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Monthly Archives

November 2012

I’m bulimic. How can I preserve my teeth?

By Bulimia, Implant Dentistry

I wish I could say that I am recovering from bulimia but I am not. I am struggling. I do well for a few months, and then I slip back into the habit again. I can see the effect on my teeth. Is there anything I do to preserve my teeth? – Kaye

Kaye – There are some steps you can take to preserve your teeth. Rinse your mouth often—especially after vomiting. Avoid brushing your teeth right after vomiting, because your teeth are in a weakened state. Brushing your teeth will only weaken them further.

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay, so ask your dentist for prescription-strength fluoridated toothpaste. Your dentist will determine if fluoride treatments will be beneficial.

Continue to work on your recovery. If the damage to your teeth is extensive, be assured that your smile can be restored with porcelain crowns or dental implants.

Be open with your dentist and work with him or her to preserve your teeth.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Is bottled or tap water better for teeth?

By Tooth Decay

Is there anything wrong with drinking bottled water or is tap water better for teeth? My husband and I have had this conversation several times. He thinks we should just buy a water filter and use tap water. I like the convenience of bottled water. Your advice? Thanks – Kim

Kim – Your husband may be concerned because most bottled water does not contain fluoride, but tap water does. There are some brands of bottled water that do contain fluoride, but you must read the labels to be sure.

When you don’t have access to tap water, look for bottled water with fluoride. You can also ask your dentist for a prescription for fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoride reduces the risk of tooth decay. In addition to drinking water that contains fluoride, you can protect your teeth by limiting the amount of candy you eat, and the amount of soda, energy drinks, sport/thirst-quenching drinks, and juices you consume. Drink water throughout the day to reduce acid build up in your mouth and remove debris, and brush and floss daily.

Speak with your dentist about your risk for tooth decay and your fluoride consumption.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca of Naperville Dental Specialists.

adult-teeth-are-small-blog

Adult teeth are small

By Dental Crowns, Porcelain Veneers

I am 42 years old and my teeth are extremely small. They are the size of a child’s teeth. When I am talking to people—particularly new clients—invariably their eyes are drawn to my teeth, even if it’s only for a moment. My lips are full, so maybe that helps draw attention to my teeth. I have read about dental bonding, porcelain crowns and porcelain veneers. Is there a preferred treatment for small teeth? – Melanie

Melanie – Dental bonding is often used to make small repairs in teeth, such as gaps or cracks. Bonding is somewhat soft. In time, it can wear, stain, or get scratched. It is not ideal for enlarging all of your teeth.

Porcelain crowns cover the entire tooth. It is an excellent means of preserving teeth that are badly broken or worn, and that might otherwise me extracted.

Porcelain veneers cover the front of your teeth. They are an excellent way of enlarging your teeth. Thin layers of porcelain will be bonded to the front of your teeth. A cosmetic dentist will provide you with veneers with color and translucency that looks natural. For a beautiful smile makeover, the cost is approximately $1000 to $2000 per tooth, depending on where you live.

Avoid finding a bargain price for porcelain veneers. Find a few experienced cosmetic dentists, look at pictures of their smile designs, and make a decision that includes quality as a factor—not price alone. If you find that the cost of veneers is not within your budget at this time, don’t opt for a cheap veneers. Wait until your budget allows you to get a beautiful smile makeover with porcelain veneers.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

 

Human cadaver bone grafting for dental implants

By Bone Grafting, Dental Implants

I am seriously considering getting dental implants in early 2013. I know that I will need bone grafting. What can you tell me about human cadaver bone for grafting? – Kyle

Kyle – Human cadaver bone for dental implant bone grafting, known as allografts, works very well. U.S. donor applicants are pre-screened for infectious diseases before they are accepted as donors. Donated bone is process and sterilized to make grafting safe.

Autogenous bone comes from the patient’s own body. Bone may be available elsewhere in the mouth or from another place in the body—usually the hip.

Xenograft bone comes from a different species, usually bovine bone, which comes from a cow.

Synethetic bone grafting is referred to as alloplast. Although this method is most convenient and the least expensive, some dentists say the success rate is not as good as the other methods.

Your implant dentist will discuss the options with you and address any concerns you have.

This post is courtesy of Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

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