How can I tell if I have periodontitis (gum disease)?
February 5, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum and bone around the teeth. If it is not treated, with time the teeth become loose and eventually need to be extracted. Studies indicate more than half the adults in the U.S. have periodontal disease.
How do I know if I have periodontal disease?
Most people who have periodontal disease are not aware of it because it is painless until late stages. The following warning signs can indicate a problem:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums that have pulled away from your teeth slightly
Does periodontal disease relate to any other health problems?
Tooth loss is not the only problem related to periodontal disease. Research suggests the inflammation and bacteria related to periodontal disease may be associated with the following health complications:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Increased risk during pregnancy
What causes periodontal disease?
The mouth is full of bacteria. Periodontal disease starts when plaque (a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth and lining of the mouth) is left on the teeth. The bacteria in the plaque make toxins that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone around teeth. This plaque eventually hardens into calculus (tartar) around the teeth that is hard and can only be removed at the dental office.
How does the dental office detect and treat periodontitis?
During your checkup, a metal instrument called a periodontal probe is gently used to measure the “pocket depth” around each tooth. The deeper the pockets, the more severe the gum disease. Periodontal disease is usually initially treated by a special deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. This procedure removes the tartar deposits on the tooth down below the gum. This helps the gum tissue to heal and the pockets to shrink. This “deep cleaning” usually takes several visits and often requires being numbed. Following a deep cleaning, if the tissues respond well a patient is placed on 3-4 month recall visits for the rest of their lives to keep the periodontal disease in check. If the gum and bone don’t respond well enough to the deep cleaning, sometimes local antibiotic placement around the teeth or a referral to the periodontist becomes necessary.
Normal probing Early periodontitis
Moderate periodontitis Advanced Periodontitis
Will I pay extra for a white filling and are silver fillings safe?
February 5, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Q: Will I pay extra for a white filling vs. a silver filling?
A: If you do not have insurance you will typically pay about $20 more for a white filling than a silver filling. If you do have insurance, it depends on if your insurance company “downgrades”. What does this mean? Some insurance companies (about 60%) say they will pay 80% on fillings, but this is 80% towards the cheapest alternative, silver. If your insurance company downgrades their fillings, you pay about $20 extra per filling to have a white instead of a silver amalgam filling.
Since the great majority of our patients want white resin fillings, our office policy is that we assume that this is what you want unless you specifically tell our staff prior to your treatment that you prefer a silver filling.
Q: Are silver amalgam fillings safe?
A: An amalgam filling is a blend of copper, silver, tin, and zinc, bound together by elemental mercury. Safety concerns are because of claims that mercury vapor can cause a variety of health problems. Mercury is a toxic substance for the body when exposed to high, unsafe levels such as has happened when people have eaten fish carrying high levels of mercury in them. However, the American Dental Association (ADA) states that when the mercury combines with other elements in silver fillings, it becomes an inactive substance and is safe. The ADA maintains that reputable studies have failed to find any link between silver mercury fillings and any medical disorder.
The general consensus is that amalgam fillings are safe. Along with the ADA, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization, and FDA support the use of silver fillings as safe.
What should I do if I have bad breath?
February 5, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Q: What are the causes of bad breath?
A: In 85% of individuals with bad breath, the odor originates in the mouth. The following cause bad breath:
- Poor oral hygiene- The #1 cause of bad breath, if you aren’t brushing and flossing enough, chances are you have bad breath.
- Back of the tongue- In patients with good oral hygiene, this is the most common source of bad breath. A yellowish discharge, usually due to post nasal drip, collects on the very back of the tongue and is then putrefied by the abundant bacteria on the back of the tongue. If you scrape the back of your tongue with a plastic spoon and are able to collect this yellowish film on the spoon, you probably have this problem.
- Periodontal (gum) Disease- Although more than half of Americans have gum tissue disease, many don’t know they have it. Colonies of bacteria and food debris take up residence inside gum tissue pockets were the toothbrush can’t reach. We check for gum disease at each of your cleaning appointments.
- Morning time- Saliva flow almost stops at while sleeping. Without saliva cleaning off bacteria in your mouth, you get “morning breath”.
- Dry Mouth (Xerstomia)- besides morning time, many other factors can give us a dry mouth leading to bad breath. The two most common causes are medications (such as certain heart medications) and mouth breathers (people who are unable to breath easily through their nose).
- Foods- Some foods, like garlic and onions, have odor-causing compounds that actually enter the bloodstream, are transferred to the lungs, and are then exhaled.
- Tobacco- tobacco itself as well as its mouth-drying effects cause bad breath
- Dieting and Uncontrolled Diabetes- certain chemicals called ketones can be released in the breath as the body burns protein and fat, resulting in “acetone breath”.
- Nasal disorders- nasal polyps or sinusitis can result in malodor with a slightly cheesy character.
Q: How can I treat bad breath?
A: The following are the best ways to combat bad breath:
- Tongue scraping- Probably the single most important way to improve ones breath (possibly tied with flossing in studies) is to scrape the back of the tongue with a plastic tongue scraper that can be purchased at the drug store. At the least, try to brush the very back of the tongue each time you brush your teeth.
- Flossing- Flossing would probably happen much more frequently if people realized how much it affects their breath. Next time you floss, smell the floss when you are done to see if it has an odor. If it does, you should be flossing more frequently.
- Regular dental cleanings- Some buildup in your mouth (tartar) can only be removed by your hygienist. It is also important to check for gum disease.
- Mouthwash- Antiseptic mouthrinses can help kill the germs that cause bad breath. For breath problems, we recommend Crest ProHealth, Listerine Total Care, or Listerine less intense Vanilla Mint, Freshburst, or Cool Mint.
- Drink water frequently- Water will help wash away bacteria.
- Stop smoking/chewing tobacco- Ask us about great prescription options to help!
Pick the movie you want to watch during your appointment
February 5, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Dr. Jeppson’s Movie List
CHILDREN SELECTION
-Aloha Scooby Doo! (NR) -Nim’s Island (PG)
-The Chronicles of Narnia (PG) -Crocodile Dundee 2 (PG)
-Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius (G)
-Pixar Short Films Collection (NR)
-The Crocodile Hunter-Collision Course (PG) -Night at the Museum (PG)
-The Incredibles (PG) -Happy Feet (PG)
-Walt Disney’s Sky High (PG) -Bridge to Terabithia (PG)
-Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (PG)
-Kung Fu Pand.0a (PG) -Tarzan (G) -Ella Enchanted (G)
-The Princess Bride (PG) -The Princess Diaries (G)
-Barbie of Swan Lake (NR) -Barbie as Rapunzel (NR)
-Hannah Montana-Life is What You Make It (G)
-Dora-Pirate Adventure (NR) -Dora-Meet Diego (NR)
-Jungle Book (G) -Jungle Book 2 (G)
-George of the Jungle 2 (G) -Lady & the Tramp 2 (G)
-Cars (G) -Sinbad (PG) -Oliver & Company (G)
-Cinderella 3 (G) -Brother Bear (G)
-Monsters Inc. (G) -Lion King (G)
-All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 (G) -Cinderella (G)
-The Little Mermaid (G) -Shrek (G) -Shrek the Third (PG)
-Charlotte’s Web (G) -Curious George (G)
-Garfield, the Movie (PG) -Flushed Away (PG)
-A Series of Unfortunate Events (PG)
Dr. Jeppson’s Movie List
ADULT SELECTION
-Fever Pitch (PG-13) -Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (PG-13) -13 Going on 30 (PG-13)
-My Big Fat Greek Wedding (PG) -Notting Hill (PG-13)
-While You Were Sleeping (PG) -The Bachelor (PG-13) -Russia/Love 007 (PG)
-Oceans 11 and 12 (PG-13) -Pride and Prejudice (Edited)
-The Man in the Iron Mask (PG-13) -The Pelican Brief (PG-13) -US Marshalls (PG-13)
-A River Runs Through It (PG) -Spiderman 3 (PG-13)
- City Slickers (PG-13) -MI:3 (PG-13) -My Best Friend’s Wedding (PG-13)
-Star Wars 3 (PG-13) -Nacho Libre (PG) -Star Wars 5 (PG)
-Indiana Jones: 1, 2, and 4 (PG) -Fugitive (PG-13)
-National Treasure (PG) -Lord of the Rings 1 (PG-13)
-The Legend of Zorro (PG) -Napoleon Dynamite (PG) -Pirates 1 (PG-13)
-To Catch a Thief (Cary Grant, Grace Kelly) -Take the Lead (PG-13)
-Son of Paleface (Bob Hope) - Poseidon (PG-13)
-007 Die Another Day (PG-13) -The Pursuit of Happyness (PG-13)
-1st Season of Friends -Miss Congeniality (PG-13)
-Win a Date with Tad Hamilton (PG-13) -Raising Helen (PG-13)
-Two Weeks Notice (PG-13) -Men in Black (Edited) -Men in Black 2 (PG-13)
-Meet the Parents (Edited) -The Bourne Identity (Edited) -NASCAR Winston Cup 2003
-Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure (PG) -March of the Penguins (G)
Fun Stuff for the Kids
February 5, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
The dental office can be an anxious experience for kids. That’s why we try to make things as fun as possible. Our waiting area has a kid’s jungle room with cave, slide, movies, and video games. Kids can look in on our rare Panther Chameleon in his aquarium. 
Dental work is easier while watching Scooby Doo or any of our wide selection of children’s movies while getting a filling done. For kids that are a little more anxious, try our laughing gas (nitrous) or ask us about oral sedation.
What are my three options for replacing a missing tooth?
February 5, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Missing teeth can be replaced and they should be. All your teeth work together to help you chew, speak, and smile. The loss of a back tooth can cause your mouth to shift and your face to look older. Also, the more teeth we lose and don’t replace the more chewing pressure we put on our remaining teeth that can cause them to crack or wear at a faster rate.
Option #1- Implants
Option #2- Fixed bridges
Option #3- Removable partials
IMPLANTS:
A dental implant is much like a natural tooth, which has a root in your jawbone, topped by a crown that you can see. When you need an implant, your dentist inserts a metal post beneath your gum into your bone. It fuses to the bone and acts like the root of a tooth. Then, your dentist makes a replacement crown on the metal post. An implant is the closest option to the look and feel of having a new tooth.
Advantages:
- Implants are most similar to a natural tooth, the gold standard
- Implants spare the adjacent teeth from having to be shaped and reduced, as they would for the other options
Disadvantages:
- Implants are the most expensive option
- Implant placement takes longer than the other options
- Some individuals may not have enough bone at the site for implant placement
BRIDGES
A bridge (sometimes called a fixed partial denture) is a restoration that spans the space where one or more missing teeth have been lost. A fixed bridge is cemented into place, only a dentist can remove it. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. In this process, the teeth adjacent to the space are prepared and reduced for crowns to support the bridge. The bridge consists of a fake tooth in the middle attached to crowns on either end that cement down on the teeth.
Advantages
- Bridges are permanently cemented and feel more solid and stable than a partial
- Bridges cost less and are done quicker than an implant
Disadvantages
- Bridges require the adjacent teeth to be reduced and shaped for crowns
PARTIALS
Partials, sometimes called a removable bridge, can be taken in and out of the mouth by the patient. Partials are made of replacement plastic teeth surrounded by gum-colored plastic base that is connected by a metal framework. They are held in your mouth by metal clasps that surround the natural teeth.
Advantages
- Partials are the cheapest option
- Partials can replace many missing teeth with a single appliance
Disadvantages
- Partials are the least stable replacement
- Some people find partials to be uncomfortable or awkward
- Some people are embarrassed to take their teeth out at night or for cleaning
Conclusion
How best to replace missing teeth is an important decision. Please ask Dr. Jeppson to discuss which option may work best for you.