There is a difference between implant-supported and implant-retained dentures. An implant-supported denture includes the implant and any function that goes onto the denture.  The majority of denture cases fro which implants are place are implant-retained dentures, which means the implants are there to retain the denture in the mouth and provide stability.  The actual biting forces are supported by the hard and soft tissues.
     The factors that need to be taken into account when deciding between the types of implant-retained dentures is the patient's ability for hygiene.  Certainly a fully removeable denture is easier to maintain hygienically. Overall, the benefits of implant retained dentures are overwheliming.  The most outstanding or obvious benefit is the improved retention of the appliance, as well as a significant decrease in sore spots.
     The biggest change we have seen is the improvement of patients' quality of life and this improved quality of life is translated into the patients' confidence.  Once they have a denture that they know won't move or fall out of their mouth, all of a sudden you start to see their facial muscles relax, and their facial appearance is greatly improved.

PHOTOREACTIVE DRUG INFORMATION

The following medications are commonly considered to be photoreactive and may cause an adverse condition if used in conjunction with the Zoom System. If you are currently taking any of these medications, please consult with your physician before going through the Zoom procedure. To check photoreactive properties of any medications not listed below, please consult the most recent edition of the Physician’s Drug Reference (PDR).

Generic Name Trade Name
Chlorthiazide Aldoclor, Diupres, Diuril
Hydrochlorothiazide Aldacteride, Aldoril, Capozide,
Dyazide, Hydrodiuril, Lopressor,
Orotic, Moduretic
Chlorthalidone Combipres, Tenoretic, Hygroton
Naprosyn Naproxen
Oxaprozin Daypro
Nabumetone Relafen
Piroxicam Feldene
Doxycycline Vibramycin, Doryx
Ciprofloxacin Cipro
Ofloxacin Floxin
Psoralens Methoxsalen, Trisoralen
Democlocyline Declomycin
Norfloxacin Chibroxin, Noroxin
Sparfloxacin Zagan
Sulindac Clinoril, Sulindac
Tetracycline Achromycin
St.John’s Wart
Isotretinoin Accutane
Tretinoin Retin A

AT-HOME TEETH WHITENING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Thoroughly brush and floss teeth one hour before treatment.

2. Place thin line of gel in tray as instructed.

3. Dry teeth and place trays in mouth.

4. Wipe gum tissues to remove any excess gel from tissues.

5. Leave trays on teeth for 30 minutes only! If teeth become sensitive, reduce wearing time to 20 minutes.

6. Remove trays and wipe teeth before rinsing and brushing.

7. Rinse and brush trays to store.

8. Treat for 7-10 consecutive days, or until ideal whitening is achieved.

9. Call our office at 345-3166 if you have any questions or severe sensitivity.

10. Do not store any unused product in refrigerator.

The intra-oral camera is a wonderful "tool" during a dental exam.  It is able to magnify to allow the dental professional (dentist, hygienist, or assistant) to better assess the health of each tooth.  It also displays the image on the monitor making it very educational for the patient.  The patient is able, finally, to see "what the dentist sees when he looks in their mouth".  After only one or two teeth displayed with a bit of explanation about what it is that is displayed, the patient is able to diagnose their situation themselves, in many cases.

The pH of the saliva is very important in the health of the oral flora.  pH that shifts to acidic causes decalcification of the teeth eventually causing decay.  And everyone knows what that means..........fillings!  pH can be shifted due to many factors, one of which is drinking anything carbonated.....even diet carbonated drinks (I know, that's just not fair is it?)  Carbonation is achieved with carbonic acid.  So, it follows that acid would make the mouth more acidic.  If a person sips, sips, sips on the carbonated drink over hours, keeping a constant acidic bath flowing over the teeth, it creates more problems than if you drank the drink over a shorter period of time.

Saliva can, and should, be tested for pH, buffering capacity, viscosity, and flow rate.  It is a simple in office chairside test.  No discomfort involved!  You even get to chew gum as part of the test!!!!  (But it's unflavored......can you even imagine?)  By testing the saliva, the dentist can determine your propensity for decay and can teach you how to alter your diet to correct this situation so that your saliva is actually part of the solution and not part of the problem.

ACP (Aciduated Calcium Phosphate) was developed in 2004 as a remineralizing agent for teeth.  Remineralization.........what a concept!!  It has been proven to enhance and rebuild mineral-lacking enamel.  We work with an ACP prophy paste when cleaning your teeth in our office.  Why wouldn't you want to go beyond simply cleaning your teeth and actually rebuild decalcified areas of enamel?

    Fluoride was introduced in 1954 to work as an external shield, making it harder for acids to dissolve enamel, thus slowing down demineralization.  A weekly prescription strength fluoride rinse used at home has done wonders to further this remineralization process.  Stronger enamel..........way to go!!!

KaVo is the brand name of an instrument that is a laser at its core.  But this laser is not the intensity to cut teeth, it simply tells us through a digital readout how dense the enamel is on the biting surface and tongue and cheek side surfaces of your teeth.  Through research, we know which readings are within normal limits and which fall outside of these parameters.  Those that are too high are diagnosed as having decay and needing a filling.  This can be detected while the cavity is so small that we can not detect it visually or with the aid of an explorer (that little pointed, hook-shaped instrument that we have used for eternity in dentistry).  And when a cavity is detected while it is still very small, the repair done with the ensuing filling is also very small.  Hooray!!  We always want to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible.  Success!!!!!

Magnification amplifies and allows for more precise diagnosis.  Something that you would , and should, expect in all phases of health care.  We, in dentistry, are now wearing magnification "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" safety glasses while examining and working on your precious teeth.  Also available is a light that attaches to a headband (think miners' headlight gadget) that helps with inspection in a dark place like the mouth even better.  No more dancing around trying to get our big head out of the path of the overhead light to do excellent dental care for each patient!!!

3 types of Biologic Width measured from the gingival crest to the alveolar crest with bone sounding under anesthesia.

1. Normal Crest (85%) midfacial 3mm and 3-4.5mm interproximal.  Stable longterm.

2. High Crest (2%) midfacial <3mm and <3mm interproximal.  Most common interproximal adjacent to an edentulous site.

3. Low Crest (13%)

 * Female Sex Hormones.  Hormones like estrogen can significantly impact cavity formation.  Estrogen, produced by the placenta thoughout pregnancy, promotes cavity and dietary changes.
    * Saliva. Women naturally produce less saliva than men, reducing the removal of food residue from the teeth and promoting dry mouth (xerostomia). During pregnancy, the chemical composition of saliva changes, reducing saliva's antimicrobial capacity.
    * Food craving during pregnancy. Women often crave high-energy, sweet foods during the third trimester.  Ultimately, the female physiology combined with dietary changes and increased fertility explains why women have more cavities than men; however how these factors contributer to a higher risk of cavities in women as they age is not fully understood.

Women can help avoid oral conditions associated with hormonal changes/fluctuations by maintaining a balanced diet and practicing good daily oral care.  A good oral care regimen includes brushing twice daily with toothpaste containing fluoride and flossing once a day.  In addition, women should have their teeth cleaned professionally (or more frequently if recommended) by a dentist.