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.

Emerging Science Might Someday “Grow” Dental Implants

Dr. Jeremy Mao at Columbia University Medical Center is working on a dental procedure whereby stem cells from human teeth are placed into a scaffolding or mold type device that allows the cells to grow and essentially regenerate into an anatomically correct tooth.

According to a study published in the Journal of Dental Research, in years to come, the procedure may enable people to simply regrow a new set of teeth as opposed to undergoing treatment with dentures or dental implants.

By using a procedure developed in the university's Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Dr. Mao can direct the body's own stem cells toward the scaffold, which is made of natural materials. Once the stem cells have colonized the scaffold, a tooth can grow in the socket and then merge with the surrounding tissue.

Dr. Mao's technique not only eliminates the need to grow teeth in a Petri dish, but it is the first to achieve regeneration of anatomically correct teeth by using the body's own resources. Factor in that a complete tooth can be regenerated in as fast as nine weeks and the future technology becomes very appealing.

Although the procedure has not yet been attempted on humans, Columbia University has filed for patents on the technology and will likely seek to commercialize it in the future. In the meantime, we at the Ferber Dental Group will keep a close eye on this emerging science while continuing to use the newest in denture and dental-implant technology to restore the smile of your youth.

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

Toothpaste A to Z: Final in a Four-Part Series

In our first three installments of “Toothpaste A to Z,” we covered the history of toothpaste, ingredients and what they’re used for. In this, our fourth and final installment, we’ll put it all together by offering tips about how to choose a toothpaste that’s appropriate for you.

1.     Choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride toothpastes are proven to prevent cavities. 

2.     Consult your dentist or hygienist about your particular oral health's greatest needs and look for products within that category. For example, if tartar buildup is your personal nemesis, you’ll want to consider brands that control tartar buildup.

3.     If you have tooth sensitivity issues, avoid the use of whitening toothpastes, as bleaching agents and abrasives aggravate sensitivity, and look in the category of toothpastes that help dull your sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet and sour. 

4.     Consider your personal preference, whether a preferred brand or flavor or even gel versus paste. You’re much more apt to brush regularly and thoroughly with a toothpaste whose flavor, for example, you enjoy.

5.     If you don’t get the expected results right away, don’t immediately blame the toothpaste. Give it some time and revisit your brushing technique.

6.     And, of course, if a new toothpaste is irritating to your gums, switch it out with another. It could contain an ingredient to which you’re sensitive.

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

Types of Toothbrushes

Given the many types of toothbrushes available to consumers, confusion about which type to use is understandable. Prices vary from about a buck to well more than $100 for some electric styles. What’s the best?


The bottom line is cleaning your teeth thoroughly, which has a lot more to do with the user than it does the tool. For the sake of argument, however, following is the lowdown on the basic toothbrush styles.


Manual Brushes


A high quality, totally satisfactory manual toothbrush can be had for around $2-$4. It won't be exciting, expensive or equipped with all the bells and whistles, but if used properly and for at least two minutes per session, three times per day, it will do everything it needs to accomplish.


Be sure to use a brush with soft bristles to prevent damaging your teeth and gums. Soft bristles will clean your teeth thoroughly and stimulate your gums adequately without causing the damaging abrasion that medium to hard bristles will. Also, be sure to replace your toothbrush every two to three months, as the more wear it endures, the less effective it becomes.


Manufacturers may add all manner of gadgets—textures, colors. rubber tips, special gum-massaging whiskers. There are even some toothbrushes that play music. None of this makes your mouth any healthier. But if it amuses you, by all means, indulge yourself. Anything that gets you to brush longer or more often is worth it.


Electric Toothbrushes


The technology used in some of the newest brushes is nothing short of amazing. There are sonic brushes utilizing acoustic energy to cleanse teeth, spinning, reciprocating and vibrating bristles to remove plaque. Some of the newest designs allow you to simply hold the brush in the right spots and let the brush do all the work. These machines really are pretty cool and many work very well. They’re especially helpful for people who have arthritis, lack coordination, or are just not very good with their hands.


Manual vs. Electric


Just remember, it's all about the operator and not the tool. Manual brushes can work just as well as the best electrics. Can you be happy with low tech? Then save yourself some money and stick to manual brushes. Do high-tech tools make your day? Then open your wallet and have some fun.


The Bottom Line


Tooth brushing winds up like so many things in life: a trade-off. Manual brushing is low cost, but labor-intensive. Electric brushing is higher cost, but less work. Whichever direction you go, just be sure to brush well at least three times daily.

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

Smoking: Kick the Habit Now

While there’s a school of thought that the root of most serious dental problems lies in genetic predisposition, there are, of course, many environmental factors that contribute to unhealthy teeth and gums. One of the biggies is smoking.

Smoking discolors teeth, reduces the flow of saliva that helps maintain a clean mouth and protect against decay and inflames otherwise healthy gums and mouth tissue. Because smoking also restricts blood flow, it reduces vitamin C and other nutrients vital to healthy teeth and gums. Lastly, smoking causes systemic breakdown in the body’s immune system.

Smoke long enough and, in combination, these dangers can lead to periodontal disease—a progressive disintegration of the tissue and bone that anchor the jaw caused by bacterial infection—even if no predisposition to the malady exists.

The message, though short and sweet, is loud and clear. If you smoke, quit. Your teeth and gums will thank you for it. And if the thought of losing your teeth isn’t motivation enough, remember that smoking is also a source of bad breath. If you quit, your family, friends and colleagues will thank you for it.  

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

Questions to Ask Your Dentist Prior to a Procedure

Most dentists are pretty good about educating their patients prior to a particular dental procedure, particularly those that are invasive or complicated. However, if your dentist doesn’t cover any of the following about a slated procedure, don’t hesitate to ask. The conversation could lead to sharing all kinds of information from dental treatment alternatives to recovery tips.

--Are the results I desire from this dental treatment realistic?

--Is there an alternative dental treatment that I may consider as well?

--How long will the procedure take and how many dentist appointments are necessary?

--What kind of anesthesia is used, if any?

--How long have you performed this dental procedure and how many of them have you performed in the past year?

--What percentages of your patients have had significant complications?

--Will you repeat or correct the procedure if it does not meet agreed upon goals? And if the procedure must be repeated or corrected, will I be charged again?

--What kind of longevity can I expect from this particular dental treatment?

--Do you have before and after photographs of any of your patients who have been treated with this procedure?

--What should I expect after this dental procedure in terms of discomfort?

For questions about dentures, dental implants, periodontal disease or general dentistry, call the Ferber Dental Group a 561-439-8888 or visit http://www.ferberdental.com

Ten Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene

The mouth is the gateway to the body, and keeping your teeth and gums clean and disease free is the first step in maintaining overall health. Here are 10 tips to get you on your way.

1. Use a timer and brush for at least a full two minutes.

2. Use a floss aid. Flossing without one is difficult and often results in people avoiding it altogether.

3. Brush your teeth at the same times every day. If brushing becomes a habit, you won’t forget to do so.

4. Brush in the same pattern every time. Like No. 3 above, brushing in the same manner will make you less likely to miss a spot.

5. Avoid sports drinks. Their sugar content is just as tough on teeth as soda.

6. Use mouth wash for 30 seconds. Any longer is unnecessary to kill the bacteria in your mouth.

7. Don’t brush too hard. Brushing harder won’t help remove more plaque. It may even abrade your enamel and cause damage to your gums.

8. Use toothpaste bearing the ADA seal. By choosing an ADA-approved product, you can be sure it has been thoroughly tested to be safe and effective.

9. Chew sugar-free gum. Chewing sugar-free gum after eating can help reduce the amount of acid in the mouth and dislodge particles on and between the teeth.

10. Ask your dentist or hygienist for personalized suggestions. Don’t be afraid to ask for personal hygiene recommendations to make taking care of your oral health more productive.

For questions about dentures, dental implants, periodontal disease or general dentistry, call the Ferber Dental Group a 561-439-8888 or visit http://www.ferberdental.com.

The Truth About Silver Fillings

Silver fillings (a.k.a. amalgams) are made of alloy that usually contains combinations of silver, copper, tin and mercury. It’s this last ingredient, mercury, that for years has concerned the general public, and mostly the issue has to do with a story that ran in the New York Times in 2003. The story reported that a United Nations environmental conference in Kenya called for a worldwide crackdown on mercury pollution, listing various sources, including silver fillings, which the story said exposes humans to the highly toxic heavy metal.

Since then, there have been claims that the mercury in amalgam causes everything from autism, Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis to all sorts of neurological disorders, which by all valid accounts is simply not true. Many heavy hitters—including the American Dental Association, Alzheimer’s Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, Autism Society of America and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society—back the scores of studies and data that conclude there is no scientific evidence of a connection between neurological disorders or other diseases and the use of amalgam. Nor does the removal of silver fillings affect these conditions. The reason amalgam is used is because it’s a durable and affordable material. The material has been used to restore the teeth of more than 100 million Americans.

So, how can something containing mercury be safe? Good question with a relatively simple answer. There are many elements that by themselves are toxic; however, when combined with certain other elements, become inert. Chloride by itself, for example, in liberal enough quantities is deadly. Combine it with just the right ratio of sodium, however, and it becomes sodium chloride—table salt. The mercury in silver fillings is not harmful because the mercury is transformed in the process of making an alloy much like sodium and chloride are completely transformed when combined to make table salt. The mercury binds chemically to the other metals to make a stable alloy.

For questions about dentures, dental implants, periodontal disease or general dentistry, call The Ferber Dental Group a 561-439-8888 or visit http://www.ferberdental.com.

Dental Implant Types

There are numerous types of dental implants, each designed to meet specific patient needs. The following is the first part of a three-part series about the various designs and why they’re used. In Part 1, we’ll discuss dental implants by placement type.

Endosseous Implants

The first categorization of dental implant types is called endosteal or endosseous. These types of dental implants are surgically placed directly into the jaw bone to support the restored tooth as well as a nearby crown, implant bridge or implant-supported denture if needed. They can be of various shapes and implanted in a one- or two-phase procedure, depending on the condition of the jaw bone and surrounding tissue.

Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants consist of a metal frame placed on top of the jawbone under the gum tissue. Metal posts protrude through the gums, upon which the restorations are mounted. This type of implant is preferred when there’s not enough jaw bone to withstand the placement of an endosseous implant. 

Generally, subperiosteal implants are more costly to implant because they must be fabricated using impressions or CAT scans in order to custom fit each patient’s unique jaw shape. If fabrication of the subperiosteal implant is competed via CAT scan, the procedure can be done in a single visit. If the implant is fashioned using an impression, two visits are necessary: a first to expose the jaw bone and create the impression and a second procedure to place the implant.

In Part 2, we’ll discuss the three types of endosseus implants. For information about the Ferber Dental Group, dental implants, dentures or periodontal concerns, call 561-439-8888 or visit http://www.ferberdental.com/.