Don't Be Shocked by the Cost of Dental Treatment!

If you haven't been to the dentist in years, you may get a HUGE surprise when you are presented with a treatment plan that is in the thousands of dollars! Now, you should know that many people wait until they are in pain or have severe problems to go, so you are not alone in this! However, gone are the days of a $10 office visit or a $25.00 filling..... Between the overhead costs of operating a dental office and the cost of dental education, the rising number of patients who cannot pay their bill and insurance companies imposing limitations on claims and dental facilities, the cost of dental treatment has literally SKYROCKETED over the past 20 years.
In researching this topic, I came across a very informative website that covers a variety of dental related topics including the cost for cosmetic procedures as an average...this site really captured my attention so I decided to post the link HERE for anyone who is interested.
If you are one of those people who haven't seen a dentist in a long time, this article may be a good one for you to read. It can help you understand what to expect when confronted with an expensive treatment plan.
Always remember, Keep Smiling!

What Is Perio Scaling And Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is the removal of  dental plaque and tartar, which house bacteria that releases toxins which cause inflammation to the gum tissue and surrounding bone.

There are two different types of methods your dentist can use. Mechanical , involving dental tools to scrape away debris or ultrasonic, where a tiny vibrating wand breaks up plaque and cleans the teeth. Some times the dentist will combine the two methods.

During this process your dentist or hygienist will numb the gums and tooth roots with a local anesthesia. Your dentist or hygienist will use one of the methods above to remove the debris from above and below the gum line(Scaling) then smooth out the rough spots on the roots of the teeth(Root Planing). 

The whole procedure can be done in one visit, although generally a quadrant (1/4 of the mouth) is recommended per appointment. You can expect your gums to be tender after the anesthesia wears off.

Continue to brush/floss daily and continue your routine checkups every 6 months for a healthy smile!

Savon Dental Plan - Simple, Affordable Solution.

Digital Dentistry-Advanced Technology At Its Best

Dentistry has never been an exact science, but it's getting closer! With the introduction of digital equipment and qualified personnel to manage it, both doctor and patient are reaping the benefits.  Intra-oral cameras, 3D imagery, and virtual restoration software makes for more precise diagnoses and treatment, meaning less pain and trauma for the patient.
With these advancements it is now possible for the dentist to produce same-day crowns from a 3D digital model of your tooth, using a small square ceramic block.  The computer can match the dimensions exactly. He can create digital dentures. Although these generally cannot be done in a day, the process is definitely more precise.  He can take a digital x-ray or scan of your face and jaw and virtually rebuild your mouth with implants, allowing you to see the finished product on a screen before treatment even begins!  All of this technology comes at a hefty cost, however.  It can cost upwards of $150,000 to $200,000 to equip a dental office with this type of software and machinery. Of course, the cost is passed on to the patient in different ways, but, wouldn't you rather have a well fitting set of dentures as opposed to a loose pair that you can't wear?  Or a crown that fits like the permanent tooth you once had? Or implants that function and feel like a brand new set of natural teeth?  Worth the cost, in my opinion.  Feel free to weigh in! I welcome your opinion.

As Always, Keep Smiling!

Fields Of Dentistry

Dentistry - Profession or science dealing with the prevention and treatment of diseases and malformations of the teeth, gums, and oral cavity, and the removal, correction, and replacement of decayed, damaged, or lost parts, including such operations as the filling and crowning of teeth, the straightening of teeth, and the construction of artificial dentures.



General Dentist: Provides general dental prevention, care and maintenance services such as regular cleanings, fillings and simple tooth extractions. General dentist will refer patients to other dental specialist for more specialized treatments when they are needed.

Periodontist: Specialize in the care of the supporting tissues of the teeth and mouth. They specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gum disease and any other condition affecting the gums, jaw bone and other tissues.

Endodontist: Preform root canal therapy. They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the nerve, pulp, arteries and veins found in the internal cavity that makes the teeth alive.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: Preforms procedures on the jaw and mouth including teeth extractions, implants and reconstruction. Oral surgeons identify and treat conditions, injuries and defects (cleft lip, etc.) affecting the mouth, jaw and face. They often work together with a cosmetic dentist and orthodontist in reconstructive procedures.

Cosmetic Dentist: Preform cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of someones smile. They specialize in appearance enhancing procedures such as veneers, bonding and whiting of the teeth.

Prosthodontist: Specialize in replacing missing teeth. These specialists attach structures such as crowns, dentures and bridges to replace missing teeth.  Some prosthodontist preform dental implant surgery.

Pedodontists: Specialize in treating conditions affecting childrens teeth. They offer dental care from infancy through the teen years.

Orthodontists: Specilize in jaw adjustment and reeth positioning. They are able to steaighten crooked teeth, correct misaligned teeth, fix biting problems. They use braces, retainers and other structures to correct imporfections.

What is Dental Attrition

Dental Attrition is when the structure of a tooth is loss because of the forces of opposing teeth. It initially effects the enamel but can spread to where it affected the dentin. When it gets past the enamel, it can effect the softer dentin rather quickly.

Teeth grinding is a common cause of dental attrition. Other habits such as teeth clinching can also be a cause.

Sweet or Sour Treats-Which is best for Tooth Enamel

I read an article on the MSN news page some time ago that I thought was interesting. If you're like me, you probably never considered the effects of sour treats on your teeth. We all know that excessive sugar breaks down the enamel on our teeth, but as it turns out, sour treats such as sour Gummy Worms or Jolly Ranchers may be worse! Sour treats have more citric acid and other erosives in them than the sugary treats do. In contrast, chewing gum (which promotes production of saliva that helps build enamel) and drinking milk have the opposite effect, as they tend to build enamel. So if you're going to have a sour candy treat, follow it up with a glass of milk or chew some gum afterward!
Keep Smiling!