Category: Dentist

Homeopathic medicine and dentistry have come a long way from snake oil salesmen and gurus. Modern homeopathic medicine in any form focuses on a whole-body approach to healing. This is where biomimetic comes into play. The term biomimetics directly refers to human-created life-related options meant to imitate nature and natural functions. While the scientific definition and practice are, rather complicated for layman needs, the explanation of its purpose and function is quite simple in the dental industry. Biomimetic dentistry is used to restore natural tooth function while maintaining as much of the original structure as possible. But what’s the big deal about that and why should you choose a biomimetic dentist in Moorestown?

Say Goodbye to Amalgam Fillings
Biomimetic dentistry follows a natural, whole body approach and avoids adding back toxins to the body via dental care. Regardless of what the ADA states regarding amalgam fillings, they contain up to 50% of mercury in most cases. The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) state otherwise. While each patient is different and has individual tolerances, the fact is that mercury is one of the most toxic and deadliest substances on the planet. Amalgam fillings may be safe at first when applied. However, mercury vapors do emit from the metal over time and can be absorbed through the bloodstream. Biomimetic dentistry avoids this concern altogether by providing safe, non-toxic composite fillings.

Biomimetic Dentistry Minimizes or Eliminates the Need for Root Canals
In traditional dentistry, root canals are often a last-ditch effort to repair and save a badly damaged tooth. It involves a deep cleaning, removal of dead or damaged pulp, and usually includes a lot of pain and recovery time. The actual causes for a root canal often surround inflammation, infection, and cracks caused by decay. The thought alone is often enough to make even the most loyal dental patient consider running for the hills. Fortunately, there’s a safer and more successful solution. Biomimetic dentistry restores the teeth in layers as opposed to just diving right to the worst part of the damage. So more of the tooth is saved and that includes the root. While in the worst-case scenarios root canals can’t always be avoided, your biomimetic dentist in Moorestown will do everything possible to make that the very last possible option in your tooth restoration plan.

Restorations Are Stronger and More Aesthetically Pleasing
Some professionals like to insist that biomimetic dentistry restorations are up to 400% stronger than traditional methods. Well, let’s be real here. That’s probably a bloated statistic. But biomimetic dentistry is definitely stronger than traditional restorative options. Traditional dentistry involves filing, drilling, and cutting away at the existing teeth to restore the problems with extra fillers and shaping. Biomimetic dentistry, however, opts to save as much as the natural tooth as possible by removing only what absolutely needs to be removed from the infected or affected structures. This practice helps to reserve more of the original teeth which can then be restored with biocompatible materials and polished to a brilliant shine. The results are often far more lustrous and luminous than entirely rebuilt or fake tooth structures. When you’re ready to discuss a healthier dental approach, give your biomimetic dentist in Moorestown a call.

Millions of Americans avoid going to the dentist for a number of reasons including financial and preconceived need. But 9% to 15%, or around 40 million American adults, simply put of professional dental care due to fear and anxiety. It’s normal to have some fear of the unknown, and there’s plenty of mystery inside the dentist’s office. But when that fear advances and takes control of your sensibilities leaving in its wake irrational worries, panic attacks, and a terrifying loss of self-control, that anxiety transforms into a phobia. And that is quite different. Fortunately, sedation dentistry can help even those suffering from cases of debilitating dental fear. But what’s wrong with a little dental fear and how can another type of dentistry help?

What’s the Big Deal About Having a Dental Phobia?

Many people believe dental fear or anxiety is the same as a dental phobia, but they’re often like night and day. Those with a true dental phobia often cite helplessness, discomfort, and fear as their main reasons to avoid treatment. But many people will go so far out of their way to avoid the dentist that they’ll deal with ongoing embarrassment over broken teeth and cavities. They’ll often suffer intense pain from untreated conditions such as gingivitis, toothaches, loose fillings, or even pending root canals. And feeling forced to visit a dentist or even make an appointment may cause physical illness, severe stress, and even dangerously strong heart palpitations. Those suffering from such intense fear can’t possibly handle traditional dentistry options. But sedation dentistry can help.

What’s So Special About Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry isn’t another type or branch of dentistry. It’s not some fly-by-night magic pill or guru trick. But it is a special medical procedure intended to tackle and relieve the crippling anxiety and fear that keeps so many from getting the dental care they so desperately need. Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax enough to have necessary work completed. It is often called “Sleep dentistry”, but that’s not an accurate description. In most cases, the patients are awake. However, in severe situations, general anesthesia may lull the patient to sleep. Depending on the procedure and sensitivity of the patient, pain medication may be administered or prescribed afterward.

What Types of Sedation is Used and Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry can use multiple types of medication for relaxation and anxiety control. Minimal sedation can be in the form of inhalation. Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” is usually the medication of choice for this method. Moderate sedation, such as Halcion or Valium, can be in pill form taken an hour prior to the procedure or in IV form. Deep sedation, however, involves combined medications that make the patient almost or completely unconscious and only wear off once the procedure is over.

Sedation dentistry isn’t just for those with severe fear or anxiety. It may also be appropriate for those with a low pain threshold or those who can’t sit still for long. If you have a strong gag reflex or have overly sensitive teeth, SD may help. And patients in need of a large amount of dental work can definitely benefit from dental relaxants. A call to your Fort Lauderdale dentist can help you decide if sedation dentistry is right for your needs.

About 75% of American kids have problems with their adult teeth once they’re set, and lifestyle often plays into that. Providing your favorite adolescents with the opportunity to play sports and enjoy physical activities isn’t just smart, it’s essential. In fact, sports benefit kids in multiple ways. Team-based activity encourages self-esteem and confidence. It strengthens neurological connections and motivates active academical participation. And, of course, physical activity helps encourage an active lifestyle and thwart countless health issues. According to the American Dental Association, kids who wear a mouthguard can avoid some serious and painful consequences down the road. But what teeth issues can a mouthguard prevent while playing sports?

Cracked and Chipped Teeth

The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation (NYSSF) claims that kids who don’t wear mouthguards are up to 60 times more likely to suffer damage to their teeth during sports play. Even slight cracks or chips can cause a number of ongoing dental problems. This may include tooth pain while eating or drinking, sudden or random sensitivity, and loss of enamel which can expose the dentin or root of a tooth. Cracked and chipped teeth can be repaired, but they’re far easier to avoid altogether.

Fractured or Broken Roots

Approximately 39% of dental injuries are sports-related, and treatment of those injuries can cost a patient up to $15,000 over the course of a lifetime. Tooth fractures are among the most common forms of oral trauma, and those injuries aren’t always limited to just the crown. A hit at the wrong angle can also damage the root. The severity depends on the location of the fracture, but it might not be discovered until an infection sets in. It’s essential to see your Moorestown dentist at the first sign of trouble. Or better yet, use a mouthguard and keep those teeth intact.

Avulsed Teeth or Intrusion

An avulsion is an injury that occurs when trauma causes a bodily structure to be forcibly torn from its normal placement. It’s certainly not a pleasant thought, but experiencing it is far worse. Around 30 million Americans are in some form of sports activity, and that leads to over 5 million avulsed teeth. Sometimes the tooth isn’t knocked out but ends up being driven into the jawbone instead. This type of trauma, known as intrusion, is rare, but it can cause extensive pain and damage. Complications can include necrosis or other damage of the tooth pulp, fusion of the root to the alveolar bone, or shortening of the roots which occurs in 70% of intrusion cases.

Research released by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) disclosed that over 50% of sports and recreational injuries are suffered by children as young as 5 years old. And a whopping 84% of kids don’t wear mouthguards because they’re not required by their parents or coach. However, while other essential safety gear may cost hundreds of dollars, a mouthguard is one of the least expensive but most effective pieces of equipment an athlete can use. So why take chances when the simple addition of using a mouthguard is estimated to prevent 200,000 oral injuries each year? Visit your Moorestown dentist to get one for your kids today.

Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably been beaten over the head with reminders to prioritize your oral health habits. Unfortunately, sometimes constant reminders lose their effect and end up going into deaf ears. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) proves this fact with their findings that 90% of American adults have had at least one cavity and 65 million adults, or 50% of those over the age of 30, have some level of gum disease. Bacteria and lack of oral health care cause inflammation of the gums, a condition which eventually leads to gum recession. While there are several reasons for this condition, periodontal disease is the main cause. Gum recession exposes the roots of the teeth and can create an unhealthy or unattractive appearance on top of weakening the enamel, increasing tooth sensitivity, and even leads to tooth loss. Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation can significantly reverse the recession, but what’s so special about this procedure?

Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation Is a Pain-free, Non-Surgical Procedure

Original gum graphing is an invasive surgical procedure that involves removing tissue from the roof of the mouth and stitching it to the gums so it connects on its own. Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation is different. That’s not the case with Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation. All previous complex methods are left behind along with open wounds and the resulting fear associated with dental surgery.

This Revolutionary Procedure Incorporates Biomimetic Dentistry

Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation relies on the body’s natural ability to respond to biomimetic dentistry techniques and not only help heal itself but become stronger in the process. It’s a simple and minimally invasive option that requires absolutely no scalpels or sutures. This advanced dentistry procedure simply involves applying tiny pinholes to the patient’s gum tissue and then gently and painlessly loosening it to re-position it as needed. Collagen is then applied to hold the tissue in place until it naturally affixes itself. Say goodbye to pain and hello to beauty once again.

Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation Is a Quick Fix with Minimal Recovery Time

The Pinhole procedure is beneficial to those in a hurry as it can treat and correct multiple teeth in a single sitting. In other words, you won’t have to return for follow-up visits just to complete the procedure. And results are immediate. Swelling, discomfort, and recovery time aren’t necessarily eliminated, but most patients are completely recovered by the following day. Unless you tell someone you had your gum rejuvenation, they’ll never know as any noticeable holes on the day of the procedure shrink by the next day as well.

This Gum Procedure Has Some Limitations

Like its predecessor, Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation has some limitations and may not be right for everyone. First of all, any traumatic activities leading to gum recession, such as overly aggressive brushing or bruxism, must be stopped prior to the appointment. The gums must also be free of inflammation. Significant bone loss will not support new tissue growth, but the only way to know for sure whether Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation is right for you is to contact us today. Fortunately, a quick consultation with your Moorestown dentist could change your life for the better.