will recommend the tooth to be removed.
If you think you are suffering from an abscess or are looking for a dental office that is more natural in its approach, please call or email my Inland Empire Holistic Cosmetic dental office. We are located in Riverside, California just off of the 91-freeway. (951)686-3666.
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Biological Dentist Anthony Kim Explains the Types of Dental Implants:
By admin | November 28, 2011
There are several different companies that make dental implant systems. However, there are only 2 types of materials used in manufacturing dental implants. The most common implant used is made of titanium metal. In rare cases, when individuals have severe metal allergies a Zircona metal-free implant is recommended.
Why is Titanium metal the “gold standard?”
Titanium is extremely strong and light in weight, in fact it is used in many aerospace applications due to its strength. When chewing food up to 200 pounds of pressure are placed on the teeth. Titanium also has the ability to withstand bending and breaking. Therefore, it is very important to use a strong material when replacing a missing tooth. Titanium can also withstand acids from the saliva and minerals in saliva and toothpaste. The most important aspect of tit anium metal is that it is biocompatible. Simply, the body accepts titanium when it placed into the body. The titanium dental implant stimulates the bone cells, creating “osseointegration.” This process allows the dental implant to become part of the jaw bone during the healing process, thus providing added strength.
What is a Zirconia Implant?
Zircona implants have been used in Europe for many years, in recent years Zircona implants have been used in the United States. It is a 100% biocompatible material that is used when metal is not an option for patients. In rare cases, people that are sensitive to metals and have several metal crowns or other dental implants can feel a very small current which creates discomfort. The solution for this is the Zircona implant which is made of zirconium which is a non-metal substance.
As a dentist with a holistic approach to dentistry, when a patient reports that they are metal sensitive, has severe allergies, or has metal toxicity I recommend dental material testing. I also recommend metal toxicity testing to determine if there is an overabundance of metals in the system, as that can affect the overall health of the body. Once the material testing is complete, it will allow me to determine the best material to use based on the individual’s body response to the materials tested.
If you are interested in dental implants and have questions regarding what material is safest for your body, please contact my Holistic Cosmetic dental office specializing in safe-mercury removal and dental implants, along with many other dental procedures. (951)686-3666.
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Are you a Candidate for Dental Implants?
By admin | November 28, 2011
Having the experience of a tooth loss can be extremely traumatic for most people. Often times, when a toothache along with infection occurs a tooth extraction is needed. Other times, teeth that have severe bone loss will need extraction due to further infection. So, the question is what decision do you make when needing a tooth extraction? Dental implants are the best option when it comes to replacing a tooth that has had to be removed. In order for the dental implant procedure to have longevity and success, it must be determined if the area where the tooth/teeth was removed is ideal for a dental implant.
An ideal candidate for a dental implants is of good health, along with healthy bone and gum tissue. When there is significant bone loss/infection present, then a bone graft will be needed prior to implant placement. Periodontal/gum disease can cause complications with dental implants, which is why proper toothbrushing/flossing along with frequent dental hygiene visits will ensure the long term success of a dental implant.
As technology and techniques have improved over the last 10 plus years, there are many more possibilities with dental implants for those individuals who have had missing teeth for many years. For those individuals who are currently wearing bridges, partial or full dentures, there is hope in sight for a stable and esthetically pleasing result with dental implants.
As a Southern California dentist who specializes in dental implants, it is extremely important for any individual interested in dental implants to have a consultation along with any recommended X-rays and/or cone beam CT scan. There are many times where the CT scan is essential to reference when placing bone and/or the dental implant itself. My goal is to provide stability, longevity, and esthetics in all dental implant procedures. If you are interested in a consultation to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants, please call my Riverside Cosmetic dental implant office which also specializes in a more holistic approach to dentistry (951)686-3666.
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Reasons to Be Thankful for Your Teeth:
By admin | November 27, 2011
As I reflect on this long holiday weekend filled with an overzealous appetite and delicious food, I determined that it is easy to forget just how important teeth are to us on a daily basis. Sitting here this morning, thinking of the important functions that teeth have are pretty impressive.
A question I have is…When was the last time you have thought about what your teeth do for you? This is the list I came up with…..
1. Chewing Food: (not just turkey!)
Teeth are shaped in a variety of shapes to allow for us to eat all different types of food. For example, the front teeth are made for chewing and tearing vegetation. Where as, the back molar teeth are made for grinding heavy foods such as meat. A great example of how having a stable chewing system is when a older gentleman came to my Southern California cosmetic dental office in search of a way to secure his loose-fitting denture. To assist him in his dream of eating a hamburger without dentures hurting his mouth and/or falling out, we placed dental implants to support a new denture. The result was life-changing for him, as he now is confident in his smile as well as can happily enjoy a In-and-Out burger as he pleases!
2. Teeth Help Us Speak:
Teeth are used along with the muscles surrounding our mouth to shape letters and sounds. For fun, say the word “thankful” notice how the tongue touches the top teeth. Now say the word “for” notice how the lower lip and upper teeth touch to make this sound. When our teeth are not positioned properly in alignment with our jaw, speech impediments can occur. Ways to correct a speech problem are moving the teeth and/or jaw with orthodontics and/or jaw surgery.
3. Teeth Keep the Jaw Bone Strong:
Without teeth in the jaw bone present, the bone surrounding the missing tooth/teeth begins to decrease over time. This lack of bone stability creates many dental problems, such as, ill-fitting dentures and discomfort chewing food. In severe cases, dentures may not even be an option due to the lack of bone in the jaw which makes chewing food nearly impossible.
4. Teeth Help Shape Our Face:
Imagine a person who has no teeth. Their face appears to be “sinking into their mouth.” The devastating cosmetic result of missing teeth for a long period of time is the loss of facial structure. Loss of facial structure not only creates instability in the jaw, it also unfortunately distorts the shape of one’s face.
5. Teeth Create Beauty:
A bright, healthy, and straight smile greatly improves the attractiveness of one’s smile. How does a person smile without teeth? Or, individuals who are self conscious about their smile rarely show their teeth when they smile. As a holistic cosmetic dentist, I focus on bite stability along with a natural approach to achieving my clients goals when it comes to dental treatment.
In closing, I give many thanks to my teeth! To schedule a visit at my Holistic Cosmetic dental office located in Southern California just off of the 91-freeway in Riverside, please call us at (951)686-3666. Read the rest of this entry »
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Southern California Cosmetic Dentist Explains Dental Pricing:
By admin | November 23, 2011
When it comes to determining pricing on a dental procedure, it is not always a straight forward explanation of cost. New techniques, technology and materials are constantly evolving to improve dental procedures. Aside from the dental profession evolving, it is important to remember that the overall health of the surrounding gum and tissue will determine the procedure that is needed.
Another factor in dental pricing is the expense of the materials used for the particular dental procedure. For example, when a cavity is detected in its earliest stages the cost is minimal in comparison to a larger filling or onlay type of restoration. Simply, the more treatment needed = one can assume the fees will increase.
Detecting cavities at their earliest stages and treating these areas as soon as they arise protect the majority of the tooth structure from the trauma of a dental procedure. Here at my Riverside biological cosmetic dental office, we use the latest in technology to detect the early stages of tooth decay. If you are concerned about any dental treatment that you have had recommended and are looking for a second opinion or concerned that you may have cavities or more serious dental needs that need to be addressed; please call to schedule a thorough consultation. I am confident that my dental team will address your concerns. (951)686-3666.
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Signs and Symptoms of a Cavity-Holistic Dentist Explains:
By admin | November 20, 2011
Before I dive into the various signs and symptoms of a cavity, I think it is important to look at the tooth structure itself which will better explain why some cavities may have discomfort and others may not have any symptoms.
Tooth decay (the formation of a cavity) is simply the breakdown of the tooth structure. The tooth structure itself consists of enamel, which is the outer layer of the tooth. It also consists of the inner layer of the tooth where the tooth nerve and blood supply are located, this is called the dentin.
Cavities occur at all stages of life. Recent research has shown that the acidity from our internal systems along with the food and drinks we consume lead to an increased destruction of the tooth enamel. Cavities in small children typically occur on the biting surfaces of the teeth, where adults cavities are also found along the gum line on the sides of the teeth. Cavities can also form around tooth fillings and crowns due to the acidity of the oral environment. Thus, breaking down the cement and filling material causing bacteria to leech inside the dentin.
Signs and Symptoms of a Cavity:
Sensitivity to cold drinks/food
Sensitivity to sweet food/drinks
Sensitivity to hot food/drinks
Visible darkening of enamel on tooth
Visible hole in tooth
Experiencing a toothache (dull throb feeling)
Bad breath
Bad taste in mouth
A broken tooth
Pain when chewing food
A loose or broken filling
In severe cases: a fever or swollen glands could occur
If you are concerned that you may have a cavity or are looking for a dental family to help you prevent future cavities, please visit my health focused dental office. We are located just off of the 91 freeway in Riverside, California. (951)686-3666.
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Riverside Holistic Dentist Explains New Research: Gum Disease Related to Erectile Dysfunction:
By admin | November 14, 2011
Discussing erectile dysfunction on a dental blog is probably shocking to most people, however, recent research has shown that this unfortunate health condition is absolutely dental related. This condition affects 1 out of every 10 men over the age of 40, according to the National Institute of Health.
Just how does the bacteria in periodontal disease (gum infection) aid in erectile dysfunction?
Interestingly, findings show that the gum inflammation caused by the bacteria allows for the plaque and bacteria to travel to the bloodstream throughout the body. Once the plaque attaches to the smaller blood vessels it causes constriction in the blood vessels which leads to dysfunction in the vessels surrounding the penile tissues. Furthermore, the plaque continues its path of destruction and moves to larger vessels attributing to heart ideas.
In the study published by the Journal of Periodontology, in the test group, 4 out of the 5 men with erectile dysfunction had periodontal gum disease. The shocking results of this study has prompted many other research institutions to gather data to establish the correlation between ED and periodontal gum disease.
What can you do to minimize your risk of periodontal disease as a man?
1. Proper oral hygiene: brushing for at least 2 minutes/day along with flossing 1/day.
2. Frequent visits to your dental hygienist (at least 2 times a year)
3. Decrease stress levels
4. Maintain a healthy diet
5. Include essential fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin D in your diet
If you believe that you have periodontal gum disease please contact my cosmetic dental office which specializes in a more natural approach to dentistry. We are located off of the 91-freeway in Riverside, California. (951)686-3666.
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Riverside Cosmetic Dentist Explains iPhone app for Sleep Apnea:
By admin | October 31, 2011
For those who love and embrace technology like I do, here is one iPhone application that will save lives. The app developer is a company called Sleep Group Solutions. This app was developed with the intention to increase the awareness of sleep apnea. The MSleepTest acts as an initial screener for obstructive sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea is an extremely dangerous medical condition that can lead to heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, insomnia, weight gain, loud snoring, and headaches to name a few.
Some individuals are successful at wearing a CPAP machine to force air into the nose with a nose mask while others find it quite burdensome. A great alternative to a CPAP machine is an appliance made by a dentist to shift the lower jaw forward to open the airway for clear breathing.
Here at my Riverside cosmetic dental office, I currently recommend the Somnomed appliance for those patients who cannot tolerate the CPAP machine. If your CPAP machine has become a burden to you and you are looking for a dentist who is trained in sleep apnea, please call to schedule an appointment to discuss your sleep apnea needs. (951)686-3666.
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California Refuses to Add Fluoride as Carcinogen in Prop 65 List; Riverside Holistic Dentist Explains:
By admin | October 29, 2011
As the debate on fluoride is on-going, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment’s in the state of California voted this month that fluoride not be added to its list of carcinogens. The OEHHA is the agency that oversees the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act which was placed in 1986. There are over 800 chemicals currently listed on the Prop 65 list. http://oehha.ca.gov/prop65/prop65_list/files/P65single102811.pdf
Interestingly, the OEHHA has classified wood dust and aspirin as carcinogens (cancer causing agents). It is unclear to me how wood dust and aspirin could be cancer-causing agents. Even more unclear is how they are continuing to deem fluoride as a safe additive. If it is so safe, then why are we prompted on the back of a tube of toothpaste to call poison control if swallowed? But we can add it to our water system? The OEHHA’s stance on water fluoridation is that the research on its toxic effects is “inconclusive.” Many studies show however that fluoride is linked to bone cancer as the excess fluoride in our diets affects the bone marrow in a negative manner.
To add more fuel to the fire, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services earlier this year lowered its previous recommendation of water fluoridation. Their reasoning behind this is to avoid health effects from too much fluoride, as Americans to date have better access to fluoride containing products and foods than in the past. The EPA in reports, briefly touches on its concern in regards to over-fluoridation. Currently, the EPA is analyzing scientific data to determine what amount of fluoride in the water system is safe.
To date; several counties across the United States are voting against water fluoridation and in-fact most have demanded the fluoride be taken out of their water systems. A great example for our state of California is the city of Santa Cruz. San Diego and Sunnyvale also have taken the anti-fluoride stance on water fluoridation.
As a dentist who believes in a more holistic and natural approach to dentistry and preventative products, I do not recommend the use of fluoride. Fluoride is a proven toxin therefore, all recommended preventive products in my Riverside Holistic Dental office are fluoride-free. If you are seeking a dental office that views total body health as a priority please visit our office located off of the 91-freeway in Riverside, California. (951)686-3666.
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Riverside Biological Dentist Explains Complications of a Root Canal:
By admin | October 24, 2011
As I mentioned in my previous blog, root canal treatment is recommended when a tooth has experienced trauma, acute pain or swelling, or visible lesions on the x-ray. However, as a dentist who values a holistic approach to medicine and dentistry; I believe that a decision regarding whether or not to have a root canal should be made with total body health as a primary focus.
The main complication of a root canal in my opinion is the the procedure itself not accomplishing 100% sterility. The biggest challenge Endodontists (root canal specialists) are faced with is removing and destroying the bacteria causing the infection. There has been research out for many years discussing the effects of the residual bacteria surrounding teeth that have a root canal. Chronic degenerative diseases, immune disorders, and neurological disorders have been linked to the bacteria surrounding the root canal. Not everyone gets ill from a root canal or has complications, however this is dependent upon the individual’s immune system.
Here at my Riverside Biological dental office, we believe that the decision to have a root canal mainly depends on the health of the individual. When it comes to determining if a root canal is the best route of treatment, I test the bacteria surrounding the root of the tooth. Determining the type of bacteria surrounding the tooth in question, is important in determining whether or not the tooth is savable.
If you are interested in a natural and safe approach to dentistry, please visit our Riverside Biological Dental office, which is located just off of the 91 freeway. Contact us at (951)686-3666.
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