Diamons

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Photography by Dr. Padval

Tool of the Trade

Sure, everybody knows dental floss when they see it (we hope), and if you're in a periodontal program, you may be using miles of it. But do you recognize this gizmo? It's for "interdental" hygiene, especially useful for people with substantial spaces between their teeth at the gum line. Some studies show that interdental brushing, in combination with regular brushing and flossing, does a real number on plaque. Go gently, though. Any extreme pressure between the teeth, particularly in the presence of gum problems, [...]

By |2017-01-17T00:00:29-08:00January 17, 2017|Preventative Dentistry|

How to Dispel Dental Anxiety

Of course, we do what we can to make your visit with us as comfortable as possible. But there are also ways to help yourself deal with any anxiety you may have while anticipating treatment. Positive self-talk. Tell yourself, "I can handle this well." Make other positive self-statements, especially about tense situations similar to this with which you coped well. Make positive statements about the dental personnel. You're in good hands. Remind yourself that the doctors and staff are highly qualified, well-trained, and "know what they [...]

By |2017-01-10T00:00:35-08:00January 10, 2017|Patient Education|

Gone Missing

Lose a tooth? We can help you choose the right replacement option. CROWN & BRIDGE is a collective phrase for several methods of restoring teeth. When a tooth has been damaged but is healthy enough to save, we place a crown that covers it and binds it together for strength. Crowns can be fashioned from gold or alloys, porcelain, or a combination of materials. A bridge can span a single missing tooth, or many. Conventional bridges usually involve crowns at both ends with a [...]

By |2016-12-27T00:00:30-08:00December 27, 2016|Restorative Dentistry|

Tongue Piercing

A Bit on Body Art In every big city—and down on a lot of farms—"body art" is all the rage. While we begged our parents for discreet earrings, our children are piercing various body parts in surprising places. Lips, tongue, cheeks, even the uvula (the dangling thingie in the back of the throat) are fair game in and around the mouth. Aesthetics aside, how dangerous is piercing, really? First, the downside Piercing usually happens at a salon or, more often, a tattoo parlor. Though [...]

By |2016-12-20T00:00:29-08:00December 20, 2016|Patient Education|

Do You Commit Tooth Abuse?

Especially for Braces Wearers Do you absent-mindedly commit Tooth Abuse? These are habits definitely off limits for the health of your teeth: Don't chomp on a toothpick—it can wear teeth down and get caught in your braces. Stop chewing your nails, pens and pencils—it's hard on teeth and gums. Leave the ice in your drink? Chewing ice can crack teeth and fillings, and pop wires in braces. Don't consume something very hot just after something very cold. The rapid expansion and contraction can crack [...]

By |2016-12-13T00:00:29-08:00December 13, 2016|Patient Education|

Impression Material

What is that goo? Whether you need a new denture, braces, or a single inlay restoration, you'll encounter the "goo" dentists use to make an impression - the first step to a perfect likeness of your mouth. In effect, the material you bite into registers a "negative" image, like a photograph. To make a positive model, a plaster-like "stone" is poured into the impression and allowed to set. And there you are. Impression material, to work properly, must reproduce oral structures accurately, and be [...]

By |2016-12-06T00:00:52-08:00December 6, 2016|Patient Education|

Smile with Esthetic Dentistry

Elements of a Beautiful Smile What can dentistry do for your self-esteem that all the pots of cream and eyeliner on Madison Avenue can't? While we agree with the ad men that esthetics motivate how people see us, value us, and respond to us, true natural beauty has to do with good health, not technique with a make-up brush. When you admire the dazzling smile of that Revlon model, will you buy the lipstick—or seek the quality dentistry that perfected the smile? Dentistry thee [...]

By |2016-11-22T00:00:42-08:00November 22, 2016|Cosmetic Dentistry|

Watch Your Mouth

Self Examinations can Spot Signs of Trouble Through the day, you check the mirror—your hair, your collar, your hem. Ever open your mouth to see what's inside? You should, and not just when you feel pain or find blood on your toothbrush. You should routinely examine your oral orifice for any changes. Watch for red or white spots or other discolorations and small sores or swellings. Most of these oral lesions, as we call them, are harmless and easily explained. A tortilla chip or [...]

By |2025-08-23T14:58:05-07:00March 10, 2016|Patient Education|