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For Your Information
News and articles on Dental health issues.
Thankful for Dental Visits that Cut Your Risk of Heart Attacks!
Visiting a dental hygienist isn’t just good for your teeth – it could also protect your heart, researchers claim. They found that those who have their teeth professionally cleaned and polished at least once a year cut their risk of a heart attack by nearly a quarter. And they are 13 per cent less likely to have a stroke compared to those who have never had the treatment.
Scientists have known for several years that the condition of teeth and gums is strongly linked to the likelihood of heart problems.
Not brushing properly causes plaque to build up, which leads to gum disease. Bacteria then enter the blood stream via the gums, and it is thought that this causes artery walls to become inflamed, which can trigger heart attacks or strokes. The bacteria may also contribute to the build-up of fatty deposits in the bloodstream, which can also lead to heart problems.
Researchers from Taiwan looked at the records of more than 100,000 adults over seven years and noted how often they went to a dental hygienist. Lead researcher Emily Chen from the Veterans General Hospital in Taipei, who presented the findings at the American Heart Association’s scientific sessions conference in Florida, said: ‘Protection from heart disease and stroke was more pronounced in participants who got tooth scaling at least once a year.’ Anders Holmlund from Centre for Research and Development of the County Council of Gävleborg, Sweden also found that people with large numbers of infection around the gums were 50 per cent more likely to have a heart attack.
Natasha Stewart, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: ‘It’s already known that poor oral hygiene may be associated with more well known risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking and poor diet. ‘So it’s important to make sure that good personal hygiene forms a basic part of a healthy lifestyle.
Mother’s Gum Disease Linked To Infant’s Death
Gum Disease, the silent killer…This sad story, posted today on MSNBC, is a wake-up call for all of us. Gum Disease, and its associated bacteria, are deadly in more ways than we can imagine. This article discusses the new study that shows that the bacteria found in untreated gum disease has spread to inside the unborn baby.
Bleeding gums are a strong warning sign that something is wrong. Only your dentist is able to diagnosed and treat gum disease.
All you own in this world is your body. Take care of it and it will take care of you. Ignore it and bad things will happen.
More..
Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive Teeth? Check Your Toothpaste
 Ouch –your teeth hurt when you are drinking cold beverages, eating ice cream or even breathing cold air – what the heck could be going on? Well, your teeth are showing their sensitive side and we are sure you would like to tell them to be a little more on the tough side. One of the most frequent complaints we have from new patients is tooth sensitivity and in many cases it is due to the new tartar control and/or whitening toothpastes. The great news is – when you stop using the toothpaste – the sensitivity goes away too! Just try changing your toothpaste to one of the sensitivity toothpastes such as Sensodyne or Crest Sensitivity Toothpaste and see if that works.
If not, there could be other reasons – one being a buildup of plaque or tartar on your teeth. This is a build-up of acid forming bacteria building up in the crevices around your teeth. If it has been more than 6 months since your last dental cleaning give us a call. Many times a complete dental cleaning and a fluoride rinse may be all you need to eliminate the sensitivity to those foods you enjoy.
If you are experiencing sensitivity, often times there are some simple solutions, so give us a call and let us help you stop avoiding and start enjoying your favorite foods once again.
Call Rebecca at 404-255-6782 to schedule an appointment. If you have a question, you can e-mail Dr. Sayeg at Mark@StartSmiling.com.
Stay Up to Date on Dental Health Issues With These Articles
- No more frozen dentist face
Do you dread the afternoon after your dental appointment because you know your frozen face won’t let you speak clearly, eat, or even get your lip gloss on straight? Do you lose the day because you have Novocain face? Recently, I heard of a new solution to the problem.
Dr. Mark Sayeg in Atlanta is one of the dentists now offering Ora Verse to patients who don’t want that lingering numbness after local anesthetics to render their day useless. OraVerse is given before your procedure is over, so your smile is back when you walk out the door. After administrating OraVerse, a patient can return to normal sensations twice as fast. In clinical trials, patients have reported a return as quickly as 30 minutes after receiving OraVerse. The shot is free at Dr. Sayeg’s office, but costs an extra $15 to $30 dollars elsewhere. Worth it if you suffer this issue.
Be sure to ask your own dentist about OraVerse when you book your next appointment, if you have busy day.
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- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Cosmetic Contouring
Reshape Your Smile!
(In Just a Few Minutes)
Perhaps some teeth are a little too long; uneven, chipped or just not quite the most flattering shape for your face-Cosmetic Contouring may be just what the doctor recommends! In the hands of an experienced cosmetic dentist, a little reshaping and twenty minutes later- you will be amazed at what can be done for your smile.
Chipped or fractured areas are smoothed out and sharp angles or edges are rounded or squared to improve the way your smile looks.
Beautiful Results!
Contouring can create better alignment and also create a more feminine or masculine appearance. It is sometimes done to prevent chipped areas from getting worse. Contouring is generally done with no discomfort to the patient and with no anesthetic. Often it is done in conjunction with whitening as a very conservative and inexpensive approach to a beautiful smile. The average cost for contouring usually runs between 70 to 300 dollars.
Cosmetic contouring is one of the oldest of all the esthetic procedures, dating back to the Mayans. In our society, cosmetic contouring is increasingly popular and is also one of the most economical esthetic procedures. In a two year study performed on 60 beauty contestants, cosmetic contouring was strongly indicated in 40 percent of cases and almost all the rest of the contestants could have been helped through contouring as a compromise to more extensive treatment.
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- Four Ways to Enhance Your Smile
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Studies show that your smile is the first thing that most people notice and remember about you. A bright, beautiful smile conveys success, sensuality, power and happiness. And your smile can make the difference in getting the perfect job, promotion or "special someone." While nature may not have given you a perfect smile, it's now possible to nurture it with cosmetic dentistry.
You will be amazed at how easy it is to change your smile using the following four steps. In fact, with today's cosmetic dentistry and a little practice you too can have a perfect, movie star smile!
Four Quick Steps for You – One Giant Step for Your Smile!
SMILE PRESENTATION Models, movie stars and a certain ex-president use this trick to full advantage.
SMILE WHITENING Unbelievably whiter teeth in about an hour with Zoom.
SMILE CONTOURING Achieving harmony and proportion, in most cases instantly and inexpensively, with a skilled cosmetic dentist.
SMILE MAKEOVER Reshaping of your teeth and smile by an artistically trained cosmetic dentist, usually in only one or two appointments.
Smile Presentation:
How your Smile Presents to Other People
Take a quick look in the mirror and notice how you smile. Most people seem to smile with lips slightly opened and teeth together or slightly apart. While it is important to smile in any fashion, there is a way to smile that seems to present a positive, self-confident message to those who see you.
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Models and movie stars learn and use this technique and Bill Clinton (politics aside!), is an absolute master of this type of smile presentation. The technique is an open mouth posture, showing upper front teeth and only a slight smile. It gives Bill Clinton a younger, friendlier image and this has greatly helped in his quest to make others like him.
There are many types of smiles: beautiful, sexy, poutie, mysterious, etc. Clinton has copied the “sexy smile” you routinely see in virtually every fashion magazine. The smiles of models trying to look sexy always have their mouth slightly opened with their teeth showing. The more their mouths are opened, the sexier the mages.
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Clinton has done this for years and it is undeniable that his smile has greatly enhanced his popularity. Many studies prove this!
It is easy for you to learn and just takes a little practice. First – open your mouth slightly and practice keeping your teeth apart, just about the width of your tongue. It may seem awkward and a little uncomfortable but keep trying.
Now, just raise the corners of your upper lip to display a little more of you upper front teeth. This is not a full smile; it is only a very subtle “slight smile.” Congratulations, that’s it! That is what Bill Clinton, models and movie stars have done masterfully for years to help give them a positive image.
Professionally speaking, I guarantee that if you show your teeth you will look happier, younger and project a more positive image. Smile Presentation will take practice, but the more you do it – well, who knows what will happen. You could become a model, movie star or president and you definitely will be smiling like one!
Smile Whitening
It is a fact - dark or discolored teeth are unattractive and make you look older. Coffee, tea, colas, smoking and many foods take their toll on the white teeth of our youth and this is why dark, yellowed teeth are associated with aging.
Unlike many products claim to whiten teeth, there are two methods that consistently achieve immediate and lasting professional results.
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The first method is Brite*Smile or Zoom. These patented teeth whitening systems uses a special light and solution that takes just about an hour in our office. With the included follow up booster kit, your teeth will remain many shades whiter and younger looking, for many years to come. Professional whitening can also be done at home in about two weeks. We take impressions of your teeth and make custom fitted trays of your upper and lower arches. Depending on your type of staining, we will determine what type of solution works best for you. Then for about two weeks at home - for about an hour a day - you wear the trays with the solution in them. A booster of one hour, once a month will ensure they stay white and younger looking.
Cosmetic Contouring:
Harmony and Balance with Just a Few Touches of Dental Magic
For many patients, contouring is all that is necessary to make their smile all it can be. Uneven, chipped and broken teeth can be magically corrected by the sure touch of a skilled cosmetic dentist. Front teeth longer than the rest of your teeth, uneven teeth and teeth that have too square or too rounded of an edge can be contoured to achieve a more harmonious balance with the face.
Contouring is quick, painless and anesthetic is not necessary. It is an inexpensive way to correct problems that many people thought they just "had to live with." A smile consultation is all it takes for us to tell you what we can do for your smile through the magic of cosmetic contouring.
Smile Makeover:
Reshaping Your Teeth, Enhancing Lips and Smile
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| Bonding |
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Genetics, injuries, medications and aging can all take a toll on your smile. Some people are born with their dad's teeth in their mom's face with a disproportionate – too long, too short or uneven - result. Others may have had Tetracycline staining or injuries that leave teeth deformed and unsightly. Aging also shortens teeth through a wearing down process that can make you look much older. Whatever the reason, today's cosmetic dentistry can fix virtually any problem and is frequently referred to as "ten day orthodontia" for its ability to straighten and beautify smiles. To the right are just a few examples of what a Smile Makeover can do for your smile.
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All Ceramic Crowns
Procery All-Ceramic Crowns on Front Teeth
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Depending on the chosen technique, this can usually be done in either one or two visits to the dentist.
Another added bonus of a Smile Makeover is a Smile Lift. As a result of the natural aging process, the upper lip thins somewhat, loses support, and then lies farther down on the teeth, hiding the shortened teeth even more. Veneers and porcelain crowns can be strategically built and placed to effect facial muscles and tone, creating a more youthful and vibrant appearance.
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Porcelain Veneers
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Would you like to see how you would look with longer, shapelier and younger looking teeth? During a smile consultation, we can temporarily construct materials that when placed over your teeth will show you what your smile can look like. All it takes if for you to decide that you are ready to have a perfect smile and we are ready to give you the perfect Smile Makeover.
When people ask me what I do, I like to tell them I am in the business of helping people make a great first impression. When they learn I am dentist, instead of the usual negative response, they are genuinely interested in learning more about how I do this. I truly believe that cosmetic dentistry has the power to change people’s lives by giving them a beautiful smile they will want to share. When you feel good about your smile – you smile more. And I believe that creates magic in your business, family and personal relationships.
Call today to see how we can make the magic of a more youthful, beautiful smile happen in your life.
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- Four Pillars of Timeless Beauty
What is beauty? Poets, writers and artists have tried to describe it, anthropologists and philosophers have tried to understand it and now scientists are finally discovering just what determines our perception of beauty. Their research is also revealing something else – beauty equals power. While we know intellectually and personally that beauty is only skin deep, recent studies reveal that success, fame and wealth are based, in part, on four pillars of timeless beauty. These beauty tenets are true throughout all of nature, according to beauty researcher Dr. Nancy Etcoff in her book, Survival of the Prettiest.
The Four Pillars of Timeless Beauty are:
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- Clarity- unblemished skin
- Symmetry- perfect balance of facial features
- Harmony- all facial features are in exact proportion to each other
- Vivid Color- a vibrant healthy glow
The Four Pillars of Beauty and Your Smile
There is a reason you frequently see the adjective “winning” describing someone’s smile. In most cases, it is because these four elements have come together and beauty is perceived.
Clarity
Clear, unblemished teeth that are similar in shade and color and with even and smooth edges
Tooth blemishes such as uneven color or shades, chipped or broken teeth and old, black mercury fillings can be replaced with tooth colored ceramic restorations. Chipped and broken teeth can be repaired with cosmetic contouring and/or bonding and veneers.
Symmetry
Right and left sides of teeth are symmetrical
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In nature almost everything is made symmetrical; your right side is a mirror image of your left. Reality is often not so kind, and missing or broken teeth often distort this symmetry. With today’s cosmetic dentistry and the use of crowns and bridgework symmetry can often be restored to the smile Harmony. Tooth size corresponds to the shape of your face and height/width ratio matches.
There is an ideal proportion of the size of each tooth to each other in relationship to the face.
When these proportions are met, your smile fits your face and achieves harmonious beauty. Bonding and veneers can often restore these proportions in those cases where the teeth and face do not match due to genetics, medications or injuries.
Vivid Color
Teeth are a bright color that shines and are reflective – giving a healthy glow.
Look at most children’s smiles and you will see this. Years of colas, coffee, tea, smoking and just the natural aging process can take its toll causing a darker, dull and frequently yellow smile. Zoom or Bright Smile in office whitening can restore your smile back to vivid color in about an hour.
Smiling uses many different facial muscles that add a vivid, healthy glow to the entire face, and the better you feel about your smile – the more you smile. So, if nature has not provided you with a winning smile, it is easy to let the cosmetic dentist nurture it for you! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and in our culture today, perfect teeth and smiles incorporating the four pillars of beauty are valued and equal power. Fortunately, with today’s cosmetic dentistry, you too can achieve a perfect, beautiful smile.
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- Porcelain Crowns
What are all porcelain crowns?
All porcelain crowns are shells of ceramic, which are either bonded or cemented to your natural teeth. Currently the brands we use in our office are Empress and Procera. They are an ideal choice for improving the appearance of your teeth and give you a bright and natural smile since they have no metal under the porcelain. They have become increasingly popular over the past 10 years, and thousands have been placed to strengthen broken down teeth, mask discoloration, brighten teeth, and to improve a smile.
How are they different from other crowns?
Traditional crowns have a shell of ceramic that is fused to a high noble metal (usually gold). The result is generally a “flat” look with a gray tone underneath the porcelain. Often after the traditional crowns are placed, the metal edge around the gum line becomes visible, resulting in a dark appearance of the tooth and gums. The all porcelain crowns have no metal so that you get a more translucent, natural look and no metal edges. They can also match the color of your natural teeth more effectively than traditional crowns. The life expectancy for both types of crowns is generally five to twenty years depending on the health of the tooth, and the patient’s home care. Patients with periodontal disease or whose teeth are severely broken down are not ideal candidates for all porcelain crowns and may need crowns with additional metal support. Some teeth that have had root canal treatment may also need traditional crowns.
Smile Planning:
It’s critical that you take an active role in the smile design and spend time in the decision making and planning of your smile. While all porcelain crowns are a wonderful way to enhance your smile, it is important to have realistic expectations. If several teeth are involved, we may want to have a consultation in order for you to feel comfortable with the final appearance. The consultation includes an evaluation of the present conditions, a visual examination and sometimes x-rays and models. We then take before photographs and use wax on the models to give you an idea of what the final restorations will look like.
Preparation of teeth:
This appointment will take from one to three hours depending on how many teeth are involved. Dr. Sayeg will remove any old restorations and shape the remaining teeth to fit under the crowns.
Several impressions will be taken of the teeth, which will be sent to a professional dental laboratory with a prescription and a detailed plan for how the permanent crowns are to look. The laboratory will then fabricate the crowns within a three-week period. Dr. Sayeg will make temporary crowns to protect the teeth during the interim, but since the teeth have been reduced, they will look a little different until your permanent crowns are delivered. Until your next appointment, you will need to avoid extreme temperatures and any hard or chewy foods.
Delivering the crowns:
This appointment will take about one to two hours depending on how many teeth are involved. First, we remove the temporaries and place the crowns in with a try-in paste to get a sense of the shade or color. We view the esthetic results, and pay particular attention to the color, shape, and length. Using a full-face mirror, we will have you look at your teeth from different positions, under different lighting, while sitting and standing. If you are not pleased with the result it may be necessary for the lab to make adjustments on the crowns or change the color. This can usually be done in a few days. If you are pleased with the results we will then seat the crowns with permanent cement or bonding agent and polish the crowns.
What can I expect after the crowns are delivered?
For a week or two you may go through a period of adjustment as you get used to your new teeth that are now a different size and shape. It is also not uncommon to have some slight sensitivity to hot and cold for a short period of time after the crowns are delivered. If several crowns have been placed, Dr. Sayeg may want to see you three to seven days after the delivery of your crowns to check on the appearance, function, and the health of the surrounding gums. It will then be important to continue your routine home care of brushing and flossing daily, as plaque and food can cause decay around the gum line and under your crowns. You will also need to continue with your routine preventative visits two to three times a year.
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- Porcelain Veneers
Ok, let’s face it, What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic, which are bonded to the front of teeth. This virtually painless procedure requires little or no anesthetic, and can be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of your front teeth. Veneers have become increasingly popular over the past 15 years, and hundreds of thousands have been placed to mask discolorations, brighten teeth, and to give smiles shapelier appearances. They are highly resistant to permanent staining from coffee, tea, or even cigarette smoking, and can achieve a tenacious bond to the tooth, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing naturalness that is unsurpassed by other restorative options.
Why would you want a porcelain veneer?
Porcelain veneers are an excellent alternative to crowns in many situations. They can provide a conservative approach to changing a tooth’s color, size shape, or close small spaces, while still maintaining the natural structure of the tooth. They are also a longer lasting restoration than bonding and give the teeth a more natural, translucent appearance. If you have slightly crowded or slightly tilted front teeth, they can be corrected with porcelain veneers if the back teeth bite correctly. However, they are not a substitute for braces, and patients with very crooked or crowded teeth should consider braces first.
Am I a candidate for porcelain veneers?
Patients with healthy gums and enough healthy tooth structure are excellent candidates for porcelain veneers. They would not be an option for patients with periodontal disease or whose teeth are severely broken down. If you clench or grind your teeth, porcelain veneers can fracture on their edges and you would need to wear an appliance at night to guard them while you sleep.
Smile Planning:
It is critical that you take an active role in the smile design and spend time in the decision-making and planning of your smile. Dr. Sayeg will first go over pictures of other smiles to get an idea of what you want your new smile to look like. We will then do a visual examination and take impressions, pictures and possibly x-rays of your teeth. We will use the impressions to make models of your teeth, and then use wax to show you how the veneers will look when finished.
Preparing the veneers:
After you have planned your smile, you will have a one to three hour appointment at which we prepare the teeth. Dr. Sayeg will remove a thin layer of the outer tooth, and take impressions for the lab to use to make the permanent veneers. Accompanied with a prescription and a detailed plan, the impressions are sent to the laboratory for the fabrication of the veneers, which takes about one to two weeks. During this time, Dr. Sayeg will make temporary veneers to be worn to prevent sensitivity and protect the tooth. In some cases where very little tooth was removed, it may not be necessary to place temporaries. Until your delivery appointment, you may have some sensitivity to extreme temperatures and will need to avoid hard or chewy foods.
Delivering the veneers:
After the lab has completed your veneers, you will return for about a two-hour appointment. First we will put the veneers in with try in paste to get a sense of the shade and shape. We will have you look at your veneers with a full -face mirror to evaluate their look and feel. At this point, the color of the veneers can still be adjusted with the shade of the bonding material to be used. Once the final decision on the shade is made, the tooth is cleaned and then bonded to the tooth. We will then contour the veneers to match the surrounding teeth and have the proper bite.
How long will they last?
Veneers are very long lasting and have a 93 percent success rate over 10 years. Many patients have veneers that are over 20 years old. With proper care, veneers will last for many years and have as good or greater life expectancy as crowns. Porcelain veneers achieve virtually invisible edges next to the gums, and remain almost undetectable, even if the gum line changes.
How about maintenance?
For about a week or two, you will go through a period of adjustment as you get used to your new teeth that are a new shape and size. We will have you return about a week after the delivery to check the appearance, function and gingival health. You will then need to follow normal hygiene procedures by bushing and flossing daily and returning for biannual dental visits.
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- Tooth Whitening
- Whitening
Ok, let’s face it, we’re not kids anymore. When we look in the mirror out teeth aren’t pearly while like they used to be. We know they’re getting more dingy looking, but we learn to live with it.
Then one day, one of our children (or grandchildren) says, "Why are your teeth so dark?" After all, kids will be honest when others won’t. Does this mean other people notice this too? Are they thinking the same thing, only they’re too polite to say anything?
"Enough already!" Why are my teeth getting darker and what can I do about it?"
Generally our teeth get darker over the years for two distinctly different reasons. The first is something you at least have some control over, environmental staining, and the second is just a reflection of wear and the aging process on the teeth.
Environmental Discoloration
Almost everything that goes into your mouth touches your teeth. Most substances don’t do much, but some really stain natural teeth. Worst offenders are coffee, tea, colas, cigarettes, cigars, red wine, curry, soy sauce, berries, cherries, and chewing tobacco. Little by little, day in and day out, these stains have a commutative effect of darkening your teeth.
Wait a minute! You get your teeth cleaned regularly. Hasn’t your dental hygienist been doing her job?
Your dental hygienist has been removing the surface stains along with the plaque and tartar. A great deal of the stains permeates deeper into the teeth, and she has no way of polishing that out.
The good news is that these things that stain your teeth are mostly under your control. All you have to do is avoid them all – have incredible self control and give up all the joys of life as you know them or move into a monastery.
What! Am I out of my mind? Keep reading I’ll tell you how you can get and keep your teeth whiter without doing either.
Age Related Discoloration
The second reason your teeth discolor is age related, and guess, what? You probably don’t have much control over that (unless of course, you know the whereabouts of the Fountain of Youth).
With everyday wear and tear on your teeth that occurs from eating and brushing the enamel (the thin, whitish, transparent part on the outside of the tooth) becomes thinner. It is the enamel that gives your teeth the white color you so dearly love. However, when there is less of it your teeth will look less white.
Then, when the enamel gets thinner the underlying part of the tooth, called the dentin, shows through easier. In youth the dentin is a light yellow color. Unfortunately, as one ages the dentin changes, becomes denser and hence turns more yellowish-brown in color.
So in essence, here’s what happens:
Young teeth – thick enamel (white) covering light yellow dentin, very little staining has occurred. Result: Teeth appear white.
Adult teeth – enamel a little thinner (less white covering), dentin color becomes a little darker and starts showing through, some internal and external staining has occurred. Result: teeth appear a little darker and/or more yellow.
Older adult – enamel much thinner, underlying dentin much darker (sometimes orangish-brown), commutative effect of much more internal staining. Result: dingy, dark yellowish-brown teeth.
Now you’re completely disillusioned! Your teeth will continue to get darker and uglier over time. Can anything be done to stop it, or better yet, reverse the discoloration?
Good News! The Solution is Teeth Whitening
For the majority of adults, tooth whitening is your answer. It’s quick, affordable, and dramatically whitens almost anyone’s natural teeth. Over the years it has been used safely and successfully by millions of people in the convenience of their own home.
How does it get your teeth whiter?
The appropriate product and method – whether you want to do it all night or during the day will be discussed. In most cases, 10–14 days are all it takes. The first step is to determine if whitening can work for you. A shade is taken of your teeth. An exam is done to determine if you have any dental problems such as cavities, broken fillings or periodontal disease. Then an impression is taken of your teeth from which an accurate model is made. This is very important and one of the things that makes it safer, more comfortable and achieves better results than an over-the–counter bleaching products. From the model a thin, soft tray is made that will fit over your teeth.
When you receive the whitening system your teeth are polished and the dentist shows you how to put the bleaching gel into the tray and how to place it in your mouth.
What is this bleaching gel and how does it work?
Essentially, it is a gel containing a mild carbamide peroxide solution that releases hydrogen peroxide. It diffuses into the teeth, lightening the actual tooth color and oxidizing the stains and pigments that have gone into the deeper part of your teeth.
What is so exciting about home bleaching is that you should see immediate whitening after the first use. After the 7-14 days your teeth should be whiter and brighter. Most people see their teeth get one to three shades lighter!
Think about it! In only 7-14 days your teeth look 5-15 years younger. That’s all there is to it and it’s as easy as one, two, three.
However, since you will most likely not be moving into that monastery or avoiding all of the pleasures of life that stain your teeth you may find that they will darken a little again in 12 to 24 months. So the best advice, every 12 months, after your regular dental cleaning, “touch up” your teeth with one or two applications of bleaching gel. That will keep them white and looking their best.
A Bright Smile is Like Icing on the Cake!
You have to admit it, when you see someone with a nice, bright smile, it is captivating. On the other hand, when you see someone with a discolored, dingy smile it does the opposite. Your smile is like a powerful magnet, it can attract others or repel them away. Bleaching is one of the quickest ways to brighten your smile and take years off the appearance of your face. If you spend any time or money trying to look your best you should consider bleaching. It can be the icing on the cake!
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- Dental Implants
- Anxiety-Free (Sedation) Dentistry
- Children
- Dental Crown
- Porcelain Crowns
All porcelain crowns are shells of ceramic, which are either bonded or cemented to your natural teeth. Currently the brands we use in our office are Empress and Procera. They are an ideal choice for improving the appearance of your teeth and give you a bright and natural smile since they have no metal under the porcelain. They have become increasingly popular over the past 10 years, and thousands have been placed to strengthen broken down teeth, mask discoloration, brighten teeth, and to improve a smile.
How are they different from other crowns?
Traditional crowns have a shell of ceramic that is fused to a high noble metal (usually gold). The result is generally a “flat” look with a gray tone underneath the porcelain. Often after the traditional crowns are placed, the metal edge around the gum line becomes visible, resulting in a dark appearance of the tooth and gums. The all porcelain crowns have no metal so that you get a more translucent, natural look and no metal edges. They can also match the color of your natural teeth more effectively than traditional crowns. The life expectancy for both types of crowns is generally five to twenty years depending on the health of the tooth, and the patient’s home care. Patients with periodontal disease or whose teeth are severely broken down are not ideal candidates for all porcelain crowns and may need crowns with additional metal support. Some teeth that have had root canal treatment may also need traditional crowns.
Smile Planning:
It’s critical that you take an active role in the smile design and spend time in the decision making and planning of your smile. While all porcelain crowns are a wonderful way to enhance your smile, it is important to have realistic expectations. If several teeth are involved, we may want to have a consultation in order for you to feel comfortable with the final appearance. The consultation includes an evaluation of the present conditions, a visual examination and sometimes x-rays and models. We then take before photographs and use wax on the models to give you an idea of what the final restorations will look like.
Preparation of teeth:
This appointment will take from one to three hours depending on how many teeth are involved. Dr. Sayeg will remove any old restorations and shape the remaining teeth to fit under the crowns.
Several impressions will be taken of the teeth, which will be sent to a professional dental laboratory with a prescription and a detailed plan for how the permanent crowns are to look. The laboratory will then fabricate the crowns within a three-week period. Dr. Sayeg will make temporary crowns to protect the teeth during the interim, but since the teeth have been reduced, they will look a little different until your permanent crowns are delivered. Until your next appointment, you will need to avoid extreme temperatures and any hard or chewy foods.
Delivering the crowns:
This appointment will take about one to two hours depending on how many teeth are involved. First, we remove the temporaries and place the crowns in with a try-in paste to get a sense of the shade or color. We view the esthetic results, and pay particular attention to the color, shape, and length. Using a full-face mirror, we will have you look at your teeth from different positions, under different lighting, while sitting and standing. If you are not pleased with the result it may be necessary for the lab to make adjustments on the crowns or change the color. This can usually be done in a few days. If you are pleased with the results we will then seat the crowns with permanent cement or bonding agent and polish the crowns.
What can I expect after the crowns are delivered?
For a week or two you may go through a period of adjustment as you get used to your new teeth that are now a different size and shape. It is also not uncommon to have some slight sensitivity to hot and cold for a short period of time after the crowns are delivered. If several crowns have been placed, Dr. Sayeg may want to see you three to seven days after the delivery of your crowns to check on the appearance, function, and the health of the surrounding gums. It will then be important to continue your routine home care of brushing and flossing daily, as plaque and food can cause decay around the gum line and under your crowns. You will also need to continue with your routine preventative visits two to three times a year.
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- Dental Emergencies
- Saving a Knocked Out Tooth
Approximately one to three million permanent teeth is accidentally knocked out each year. Both adults and children are at risk.
With proper emergency action, a tooth that has been entirely knocked out of its socket often can be successfully replanted and last for years. Because of this, it is important to be prepared and know what to do if this happens to you or someone with you. The key is to act quickly, yet calmly, and follow these simple steps.
1.Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface) not the root.
The tooth should be handled carefully - touch only the crown - to minimize injury to the root.
2.Clean tooth with water.
If dirty, gently rinse the tooth with water, remembering not to handle the root surface.
*Do not use soap or chemicals.
*Do not scrub the tooth.
*Do not dry the tooth.
*Do not wrap it in a tissue or cloth.
3.Reposition tooth in socket immediately, if possible.
The sooner the tooth is replaced, the greater the likelihood it will survive. To reinsert, carefully push the tooth into the socket with fingers, or position above the socket and close mouth slowly. Hold the tooth in place with fingers or by gently biting down on it.
4.Keep tooth moist at all times.
The tooth must not be left outside the mouth to dry. If it cannot be replaced on the socket, put it in one of the following:
*Emergency tooth preservation kit
*Milk
*Mouth (next to cheek)
*If none of these is practical, use water (with pinch of salt if possible).
5.See a dentist as soon as possible.
Bring the tooth to your dentist as soon as possible - ideally within 30 minutes. However, it is possible to save the tooth even if it has been outside the mouth for an hour or more.
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- Family Dentistry
- Sleeping Problems?
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Bruxism- A Sleeping Problem Dr. Sayeg Can Help You With
Do you have one or more of the following symptoms?
? Flattened areas on your teeth
? Tight or sore jaw when you wake up in the morning.
? You make a loud grinding sound with your teeth while you sleep.
? You feel tired from not getting a good nights sleep.
If so, you may have nocturnal bruxism - grinding of the teeth while sleeping. For many people, bruxism can be a serious problem. It can cause cracked and chipped enamel, hairline fractures, broken cusps and even wearing down the teeth to the gum line. The enamel may become so worn that the inside of the tooth (called the dentin) is exposed. If bruxism isn’t treated, it can lead to gum damage, loss of tooth and fillings, root canals, loose teeth.
It can also cause jaw joint problems also called temporomandibular joint disease (TMJ.) TMJ occurs when the muscles, joints and ligaments of the jaw move out of alignment. In addition to jaw pain, other symptoms may include headache, earache and pain in the face, neck and shoulder.
Research shows that about 50% of adults grind their teeth and approximately 20% grind their teeth excessively causing dental trauma. When asked, many patients will not admit or are unaware of grinding, yet the evidence of damaged teeth is apparent in their mouth.
Bruxism is often caused by emotional factors such as daily stress, anxiety, anger or pain. The use of tobacco, alcohol or caffeine tends to aggravate the problem.
Another cause of bruxism is the use of some medications, in particular anti-depressants. Three of the most common are Zoloft, Paxil and Prozac. If you take any of these drugs and have noticed an increase in nighttime tooth grinding, speak to your physician. Sometimes the addition of the drug Bus par helps to eliminate the problem.*
To cut down on bruxism, the first step is to eliminate or decrease the stress in your life. Cut out smoking and reduce your consumption of coffee and alcohol. And most importantly, make an appointment with your dentist. You will be evaluated and your bite will be thoroughly checked. In most cases, your problem can be helped by fitting you with an appliance to relax your jaw and to prevent further damage. The dentist will then correct your bite by reshaping your teeth to eliminate high spots or unusual tooth alignment.
Remember, you don’t have to lose your teeth to grinding and clenching. Regular check-ups may prevent costly treatment in the future. You only have one smile - don’t lose it to bruxism!
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- Smokeless Tobacco
Spit tobacco affects your dental health as well as the rest of your body. If you use Spit Tobacco and have thought about quitting, your dentist can help. In the meantime, here are a few facts that may help you decide to join the 200 million Americans who are tobacco-free.
These tobacco products include snuff, a finely ground version of processed tobacco, and chewing tobacco in the form of shredded or pressed bricks and cakes, called plugs, or ropelike strands called twists. Users “pinch” or “dip” tobacco and place a wad in their cheek or between their lower lip and gums.
Isn’t it Safer than Smoking?
Absolutely not. Spit tobacco is more addictive than cigarettes. One can of snuff deliver as much nicotine as 60 cigarettes. About 8,000 people die every year from spitting tobacco use. About 70% of those deaths caused by tobacco include cancer of the pancreas, nasal cavity, tongue and mouth, urinary tract, esophagus, pharynx, larynx, intestines, and stomach. The surgery to remove head and neck cancers, if you are lucky enough to survive it, can be grotesquely disfiguring.
Spit tobacco also causes bad breath, discolors teeth, and promotes tooth decay that leads to tooth loss. Users have a decreased sense of smell and taste, and they are at greater risk of developing cavities. The grit in snuff eats away at gums, exposing tooth roots that are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and can be painful. Sugar in spit tobacco causes decay.
Danger Signs
The most common sign of possible cancer in spit tobacco users is leukoplakia (loo-ko-play-key-ah), a white scaly patch or lesion inside the mouth or lip. Red sores are also a warning sign of cancer. Often, signs of precancerous lesions are undetectable. Dentists can diagnose and treat such cases before conditions develop into oral cancer. If a white or red sore appears and doesn’t heal, see your dentist immediately for a test to see if it’s precancerous. Spit tobacco users also should see their dentist every three months to make sure a problem doesn’t develop.
Double dippers, who mix snuff and chewing tobacco, are more likely to develop precancerous lesions than those who use only one type of spit tobacco. Long-term snuff users have a 50% greater chance of developing oral cancer than non-users.
Kicking the Habit!
Your dentist can help you kick your spit tobacco habit. In addition to cleaning teeth and treating bad breath and puffy, swollen gums associated with tobacco use, your dentist may prescribe a nicotine patch along with Zyban, a mild antidepressant. This program is designed to gradually wean addicted snuff dippers or tobacco chewers and help with the cravings that going cold turkey usually presents. Nicotine patches are worn for 24 hours over several weeks, supplying a decreasing replacement supply of nicotine
Start by Making Goals
- Pick a quit date and taper use as the date nears. Instead of using smokeless tobacco, carry substitutes like gum, hard candy, and sunflower seeds.
- Cut back when you dip and chew. Let friends and family know that you are quitting and solicit their support. If they dip and chew, ask them not to do it around you.
- Make a list of three situations when you’re most likely to dip and chew, and make every effort to avoid using tobacco at those times.
- Switch to a lower nicotine brand to help cut down your dose.
For a complimentary oral cancer examination and/ or assistance in quitting, please call our office.
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- Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, do not always erupt properly when they decide to make an appearance. It’s wise to get an early opinion from your dentist before they become impacted, causing pain, swelling, infection, caries, and gum disease.
Why don’t wisdom teeth grow in right?
The shape of the modern human mouth is often too small to accommodate wisdom teeth which make their first appearance in young adults 17 to 26. Over the course of time, humans have developed smaller jaws. When humans learned to harness fire for cooking foods and developed blade tools to better process food before consumption, they reduced the need for strong jaws to chew food. According to studies of ancient skull specimens, over time, a full set of teeth in a smaller jaw caused crowding in permanent teeth because of lack of space.
What does impacted mean?
When wisdom teeth do not have room to grow or they have not reached their final position by age 25, they are considered impacted – no place to go and no plans to grow. Third molar impaction is the most prevalent medical developmental disorder. A full set of healthy teeth sometimes does not leave much room for wisdom teeth to grow.
What kind of problems can impacted third molars cause?
Although not all wisdom teeth cause problems, some serious problems can develop if the condition of the teeth is not properly observed. Partially erupted wisdom teeth are breeding grounds for organisms that may cause infection, and cysts and tumors may grow on a trapped wisdom tooth. Jaw pain and gum disease may also occur.
Can’t I just use an antibiotic?
Antibiotics only soothe infected wisdom teeth for a short time. Since people frequently use a wide variety of antibiotics, the infection may become resistant to such medication and the real problem is not solved: the tooth cannot fit in your mouth.
When is removal necessary?
It is not wise to wait until wisdom teeth start to bother you. Early removal is generally recommended to avoid problems, such as an impacted tooth that destroys the second molar. People younger than 16 heal easier as well. At an early age, people should be evaluated by their dentist who can track third molar development with the help of x-rays. Second molars should be visible to lessen the chance of damaging them during surgery. This occurs at age 11 or 12, so wisdom teeth should be removed when the decision has been made that they cannot erupt into an acceptable position.
What if I do not have any symptoms?
People with symptoms of impaction, such as pain, swelling, and infection should have their wisdom teeth removed immediately. However, those with no symptoms can avoid the chance of ever suffering from impacted wisdom teeth or achieve better orthodontic treatment results by having them removed. Asymptomatic impacted wisdom teeth also should be removed to reduce unexplained pain, accommodate prosthetic appliances, or avoid cavities, periodontal disease, bone shrinkage, and tumor development.
How are wisdom teeth removed?
Some people choose to have normal local anesthetic while others prefer general anesthetic where they can sleep through the procedure. The dentist or oral surgeon will make sure you are not in any pain and will then remove the tooth. You may need sutures after the procedure and may have some discomfort for one to three days.
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- Calming Your Fears
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Just about everyone is nervous about visiting the dentist. Our goal is to make your visit easier and relaxing. Follow these tips to ensure you will leave smiling!
- Avoid caffeine and sugar before your appointment - they can make you jittery and prevent the anesthetic from working properly.
- Schedule your appointment in the morning so you don’t spend all day stressing.
- Talk to Dr. Sayeg about your fears. Let him know you are nervous.
- You are in control, raise your hand at any time you need treatment to stop for any reason. Dr. Sayeg will immediately stop until you are comfortable for him to proceed.
- Ask for headphones to block out sounds with relaxing music or to watch a movie.
- Patients have said that our Paraffin Hand treatment really helps to reduce the stress.
- Nitrous Oxide is also available to help you relax during the procedure.
- If none of the above help you relax ask Dr. Sayeg about using Conscious Sedation - oral medications that produce an anxiety-free relaxation.
- When you leave with a healthy and beautiful Smile – you will wonder why you did not do it sooner!
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- Preventative Dental Care
- Heart Disease From Bleeding Gums
Your health is one of your most valuable assets, and patients are becoming very focused on their complete health versus just symptomatic problems. Dentistry is now focusing not only on teeth and gums but our patients overall health as well. Not only can many conditions or medications affect your oral health, but your oral health can be affecting other physical systems as well.
How can dental problems affect my health?
Even healthy mouths contain large levels of bacteria, but if removed by brushing or professional cleanings on a regular basis, these bacteria will only begin to affect our overall heath when it is given access to our bloodstream. Periodontal disease begins when the bacteria are not removed on a regular basis and gums begin to pull away from the teeth. Bacteria then collect in these pockets, causing infection. The infection causes bleeding, which provides an excellent conduit for the bacteria to enter the blood stream. It can also enter the blood stream through abscessed teeth and cuts and sores in the mouth.
Can my oral health cause heart disease?
Current studies suggest that there may be a link between periodontal (gum) disease and heart disease. In fact, research suggests that gum disease may be a more serious risk factor for heart disease than hypertension, smoking, cholesterol, gender and age, and people who have gum disease seem to be at a higher risk for heart attacks.
This risk begins when bacteria reaches the arteries, which causes irritation (as it does in the mouth). The irritation can cause arterial plaque, which can cause the hardening of the arteries and block blood-flow. Compromised blood-flow to your heart can cause a heart attack. Also, arterial plaque can come loose and travel to other parts of the body. If blockage occurs in the brain, it can cause a stroke.
What should I do?
Keep your mouth healthy! The main cause for periodontal (gum) disease and tooth decay is plaque buildup. Proper homecare, which includes daily brushing, flossing and using an antibacterial rinse such as Listerine, and at least two dental visits per year are recommended for everyone. In our office we may also have you rinse with an antibacterial rinse before and after invasive dental treatment.
How will I know if I have a problem?
Tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease are often painless until in the late stages when your risk for other health problems is greatly increased. Your dentist and hygienist have the best chance of catching the problem in its early stages with special instruments and x-rays. However, do be aware of any swelling or bleeding in your mouth. These are sure signs of infection, which can enable the bacteria to enter the blood stream.
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- Poor Oral Health Linked to Deadly Pancreatic Cancer
Family and Cosmetic Care in Comfort
Poor Oral Health Is Linked To Deadly Pancreatic Cancer
Wall Street Journal - January 23, 2007
In our quest for better health, there's a key body part many of us are neglecting -- the mouth. The link between oral health and overall health has been discussed in medical and dental journals for years, but the issue has yet to resonate with most doctors and patients. A report from Harvard researchers earlier this month may finally be a wake-up call. A new study found a surprising but powerful link between poor gum health and one of the deadliest diseases, pancreatic cancer.
In a study of more than 51,000 male doctors, the men with a history of gum disease were at 64% higher risk for pancreatic cancer, compared with those with healthy mouths. Although pancreatic cancer is relatively rare, the gum-disease risk translates into an additional 36 cases of pancreatic cancer per 100,000 people. The study is the latest in a series of reports showing that the health of your mouth, teeth and gums may have a powerful impact on your overall health. Gum disease is linked with heart disease, stroke, diabetes and pregnancy problems. A person suffering from gum disease has a mouth teeming with Porphyromonas gingivalis and other bacteria found in plaque, the sticky film that forms on teeth. These bacteria not only cause gums to become inflamed, but they can also invade other parts of the body, including cells in coronary arteries.
Nobody knows why gum disease may be linked with pancreatic cancer. It may be that chronic infection in the gums triggers inflammation throughout the body, which can fuel the growth of cancer. Or it may be that oral bacteria trigger a chemical process in the body that results in high levels of nitrosamines, cancer-causing compounds that also are in tobacco smoke. "People think of gum disease as being in their mouth," says Dominique Michaud, the study's lead author and assistant professor at the Harvard School of Public Health. "But when it gets severe, it's not just in the mouth. It's probably in the entire body."
It's estimated that at least 35% of adults have some form of gum disease and about one-third of those have a moderate to severe form. Brushing and flossing regularly can help prevent gum disease but not always. About one-third of the population may have a genetic predisposition to the problem. Gum disease is also linked with smoking and tobacco use. Certain medications, including oral contraceptives, antidepressants and heart medicines, can also affect oral health.
Treatment for gum disease can include an oral antibiotic or antibiotic gels applied directly into the diseased pocket between the tooth and gum. The most common nonsurgical treatment is "scaling and root planning," an intensive teeth cleaning above and below the gum line that often requires a local anesthetic.
Some early research suggests that treating gum disease may lower risk for heart and other problems associated with poor oral health. A Boston University pilot study of six patients with gum disease showed that treatment for gum diseases lowered certain inflammatory markers in the body and improved the function of the endothelium, the lining of the arteries that produces chemicals related to blood flow.
For more information ask Dr Sayeg how Dental disease may affect your overall health
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- Periodontal Disease contributes to Diabetes and heart disease
According to an article in the American Journal of Periodontology "82% of patients with severe periodontitis experienced the onset of one or more major cardiovascular (heart attack), cerebrovascular (stroke) or peripheral (loss of limb) events compared to only 21% of diabetics without periodontitis." That means that gum disease needs to be added to the list of complications associated with diabetes, along with heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Therefore, the treatment of gum diseases must be considered an integral part of diabetes management not an elective treatment.
A few more facts:
- More than half of all adults have early stages of gum disease.
- About 80% of adults have some form of gum disease during their lives.
- Gum disease can start at any age.
What can you do? Join the fight!
- Learn how gum problems start.
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
- Floss you teeth every day.
- Look for signs of gum disease and remember that if ignored, the infection gets worse.
- Come in for a cleaning and periodontal screening 3-4 times a year.
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- Temporomandibular Joint Disease
- TMJ Disorders
Many people who suffer from such symptoms as headaches, earaches, tenderness of the jaw joints or muscles, or dull aching facial pain often share a common problem. These people suffer from a family of problems related to the jaw muscles and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). These problems are often referred to as TMJ disorders. When muscles and joints do not work properly, the muscles will often go into a spasm (cramp). This spasm can become part of a cycle that results in tissue damage, pain, muscle tenderness and more spasm.
What are the causes of TMJ disorders?
While some cases of TMJ disorder may have clear-cut causes such as trauma, arthritis, malocclusion (improper bite) or severe stress, most are due to a combination of factors. Discs often slip forward in the joint, leading to problems such as clicking, popping, or even getting “stuck” for a moment. However, these often are minor problems, and in absence of jaw pain they usually don’t require treatment. Oral habits such as clenching or grinding the teeth (bruxism) may develop as a response to stress, or as a part of a sleep disorder. You may not be aware of nighttime clenching or grinding, but you may catch yourself doing this during the day. These habits can tire the muscles and cause them to go into spasm. The spasm causes pain, which in turn causes more spasm. In time, persistent muscle problems may affect the joints themselves and a complex cycle of pain and improper function will continue.
What are the signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders?
TM disorders have many signs and symptoms. Some of the most common ones include:
- Pain in or around the ear, sometimes spreading to the face
- Tenderness of the jaw muscles
- Clicking or popping noise when one opens or closes mouth
- Difficulty in opening one’s mouth
- Jaws that “get stuck,” “lock,” or “go out”
- Pain brought on by yawning, chewing, or opening the mouth widely
- Certain types of headaches or neckaches
How is it diagnosed?
Recommended treatment can be made after taking a complete history, conducting a clinical examination, and by taking appropriate x-rays, or perhaps other diagnostic tests. To the extent that the causes of your TMJ disorder can be identified, proper diagnosis is an important step before treatment. It can save time and money by ensuring that you receive the treatment appropriate for your particular problem.
How is it treated?
Treatments for TMJ disorders vary, based on your individual diagnosis. We may recommend a treatment involving a series of phases. This step-by-step plan is in your best interest because only minor corrective treatment may be needed. Discuss any concerns openly with us. In many cases the pain, headaches, and other symptoms associated with TMJ disorders can be successfully and readily treated.
What methods are used?
There are many variations in treatment plans, and the specific therapy recommended for you may not be described below, but your dentist may recommend the following:
- Eliminating some of the harmful effects of clenching or grinding the teeth with bite appliance therapy
- Correcting malocclusion with bite adjustments or orthodontics
- Trying to eliminate muscle spasm and pain by applying moist heat or prescribing medication such as muscle relaxants, analgesics, or anti-inflammatory drugs
- Teaching relaxation techniques to help control muscle tension in the jaw. Your dentist may suggest training or counseling to help eliminate stress, tooth grinding, or clenching
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- Getting Married?
- Here Comes the Bride - Look at Her Smile!
Here Comes the Bride and Look at her Smile!
How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Make Your Wedding!
By Dr. Mark G. Sayeg, DDS
You will smile for more pictures on your wedding day than any other day of your life! Is your smile ready? In addition to your decisions on a gown, hairdo and makeup, an appointment with a cosmetically focused dentist a few months before the great event will ensure your smile is all it can be.
Your smile is the focal point of your pictures and the wonderful memories of your special day. Take a minute and look at your smile in the mirror – if there are changes you would like to make – your dentist can help.
First, every bride (and groom, also) would look great in a beautiful white smile. The great news here is that in as little as an hour, your dentist can turn a dull, yellowed smile into a dazzling white smile! This new system of whitening is done in your Dentist office and could easily be done even on the day of your wedding. It takes just little over an hour.
And while you may not have been born with a model’s smile, you may be surprised to find out that they probably weren’t either. A cosmetically trained dentist can evaluate your smile and show you just how you can have a model’s smile for your wedding! Sometimes, a simple procedure such as cosmetic contouring can make a big.
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- Questions for Your Dentist
- Questions You Should Ask Your Dentist
Questions and Observations that will help you to choose a good dentist
Although we all know that proper dental care is vital to good health, most of us don't know how to choose a good dentist. How can non-medical people know what questions to ask and what things to observe in the process of choosing a family dentist? You will want to know both how the dentist treats you as a person and how he treats your mouth. It is important to find a dentist who is dedicated to excellence: here are several questions to ask when making your choice, followed by Dr. Sayeg’s response. And once you have chosen a dentist, make careful observations and conclusions about how you are treated – you are the one in charge!
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DENTIST
1. What is your philosophy for performing dentistry?
For instance what determines your choice of putting in a crown rather than a filling? How do you decide whether or not to pull a tooth? Under what circumstances do you refer a patient to a specialist?
We practice what I call Minimally Invasive Dentistry; we remove the minimum amount of tooth structure necessary in order to restore your tooth to health. We will refer a patient to a specialist whenever I believe the patient can get superior dental care in that office. We will refer patients for certain extraction and root canals. As a general dentist it is difficult to be an expert in every field. We are fortunate in Sandy Springs in that we have a many highly skilled specialists convenient to our office.
2. What continuing education have you had during this past year?
Dedicated dentists like to keep up with the latest developments in their field. They will likely appreciate the opportunity to tell you about the courses or conferences they have attended.
I get on average over 100 hours of continuing education each year. I have attended the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s annual conference for the last 14 years and the American Society of Dental Aesthetics for the last 12 years. I have Fellowships and attend regular meetings in the Academy of General dentistry, The International Academy of Dental and Facial Esthetics, the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists.
3. Do you comply with OSHA and American Dental Association guidelines for infection control?
This includes such things as wearing gloves and a mask and sterilizing hand pieces. We practice 100% compliance on all infection control guidelines.
My team’s health and the health of my patients are very important to me. We would be happy to offer you a tour of our office to show you our infection control guidelines.
4. Do you maintain a DMF (Decayed, Missing, and Filled) record?
The DMF record is a charting system that tells all of the work that has been done on your teeth and what work needs to be done. You should be allowed to see your probing chart, your x-rays and your DMF record.
All new patients receive a comprehensive exam which includes charting all existing restorations, complete periodontal charting, oral cancer exam and blood pressure screening, all of which are available to you on request.
OBSERVATIONS TO MAKE
Some things can only be learned by observation or by asking former or present patients for their opinions. Here are some things that are important to learn:
1. Does the dentist consider you a partner in your treatment planning?
Rather than just telling you what to do, he or she should explain the results of the exam and work with you to develop a total treatment plan based on the big picture of your oral health and wellness. The dentist should make recommendations based on your needs not just on insurance availability. Remember, you want a dentist who can offer enough information in language you can understand so you can help to make an informed decision.
2. Does the dentist ask for a complete medical history?
Your detailed medical history will be important for many reasons including determining allergies and possible drug interactions or tolerances.
3. Does the dentist do an oral cancer screening?
This should be routine at your initial exam and then there should be a follow-up during every cleaning appointment. Your dentist needs to look not only at your teeth, but at your entire mouth.
4. Does the dentist check thoroughly for gum disease, decay, and correct bite?
A thorough initial exam includes using a periodontal probe to check six points on each tooth - three on the cheek side and three on the tongue side to check for the depth of possible bone loss caused by gum disease. As a follow-up, periodontal probing should be done by the dental hygienist at every cleaning. Also, at the first exam, the jaw and teeth relationship and the contact points in your bite should be checked. This is important because changes in your bite can cause stress and cracked teeth.
5. Does the dentist take the proper number of x-rays for your individual case?
The number of x-rays taken should be personalized for your individual case. The x-rays are necessary to make sure your mouth is examined for decay between each tooth, and to check for bone disease, cysts or any other type of problem.
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- Causes of Teeth Staining
- Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive Teeth? Check Your Toothpaste
Ouch –your teeth hurt when you are drinking cold beverages, eating ice cream or even breathing cold air – what the heck could be going on? Well, your teeth are showing their sensitive side and we are sure you would like to tell them to be a little more on the tough side. One of the most frequent complaints we have from new patients is tooth sensitivity and in many cases it is due to the new tartar control and/or whitening toothpastes. The great news is – when you stop using the toothpaste – the sensitivity goes away too! Just try changing your toothpaste to one of the sensitivity toothpastes such as Sensodyne or Crest Sensitivity Toothpaste and see if that works.
If not, there could be other reasons – one being a buildup of plaque or tartar on your teeth. This is a build-up of acid forming bacteria building up in the crevices around your teeth. If it has been more than 6 months since your last dental cleaning give us a call. Many times a complete dental cleaning and a fluoride rinse may be all you need to eliminate the sensitivity to those foods you enjoy.
If you are experiencing sensitivity, often times there are some simple solutions, so give us a call and let us help you stop avoiding and start enjoying your favorite foods once again.
Call Rebecca at 404-255-6782 to schedule an appointment. If you have a question, you can e-mail Dr. Sayeg at Mark@StartSmiling.com.
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- Dr Sayeg now offers OraVerse®
Dr Sayeg now offers OraVerse®, the first and only local anesthesia reversal agent; Numbness associated with dental procedures can be gone twice as fast!
Dr. Sayeg, in Atlanta is now offering OraVerse to patients who don’t want that lingering numbness after local anesthetics. After administrating OraVerse, a patient can return to normal sensation twice as fast. In clinical trials, patients have reported a return as quickly as 30 minutes after receiving OraVerse. For details visit www.StartSmiling.com
Need to get back to work after your dental appointment, or have dinner reservations with someone special, now Dr Sayeg can keep you comfortable during your visit and then reverse the effects of the anesthetic so you can get back to your life. You no longer have to spend the rest of the day with a feeling of tingling and a fat lip back at the office or out with friends. OraVerse is given before your procedure is over, so your Smile is back, when you walk out the door. Ask about this new simple procedure next time you visit the dentist.
OraVerse is just one of the many services Dr Sayeg offers to make your visit more comfortable. We have TV’s or XM radio in all of our treatment rooms to help your visit pass a little quicker. Complimentary Paraffin Hand treatments help you relax during the visit and leave your hands feeling soft and smooth. Warm scented towels help you clean up after your visit. And now with OraVerse, you can enjoy one of our fresh baked Otis Spudmeyer cookies with a refreshment as you are leaving the office. All of this is offered in a friendly, up to date clean environment. This is not the dentist office you may have remembered as a child.
OraVerse has an excellent safety profile. There are no contraindications and no known drug interactions with OraVerse. In clinical trials involving over 700 patients, there was no significant difference in adverse events versus control.
OraVerse (phentolamine mesylate) Injection is the first and only local dental anesthesia reversal agent that accelerates the return to normal sensation and function following restorative and periodontal maintenance procedures. OraVerse is indicated for the reversal of soft tissue anesthesia, i.e., anesthesia of the lip and tongue, and the associated functional deficits resulting from an intraoral submucosal injection of a local anesthetic containing a vasoconstrictor. OraVerse is indicated for use only in adults and children 6 years of age or older and weighing at least 15 kg (33 lbs). For more information visit www.oraverse.com
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Cosmetic Dentist in Atlanta GA |
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