Dried Licorice Root Fights The Bacteria That Cause Tooth Decay And Gum Disease

Scientists are reporting identification of two substances in licorice - used extensively in Chinese traditional medicine - that kill the major bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease, the leading causes of tooth loss in children and adults. In a study in ACS' Journal of Natural Products, they say that these substances could have a role in treating and preventing tooth decay and gum disease. To read more, see http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/239945.php


For information about dentures, dental implants and gum disease, call the Ferber Dental Group at 561-439-8888 or visit www.ferberdental.com. 

Six Common Dental Myths Debunked

Brushing, flossing, and twice-yearly dental check-ups are standard for oral health care, but there are more health benefits to taking care of your teeth than most of us know. In this review article, a faculty member at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) debunks common dental myths and outlines how diet and nutrition affects oral health in children, teenagers, expectant mothers, adults and elders. For more, see http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/196999.php


For information about dentures, dental implants and gum disease, call the Ferber Dental Group at 561-439-8888 or visit www.ferberdental.com.

New Process Could Improve Dental Restoration Procedures

Oral surgeons may one day have an easier, less costly approach to one important aspect of dental restoration, thanks to a newly patented process developed by researchers at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T). The process computerizes the method for creating a dental bar, also called an over-denture. For dental restoration procedures, the device is the bridge connecting dental implants to dentures. For the full story, see http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/197385.php


For information about dentures, dental implants and gum disease, call the Ferber Dental Group at 561-439-8888 or visit www.ferberdental.com.

The Mystery of Burning Mouth Syndrome

Most people can relate to the uncomfortable feeling that occurs after scalding their mouth on hot soup or coffee. It's a relief when that burnt feeling subsides after several days. But imagine experiencing that burning sensation all day, every day. The condition is called burning mouth syndrome (BMS), and damage to the nervous system duringmenopause may be to blame, according to an article published in the May/June 2011 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). 


For more on this not-uncommon malady, see http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/224551.php


For information about dentures, dental implants and gum disease, call the Ferber Dental Group at 561-439-8888 or visit www.ferberdental.com.

Even Infants Need Dental Care

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, although infants have few teeth, they should be seen by a dentist in the first year of life, as more than 40 percent of children suffer decay by the time they reach kindergarten. For more information about this topic, see http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/239754.php


For information about dentures, dental implants and gum disease, call the Ferber Dental Group at 561-439-8888 or visit www.ferberdental.com.

New Pain-Free Dentistry Technique Developed

Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered a pain-free way of tackling dental decay that reverses the damage of acid attack and re-builds teeth as new. For more on this exciting breakthrough, see http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/233254.php. 


For information about dentures, dental implants and gum disease, call the Ferber Dental Group at 561-439-8888 or visit www.ferberdental.com.

There is No Substitute for Flossing

Dental experts overwhelmingly agree that daily flossing is a critical, preventive step in reducing tooth decay and gum disease. Flossing removes plaque between teeth and below the gum line -- dislodging the pieces of food trapped between teeth which otherwise cannot be brushed or rinsed away.


To read more, see this article by Medical News today. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/21374.php

For information about dentures, dental implants and gum disease, call the Ferber Dental Group at 561-439-8888 or visit www.ferberdental.com.

Bone Fractures Can be Predicted by Dental X-rayx

It is now possible to use dental X-rays to predict who is at risk of fractures, reveals a new study from researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy reported in the journal Nature Reviews Endocrinology. For the full story, see http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/238777.php.


For information about dentures, dental implants and gum disease, call the Ferber Dental Group at 561-439-8888 or visit www.ferberdental.com.

Could Your Toothache be Caused by a Sinus Infection?

Although most dental pain is the result of dental- or gum-related issues, occasionally a sinus infection is to blame.

Of the four paranasal sinuses (“para” meaning beside; “nasal” meaning nose; and “sinus” meaning empty space) the maxillary sinus located behind the cheekbones is generally the guilty culprit when a sinus infection causes tooth pain. The maxillary sinus exists to reduce the weight of the skull, create increased resonance in our voice and provide an area into which fluid can drain from the nose. If the tiny tunnel leading from the nose to the maxillary sinus becomes obstructed or bacteria enters the cavity, an infection and subsequent fluid buildup can ensue, putting painful pressure on the upper molar area of the teeth and gums as well as on the face.

Only by a visit to your doctor or dentist can you be sure if the cause of your toothache is dental- or sinus-related; however, if the pain involves several teeth, there’s a good chance that it’s being caused by a sinus infection. Pain because of tooth decay or other dental issues is usually confined to a single tooth. Although rare, tooth pain can be caused by a combination of dental and sinus issues when the root of the upper first molar grows into the maxillary sinus cavity. In this case, the tooth is almost always removed.

Whatever the cause of your tooth pain, if it lasts more than a few hours or so, a visit to the dentist is recommended.

For information about dentures, dental implants and gum disease, call the Ferber Dental Group at 561-439-8888 or visit www.ferberdental.com.

"Four or More" Dental Implants in a Day

The Ferber Dental Group now offers the revolutionary new procedure "Four or More" dental implants that can be completed in only one day. The new technology, also known as the "All on Four" procedure is for patients who previously were not suited for dental implants, and requires no bone grafting or sinus surgery. For the full story, see http://tinyurl.com/7w4cfvb.

More on the Connection Between Oral and Cardiovascular Health

A new study out showing that regular dental cleanings can reduce the rate of heart attacks adds to the growing body of evidence of the oral and cardiovascular health connection. Read the full story at http://tinyurl.com/c5z47dl

Combating Severe Fear of the Dentist

According to a study by the British Dental Journal, just a single session of cognitive behavioral therapy can dramatically help people with severe anxiety about going to the dentist. For more on the story, see http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/233700.php. 


For information about the Ferber Dental Group, dental implants, dentures or periodontal concerns, call 561-439-8888 or visit www.ferberdental.com.

Dental Emergency Checklist

As in any emergency with your health, the faster professional treatment is received, generally the more successful the recovery, and the same goes for dental emergencies. But unless you happen to be at the dentist office when a dental emergency strikes, there will be some lag time before treatment. Following are two tips to help you help yourself before emergency treatment.

The two most common dental emergencies are biting the tongue hard enough that stitches or surgery are necessary and knocking out a tooth.

If you are treating a bitten or bleeding tongue, gently wipe with a cloth and add pressure down on the tongue to stop the swelling. It may work better if the cloth is cold. If the bleeding doesn’t stop and is heavy, a hospital emergency room visit is probably the better way to go than seeing your dentist.

If a tooth is knocked out, hold it by the crown and rinse it off with water. Do not scrub it or remove any visible tissue fragments. If the tooth is not possible to reinsert into the socket, store in a small container of milk and see your dentist immediately.

For information about the Ferber Dental Group, dental implants, dentures or periodontal concerns, call 561-439-8888 or visit www.ferberdental.com.

Fluoride: Not Just for Kids

Many adults are under the impression that fluoride helps protect only the teeth of children. But this is a misconception likely born out of early efforts to add fluoride to water where children were the main focus.

The regular use of fluoride—both in additive form and when directly applied to teeth—helps to protect the permanent teeth of adults from decay and sensitivity as well.

Fluoride treatment is available in a number of forms including: mouth rinses, which deliver about 250 parts per million of fluoride; toothpaste, which delivers about 1,000 parts per million; and direct application in a dentist office, which can pack a punch of 9,000 to 20,000 parts per million of the cavity-fighting supplement. Similar direct applications of fluoride are available by prescription for home use as well, although these supplements deliver less than their professionally applied counterparts—from about 1,000 to 5,000 parts per million.

Fluoride supplementation should be a regular part of everyone’s oral hygiene program. Ask your dentist if you are particularly susceptible to decay and would benefit from a prescription product or office application. 

For information about the Ferber Dental Group, dental implants, dentures or periodontal concerns, call 561-439-8888 or visit www.ferberdental.com.

Grinding Your Teeth

Teeth are built to chew and grind food. But unconscious chronic grinding or clenching of teeth—Bruxism—can damage the chewing surfaces over time. Bruxism can cause micro-cracks in the enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay, and even wear down the pointed surfaces of molars.

Tooth grinding can also cause headaches, muscle pain, and jaw injury. In many cases, people with bruxism don't realize they have a problem until a dentist notices the tell-tale signs on their tooth surfaces. That's one more good reason to get regular dental check-ups.

Researchers suspect that stress or anger may lead to tooth grinding. A 2010 study found that people with sleep bruxism were more likely than people who don't grind their teeth to report trouble at work, daily problems, and physical problems.

So, what can be done? Stress management techniques for one. Take walks, meditate, avoid stressful situations if possible, all of which not only help reduce bruxism, but are conducive to overall good health. In severe situations, a dentist may prescribe a mouth guard or splint that fits over the upper or lower teeth, protecting them from becoming damaged.

For information about the Ferber Dental Group, dental implants, dentures or periodontal concerns, call 561-439-8888 or visit www.ferberdental.com.

Oral Cancer Screening

Detecting oral cancer early enough for successful treatment is now easier than ever, and everyone should have regular screenings. The exam usually will include looking for lesions, including areas of leukoplakia (an abnormal white patch of cells) and erythroplakia (an abnormal red patch of cells). Leukoplakia and erythroplakia lesions on the mucous membranes may become cancerous. Higher-risk areas of the mouth that are checked for cancer include:

·                 Floor of the mouth

·                 Front and sides of the tongue

·                 Soft palate

If lesions are seen in the mouth, the following procedures may be used to find abnormal tissue that might develop into oral cancer:

·                 Toluidine blue stain: A procedure in which lesions in the mouth are coated with a blue dye. Areas that stain darker are more likely to be cancer or become cancer.

·                 Fluorescence staining: The patient uses a fluorescent mouth rinse and then the mouth is viewed under a special fluorescent light that highlights irregular tissue.

·                 Exfoliative cytology: A procedure to collect cells from the lip or oral cavity. A piece of cotton, a brush, or a small wooden stick is used to gently scrape cells from the lips, tongue, mouth, or throat. The cells are viewed under a microscope to find out if they are abnormal.

·                 Brush biopsy: The removal of cells using a brush that is designed to collect cells from all layers of a lesion. The cells are viewed under a microscope to find out if they are abnormal.

Be sure to ask your dentist about screening for oral cancer. The exam is painless and integral to a complete program of oral hygiene.

For information about the Ferber Dental Group, dental implants, dentures or periodontal concerns, call 561-439-8888 or visit www.ferberdental.com.

Periodontics

Periodontics is the area of dentistry involving treatment of the gums and other tissue that surround and support the teeth called the periodontium. And while dentists have long known that maintaining the health of this tissue is of paramount importance to keeping your teeth healthy, recent research indicates that it may also help stave off a number of chronic conditions throughout the body.

Periodontal disease—a set of inflammatory diseases of the periodontium—has been linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease and more. In cases where simple cleanings, root planing and scaling are not enough to effectively treat inflamed gums, surgery may be necessary. Surgical treatments include:

Flap Surgery/Pocket Reduction Surgery

During this procedure, the gums are lifted, tarter is removed from under the tissue and, when warranted, irregular surfaces under the gums are smoothed to limit areas where disease-causing bacteria can hide. The gum is then fitted snugly back over the tooth to keep bacteria-causing food particles from slipping under the gum line.

Bone Grafts

Bone grafts involve replacing bone destroyed by gum disease with fragments of your own bone, synthetic bone or donated bone. The graft then serves as a platform for bone regeneration.

Guided Tissue Regeneration

In cases where the bone supporting the teeth has been destroyed, special mesh fabric is inserted between the gum and the area where the destroyed bone once was. The mesh keeps the gum tissue from growing into the empty space and inhibiting bone regeneration, and new bone is encouraged to grow.

Bone Surgery

Shallow craters in the bone supporting the teeth are smoothed to inhibit bacteria growth.

For information about dentures, dental implants and gum disease, call the Ferber Dental Group at 561-439-8888 or visit www.ferberdental.com.

Differences Between Single-Tooth Dental Implants and Bridges

When considering replacement options for a single missing tooth, there are two main options. First is a single-tooth dental implant, which looks and functions almost exactly like a natural tooth and has no negative effects on the surrounding teeth. Second is a tooth-supported fixed bridge, which requires that adjacent teeth be ground down to support the cemented bridge.

Because a dental implant replaces the natural tooth root, the bone is preserved. Dental implants integrate with the jawbone, helping to keep it healthy and intact. With a bridge, some of the bone that previously surrounded the tooth can deteriorate over a very long period of time, but generally this does not cause problems for typical patients.

A single implant can be easier to keep clean than a bridge, but with a little practice and regular maintenance, the cost savings of a bridge versus an implant make it a viable option.

For information about dentures, dental implants and gum disease, call the Ferber Dental Group at 561-439-8888 or visit www.ferberdental.com.

Dentistry Today: Not the Same Old, Same Old

To the casual observer, it may appear that not much has changed in dentistry, but the field is constantly evolving with the advent of new techniques, products and medications. Following are some of the more popular newer dental technologies that laypeople might not even know exist.

Air-Abrasion

An alternative to the traditional dental drill, air abrasion allows for the precise removal of decay through blast of pellets of air and aluminum oxide. Not only is the technology a significant refinement over drilling, but the treatment is relatively painless, so anesthetic is rarely necessary.

Bone Replacement

There are now options for replacing bone in patients who suffer bone loss from advanced periodontal disease. There is a freeze-dried man-made autogenous material that can be used to fuse with the patient’s existing natural bone; preserved cadaver or animal bone; and grafting a patient’s own bone from another area of the body into the jaw.

CAD/CAM (Computer Assisted Design/Computer Assisted Manufacture)

While CAD/CAM itself is not new, using it to fabricate dental restorations is. The technology allows dentists to much more accurately map a patient’s mouth and teeth in order to create a highly refined prosthetic for restoration. CAT scans are also used, especially in dental implant restorations, as the technology allows full 3-D views of the areas to be treated instead of traditional 2-D X-ray technology.

Caries Detection Solution

Caries are tiny pits in the teeth caused by decay that can be overlooked with the naked eye and that, left untreated, lead to cavities. Caries detection solution is a liquid red dye applied over a tooth to confirm that all tooth decay has been removed.

Composite Resin Materials

Composite resin materials are now used in some veneers and other restorations to fill cavities and to bond to teeth. These resins offer a much more realistic aesthetic than previous materials used to fill teeth.

Desensitizers

Desensitizers are topical solutions that can be used by your dentist or hygienist prior to dental treatment if you have sensitive teeth. They can be used alone or in conjunction with other pain and anxiety relief medications and anesthetics.

The Diagnodent

The diagnodent is a tool that uses pulses of sound and laser technology for early detection of caries.

Digital X-rays

Digital radiographs offer a way to capture dental images through a sensor that processes the image onto a computer screen. Digital X-rays offer greater comfort to the patient and less exposure to radiation than traditional X-rays.

Laser

While laser technology is not new, employing it in dentistry is. In some cases, lasers can be used to close surgical wounds instead of traditional sutures. Lasers are also used for the treatment of benign tumors, cold sores, crown lengthening, decay removal, gummy smile changes, dental fillings, tongue tie and speech impediment improvements, nerve regeneration for damaged nerves and blood vessels, and scars.

Periodontal Antibiotics

There are now "site-specific" topical antibiotics designed to concentrate in areas for treatment of periodontal disease.

Platelet-rich Growth Factors

After a bone replacement procedure has been completed, dentists will often employ compounds to hasten healing and enhance the fusion of the newly implanted “bone” and the patient’s existing natural bone.

VELscope

The VELscope is a brand new FDA-approved oral cancer screening system that uses incandescent light to detect abnormalities that may not be apparent or visible to the naked eye.

These are just a few of the newer tools of the trade being used in dentistry today. There are many others, with new technologies coming out every year and the mainstays being improved upon constantly. We’ll keep you up to date as the cutting-edge procedures, products and medications make their way into the field

For information about dentures, dental implants and gum disease, call the Ferber Dental Group at 561-439-8888 or visit www.ferberdental.com

Dental Implants

The doctors of the Ferber Dental Group are experts in implants and can vastly improve your smile both aesthetically and functionally.

What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are natural-looking replacements for missing teeth that also provide the same function as your natural tooth root. A dental implant is a small, sturdy, titanium post that acts as the root structure would for a natural tooth. A dental implant is placed into your upper or lower jaw bone. After the bone has grown around the implant, implants can hold a crown, bridge or overdenture just like roots hold natural teeth in place.

Implants are very durable and can last a lifetime. They require the same maintenance as natural teeth; this includes brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups. A single tooth or a full arch of teeth that have been lost due to injury or disease can be replaced with dental implants. Titanium metal is used because of its compatibility with bone and oral tissues.

What Can I Expect During the Procedure?

The number of visits from the initial visit to completion of an implant varies according to the case, but in general this is a procedure that takes a few months. First the implant is placed and then enough time has to pass for the implant to become integrated with bone structure. Several appointments are required

in between the initial visit and completion to check the implant/bone integration. After the integration takes place, the procedure is completed with “permanent” restorations of the tooth/teeth.

What Results Can I Expect?

The results of dental implants are extraordinary. Creating a new smile will do just that: keep you smiling all the time and putting you functionally in a position to enjoy your foods.

For information about the Ferber Dental Group, dental implants, dentures or periodontal concerns, call 561-439-8888 or visit www.ferberdental.com.