Zoom Teeth Whitening Kansas City: Gordon Dental

Teeth Whitening: Dental Bleaching Procedures

This dental procedure code covers the application of a bleaching agent to teeth within either the mandibular or maxillary arch. Tooth bleaching (whitening) is used to lighten discolorations caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth.  Bleaching of the tooth can only be used in mild to moderate cases of tooth staining; more severe cases may require crowns or veneers to alter the appearance of a tooth.
This dental procedure bleaching of all the teeth can done either entirely in-office, or at home as part of a doctor-guided custom-tray application. Both teeth whitening techniques are best performed under your dentist's supervision to ensure the safest and most dependable results. There are a multitude of bleaching agents and systems in use for bleaching, and there are two main categories:

• In-Office Tooth Whitening: In this procedure, the teeth are carefully isolated from the lips and gums, and then a bleaching gel is applied. A special “curing” light is used in conjunction with the gel to activate the gel and accelerate the whitening process.
• At-Home Tooth Whitening: In this procedure, custom trays are made of your teeth during an initial visit. Once the trays are complete, you are provided with instructions for applying the bleaching agent at home.

To find out more visit www.kcgordondental.com or call 913-649-5017

Root Canal Therapy: Gordon Dental Kansas City

Root Canal Therapy

A root canal is something that we don't mind as long as it happens to someone else. Root canal therapy has existed for centuries and actually was first performed in ancient civilizations – although most often only the nobility and the very wealthy were treated.
Root canal treatment is used to save teeth which would otherwise need to be removed.

It is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury.

Sometimes, due to trauma or decay the “nerve” inside the tooth dies off (please do not confuse that with your “tooth” being dead, that is simply not true!). Any passing bacteria find this a source of nourishment and proceed to munch on the dead nerve and quickly reproduce. Your body can’t do anything about this infection because along with the nerve dying, the blood supply to the tooth dies off too, so the body can’t send in some antibacterial cells (white blood cells) to attack the bacteria. Eventually, the bacteria start to spill out of the tooth and into the tiny space between the tooth and the jawbone. This starts an abscess, the body reacts to the invasion by pouring in defensive cells, which kill most of the bugs in the area, but still can’t get to the source of the problem, which is in the tooth.

Some indications for a root canal are:

• Pain while biting
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Deep decay
• Blunt injury to the tooth
• Infection

What is root canal therapy?
Your dentist will thoroughly examine your tooth to determine if the nerve is infected. The exam includes x-rays and checking the health of the tooth with a pulp tester. Additionally your doctor may also apply cold and heat, tap on the tooth to see if sensitive or press gently on gums around tooth to check for pain.

The treatment can take from one to three visits during which typical treatment involves:

1. Making an opening through the crown of the tooth and into the pulp chamber
2. Removing the pulp. The root canal is cleaned, enlarged and shaped to a form that can be filled.
3. (Optionally) Placing medication into the pulp chamber and root canal to help get rid of any germs and prevent infection.
4. Placing a temporary filling in the crown opening to protect the tooth before your next visit. Alternatively, your doctor may leave the tooth open for a few days to drain.
5. Filling and sealing the pulp chamber and root canals.
6. Removing the temporary filling, followed by cleaning and filling of the pulp chamber.
7. And finally, placing a gold or porcelain crown over the tooth.

Call 913-649-5017 to get an appointment at Gordon Dental

or visit www.kcgordondental.com

Teeth Grinding & Clenching, or Bruxism: Gordon Dental Kansas City

Teeth Grinding & Clenching (Bruxism)

While occasional teeth grinding does not usually cause harm, when it happens frequently, teeth can be damaged and other complications can arise.

STRESS is a huge factor when it comes to bruxing. In fact, the mouth can show stress before any other area of the body. The more stress, the more bruxing and the harder the bruxing.

Some possible signs and complications of bruxism are:

• Wearing of Teeth - which occurs from movement of the teeth harshly against one another.
• Breaking of Teeth - especially at the edges of front teeth and the cusps or corners of back teeth.
• Sensitive Teeth - usually a generalized soreness and/or cold sensitivity.
• Receeding gums and/or teeth with gum line “notches”

Not everyone has all these problems, and some of these signs take time (usually decades) to materialize.

What should you do about bruxism?
There is not a single cause for bruxism and consequently not a single solution. For a large number of people, the problem is a misaligned bite. Through a series of physiological signals, this triggers a dramatic increase in the amount of bruxing.

If you feel you may be grinding or clenching, please schedule an appointment with your dentist. They would be able to diagnose the reasons and propose some solutions. Options could range from working to reduce stress to helping you procure a mouth guard or an occlusal guard.

Call 913-649-5017 for more information or visit www.kcgordondental.com

What is Oil Pulling, and is it Good for Your Mouth? Gordon Dental Kansas City

What is Oil Pulling, and is it Good for Your Mouth?

If you’re a fan of natural health remedies and always aim to keep your mouth in tip-top-shape, you may have heard about a centuries-old tradition from India referred to as oil pulling. The process is simple and is believed to rid the mouth of many different types of bacteria that contribute to bad breath, cavities and gum disease. There are a number of things you’ll want to know about this age-old procedure, though, so let’s learn about this process so you can determine if oil-pulling is right for you.

What is Oil Pulling?

Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic oral care routine that originated in India some 3,000 years ago. The process involves “swishing” or “swirling” a tablespoon of oil in the mouth for about 20 minutes in order to extract stain-causing pigments and bacteria from and around teeth. Proponents suggest oil pulling dramatically reduces the numbers of bacteria in our mouths and protects teeth and gums from bacterial damage.

How does it Work?

Even though oil pulling has been around for centuries, the scientific community in the West is only now beginning to conduct research into why oil pulling appears successful in being able to reduce overall levels of bacteria in the mouth.

One theory suggests the benefit is related to the cellular architecture of oral tissues. Because most microorganisms in the mouth are single-celled and covered by a fatty membrane, it is believed that when oil is being passed about the mouth, these cells are attracted to the oil molecules (that are likewise fatty), and thus become entrapped within the oil solution. When the oil is then spit out, the bacteria contained within it are discarded as well.

A second theory suggests the prolonged pushing and pulling of both oil and saliva throughout the mouth allows the oil to penetrate deeper below the gum line to attract as many microbes as possible – efforts proponents say cannot be duplicated through routine oral care habits. Detractors, on the other hand, say any reduction in the level of bacteria is simply tied to the aggressive mechanical action of swishing for so long, and that water alone could produce similar results. Disagreements such as these are precisely why more research is underway.

Will Any Oil Work?

Yes, however, most proponents of oil pulling recommend coconut oil because of its more mild taste, and because it contains lauric acid, a compound known to be antimicrobial. Sesame oil may be another option, yet it contains higher levels of Omega 6 oils (which as Americans we get too much of already) and is therefore a poorer fit from a health standpoint.

Are There Any Caveats?

Yes. In some populations, coconut oil can cause contact dermatitis, so loading up your mouth with coconut oil without first knowing if you have this sensitivity, or a related allergy, would not be wise.

Similarly, anyone nursing or pregnant should always speak with a doctor before trying anything out of the ordinary, and individuals with gum disease should never begin an oil pulling regimen without first speaking with a doctor because it can sometimes do more harm than good. It’s also worth noting that oil pulling should not be seen as an alternative to brushing and flossing. If anything, it can serve as a complimentary process to your normal routine, not a replacement.

As with any type of medicine, traditional or otherwise, you always have to do your homework. So, feel free to investigate online first, and then run your questions and concerns past a professional Dentist.

Call 913-649-5017 or visit www.kcgordondental.com for an appointment

Gum Disease described by Gordon Dental Kansas City

Proactive Scaling and Root Planing Can Prevent Advanced Gum Disease

Contrary to popular belief, gum disease does not discriminate based on age. Both elderly adults and young adults can find themselves battling bleeding gums and gum recession – both signs of gingivitis, and the more serious advancement of the disease, early onset periodontitis. To prevent this bacterial infection which can eventually cause tooth and bone loss, your dentist may recommend a proactive approach that includes a more thorough type of cleaning known as root planing and scaling.

Similar the typical dental cleaning which takes place above the gumline on the tooth's enamel, root planing and scaling is performed on the cementum of the tooth (the outer layer of the tooth's root that exists below the gumline. This process is recommended if “early active” periodontitis is witnessed in combination with tartar buildup, and if any portion of the gumline has noticeably pulled away from the tooth.

The root planing and scaling procedure itself first involves the application of an anesthetic to numb the affected areas, and an antiseptic to lessen the volume of live bacteria in the mouth. Next, using a sharp hand tool called a curette, your dentist would scrape off (or, “scale”) the hardened tartar deposits on the root of the tooth in an upward motion. An electric ultrasonic scaler may also be used to break off the deposits from the tooth should the curette not prove as complete a solution. Any deposits left behind by the ultrasonic scaler can be scraped off by hand.

After this, your dentist will then smooth out, (or, “plane”) the root surfaces. Planing is the process whereby a woodworker takes a long roughened edge of a board and makes it smooth by using a “planer.” The same general technique is used here to make the cementum smooth once again, and more equipped to combat plaque buildup in the future.

Because it is effective in eliminating infection, proactive scaling and root planing is often the only treatment needed for early onset periodontal disease and can prevent further complications. If you are experiencing bleeding, swollen gum tissue, or has any type of discharge from their gums, be sure to be seen by a dentist for an exam as soon as possible. Treating gingivitis and periodontal disease early and aggressively is a step you'll most certainly want to take to ensure superior oral health for yourself.

Call Gordon Dental for a Consult or appointment.  913-649-5017
www.kcgordondental.com

What are Dental Veneers, and When are They Used? Gordon Dental Kansas City

What are Dental Veneers, and When are They Used?

Strikingly-white, straight, perfect teeth. It’s something we all want – whitening kits and toothpastes can help, but there are better options available.  Dental veneers may be the answer.

What is a Veneer? 

A "veneer" is a wafer-thin layer of material molded to the surface of a tooth to correct a chip or crack, or to enhance its cosmetic appearance. Veneers are made of either porcelain or a composite synthetic resin. These materials are used in dentistry because of their ability to create a strong bond with the tooth, and their ability to mimic the natural color of adjacent teeth. Veneers can either be placed directly onto a tooth at the dental office, or fabricated off-site in a dental laboratory.

Which Type of Veneer is Right for Me?

There are two types of veneers, and the choice as to which one to use should be made less based on one’s desire (or apprehension of the procedure), and more on the design of your child’s teeth.

• Traditional Veneers: Traditional veneers are applied to teeth much in the same manner a crown is applied. That is, weak or decayed areas of the tooth are removed, and the tooth is “shaped” to provide a mounting place for the veneer.
  
  Even healthy teeth require a minimal amount of re-shaping to ensure a natural look when the veneer is applied. The reason for this is that the veneer itself has a certain degree of thickness, and to not whittle down the tooth would result in a “bulky,” unnatural-looking tooth when compared to adjacent teeth.
• Prep-less Veneers: On the other hand, with prep-less veneers, there is very little (if any) removal of tooth material. This can be ideal, but is generally limited to situations when there are existing spaces between teeth (like a gap between two front teeth), or when the tooth being treated is smaller than adjacent teeth.

Making the Right Choice

 If you think dental veneers may be an option for you, speak with your Dentist at Gordon Dental for help in making the right choice.

Call 913-649-5017 for a free cosmetic consult

or visit www.kcgordondental.com

What to Do When You Have Sensitive Teeth: Gordon Dental Kansas City

What to Do When You Have Sensitive Teeth

Even though winter is upon us, and most of the country is trying its best to stay away from just about anything cold, hordes of ice cream lovers across the nation show no concern for the temperature outside when it comes to indulging in their favorite treats. From the mildly chilly winter of southern Florida, to the deep freeze of Alaska, you don't have to look far to find an American enjoying an icy treat even in December. Nor is there much of a search needed to find a person who has to dance around that ice cream cone because they've got sensitive teeth. Want to avoid a similar predicament, or reduce sensitivity if you're one of the unlucky millions? Here's how ...

According to research, a staggering one out of every two people in the world suffer from what is known as “sensitive teeth.” In dental circles, the condition is referred to as “dentin hypersensitivity,” and its symptoms are triggered when the exposed areas of our teeth become subject to pressure, or come in contact with cold or hot food and beverages. For some, even a cool winter breeze when smiling can cause pain. Fortunately it can be treated in a number of ways, and it can also be avoided with good dental care.

Prevent, or Slow the Onset of Sensitivity

• Turn down the aggression. Many of us brush our teeth as if we're scrubbing in for surgery – far too rough for the few millimeters of enamel that protects the dentin beneath. While plaque is sticky and dastardly, removing it doesn't require the sort of effort most of us put forth. Brushing your teeth should almost feel as though you were massaging your gums instead of scrubbing them, and you should never brush with a back'n'forth saw-like motion. This all-too-common method of brushing is perhaps the most frequent cause of gum recession not tied to disease, and it literally carves grooves in the enamel of your teeth. If you brush gently and in a circular motion, aiming the head of the toothbrush at an angle toward the base of the gums, you'll be in good shape. Ask your dentist for a lesson in proper brushing if you're afraid you're not doing it correctly. This single tip can help you avoid sensitivity and help stall its progress, if you're already a sufferer.
• Take care of your gums. As unwise as it is to take your aggressions out on your teeth, ignoring them has a similar effect when it comes to sensitivity. Because this condition is a result of dentin exposure, those with receding gums are also likely to experience its symptoms. Since our teeth are only covered by enamel to a point just below the gumline, any recession to the gumline exposes the dentin. We all know the drill on preventing gum disease. Brush regularly, see your dentist, and floss daily. These are the three golden rules, and they can save you from tooth sensitivity, and a host of other problems later on in life.

Already Suffering? 

• Try an over-the-counter toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Such toothpastes have ingredients that help to either “seal off,” the exposed “pores” of your dentin, or desensitize the nerve in a way that minimizes its reaction to triggers.
• Follow the two tips above that for those interested in preventing sensitive teeth. Both steps can help lessen your sensitivity over time.
• Ask your dentist for a cover-up. For some, the application of a fluoride varnish, veneer, or certain types of bonding can effectively cover up the exposed area, and act as a barrier to exposure. These procedures are quick and simple, and can make a world of difference if nothing else works for you. Such efforts also have the added benefit of protecting your tooth from further erosion, which is good if you're prone to aggressive brushing.

Sensitive teeth are a nuisance. So, be proactive and protect your teeth now if you're not a sufferer, and, if you are, take the right steps to stall its progress. Ice cream, any time of the year – every year – is, after all, a good thing.

Gordon Dental 913-649-5017

www.kcgordondental.com

Sleep Apnea Treatment / Snore Guards: Gordon Dental Kansas City

Sleep Apnea Treatment / Snore Guards

Do you experience headaches upon waking and have trouble shaking that sleepy feeling during the day? Maybe you doze off during meetings or while watching TV? You may suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, a potentially dangerous condition that diminishes restful slumber and may increase your risk of heart attack, stroke and other serious health complications. Your dentist may help you treat sleep apnea with non-surgical oral appliance therapy that alleviates this condition and lets you get the restorative sleep they need.

What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when airflow repeatedly stops for periods of ten seconds or longer. The brain senses lack of oxygen and tells the body to breathe. People with sleep apnea may experience hundreds of these episodes each night and are most likely unaware that it’s happening.

What causes sleep apnea?
When you sleep, the muscles that control your tongue and throat relax. Tissues can sag and restrict airflow, which causes the apnea episode. Sleep apnea sufferers often snore as well, because tissues vibrate as air is forced through narrowed passageways.

Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea and snoring could be treated with an easy-to-wear mouth guard (snore guard) that keeps the chin slightly forward to promote optimal airflow. There are a variety of mouth guards available on the market today, and your dentist can help you choose one that is most appropriate for you.

Call 913-649-5017 for more information, or visit www.kcgordondental.com