How Soon Should Your Pre-Teen See the Orthodontist?

If you're the parent of a young child, you've probably noticed lots of shiny, colorful mouths filled with braces at events you attend with your pre-teen children. And, if you wore braces yourself as a teenager, you might be wondering why, in fact, they are wearing braces that young. The reason is because today, advances in orthodontics and dentistry have taught us that in many cases it's best to apply orthodontic treatment in two phases; first, as a child's permanent teeth begin to erupt, and again later once the last primary tooth has been lost. The big question, then, is when to start, and what comes next?

So, when to start? Dentists and orthodontists are in general agreement with the American Association of Orthodontists that once children reach the age of seven, they should at least visit an orthodontist for an initial consultation to determine whether braces might be necessary.

Things Begin around Age Seven

This age range is important because research demonstrates identifying and correcting problems is more effective after the arrival of a child's first four permanent molars and first four central incisors – usually around age seven. So, once this milestone has been reached, the goal of the initial consultation is to determine whether or not your child could benefit from a two-phase approach to braces, or whether they'll need braces at all.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

A lot tends to happen in a first consultation, so you and your child should expect to spend at least a half hour in the office that day. The idea is to be as thorough as possible, so your orthodontist will be asking a lot of questions of both you and your child, discussing finances with you, and taking digital X-rays and photographic images of your child while in the office. X-rays provide a structural view your child's head, mouth and jaw, and photographs serve as good tools to guide the aesthetic side of orthodontics. After all, all those changes on the inside of one's mouth affect the outside of the face as well.

What are the benefits of early treatment if two-phase orthodontics is recommended?

1. One major advantage to two-phase orthodontic treatment is addressing jaw development concerns. Because children are growing a lot at this point in their lives, early treatment can be implemented to literally “guide” the development of a child's jaw, so it grows into proper alignment. Doing so early can prevent issues down the line that may even require surgery to correct.
2. Since overcrowding contributes to crooked teeth, proactively managing child's teeth can allow for necessary extractions in the teen years. It is very possible to avoid extractions later in life if a child's mouth is proactively managed when younger.
3. By addressing dental issues that may result in teasing among peers, two-phase treatment can eliminate social difficulties that might disrupt a child's self-esteem early in life. Since orthodontics is largely seen outside of the professional circuit as an aesthetic life-event, it makes sense to address particularly thorny concerns early rather than later.

Again, it's important to remember that two-phase orthodontic treatment isn't something every child requires. However, the American Association of Orthodontists does have your child's best interest in mind in suggesting a consultation at the age of seven. If you're not familiar with recommended orthodontists in your area, be sure to ask your family dentist for recommendations, so you and your child are set up and ready to go when the time comes.

Gordon Dental 913-649-5017

www.kcgordondental.com

Dental Implant Denture, All on 4 Dental Implants Kansas City Gordon Dent...

Tooth and Gum Recession Treatment Options. Gordon Dental Kansas City

Getting A Little Long In The Tooth?

Did you know the expression “long in the tooth” comes from the observation that the most wise among us tend to have longer teeth? Well, not actually “longer,” per se, but more visible. The reason is because as we get older, and thus “wiser,” our gums tend to recede along with our increasing age. What “long in the tooth,” really means, then, is that we haven’t taken care of our teeth throughout life – hardly wise. Regardless, there is a solution that can help protect your teeth moving forward so you don’t fall victim of the other tale about growing older – that of depositing your teeth in a glass jar each night.

The solution, which may have been suggested to you at some point, is what’s known as a gingival graft (or, more commonly, a gum graft). Traditionally, there were three basic types of gingival graft: a connective tissue graft, a free gingival graft, and pedicle grafts. A new, fourth procedure – which requires no incision or suturing – is named the Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST), and was invented and patented by Dr. John Chao, a dentist from California. Here’s a little more about each procedure:

1. Free Gingival Graft: In this procedure, tissue is removed from the roof of the patient’s mouth and sutured to the area surrounding the tooth where gingival recession exists. The area where the tissue was taken heals on its own (like any other wound), and the tissue transferred to the recession area joins with the gum tissue already in existence.
2. Connective Tissue Graft: This procedure is the most common among the four, and less painful than a free gingival graft, because only “sub-epithelial” tissue (that which lies beneath the outermost layer of tissue on the roof of the mouth) is taken for the graft. It is also a preferred choice when exposed roots are a cause for concern.
3. Pedical Graft: Pedical grafts are done by making an incision along the gumline of a tooth adjacent to the one needing the graft, and extending the tissue from the first tooth to the second. This procedure is less common because wear along the gumline of one tooth is typically seen along adjacent teeth as well.
4. Pinhole Surgical Technique: As stated above, this procedure calls for no cutting or suturing, and is done by using a small needle to create a hole above the area in need of correcting. Specialized instruments are then used to loosen and pull the gum tissue down or up over the receded area, and collagen strips are inserted into the pinhole to hold the tissue in place. The procedure is faster than each of the procedures outlined above, and requires far less recovery time.

For many, there is an understandable amount of concern regarding gum graft surgery. After all, surgery of any kind tends to cause some level of trepidation, and when it comes to our mouth – an area which we consider to be sensitive to pain, our concerns can double. If you think about it though, our eyes are also sensitive to pain (perhaps more so), and yet three million people each year undergo surgery to correct cataracts, and more than 700,000 people undergo elective LASIK surgery. So, fear not, a gingival graft is likely to cause some mild discomfort, but the result (a healthier mouth full of teeth and gums) can be well worth the sacrifice. 

Gordon Dental 913-649-5017
www.kcgordondental.com

Four Tips to Help Alleviate the Discomfort of TMJ: Gordon Dental Kansas City

Four Tips to Help Alleviate the Discomfort of TMJ

Do you suffer from frequent headaches? Feel a “popping” or “clicking” sensation in your jaw when you eat or talk? Deal with regular aches and pains in and around your jaw and lower ear? If so, you may have what is known as TMJD – or, temporal mandibular joint disorder.

What Is TMJD?

TMJD is a serious, and often progressive condition resulting from mechanical stress to the jaw and its surrounding muscles. It’s often caused by of an injury to the joint – usually, an injury you don’t even recall. For example, simply having your mouth extended too wide for too long a time (even at the dentist), or repeatedly chewing on ice cubes can contribute to TMJD-related pain.

In most patients we see, the disorder usually involves more than one symptom and rarely has a single cause. If you are experiencing symptoms you believe may be a result of TMJD, the TMJ Association recommends treating your symptoms gently, and suggests the following as potentially useful to curb pain.

1. Moist Heat: Use a warm compress (nothing too hot!), to reduce pain.
2. Ice: When using ice to decrease inflammation and numb pain, keep the pack wrapped in a clean cloth prior to placing on your face. Do not use uncovered ice on the skin, and don’t use ice therapy beyond a 10 - 15 minute window.
3. Soft Diet: A soft diet can help, as can avoiding foods like corn on the cob and apples that require you to extend your mouth too wide.
4. Over the-Counter Analgesics: Over-the-counter pain medicines or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen, may alleviate some discomfort.

Beyond the above recommendations, the best thing you can do is seek the advice of someone on your professional care team. Because TMJD is often progressive, ignoring the symptoms can cause your pain to escalate, and the imbalance it creates with your bite can cause excessive tooth wear and an uneven facial appearance. TMJD is something you shouldn’t self-diagnose, so if you find yourself experiencing regular bouts of pain and discomfort, schedule an appointment to see your doctor right away. 

Call Gordon Dental at 913-649-5017

www.kcgordondental.com

Avoid Chipping and Staining your Teeth: Gordon Dental Kansas City

Everyday Things We Do that Can Stain and Chip Our Teeth

If you’re visiting the dentist regularly and staying on top of your oral care routine, it’s pretty easy to keep your teeth strong, healthy, and white. Habit and misfortune, however, can derail even the best-laid plan, leaving you with either chipped or stained teeth instead of the set you’d like to parade around the neighborhood. And, while every tooth-related calamity isn’t preventable, many can be avoided by simply thinking smart, watching our surroundings, and avoiding habits that can literally take a “bite” out of our beautiful smiles. Let us share some wisdom!

Outstepping a Chipped Tooth

• Falls: If you’re the type of person who seems to have a sixth sense when it comes to your surroundings, always overstepping the obstacles in your path, your teeth owe you a lifetime of gratitude. However, if you’re prone to step on, and trip over anything that’s not four feet off the ground and in plain view, you may find yourself in the dental chair at some point, firming up your knowledge on modern bonding techniques. So, please watch your step! Oh, and cyclists too! There’s nothing worse than flying headfirst over your handle bars because you failed to notice the pothole in your path while riding. In fact, did you know cycling is a leading cause of tooth LOSS? Yikes!
• Face trauma: Occasionally, a hard elbow to the face just happens: a friend turns around to speak with you when you’re not looking, or that can of beans drops from the top shelf of your cabinet at just the right angle to take half a front tooth out. Not fun. For the rest of us though (barring major accidents), most face trauma comes as the result of our participation in sports.  For this reason, a sports mouth guard, is your best form of prevention. If you participate in sports, ask your dentist to get fitted today … they’re more affordable and more comfortable than you think!
• Food Mishaps: We’ve all been there: the un-popped kernel of popcorn; the small rock in the fresh bag of lentils, those startling occasions when we bite down on the fork at the oddest of angles. With food-related concerns, you mainly have to think smart to avoid trouble: feel around in the popcorn bag for what you’re putting into your mouth before you start chewing; rinse and examine that bag of beans, and be conscious of how you’re holding your fork – especially if you often bounce back and forth between chopsticks and western cutlery. Also, hard candies, ice, and other things that pack a crunch can take a chunk out of a tooth with ease, and can also lead to fractures if you find yourself repeatedly enjoying too much of a “good thing.” Don’t chew on these things …
• Piercings: Tongue and lip piercings may be trendy, but they can also take a toll on your teeth. Something to keep in mind.
• Bad Habits: If you enjoy using your mouth as if it were a crescent wrench, pair of pliers, or bottle opener, the luck on your desire to maintain a perfect smile might soon run out. Just say no to the silliness, be patient, and find the right tool. Remember, your teeth do not come with a Craftsman^® lifetime warranty.

Keeping Your Teeth White 

Save for intrinsic staining resulting from antibiotic use as a child, or other more serious causes, staining can often be avoided by reducing our consumption of the main offenders, using a straw when possible, and rinsing after eating foods that tend to stain our teeth. The best tip we can give is: if the food item in question can stain fabric, it’s likely to be able to stain your teeth as well.

Here are some of the biggest offenders (in no particular order):

• Black teas
• Deeply colored sauces (soy, tomato, curry)
• Wine
• Colored Sodas
• Coffee
• Some dark fruits and vegetables like beets and berries (typically transient in nature, however)
• Tobacco

So, there you go! Be careful out there, and protect those pearly whites!

Call 913-649-5017 for a Dental Visit at Gordon Dental

www.kcgordondental.com

Banish That Canker Sore! Gordon Dental Kansas City

Banish That Canker Sore!

There’s hardly anything more irritating than a canker sore. Sure, they’re tiny and only last a few days, but wow, when you’ve got one, just about every word spoken and every bite taken hurts like “all get-out.” You know that feeling, right? Now, imagine how they feel in your youngster’s mouth! So, what exactly are those little buggers, and how in the world can you ease the pain fast? We’ll fill you in, and share our “canker-sore-be-gone” grocery list that’ll help save the day.

What Exactly is a Canker Sore?

To know the medically proper name for a canker sore is to understand why it hurts so much. A canker sore is actually an ulcer. An “Aphthous Ulcer” to be exact. These mighty painful ulcers come in two forms, minor and major, and are surprisingly experienced by only about 20% of the U.S. population. Aren’t we lucky?!

Minor cankers (common in people between the ages of 10 and 20), are the smaller of the two, as the name would suggest, and last about 7-10 days. Major cankers can last from two to six weeks, have noticeable depth, and often have irregular borders. This type of sore is more common after the age of 20, and is essentially a recurrent canker, returning to a site previously impacted by a minor canker.

Who Gets Cankers?

While cankers affect both genders, girls tend to get them more often, likely because of hormonal fluctuations. Aside from that, the vast majority of people in general are believed to get cankers due to genetic tendencies – and the condition is triggered by spicy, salty or abrasive foods.
If your kids are among those unlucky people gifted with canker sore genetics, there is hope!

Arrest the pain and speed up the healing process with this short shopping list:

Rinses (use one of the below rinses four times a day)–

• Hydrogen Peroxide – Equal parts peroxide and water
• Salt and baking soda – Add a half teaspoon of both to 4oz. of water

Numbing Agents

• Brands like Orajel® and Kank-A® can provide relief

Protective Pastes

• Milk of Magnesia – dab on a cotton swab and use four times daily after the hydrogen peroxide rinse.
• Baking Soda and Water Paste

Antimicrobial Mouthwashes

If your children have a sore lasting beyond the two-week mark, make an appointment to see your doctor to evaluate their case. Prescription medications might be necessary to bring them much-needed relief.

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

www.kcgordondental.com

Gummy Smiles Can Be Easliy Corrected: Gordon Dental Kansas City

Stressed Out about a Gummy Smile? Did You Know it Can Be Corrected?

The amount of gum tissue we possess, just like how much hair we have on our heads, is merely a matter of personal anatomy - some of us just have more of it than others. If you are unhappy with your smile though, and consider yourself to have "too much" gum tissue, there are a few ways to relieve you of a gummy smile. Let's take a look at the three most common options:

Gingivectomy (Gum Lift, Gum Contouring)

The most common and speediest solution for revitalizing a gummy smile is a gingivectomy.  A gingivectomy is the medical term for the surgical removal of gum tissue from the crown of the tooth. It can be done with a scalpel, an electrosurgery unit, lasers or diamond dental burs. There's some art to this procedure, since your dentist effectively "carves" away the excessive tissue, reshaping the landscape of your smile so it conforms to your desired result. The procedure is done under local anesthetic and takes only a few minutes to an hour to complete depending on the number of teeth to be done. 

Lip Repositioning

This one might sound a bit scary, but other than post surgical swelling and some initial tightness, it can be a good solution if your gumminess comes from how high your lip raises when smiling, instead of excessive gingiva.

In this procedure, a small horizontal section of tissue inside your upper lip is removed, then stitched back together in what is effectively a "lower" position. If you can imagine having a cut in your skin where some of the skin tissue in the middle of the cut is lost, and the remaining "ends" of the skin are stitched back together, that is essentially what happens in a lip positioning. Your lip isn't actually lowered, it’s just that some of the movement of your top lip is restricted so it doesn't raise too high and show too much gum. Surgery only lasts about 45 minutes, and the results are immediate.

Crown Lengthening

With the word “lengthening” in the name of this procedure, you may think it requires some sort of painful stretching of the tooth's crown to make it longer. Thankfully, that's not what happens. Instead, in this surgery a dentist would make an incision in the gum tissue, creating a “flap” that can be folded downward, exposing the bone that encases your teeth. A portion of that bone would then be shaved down few millimeters and the gum flap sutured back into place. At this point, however, because the bone height is lower than it was previously, the gum tissue would rest at a lower height, leaving more of the crown visible when smiling. This would make it appear as though the crown were “longer” and thus the name – “crown lengthening” is given to this procedure. While crown lengthening is a means to correct a gummy smile, many dentists recommend orthodontic treatment, instead (which, over time actually does pull the crown down a few millimeters), because it doesn't require surgery, or the permanent removal of bone tissue.

Modern dental surgery can really do wonders for our smiles in a multitude of ways. If you're concerned about how much gum you are flashing each time you smile, or have stopped smiling all together, have a chat with your dentist. You might be surprised at just how quickly we can get you back to smiling widely again!

Gordon Dental 913-649-5017

www.kcgordondental.com