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Tooth Implants- Published
4/25/06 So, Doc…how do I
fill this empty space in my mouth? That question is getting a different
answer these days, largely due to how "user friendly"
dental implants have become. Dental implants are man-made roots
of titanium that are placed in the jaw bone. Many different things
can be attached to the implant, depending on a patient's needs.
Though implants have been around since the 1970's, recent advances
in every aspect of this science make it the new number one choice
for tooth replacement.
The mechanics and clinical success of implants has leaped ahead,
and the practicalities of time and costs have caught up. It is now
just as economical to place a single tooth implant as a three unit
fixed bridge, but no grinding of surrounding teeth needs to be done.
With the latest available financing options, and the shortened time
for healing nowadays, it makes the most sense to fill spaces with
implants and enjoy life the way it was meant to be. The days of
tooth loss are not gone yet; however, filling the spaces left by
lost teeth, can now almost duplicate normal function and esthetics.
And it doesn't only happen in 90210!
Masticatory System- Published
6/07/06
Doc, why do I always wake up with headaches? Well, there are certainly
many possible causes to headaches. But one very common scenario
is the headache that is easy to describe, almost always occurs in
the same location, and often at the same time of day. Okay, you
say but what does that have to do with dentistry? Let me introduce
you to the masticatory system.
The masticatory system is the anatomical part of the skull that
allows us to eat, smile, talk, express, and move our jaw. In health,
the bone of the lower jaw seats into the bone of the skull, at the
Temporal-Mandibular joint. This is a hinge and rotational joint
that is moved by muscles. When we close our mouths, we stop closing
when teeth hit teeth. So, the three components of this system are:
the joint, the muscles, and the bite.
When one of the components of the system is not stable, nor in
equilibrium, there is a consequence somewhere in the system. For
instance, if your bite is uneven, you may damage teeth, or experience
a click in the joint, or suffer from muscular pain. Somewhere in
the system, there will be a consequence to disequilibria. Perhaps,
because your bite is uneven, you overwork you temporalis muscle
all night. Well, “how would I know that, Doc?” Maybe
you wake up with a headache each morning! And that’s not how
it’s supposed to be.
My Clicking Jaw-
Published 7/04/06
So Doc, is it normal for my jaw joints to make noises? Normal? No.
However, it is not all that uncommon that we experience “pops
or clicks” from our jaw joints. Let’s look at why.
The temporal-mandibular joint exists on either side of our face,
just in front of the ears. It is the junction between the lower
jaw and the skull. This joint is a joint much like the knee joints.
It consist of a bone that ends with a condyle, or “ball”;
and a bone that serves as the socket. Bone is protected from bone
by a smooth lining called synovium, and the lower jaw condyle is
cushioned from the skull articular eminence by a cartilagenous disc.
The lower jaw or mandible is the moving part, and it hinges open
and closed by rotating and translating. Translation means it actually
slides down and forward against the skull. Of course, in order to
move, muscles are involved. The positioning of our jaw by these
muscles is exquisitely sensitive, because it dictates the position
of our teeth.
Therefore, if any one area of this whole system; the joint, the
disc, the muscles, or our teeth, are not in perfectly harmonious
positions with the rest, something gives. Either our teeth wear
or break, or our muscles get sore, or the disc moves out of position.
This is why we hear clicking joints. As the bone moves and slides
off of the disc, it creates a sound. Often times, as we close our
mouths the click will be heard or felt again. This signifies recapture
of the disc between the bones of the joint.
The fact that we hear a sound from our joint tells us that a normally
smooth silent movement is not happening in perfect harmony. A click
is a sign that something in this complex system is not right. Fortunately,
we can often determine exactly which component is a problem, and
remedy it
Veneers- instant orthodontics?-
Published 8/30/06
Hey Doc, those veneer things, are they really like instant orthodontics?
No, they definitely are not. The purpose of orthodontics is to change
the position of teeth in the bone, to improve tooth alignment. Veneers
do not do this.
However, the appearance to people viewing your mouth is that your
teeth are well aligned, even, and brilliantly light and smooth.
The most current of materials used for these is a porcelain that
is so strong we can make it the thickness of a contact lens, and
yet it will not break. Porcelain veneers can often be placed on
teeth without needing to reduce the tooth in size. So, the standard
appointment for veneers in our office involves no shots, no pain,
and either little or no drilling.
So what can you expect for an outcome? The appearance that your
teeth are straighter, whiter, and more even in only two short visits.
The bonuses include the fact that porcelain does not stain easily,
it remains strong, and many times the teeth are actually strengthened
by the bonding process.
Whiter Teeth- Published
10/18/06
Hey Doc, I’d
love whiter teeth but does that whitening stuff really work? Of
course, that answer depends on what you mean by “whitening
stuff,” but for the most part, yes, it works.
Teeth are darkened from two general categories of “stain.”
Extrinsic stain refers to stains from food, drink, and colored substances
that enter the mouth. The darkening is on the outside of the tooth.
The ingredients in the new surge of whitening toothpaste available
may lessen these stains. The actual color of the tooth is not changing,
but we can eliminate surface stains.
The other category of darkening is intrinsic coloration. This means
the inner layer of tooth (the dentin) is darker, and shines through
the enamel. In order to change an intrinsic color, we must either
whiten using peroxide based bleach, or mask the dark color over.
“Bleaching” the teeth has become quite popular, simple,
and safe. The basic ingredient is peroxide in gel form. This is
either placed in trays, on strips, or painted directly on the teeth
and allowed to whiten. Peroxide will lighten tooth structure based
on a couple of variables: the concentration of the peroxide, and
the time in contact with tooth. So, 10% peroxide for one hour, will
have the same effect as 1% peroxide for 10 hours. The differences
in bleaching systems therefore are the methods of delivery.
Some people want 1 hour whitening in the dental office; still others
use overnight techniques in trays. And of course we have all seen
the whitening strips being used. The bottom line is, they will work
if used properly, and your choice should be based on comfort for
you.
It is important to have treatment and results monitored by someone,
and also keep in mind that peroxide will burn any soft tissue if
left in contact with it. For this reason, please have a dental professional
monitor you whitening. And oh yes, SMILE!
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Dr.
Gary Williams, D.M.D. is a lifelong resident of the Pen Argyl area
and a graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in
Boston. He practices in family and restorative dentistry with special
interests in implant dentistry and joint, muscle and bite disorders.
Gary’s office is located in Pen Argyl and he resides in Plainfield
Township with his wife Nancy.