Dentist Tracy - Wisdom Teeth - Smiles by Design in Livermore

Wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned. Often, however, problems develop that require their removal. When the jaw isn’t large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted (unable to come in or misaligned). Wisdom teeth may grow sideways, emerge only part way from the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.

Extraction of wisdom teeth is generally recommended when:
* Wisdom teeth only partially erupt. This leaves an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and cause an infection. Pain, swelling, jaw stiffness and general illness can result.
* There is a chance that poorly aligned wisdom teeth will damage adjacent teeth.
* A cyst (fluid-filled sac) forms, destroying surrounding structures such as bone or tooth roots.

Patients should ask the dentist about the health and positioning of their wisdom teeth. The dentist may make a recommendation for removal or send the patient to an oral surgeon for further evaluation.

Dentist Pleasanton - Don't Worry About Dental X-Rays - Smiles by Design Livermore

Dental X-ray images provide provide your dentist with valuable information about your teeth and gums and help them plan the best overall treatment for any dental problems that you have.

Radiation of course, is involved from the machines used for dental X-rays.  However,  the amount of exposure is extremely small, which is why studies have shown that dental X-rays are safe for most people in most situations.

In fact, measurements of the radiation in dental X-rays show that they are not significantly different from the radiation most people are exposed to in daily life from environmental influences. These might include frequent travel by airplane and certain appliances in the home, such as TV sets and smoke detectors.

Although the amount of radiation in dental X-rays is quite low and the procedure is safe, pregnant women should refrain from dental X-rays unless they are necessary. But because pregnant women are at increased risk for gum disease, it’s important not to ignore a potentially serious dental problem due to fears about radiation exposure from X-rays. If you are pregnant and you require dental X-rays, your dental professional will have you wear a lead apron and a lead thyroid collar to protect vulnerable areas. In fact, children and women of childbearing age should wear protective lead coverings when getting dental X-rays. But there is no added risk associated with dental X-rays for breastfeeding women or women who are trying to become pregnant.  www.smilesbydesigninlivermore.com

Dentist Livermore - You Want to Start Proper Dental Hygiene Early - Smiles by Design Livermore

A key question parents want to know; What is the appropriate age to start brushing and flossing my child's teeth? A good method to follow is to start flossing as soon as the child has teeth that are in contact with each other, usually around age two to three years. Once teeth reach this point, food particles can get caught between them and foster the growth of bacteria and the development of plaque.  The good thing is not all children need to have their teeth flossed at this age, so ask your dentist for advice. It is recommended that parents should be brushing a toddler’s teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled brush specially designed for toddlers’ small mouths and delicate gums.

And good oral care starts before teeth appear. The AAP recommends that, after a feeding, parents wipe a baby’s gums with a soft washcloth or a baby toothbrush using water only (no toothpaste). You could also use a dentist-recommended cleanser like Oral-B Stages 1 Baby Tooth & Gum Cleanser. Once a child reaches 12 months of age, start brushing any existing teeth twice each day. Some dentists recommend using a non-fluoride toothpaste before a child reaches two years of age, but ask to be sure. Water and an age-appropriate toothbrush may suffice.

Once children reach two years of age, you want to encourage them to brush their own teeth. Parents, however, should still follow up and brush them again to make sure they’re clean. If a child resists having his or her teeth brushed, parents need to get creative and make the process fun, like “looking for treasure behind the teeth.” And of course, using a themed brush with your child’s favorite cartoon characters can make brushing more enjoyable.

Dentist Pleasanton - Does your dentist give you alternative treatment options. - Smiles by Design Livermore

You just found out the news there are problems with your teeth, what next? Do you just go down one path to fix the problem or is your dentist experienced enough to give you different alternatives in fixing your dental problems. The goal is to figure out what is best for the patient and the patient's budget.  The last thing that needs to happen is for the patient to walk out without any treatment because an option can't be found that worked for them.

Most dental probles have multiple treatment options. You need to discuss this with your dentist before a course of treatment is decided. What ever the problem is a small cavity, or an infection you should discuss the different options, both the advantages and disadvantages. Then to together figure out what is best for you.

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Tracy Dentist - Implants - Smiles by Design Livermore

So you are thinking about getting an implant. Make sure you go to a specialists for this. Having a dentist perform procedures like replacing your implants or placing an implant would be like going to a quickie oil change place for an engine rebuild. The specialist you go to for such procedures is one that have gone through a least three years of school focusing on their specialty after dental school. Also nervous patients or ones with anxiety benefit from anesthesia and your general dentist can't do that.

Many dentist do get the appropriate training for implants so if you your dentist wants to do the implant procedure make sure they are trained properly.  Ask them where they were trained, how many implants have they done, how many have been successful and how many have failed.

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Livermore Dentist - Silver Fillings Replacing Them ? - Smiles by Design Livermore

Your are told by your dentist that you should get those silver fillings replaced, what next?  There are some theories that silver fillings can be detrimental to your health because of the mercury content.  This theories have never been proven true.

Although tooth-colored versions work well it doesn't mean you need to go and replace your current silver fillings.If you currently don't have any cavities below your fillings, they aren't broken or fractured then you shouldn't have to replace them. Any cavities below the fillings can be detected by x-ray or examination by your dentist.

The last thing you need to do is replace those fillings because silver fillings are passe.  You might be asking for trouble as your teeth may react in an unfavorable way and the last thing you need is for your teeth to become sensitive or the need now of a root canal or a crown. You might want to get a second opinion.

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Dentist Pleasanton - When Reviewing a Dental Insurance Plan - Please Ask Questions - Smiles by Design Livermore

Your thinking I need Dental Insurance, it shouldn't be big deal, right.  Remember some plans will work better for you and your family than others.  Plans differ on how much you can pay for monthly coverage and how much you pay once the dental services are completed.

Then there is the co-pay, the specific deductible and there is the maximum dollar amount per year.

So be sue to ask yourself the following questions:

How much will it cost me on a monthly basis?

Will I be required to meet a deductible? Once the deductible is met, how much will the dental insurance provider pay for my services?

What dentists participate in the plan's network? Are these dentists that my family and I would like to see?

If I used a dentist outside the plan's network, how much will I have to pay?

Are there waiting periods for certain procedures?