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.

"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.

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.

Periodontics: Helping Keep Your Gums and the Rest of Your Body Healthy

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 planning 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.

Soft Tissue Grafts 

Tissue from the roof of the mouth is stitched to the gums in places where they have receded, adding tissue to the affected area.

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

Dentistry Through the Ages: a Timeline (Part IV of V)

In Part IV of this 5-part series detailing the evolution of dentistry from its ancient origins to modern day, we’ll take a look at dentistry during the 19^th Century.

1801

Richard C. Skinner writes the Treatise on the Human Teeth, the first dental book published in America. 

1820

Claudius Ash establishes the first dental manufacturing company in London.

1825

Samuel Stockton begins commercial manufacture of porcelain teeth. His S.S. White Dental Manufacturing Company establishes and dominates the dental supply market throughout the 19th century.

1830 

French brothers, the Crawcours, introduce amalgam into the U.S., which sparks the “amalgam wars,” a bitter controversy within the dental profession over the use of amalgam fillings because of the dangers cited about their mercury content. Although the American Dental Association later deems amalgam safe, and still does today, some controversy still exists.

1831

James Snell designs the first reclining dental chair.

1839

The American Journal of Dental Science, the world’s first dental journal, begins publication.

1839

Charles Goodyear invents the vulcanization process for hardening rubber. The resulting Vulcanite, an inexpensive material easily molded to the mouth, makes an excellent base for false teeth, and is soon adopted for use by dentists.

1843

The first British Dental Journal is published.

1844

Horace Wells, a Connecticut dentist, discovers that nitrous oxide can be used as an anesthesia and successfully uses it to conduct several extractions in his private practice. He conducts the first public demonstration of its use in 1845, but the demonstration is considered a failure when the patient cries out during the operation.

1855

Robert Arthur originates the cohesive gold foil method, which allows gold to be inserted into a cavity with minimal pressure.

1858

The Dental Hospital of London opens, the first clinical training establishment for British dentists.

1859

Twenty-six dentists meet in Niagara Falls, New York, and form the American Dental Association.

1869

Dr. Robert Tanner Freeman, graduating from Harvard University Dental School, becomes the first African-American to earn a dental degree.

1871

A tooth-colored filling material, silicate cement, is introduced.

1871

James B. Morrison patents the first commercially manufactured foot-treadle dental engine. Morrison’s inexpensive, mechanized tool revolutionizes the practice of dentistry. The same year, George F. Green receives a patent for the first electric dental engine. 

1877

The Wilkerson hydraulic dental chair is introduced.

1880

The British Dental Association is founded.

1884

Cocaine is introduced as a local anesthetic by Carl Koller.

1890

Willoughby Miller, an American dentist living in Germany, notes the microbial basis of dental decay in his book Micro-Organisms of the Human Mouth. This generates an unprecedented interest in oral hygiene and starts a worldwide movement to promote regular tooth brushing and flossing. 

1895

German physicist Wilhelm Roentgen discovers the x-ray, and the following year, a prominent New Orleans dentist, C. Edmond Kells, takes the first dental x-ray in the U.S. of a live person.

1899

Edward Hartley Angle classifies the various forms of malocclusion and is credited with making orthodontics a dental specialty. He also establishes the Angle School of Orthodontia in St. Louis in 1900, the first school of orthodontia. 

In our next installment, we’ll take a look at dentistry up to modern times.  

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: Third in a Four-Part Series

In our last installment of “Toothpaste A to Z,” we went over the specific compounds contained in many modern toothpastes. In Part III, we’ll identify the basic types of toothpaste and what they’re intended to do.

The most common toothpaste type, of course, is a fluoride toothpaste and is used to stop tooth enamel decalcification, and protect teeth from tooth carries (small fissures), decay and cavities. Most brands of toothpaste today contain fluoride, whether or not the manufacturers market them that way.

  

Plaque- and gingivitis-prevention toothpastes have additional antibacterial ingredients to fight the growth of bacteria and the formation of dental plaque.

Tooth-whitening toothpastes have a higher abrasion value than other types of toothpastes to mechanically remove the stains caused by smoking and eating certain foods. They also can contain chemicals such as peroxide that bleach the teeth.

Sensitivity toothpastes contain agents to relieve tooth sensitivity caused by eating hot or cold foods and those that are particularly sweet or sour.

Tartar-control toothpastes contain pyrophosphates that reduce new tartar buildup. It is important to note, however, that tartar-control toothpastes only help prevent the buildup of new tartar. They do not remove existing tartar.

Lastly, some toothpaste companies market their product as effective breath fresheners and add flavoring agents and antibacterials to fight halitosis. Others enhance the taste to appeal to children.

In our fourth and final installment, we’ll put all the information together from Parts I, II and III to learn how to select the toothpaste that’s right for you.

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: Second in a Four-Part Series

In our first installment of “Toothpaste A to Z,” we briefly covered the history of toothpaste from the time of its invention up until the 1950s, when fluoride was added. In Part II, we’ll detail the many ingredients in modern toothpastes and their purpose.

Modern toothpastes contain many active ingredients designed to offer protection against various dental conditions. The most common of these ingredients include:

Fluoride

Fluoride is the most popular active ingredient because of its proven ability to prevent cavities. Most toothpaste brands use sodium fluoride (NaF). Some brands use sodium monofluorophosphate (Na2PO3F). Concentrations of fluoride vary from about 1,000 to 1,450 ppm.

Antimicrobial Agents 

Antimicrobial agents such as triclosan, zinc chloride and zinc citrate are added to slow the growth of damaging bacteria in the mouth or kill it altogether, which prevents the buildup of dental plaque and staves off gum disease.

Surfactants

Surfactants are detergents and other foaming agents that help carry away debris from between teeth. Common toothpaste surfactants include sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate.

Anti-tartar Agents

Pyrophosphates such as tetrasodium pyrophosphate are water softeners that remove calcium and magnesium from the saliva, which prevents buildup of tartar (calcified plaque).

De-sensitising Agents 

Additives like strontium chloride block the tiny crevices that enable cold and heat sensations to reach the tooth's nerve. Agents such as potassium citrate and potassium nitrate actually chemically disable the mechanism of pain transmission between nerve cells. 

Abrasives

Abrasives help to whiten teeth. Some common types include silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). 

Other Teeth Whiteners

Some teeth whiteners such as hydrogen peroxide and sodium carbonate peroxide work chemically to bring teeth back to their original color.

Then, of course, there are various flavor additives as well as toothpastes fortified with a variety of goodies, from vitamins to enzymes, that don’t do a lot to improve oral health, but do move product. No matter what type of toothpaste you prefer, however, the most important “ingredient” in a complete program of oral hygiene is using it at least three times a day.

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: First in a Four-Part Series

We may take the concept of a minty fresh gel or paste squeezed out of a tube and onto our toothbrush for the purposes of improving our oral hygiene for granted. But like any product, toothpaste has evolved over time to become the fortified cleaning and enhancing agent that it is today.

Part I: A Brief History

Although toothpaste was used as long ago as 500 BC in ancient Egypt, China and India, it was not until the 19th century that it came into general use. Ancient toothpastes, actually powders at the time, used abrasive ingredients to help bring back the original white color of teeth.

Items such as bone, eggshells, snails and oyster shells, were burned or crushed into tiny pieces and used as scouring powder to more or less sand the surface of teeth. While these abrasives did work in the short run; in the long run, tooth enamel was removed, which led to dental problems much more significant than yellowing teeth.

The first modern toothpastes came about in the 1800s. Most were homemade from chalk, soap, salt and other common ingredients and stored as powders or pastes. Dental treatment of teeth during this time consisted mostly of the removal of teeth that were too painful to remain in the mouth.

The most important breakthrough in the history of toothpaste was the addition of fluoride in 1914, which was found to stave off tooth decay. Fluoride use in toothpastes became widespread by the 1950s and dentists even applied it directly to teeth during office visits.

In Part II, we’ll discuss the various ingredients in modern toothpastes and the pros and cons to each.

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

Conquering Your Fear of the Dentist. Part II of a Two-Part Series

As we explained in Part I, dental anxiety is quite common and prevents some otherwise intelligent, rational people from routinely getting dental care and optimizing and maintaining their dental health. Most dental phobics have experienced a high degree of discomfort at one time or another with either an unskilled or uncaring dentist. Unfortunately, if the experience is unpleasant enough, these folks will seek help only in a situation where what, oftentimes begins as a minor condition, progresses to a significant one and the pain becomes unbearable.  

So how do you conquer your fear of the dentist? The second of the two main principles is a technique called Guided Imagery, a relaxation technique that has been used for decades both by individuals to calm themselves and by healthcare workers and therapists, etc. to help calm their patients.

If your dentist is familiar with the technique, he will suggest a soothing scenario to think about or ask you to select one of your own. Then, he’ll simply guide you through a detailed description of the place or situation that has been planted in your mind. Some common imagery includes relaxing scenes such as open meadows, running streams, swaying palms, gentle snowfall, etc.

The technique can be used on yourself as well. Maybe floating on a pool raft in warm water is a soothing thought or lying back in a green field, watching the clouds. Whatever your thought process, it helps to practice at times when you’re not feeling anxious to help train your mind to feel that same calm under stressful conditions. The technique is easy to do anywhere you can close your eyes, and works to some degree for virtually everyone. No, Guided Imagery is not the cure-all for alleviating anxiety. But, combine it with the right dentist and a little practice, and you might find yourself a bit more at ease in the dentist chair and well on your way to improving your oral health. 

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

How to Select a Dentist

Although most people select a new dentist through referral of a friend, family, their former dentist or their insurance company, there’s a list of questions you should ask before making your final decision.

• How long has the dentist been in practice? There’s no right or wrong answer to this one; it really depends on your comfort level. Some patients may prefer a dentist with many years of experience under his belt while others may opt for a newer dentist with perhaps a more progressive approach to her practice. Either way, you should research your dentist’s experience and make sure it fits your expectations.
• Will the practice work with your insurance company to maximize benefits? If insurance is a concern, you’ll need a dentist who either accepts your plan or assists you in filing for reimbursement. Don’t rule out a dentist just because he is not on your insurance plan. In many cases, the dentist you want may be able to help you get reimbursement from your insurance company ever though he doesn’t directly take your insurance.
• What education and certifications does the dentist have? Dentists often have specialties. If you are searching for a dentist with a specific specialty, you should look to see if he is trained in this specific field of dentistry.
• Does the dentist often offer different options for treatment? Some dentists are old school and it’s their way or the highway. Progressive dentistry often involves options in which the patient can weigh in.
• Is the dentist available for after-hours emergency treatment? If you lose a crown during dinner, it’s a lot more comforting to know that your regular dentist will treat you and not someone new who’s on call for emergencies.

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.

Floss or Water Pick? Electric Toothbrush or Manual? The Final Say

Is it more effective to floss teeth with a water pick or standard dental floss?

Standard dental floss is the most effective tool for cleaning the tight spaces between the teeth. You can also use dental floss to scrape up and down the sides of each tooth. An oral irrigator—or water pick—aims a stream of water at your teeth and is certainly a good supplemental hygiene method, as it helps to remove food particles and reduces bleeding gums, but it isn't generally considered a substitute for brushing and flossing.

One of the main complaints about flossing is that the floss gets stuck in the teeth. Waxed floss can help prevent this as well as using a floss holder.

Is an electric toothbrush better than a regular toothbrush?

Many people use manual toothbrushes quite effectively, but an electric toothbrush can be a great alternative, especially if you’re afflicted with arthritis or other conditions that make it difficult to brush well. The bristle movement of an electric toothbrush thoroughly removes plaque and improves the overall health of the gums.

When investing in an electric toothbrush, however, make sure it’s comfortable to hold and easy to use. If the brushing experience is not enjoyable, as is human nature, most people will cut back the amount of time they brush or avoid it altogether.

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

What Exactly is a Dental Lab?

When getting dentures or dental implants, a good deal of the process takes place out of the dentist’s office at a dental lab. The lab is where the prosthetic devices are fabricated. Trained technicians follow the dentist’s instructions and specifications via the patient's prescription.

The technician is highly skilled in color matching; following materials, type and design specifications; identifying defects on the impression received from the dentist; and controlling the handling of the appliance during delivery to reduce the possibility of infection.

Dental lab technicians must pass a state board examination as well as participate in continuing education to stay abreast of the newest in materials and procedures. Diligent dental groups will select dental labs based on the expertise of their lab technicians, working hand-in-hand with their lab partners to stay abreast of quickly evolving technical information about design or material makeup of the prosthetic appliance prescribed.

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

Pros and Cons of Accelerated Orthodontics

Accelerated orthodontic treatment is the dental procedure that involves moving and straightening teeth using a combination of braces and surgery in order to achieve a speedier outcome than with traditional braces alone. In some cases, accelerated orthodontics can reduce the time needed for correction from as long as three years to as short as six months or less.

Using traditional orthodontics, if the mouth is too small to accommodate the existing teeth or the teeth too numerous—both of which can account for misalignment—the dentist would likely remove one or more teeth to make room and then apply braces. The adjustment of the remaining teeth to fill the gap left behind during traditional orthodontics is what can take a considerable amount of time.

Using accelerated orthodontics, no teeth are removed. Instead, the dentist shaves away material from the edges of all the teeth, in effect narrowing each, so the distance required to move is greatly reduced.

The pros to such a procedure are pretty straight forward. Time, of course, and also the improved aesthetics during the period of correction; there are no unsightly gaps to fill in and in many cases, the braces can be attached to the back of the teeth.

The technique is quite specialized, however, which adds significantly to the cost. In addition, there is more discomfort associated with accelerated correction. Not only are the teeth moving through the gum tissue at an accelerated rate, but they’re also migrating through the jaw bone faster, both of which can cause pain.

For questions about dentures, dental implants, periodontal disease or general dentistry including accelerated orthodontics, 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.

The Four Different Types of Dentures. Part IV of a 4-Part Series.

Implant retained dentures are the fourth and final denture type and involve placing two or more dental implants into the jawbone and then attaching the denture to those implants.

To install a dental implant, a hole is drilled into the jawbone and a titanium screw is fitted into the hole. After several months, the bone integrates (fuses) with the screw, and a post is attached to the base of the screw. This post juts through the gum into the mouth, and can either be fitted with a porcelain tooth, to which the denture is secured, or in some cases, the denture can be attached to the post directly.

Implant retained dentures are an option for patients who cannot tolerate full dentures because of an overactive gagging reflex. The dental implants allow smaller multiple dentures to cover the top or bottom jawbone, which often is a more comfortable alternative to full dentures. In addition, as wearers of full dentures age, the jawbone tends to resorb over time, changing the shape of the mouth, and in some cases eventually making full dentures impossible to wear. Implant retained dentures allow the denture to remain stable even as the bone recedes.

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 Four Different Types of Dentures. Part III of a 4-Part Series.

Because full dentures can be difficult to stabilize, Cu-Sil partial dentures were created. Unlike full dentures where the few remaining natural teeth must be removed, Cu-Sils allow one or more natural healthy teeth to be left in the mouth to help anchor the denture. Even one single healthy tooth left in place can be enough to fully stabilize a Cu-Sil denture.   

Cu-Sils are fashioned with holes to allow the remaining natural teeth to poke through. These holes are fitted with stable silicone gaskets that hug the natural teeth and maintain the suction needed to anchor the denture.

While a nice alternative to full dentures, they’re not recommended for people who still have a lot of healthy evenly distributed teeth because the complexity that would be required of the Cu-Sil design to fit properly around numerous natural teeth would impede the denture’s function. Cu-Sils are considered transitional dentures and used primarily for people whose few remaining teeth will likely be lost in the near future. 

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.

It’s Never Too Late to Improve Your Smile

At the Ferber Dental Group, by the time we see patients, usually they’ve already made the decision to have dental work done, and so the question of whether or not they’re too old to worry about their smile rarely comes up. But there’s a large population of people hiding in the shadows, reluctant to smile and convinced that, because of their advanced age, dentures, implants, veneers and other cosmetic procedures designed to improve their smile either aren’t possible, are too expensive or just impractical at this stage of life.

Sure, there are a lot of reasons not to fix your smile, but if bad teeth are preventing you from the simple pleasure of smiling, then you owe it to yourself to look into options for a new smile. Although there can be some increased challenges to cosmetic dentistry as patients age—especially in cases of advanced bone loss and periodontal disease—cliché as it sounds, it’s never too late. If you want to enjoy smiling again, the Ferber Dental Group can help you find an option that is gets you the results you want at a price you can afford, no matter how old you are.

Over the years, we’ve improved the smiles of hundreds and hundreds of senior patients, including friends and family. And we’re happy to report that the No. 1 feedback in common from virtually all patients in their 60s, 70s and some even in their 80s is that their only regret is not having the work done sooner.

At the Ferber Dental Group, we firmly believe that a bright, attractive smile is the cornerstone to a butterfly effect to a higher quality of life. You’ll be happier inside and it’ll show on the outside. Others are much more apt to approach and engage with someone smiling than someone not, and from there, who knows where life will lead.

So call 561-439-8888 or visit http://www.ferberdental.com and make an appointment today to discuss your options for improving your smile and turning over a new leaf.

Periodontal Disease: Serious but Highly Treatable in the Early Stages

Periodontal disease is a serious infection of the gums that if left untreated can lead to tooth loss. There are a variety of stages of this chronic bacterial infection that can affect from one tooth to many. The condition begins when bacteria-plagued plaque—the sticky, colorless film that regularly forms on teeth—isn’t removed via brushing and flossing.

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily. Generally, there’s little or no discomfort at this stage. The good news is if caught early, gingivitis is easily reversible with vigilant home oral hygiene.

If untreated, however, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums and stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body, in essence, turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth break down. Gums separate from the teeth and form pockets of infection. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Although this process has very mild symptoms, eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

The stages of periodontitis include aggressive periodontitis, in which patients who are otherwise clinically healthy experience rapid gum detachment and bone destruction.

Chronic periodontitis is the next level and results in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive gum detachment and bone loss. This is the stage when patients often begin to realize they have a critical problem and seek treatment.

Lastly, necrotizing periodontal disease is an infection characterized by necrosis of gingival tissues, the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions are most commonly observed in individuals with systemic conditions such as HIV infection, malnutrition and other immunosuppressive diseases.

For information about periodontal disease, dentures, dental implants or any dentistry-related subjects, call The Ferber Dental Group at 561-471-8285 or visit http://www.ferberdental.com/.

The Pros and Cons of Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied usually to the hard-to-reach back teeth of children, which are often prone to decay. They’re most commonly placed on the permanent molars, which erupt at about 12 years of age, and although the concept seems logical, they’re not as popular as one might think. The technology has been around since the 1960s, yet fewer than a third of children in this country get them. This can perhaps be attributed to the fact that the existence of dental sealants isn’t common knowledge.

Most tooth decay in children and teens occurs in the back teeth and hermetically sealing them does seem to help prevent decay. A 2009 study by the Cochrane Collaboration, a group that evaluates medical research, found that 5- to 10-year-olds who used sealants had less than half the decay on biting surfaces five years after treatment than those without sealant whose sole means of preventing cavities was regular brushing.

Not everyone benefits from dental implants. After an examination, your dentist can determine if the shape and size of the pits and fissures on the biting surface of your children’s teeth warrant sealing. Those kids whose grooves are deep and narrow will have a more urgent need for dental sealants than those whose grooves are naturally shallow and rounded.

Sealants can last five to 10 years, and while some researchers have questioned the safety of having sealants in the mouth for this extended period of time, the FDA has determined that these compounds are indeed safe.

To discuss dental sealants for your child or any other dental-related subject, including dentures, dental implants and periodontal disease, call the Ferber Dental Group at 561-439-8888 or visit www.ferberdental.com.