February 28, 2008

Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry is getting popularity day by day in the world now. Basically, 0restorative dentistry0 is a specialization of the medical discipline called the dentistry. Through performing these techniques the function of the 0dentition0 is being restored. For your further information, dentition is the process of growth of the teeth and their array inside of the mouth. Now, this article is all about the various types of the restorative dentistry. But it is better to state that some other branches of the 0dentistry0 are directly related to the 0restorative dentistry0. So it will be correct to mention the links between those branches with the restorative dentistry, which are often considered as the different types of the restorative dentistry. Those branches of dentistry are prosthodontics, endodontics, and periodontics.Firstly, we should tell about the endodontics. This is a specialization of the field of the dentistry. In fact, the endodontics could be considered as a sibling of the 0restorative dentistry0. This dentistry technique cures the problems related to the 0tooth pulp0 and the surrounding tissues of the tooth root. The tooth pulp consists of the nerves, venules, and arterioles along with the 0fibrous tissues0 and the 0lymphatic tissues0. Since the injured or the diseased tooth pulps are unable to cure them, this discipline of the medical science is very much important. Through the techniques of the endodontics the inner tooth bleaching is done, by which the inner black spots of the teeth are cured.0Prosthodontics0 is also a branch from the field of dentistry and could be considered as the sibling of the restorative dentistry. The person who practices the 0prosthodontics0 is known as the 0prosthodontist0. This field of dentistry is directly related to the esthetic, implant and some reconstructive techniques. In this technique of the dentistry the oral functions are restored through the use of the 0prostheses0 creation and some other restoration procedures. The restoration procedures include the techniques like the crowns, complete dentures, and most importantly the supported or the retained restoration techniques.Periodontics or the periodontal therapy is another section of the dentistry, which is completely related to the restorative dentistry. The periodontics is known as the branch of the dentistry, which deals with the structures of the teeth. Through periodontics, the structural problem of the teeth is cured also. While treating the problems of the structures of the teeth, it becomes important to cure surroundings and the 0supporting tissues0 of the teeth. The supporting tissues include the gums, cementum, periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone. In broader sense, periodontics in the dentistry technique that cures the structural problems of the teeth and the problems related to the surroundings of the teeth. That is why the periodontists often perform the techniques like the 0gum recession0 and the 0surgical placements0 to give the well-shaped structure of the teeth to their patients.No it should be noted that almost all the sections of the dentistry (like cosmetic dentistry, pediatric dentistry or the children dentistry) could be related to the restorative dentistry. But we mentioned three major sections of the dentistry, which have the relations with the restorative dentistry at most. So hope now you have enough idea about the types of the restorative dentistry.Clive Roberts a culver city dentist, offers Cosmetic Dentistry Los Angeles | Children Dental Care Services, General Dentistry Services (Tooth Extraction, Root Canal Therapy, Periodontal Therapy, and more…), Pediatric Dentistry Services and Restorative Dentistry in West Los Angeles, Californiawebsite:-http://www.culvercitydentist.com/

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Periodontal Gum Disease and Smoking

People who smoke hould know about all the dangers of tobacco use. Research indicates that there is less success with periodontal treatments and dental implants. Researches have also found that the following problems occur more often in people who use tobacco products: Bad breath, oral cancer, stained teeth, tooth loss, loss of taste, bone loss, gum recession, mouth soars and facial wrinkling.There are also other medical problems associated with smoking including lung disease, cancer, heart disease and low-birth-weight infants.Smokers concerned about the effects that tobacco can have on your health, gums, and teeth in particular, will at least learn all the negative impacts of tobacco use, once they have read this article.According to the American Academy of Periodontology recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease. And following periodontal treatment or any oral surgery, the chemicals in tobacco can slow down the healing process. This makes treatment results less predictable.Here are some of the ways that one Los Angeles dentist who specializes in periodontal gum disease and oral implants believes smoking increases your risk for periodontal problems. “Smokers as opposed to nonsmokers are more apt to have calculus, or plaque, which hardens on teeth,” said Dr. Bijan Afar. “Calculus can remain below your gum line and the bacteria in the calculus can destroy gum tissue and cause gums to pull away from your teeth if not treated.”Smokers are also more apt to get deep pockets between the teeth and gums and they also have loss of the bone and tissue that supports teeth. Periodontal disease gets worse when the pockets between the teeth and gums grow deep, which allows bacteria to destroy the gum tissue and bones. Your gums may shrink away from your teeth and if you are not treated by a periodontist, your teeth may become loose and fall out. Research proves that smokers lose more teeth than nonsmokers. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about 20 percent of people over age 65 who have never smoked are toothless, while a whopping 41.3 percent of daily smokers over age 65 are toothless.Research shows that smokers don’t heal as well after periodontal treatments as. But these effects are reversible if the smokers kick the habit before beginning treatment.Furthermore, all tobacco products can be harmful to periodontal health, such as smokeless tobacco (nicotine gum products) also can cause gums to recede and increase the chance of losing the bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place. In a study of cigar and pipe smokers that was published in January, 1999 in the Journal of the American Dental Association it was stated that cigar smokers experience tooth loss and alveolar bone loss at rates equivalent to those of cigarette smokers. Pipe smokers experience tooth loss at a rate similar to cigarette smokers.—Kristin Gabriel is a social media marketing writer and PR professional. Her client, Dr. Bijan Afar, is a Los Angeles dentist and oral surgeon who owns five dental clinics, including the Wilshire Dental Clinic. (www.wilshiredentalcare.com) Formore information, visit www.oralimplants.com

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Informed Consent and the Dental Patient

The American Medical Association defines Informed Consent as “more than simply getting a patient to sign a written consent form. It is a process of communication between a patient and physician that results in the patient’s authorization or agreement to undergo a specific medical intervention.” So what does this have to do with you as a dental patient?How informed are you?Let’s develop this further. For example, do you fully understand all the procedures, techniques and time commitments of your proposed dental treatment? Are you informed of all the risks, benefits and options available for each procedure? Are you made aware of what dental materials are being used and how they may impact your health? Most of all, is everything in writing and signed by you and your dentist? If any of the previous questions were answered with a “no”, then you must read further.Your mouth is the “gateway to your body” and plays a much more important role for achieving good overall health than most people realize. Eating properly, good digestion, speaking, smiling and so much more depend on a healthy oral condition.Studies today indicate that certain dental conditions are risk factors for heart disease, stroke, neurological problems, obesity, diabetes,pre-term and low birth weight babies, headaches, facial pain and more.No place for dentistryDentistry has been in the past considered to be the forgotten child in the medical world. Medical doctors are not trained at all about the mouth and its impact on health while dentists, by licensure, are limited to treating issues only within the head and neck areas.Dental insurance coverage is poor and medical insurance doesn’t cover dental therapies (except Health Savings Accounts). As a matter of fact, many employers are eliminating dental benefits altogether.Therefore, becoming a more educated, knowledgeable consumer is now your responsibility. Having awareness of all the issues allows you choice in making your healthcare decisions. After all, it is your body and you should know what is being done to it at all times. And it starts with Informed Consent.The right beginningThe initial examination and related diagnostic tests are the first steps for gathering information. A good medical and dental history is vitally important. This history not only includes your chief dental complaint but also your chief medical complaint, including listing of surgeries, medications, past illnesses, family health issues and total body system reviews.The history should be reviewed by you and your dentist with you being informed of how any dental procedure may impact your health. Appropriate referrals should be made to other qualified practitioners if indicated. This form should then be signed and dated by you and your dentist making sure this extremely important step has been completed.You are doing what to me?The treatment plan that follows provides the blueprint for how your dentist is going to address your dental needs. A separate appointment should be scheduled with your dentist, not an assistant or office manager, to go over in depth what the treatment recommendations are. Time needs to be spent going over the risks, benefits and options for all aspects of the proposed treatment.You should be given supporting materials such as models, graphs, photos, brochures …etc. that fully support your treatment decisions. Fees should be discussed upfront, along with payment options and insurance contributions, and accepted by both parties. When you are both satisfied with the agreement, you and your dentist should sign and date the document.It is a good idea to bring a tape recorder with you to that visit allowing you to review this discussion you had with your dentist. If finances are being discussed, it makes good sense to bring your partner with you at that visit to avoid any possible misunderstandings.As time goes on…As treatment progresses always maintain good communication with your dentist and the staff. Keep asking questions until you feel that they all have been answered. You have the right to ask any question you may have. Any time your treatment plan changes; it must be discussed fully in advance. Everything needs to be understood and accepted by you and your dentist. And yes, get it in writing and signed!Through informed consent, you will gain an understanding of all aspects of your proposed dental treatment ultimately resulting in a more favorable outcome. You can now become an informed consumer in charge of your own health and that is the first step toward a healthier smile!—Dr. Vincent DiLorenzo, President of T-Horizons, LLC, is a holistic dentist who specializes in Consumer Driven Health Care Solutions for families, individuals and employers by encouraging healthy lifestyles to lower healthcare costs at home and the workplace. As an integrative health practitioner, employer, and health consumer he developed a strong understanding of health savings accounts and a desire to elevate health responsibility. Learn more at => www.hsa-101.com

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