Dental Information Blog | Vintage Dental

What to Expect From a Dental Implant Procedure

added on: July 30, 2019

If you’re missing a tooth, or even several teeth, you may feel as if you don’t have any options to get your smile back functioning as it should. However, your dentist in Modesto wants you to know that that’s just not the case! There are many tooth replacement procedures available including a dental bridge, dentures, and dental implants. Today, we’re taking a closer look at one of the more preferred treatments — dental implants.

What are Dental Implants?

Like a dental bridge or removable denture, dental implants essentially replace a missing tooth or several missing teeth. But that’s where the similarities end. Dental implants, unlike bridges or dentures, replace both the tooth’s root as well as the crown. They’re also permanent, non-removable restorations that function very similarly to natural teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Since dental implants provide complete, permanent restorations, they’re often considered the best tooth-replacement option available. They’re not only incredibly strong, but they can also last a lifetime and give patients their smiles back. Some benefits of dental implants include:

Increased comfort. With dental implants, there’s no worry about food getting stuck under your dentures and no concern of slippage. Just a solid restoration that you won’t even be able to tell isn’t your natural tooth.
Ability to eat what you want. Many denture wearers and those with a dental bridge don’t like that they can’t eat what they want when they want to. However, dental implants don’t limit your diet to only soft foods. You can even eat corn on the cob if you want!
Easier to care for. Dental implants are non-removable, permanent fixtures in the mouth. This means that there is no need to remove them to clean them or soak them overnight. You can take care of a dental implant just like you would any natural tooth!
A healthier mouth. When a dental implant procedure is done, there is no need for your dentist in Modesto to touch any other teeth in the mouth. This keeps all of the other teeth structurally sound and strong. This doesn’t apply to a dental bridge or dentures as you do need to rely on natural teeth to anchor in both of those options.

Getting a Dental Implant

When some patients first hear of a titanium post being placed into the jaw bone, they’re understandably concerned and perhaps a little scared. But thanks to advancements in dental technology, getting a dental implant is pretty easy and pretty painless. Here’s what you can expect:

Place the post. The first step of getting a dental implant is to have the titanium post surgically placed into the jaw bone. This is the foundation for the entire restoration and may cause a bit discomfort but nothing severe.
Give it time. Your body won’t immediately fuse the bone and post together, as this will take a little time. During that healing process, you will have a temporary crown covering your post for comfort and protection.
Restore the crown. Once the post is healed and fully integrated with the bone, you’ll have a sturdy base for the rest of your restoration. At this time, your dentist will replace your temporary crown with a custom-created permanent crown that’s designed to match the rest of your teeth. Once this step is complete, nobody will ever notice that it’s not your natural tooth!

You don’t need to live with a missing tooth or teeth. There are many options available to you to get your smile back to health and get you back to having confidence. We welcome you to call our Modesto dental office today to schedule a consultation so we can work together to find the best way to replace your missing tooth.

A Checklist for Your Next Dental Appointment

added on: July 16, 2019

A visit to your dentist in Modesto is a pretty easy thing to check off your to-do list. But did you know that there are things you can do prior to your visit to make the process even easier? In this week’s blog, we provide you with a free checklist that you can use to make sure you’re prepared for your dental appointment.

Appointment Confirmation

Many dental offices will send a pre-appointment reminder to you via text or email or call you directly to confirm your appointment. However, if your dental office doesn’t provide this service, you should confirm your appointment 24-hours in advance. These reminders not only help keep your appointment on schedule, so your dental team is able to be courteous of your time, but they’re also a great way to remove any chance of miscommunication.

Know Your Medical History

Whether you’re visiting a new dentist in Modesto for the first time or you’ve been going to the same place for years, make sure you know your medical history as well as any changes that may have happened since your last visit. Things to remember include, new medications along with dosage, a new diagnosis or changes to overall health, and of course any concerns you may have with your dental health.

Be Ready To Share

If you have any concerns about your oral health that you want to discuss with your dentist, make sure to be ready to share those concerns. The more specific you can be, the better. Consider things such as:

If there’s pain and when it started
The level of discomfort and where you feel it
Any signs that worry you including bleeding or swollen gums
If you’re unhappy with your smile and ideally what you would like to change

Being open and honest with your dental team will help make sure your appointment is catered just to you and your concerns or desires.

Look Six Months Ahead

Most people will see the dentist every six months, and you should be prepared to schedule your next appointment at the end of your first visit. Take a quick look at your schedule six months down the road so you know what you may need to avoid. Coming in with dates in mind will help make sure you’re appointment remains on the schedule and you can be seen when you want to be seen.

However, even though you’ll be set to see your dentist again in six short months, you should always continue to do your part in between appointments to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Make sure to brush and floss regularly, take it easy on the acidic and sugary foods, and don’t smoke or use tobacco.

If you’re overdue for a dental appointment, call our Modesto dental office to schedule one today. We’ll be happy to see you!

Smile-Friendly Summer Snacks

added on: June 24, 2019

One of the best parts about summer is all of the picnics and the delicious foods that go along with them. And while all of the treats are delicious, they may not all be great for your teeth. At our dental office in Modesto, we’re here to help by giving you a list of the best and worst summertime snacks for your smile.

Best Summertime Snacks for Teeth

Veggies

Yummy raw, crunchy vegetables aren’t only great for your body, they’re fantastic for your teeth, too. Snacks like broccoli, carrots, celery, and peppers gently scrub away plaque buildup and give your teeth a little bit of a cleaning. This helps protect your smile against decay and can even help freshen breath.

Fruits

Veggies sweeter cousin fruits are also a great snack option. Not only are many fruits fresh and in season this time of the year, but they can also help clean your teeth and rub away plaque. Kiwis, for example, have calcium which is always great for your bones and, of course, your teeth. Another fan favorite is raw apples.

Cheese

Another tasty snack that can help remove plaque is cheese. But this yummy food is also loaded with calcium and vitamin D. The duo of calcium and vitamin D is a powerhouse that works together to build super strong bones and teeth. Cheese can also increase saliva production, which will help rinse away bacteria and sugar.

Summer Snacks That Can Harm Teeth

Condiments

Dressings, sauces, and dips can seem harmless enough but the truth is these condiments are a sneaky danger. BBQ sauce and ketchup, for example, contain a lot of sugar and are acidic — both of which are bad for teeth.

Soda

It’s well-known that your dentist in Modesto isn’t a huge fan of soda, and with good reason. Soda is packed with tons of sugar which essentially coats your teeth when you drink it. Sugar is one of your smile’s natural enemies as it can feed bacteria, wear away enamel, and increase the risk of decay.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol can greatly increase the risk of gum disease and decay. Certain types of alcohol can also lead to tooth discoloration. Lastly, alcohol can cause dry mouth, further putting teeth in danger of decay.

At our dental office in Modesto, we’re not here to tell you to avoid these summer treats, we simply recommend enjoying them in moderation. Additionally, it’s always wise to drink plenty of water after eating or drinking alcohol to help wash away sugar or food particles.

Dental Emergency? Try These Tips.

added on: June 3, 2019

Emergencies of any kind can cause fear and discomfort. Dental emergencies are no different and can be particularly concerning. What exactly are you supposed to do if you experience a dental emergency such as a broken tooth, a knocked out tooth, or a painful toothache? The team at our Modesto dental office is here to give you some advice on how to handle some of the most common dental emergencies.

Top Dental Emergencies & Treatment Tips

It’s important to note that any dental emergency, including injuries to the mouth, teeth, or gums, should be treated by a dentist in Modesto as quickly as possible. But if you can’t get to the dentist right away, there are some things you can do to help minimize discomfort and protect your tooth.

Chipped or Broken Tooth – Whether caused by a pesky popcorn kernel, sports injury, or grinding your teeth, a chipped or broken tooth may cause you to panic. Not to worry, there are many forms of cosmetic dentistry that can restore your tooth and smile. However, right after the injury happens, you may be in some pain or bleeding. The best thing to do is to rinse your mouth with warm water, apply gauze and a bit of pressure to help stop any bleeding, and use a cold compress to help reduce any swelling.

Knocked Out Tooth – Having a tooth knocked out can certainly be scary. If this happens, the first thing you should try to do is stay calm and remember the following tips:

Only touch the crown of the tooth. Do not touch the roots.
Try to replace the tooth into the socket.
Place the tooth in a glass of milk, store it in a cup of spit, or keep it safely under your tongue and get to a dentist. Your tooth has the best chance of survival if it’s returned to the socket within an hour.

Toothache – A toothache is usually the mouth’s way of telling us that something isn’t right, and it definitely shouldn’t be ignored. See your dentist as quickly as you can to increase the chance of easier and successful treatment. Prior to your appointment, you can ease the pain by using a cold compress or over-the-counter pain reliever.

We never want our patients to experience a dental emergency, but the truth is, they happen. If they do, we welcome you to call our dental office in Modesto. We’re here to help protect smiles and treat them if something happens. Call us today.

Explore The Power of Dental X-Rays (And All They Do For You)

added on: May 16, 2019

It’s very rare that a day goes by at our Modesto dental office where we don’t rely on the power of x-rays to help us plan for or even complete a case. We’re able to get a good look at everything from your teeth and gums to your jaw bone and bite health. We can see things that aren’t always visible at first glance.

With the advancements in dental technology, there are many different types of x-rays available on both traditional film and digitally. Most dental offices have made the switch to digital x-rays, but it’s important to note that today’s dental x-rays are very safe and give off very little stray radiation. Dental x-rays are advanced thanks to changes in dentistry over the years relying on using:

Lower x-ray dosages
Higher quality film
Film holders
Well-designed, full-body lead aprons lined with lead

What Kind of Dental X-Rays Do I Need?

When it comes to dental x-rays, there are two types of ways your Modesto dentist might go about getting the right images to help your smile. Besides having the option of having photos taken on traditional film or images that are stored digitally, dentists can choose either an intraoral or extraoral x-ray.

Intraoral means inside your mouth and extraoral means outside the mouth. Intraoral x-rays are the most common type of dental x-ray and provide an extremely high level of detail to help us diagnose cavities, examine your tooth roots, look over your bony areas, check the status of developing teeth, or monitor ones that have yet to erupt.

Extraoral x-rays are usually relied on to help dentists and orthodontists focus on the bones in your head, mainly your upper and lower jaw. We can see the bigger picture of what’s going on from your head to neck and how it’s all connected to your oral health and growth.

How Many Types of Dental X-Rays Are There?

If you combine both intraoral and extraoral radiographs, there are eight different kinds of x-rays that dentists can use to treat patients. Some of the most common ones include:

1) Panoramic X-Rays – Gives the dentist a full view of your nasal area, jaws, teeth, joints, and sinuses. Orthodontists love doing these x-rays before treatment, so they know how things are growing and coming together in younger patients.

2) Periapical X-Rays – Focusing on one tooth, we can see it in its entirety from crown to bone.

3) Bitewing X-Rays – These images are taken when we need a better look at your back teeth or molars. It helps in diagnosing wisdom teeth problems and shows the dentist how your teeth fit together.

4) Occlusal X-Rays – This is helpful for younger patients because these images give us a clear view of what’s going on underneath the gum line and how teeth are placed. We get a perfect view of both your upper and lower arch. We can also see if you have extra teeth that never broke through your gums.

If you’re interested in learning more about x-rays or want to know if you’re due for a set or two, please call your dentist in Modesto. (If you’re looking for a new dentist and need some x-rays, we’re happy to help with that too!)

Your Smile Loves Calcium. Do You?

added on: May 8, 2019

We all know the old advertising slogan – “Milk. It does a body good.” This is mainly in part because it’s rich in calcium, a nutrient that’s vital to helping your teeth and bones stay strong enough to last a lifetime. At our Modesto dental office, we always want you and your family to make the healthiest, best decisions to fit your lifestyle. Millions of Americans choose to follow diets that restrict or don’t include dairy, such as vegetarians or vegans. There are also millions of other Americans who are known as lactose intolerant and can’t do dairy either.

There are plenty of ways you can get calcium without strictly relying on cheese, yogurt, and milk. (Although, if you do enjoy them make sure they’re part of your regular diet to help boost your calcium intake.) Let’s take a look at how a diet rich in calcium affects your teeth and your bones.

Getting Calcium Without The Cow

There are a variety of health or personal reasons that some people choose to avoid dairy products. There’s no reason to worry, because there are plenty of delicious, nutritious foods out there that can supply your body’s demand for calcium.

Fortified products: Orange juice, waffles, tofu

Veggies, Nuts, and Beans: Leafy greens, almonds, soybeans, soy milk, spinach, broccoli, and sweet potatoes.

Teeth & Calcium: A Love Story

Your teeth, gums, and jaw bone are all affected by the amount of calcium you have in your daily diet. Your dentist in Modesto will tell you that calcium will help your teeth stay healthy and protected against cavities, decay, and tooth loss. It’s a match made in dental heaven.

FUN FACT: 99% of the calcium in your body is found in your teeth and bones. – Institute of Medicine

Your gums appreciate calcium too because it helps them stay healthy free from damaging bacteria and disease. Calcium also helps your muscles and blood vessels work more effectively.

Bones & Calcium: Another Love Story

Why should your Modesto dentist care so much about calcium and your bones? Well, obviously we want the best for your overall health, but in terms of your oral health, we know how important calcium is for your jaw bone. Your jaw bone serves as the anchor for your teeth, so you’ll want to keep it healthy for as long as possible to avoid tooth loss down the road. It’s also super important to remember that the other bones in your body also need calcium to help prevent damaging osteoporosis later in life.

Getting the right amount of calcium in your diet, no matter what your age, is very important to help keep your smile and your gums healthy. It’s really a benefit that your whole body will thank you for. We thank you for reading your blog. If you have questions or concerns about your smile, you know who to call. We’re always happy to help in any way we can!

Smile Whitening Options

added on: April 16, 2019

Have you ever wished that your teeth were whiter? We understand. We all want a bright, white smile that we’re happy to show off to the world. But many things can cause tooth discoloration — from your daily cup of coffee to your nightcap glass of red wine, or delicious tomato sauce to yummy berries. What can you do to take your teeth from dull to white? Our dental office in Modesto is here to help.

Professional Tooth Whitening

If you’re looking for a fast, dramatic tooth whitening option, consider a professional smile whitening from your dentist in Modesto. A professional tooth whitening can transform your smile quickly and can even make your smile several shades whiter in just one treatment. While typically more expensive than over-the-counter whitening products, professional smile whitening can give you the immediate results you’re looking for.

Over-the-Counter Smile Whitening Products

There’s a certain appeal to over-the-counter smile whitening products. They’re often cheaper than a professional whitening, and they can brighten your teeth. However, results usually appear over time and are certainly not immediate. Additionally, there are some risks involved with over-the-counter whitening strips and trays. For example, if the solution stays on too long or it sits on your gums, it can lead to damage and increased sensitivity.

When Whitening Isn’t Enough

There are times when neither over-the-counter whitening nor professional whitening is enough to get you the look you want. In fact, there are some types of stains that don’t respond to the whitening solution and will never go away no matter how much you try. When this happens, the best way to whiten your smile is through dental veneers. Dental veneers are thin sheets of porcelain that are fixed to the surface of your teeth covering up any imperfections, including stains.

When deciding on the best way to whiten your smile, start by talking with your dentist in Modesto. They’ll be able to help you determine what kind of staining you have and if a whitening product will work for you before you invest.

If you’re looking to brighten and whiten your smile, call our dental office in Modesto to schedule an appointment. We’ll work with you to determine how white you want your teeth to be and then we’ll discuss the best option for you.

All About Oral Cancer

added on: April 5, 2019

This month is Oral Cancer Awareness Month — a month-long dedication to increasing the public’s knowledge of this serious and scary disease. At our dental office in Modesto, we’re all about doing whatever we can to help keep our neighbors healthy, so we’re spreading the word about just how serious oral cancer is, how to recognize the signs, and what you can do to reduce your risk.

Oral Cancer Statistics

The word “cancer” itself instills some fear in all of us. It’s a scary disease that affects millions of Americans every year. Oral cancer is no different. It’s a widespread problem that can take the lives of those affected. In fact, oral cancer kills one person every hour, every day annually. That’s more than 8,500 people each and every year. This year alone, more than 50,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer.

Oral Cancer Symptoms

Being aware of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer can save your life. However, many signs of oral cancer can resemble other non-serious oral health problems. So if you notice any of the signs below and they don’t go away, call your dentist in Modesto as soon as possible to get checked out and ease your mind.

Pain while swallowing, chewing, or speaking
Changes in voice
A sore or discoloration that doesn’t go away after two weeks
A lump inside the mouth or neck
Chronic bad breath

The most successful way to treat oral cancer is to diagnose it early. This is also one reason why you should see your dentist at least every six months.

Oral Cancer Risk Factors

Oral cancer can happen to anyone, but there are factors that can put someone at greater risk. Some we can control, others we cannot. Some risk factors are:

Tobacco Use: 80% of oral cancer diagnoses are in tobacco users including those who smoke cigarettes, cigars, or use smokeless tobacco.
Drinking Alcohol: Nearly 70% of those diagnosed with oral cancer are heavy drinkers.
Gender: Men are two times more likely to develop oral cancer than women.
Age: Those over the age of 50 are at increased risk of oral cancer.

At our Modesto dental office, we care about keeping our neighbors healthy. If you have any questions, are concerned about your risk of oral cancer, or it’s been more than six months since you’ve seen a dentist, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with us.

Do I Have Bruxism?

added on: March 25, 2019

Bruxism is just a medical term for grinding or clenching your teeth, usually while you’re asleep. That’s what makes teeth grinding hazardous to your oral and overall health, because there’s a good chance you don’t even know you’re doing it! Our dental office in Modesto is here to help you learn more about bruxism and the damage it can do to your smile. We want to help you recognize the early warning signs of teeth grinding and help you protect your teeth from damage.

The American Sleep Association suggests as many as 10 percent of adults and 15 percent of children are affected by bruxism. Teeth grinding or clenching is more common when there’s a family history of the disorder, with rates soaring to as high as 50 percent. Both males and females are similarly affected by bruxism.

Are There Common Signs of Bruxism?

There’s a reason why your dentist in Modesto may be the first person to recognize signs that you grind your teeth, because that’s what’s damaged the most by bruxism. When most people grind their teeth, their canines and incisors come together with great force, damaging your enamel and the structure of your teeth. Other symptoms of bruxism include:

– Jaw joint pain or discomfort

– Facial pain

– Headaches or migraines

– Jaw muscle contractions

– Broken restorations

– Tooth sensitivity

– Enamel loss

– Damaged gums

Why Do I Have Bruxism?

There are a few reasons our patients develop bruxism or teeth clenching. It’s most commonly caused by a combination of anxiety or stress. People who are agitated or stressed are more likely to grind the night away and not even be aware they’re doing it. In most cases of bruxism, a person isn’t even woken up by the sound of their teeth grinding together. Having a misaligned bite, side effects from medications, and some medical diseases can also cause bruxism.

Is there something not right about your smile? Are you concerned that you’re grinding your teeth? The best way to help yourself is to call our Modesto dental practice to schedule a consultation. We can give you a comprehensive, thorough exam, learn more about the symptoms you’ve been experiencing, monitor your bite, and get a more in-depth look using state-of-the-art x-rays. From there, we’ll be able to see what kind of shape your teeth are in, address the severity of your teeth grinding, and put together a personalized treatment plan for you. We want you and your smile to stay healthy and be pain-free!

Change Your Diet. Improve Your Smile. Celebrate National Nutrition Month!

added on: March 11, 2019

In honor of National Nutrition Month, we thought now is the perfect time to talk a little about the changes you can make to your diet that can help to improve not only your oral health but your overall health too. At our dental office in Modesto, we always recommend that patients work with their primary care physician to create a dietary plan that’s healthy and right for you and your family.

Can Eating Healthy Help My Smile?

The resounding answer to this question is Y-E-S! It starts with adding foods that are rich in these vitamins and minerals to your diet:

Calcium
Phosphorus
Vitamin C
Vitamin A

The biggest benefit to eating healthy foods is that you’re going to have an added defense and protection to your tooth enamel. While this is the hardest substance in our bodies, even stronger than bone, it can be highly and irreversibly damaged by acids and bacteria. This is a problem because, no matter how advanced dentistry has become, there’s nothing that can replace the natural durability of your tooth enamel.

What Foods Does My Dentist in Modesto Recommend?

We agree with the American Dental Association when it recommends adding certain foods and beverages to your diet that contain beneficial tooth nutrients. Note that they’re not high in sugar or overly processed. Some of the recommended foods include:

Milk
Plain yogurt
Cheese
Tofu
Leafy greens
Almonds
Apples
Carrots
Celery

Is Sugar Really That Bad for Me and My Smile?

Unfortunately, sugar isn’t good for your mouth or your body. Especially candies, chocolates, sodas, and sports drinks. It’s important to limit or even eliminate these things from your diet wherever you can. They’re going to do more harm to your teeth than good, so it’s best to keep them to a minimum for you and your family’s oral health to function properly.

Remember, sugars lurk in mysterious places like carbohydrate-loaded foods. They break down into simple sugars in your body, and this is just as dangerous as eating sweets and drinking sugary beverages. Try being more mindful of what the labels say when you’re shopping at the store for you and your family.

If you have questions about making your diet more healthy or how to take care of your smile, please never hesitate to reach out to our Modesto dental practice. We’re happy to take your call, answer your questions, and even schedule you for a visit to talk.