Posts Categorized: Patient Education

Best Crowns for teeth – How dentists choose types

best crowns for teeth

Has your dentist told you it’s time to repair a broken or damaged tooth? Or maybe you are interested in getting crowns as a cosmetic option to hide your smile imperfections? There are many types of dental crown materials. How do you know which option is the best crown selection for your situation? With several… Read more »

Top reasons you need a crown

Front tooth enhancements

We are often asked by patients, “why can’t I have a bigger filling?” When old fillings break, your dentist will evaluate how much of the original tooth remains. Usually if 50% or less remains, a crown (also called a cap) is recommended. This article explores in more detail the many reasons for crowns. Despite our… Read more »

Dark teeth | Cover them with cosmetic dental magic

woman covering teeth

Dark teeth can have a negative impact on your life. You may avoid speaking to others or always smile with your mouth closed for photos. If you find yourself going out of your way to hide your teeth then it’s time to make some changes.  What effects can dark teeth have on your life? An… Read more »

The Human Touch

Boutique dentist with a human touch

It’s amazing just how far the field of dentistry has evolved thanks to modern day technology and science. For dental professionals today, it’s not enough to just keep your patients’ teeth clean. Continuing education courses and countless hours and dollars are constantly being spent to ensure that patients receive the most up-to-date, comprehensive, and high-quality… Read more »

Types of Mouthwash | Different uses and therapeutic purposes

Types of Mouthwash

Did you know that there isn’t just one type of mouthwash? In fact, some mouthwashes have a specialized purpose and require a prescription for purchase. In other words, not all mouth rinses were created equal, and this blog is meant to explain the key differences. To teach his patients about the types of mouthwash, Dr…. Read more »

Foods to Avoid with TMJ – or make it worse

Foods to Avoid with TMJ

Many people experience discomfort with their jaw joints or TMJ pain when they open their mouth wide? This article lists foods to avoid if you have jaw joint pains. This disorder is a serious condition that affects the joints in your jaw. This causes patients great discomfort and pain, which is why managing it is incredibly… Read more »

No-Prep Veneers | Less enamel removed

No-preparation veneers

If you are exploring porcelain veneers to address your smile concerns, you should know that there are two major categories options: traditional regular prep or no-prep veneers. Are you looking for less invasive alternatives to traditional dental veneer treatment? Cosmetic bonding may be right right for you. There are many low prep and no-prep veneer options… Read more »

Gummy Smile | Permanent solutions for this common problem

Gummy smile

Generally speaking, when people think about poor smile quality, they think about issues with teeth. With that said, some patients will actually have issues because of their gums of the upper jaw. When the amount of gum tissue exposure is too great when you smile, it is called a gummy smile. If you have too… Read more »

Bright white smile | Erase those stains

Teeth whitening for a bright white smile

Do you want a bright white smile? Stains and discolorations cause a lot of people to feel insecure about their smiles. Has insecurity about your teeth held you back in business or your personal life? It’s hard to muster confidence to try new things and meet new people, when you’re busy hiding imperfections in your… Read more »

What Does A Whiter Smile Mean For You?

Whiter Smile

You may think about how wonderful you would feel with a whiter smile. However, when you think about this term, you wonder: Is there some universal “white” that we aim for? What if you don’t really need to whiten everything, so you worry about trying to explain your needs? We remind you that we will… Read more »

Flossing your teeth is very important

flossing your teeth

Do you brush your teeth regularly? Perhaps you wouldn’t think of skipping a brushing. There are many people that brush religiously, yet do not floss. Less than half of Americans floss daily and 10 percent don’t floss at all. Both brushing and flossing are important to your dental health. Flossing helps prevent cavities, gingivitis, and… Read more »

Cavity Prevention | Are You Immune To Cavities?

cavities occur without good cavity prevention

Is it Decay Immunity or just good Cavity Prevention? Tooth decay is an international chronic infectious health disease in industrialized and developing countries, especially in young children. Early Childhood Caries (ECC) begins early in life, progresses rapidly, and causes immediate and long-term effects. People suffering from tooth decay can also suffer pain, lack of self-esteem,… Read more »

Strong Enamel – The Secret of Healthy Teeth

There is no secret, one time trick to keep your teeth healthy for life. A healthy mouth requires a lifetime commitment of routine care to protect your teeth and gums. What many people don’t realize, however, is that teeth also have their own protection. A protective layer that keeps the vulnerable inner tooth from being… Read more »

Cleaning dental bridges | Techniques vary with type of bridge

cleaning dental bridges

Many people do not know how to clean a dental bridge. Tooth loss is never an ideal circumstance, but when life happens, restorative dentistry can restore a full, functional smile. Thankfully, with the number of tooth replacement methods available, restoring your smile is relatively simple. One of the more common dental restorations is a dental… Read more »

Straight teeth | How important is it?

Is it important to have straight teeth?

Why straighten crooked teeth? Have you ever wondered why it is so important to have straight teeth?  Do your choppers really need to be straight? Are truly straight teeth attractive as well as necessary? The answer is yes to all of these questions. Making everything straight offers a multitude of benefits. Dr. James Fondriest in… Read more »

Bad Breath and Dental Bridges

bad breath and dental bridges

Cleaning dental bridges can be cumbersome. The spaces between the pontics (or false teeth) and the gum line tend to be areas where bacteria and particles of food can gather. Because of such, a specialized flossing technique for removal is required. If those spaces are not cleaned properly, patients can experience severe bad breath or… Read more »

Posture and TMJ Disorder | Help relieve your symptoms

Posture and TMJ Disorder

If your mother drove you crazy with constant demands to “sit up straight”…you should thank her. Whether Mom knew the full effect of posture or not, the truth is, bad posture can be bad for your physical and mental health. Turns out, having a straight spine and correct alignment body can even help relieve symptoms… Read more »

Migraines or TMJ | Muscle pain often diagnosed as migraines

Migraines or TMJ

Have you wondered if your headaches are caused by migraines or TMJ? If you suffer frequent headaches, you are not alone. The World Health Organization estimates that about 50% of adults (18-65) worldwide suffer from headache disorders. Of those who reported having headaches, about 30% had migraines.1 If you frequently experience the debilitating pain and… Read more »

TMJ and tooth sensitivity | TMJ Disorder Can Make Your Teeth Sensitive

TMJ and tooth sensitivity

Is there a connection between TMJ and tooth sensitivity? Though TMJ or TM dysfunction centers on your jaw’s joints, one of the many symptoms it can generate is the unconscious habit of grinding your teeth. When left untreated, TMJ disorder and resulting teeth-grinding can cause your teeth to hurt as well as the components of… Read more »

Sore cheeks, temples, or teeth | Awake to cheekbone pain

sore cheeks and temples

elling Do you have frequent sore cheeks and temples? Some people experience cheekbone pain and tension in their facial regions after waking up. Sleep is supposed to rejuvenate your mind and body after a long day of work or school. Unfortunately, some people wake up with even more tension and pain. Headaches, dizziness, earaches, and… Read more »

Dentistry in Shakespeare’s Time

Dentistry in the Elizabethan Age

Today we’d like to pay homage to the world’s greatest poet and playwright – William Shakespeare. Sadly, Shakespeare died at the age of 52. Today, this is considered tragically young, but in the 17th century, the average male lived to age 47. Poor hygiene and inadequate medical knowledge meant that disease ran rampant, and this… Read more »

Does your Dentist Listen To Patients?

Does your dentist listen?

Are you tired of doctors that don’t listen to patients? Does your dentist listen to you? When you want to make changes to your smile, you may have a clear vision for what you want to see after your work is completed. Our office recognizes the value of seeing cosmetic care as a collaborative experience…. Read more »

At home teeth whitening

At home teeth whitening

When you visit a store, you’ll likely see a number of products offering at home teeth whitening. However, in order to receive dramatic results that last, you should see the dentist for a professional solution. We can provide at-home teeth whitening that can brighten your smile by multiple shades. Have you considered completing a teeth… Read more »

Bleeding Gums – It Is More Serious than You Might Think

bleeding gums

Some dental health issues are only obvious once you know you have them. Until then, the symptoms may not seem serious, especially if they don’t include pain in and around a tooth. For instance, if you notice a small amount of blood mixed in with your saliva when you brush and floss your teeth, you… Read more »

Sour breath | Tips for a better smelling mouth

Fix sour breath

The term sour breath refers to foul breath caused by mouth acids. These mouth acids are caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, bacteria in the mouth, or some other general health issue. There are many recommendations for fixing sour breath but many people don’t know them. Are you afraid to stand too close to… Read more »

Diet and dental health – Eating habits affect your teeth

Diet and dental health

Many people don’t understand the connection between diet and dental health. Watching what you eat and drink is an important part of maintaining your health. But it can be difficult to properly choose a diet, especially with so many factors to consider. For many people, the main connection between diet and oral health is that… Read more »

The Safe Way to Whiten Teeth

over bleaching

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments available. But many individuals don’t realize that over bleaching can be detrimental to your oral health if performed incorrectly. Here, we’ll explore the safe way to whiten teeth, and discuss several related topics, including: Research studies about whitening and the risk of over bleaching Statistics… Read more »

What is involved in a dental checkup?

dental checkup

When is the last time you had a dental checkup? Did you know that the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your dentist twice a year for regular dental checks? However, patients currently struggling with gum disease or prone to developing cavities may require more frequent dental visits. Why are dental checkups important? Your mouth… Read more »

Teeth bonding | How, When, Why?

Questions about teeth bonding

The saying goes that admitting you have a problem is half the battle. But when it comes to improving your smile, knowing you have a problem is of little consequence, if you’re still struggling to determine the best course of cosmetic treatment. Understanding what options are available to you, and how each can address different… Read more »

Computed Tomography For Precision Placement Of Implants

Dental CT scans play an extremely important role in the planning the future locations of implants. It is rare today to find a surgeon willing to take the risk of placing titanium fixtures without a CT scan. Computed tomography is often combined with digital software that helps to specify the arch location, depth, and axial… Read more »

TMJ symptoms

Have you heard of TMJ? TMJ stands for your temporomandibular joint. Your temporomandibular joint is the sliding hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. If this joint becomes sore, pops or clicks when opening and closing, becomes stiff, or is limited in movement you may have a TMD. A TMD is a disorder of… Read more »

What Is A Cosmetic Dentist?

Dental treatments that improve the aesthetics  and function of a patient’s gums, teeth, or bite are considered cosmetic dentistry.  Your regular general dentist provides preventive dentistry to keep your teeth and gums healthy which includes a thorough oral examination, a professional dental cleaning, and x-rays. A true generalist dentist might do other treatments that commonly are… Read more »

How the Golden Proportion is used in Dentistry

Your smile is important. Not only does a nice smile make you feel good about yourself, it affects the public’s perception of you.  People with a great smile are perceived as more intelligent, more successful, friendlier, more outgoing, more honest, more brave, more, more, and more. A healthy, esthetic smile can get you more job… Read more »

Depression Drugs linked to Dental Implant failures

You’ve heard the saying “You are what you eat,” well, that goes the same for medications. You are what medicines you take, and some of them have side effects that are still unknown. For people with implants or who may be considering an implant, the following information may be helpful. Doctors remain aware of the… Read more »

Stomatitis

Do you have stomatitis? Would you know if you did? Although it may sound like it refers to your stomach, stomat is actually Greek for “mouth.” Stomatitis is a catch-all term for a sore or inflamed mouth. It can occur anywhere in your mouth including on your lips, tongue, inner cheeks, your hard or soft palate, and your… Read more »

Bisphosphanates and jawbone infections | Is Your Jaw Safe

Bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis is becoming popular. Unfortunately, having jawbone infections while taking bisphosphonates is dangerous. This medicine doesn’t cause infections. The medicine makes it difficult to fight an infection that has already started. One side effect of using this medicine is decreased capillary flow in your bones. A decreased blood flow reduces a person’s… Read more »

Developmental disabilities and dental health

Many adults with developmental disabilities cannot tend to their own dental needs and therefore require assistance from caregivers. Research has shown that somewhere there is a disconnect between the caregivers of adults with developmental disabilities and the at home dental care that adults with developmental disabilities receive.  Because of this there has been a call… Read more »

Endocarditis from Dental Treatment

Before 2008 it was required of certain patients to take antibiotics before dental treatment. It was thought that dental treatment would cause endocarditits. This was to help protect them from a rare but very serious infection of the heart lining called Infective Endocarditis. Before invasive treatments that might leak harmful bacteria which can travel to… Read more »

Gum Disease Linked To Kidney Problems

Gum Disease Linked To Kidney Problems

Periodontal disease is definitely earning itself a bad reputation. Not only has it been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, dementia, and even impotence in men, and recently gum disease linked to kidney disease. Dr. Fondriest, explains the recent study linking periodontal disease and kidney disease.

Periodontal Disease And Impotence

Men beware, not only has periodontal disease been linked to many systemic health problems including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, it has been linked to impotence as well. So if you are a man looking for a reason to take better care of your teeth and gums, don’t wait to make a New Year’s resolution…start… Read more »

Childhood Cavities

As soon as you thought you knew everything there is to know about childhood cavities there’s more. Childhood cavities or caries is a chronic and infectious disease in young children and mostly seen in minority and poor populations. Caries is tooth decay, and ironically is common and widespread among children in the U.S. despite the… Read more »

Implant planning | Digital Guided Surgery Technology

Implant planning

Placing implants is a precise and complicated process. while we pre-plan the entire process, we actually do not do the surgical part of placing the implant. Today’s technology and equipment can make placing implants controlled and cosmetically more able to replicate a natural tooth. In today’s blog, Dr. Fondriest, explains how digital implant technology makes it… Read more »

Gums Bleed When Brushed | Why?

gums bleed when brushed

If you only floss occasionally then it is usually normal that your gums bleed when brushed. Hopefully at least they then consider flossing more. When there is bleeding with brushing, most people brush their teeth less vigorously. This is actually usually the wrong thing to do. It may be that you actually don’t know how… Read more »

Porcelain on Metal Crowns | Strong and Esthetic

Porcelain on Metal Crowns

If you have a damaged tooth via accident or decay, there are many treatment options available to save it.  There are minimally invasive and more invasive options depending on the case. Extreme decay and accident would probably require a more invasive treatment. In today’s blog, Dr. Fondriest discusses one option: Porcelain on Metal Crowns. What are… Read more »

Artistic smiles | Design Your Smile Artistically

Artistic smiles

Fixing some front teeth with crowns is one thing but creating artistic smiles is quite another. Whitening your teeth brightens your smile, braces straighten your smile, but smile design revamps your whole smile. An artistic smile design can make your dreams for a beautiful Hollywood smile come true.

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Tooth Stains

When you look at your teeth you may think you are seeing the color of your enamel, and you are. Your tooth color, however, is a combination of your enamel, which is semi-translucent, and the color of your dentin. So if you thought your teeth were looking a bit shabby and you decided to whiten… Read more »

Does Malocclusion Cause Headaches?

TMJ and malocclusion

Do you get frequent headaches? Headaches are a common malady. One in every eight Americans suffer recurring headaches. According to research, 80 percent of those headaches are caused by muscular tension. But did you know that your tension headache may be coming from your teeth and jaw?  Today, we discuss how your teeth can be… Read more »

Heart Disease and Oral Health

It has been theorized since the 1920’s that heart disease and oral health are linked. Recent research has indicated links not only between heart disease and oral health, but between oral health and diabetes, hypertension, lung infections, and dementia. Although the links are not perfectly clear, research continues to try to narrow down specifics as… Read more »

Replacing Mercury Fillings | Should my silver fillings be removed

Must all silver amalgam fillings which contain mercury be replaced? Has your dentists suggested replacing all of yours? This is a hot button issue among dental professionals in the U.S. Is there enough mercury in silver amalgam fillings to cause illness? Are there facts that prove mercury leaches from silver fillings and causes illness? If… Read more »

Oral Health of Ancient Humans

Although modern man is highly advanced in technology, medicine, and the dental arts, the oral health of today is worse than oral health of ancient humans. Although you, as everyone else, would like to believe that modern man has the best oral health in human history, it’s not true. If you’re wondering why, read on.

Diagnosing the tongue: A Window To Your Health?

Feeling lethargic? Under the weather? Stick out your tongue. Your tongue is one of the most under-appreciated and overlooked organs in your body. A tongue is truly a fascinating thing. Not only does it consist of eight muscles that run in all directions so your tongue can move in the many unique ways it does,… Read more »

Foods Bad for Your Teeth

Food provides your body with essential vitamins and minerals to keep you healthy. Certain foods are bad for your teeth and others are considered better. Some are just empty calories while others can provide energy, brain power, or protect you from illness.  Although you may not often give it a thought, food affects your teeth… Read more »

Vitamins For Gum Health

Do you take vitamins for your gum health? There are various reasons people choose to take vitamins. Some take vitamins to keep their minds sharp, some take vitamins for energy. Women who are expecting are prescribed vitamins to keep them and their baby healthy. Has it ever occurred to you to take vitamins to keep… Read more »

Periodontal Disease | Risk Factors, Treatments

stages of periodontal disease

Other than tooth decay, periodontitis is the leading threat to dental health. Numerous studies have indicated a link between dental health, mental health, and your overall health.  Poor oral health has been associated with heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and lung infections. In the old days when no links to systemic issues were know, tooth… Read more »

Dental Problems of Seniors

female hormones and gum disease

Do seniors automatically have more dental problems? As you age you probably don’t think about how your body is changing. Okay…that’s not true. You notice your aches and pains, but did you realize that your teeth and gums are aging too? You need to take special care of your body as it gets older, and… Read more »

Gum Disease in Women

female hormones and gum disease

Women tend to be caretakers. They take care of their children, their husbands, their parents, stray animals, even their children’s friends. If there is someone to take care of, they often do it. Research shows that women also take better care of their teeth than men. Women have less gum disease than men. This can… Read more »

Father’s Day: Love Dad, Love His Gums

It has been estimated that 64 million Americans-almost half of the adults in the Unites States-are suffering from periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is on the rise due to our aging population. It occurs more in mid to later life because it takes time to develop.  An interesting fact, according to one Ontario… Read more »

Allergy medications affect dental health

Allergy medications affect dental health

Allergy medications will affect dental health. Aeroallergens exist indoors and outdoors, and spring is ripe with pollen and allergy inducing fungi. Airborne spores and other fungi may originate in fields, forests, agricultural crops, flowers, or grass. Because they are light, sticky, and plentiful, they are easily transferred into homes, offices, and cars. Impossible to get… Read more »

Types of toothaches | Patient’s Guide to Tooth Pains

There are many types of toothaches with many causes. If you pinch your tooth, it wouldn’t hurt like pinching your arm does. Good thing, too, considering how much pressure your teeth experience every day. The reason for their insensitivity lies in the composition of your teeth, which includes a thin, but super-resilient layer of mineral… Read more »

Imperfect Smile | Is it time to learn what is available?

Every smile is unique, and very few of them are naturally perfect. Teeth are prone to stains and discoloration, and thanks to a wide range of varying factors, they can also chip, crack, break, leave odd spaces between each other, or otherwise detract from your smile’s cosmetic appeal. Fortunately, with the advanced techniques and materials… Read more »

Fixing a broken tooth

Although protected by the most resilient substance found within the human body, your teeth aren’t indestructible. In fact, teeth crack and break all the time, which begs the question, just how strong are they, really? The answer is “very strong” if you take proper care of them, meaning more than just brushing and flossing your… Read more »

Systemic diseases from gum disease

Are you worried about gum disease affecting you at some point in your life? Did you know that there are many systemic diseases associated with and caused by gum disease? If you haven’t already, there’s a good chance that you might, considering that gum disease affects over 70% of adults in the United States today…. Read more »