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Lake Oconee Dentistry Blog

Let’s Talk About Some Root Canal Basics

April 20, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 5:16 am

IF YOU’RE LIKE SOME OF DRS. BRADLEY AND DR. BOSWELL’SPATIENTS HERE IN LAKE OCONEE DENTISTRY, PC, you may have heard rumors that root canal therapy is painful and/or difficult. However, surveys continue to show that most people’s dental procedure fears are more about “perception” than they are about “reality”.The sad thing is that inaccurate information about root canals (and other dental procedures) can cause people to make uninformed—and often unwise—decisions that can cause additional expense, hassle, and unneccesary damage to their teeth, their oral health, and possibly their overall health. So, before you believe any rumors or hype, we thought we’d help clear up the top five myths about root canal therapy.

MYTH #1: Root Canal Treatments Are Painful

Typically, it isn’t that the actual root canal treatment is painful—rather, the irreversible condition that is requiring the treatment is far from comfortable in the first place! Most people who have root canal therapy admit that the pain they experienced was prior to the procedure, not during it… And, they felt so much better after.

MYTH #2: Root Canals Always Require Several Appointments

Typically, a root canal treatment can be completed in as few as one or two visits with any one of our dentists. Some cases require a tooth to be restored after the root canal is completed, but these appointments are not part of the actual root canal process.

If you are already scheduled for root canal therapy with our dentists, and if you’re experiencing discomfort, here are a few ideas from our friends at eHow:

MYTH #3: Root Canal Therapy Leads to Illnesses

This myth stems from some research that is 100 years old—and, has NEVER been duplicated or confirmed through modern research. That is, the bacteria that may be present from doing the root canal procedure can somehow make you sick after your root canal therapy. The fact is that all kinds of bacteria can be found in your mouth at any time, even if you don’t have decaying teeth, gum disease, or an upcoming root canal treatment. This myth truly is just that—a myth you don’t need to worry about.

MYTH #4: Root Canal Therapy Isn’t Necessary Until Your Tooth Hurts

Teeth in need of root canal therapy don’t always hurt. In fact, some dead teeth may just require a root canal to prevent infection. You may have a tooth in need of a root canal and not even know it.

MYTH #5: The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy Don’t Last Long

This fifth myth probably starts with people who have had a tooth crack at some point after having had a root canal treatment. While it’s true that when a nerve is removed from a tooth, the blood supply is eliminated and the tooth can become brittle—making it more fragile and susceptible to cracking. Technically, this means that although the complete restoration solution may need to be examined, it doesn’t mean that root canal therapy doesn’t “last”. Often, our dentists will recommend having a crown placed over your tooth to prevent this from being an issue.

Well, there you go…the top five myths about root canal therapy shattered right before your eyes! We hope that you now feel a little less fearful of root canals, and much more informed.

If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us or connect with us via our Facebook Page. Thank you for being our valued patients and friends!

Be sure to “Like” our Facebook page for offers and promotions by clicking on the image below:

Tooth Knocked Out? Drs. Bradley Remind Us What To Do…

April 12, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , — @ 5:57 pm

REGARDLESS OF HOW WELL YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEETH, something as common as an overly aggressive flag football game, or something as unexpected as tripping over a curb can result in a knocked-out tooth. If that happens, don’t just sit there and fret about it! If you act quickly, there’s likely no need to look like a pirate for the rest of your life!

Even if your tooth is completely removed from its socket, our dentists here at Lake Oconee Dentistry, PCcan probably successfully replace it. But in part, it depends on YOU!

Here are the steps you should take if you find yourself, a friend, or a family member with a knocked out tooth:

• Act quickly.

• Hold the tooth by the crown, NOT by its root.

• Never try to wipe off the tooth because remnants of the ligaments that attach the tooth to your jaw may still be present and are vital to replacing it.

• If possible, place the tooth back into the socket immediately.

• Keeping your tooth moist is one of the most important things! If you are unable to replace the tooth in the socket, keep the tooth moist inside your cheek or in a glass of milk until you can see one of our dentists.

• Talk to us as soon as possible. Your best chance for saving your tooth is to see any of our doctors within 30 minutes of it being knocked out.

Once you are under our care we can likely replant and stabilize the tooth. We may not be able to tell what other procedures, if any, may be necessary at a later date.

If your tooth can’t be saved, don’t worry. It’s not the end of the world. Modern dentistry, as practiced here in our office, offers many attractive, viable solutions for tooth loss.

Here’s a great video about what to do if you knock out a tooth:

Please contact us if you have any additional questions or if you need to make an appointment!

Can You Chew Gum And Help Your Teeth At The Same Time?

April 4, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 3:10 pm

DO YOU LOVE CHEWING GUM?Do you like to chew gum because it helps keep your breath fresh? Do you chew gum to relieve stress? Is it just a long-standing habit? If you’re like many of us here at the Lake Oconee Dentistry, PC, gum is a “necessity” that some of us have a hard time going without! Dr. Patti Bradley says, “In fact, ever since Thomas Adams invented chewing gum back in 1870, it’s been one of the most common breath stabilizers around.”

So… How is all this gum chewing effecting our teeth?

Good news! Chewing gum can actually help fight cavities! In fact, Drs. Bradley and team actually recommend it! The act of chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva, which is a natural buffering and cleaning agent that kills cavity producing acids. In addition, a recent study shows that for those who do not naturally produce a sufficient amount of salivary flow on their own, chewing a piece of gum for 10 minutes each waking hour for about two weeks can help remedy the problem.

Gum is also a great agent in fighting plaque.

Plaque is one of the main cavities and periodontal disease contributors. The University of the Pacific School of Dentistry conducted an 8-week study where volunteers chewed BreathAssure Dental gum for 20 minutes a day while a control group chewed a placebo gum for the same amount of time. All test subjects practiced proper brushing and flossing techniques. The results of the study showed that BreathAssure reduced the accumulation of dental plaque by 35%.

Some types of gum can also contain beneficial artificial sweeteners such as Xylitol, which has been found to inhibit bacterial growth and perhaps even reverse small lesions. However, in order to truly benefit from the Xylitol in gum you need to chew two pieces 3–5 times daily for at least five minutes at a time.

So what’s the catch?

Yes, you guessed it… There’s always a catch, right? Here it is. Brands of gum containing sugar can be harmful to your teeth if they’re chewed too often or taken out of your mouth too soon. If you prefer gum containing natural sugar rather than artificial sweeteners, chew it for at least 15–20 minutes so that your saliva can rinse away the sugar residue once you’ve chewed out all the sugar.

Of course, whether or not you decide to chew gum is your decision—however, if you DO chew it, Dr. David Bradley strongly recommends choosing a sugarless gum.

If you’re susceptible to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, or other face/jaw pain, the disadvantages of chewing gum may outweigh the benefits.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us or connect with us on Facebook by clicking on the logo below:

We look forward to hearing from you soon! Happy chewing!

Drs. Bradley Talk About Gum Disease

March 26, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort — Tags: , , , , , , — @ 4:13 pm

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ADVISED TO WATCH FOR SIGNS OF GUM DISEASE? Chances are, if you’ve ever visited a dentist, you’ve been checked—to some extent—for symptoms of this problem. Here at our practice, for many of our patients, a routine check typically reveals healthy, disease-free gums. We’re glad for that… But sometimes people with healthy gums forget that it’s still important to regularly look for early signs of a problem.

Dr. Patti Bradley suggests, “If you have early signs of gum disease, the best thing that can be done is to take care of it before it gets out of hand.” For many of you that may mean being well informed about gum disease, including symptoms to watch for.

As the video below outlines, gum disease can be divided into three stages, which can range from a simple amount of gum inflammation to major tissue damage and tooth loss. It’s been said before, but as a reminder, the sooner periodontal disease is caught the more we can do to successfully reverse the effects.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms as listed below, and outlined in the video, be sure to have any of our doctors take a look:

  • Gums bleed easily while flossing or brushing
  • Swollen, red or tender gums
  • Receding or separated gums that are exposing teeth
  • Changes in how your teeth fit together
  • Constant bad breath or unpleasant taste in your mouth

Of course, never having gum disease is the best scenario.

Because gum disease starts with bacteria in the plaque on your teeth, paying close attention to your oral hygiene is your greatest defense. This includes your daily care—thorough brushing and regular flossing, as well as your regular checkups. If plaque hardens to your teeth, only a dental cleaning can completely remove it and stop gum disease from starting.

We want to keep you informed and healthy with information on many aspects of your oral health.

We invite you to contact our office or join us on Facebook. Liking our Facebook page gives you access to discussions on our wall about your oral health, as well as updates about current promotions in our office. Click below:

We look forward to seeing you during your next visit!

It’s Extra Important To Take Care Of Your Teeth With Braces!

March 20, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort — Tags: , , , , , , — @ 4:35 pm

DO YOU HAVE BRACES? Or does someone you love have braces? Underneath all that metal, your beautiful pearly whites are moving—and, inching you ever closer each day toward an absolutely fantastic smile!Dr. Patti Bradleyreminds us, “Wouldn’t it be a shame, if once those braces came off, you had a bunch of cavities under there!? That would be awful!”

So, don’t let that happen!

All the gadgetry in your mouth—from the springs and the wires to the rubber bands and spacers—can attract food AND plaque. Dr. David Bradley, here at Lake Oconee Dental, reminds each of us with braces, “It’s important to brush properly and to use floss and/or mouthwash per your orthodontist’s recommendations. When plaque is left behind on your teeth and around your braces it can cause your gums to swell, your teeth to become discolored, chronic bad breath and even (sometimes) cavities.”

Cleaning Your Braces The Right Way Is A Chore, But It’s Worth It

Millions and millions of people wear braces. If you’re one of them (or your child) be sure to take the time to pay attention to detail. While it requires spending a little more effort before bedtime… In the long run it WILL be worth it.

The purpose of today’s post isn’tto go over all the details of caring for teeth with braces. We just want to focus on cleaning them. Your orthodontist has likely already told you lots of do’s and don’ts. But here are a couple little reminders: There are foods you should probably just avoid including taffy, caramels, and hard nuts. And don’t chew ice or bubble gum. Be careful with things that are hard to bite like bagels and apples.

Take a minute to learn from this video created by the good folks at Howcast:

Please contact us if you have any additional questions, and if you haven’t yet had a chance to become a fan of our Facebook page, do it now by clicking on the image below:

We look forward to seeing you the next time you visit!

What’s Causing That Bad Breath?

March 13, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , — @ 4:20 pm

SO, YOU’RE DEALING WITH A NOT SO NICE SMELL? Yes, we get that comment in our office quite frequently. Many times the complaint is not from the offender but from a long-suffering spouse or family member.

There are many causes of bad breath (which we call “halitosis”). Some are serious and some aren’t. And while many people have decided to just hold their breath and live with it, the good news is diagnosing and treating bad breath is something that can easily be done at our office.

We’ve complied a list of a few main causes for that unpleasant smell:

Your Diet

Garlic and onions are very healthy, but they also contain oils which may cause an unhealthy reaction to those around you. Odors like these start in your lungs, and can last for up to 72 hours, making them much harder to cover up. Mints, gum, or mouthwash can be helpful… Or make sure to share your food with everyone around you!

Smoking can also cause bad breath for numerous reasons. Not only does it carry it’s own unpleasant smell, it makes your mouth dried out, which only fuels bad smells.

Dry Mouth

A dry mouth lets dead cells accumulate on your gums, tongue and cheeks. And while morning breath is a perfectly normal phenomenon due to lowered salivary activity at night – it shouldn’t last all day. Those who snore, take certain medications, or even have lasted into middle age are more likely to deal with dry mouth. Even if these things are the case for you, don’t lose hope, we may have suggestions to help lessen your dry mouth issues.

Routine Illnesses

Colds, sore throats, coughs and sinus infections all cause yucky smelling mucus (or snot, depending on your age), to get trapped in your mouth, throat and nose, which causes foul breath until the illness is taken care of. Of course, if you have one of these highly contagious problems you shouldn’t be that close to someone anyway! If a sinus infection, sore throat , cough or cold doesn’t clear up in a few days to a week, you should probably see your physician to make sure there isn’t something more serious happening.

Chronic Diseases or Conditions

Many serious diseases such as lung infections, kidney failure, diabetes, cancer, GERD, anorexia, bulimia and others can cause very specific types of halitosis. The good news is that these conditions are on the rare side. During your visit with us, let us know if you suspect any of these problems, and we will look into it further for you.

Poor Hygiene

Although we don’t want anyone to have poor hygiene or gum disease, this happens to be the easiest one to treat for bad breath. The important thing to remember is not to wait too long! Gum disease, which usually starts with poor brushing and flossing habits as well as a lack of routine dental visits, can do much more than make your mouth stinky.

In just a short period of time, gum disease can advance and eat away at the gums and bone which hold your teeth in place. The result? Loose, unstable teeth which will eventually be lost if not treated.

Bad breath is not normal!

Visit with Drs. Boswell and Bradley and on a routine basis for your best bet for making sure your teeth and gums stay healthy, your smile stays bright, and your breath doesn’t cause others to run in the opposite direction.

At Lake Oconee Dental, we are always here for you! Please make sure you are getting the most up-to-date information on your dental health and other great stuff as well by Liking us on Facebook. We love having conversations and answering any questions you might have there.

We look forward to seeing you during your next visit!

Designing Your Perfect Smile With Smile Design

March 5, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance — Tags: , , , , — @ 11:56 pm

HERE’S THE TRUTH… Not all of us are in love with the way our smiles look. It’s understandable. Through genetics and the wear and tear that occurs day in and day out, many of us end up with a smile that we’re not so crazy about. But no need to worry. That’s where cosmetic dentistry here at Lake Oconee Dentalin Greensboro can make a difference.

Cosmetic dentistry, also referred to as smile design, consists of any procedure used to improve the look of your smile. This can include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers and dental implants. All of which are provided by the dentists at Lake Oconee Dental and their experienced, friendly team.

“Smile Design” utilizes the leading-edge techniques, artistic skills, and knowledge the dentists have developed—combined with their eye for aesthetic appeal that creates smiles their patients proudly display. All of the doctors here strive for perfection in every service they offer, and the cosmetic dentistry options are no different. Your complete satisfaction and confidence with your new smile is our highest priority.Studies show that an investment in your smile is one of the easiest and least invasive things you can do to improve your self confidence. Do you remember ABC’s Extreme Makeover show a few years ago? When many of the makeover recipients were asked, “What is the one thing you did that made the biggest difference in the way you feel about yourself?” they replied “My smile makeover.”Not all of us can look like the movie stars below, but think of the self confidence you could have if you loved your smile:

After an initial consultation with Dr. Bradley, Dr. Bradley, or Dr. Boswell we can provide the custom-designed cosmetic dentistry procedures that are tailored to your needs. Call 706.453.1333 or eMail us today to learn more about what we can do for you—and that perfect smile that awaits.

And The Winner Is… Susan Brosman!

February 28, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , , — @ 1:37 am

OK… THIS WAS JUST GOOD OL’ FASHIONED FUN! As many of you know, we recently ran a little drawing in our practice for a brand new, shiny, cool Apple iPad! And we want to sincerely thank ALL of our friends who LIKED our page and entered the drawing.

We just took the “prize patrol” approach and showed up at Susan’s workplace to award her the big prize!

We want ALL of our valued patients to know how much we appreciate the trust you place in our practice. We’re honored to be your lifelong, oral health partners.

Are Dentures A Good Fit For You?

February 27, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort — Tags: , , , — @ 5:56 pm

IT’S NOT LIKE THE OLD DAYS when it comes to denture technology, materials and fit. If your parents or grandparents had dentures, chances are their experience was very different than what yours would be. The stereotypes and thoughts commonly associated with dentures have been changing.

First of all, some people think that dentures, or partial dentures, are only for “old people”. Not true. While Drs. Bradley and Boswelldo everything possible to save existing teeth, sometimes dentures are the best alternative—regardless of your age. Our dentists may recommend full dentures if you’ve lost—or are in danger of losing—allof your teeth. If you have some missing teeth, but other healthy teeth (and gums), then partial dentures can utilize those teethfor better support.

Dentures can make a huge difference in everyday life.

Dentures help you eat more normally and speak more clearly. One of the great things about today’s modern dentures is that they look and feel like natural teeth, and are made of the finest, modern dental materials. Our Lake Oconee dentists spend as much time determining proper fit and function as they do making them look natural. Each tooth is individually designed, positioned, and color matched for a “realistic” look that’s nearly always mistaken for one’s natural teeth.

Here’s a little trivia…

Despite what people commonly think, George Washington’s different sets of dentures were not made of wood. Materials at that time included hippopotamus ivory, gold pivots, springs, other people’s human teeth, cow’s teeth, and rivets.

One more quick thought…

We work with the very finest dental laboratories to fashion your dentures—featuring premium, low-staining, long-lasting teeth with a strong, high-impact acrylic base. There are companies that often sell dentures that are “self-fitting,” often offered with discounting pricing. Not only can these types of dentures lead to other oral health problems because of improper fit, if they hurt or are uncomfortable you won’t want wear them.

Speaking of improper fit… Do you mind if we have a little fun for a minute?

If you think dentures may be the solution for you, let’s visit. You can make an appointment directly, or give us a call at 706.453.1333.

And, be sure to become a fan of OUR FACEBOOK PAGE. There, you’ll come to best understand the culture that surrounds our dental practice. Culture, you ask? Yes… Culture. It’s a culture that helps you feel comfortable knowing that you’re receiving the very best oral health care—from people who care.We treat people, not teeth.

Keep Cavities Away

February 12, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Health — Tags: , , , — @ 9:43 pm

OK, OK… THE TOPIC OF “DENTAL SEALANTS” IS ABOUT AS EXCITING AS IT SOUNDS—but don’t let the boring name fool you! In some cases, this simple and quick procedure is one of the easiest things we can do for you to help prevent cavities and tooth decay.

Drs. Bradley and Boswell all agree that sealants are a great preventive step for most children. The reason is that children’s teeth have small depressions and grooves, making it harder to properly clean them using brushing alone. Sealants can create protection in these areas, keeping plaque from forming in the small crevices. Even though it’s ideal to get sealants as a child, there are times when adults can be good candidates too.

Sealants are applied during a very short visit to our Lake Oconee office. Typically we start by cleaning your teeth to prep them. After they are ready, the sealing solution is painted directly onto the tooth surface. A curing light is used to quickly harden the sealant. After the sealant is hardened from the light, teeth are ready to go. There is no need to wait for eating or drinking. Routine dental checkups allow us to keep tabs on your sealants, making sure they’re always in good condition.

Dental sealants can last up to 10 years, making one application last from childhood. With such a simple procedure that give such great preventive benefits, it is an easy application for any child. To see if it’s the right time to get sealants for your children or yourself, just ask us using our contact form. Many insurance companies even cover the cost. Or, you can always leave us a message on our Facebook wall with your questions, or give us a call here at our Greensboro, Georgia office at 706.453.1333.

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