Joshua Hong, DDS Blog

Full Mouth Reconstruction vs. Smile Makeover

December 5, 2015

Filed under: Blog,Full Mouth Reconstruction — tntadmin @ 6:29 am

Your oral health is just as important as your general health. In other words, having a healthy set of teeth is as important as any other organ in the human body. Various new techniques and procedures have been developed to ensure better oral health and a healthy mouth in general. Latest procedures such as a full mouth reconstruction or a smile makeover deal effectively with functional problems and issues that interfere significantly with the general overall health of the mouth, including the teeth and gums. While both these procedures involve the use of clinically proven dental materials and treatment techniques accompanied with exceptional knowledge, training and skill on the part of the dentist, there is a thin line of difference between the two. In that case, how will you know which one you need? Let us understand both the procedures and compare the two to answer this question.

What is full mouth reconstruction?

Full mouth reconstruction or rehabilitation or restoration are interchangeable terms which involve a process of rebuilding along with simultaneously restoring all of your teeth in both the upper and lower jaws in your mouth. Professionals such as periodontists (gum specialists), oral surgeons, orthodontists (tooth movement and position specialists) and endodontists (tooth pulp specialists) perform this process.

When would you need a full mouth reconstruction?

If you are facing any of the following situations or problems, then you might need a full mouth reconstruction.

  • Teeth have been injured or fractured.
  • Teeth have become severely worn out due to long-term acid erosion resulting from certain foods or beverages or tooth grinding.
  • Teeth have been lost due to decay or trauma.
  • Constant headache or ongoing complaints of jaw or muscle.

Moreover, procedures such as fixing broken teeth, replacing missing teeth, moving teeth for getting them aligned in a better way and repairing wear and tear are also a part of full mouth reconstruction.

What is a smile makeover?

A smile makeover on the other hand is more cosmetic in nature that mainly focuses on aesthetics. A person is a candidate for a smile makeover in cases where he or she wears a rather unattractive or unpleasant smile. Smile makeover is also a great way to treat teeth stained by excessive consumption of tea, coffee or smoking.

What all is involved in a smile makeover?

The procedure of a smile makeover may involve one or more of the following:

  • Teeth Whitening
  • Dental Crowns and Bridges
  • Tooth-Colored Fillings
  • Dental Implants
  • Dentures
  • Inlays and Onlays
  • Invisalign “Invisible Braces”

Comparison between the two:

  • A full mouth reconstruction is something that you need to undergo for better health of your teeth, and a smile makeover is a procedure that you can choose to have.
  • Full mouth reconstruction procedure deals with the health of your teeth along with other related issues of the mouth whereas smile makeover lays emphasis mainly on the appearance of your smile.

Therefore, from the above comparison, it can be concluded that if the problem with your teeth is more than just about your wonderful smile and involves serious damage to your general dental health, you must consult with an experienced dentist or dental surgeon for a full mouth reconstruction. However, if you just want to enhance your beauty in general with a better and brighter smile, a smile makeover is what you need.

TMJ Symptoms, Signs and Causes

November 18, 2015

Filed under: Blog,TMJ Treatment — tntadmin @ 9:03 am

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (also known by the acronym TMJ or TMD) is a disorder associated with the temporomandibular joint, which is like a connector that links the jaw with the temporal bones that are part of the skull. This joint is pretty important, since it’s the one that allows the jaw to move, making it possible to talk and chew food.

When there are issues with this joint, TMJ is usually to blame.

Causes of TMJ

Despite the prevalence of TMJ, dentists continue to be unclear about exactly what causes TMJ. According to doctor Joshua Hong DDS, some of the main causes of this condition have been narrowed down to:

  • Pressure on the Joint – Actions such as grinding or clenching of the teeth will apply pressure on the joint, and may cause damage.
  • Disc Movement – The joint is made of a ball and socket. Movement of the disc between these two elements could be the cause too.
  • Stress – The collection of muscles that surround the jaw tighten and move around when an individual is stressed, affecting the joint.
  • Other Causes – Arthritis and other medical conditions may also affect the joint.

Symptoms and Signs of TMJ

TMJ will cause a person to experience extreme pain, which can go on for years. TMJ symptoms typically begin to show up between the ages of 20 and 40, and include:

  • Pain – Widespread pain across different parts of the face, jaw joints and even the shoulders.
  • Stiffness – Difficulty in opening the mouth wide while eating, or incorrect bites, almost as if top and bottom teeth aren’t meeting like they are supposed to.
  • Strange Sounds – The jaw makes odd sounds that weren’t there before, ranging from popping sounds to clicking ones.
  • Swelling – Significant amount of swelling on the sides of the face.

TMJ Surgery and Treatment

TMJ pain and other associated symptoms have a wide range of treatment options available, which include home remedies as well as procedures such as dental filling, which can alleviate most problems associated with TMJ. If all these options fail, TMJ surgery would be advised to the patient.

Here are the three types of surgery that dentists recommend for patients with TMJ disorders:

  • Arthrocentesis – This is the surgery that is performed if the jaw is locked, and is advisable only when the patient has no history of TMJ. In this type of surgery, after a dose of anesthesia, the dentist will use needles to unlock the joint.
  • Arthroscopy – This surgery is performed using a gadget called arthroscope, hence the name. The arthroscope is a tool which is a combination of a lens with light, and allows the doctor to ‘see’ through the lens into the patient’s mouth. Using this tool, the dentist will be able to remove damaged tissue and readjust the joints. This type of surgery is preferable because it leaves only a minor scar, and that means fewer chances of post-surgery complications.
  • Open-Joint Surgery – This is used as a last-resort surgery when arthroscopy is not an option. It is chosen when the jaw joints have worn down severely, if there are tumors, or the joints are scarred.

Dental Filling – Advantages and Disadvantages

One of the solutions for TMJ is the use of dental fillings, and the most cost-effective and popular dental fillings are made of composite resin. Let’s look at the major advantages and disadvantages of composite resin fillings:

Composite Resin – Advantages

  • The fillings can be made to match the color of the tooth
  • All that is needed is a single visit to the clinic
  • These bond directly to the tooth
  • They occupy less space and that means less drilling of the teeth
  • Composite’ means that multiple materials can be used, forming a cocktail with the best of everything

Composite Resin – Disadvantages

  • Not as long lasting as amalgam or silver fillings
  • Chances of shrinking and wearing away over time
  • The procedure lasts longer, increasing the cost of the surgery

TMJ is a joint-related disorder that if left unchecked, could lead to serious jaw problems. If you experience any of the symptoms associated with it, make sure you visit your dentist in Goodyear, AZ for a checkup at the earliest, so it can be nipped in the bud!

What is oral and maxillofacial surgery

September 8, 2015

Filed under: Blog,Oral Surgery and Tooth Removal — Tags: — tntadmin @ 8:35 am

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) is a surgical specialty in dentistry that focuses on treating injuries, diseases, and defects affecting the maxillofacial regions. The maxillofacial region forms the facial skeleton and is comprised of the jaws, bones of the forehead, and the face.

Types of Surgeries that Oral and Maxillofacial Specialists Perform

Below are some of the surgeries that are carried out by OMS specialists, which essentially form the basis of defining this surgical specialty:

  • Dento-Alveolar And Oral Surgery

    This is a surgical procedure carried out to treat teeth disorders. It encompasses teeth extraction, dental implants, aligning of the alveolar bone, as well as teeth exposure for orthodontic traction.

  • Trauma Surgery

    This is done on patients who have had bone fractures on their face, neck, and head to realign those fractured bones.

  • Orthognathic Surgery

    This is performed in conjunction with teeth movement where prosthetic devices will be placed. It is done on the orbital bones, cheeks, chin, nasal structures, and on both the upper and lower jaws.

  • Congenital Deformities Surgery

    This surgery type seeks to correct congenital defects on the face.

  • Dental Implants Surgery

    Dental Implant is done to support facial and oral prosthetic devices. It involves surgically removing soft and bony tissues where dentures are to be placed.

  • Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Surgery

    TMJ is done to correct inflammatory disorders that affect the soft tissues of the joint, as well as those affecting the bones.

  • Tumor And Cancer Surgery

    This procedure surgically removes tumors, including cancerous ones, in the face.

Procedures In Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical

  • OMS procedures are performed to treat diseases, defects, and injuries on the mouth, skull, face, and the connected structures. Here are some of the reasons why you would need to visit a maxillofacial surgeon and the procedures that will be undertaken to resolve them:
  • Extraction of wisdom teeth – done when wisdom teeth get impacted and cause pain or if they have an infection.
  • Surgical uncovering of impacted teeth – done to align the impacted teeth. If the teeth are crowded or badly displaced, they may require extraction.
  • Replacing absent teeth by placing dental implants – the implants on the lower and upper jaws provide a base for attaching artificial teeth or bridges.
  • Bone grafting to facilitate implants – a bone grafting is necessitated where an implant requires additional bone for holding onto. A specialist will often source this grafting bone from the hip or from a different part of the jaw. An artificial bone may also be used.
  • Orthognathic or jaw surgery – this procedure is performed on the jaws to correctly position them. With correctly relating jaws, a person is able to chew and speak properly as well as give excellent facial aesthetics.
  • Craniofacial and pediatric maxillofacial surgery – this early surgery is done to correct congenital deformities such as palate, cleft lip, and underdeveloped faces on babies.

TMJ Surgery

  • jaw disorders, such as locked jaw and ankylosis, may call for surgery.
  • Nose restructuring, also known as Rhinoplasty.
  • Chin restructuring, also known as Genioplasty.
  • Removal of cysts and tumors on the face and jaws.
  • Frenectony – a procedure done to correct conditions affecting soft oral tissues, such as tongue ties, lesions, or mucous cysts.

Tooth Bonding: Types, Procedure, Advantages and Disadvantages

August 10, 2015

Filed under: Blog,Cosmetic Dentistry — tntadmin @ 1:42 pm

What is Tooth Bonding?

Let’s start by answering the main question, what is dental bonding? Tooth bonding, also known as dental bonding, is an oral procedure performed by a dentist to restore damaged teeth. Sometimes, tooth bonding is used to improve the appearance of teeth as well. If you ever look at dental bonding before and after pictures, you’ll understand why it’s popular!

As part of the procedure, tooth-colored resin will be applied on the damaged tooth. Then, dental light that reacts to this resin is directed at the resin, which then hardens and bonds to the tooth.

When To Get Tooth Bonding?

There are multiple scenarios where a tooth bonding procedure may be recommended by a dentist. Here are some of the more common ones:

  • Repair of teeth that have decayed
  • Repair of teeth that are either cracked or chipped
  • Fixing teeth that have become discolored and hence look ugly
  • Fixing a set of teeth that have developed wide gap between them
  • Extending the length of teeth that are too short and cause trouble while chewing food
  • Modifying the natural shape of teeth
  • As an alternative to other dental solutions such as fillings
  • As a way of protecting parts of the mouth that have exposed gums

Tooth Bonding Procedure

Tooth bonding is a fairly simple but occasionally lengthy procedure, so let’s take a look at the steps involved:

  • Before the Procedure – Tooth bonding does not involve any surgical equipment. In simple words, the entire procedure could be pictured as a simple exercise that involves filling a hole in a tooth.

    • Further, the tooth bonding procedure is the same irrespective of the individual. The only time it becomes complicated is when a number of teeth are involved. Usually, the patient can just drop by, get the bonding done and walk out.

  • Selecting Resin Color – The next step will be to pick the resin color. Different people have different colored teeth, and the dentist will select the color after some intensive matching, to ensure that your teeth look natural after the bonding procedure is complete.
  • Bonding – Once the resin is chosen, the next step is the actual bonding activity. The tooth that is being subjected to the procedure will be roughened up. Then, a conditioning liquid will be applied on it. These two activities will ensure that the resin will stick to the teeth.

    • After that, the resin is applied, and it’s immediately shaped on the teeth to make it as natural looking as possible.

  • Drying – The resin needs to be quickly dried up. To do this, the dentist will shine an ultraviolet light on the resin, which will harden pretty fast once exposed to the light. Even as the resin is hardening, the dentist will continue to work on it, adjusting the shape and fine tuning it for optimum results.
  • Duration – The total duration of the procedure is typically about thirty minutes, but if the procedure is complicated or multiple teeth are involved, it might extend to 60 minutes or so. This applies to every tooth that needs bonding.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Some Of The Main Benefits Of Tooth Bonding Include:

  • Easy and Cheap – Compared to almost any other dental procedure, this is the easiest and cheapest option.
  • Single Visit – Most dental procedures usually take multiple visits, but not tooth bonding.
  • Reduced Enamel Loss – Many dental procedures come very close to damaging the enamel covering on the tooth, but tooth bonding does not.
  • No Anesthesia – Unless the tooth damage is severe, the procedure does not need the patient to go under anesthesia.

Like With Any Other Dental Procedures, There Are Few Disadvantages Too, like:

  • Stains – Tooth bonding is not as stain-resistant as other dental procedures like crowns.
  • Not Long Lasting – Resin tends to scrape away pretty fast, sometimes leading to repeated tooth bonding procedures

According to expert advice by a doctor (Joshua Hong DDS), dental bonding is a good option if the objective is to make minor cosmetic changes to the way your teeth look. The procedure is simple, costs less and has a lot of advantages. At the same time, it’s not a permanent solution for those who are looking for long-term answers to serious dental problems.

What is Dental Filling ?

July 23, 2015

Filed under: Blog,Tooth Decay and Dental Fillings — tntadmin @ 6:28 am

Tooth decay, if left untreated, will eventually consume a large portion of the affected tooth or teeth. Dental filling is one way of restoring your smile to its full glory. The decayed portions of the teeth will be removed, the affected areas cleaned, and the cavity will be filled with a suitable filling material, hence the name “dental filling.”

Types of Dental Fillings

The key to effective dental fillings is the filling material that is used for the procedure. There are many substances that have properties similar to the natural material of a tooth, so there are also many different types of dental fillings. These include:

  • Gold Fillings – Gold fillings are perhaps the best filling material ever used for teeth. Gold is a metal that has some fantastic properties that make these fillings last as much as twenty years or more. Obviously, gold fillings are made to order since gold is one of the most expensive metals and not everyone can afford it.
  • Composite Resin Fillings – Composite resin is the best filling material if the appearance of the fillings is a major concern. The reason for this is that the color of resin can be changed to suit the existing color of the teeth. However, composite fillings are not as solid as other types since they are more vulnerable to wear and tear.
  • Porcelain Fillings – This is an alternative for those who want something as good as gold but don’t want gold-colored teeth. Like gold, porcelain fillings also have to be made to order and are equally expensive.

To Get The Dental Care You Deserve From An Affordable Dental Care In Goodyear,Arizona. Call JOSHUA HONG DDS Of Goodyear Today at (623) 925-8822 or make an appointment.

Who Needs Tooth Filling?

The following are some of the instances when a dentist may suggest tooth filling:
  • Presence of tooth decay that has led to chipped or cracked teeth
  • Cavities – large and small alike – will lead to the need for tooth filling
  • Tooth damage due to the habit of biting nails or using teeth to uncork bottles

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fillings

Every material used for teeth bonding has its own pros and cons, so here’s a quick list:

1.Composite Resin

 Pros of Composite Resign
  • Filling will match the tooth color
  • Single visit to the dentist
  • Bonds directly with the tooth
  • No additional tooth drilling
 Cons of Composite Resign
  • Costlier than amalgam fillings
  • Short life when compared to amalgam
  • Chances of developing tooth gaps over time
  • Procedure is complicated and hence costlier
  • At least two dental visits, more if necessary

2.Gold Filling

Pros of Gold Fillings
  • No chance of corrosion
  • Some people simply prefer gold
  • Lasts for decades
 Cons of Gold Fillings
  • Two dental visits, at least
  • Most expensive filling option
  • Chances of galvanic shock if amalgam is also used as filling material
  • Will not match with tooth because of the gold color

3.Porcelain Filling

 Pros of Porcelain Fillings 
  • Color match is perfect
  • Can withstand a lot of wear and tear
Cons of Porcelain Fillings 
  • Chances of breaking due to its brittle nature
  • Additional drilling of teeth to make room for the clay

Dental filling happens to be one of the better solutions for tooth decay, and there are many options, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right option simply comes down to discussing them with the dentist and deciding which one is best for you.

 

What Is A Denture

July 9, 2015

Filed under: Blog,Dental Implants and Dentures — tntadmin @ 1:26 pm

A Denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It can be made out of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals.

Different Types Of Dentures Available – Based On The Needs Of The Patients:

Conventional Full Denture: A conventional full denture is placed in your mouth after all remaining teeth are removed and the tissues have healed.

Immediate Full Denture: An immediate full denture is inserted immediately after the remaining teeth are removed. Immediate full dentures have to be realigned after your teeth have healed.

Partial Denture: A partial denture rests on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. Your natural teeth are capped with crowns and used as anchors for this denture.

A Brief On Dentures Infographic

Image Source : visual.ly

Conventional full dentures and immediate full dentures are for people who have lost most or all of their teeth. A partial denture is ideal for people who have a few natural teeth remaining. Dentures give you the added advantage of not only improving your chewing ability and speech but also providing support for your facial muscles. They thereby enhance your facial appearance and smile.

To Get The Dental Care You Deserve From An Affordable Dental Care In Goodyear,Arizona. Call JOSHUA HONG DDS Of Goodyear Today at (623) 925-8822 or make an appointment.

Generally, one or more follow-up appointments are essential after receiving dentures to make any necessary adjustments. It is not wise to attempt to adjust or repair your dentures yourself. Dentures that do not fit properly can cause irritation and sores in the mouth and on gums.  If the denture breaks, cracks, or chips, or if one of the teeth becomes loose, you should report it to your dentist immediately instead of trying to readjust the dentures yourself. Bending any part of the clasp or metal attachments can weaken the metal structure of the dentures and cause more unnecessary discomfort. Readjusting or repairing the dentures should be left to the dentist, otherwise it might do more harm than good.

It is important to pay extra attention to your oral hygiene after getting dentures. Whether you get full or partial dentures, you must brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled toothbrush every morning before putting the dentures in. This will remove the build-up of plaque in your mouth and will also help to stimulate circulation in your mouth. Also remember to clean and massage your gums regularly. Rinsing your mouth daily with lukewarm salt water will help to clean the gums. Eating a balanced diet to maintain proper nutrition also keeps unnecessary oral problems at bay.

Plaque that might get trapped under the clasp will increase the risk of tooth decay, so pay special attention to cleaning teeth that fit under the denture’s metal clasps. If you wear a partial denture, be sure to remove it before brushing your natural teeth.

As time passes, your dentures will need to be realigned, rebased, or remade due to normal wear and natural age-related changes to the face, jaw bone, and gums, or if the dentures become loose. Your dentist will refit the denture base or make a new one as per your needs. Generally, a pair of dentures can last you anywhere from 5 to 7 years before a replacement becomes necessary.

It is important to see your dentist regularly so that he or she can examine your mouth for signs of oral diseases, like cancer, and also have your teeth professionally cleaned. Your mouth will continue to change as the bone under your denture shrinks or recedes as you age. To maintain a proper fit over time, it may be necessary to adjust your dentures or possibly remake your dentures. A visit to the dentist every six months will keep all the denture-related problems in check.

About Joshua Hong DDS

At Joshua Hong DDS,we perform general dentistry with post-graduate school training in jaw joint rehabilitation, full-mouth reconstruction, and occlusion. We can do veneers, crowns, bridges, dentures, tooth colored fillings, invisible braces, implant crown restorations, all-on-four restoration, dentures, teeth whitening, extractions and non-surgical tmj therapy. We do all this with a holistic approach. Joshua Hong DDS in Goodyear, Az has a highly trained smile team. Dr Hong works with the best of the best. We don’t provide any dentistry that is not good enough for any of our family members. We have also created a spa like atmosphere and cater towards clients with anxiety. We do memory free dentistry.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

June 24, 2015

Filed under: Blog,Sedative and Pain Free Dentistry — Tags: , , , — tntadmin @ 8:22 am

Sedation dentistry is a form of dentistry that enables patients who have strong anxiety issues to undergo treatment at the dentist without fear. Patients who suffer from this would even suffer from toothache, rather than have a dentist look in their mouths.

Dental anxiety is real, and sedation dentistry or memory free dentistry as it’s also known, can solve your problems.

Here are the three types of sedation dentistry:

  • Oral Sedation:This includes pills of different dosages that need to be taken orally. At times, even liquids are given if patients have trouble taking pills. These are ideally given an hour before the appointment to make the patients drowsy. Dr. Hong works with a Board Certified Anesthesiologist to conduct this in the safest manner.
  • Inhalation Sedation: For this, patients inhale a gaseous sedative, generally nitrous oxide (laughing gas) mixed with oxygen, through a mask kept over the nose. It helps them relax almost instantly and Dr. Hong can continuously monitor the level of sedative being administered. The effect of gas wears off quickly after the procedure is completed and patients can get back to their regular chores almost instantly.
    • Intravenous Sedation:Here the sedative is administered through a vein directly into the blood stream. The effect of the sedative can be observed almost immediately and dentists can control the amount of sedative being administered throughout the procedure. Dr. Hong works with a Board Certified Anesthesiologist.

To Get The Dental Care You Deserve From An Affordable Dental Care In Goodyear,Arizona. Call JOSHUA HONG DDS Of Goodyear Today at (623) 925-8822 or make an appointment.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves administering a small dose of medication orally or through inhaling. It relaxes the muscles and slows your train of thought down. For patients, this is magnificent because they’re still completely awake, yet they’re in a relaxed state of consciousness.

In some cases, patients won’t remember that the procedure happened.

Sedation also couples with a form of local anesthetic to numb the area, further relaxing the patient.

Who is Sedation Dentistry For?

There are many cases where someone may require a sedative to get them through the difficulties of undergoing a dental procedure.

Patients with a gag reflex – Whenever such patients put something in the mouth, they automatically gag. It’s not something they can do anything about, so it makes carrying out dental work impossible.

Low pain threshold – Even the slightest jolt of pain can make a dental procedure impossible for some patients.

Patients who fidget – This is nearly always due to general nervousness of dealing with a dentist.

Some people who have sensitive teeth and can’t stay still when they’re touched.

A large amount of dental work is required. This is simply a problem to do with how long a patient has to remain in a still position. These patients only need sedation during extended procedures.

Is the Procedure Safe?

Sedation dentistry is perfectly safe, as long as the dentist has carried out a proper assessment first. Some people are potentially risking their health with this procedure, but they’re rare.

For example, people who’re obese or have problems with sleep apnea should avoid sedation. In this case, a dentist will investigate the person on a case-by-case basis. Ultimately, the decision is always up to the patient, though.

How does it Work?

The procedure is simple for anyone who’s about to undergo sedation. We’ll walk you through the process so you know exactly what to expect.

1. You will begin by sitting down in the dentist’s chair. At this point, nothing will have happened.

2. The next step is the dentist will prep his equipment. This may come in the form of a gas mask you inhale from, or something you take orally.

3. Now you need to wait until the sedative takes hold. This depends entirely on who you are and what sort of sedative your dentist is using. The dentist will advise you on how long it takes before proceeding.

4. Once you’re under the sedative, the procedure will begin.

5. Whilst you’re undergoing the procedure, your mind will be clear. You may be aware of the dentist working on your teeth, but you won’t feel any form of worry or stress. It will be like sitting in the park.

6. The sedative may take an hour or so to wear off after the procedure. Most dentists recommend you employ someone to bring you home.

Sedation dentistry always has some slight variations, but the broad principle is always the same. As you can see, even the most nervous of patients will soon see this is simple and requires nothing from them.

Cosmetic Dentistry : Smile Therapy

June 15, 2015

Filed under: Blog,Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , — tntadmin @ 5:16 am

When you think of a dentist, the first thing that probably comes to your mind is an extraction of teeth or filling them. However, there is more to dentistry. More people are turning to cosmetic dentistry to improve their appearance. It’s the same way that you could change your hairstyle or undergo cosmetic surgery to improve your appearance.

There are a wide variety of cosmetic treatments available. If you want to improve your appearance, ensure that you consult a dentist on the different treatments and which would be best suited for you.

To Get The Dental Care You Deserve From An Affordable Dental Care In Goodyear, Arizona. Call JOSHUA HONG DDS Of Goodyear Today at (623) 925-8822 or make an appointment.

Tooth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic treatments. It is a method used to lighten the color of your teeth. The bleaching process, if done by a qualified professional, does not result in the removal of the tooth surface. This is a great solution for people with stained teeth. The procedure is non-invasive. Treatment can take up to SEVERAL weeks depending on the level of whitening you require.

Some people opt to whiten their teeth at home using home whitening kits. These kits include whiteners to paint on or strips placed on the teeth. It is still important to consult your dentist before using a home kit as these may have disastrous effects.

Dental veneers are thin GLASS slices that are placed on the front surface of the teeth, much like fake fingernails are affixed on real fingernails. Veneers are a great way to mask unsightly or terribly stained teeth. They can also be used to repair chips, cracks or close gaps between teeth.

The installation of veneers involves the buffing down of the front surface of the teeth to remove some enamel. An impression of your teeth is done and a dental technician makes the veneers to fit onto the surfaces of the teeth. Veneers are BONDED to the surface of teeth permanently. This treatment option is non-invasive and gives a natural looking result. They can be quite unsightly if veneers don’t match the color of the neighboring teeth.

Composite bonding involves the application of a special resin to the teeth. The resin hardens when placed under a special light. The resin bonds between the teeth as a result, therefore, restoring or improving the appearance of the tooth. This treatment can be used for various situations including close gaps, change the shape of teeth, repair cracked or chipped teeth.

Composite bonding is one of the simplest and affordable cosmetic treatments available. It only takes one visit to have it done. However, it is not completely stain-resistant, and neither does it last as long as some of the other protective procedures such as fillings, veneers and crowns.

Dental crowns are treatment used mostly for badly broken teeth. The treatment is also used to strengthen teeth that are weak as a result of extensive filling. The method involves taking an impression of the tooth that is used to make a crown. The crown is like a cap that is placed over the teeth. The crown is made of porcelain. A temporary crown may be placed on the teeth before the permanent one is fitted as part of preparing the tooth. The process takes up to two weeks.

Many cosmetic treatments are non-invasive and safe when done by a qualified and professional dental team. Dr. Hong and his team are just that. Contact them today to learn more about cosmetic treatments and on which would be most suitable for you. The team will be happy to guide you.

The Smile Team provides the best in family dental treatment. Your comfort and care are of the utmost priority to the team.

VISIT US  TO KNOW MORE ABOUT DR. HONG’S BEFORE AND AFTER COSMETIC WORK.

About Joshua Hong DDS

At Joshua Hong DDS, we perform general dentistry with post-graduate school training in jaw joint rehabilitation, full-mouth reconstruction, and occlusion. We can do veneers, crowns, bridges, dentures, tooth colored fillings, invisible braces, implant crown restorations, all-on-four restoration, dentures, teeth whitening, extractions and non-surgical TMJ therapy. We do all this with a holistic approach. Joshua Hong DDS has a highly trained smile team. Dr. Hong works with the best of the best. We don’t provide any dentistry that is not good enough for any of our family members. We have also created a spa-like atmosphere and cater towards clients with anxiety. We do memory free dentistry.

Dry Mouth?

April 19, 2013

Filed under: Blog — tntadmin @ 6:18 pm

What do I Need to Know About Dry Mouth?

Everyone has a dry mouth once in a while — if they are nervous, upset or under stress.

But if you have a dry mouth all or most of the time, it can be uncomfortable and can lead to serious health problems.

Dry mouth …

Can cause difficulties in tasting, chewing, swallowing, and speaking
Can increase your chance of developing dental decay and other infections in the mouth
Can be a sign of certain diseases and conditions
Can be caused by certain medications or medical treatments
Dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. So if you think you have dry mouth, see your dentist or physician — there are things you can do to get relief.

What is Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth is the condition of not having enough saliva, or spit, to keep your mouth wet.

Symptoms Include:

  • A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
  • Trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting or speaking
  • A burning feeling in the mouth
  • A dry feeling in the throat
  • Cracked lips
  • A dry, tough tongue
  • Mouth sores
  • An infection in the mouth

Why is Saliva so Important?

  • Saliva does more than keep the mouth wet. It helps digest food
  • It protects teeth from decay
  • It prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth
  • It makes it possible for you to chew and swallow
  • Without enough saliva you can develop tooth decay or other infections in the mouth. You also might not get the nutrients you need if you cannot chew and swallow certain foods.

What causes Dry Mouth?

People get dry mouth when the glands in the mouth that make saliva are not working properly. Because of this, there might not be enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. There are several reasons why these glands (called salivary glands) might not work right.

  • Side effects of some medicines — more than 400 medicines can cause the salivary glands to make less saliva. Medicines for high blood pressure and depression often cause dry mouth
  • Disease — some diseases affect the salivary glands. Sjögren’s Syndrome, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease can all cause dry mouth
  • Radiation therapy — the salivary glands can be damaged if they are exposed to radiation during cancer treatment
  • Chemotherapy — drugs used to treat cancer can make saliva thicker, causing the mouth to feel dry.
  • Nerve damage — injury to the head or neck can damage the nerves that tell salivary glands to make saliva.

What Can be Done About Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth treatment will depend on what is causing the problem. If you think you have dry mouth, see your dentist or physician. He or she can try to determine what is causing your dry mouth.
If your dry mouth is caused by medicine, your physician might change your medicine or adjust the dosage
If your salivary glands are not working right but can still produce some saliva, your physician or dentist might give you a medicine that helps the glands work better
Your physician or dentist might suggest that you use artificial saliva to keep your mouth wet

What can I do?

  • Sip water or sugarless drinks often
  • Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth
  • Sip water or a sugarless drink during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier. It may also improve the taste of food
  • Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow; citrus, cinnamon or mint-flavored candies are good choices
  • Don’t use tobacco or alcohol. They dry out the mouth
  • Be aware that spicy or salty foods may cause pain in a dry mouth
  • Use a humidifier at night
    (Dr Hong recommends Biotene, read the blog about Biotene)

Tips for Keeping Your Teeth Healthy

Remember, if you have dry mouth, you need to be extra careful to keep your teeth healthy. Make sure you:

  • Gently brush your teeth at least twice a day
  • Floss your teeth every day
  • Avoid sticky, sugary foods. If you do eat them, brush immediately afterwards
  • Visit your dentist for a check-up at least twice a year.
  • For more information on Sjögren’s Syndrome

Sjögren’s Syndrome is a major cause of dry mouth. You can get information about dry mouth related to Sjögren’s Syndrome from:

Sjögren’s Syndrome Clinic
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Building 10, Room 1N113
10 Center Drive MSC 1190
Bethesda, MD 20892-1190
Tel: 301-435-8528
Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation, Inc.
Suite 530
8120 Woodmont Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
Tel: 301-718-0300 or
800-475-6473
http://www.sjogrens.org

article from crest website

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