Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry

People have been asserting that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” since the 19 th century. While it may not necessarily be true that those who eat apples never have to see a doctor, apples certainly have great health benefits for our bodies! Did you know they can even be good for our teeth? Let’s take a look at what the research says …

It’s widely thought that chewing a crisp, fresh apple can help brush away plaque on our teeth. We’re not too sure on this one, as some studies show a higher plaque content on teeth after eating an apple. At the same time, there is evidence to suggest some polyphenols in apples can lower the ability of cavity-causing bacteria to adhere to teeth. Further, some studies have shown that the antioxidants in apples can help prevent periodontal disease.

Apples even contain a (very) small amount of fluoride. This is worth noting, as fluoride is so important in helping prevent cavities. Lastly, the act of chewing an apple stimulates saliva production. Saliva helps wash away food debris and bacteria. Remember, though, apples contain sugar and acid so it’s best not to go overboard with them. You can even swish with water after eating one to wash away some of the sugar left behind.

As the science continues to look into how apples affect our teeth, one thing we know is true: regular dental visits, along with daily tooth brushing and flossing, is your best defense against tooth decay!

This is one of our most frequently asked questions! Our answer? It’s not the brush that matters, it’s who’s doing the brushing.

Let’s break that down. The goal of tooth brushing is to remove plaque from your teeth on a consistent (daily!) basis, so that we prevent the buildup of tartar which leads to tooth decay. A manual toothbrush is a great and inexpensive tool that helps us do just that. Make sure to brush two minutes per day, twice a day. Gently brush ALL surfaces and make sure to reach those back molars.

For some people, it can be difficult to brush properly with a manual toothbrush. Those with some form of motor disability or arthritis may benefit from using an electric toothbrush. An electric brush can also be helpful for kids or anyone with braces.

The same tooth brushing rules apply – two times per day, two minutes at a time. One advantage of an electric toothbrush is that some have a built-in timer. If you’re one of those quick brushers who has a hard time making it to two minutes, consider using a timed electric brush.

At your next dental visit, ask us whether we think you would do better with a manual or electric brush! And, as always, don’t forget to floss!

Of all the things you can do to maintain a healthy mouth, flossing has got to be the least expensive! But many patients don’t take the time to floss. And if you do, you might not be doing it correctly! Welcome to Flossing 101…

Why should you floss?

Your toothbrush isn’t enough to brush away the plaque that can build up between teeth and at the gumline. A complete dental routine includes both brushing and flossing.

How often should you floss?

Once a day is ideal. Believe it or not, flossing more often (or with more rigor) can damage your gums. The only exception to once-a-day flossing is if you need to remove pieces of stringy or sticky foods that get stuck after eating. Don’t leave those in there too long.

Should you floss before or after brushing?

Either one is fine!

How should you floss?

Pull out about 18 inches of floss (any brand is fine). Wind the floss tightly around your index or middle fingers on both hands so that the floss between your hands is taut. Slide the floss between each set of teeth that touch, as well as where your last molar meets your gums. Slide the floss up and down the teeth, following the natural curve of each tooth in a “C” shape. Imagine the floss giving each tooth a little hug! Floss between teeth and where your teeth meet your gums. Use a new clean section of floss for each set of teeth.

You can also ask our hygienist to show you how to floss at your next visit.

Can’t floss?

If arthritis in your hands or another condition prevents you from flossing adequately, consider a dental pick, oral irrigator, or electric flosser. Give us a call at (863) 294-4484 or ask about options at your next visit! We will help find a solution for you!

Ever seen those videos where someone puts a baby tooth in a glass of soda and watches it decay?

Well, the effect of soda in an actual mouth is a bit different.

You have your saliva to help wash away the sugar, you eat other things throughout the day, and brush at least twice a day to remove debris or plaque.

Nevertheless, soda is not something we recommend you consume more often than a once-in-awhile treat. Here’s why:

Sugar

Soda has an extremely high sugar content. The bacteria that cause tooth decay feed off of sugar and excrete acid, which is what causes tooth decay.

The more sugar our teeth have to interact with, the more prone to decay they will be.

Acid

Think diet soda is a better alternative? Even though it contains zero sugar, it can still contain acids such as phosphoric acid or citric acid. Acid eats away at a tooth’s enamel and leaves it prone to decay.

Colors

Caramel color, Yellow 5, etc. Any type of artificial coloring can cause tooth-staining. If you prefer your teeth sparkling white, it’s best to stay away from soda.

Instead of soda, we recommend spicing up your daily beverages with other alternatives. How about some sparkling water or plain water infused with fresh fruit?

When you do drink soda, make sure to rinse with water afterwards. And, as always, keep up with regular brushing and flossing to protect those precious teeth!

Imagine it’s still winter … you’re standing at the door, ready to brave the cold. You’re layered-up with three shirts and a sweatshirt, your heavy winter coat, and two layers of socks underneath your waterproof winter boots. Then you’ve got those awesome jeans with the flannel on the inside, your comfy hat, scarf, and gloves. You’re set! But wait. As you step toward the door, you suddenly realize you have an itch … and it’s deep down … buried beneath all those layers. And, try as you may, every attempt to reach that bugger-of-an-itch fails. Defeated, you realize the only relief you’re ever gonna’ get is to remove each one of those layers. Where are we going with this?!

The Tongue

We’re going inside your mouth, of course, to your tongue – this is a dental article, after all! Because whether you know it or not, like you in the wintertime, your tongue is also “all covered up” – buried beneath layers of bacteria, fungi, and food residue that can inhibit your ability to taste, let alone cause your tongue to appear various shades of yellow, white, or green! Remove the bacteria, though, and your food will once again directly interact with those taste buds, and return to its natural hue. So how does one do that? With a tongue scraper, of course!

WHAT is a tongue scraper?

A tongue scraper is a U-shaped device designed to “scrape” the top layer of scum from your tongue. They have been in use since ancient times, and have been made of everything from wood to whalebone. Nowadays, they are made of more hygienic material, and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, designs and colors.

WHY use a tongue scraper?​

The residue on your tongue includes things like the cavity-inducing Streptococcus mutant bacterium, fungi, rotting food (that’s not good), and what’s referred to as “volatile sulfur compounds.” In other words, sulfur – that “rotting egg smell.” Talk about ew! So, as you can see, there are several reasons why you’d want to get rid of this gunk in your mouth. Let’s tackle them one by one:

• Reduce bad breath.

• Reduce your risk of periodontal disease and cavities : Bad bacteria contribute to plaque and tartar on teeth, making them more susceptible to cavities. Bacteria build-up can also lead to inflammation of gum tissue (gingivitis). If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, which means a more expensive dental visit (plus other unwanted consequences!). Speaking of avoiding an expensive dental visit, when was the last time you came in to see us? Come see us now if it’s been awhile, by calling in at (863) 294-4484 .

• Make room for good bacteria: see our article here on probiotics for your mouth.

• Prevent heart disease? While the debate is still up in the air, some studies suggest there could be a correlation between gum disease and heart disease.

HOW does one use a tongue scraper?

In general, make sure to rinse your tongue scraper before and after use. Apply the tongue scraper to the back of your tongue and drag it forward. Then, rinse and repeat. Make sure to get the sides of your tongue as well, not just the center! Make sure not to press too hard or you can cause yourself to bleed. And, if you’re wondering if you should scrape your tongue while recovering from a dental procedure, that’s a good question … ask your dentist for the best advice particular to your situation. Still not sure how this thing really works? The next time you’re in ask Dr. Ho or Hayat (our registered hygienist) for a quick tutorial!

WHERE do I buy one?​

Tongue scrapers are relatively inexpensive, and can also be found at any local drugstore. It doesn’t matter the material, color, or brand – just find the one you like and get scraping!

Chomp on something your tooth didn’t like? Or get hit in the mouth with a hockey puck?

If you think you may have a cracked tooth, or if you’re holding a piece of your tooth in your hand, follow these steps!

1. Give us a call to schedule an appointment (863-294-4484). Let us know about your emergency and we will make our best effort to see you right away.

2. If there are tooth fragments that have fallen out, preserve them in a clean container with a moist solution (cold mik, water, saliva), and bring them in to your appointment.

3. Apply a cold pack to your jaw to lessen any pain and swelling.

4. If bleeding, bite down on a gauze pad until bleeding stops.

It is possible to have a cracked tooth and not know it.

If you have any pain when biting down, or when eating something hot or cold, it’s best to get it checked out.

In order to prevent further damage to the tooth or an infection, it’s very important to correct a cracked tooth immediately.

When it comes to tooth decay, it’s important to know the main culprit – acid. Acid is what eats away at our enamel and causes cavities. Acid can enter our mouths in one of two ways: either directly through what we eat (citrus fruits, for example), or as a byproduct when oral bacteria consume the sugars that we eat.

Ultimately, a simple way to identify foods that cause tooth decay is to ask whether it’s acidic or sweet/starchy. Acidic foods include things like citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar, kombucha and sour candy. Sweet/starchy foods include things like candy, soda or sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit, bread, cereal, pasta and crackers. The longer these things interact with your teeth, the greater the chance for tooth decay to occur. For example, sipping on soda throughout the day, or chewing a gooey caramel treat, increases the amount of sugar that coat your teeth. Bacteria love to feast on this sugar, creating an acidic environment and putting your teeth at risk for decay.

To help protect your teeth against tooth decay:

– Reduce your consumption of sweets and refined starches

– Enjoy acidic foods in moderation or as part of a meal

– Decrease or eliminate your consumption of soda or sugar-sweetened beverages

– Swish with water after meals and snacks

– Maintain good oral hygiene to brush away plaque buildup (floss at least once a day and brush twice a day)

And, as always, make sure to visit us regularly so we can remove tartar buildup and assess for early signs of decay

Missing teeth not only affect the quality of your smile but its function as well. Dental implant treatment is a permanent solution, and after placement, there are significant steps you must take to ensure a comfortable healing process.

First Day Post-Surgery

You should trust a companion or family member to take you to and from your surgery appointment. They should be able to attend to you after surgery as well. During this time, you should limit strenuous activity as it can result in bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. Be sure to keep your head elevated while resting during the first day after surgery, and drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and promote healing.

Keeping the Treatment Site Clean

Dental implant placement can be done in our office or with the assistance of a trusted oral surgeon. As it requires surgical placement, it is important to keep the site as sterile as possible. The night after surgery, brush your teeth as you normally would, but be gentle around the treatment sites. If you are experiencing light bleeding, rinse your mouth with warm water.

Ease Swelling and Pain

It is common for patients to feel sore or experience swelling for a few days after surgery. To combat this, apply a cold pack to sore areas. If you experience pain, you may have been prescribed pain medication. Before taking any additional pain medication, keep mind that the most severe pain usually occurs six hours after the anesthesia wears off.

Post-Surgery Diet

Eating during the first few days of surgery should be done with caution. Be sure to avoid extremely hot foods, and instead intake liquids or pureed foods such as soups, milkshakes, or yogurt. Any type of chewing or sucking on a straw can cause discomfort. Once several days of healing have passed, you may start incorporating solid foods into your diet. It is important to the healing process that you are well nourished, so be sure to not skip meals.

You should discuss the post-care regimen with your dentist and oral surgeon prior to implant placement surgery. At Advanced Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Viet Ho and his experienced staff provide our patients with comfortable treatments that create lasting smiles. For more information about dental implant placement and post-surgery care, contact our practice today!

Many patients desire a more uniform and whiter smile. With the advances in dentistry today, there are treatments available that can create the smile you’ve always wanted. However, there is a specialized field of dentistry that is dedicated to the rehabilitation and maintenance of oral function and smile appearance. At Advanced Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, our prosthodontist Dr. Viet Ho provides quality treatments that impact the look and function of your smile.

Specialty vs. General Dentistry

Many general dentists provide the same treatments in cosmetics as prosthodontists. However, prosthodontists have completed an additional three years of advanced training that allows them to recommend the best procedures available to address your aesthetic concerns. During this training, they become specialized in handling dental and facial problems such as replacing missing teeth and restoring jaw structures.

Quality Dental Treatments

Prosthodontists are the specialists your general dentist will refer you to for extensive concerns with your smile. However, simple treatments such as crowns or dentures are fabricated with expertise only provided by someone who is a specialist in the field. Whether you are missing one or all teeth in your smile, prosthodontists can develop the best solution that fits your needs. Dental implants are a known treatment provided by these experts that ensure a lasting replacement for your missing teeth.

Treating Complex Cosmetic and Jaw Function Concerns

Prosthodontists do more than provide regular cleanings and routine dental care. These specialists also offer treatments for complex dental concerns that require more than just simple cosmetic dental treatments. Aesthetic reconstructive dentistry can utilize a number of procedures to restore smiles to their ideal function and aesthetic.

Treatments can combine crowns and veneers to address chipped or broken teeth. If you need dental implants, prosthodontists have the experience needed to outline effective treatment plans to reconstruct your smile.

When choosing between a general dentist who provides cosmetic treatments or a prosthodontist, consider the amount of dedication to the field and training involved. Before and after photos of other patients can also help you choose between one professional or the other.

Schedule a Consultation Today!

Dr. Viet Ho is a dedicated prosthodontist with an experienced staff who wish to provide patients quality dental treatments which positively impact their smiles aesthetics. For more information or to schedule a visit, contact our practice today.

Advanced Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry is staffed with a variety of experienced professionals that are dedicated to the restoration of your smile’s aesthetic and health. For our particular specialty, prosthodontics, we’ve provided some frequently requested answers to questions that help your search for the best professional treatment.

What is Prosthodontics?

Prosthodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Associates. This field provides prosthetics-based treatments that rehabilitate smiles and maintain their function, comfort, and appearance. Prosthodontic services solve clinical conditions associated with missing, decayed, or structurally impaired teeth, as well as oral and maxillofacial tissues.

Becoming a Prosthodontist

After earning their bachelor’s degree, prosthodontists commit to an extra three years of extensive training that focuses on restorative dentistry. During their training, they specialize in treatments such as dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, occlusion, and developmental defects in some instances.

With branches in prosthodontics, these dental professionals can pursue sub-specialties such as maxillofacial prosthetics that focus on treatments for head and neck issues caused by cancer, surgery, or trauma. These specialists are also available to provide treatment solutions for sleep apnea and temporomandibular joint disorders.

Leaders in Cosmetic and Oral Maxillofacial Dental Services

As experts in the field of aesthetics, prosthodontists collaborate with your dental team, which may include other specialists, general dentists, and lab technicians, to meet all of your needs at once. Custom treatment plans are created with alternative options recommended so that every aspect of your diagnosis is treated.

Prosthodontists combine their love of creating perfect restorations with the latest dental techniques to restore the look and function of your smile. From digital imaging and computer-aided image capture to the design and creation of restorations such as crowns and bridges, prosthodontists have dedicated their career to the field of aesthetic reconstructive dentistry.

Why Choose a Prosthodontist?

With their advanced training and education, prosthodontists provide complex treatments that restore function and aesthetic with efficiency and expertise. As dentistry evolves, prosthodontics is a valuable dynamic specialty for patients with extensive dental needs.

Consider the quality of prosthodontic care when choosing the right dental professional for you. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Viet Ho today to learn more about how our dental specialists and staff can best serve you!