Avoid Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Gordon Dental Kansas City

Seven Tips to Avoid Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Cavities – they're not just for adults. Streptococcus mutans, the bacterium that contributes to tooth decay, is a rather indiscriminate little purple menace, and is quite fond of teeth no matter if they're in your mouth or the mouth of your baby. Keeping their mouth as clean as you keep your own can help you stay ahead of early childhood cavities, and only read about baby bottle tooth decay instead of experiencing it firsthand.

With that in mind, here are seven tips that can help you in the fight against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), and keep baby bottle tooth decay at bay!

1. Limit Snacking: Whenever a person consumes any type of food or beverage, the pH level lowers and the mouth becomes more acidic to aid in digestion. This first step in our digestion process ends about 30 minutes after we eat, and the pH returns to normal to help protect our teeth. When we snack, though, our teeth remain bathing in this acidic environment, wearing down tooth enamel, and providing a breeding ground for S. mutans. The same, of course, is true with infants who feed continually, or without a long enough break. You can counter this effect by planning mealtimes with a reasonable start and finish time. Ask your dentist or GP for the best advice for your child.
2. Avoid The Sugar Dip: Some parents are prone to dipping pacifiers in substances like honey or sugar to acclimate a child to using the device. This is generally a bad idea. For the same reasons you wouldn't want to suck on a honey stick, you shouldn't give one to your child as well. Bad for the teeth.
3. Don't Share The Spoon: Here's a surprise! Did you know that tooth decay can be transmitted from one person to another? By sharing your child's feeding spoon, you can actually transmit S. mutans living in your mouth to your child. If you want to use a spoon to show your child it's okay to eat in this fashion, you're best off using your own spoon, and then doing a little slight-of-hand-swicheroo.
4. Keep A Washcloth Nearby: For children who currently do not have teeth, use a washcloth to clean their gums after eating. Think of this as tooth brushing 101.
5. Brush Away: And, for those lucky enough to have teeth already, use a child-safe toothbrush to clean away any food debris after a meal. It's good training for your child, and good for their teeth as well!
6. Fill The Bottle Wisely: Avoid putting anything in your child's bottle except formula, breast milk or milk. Anything sweet or sugary will just further promote decay.
7. Obey Naptime Rules: Restrict bottle usage prior to bedtime, or at least brush or wash their mouth prior to bed. Allowing a child to sleep with a bottle is considered to be the number one reason for baby bottle tooth decay as the bottle tends to continually drip into the child's mouth. For more on why this is important, see tip, #1.

As you can see, avoiding tooth decay in children is really quite simple, and involves many of the same rules we have to follow as adults. Good luck!

Call Gordon Dental 913-649-5017 for an appointment

Implant Dentistry-Gordon Dental Kansas City, Overland Park, Leawood Kansas

Implant Dentistry

With dental implants, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life. Implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth. A properly placed implant (or implants) can give you the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that your teeth appear natural.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that a periodontist places into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.

Advantages of Dental Implants over Dentures or a Bridge
Every way you look at it, dental implants are a better solution to the problem of missing teeth.

• Esthetic. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth! Since dental implants integrate into the structure of your bone, they prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often accompany bridgework and dentures. No one will ever know that you have a replacement tooth.
• Tooth-saving. Dental implants don't sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does because neighboring teeth are not altered to support the implant. More of your own teeth are left untouched, a significant long-term benefit to your oral health!
• Confidence. Dental implants will allow you to once again speak and eat with comfort and confidence! They are secure and offer freedom from the irksome clicks and wobbles of dentures. They'll allow you to say goodbye to worries about misplaced dentures and messy pastes and glues.
• Reliable. The success rate of dental implants is highly predictable. They are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement.

What can Dental Implants do?

• Replace one or more teeth without affecting bordering teeth.
• Support a bridge and eliminate the need for a removable partial denture.
• Provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable.

Call 913-649-5017 for a Free Consult

www.kcgordondental.com

Dental Implants: Gordon Dental Kansas City, Overland Park, Leawood Kansas

Dental Implants - Getting to the Root of Things

With regular dental care and some luck, you may never be a candidate for a dental implant, but knowing about them ahead of time will help inform your decision should the need ever arise. So, what are implants, how do they work, and who needs them?

How Does a Dental Implant Work?

Dental implants are artificial tooth “roots” that are placed into the jaw to help hold a replacement tooth, bridge, or even dentures, in place in the jaw.  Typically made of Titanium, which the jawbone will accept or fuse to, dental implants are most often used for patients who have somehow lost a tooth or teeth – whether through accident, injury, or even periodontal disease.  Implants can also help stop periodontal disease from forming by eliminating gaps in the mouth where disease and infection are likely to occur, and preventing the shifting of teeth which can cause more long-term damage.

There are two types of implants. “Endosteal,” or “in the bone” implants are typically screws, blades, or cylinders which are surgically placed directly into the jawbone. Generally used to support bridges or removable dentures, this type of implant is the most common. “Subperiosteal,” or “on the bone” implants are placed on top of the jaw with posts that protrude through the gum to hold a dental prosthesis in place. These types of implants are used for patients who are unable to wear conventional dentures. Sometimes an implant is used to anchor orthodontia in place as well.

An ideal implant candidate is usually in good health overall, and has good oral health as well.  Healing time varies, as do success rates – and general post-surgical care is a key component to success. Learning about what’s involved in an implant will help you in making your decision should the need ever arise for you. 

Call Gordon Dental for a Free Consult 913-649-5017

www.kcgordondental.com

Dental Bone Graft: Gordon Dental Kansas City

Dental Bone Replacement Graft 

When a tooth is extracted, or periodontal disease progresses to the point where it results in a deformity of the alveolar bone tissue that surrounds a tooth, a bone replacement graft may be placed in the area to stimulate the regrowth of this bone tissue. Without such intervention, the tissue undergoes what is known as resorption (“breakdown”), which, at the cellular level, takes component materials and disperses them elsewhere throughout the body. In layman's terms, the bony material is essentially “taken” back “into” the body for other use.

This resorption of bone tissue can affect the efficacy of future restorative dentistry, such as implants and prosthetics. It can also change facial features and therefore alter one’s general aesthetics. As a result, many dentists prefer to proactively stunt this resorption by using a bone graft.

There are three different types of bone graft that can be used to stimulate bone regeneration under this code. They are:

• Autograft – Bone harvested from patient’s own body
• Xenograft – Bone grafts or collagen from bovine or porcine origin
• Allograft – Block bone graft from a cadaver

Generally speaking, layering one of the above materials into the area where the bone tissue has subsided completes a bone graft. This is accomplished by first exposing the area by means of a surgical incision, and then by layering the material into the recessed area. A protective collagen membrane is then placed atop this material to aid in healing and stability, and then the area is sutured shut. When a bone graft is needed in the rear of the mouth and in the upper jaw, the procedure is more complicated because the sinus cavity is often involved. When bone loss occurs below the sinus cavity, the cavity tends to “drop” as a result. Thus, surgery in the area requires specialized care so as not to disrupt the very delicate sinus cavity.

To place a bone graft in this area, then, the sinus membrane needs to be elevated (or lifted) out of harm’s way to allow for the addition of bone graft material. To accomplish this, an incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone, and a small oval-shaped hole is cut to expose the sinus cavity. Then, gently, and sometimes with a surgical balloon, the sinus membrane would be lifted out of the way to make room for the grafting material. Once again, a protective collagen membrane would be layered atop the graft, and the incision sutured shut.

There is great variety to the type of bone graft and the procedures involved, and much is dependent on your dentist, your budget, the quality of the extraction performed, your overall health, your oral health, and the type of material to be used. Since preserving the ridge is critical to future restorative work and your cosmetic satisfaction, it is wise to consult with your dentist at length to determine the best procedure for you.

Call Gordon Dental For a Free Consult 913-649-5017

www.kcgordondental.com

Dental Implant Restorations: Gordon Dental Kansas City, Overland Park, Leawood Kansas

Implant Restoration

Dental Implants are generally considered to be the Gold Standard of tooth replacement. No other dental technology approaches the efficiency and accuracy of an implanted tooth and the benefits derived from it. The artificial root structure is second only to your natural teeth.

It is not unheard of Implants enduring for 35 years. Hard and soft tissue stimulation created by the implant device preserves critical bone mass and sustains life in surrounding tissues.

Nonetheless..... implant failures do occur. In healthier young bone tissue, dental implants have a higher predictability for success since compromised or deteriorated jawbone conditions probably don't exist, thereby eliminating the need for bone and tissue grafts. Periodontal disease also has a lower incidence with younger patients.

If you unfortunately suffered from a failed, broken, or an improperly placed implant, please schedule an appointment with us.

What are some reasons for implant failures?

• Early Implant Failures. Technique errors can cause implants to fail early. Overheating of the bone during site preparation can be a factor. Using too much force or not enough force (torque) at the time of insertion into the bone can be a factor also.
  
  Contamination issues involving the implant itself and/or the implant site within the bone material will cause failure by interfering with the osseointegration process (bone material fully integrates the implant device with no rejection issues). Improperly placed temporaries, if used, may result in excessive forces upon the implant device thereby preventing normal osseointegration. Lastly, poor quality of bone is a common cause.
• Late Implant Failures. Implants that become wobbly, loose or fall out after a significant period of optimal function typically result from excessive forces on the implant... which most commonly arises out of a shifting bite or changes in the vertical dimension (normal height of upper and lower jaws in the resting position).
  
  Simple wear and tear issues on adjacent teeth can be the culprit as well as teeth clenching.
  
  Lateral forces that tend to exert pressure in a way that pushes the tooth on a horizontal plane usually come from changes in adjacent and opposing tooth structures... again a function of the occlusal relationship.

What do I do to fix my implant?
In some situations, determining the cause effect relationship can be an academic pursuit. In other cases it is almost imperative to understand the constellation of factors that can result in a failed implant.

An accurate diagnosis should be obtained as soon as an implant is suspected of failure.

A restored implant may be loose, wobbly or create pain symptoms due to a failure in the restoration itself which can involve abutments, thread devices within certain types of implants, broken threads or perhaps a loosening of the abutment materail (e.g., zirconium).

Repairs and replacements of restorations can usually be completed quickly, returning the implant tooth to the normal occlusal relationship that was designed into the original treatment. Extended delays in completing the restorative repair does pose some functional risk for adjacent tooth structures, depending on treatment history.

Call Gordon Dental at 913-649-5017 for a free Consult

www.kcgordondental.com

Top 10 Tips to Find Best Dental Implant Center

Finding the best dental implant center is important. You want to feel confident that the dental work will be done correctly. You also want to feel comfortable. These 10 tips will help you to make up your mind.

1. Find out the options you have in your area. There may be only one or two dental implant centers available. You may find that if you travel an hour or so to a larger city, you will have more choices.

2. Evaluate the types of implant services that are offered. Most of these dental offices have websites that allow you to find out. If not, call them and ask some questions. They should be willing to help you with the information you ask about.

3. Do they offer a free consultation? This is an opportunity for you to go in at no charge. They will give you an exam and perhaps x-ray. Then they can tell you if you are a good candidate for dental implants. If so, they can offer you a treatment plan. You aren’t under any obligation to accept it.

4. They offer quality materials. You want to make sure the dental implants are going to look nice. You also want to make sure they are going to last. Ask about the types of materials they use. Some make the implants in-house and others will outsource to a dental lab.

5. Do they offer competitive pricing? Dental implants can vary significantly in price based on the provider. Make some comparisons to get an idea of the best price. You may need to look into payment options too. Ask about the options that are provided.

6. What method of treatment do they offer? Not all dental implants are done the same way. You may be interested in a provider that offers the best technology out there in this realm. You may be content with one that is using older methods that are proven to be effective.

7. What is the reputation and the experience of the dental professional? You need to be confident you are getting the care from someone that can do an outstanding job.

8. How long have they been in business? Longevity often says a great deal about what is being offered. A new business may be a great one, but one that is established must have happy customers.

9. Do they take the time to make you feel comfortable? That is important because you want to feel welcome at the dental office. You also need to be able to relax.

10. Do they offer measures to help you avoid pain and discomfort during the procedure? Many offer laughing gas or numbing medications. Others offer sleep therapy through an IV during a dental implant procedure.

Contact Gordon Dental of leawood for more information.

www.leawoodgordondental.com

Gum Disease: Gordon Dental Kansas City

Gum Disease

The most common disease in the United States is not what you may think. Heart disease, stroke or cancer come to mind, but actually gum disease is the single most prevalent disease in America. In fact, it affects more people than heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's, and cancer combined. About 80% of the population has some form of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, periodontitis (advanced) and gingivitis (mild).

What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the gums and bone that support teeth. It usually starts early in life and progresses as a person ages. It all starts when plaque hardens into tartar (also called calculus) below the gum line. This irritates vulnerable soft tissues and infection can set in. Combined with decaying food particles lodged between teeth and bacteria emitted by plaque, the infection can spread quickly. Symptoms are so mild in the early phase that many patients don't recognize them: red, tender, swollen gums, bleeding when brushing teeth, slight discomfort while chewing hard foods.

As the condition progresses, gums recede from teeth and pockets of bacteria form. The bacteria can destroy gum tissue and bone, causing tooth and bone loss.

Why is Gum Disease so Serious?
Recent research reveals that gum disease is linked to increased risk for major overall health problems, including but not limited to stroke, heart disease, respiratory problems, osteoporosis, diabetes complications, low birth weight and most recently, dementia. Because of these findings, research continues.

It makes perfect sense, though that gum disease is linked to overall health problems. Everything that enters or is present in the mouth has access to the whole body. The mouth is like a portal to the body. That's why regular checkups and hygiene visits are vital to not only oral health, but overall health as well.

Is Gum Disease Curable?
Unfortunately, gum disease is not curable. However, your dentist can detect early warning signs of gum disease at your regular dental checkups. At this stage, prevention might be as simple as changing your brushing technique, improving your flossing routine or changing the products you use for oral care at home.

Once gum disease sets in, your dentist can often treat it with non-surgical therapy including:

• Scaling or Root Planing – These deep-cleaning measures involve scraping and removing plaque and tartar from teeth above and below the gum line.
• Laser Treatment – to remove bacteria and promote gum reattachment
• Antibiotics - These and other medications are often used together with scaling and root planing to stop the spread of infection and inflammation in the mouth. They come in several different forms that range from medicated mouthwashes to antibiotic-containing gels or fibers that are placed in gum pockets to slowly kill bacteria and help gums to heal.
• Surgery – advanced cases may require the care of a periodontist.

Expect to attend more frequent hygiene visits so that a dentist or hygienist can monitor your condition and make sure that recovery is on track.

What is Laser Treatment for Gum Disease?
Combined with comprehensive periodontal therapy, a diode laser for soft tissue procedures can remove and reduce some periodontal infection. This type of treatment also promotes reattachment of gum tissue to teeth. Laser dentistry is precise and conservative in comparison to traditional therapies. Some patients do not even need anesthesia during laser therapy.

Call Gordon Dental at 913-649-5017 or visit us at:

www.kcgordondental.com