Dental floss is widely recommended by dental professionals worldwide for its effectiveness in combating gum disease. Flossing is often overlooked when people first wake up in the morning or go to bed at night. This mundane act removes plaque and bacteria that your toothbrush can’t reach.
Plaque is culprit number 1 when it comes to the development of gum disease. If you don’t remove plaque within a day or two it hardens into calculus or the more commonly term tartar, which can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning. Maintaining a daily flossing ritual prevents plaque from hardening into tartar. Chipping away at plaque on a daily basis will prevent oral care issues from surfacing later on.
Gingivitis is a common reversible form of gum disease. Currently there are 32 percent of Canadian adults 20 to 79 years of age with gingivitis, it is estimated that 48 percent of Canadian adults who have not visited a dentist in the last 12 months have gingivitis. With these high statistics you would think everyone would be flossing on a daily basis, unfortunately this is just not the case. The American Dental Association did a study indicating that 50.5 percent of Americans floss daily, 31 percent of Americans floss less than daily and 18.5 percent of Americans do not floss at all.
In 1815 it was the American dentist, Dr. Levi Spear Parmly who first used waxed silken thread as floss. He wrote a book, A Practical Guide to the Management of Teeth, this book advocated the necessity of brushing and flossing daily. Codman and Shurleft was the first company based out of Randolph, Massachusetts in 1882 to mass produce silk dental floss. A short time after Johnson & Johnson received the first ever dental floss patent. During World War II the rising cost of silk resulted in the switch to nylon as the primary material used in dental floss. Nylon doesn’t shred and its more durable than silk, it was during this time waxed dental floss was introduced, dental tape would be released later in the 1950s.
Modern day dental floss is now made with space age materials such as Gore-Tex. Teflon is another material used in dental floss brought to you by the company DuPont, adding teflon to dental floss allows it to glide across the teeth effortlessly. Synthetic wax is also another substance used in the manufacture of floss.
Oral-B is another well known company that designed their own Super Floss that is effective in flossing around braces and other dental appliances. There is no excuse for not flossing but for those of you who want another option consider the following advances in dental care.
A study entitled, “Quantification and Qualification of Bacteria Trapped in Chewed Gum” released by PLOS ONE indicated that the chewing of gum contributes to the maintenance of oral health. They did several studies with a group of people chewing gum, after the gum was chewed it was analyzed for bacterial count. Calibration curves were created by subjecting the gum to bacteria before dissolving it in a mixture of chloroform and a tris-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (TE)-buffer. The longer the gum was chewed the more bacteria was found in the gum.
Oral-B is also an advocate of gum chewing to reduce plaque. People reading this will want to heed the warning that gum chewing is not a substitute to regular oral care.
The next generation toothbrush is here, the interdental brush can replace regular dental floss. The majority of people still don’t floss on a regular basis so this new toothbrush is probably the best option for people who don’t like to floss. Interdental brushes are effective at removing interproximal plaque. These specialized toothbrushes can be purchased in different sizes and shapes and best of all they are extremely affordable.
Just like any other toothbrush they can be used daily for the removal of plaque and debris from the oral cavity. Coincidentally Oral-B manufacturers an Interdental Brush System that cleans around dental appliances like bridges, braces and wide interdental spaces. Designed to reach hard to reach places this toothbrush is a must have for people on the go.
Overall various studies have shed light on the popularity and ease of using an interdental brush. Manual devices have even been recommended amongst some dental professionals as being superior to automatic devices.
For a more detailed study regarding the effectiveness of interdental toothbrushes versus flossing consult the following study, Canadian Journal of Dental Hygiene.
By now you have probably realized that brushing alone is not enough. Dental domestic engineers have come up with the water oral irrigator or water flosser. This device works by sending pulsated water to clean the mouth, different pressure settings allow the user to gently clean or deep cleanse the teeth.
The concentrated water flow whisks away plaque and debris from between the teeth and below the gumline. Water flossers are very effective at treating gum disease and periodontal pockets.
Oral-B manufactures the hummingbird this device takes the place of dental floss. Electric flossers have the distinct advantage of vibrating this massages the gums. Easy to use electric flossers reach below the gum line and between the teeth to remove plaque.
Sonicare airfloss devices are another alternative to those who don’t like to floss. Philips is one such forward thinking company that manufactures the Sonicare AirFloss device. It works by delivering a combination of pressurized air and microdroplets of water to gently and safely clean the gums and teeth, the ultimate interproximal plaque remover.
In a blind study that included 148 adults in a controlled clinical trial, Sonicare AirFloss was found to significantly remove plaque and reduce gingivitis when used in combination with a manual toothbrush.
Conclusion
Despite the many breakthroughs and alternatives to manual flossing a regular toothbrushing regimen should never be replaced. If you have the time and money than you may want to consider investing in a modern dental hygiene appliance. Investing in the alternatives discussed in this article can prevent gingivitis and periodontal gum disease.
In addition to brushing your teeth and flossing you should always visit your dentist for checkups on a regular dental schedule as recommended by your dentist.
Dr. Michael Layton (DDS) is the dentist for Peace Arch Dental, a dental office in the South Surrey/White Rock, B.C. area. He has been in the dental industry for the last decade and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington. He takes pride in providing positive and caring dental solutions for people of every walk of life. You can follow him on Google+.
Heart disease comes in first place as the leading cause of death in men and women in the United States. Heart disease encompasses a number of conditions that affect your heart including: heart arrhythmia, congenital heart failures and defects of the blood vessels in the heart.
Heart disease and cardiovascular disease are terms used interchangeably. Cardiovascular disease is indicative of the narrowing of the blocked blood vessels that result in heart attacks, angina and strokes. Any symptoms that result in the improper functioning of the heart muscles and valves are considered forms of heart disease.
Cardiovascular disease deaths are prevalent in Canada, Statistics Canada 2011 reported that there is a death every 7 minutes attributed to heart disease or stroke. In 2008 heart disease was responsible for 29 percent (69,703) of all deaths in Canada. The gender fatality numbers are almost equal for both sexes, 28 percent for males and 29.7 percent for females.
There are six types of cardiovascular disease types:
Stats for heart disease in Canada is provided by Statistics Canada. Four out of six types of cardiovascular disease is preventable with the application of proper teeth brushing techniques, diet and regular exercise. The Heart and Stroke Foundation provides up to date statistics on heart disease in Canada. For dollar cost expenditures for heart and stroke prevention consult the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) website.
In Canada strokes have led to 10,000 Canadians prematurely dying. Currently heart disease and its aftereffects strokes has led to 300,000 Canadians living with this disease. Smokers and heavy drinkers are at higher risks for diseases of the heart.
The cost of treating heart disease in the U.S. in 2010 was $444 billion. This equates to $1 out of $6 dollars spent on health care being spent to battle this epidemic. The elderly, women and certain racial demographics are most at risk.
Cardiovascular diseases are 37% higher among black americans than caucasians. Women have been shown to be at an increased risk for heart disease with more than 55,000 more women than men experiencing strokes.
Periodontal disease is a major culprit that contributes to heart disease in people. Left untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontal disease. If left untreated stubborn plaque will spread below the gum line producing toxins that irritate the gums.
Toxins in the bloodstream create an inflammatory response within the body infecting the surrounding gum tissue that support the teeth causing them to become loose and fall out.
Small pockets of bacteria form in the space between the teeth and gums that become infected. In advanced cases teeth may have to be removed by a dental professional.
All is not lost, the good thing is you have the power to prevent heart disease by simply adhering to a regular flossing and teeth brushing routine. Preventing food particles from putrefying and creating bacteria in the mouth is the first step in any oral care hygiene program. Flossing dislodges particles preventing them from forming into plaque and becoming gingivitis the mildest form of periodontal disease.
Brushing your teeth should be common sense for any child or adult. Keeping your mouth clean at all times prevents bacteria from taking a root hold. Preventing periodontal disease from starting is one of the easiest things in the world to deal with.
Not only will regular flossing, brushing your teeth and using an antiseptic mouthwash leave your mouth feeling clean and looking great you could potentially save your life.
Prevention is better than the cure
A little bit of prevention goes a long way, brushing your teeth is more than avoiding cavities. Spending $2 to $5 on a toothbrush is one of the easiest methods for avoiding the pain of heart disease and the fatalities that accompany this preventable dilemma.
Dr. Michael Layton (DDS) is the dentist for Peace Arch Dental, a dental office in the South Surrey/White Rock, B.C. area. He has been in the dental industry for the last decade and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington. He takes pride in providing positive and caring dental solutions for people of every walk of life. You can follow him on Google+.
The first teeth cleaners date back 3500-3000 BC. The Egyptians were one of the first civilizations to have created ancient oral brushes by fraying the tips of twigs. The next civilization on the list to have made early toothbrushes were the Chinese in 1600 BC., the chinese used aromatic chewing sticks. The handles were reported to have been made from ivory and oxen bone and the bristles were made from horse or hog hair. Europe was late when it came to jumping on the oral hygiene bandwagon. The 17th century is when the toothbrush made its official appearance but it wouldn’t be until the later half of the century when it became popular in North America.
Today toothbrushes with plastic handles are mass produced and can be purchased inexpensively, it doesn’t mean that people brush their teeth regularly or correctly. Many people take for granted the daily cleaning of their teeth and end up paying the price. The Canadian Dental Association reported that 80% of Canadians will be affected by gum disease at some point in their life. Daily oral maintenance only takes a few minutes each day. Doesn’t it make sense to invest in your health?
Bad brushing techniques include not brushing your teeth long enough. The majority of dental professionals recommend brushing for at least 2 mins. The second mistake most people make is selecting the wrong size toothbrush for their mouths.
A clean toothbrush goes a long way to ensuring dental hygiene. Most dental professionals recommend purchasing an ultra-soft bristled brush for optimal removal of plaque and food particles. Small headed toothbrushes are preferable to larger toothbrush heads for reaching those hard to reach places. Deciding what is the best size depends on you entirely.
Electric toothbrushes made by manufacturers like Oral-B and Phillips are purported to deliver better cleaning than manual brushing. A professional powerbrush works by precision cleaning each tooth. A manual toothbrush doesn’t have a vibrating head that pulsates to remove plaque from teeth. The head of an electric toothbrush eliminates additional particles by oscillating and rotating plaque away from the tooth. The more oscillations and pulsations per cycle, the more pricier the electric toothbrush.
Investing in a good quality toothbrush is like having a dentist in your bathroom available any time of the day. Electric toothbrushes are available in battery or rechargeable versions. The New Oral-B Bluetooth electric toothbrush communicates with a smartphone app. As a patient you have the option of having your dentist program your toothbrush to deliver the best teeth cleaning experience specifically for you.
Flossing should be incorporated into your daily dental care routine. Your toothbrush can’t clean 100 percent of your mouth effectively. Flossing prevents excess plaque from turning into gingivitis a form of gum disease. If you are unsure about how to properly floss consult your dental care professional for assistance.
Flossing may be uncomfortable for the newbie but don’t quit, ask your dental professional for a proper demonstration if you are unsure about your technique.
Brushing your teeth hard can be detrimental to the enamel on your teeth. Eroding the top layer of your teeth leaves them vulnerable to cavities and tooth erosion. The enamel protects the dentin underneath. Dentin connects to the the tooth’s nerve center and this is where sensitive teeth syndrome comes into play. People with sensitive teeth experience nerve irritation that may be exacerbated by brushing too hard.
For the techies the New Oral-B Bluetooth toothbrush communicates with an app on your smartphone telling you if you’re brushing too hard.
Most people learned to brush their teeth during early childhood, but are you brushing them correctly? The default brushing motion most people employ is the horizontal side to side technique. Trying to break a bad habit that has been deeply inculcated from childhood is no simple feat. Brushing from side to side has been found to erode the enamel 2 to 3 times faster than the up and down correct motion. The best method of brushing the teeth is a gentle circular motion. The circular method is extremely effective in combating gum disease like gingival recession. Gentle brushing of the gum tissue is also recommended for the maintenance of healthy gums.
The majority of bad breath and halitosis cases have been linked to the residue left on the tongue. A combination of hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans are the prime culprits of halitosis. Tongue cleaning and tongue scraping play a major role in oral hygiene and halitosis prevention.
People that wake up in the morning with that white film on the tongue will benefit immediately from the purchase of a tongue scraper. If you don’t want to invest in a tongue scraper than simply using your toothbrush is equally effective. You can clean your tongue before or after you brush your teeth. Here are some simple cleaning instructions:
After you have finished brushing or scraping, your tongue should have a healthy pink appearance.
Toothpastes are made from pastes, gels and powders. The purpose of toothpaste is to remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gum tissue. The double circular motion combined with the right toothpaste is effective in preventing gum disease and tooth decay. Fluoride is a common ingredient added to many toothpaste brands.
Toothpaste ingredients:
The average consumer walking down the aisle of a grocery store gets inundated by dozens of different brands. Patients who have regular dental checkups may not require specialty toothpaste brands. Oral-B is one such company who manufactures the Oral-B Pro-Expert toothpaste that was made to address the above dental issues. .
The American Dental Association (ADA) advocates replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. People who own electric toothbrushes should also replace their toothbrush heads on a regular basis. For the absent minded Oral-B brushes contain a blue indicator that fades when its necessary to replace.
Just remember washing the head of your toothbrush is not enough, the bristles contain bacteria from the mouth that contribute to gum disease. A clean brush is optimum for oral health.
So there you have it 7 simple and effective methods to overcome bad brushing habits. It only takes a few minutes per day and a couple of visits per year to a dentist to avoid periodontal disease.
Dr. Michael Layton (DDS) is the dentist for Peace Arch Dental, a dental office in the South Surrey/White Rock, B.C. area. He has been in the dental industry for the last decade and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington. He takes pride in providing positive and caring dental solutions for people of every walk of life. You can follow him on Google+.
The best manual toothbrushing technique or the most advanced electric pulsating toothbrush machinery is no substitute for flossing. Dentists and dental hygienists are universal in their recommendation of flossing after brushing the teeth.
Periodontal and orthodontic patients are also advised to floss on a regular basis. Another dental aid for removing plaque and debris from teeth is called an interdental cleaner.
The exact date and the creation of dental floss is unknown. The earliest modern day origin of dental floss in the western world was in 1815. The American dentist Dr. Levi Spear Parmly published a book, A Practical Guide to the Management of Teeth. This dental book emphasized the importance of brushing and flossing on a daily basis. It wouldn’t be until 1882 that the unwaxed silk floss would be introduced by the Codman and Shurtleff Company. Johnson & Johnson was granted the patent for dental floss in 1898. The rising costs of silk during World War II was replaced by nylon as the primary material. Dr. Charles Bass was credited with making dental floss an essential part of persons daily oral hygiene.
The function of floss is simple and clear cut. Dental floss removes food that is trapped between the teeth, preventing bacteria from hardening into plaque. Manual toothbrush bristles are ineffective in removing food debris from those hard to reach places.
Plaque that is not removed from the teeth turns in tartar if left unchecked. Another name for tartar is called calculus. Tartar is a big problem for people who just brush their teeth. If not removed the prevalence of tartar can form underneath the gum line and irritate the gum tissue. Unremoved tartar can turn into cavities and periodontal gum disease.
People with discoloured teeth sometimes have a tartar problem that threatens oral health. Having stained teeth is not just cosmetically unattractive its a health hazard. Heavy coffee and tea drinkers, smokers and meat eaters are at risk for excessive tartar buildup.
Keep this in mind unremoved plaque turns into tartar that ends up forming on teeth. Hardened plaque if left on the teeth long enough will have to be removed by a dental professional. Without the intervention of a dental professional the gum tissue can become infected. Gum tissue that is infected can bleed easily or become swollen, this oral condition is called gingivitis the first stage of gum disease.
Why go through the pain of going to a dental professional to correct a problem that can be solved by simply flossing everyday?
Flossing should be a part of everyone’s daily oral care regimen. Reducing the likelihood of plaque and tartar only takes a few minutes per day. Gum disease like gingivitis is easily preventable. Waiting until you require a dental professional’s intervention should be a last resort when it comes to maintaining your oral care.
The cause of bad breath is the breakdown of food particles left over after eating, these same undigested food particles decompose and putrefy causing a foul smell. A lack of saliva and food particles in the mouth lead to bad breath especially in the morning. Another name for chronic bad breath is halitosis.
Halitosis is caused by the following conditions:
The cause of halitosis is easily remedied by brushing and flossing the teeth after each meal on a regular basis. Purchasing a tongue cleaner or scraper goes a long way to preventing chronic bad breath. Drinking up to 8 glasses of water per day goes a long way to hydrating the mouth and is good for saliva production. Eating acidic foods like oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes stimulates saliva flow. Adopting a plant based diet rich in antioxidants purifies the body from the inside out. Consuming parsley and cilantro after a meal or putting it in a smoothie stimulates saliva flow and cleans the body internally.
The following foods are recommended for fresh breath:
Brushing by itself is not enough, flossing is more efficient at removing plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. Making flossing a daily habit in the morning or evening before going to bed will become second nature if done regularly.
The 3 steps of flossing:
Dentists agree there is no rule cast in stone that flossing should be performed before or after brushing your teeth. Many people prefer to floss prior to brushing their teeth, minor bleeding can sometimes occur during flossing.
Flossing before or after brushing your teeth is a personal decision, according to research there is not a right or wrong way. Clearing food particles from the teeth allows the fluoride in your toothpaste to penetrate the teeth. The most important practice is to simply floss on a regular basis. Prevention is better than the cure. Remember flossing once per day keeps the dental drill away.
Dr. Michael Layton (DDS) is the dentist for Peace Arch Dental, a dental office in the South Surrey/White Rock, B.C. area. He has been in the dental industry for the last decade and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington. He takes pride in providing positive and caring dental solutions for people of every walk of life. You can follow him on Google+.
Last Fall, we moved into our new location in White Rock (/South Surrey). While it’s not far from where we once were, the office space was excellent.
For too long, a visit with the dentist was considered a chore. Children were terrified of this person with a mask operating on their teeth. From waiting in a room straight through until the exit, it was not the most fun time for any child in their younger years.
But things are changing - and at Peace Arch Dental, we’re actively revolutionizing the way dental practices look and feel. Case in point - our new office. When you come in, you’ll know that the whole dental experience is extremely important to us - just by looking around and being in our office. We want every patient to feel like going to the dentist is easy and relaxing - and our new office has a bunch of different amenities to make that happen.
Believe me when I say that we’re going to pamper you well when you come to our new dental office for anything from a regular check-up to an extensive procedure.
So let’s take you through a short tour of our new office in White Rock!
Who doesn’t love a warm smile? Come into our office and you’ll receive a friendly smile and greeting. Alright - that’s no different from before! But at least you’ll know that even with a new office setup, your dental experience will always start with hearing from our friendly staff.
At the front counter, you’ll find some freshmints that you are free to take - perhaps a nice refreshment for when you’re about to leave.
Whether you’re getting your teeth cleaned or having dental implants put in, it’ll be done at the fancy new, reclining leather chairs you see below. Now, these aren’t any ordinary leather chairs - they have one pretty incredible feature: They lightly massage your back! Yes, the reclining chairs that you sit on while your dentist or dental hygienist is working on your teeth does double as a light massage chair.
But don’t worry, it’s faint enough that it won’t affect the performance of the work being done on your teeth! Your dental experience in South Surrey just got more comfortable.
So we’re all used to getting our teeth cleaned in the aforementioned reclining dental chairs. We’re also used to brushing our teeth and flossing in our washrooms at home. And now, you can brush your teeth and floss in our washroom! Granted, you probably won’t ever need to do that. Yet, if you use our washrooms, we hope you’ll be happy to see some complimentary toothbrushes and floss that you are more than free to take.
If we have to meet in private to discuss something, we’ve got a cozy, unique private meeting room for that purpose. It’s in the general waiting area, away from where we conduct all cleanings and procedures.
We want you to be part of the experience! The use of miniature intraoral cameras and the velscope oral cancer lights are some of the many ways we use technology to show you what’s going on. And of course, all are viewable in the palm of your hand or on our flat screen TVs.
You may have read our earlier blog post on ‘Dental Crowns In A Day’ where we detail the process of getting your crowns and any laboratory work done in a single day. Well, new to the office is the CEREC machine that gets the job done - the one you see in the picture on the right. See the process how the crown is made in our CEREC Mill by viewing the video below.
Our new dental office in White Rock has already attracted a large amount of new patients - and the feedback we get about the office is incredible. People enjoy the fact that we have so many of these different amenities in the office. The dental experience at too many dental clinics has become dull and uncomfortable for many. We’re trying to change that - and we think you’ll have a wonderful time at our office. From the moment you walk in to the final good-bye and thank you, our goal is to make sure that your teeth are healthy and that have an unbelievable experience.
So come on down to office #205 at 1538 Foster Street in White Rock and we’ll give you and your family the best dental experience possible. You deserve it.
Modern technology has transformed the dental experience for patients across the globe today. Everything is done so quickly that it becomes almost impossible to find the time to feel apprehensive about any individual procedure.
Today's dental professionals have access to incredible tools of the trade that not only take away some of the pain often associated with sitting in the dentist's chair, but they also streamline the experience so that it takes less time than it has in the past. Here's a look at some of the modern marvels of dentistry and what they mean for you, the patient.
Shaped like a pen, an intra-oral camera is slender enough to fit comfortably inside the mouth. It is used to take 3D images that assist your dentist in coming up with an appropriate treatment plan for whatever dental issues you might have. The intra-oral pen is connected to a computer screen, allowing both the patient and the dentist to view each of the images, which can be rotated to provide new perspectives that can be useful in planning treatment. This high-powered device makes it possible for patients and their dentist to view areas of the mouth that are typically difficult to see otherwise.
One of the newest advancements used in dentistry today, CAD/CAM procedures completely transform the process needed to design and manufacture a dental crown, filling, fixed bridge, or porcelain veneer. This technology streamlines the repair of broken or damaged teeth, making it possible to complete necessary work in a single day, completely eliminating the need for second and third visits.
Your dentist must first prepare your tooth to receive the computer-generated filling or crown. He removes all signs of decay and preps the tooth properly for the next step. Your dentist or dental assistant uses an intra-oral camera to take a set of images of the tooth needing repair. These images are used to help design the filling or crown so that it is a perfect fit.
Depending on the type of restoration involved, your dentist, with your assistance, designs an inlay, onlay, or crown that fits perfectly not only with the tooth involved, but also with the teeth next to, above, or below the restoration. This process can take a few moments. Once the design has been perfected, it is sent for fabrication, which takes place in an on-site milling station designed for this purpose. In less than ten minutes, your crown or filling is ready for placement and permanent cementing. It is stronger than traditional restorations and lasts much longer.
CAD/CAM technology can also be used for the fabrication of fixed bridges. The process is the same as that used to create a dental crown. However, it will take more time to complete the process since more than one tooth is being prepped and designed.
In addition to taking less time than traditional methods used to create dental crowns, fillings, bridges, and veneers, the process used to craft your dental restorations is less messy. You don't need to put up with the gooey stuff that is used to make impressions with traditional methodology. You also don't need to worry about dried goo on your teeth or lips, so there's virtually no cleanup needed when using CAD/CAM technology.
For many dental patients, the most important aspect of computer assisted design is the fact that you only need one visit to accomplish the entire task. There's no need to take off extra time from work or arrange for a sitter twice for a single procedure. Instead, you get to come into the office with a damaged or decayed tooth or the need for a fixed bridge or veneers, and you get to leave on that same day with a brand new look for the tooth in question.
Perhaps the greatest advantage of using CAD/CAM procedures to repair a tooth is that you can eat anything you want right away. With temporary restorations, you always have to exercise caution when you eat, avoiding sticky foods and baked goods such as breads, bagels, and soft pretzels, in order to avoid accidentally pulling out your temporary crown. With computer generated fabrications, the tooth is permanently repaired and you can treat it just like one of your natural teeth right away!
Used primarily to treat cavities that are small or to repair older fillings located in hard-to-reach places, air abrasion techniques allow your dentist to preserve as much of the existing tooth structure as possible. Tiny pellets containing aluminum oxide and air are used to remove decay instead of the traditional dental drill. Air abrasion can also be used to prep a tooth for a replacement restoration. It's a nice way to avoid going under the dentist's drill, even if not getting a cavity would be better strategy.
CEREC stands for “Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.” In brief, it simply means that dental patients can obtain a fast, pain-free restoration for one or more teeth in one visit to their dentists due to modern advancements in dental technology.
CEREC allows dentists to restore damaged teeth in a single day using cutting-edge technology provided by a specialized machine (CEREC) that is designed for this purpose. The CEREC device is used to create a tooth restoration (inlay, onlay, veneer, crown, or bridge) using the 3D image created by your dentist using CAD/CAM technology.
The 3D image is converted into the 3D model that is needed to fabricate your restoration. Once your dentist has access to the 3D model, he uses the CERC milling machine to create the restoration. A ceramic block, which has been matched to the existing color of your teeth, is placed into the machine and milled until it resembles the 3D model. This newly designed restoration is first polished to ensure that its surface is smooth, and then, your dentist bonds it permanently to your tooth. The whole process takes less than an hour, and the CEREC machine is most commonly used to create crowns in a single day.
Dr. Michael Layton (DDS) is a dentist in South Surrey for how own practice, Peace Arch Dental Centre. He has been in the dental industry for the last decade and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington. Dr. Layton is also an instructor for Progressive Orthodontics and Dentistry. He takes pride in providing positive and caring dental solutions for people of every walk of life. You can follow him on Google+.
Ever wonder why going to the dentist seems like you’re emptying your pockets? Is this the common thought that comes to your mind when someone mentions ‘the dentist’? The average person might not understand how the benefits outweigh the costs associated with dental procedures. The complex materials and equipment used in providing optimal care can be costly - and you deserve to know what goes into determining those costs.
This post will de-mystify the costs of dental treatments and show you the value of dentistry.
Firstly, the cost of a crown can be in excess of a thousand dollars. This depends on the materials used and how complex the case is. On the other hand, fillings and short term ‘fix’ procedures can range anywhere from a couple to several hundred dollars. These short term fix solutions are usually not the best choice in treatment. However, because they are inexpensive in comparison to a long term fix most people choose to proceed with them.
Have you ever declined treatment at a South Surrey dental office because your insurance company won’t cover what you had anticipated? Most insurance companies design their policies around their own ‘fee guides’. Here’s what this means: They choose to cover what they think is necessary and needed. They don’t take into consideration what the ‘ideal’ treatment is for the patient. Without a doubt, most (not all) insurance companies will choose to pay the lower cost treatment. Is that fair? No, absolutely not.
These plans are designed to HELP with dental bills instead of completely covering the cost of the treatment that has been proposed. For example: If you’re presented with a treatment plan costing $3000 you'd assume your insurance company is going to pay 50% of this treatment, as stated on your benefits card. This is incorrect. They’ll cover 50% of their ‘suggested’ eligible fee guide. This may also mean that they’re only going to cover 50% of the cheaper material, using metal instead of porcelain for that crown that you need to get done.
Now you may ask “Well why can’t I just get a metal crown?” The answer is: You can! But, do you really want a metal crown for your front tooth? Would you feel comfortable to walk around with a silver tooth, visible to every passer-by? Additionally, this creates a discrepancy in payments from the insurance company. It also creates a misconception between what is ‘covered’ and what is actually paid out by the insurance carrier. Most plan subscribers are not well informed of what they are paying for or do not simply understand the contracts presented to them by insurance companies.
As a dental professional we get asked many times why certain procedures are significantly more expensive. The answer is: Because they are designed to be durable and long-lasting.
Remember that you’re paying for
It's not always easily affordable for everyone. That is why many offices (including our South Surrey Dental Office) offer a variety of options to help make financial arrangements more comfortable for the patients. Contact us - we would love to be a part of your dental health journey!
Maryam Khan is a Certified Dental Assistant at Peace Arch Dental Centre, a South Surrey and White Rock dental office.
This week, I accepted the challenge and did the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Here it is:
I then challenged Dr. Bobby Birdi and Dr. Carson Kutsch to do the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge! I also nominate all the dentists in the South Surrey/White Rock area to do the challenge. And of course, I challenged the Peace Arch Dental Centre team to do it. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has already raised millions of dollars in donations. Go to www.als.ca to donate now! Let's spread awareness together.
Dr. Michael Layton (DDS) is the dentist for Peace Arch Dental Centre, a dental office in the South Surrey/White Rock, B.C. area. He has been in the dental industry for the last decade and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington. You can follow him on Google+.
You want to keep your teeth healthy - but are you doing everything in your power to keep them healthy forever? Healthy teeth and gums are important for every member of your family, but unless everyone is practicing good dental hygiene, eating a healthy diet and seeing a dentist regularly, those pearly whites may not last a lifetime. According to Web MD, there are some things that you can do to keep your teeth healthy and strong regardless of your age.
Start your kids off on the right track and schedule the first dental appointment when the first baby tooth erupts. This is usually around the age of six months. You can wipe your baby’s teeth with a soft baby toothbrush, or a damp cloth. Once your kids reach the age of two, your children can begin to brush their teeth themselves as long as you supervise and show them the proper way to brush. Schedule an appointment with your family dentist for more brushing techniques for your kids and keep pacifier use to a minimum. Developing smart dental habits when your kids are young will help prevent tooth decay and keep their teeth healthy for years to come. An astonishing one out of four children will develop dental caries before they even start school. Half of all kids aged twelve to fifteen have cavities.
Permanent molars usually come in about the age of six. Talk to your dentist about dental sealants that can help prevent tooth decay on the surfaces of the back teeth. Dental sealants can also be used for adults on teeth that have not been restored. Dental sealants can help when it comes to tooth decay as they act as a barrier keeping out food particles.
Brushing and flossing do help, but because of the deep depressions in the premolars and molars, it is difficult to remove the food particles that will eventually cause tooth decay. Dental sealants are applied to the premolars and molars effectively sealing out the food and plaque, which will help keep your teeth healthy (until you need your sealants reapplied).
Dental sealants are easily applied by your family dentist and can usually be taken care of in one dental appointment. Your dentist will paint a plastic resin on to the back teeth that will protect the enamel from bacteria, acids, and plaque. As long as the dental sealants are intact, the surface of the tooth will be protected from dental caries. Dental sealants can last for years before reapplication is required.
Of course, it is imperative that you brush twice and floss once a day to keep your teeth healthy. Gum disease and tooth decay are huge problems, but people of all ages get cavities. Three quarters of the teenage population suffer from bleeding gums and tooth decay. Your dentist recommends that you change your toothbrush four times a year. If anyone in your family wears braces, make sure that you talk to your dentist about special toothbrushes that are used for people who wear dental appliances. People with arthritis can place a foam grip over the handle or use an electric toothbrush to make brushing easier. A simple addition like this can help keep your teeth healthy for a long time because if the simple act of brushing your teeth is difficult, anything that makes it easier will only benefit you in the long run.
Use fluoride, but not too much. Fluoride may be in the water you drink (depending on where you live) and helps strengthen the enamel on your teeth making tooth decay less likely to occur. 96% of British Columbians do not have access to fluoridated water in their communities. Your dentist may also recommend toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain fluoride because it can help you keep your teeth healthy. But be cautious when it comes to kids and fluoride use as it can cause white spots and damage permanent teeth.
Be sure and rinse your mouth after every meal. Keep a toothbrush and toothpaste handy and talk to your dentist about an antibacterial rinse that can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Sugar free gum can also help if chewed after a meal as it helps to increase the flow of saliva. Chewing helps wash away the bacteria naturally while neutralizing the acid.
Watch what you eat as certain foods can cause problems with your teeth and gums. Red wine, coffee, and tea will stain your teeth while sticky foods such as dried fruit and chewy caramels can stick to your teeth converting to bacteria before turning into plaque and tartar. If you must indulge in starchy foods such as pretzels, potato chips and French fries rinse immediately after as these types of foods will be caught between your teeth quickly turning into bacteria. Keep your teeth healthy by eating the right foods.
Visit your dentist regularly and if you are having issues with your teeth make an appointment immediately. The longer you put it off, the more problems you will have with your teeth and gums. The sooner you see your dentist, the faster they'll be able to put you on a plan to keep your teeth healthy for life.
Dr. Michael Layton (DDS) is the dentist for Peace Arch Dental, a dental office in the South Surrey/White Rock, B.C. area. He has been in the dental industry for the last decade and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington. He takes pride in helping patients keep their teeth healthy. You can follow him on Google+.
