Who Needs Premedications for Dental Treatment?

About 800,000 Americans have a hip or knee replacement each year, and more than half a million Americans have heart surgery each year, according to the National Institutes of Health. When you fill out your medical history form at the dentist's office, you'll notice it asks if you've had any of these procedures.

If you answer yes, you may need to take an antibiotic before certain types of dental treatment.

"Whenever a patient has an artificial heart valve or an artificial joint, there's a higher risk of infection," said Dr. Ajay Singh, a general dentist at Coast Dental Ocala South in Ocala, Florida. "When you perform a cleaning or an extraction where there may be bleeding, there's the potential for bacteria from the mouth to enter the bloodstream and travel to the valve or joint, triggering an infection. That's why we prescribe an antibiotic like amoxicillin. The patient takes one dose about a half-hour to one hour before the procedure, and that should be all he or she needs."

Either your dentist or your primary care physician will prescribe the dosage. If you forget to take it before your appointment, ask your dentist. You may be able to take it up to an hour after the procedure and have the same health benefits.

Joint Replacement Premedication Guidelines

The guidelines for when you need an antibiotic have changed in the past few years.  The recommendation used to be that patients take an antibiotic before dental cleanings, extractions or oral surgery for up to two years after a joint replacement surgery. Then the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommended all patients who have had joint replacement surgery continue to premedicate beyond two years. Now, the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons are studying the clinical data to come up with a joint set of recommendations.  Ask your dentist or your orthopedic surgeon for what is best for you.

Dental Premedication Guidelines for Patients with Heart Problems

In 2008, the American Heart Association updated its recommendations for dental premedications.  It now recommends premedication for patients with:

artificial heart valvesa history of infective endocarditis, which is an infection of the lining inside the heart or heart valvesa heart transplant that developed a heart valve problemcertain types of congenital heart conditions

The good news is the AMA says many patients with heart problems who used to take prophylactic antibiotics no longer need them, including patients with:

heart murmursrheumatic heart diseasebicuspid valve diseasecalcified aortic diseasecongenital heart conditions such as ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

If you have any questions about whether you need to take an antibiotic before your dental appointment, just ask your dentist.

Ocala general dentist Ajay Singh, DDS, provides general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry services to patients age 16 and older.  He earned his dental degree at New York University College of Dentistry and his undergraduate degree at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida.  Dr. Singh is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, Florida Dental Association and the American Dental Association.  He practices at Coast Dental Ocala South, 1110 Southeast 18th Place, Building 200, Ocala, FL 34471.  The phone number is (352) 351-3891.

Tetracycline Teeth Stains: A Smile Makeover

Does your mouth look like this?  About 10% of Americans have tetracycline stains on their teeth.  They're especially common in people over the age of 45.

Tetracyclines are a group of antibiotics that were once widely used to treat ear infections, urinary tract infections, intestinal infections, severe acne and other conditions.  However, it wasn't until years later that doctors realized if children took the medication while their teeth were forming, then it could permanently discolor their teeth. If the medication was taken by a pregnant woman, then her baby could even end up having teeth that were permanently stained brown or grey.

 

Whitening kits, strips, gels and bleaching treatments can't hide the stains.  The stains are in the dentin of the teeth, not the enamel.  People with tetracycline stains usually choose to have veneers or crowns to achieve a smile they're proud to display.

Craig McEntyre, pictured, chose to have full-coverage, all-porcelain crowns.  The crown goes over the whole tooth, as opposed to veneers, which are thin coverings that are bonded to your tooth.  Dr. Diaa Ghabbour, a senior doctor at Coast Dental Wesley Chapel near Tampa, FL, placed crowns on eight of Craig's top teeth.  The initial visit took about four hours for Dr. Ghabbour to make all of the impressions for the crowns.  Then Craig returned about three weeks later to have the permanent crowns placed.  That procedure took less than two hours.

 

The change was immediate and the impact is still being felt more than five years later.

"I still get compliments every day about having a nice smile," Craig said.  Best of all, the crowns will never stain, change color or fade.

If you have tetracycline stains, there's no need to be embarrassed or ashamed of your smile.  Talk to your dentist about how you can have your own smile make-over.

Wesley Chapel dentist Diaa Ghabbour, DMD, has been practicing dentistry since 2000.  He provides general dentistry services to patients age 9 and up.  Special services include dental implant restorations, extractions and periodontal disease management.  He is a member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. He practices at Coast Dental Wesley Chapel, 5348 County Road 581, Wesley Chapel, Florida, 33544.  The phone number is (813) 973-1837 or call 1-800-32-SMILE to find another office that is close to you.

Samsung and InnoDen introduce the future for dental chairs and units of delivery

Dental sky "M" is finally here and together to change the view of the dental!

Samsung and InnoDen are partnered to bring dentist across the country later in the Unit dental technology and design. Dental sky "M" has brought together all the characteristics of design and technology you could ask with the best materials available. All components create one aesthetic, functional and above all built to last. Together, they are changing the way display dental devices today.

Seattle, WA (FPRC) June 1, 2010 - Samsung and InnoDen are defined to provide the latest technology and design for the dental equipment industry throughout the country. "" M"unit Dental sky Chair incorporates American design and functionality which is from your leaders in the industry today," said Justin Taylor, Director of Marketing of InnoDen.  The "M" unit offers the same dental sky modern color schemes is known for which it has more advanced peer unit 'W' as well offer.  The standard on patient light and Touch Panel, it is clear that they create new standards of the unit in the industry.

Dental sky "W" offers an American design thin back that you to stay for the physician and the Patient with style and comfort.  The "M" unit is an affordable option for any dentist and is equipped with all the bells and whistles used today, without having to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on options and accessories.

"Samsung and InnoDen choose to represent the brand Sky dental because they pave the way for technology and design and we believe it will change the industry of dental equipment we know today" said Dr. Park, CEO of InnoDen.  Knowledge products and the sales support combined with extended infrastructure and the global reach of Samsung's InnoDen ensure that dental Sky will be a brand that is there to stay. Call your dealer today and get a dental sky "M" and change the way your firm is thought of and remembered.

About dental Sky:

Dental sky manufactures chairs and vectors for more than 27 years. Dental sky is currently distributed in 30 countries around the world and sells more than 3,000 units per year. Samsung and InnoDen are convinced that their president is the best quality and the best product on the market today.  All units are available with warranty 5 years standard manufacturer.

Kun vaihtaa amalgaamipaikoissa

The mouth looks like this?  If the old amalgam filling, you'll notice the stain around the edges.  Usually the silver metal fill lasts for 12 years, but some of them need to be replaced in as little as five years.  Teeth grinding, heavy on the bites and other conditions can impair filling, causing it to leak, crack or fall off.

In the picture the amalgam-filling, which is a 25-year-old.  On the other hand, the tight seal of the tooth metal leak and bacateria now to get it below.  You can see the tooth changes colour, goes white black; This is due to decay, within and below the tooth.  White line at the bottom of the tooth is a red flag for dentists; It shows what, or tile is eaten away tooth enamel, stripping off the calcium and tooth remains the underdog.

Decay below the fill may become quite large, before it is noticed; This is one of the reasons it is important to get regular dental check-ups.  There is usually no pain, when the first cavity shapes, but some patients Note, they are hot, cold or sweet drinks and food.  If the degradation of nerve, the pain can be summed up very quickly and the patient is just therapy or extraction.

To replace the amalgam of a dentist to use a drill to remove the original fill and decay and then decide whether we need a root canal.  If the injury does not require a root canal, a dentist may be able to repair a hole in a tooth filling or Crown either one, depending on the size of the cavity.  In this particular case, the patient will need a Crown.

The faster you catch a problem, the easier it is to keep.  Sealants cost less than the price of less than crowns, fillings and fillings Crown costs less than a root canal and Crown.  Examples of how you can help keep costs click here.

 

Wesley Chapel dentist DMD, Ghabbour Slide has been practicing dentistry since the year 2000.  She provides dental care to patients at the age of 9 and up.  Special services are the dental implant restorations, extractions and periodontal disease management.  He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association and the dental Academy. He practices the coast dental 5348 County Road 581 Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel, Florida 33544,.  The phone number is (813) 973-1837 or call 1-800- -32 SMILE to find another Office that is close to you.

Written By: Beth Gaddis
Reviewed By: Slide Ghabbour, DMD
Reviewed By: Cindy Roark, DMD

How to Care for Braces

Getting braces is a huge milestone.  Whether you have teeth that are overlapped or teeth that are spaced too far apart, teeth that erupted in the wrong place or teeth that just do not seem to fit together correctly, you know that when your braces come off, your smile will be straight.

However, straightening your teeth is only half of the challenge. If you want your teeth to also be healthy, you need to make sure you do not get those white spots that plaque accumulation can cause around the brackets. Coast Dental orthodontist Mayuri Patel, DMD, recommends five ways you can take care of your braces to keep your smile healthy:

Brush 2-3 times a day, focusing on the gum line as well as around each bracket.Floss 2 times a day.  Talk to your dentist about products such as Superfloss and the Waterpik that will help you clean the space between your teeth and help prevent tooth decay.Rinse with water after drinking juice or cola, or any sugary or carbonated drink.Use a fluoride supplemental toothpaste such as MI Paste Plus in addition to your everyday toothpaste to help remineralize your teeth and help prevent tooth decay.Have your teeth professionally cleaned every four months.  At Coast Dental, your cleaning can be scheduled on the same day as your orthodontic appointment. This way, the orthodontist can remove the wire and allow the hygienist better access for cleaning away plaque and tartar. Then the orthodontist can replace teh wire.

"I have seen many patients who do not keep up with at-home care while they have braces," said Dr. Patel. "Patients who drink a lot of soda and sports drinks can have white spots occur around the braces. This is due to the acid and sugar in these drinks that break down the enamel.  The white spots can become permanent or lead to cavities; thus, we want to prevent them.

"Our goal is to emphasize brushing and flossing and taking care of the gums during each visit.  Oral hygiene is a pivotal part of success for orthodontic treatment," Dr. Patel said.

By following these five simple steps at home and at work or school, you can make sure you have a smile that is both beautiful and healthy!

Mayuri Patel, DMD, provides orthodontic services to patients beginning at age 7. Her services include traditional metal braces, clear bracket braces, Invisalign® clear aligners and comprehensive orthodontics. Dr. Patel earned a Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC and received her dental degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. She is a member of the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontics, Florida Dental Association and Florida Association of Orthodontists.  Dr. Patel practices at several  locations including Coast Dental Action Plaza in Tampa, Coast Dental Bayshore Gardens in Bradenton, Coast Dental Carrollwood, Coast Dental Sarasota Crossings and Coast Dental Spring Hill North. To make an appointment for a free orthodontic consultation with Dr. Patel, please visit www.CoastDentalOrtho.com or call 1-800-32-SMILE to find an office close to you.

Why Athletes Should Wear Mouthguards: One Player's Story

There were only three minutes left in the college basketball game when Lindsey Botts collided with another player.  Lindsey wasn't wearing a mouthguard and her teeth struck the other player's head, sending both women to the floor in agony.  Lindsey's mouth was bleeding heavily and three of her top teeth were loose.  All those years of braces, and now her beautiful, straight smile was ruined.

"You never think it’s going to happen to you," Lindsey said, even though she had close friends who lost teeth while playing sports.

In many states, college basketball players are not required to wear mouthguards.  Some players don't like them because the boil-and-bite varieties available at sporting goods stores are uncomfortable and hinder their ability to talk to their teammates.   The same is true for the unfitted, inexpensive models often handed out in the states that do have a mouthguard requirement.  Lindsey was required to wear a mouthguard in high school, but said she and her teammates would often just tuck them into their cheeks during play.

Here's what they didn't know:  Athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer an injury to the mouth when they are not wearing a mouthguard, according to the American Dental Association.  Mouthguards help spread the force of a blow over a larger area, which dilutes the impact.  Well-made mouthguards may also reduce the rate and severity of concussions, the ADA says. 

Lindsay needed three root canals and is now facing extensive restoration work.   However, it could have been worse.  She could have needed to have the teeth extracted and replaced with dental implants. Just 20 years old, that was a scenario she didn't even want to think about.

Now she's an advocate for custom mouthguards, and is getting a FIERCE™ Mouthguard so she can play basketball again.  While custom mouthguards are more expensive than the store-bought variety, they can easily pay for themselves if they prevent the need for emergency and restorative dental work.  Not convinced?  Just ask Lindsey Botts. She'll tell you.

Written by: Beth Gaddis
Reviewed by: Cindy Roark, DMD

Triumphant Athletics Group Introduces AgilityGuard

There’s a new player in the field of athletic mouthguards, and by experience standards, they are no underdog! Triumphant Athletics Group, Inc. is introducing a new product line, AgilityGuard, based on the Chan-Optimized Bite™. I doubt that most of us have ever said the words “technologically advanced” and “mouthguard” in the same sentence, but the AgilityGuard is changing that as we speak.

Dr. Clayton Chan and Dr. Joseph Andary have partnered with Triumphant Athletics Group to introduce the AgilityGuard products developed for elite athletes and sports enthusiasts. Dr. Chan is the former director of Neuromuscular Dentistry at the Las Vegas Institute from 1999-2006, the founder of Occlusion Connections, and developer of the Chan-Optimized Bite™,  a precise jaw position based on neuromuscular science shown to enhance athletic performance. Dr. Joseph Andary is a Las Vegas Institute trained neuromuscular dentist with extensive experience in the Chan-Optimized Bite™ and assisting world-class and Olympic athletes with performance mouthguards. Together, they have helped design a mouthguard to optimize performance through the bio-physiology of neuromuscular posture.

The AgilityGuard is the only sports mouthguard approved to use the Chan-Optimized Bite™. The family of products includes the Phi and Trophy lines and both contain a mouthguard specifically designed for non-contact and contact sports. Triumphant Athletics Group has already signed on three labs to create the AgilityGuard for your patients under Dr. Chan’s rigorous quality control. By becoming a Triumphant certified dentist, you can begin to offer a higher standard of care and performance to your patients. With the lab fee set at $250, you’re also free to align your fees with the appropriate level of expertise.

Your patients can join the likes of Apolo Ohno, Giddeon Massie, and Mark Fretta in the use of AgilityGuard, the most technologically advanced mouthguard, for maximum sports performance. There, now we’ve said it! For more information on Triumphant Athletics Group, Inc., their online training courses, and the AgiltiyGuard product line, visit the AgilityGuard website.