Sierra Studio - Hygiene
At the Sierra Studio for Cosmetic Dentistry we use a safe and effective producedure called "Ultrasonic Scaling" for removing plaque and tartar.
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Removing tarter and bacteria are crucial to treating gingivitis, controlling periodontal disease and preventing tooth decay.
An Ultrasonic Scaler
An ultrasonic scaler consists of a wand with a small scaling tip that produces a soft ultrasonic vibrations and a gentle flow of water. As the tip moves along the tooth surface, it makes quick, small vibrations that break up plaque and tartar.
These vibrations give you a tickling sensation and cause millions of microscopic bubbles to from in the water.
The Benefits of Ultrasonic Scaling
Ultrasonic scaling can be more comfortable than hand scaling because the tip is extremely small. Also, much of the work is done without disturbing the gum tissue.
In addition, we can can add a medicated solution to the water to treat any infection and aid in healing.
Scaling your teeth with an ultrasonic scaler is an effective and efficient method for helping you keep your healthy and beautiful smile.
Sierra Studio - Co-Discovery (Oral Camera)
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While x-rays provide valuable information that we can't get from any other source, they can't show you everything thats going on in your mouth. That's why we have invested in an intraoral camera - a highly advanced piece of diagnostic equipment that allows you to see what we see inside your mouth.
At Sierra we find that the Intra Oral Camera is the most successful tool for patient education which reveals the true picture of a patient’s teeth. With the help of an intra-oral camera, it has become very easy for dentists to examine and identify tooth or tissue decay and suggest a treatment accordingly.
The intraoral camera handpiece is approximately the size and shape of a dental mirror. It has a built-in light source, and serves as a tiny video camera that allows us to zoom in on one tooth, or give you a video tour of your entire mouth.
The images are displayed on a television or computer monitor, so you'll be able to see problems such as worn or broken fillings, cracked teeth, plaque deposits, cavities next to fillings and excessive weare. We can also print an image for you to take home with you.
Advantages of Using an Intra Oral Camera
- An intra oral camera reveals the early stages of any serious problem like cavity and gum diseases.
- The patient gets a clear view of the oral condition of his mouth and this helps him make an informed decision.
- It also gives a realistic picture of a patient’s regular dental hygiene; this enables the dentist to suggest steps to improve it.
- A patient can benefit by getting acquainted with a problem in its early stage.
- The pictures taken by the camera can be viewed by both the patient and the dentist and can be used later for a more thorough examination.
You See What We See
The intraoral camera allows you to be an active partner in your dental treatment by enabling you to see what we see inside your mouth. With a clear understanding of your dental conditions, you'll have the information you need to make any dental treatment decision with confidence!
Sierra Studio - Treatment Maps
How We Help You Plan Your Treatment
Since everyone’s smile is different, no single treatment is going to work perfectly for all dental patients. At the Sierra Studio for Dental Wellness we employ a variety of techniques, products, and procedures in order to create a customized dental treatment plan for you. Whether you are having a general dentistry procedure or a cosmetic dentistry procedure, we feel you should be informed about what we can provide for you.
When you are deciding on what dental procedure you want to have performed, many questions and options must be taken into consideration. For many people, it helps to talk with their dentist about what results they want to see from the procedure. At the Sierra Studio for Dental Wellness we work one on one with you to help you determine and achieve your goals!
We can see the possibilities and the consequences. We can agree on where we're going and chart a course together. We can use it as a reference point anytime in the process to get back on track or to change the course that we have set. With the treatment map, we can help our patients visualize a bigger picture in planning for a lifetime of good dental health.
Our Role in Treatment Planning
Our role in treatment planning is to recognize that, although we have a legitimate perspective as to the best course of treatment, it is not the only perspective. We have the expertise about what is possible in regard to dental health and the part dentistry can play in achieving it.
If you are suffering from a dental problem, there is usually more than one way to correct it. For instance, if you have a missing tooth, there are various ways to correct it, such as a dental bridge or a dental implant. We will provide you with all of the available options and help you choose which one will give you the results you want.
Many times, a contributing factor in the dental work someone chooses is the cost. We can help you arrange affordable financing options for your dentistry needs. This way, money doesn’t stand in the way of you achieving your dental goals.
Choosing the Destination
In dentistry, the dentist and the patient have a distinct part to play in choosing the destination. We have a responsibility to make sure that you understand where you are now, where you can go and what it will take on it our parts to get there. It is appropriate for us to share our knowledge, experience and enthusiasm abut dentistry in order to help you see the possibilities that we see for you.
We know that dental procedures do not have to be decided by the dentist alone and feel that the procedure should not be a mystery to you. By employing the most advanced techniques and devices, like digital x-rays, intraoral cameras, and neuromuscular dentistry, we can explain to you exactly what your treatment will be and what it will do.
By knowing exactly what procedures and what results we can provide, you will be better informed to make the important dental decisions that concern you and your mouth.
Sierra Studio - Sealants
What is a Sealant?
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Back teeth have deep grooves and pits that are very difficult to keep clean. Plaque, which is a sticky, colorless film of food and bacteria, collects in these grooves. Plaque is nearly invisible, so to see it, we may stain the plaque with a harmless red dye.
Every time you eat, the bacteria in plaque forms acid. Without a protective sealant, this acid attacks the enamel that protects your teeth and causes the enamel to break down. Then, you get a cavity.
What are the benefits of Sealants?
Prevents Cavities
Well applied sealants can be a hundred percent effective in preventing tooth decay. The sealant will protect the tooth of teeth from bacteria and cavities for as long as the sealant is intact.
Non Toxic
In contrary to popular belief about tooth sealant, sealants are non toxic and provide the best protection for children’s’ teeth available. The treatment has been recommended by dentists for over twenty years now, and more and more parents decide to have their children teeth treated. There are even school programs for kids to have sealants applied in school. All dental sealants used by dentists nowadays have been tested and approved.
Why are Dental Sealants Better Than Filling Cavities?
Dental sealants prevent teeth from being attacked by bacteria and plaque. If bacteria settle on the sealant they will not be able to break through the plastic shield and enter the tooth. Cavities in teeth will be avoided and the process does not damage the tooth in any way. Drilling and filling cavities is a stressful procedure for children and can potentially cause damage to the underlying tooth pulp. Alls this can be avoided by applying sealants to the teeth. If damage has occurred already or teeth have deep natural cavities, pit and fissure sealants can fill the cavities and prevent bacteria from entering them.
Sierra Studio - Oral Cancer Detection
The Signs of Oral Cancer
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Oral cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the mouth and throat. Some of the warning signs are:
- A red, white, or discolored patch or lump in or around your mouth
- A sore that bleeds easily or that doesn't heal within 2 weeks
- An area that has thickened, raised, or become hardened
- A rough patch of tissue
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- A chronic sore throat or hoarseness
The Exam for Oral Cancer
Because early detection is vital to surviving oral cancer, at the Sierra Studio for Dental Wellness we will perform a thorough oral cancer screening each time we see you in our office for an exam. In addition, if you notice any of the warning signs, tell us right away. Do not ignore one or more of the signs just because it does not hurt. Most pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions are completely painless!
Screening for Oral Cancer
First we use a cancer screening technology to help us find and identify suspicious tissues, especially ones that cannot be seen easily with the naked eye.
The VelScope light uses a concentrated light that can identify abnormal areas. If we find any suspicious sores or lesions, we may then use an in-office biopsy system to determine if the are is pre-cancerous or cancerous.
As with any Cancer, early detection is vital to the successful treatment for oral cancer. That is why Sierra Studio is commited to offering these technologies for keeping you and your mouth healthy!
Sierra Studio - Gingivitis
What is Gingivitis?
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What Causes Gingivitis?
The main cause of gingivitis is the accumulation of plaque, the sticky film of food and bacteria that forms constantly on your teeth.
If plaque is not removed each day, the bacteria in plaque invades the space between the teeth and gums and begins producing toxins. These toxins irritate and inflame the gums, causing them to swell and bleed.
Gingivitis is easily reversed, but if it is not caught in time, it can lead to periodontal disease, a more serious infection of the teeth, gums and jawbone that can lead to tooth loss.
The Warning Signs!
Some of the warning signs of gingivitis are redness where the gums and tooth meet, swollen gums, bleeding when brushing and flossing and bad breath.
There is usually no pain associated with gingivitis, we perform a thorough examination. We look for any changes in the shape, color and contour of the gums, and bledding in the gums upon probing.
The Treatment
If we determin that you do have gingivitis, treatment always includes a professional cleaning, which removes plaque buildup from the teeth.
Sometimes, additional steps are required. These could include using a disclosing solution regularly to determin where the plaque is, reviewing the most effective techniques for brushing and flossing, and using an antibacterial rinse to help kill destructive bacteria. We may also need to set up more frequent office visits to monitor the health of your gums.
It is important to catch and treat gingivitits early, before it progresses and results in bone and tooth loss due to periodontal disease.
Sierra Studio - Oral Health Concerns
Oral Health
Did you know that your oral health is an important part of your overall health?
Oral health problems such as oral pain, missing teeth or oral infections can affect a person’s physical, mental and social well-being. Oral disease, like any other disease, needs to be treated. Keeping a healthy mouth is an important part of leading a healthy life.
What is Oral Health?
The Canadian Dental Association defines oral health as a state of the oral and related tissues and structures that contribute positively to physical, mental and social well-being and to the enjoyment of life's possibilities, by allowing the individual to speak, eat and socialize unhindered by pain, discomfort or embarrassment.
Sierra Studio - Cold Sores
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Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus. The most common type of herpes virus that causes them is Herpes Simplex Virus Type I. This virus can be transmitted from one person to another by skin to skin contact such as kissing or by sharing eating utensils. They are contagious. Herpes Simplex Type II causes genital sores but can also cause cold sores if transferred to the lip area.
Cold sores normally form on lips but in some patients they can extend into the nose, cheeks or even fingers. They rarely occur in the mouth but can. If they do form in the mouth, they appear on the gums or on the roof of the mouth about the hard palate. Cold sores are different from canker sores. Canker sores like to form on soft tissue that moves without bone underneath. Canker sores are not contagious but cold sores are.
The herpes virus that causes cold sores lives in the nerves that go to your lips and remain inactive until something stresses you out. This stress can be a cold, problems in life, the beginning of a woman's period, fever, or overexposure to the sun.
The period of time from when your lip first begins to tingle until the break out is called the prodrome. Many antiviral drugs have been developed that can decrease the amount of outbreak if taken during the early herpes prodromal phase. There are many medications that can be prescribed in either oral (pill) or ointment form.
If untreated, most cold sores clear up in about a week. Many patients tend to play with them which causes the cold sores to remain a few days longer. It is important to wash your hands after touching cold sores because you can infect someone else with your contaminated fingers.
Sierra Studio - Canker Sores
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Dentists don't know what causes canker sores but it's known that they are not contagious. The lesions occur on soft tissues inside the mouth and usually on the lip and soft tissues that are supported by bone.They are definitely not cold sores. Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus and are contagious.
Canker sores can be caused by some foods, such as citrus fruits or tomatoes. Emotional and physical stress can cause a break out. The treatment is to make the patient comfortable. A prescription anaesthetic rinse called viscous lidocaine can help reduce the pain. A prescription mouth wash can keep the lesions clean and a corticosteriod cream can reduce inflammation. In some patients, applying a pinch of baking soda will eliminate the sore in a day.
Recurring canker sores usually have an underlying medical problem. It may be a food allergy, immune problem, vitamin and/or mineral deficiencies or GI tract dysfunction. They can be preceded by tingling or burning in the area before the break out. A severe case causes fever, tiredness, swollen lymph nodes and severe pain. If the lesions persist, they can become infected from another cause. Keep a detailed food diary and try to connect the outbreaks with foods. Note in your diary the dates and times of stressful situations. Be careful to avoid traumatizing any lesions when brushing. Change toothpastes to see if the sores decrease. Take Tylenol, Alleve or Advil for the pain and clean the lesions by rinsing with hydrogen peroxide. Rinsing with Benadryl liquid can be helpful.
Sierra Studio - Receding Gums
Although receding gums are typically a normal part of the aging process, many people may notice them much earlier than usual. Gums may recede due to genetics but they may also be caused by harsh brushing, or "toothbrush abrasion," as well as periodontal or gum disease. Sometimes receding gums can be identified at first glance, but they may be detected by feeling the top of the teeth at the gum line. If the tooth feels notched at the gum line, then the gums are likely receding, thus hastening the decay of healthy teeth.
Receding gums may also be caused by teeth that are misaligned, or by excessive plaque build-up at the gum line. Misaligned teeth can be addressed by an orthodontist through the application of braces or other treatments. Regular cleanings to remove plaque build up as well as treatments for possible periodontal disease should be undertaken where appropriate.
For those with severely receded gums, a graft from another part of the mouth may be the only option for treatment. For others with healthy teeth and gums, there are currently two methods for the treatment of receding gums. In one treatment, the dentist drills holes in the teeth and then fills them with a material that helps keep the gums from receding further. This is perhaps the most commonly used method by dentists in the United States.
Treating receding gums is important, not only for comfort, but also to preserve the health of your teeth. When gums recede, the exposed portion of the tooth is much more sensitive, causing discomfort when consuming hot or cold foods and liquids. It can also lead to greater risk of tooth decay and other oral conditions such as a poor bite, sore jaw, periodontal disease and tooth loss.
Although some people are predisposed to receding gums due to heredity, prematurely receding gums may be prevented with proper oral hygiene — daily brushing, flossing and regular visits to the dentist. Many dentists will advise patients to focus on proper flossing, saying that it is even more important than brushing alone. For those who suffer receding gums due to overly exuberant brushing, consider switching to a softer bristled toothbrush and ask your dental hygienist for tips to improve your technique.
Those who have minor or serious gum disease, particularly those with accompanying receding gums, should be examined by their dentist on a regular basis to check for pockets in the gum as well as bone loss. Prevention, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment will all help in avoiding loss of teeth and receding gums.
Sierra Studio - Swollen Gums
Swollen gums or gingival swelling are abnormally enlarged gums, bulging, or protruding. When plaque and tartar stick to the teeth under the gums, bacteria growths and produce chemicals and toxins that the body does not identify. The white blood cells producing by body as the result, get to area which results in gum inflammation. This is also known as gum inflammation or swollen gums.
Swollen Gums Causes
Swollen gums is quite common and may involve one area of the gums surrounding a tooth or the entire gums in the mouth. In addition, there are many causes of swollen gums that could be as minor as hypersensitivity to chewing gum, reactions to prescription medications or a popcorn kernel logged into the gums.
Swollen gums are usually caused by such medical conditions as gingivitis or gum disease, gums become red, swell and bleed easily with brushing or flossing due to plaque buildup. Other health conditions causing swollen gums may be virus infection, bad fitting dentures, malnutrition, high sensitivity to mouthwash or toothpaste or some drug side effects.
Symptoms of Swollen Gums
Evident symptoms of swollen gums are of course, the swelling of the gums. Gum swelling usually starts in only one part of the upper or lower gums, and usually on the gum line where it meets the tooth. At first, it may feel like there is something stuck between the tooth and the gum, and inflammation usually spreads upwards first along the tooth to the jaw bone.
Swollen Gums in Infants and Children
Red, swollen gums that bleed when touched may be a symptom of developing a general infection around the nose and mouth if exposed to the herpes simplex virus (cold sores).
Though, swollen gums is normal during infants tooth eruption and the swollen part is usually firm. However, it is not normal if the swollen gum turns red or blue. In such case, parents must bring their children to see the dentist.
Swollen gums and pain around are warning signs of gum disease attack. Be cautious because signs of gum disease often appears in the advanced stages of it. The best now is seeking the help of a dentist.
Improve your oral habits. Swollen gums left untreated cause tooth loss will eventually happen. In either case, it is best to receive a complete examination from your dentist or periodontist as soon as you experience swollen gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing or any other abnormal symptoms in your mouth.
When you have active periodontal disease, routine cleanings are not enough because they generally focus on areas of the tooth that are above the gumline.
A regular scaling and root planning procedure removed plaque, tartar and bacterial toxins from tooth surfaces below the gumline.
That is why at Sierra Studio for Cosmetic Dentistry we make sure that you and your family are on a twice-a-year cleaning schedule.
We will remind you by either a phone call or an e-mail that it is time for a checkup and offer you a booking time that suits your lifestyle.
Sometimes you may require a maintenance appointment which may include -
- taking x-rays to check jawbone levels
- measuring the depth of periodontal pockets
- checking for loose teeth or bleeding gums
- removing plaque above and below the gumline
- talking with you about the effectiveness of your homecare
Regular periodontal and preventative maintenance visits help us break the stronghold of bacteria in your gums and slow or elminate their destructive effects.
Book your appointment today!