January 2008 Newsletter

To our wonderful family of patients, welcome to a New Year. I wanted to give you an outline of what we anticipate for 2008 regarding our study and the latest in dental trends.

In the United Kingdom research is associating breast cancer with a protein in one’s saliva. They are working on a test to detect this cancer and other forms, during your visit to the dental office. If you are interested in this, here is the link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7181596.stm I imagine this will cause many people even more concern about their upcoming dental visit! Not to worry for now, as the test is not yet available and may not be for some time.

There has been enormous focus in the news media regarding periodontal or gum disease. It has been associated with so many general health ailments and again this year the research has been released confirming the need to maintain excellent gum health. Many people feel that once they are pregnant they should not go to the dentist. In actual fact they should avoid all x-rays at this time, but it is a very important time to maintain the health of your gums; particularly with the relationship of gum disease to low birth weight babies.  Your gum tissues can become very inflammed during pregnancy, with your changing hormone levels, so keep an eye out and schedule regular care during this time.

Many of you have seen the latest oral cancer test being used in our office.  It is recommended for patients over the age of 40 with lifestyle risk factors such as smokers, former smokers, chewing tobacco users and drinkers of alcohol, also patients with a history of cancer.  Oral cancer is very invasive and early detection is the key to more conservative treatments. If you are interested in further details this is one of the many links for information: http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/index.htm

The statistic still remains; that in America 50% of people will not go to the dentist in 2008. The number one reason keeping them away is fear. The IV and Oral Sedation provided in my office has been a wonderful way for our fearful patients to receive their care, without pain and with little or no memory of the procedures. A patient who is comfortable with sedation does not want to be sent elsewhere for treatment; as a result I have maintained an expertise in all the various areas of dentistry. I have a significant study schedule and again this year will be traveling for many courses, including pharmacology, the latest in implants and bone grafting techniques and a slew of other cosmetic and general dentistry programs.

In February, I will be lecturing on sedation dentistry to a group of interested doctors. I will also be traveling to Bonaire during the Valentine’s week, for some scuba diving.

In the fall this year I will be taking my team to provide charitable dental care to children on the island of Ambergris, off the coast of Belize. We will be part of the Belize Mission Project and we are all looking forward to this opportunity to share our skills.                                                                                          

Regards,

Edward T. Dougherty Jr., and the Dougherty Dental Team

Keeping Up WIth Gum Disease

A couple weeks ago, we all had the opportunity to learn more about gum disease while enjoying the sunshine in the Eastern Caribbean. Along with taking in the breathtaking views of Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and the Dominican Republic, we learned more about new technology in the prevention, treatment, and maintenance of the disease. We would like to share with you some of the new and exciting services being offered at our office.

The PST Genetic Test identifies patients genetically predisposed to severe periodontal disease. Early detection of patients at increased risk facilitates prevention/early intervention efforts. A simple swabbing of the cheek is all that is needed to gather the information for the genetics lab. The information gained from this test can be useful for all patients.

Bad breath has a significant impact on our daily social life to those who suffer from it. The majority of bad breath originates within the oral cavity. Recent evidence has demonstrated a link between oral malodor and adult periodontitis. Bad breath is mainly attributed to volatile sulfur compounds. Now, you can actually test your breath at your next appointment with a Halimeter, a gas-measuring instrument that tests the air in your mouth. Now you will no longer have to wonder if you have bad breath; now you will know.

Coming up in March and April, Dr. Dougherty will be continuing his studies in Las Vegas at the LVI Institute. He will be mastering his technique of advanced esthetic design and occlusion. Kimberly will also join him in Las Vegas in April for an advanced hygiene and periodontal course.

Something to Smile About

Caring for your oral health includes regular teeth care and gum care. Neglecting your gums can eventually lead to periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, which is a culprit for the deterioration of your overall oral health. Periodontal disease affects 75% of adults over 35 years of age and is responsible for approximately 70% of all adult tooth loss. Since symptoms of periodontal disease oftentimes are unnoticeable, people never realize their mouth is under bacterial attack.

Highly recognized as a greatly progressive disorder, periodontal disease is triggered by preventable factors like plaque build-up, tobacco use, certain medications and stress, as well as unpreventable measures like systematic disease and fluctuating hormone levels during puberty, pregnancy or menopause. Research proves up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease.

Periodontal disease begins when the bacteria in the sticky film which forms on the tooth surface, or plaque, causes gum inflammation. If the irritation is ignored, plaque will release toxins breaking down the natural fibers which hold your gums to your teeth, permitting even more bacteria and toxins to invade. Plaque deposits quickly harden into calculus or tartar, which is a rough, porous substance not removable with brushing. Over time, this progression can lead to severe inflammation, bone loss, gum recession and tooth loss.

Symptoms and signs include:

• Red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums
• Gum recession, or gums pulling away from teeth
• Loose or separating teeth
• Pus between the gum and tooth
• Persistent bad breath
• Bite changes
• Change in the fit of partial dentures

If you have noticed any of the above signs or symptoms, please make an appointment promptly! Together, we can win the battle against periodontal disease and maintain your wonderful, dazzling smile: gums and all. Now that’s something to smile about.

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From Dull to Dazzling: Enhancing Your Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry

Oftentimes the dental profession is labeled strictly for more intense cleaning and hygiene purposes. However, a dentist is actually an artist who can make your smile sensational. Most dentists now practice and perform cosmetic techniques, not just the run-of-the-mill routine cleanings. Cosmetic dentistry seeks to create a more aesthetically pleasing and healthy smile.

Although you may be meticulous about your dental care routine, your teeth still might not look their very best. Drinking coffee, tea or wine will take a toll on your teeth, causing them to look dull and stained. Aging or the use of some medications can also result in a discolored smile. One easy, safe way to revive your smile from these factors is through tooth whitening.

Plenty of adults are looking towards dentistry to heighten the appearance and function of their teeth. Cracked, chipped or unevenly spaced teeth are easily resolved by procedures like bonding or porcelain veneers. Severely damaged teeth can be repaired with porcelain crowns, while bridges and dental implants are natural-looking options used to revitalize your smile. These methods will not only give you a more beautiful smile, but will also rejuvenate your mouth’s functionality.

If you are not satisfied with your smile and want to take it a level up from dull to dazzling, speak with us about the many smile enhancing preferences available to you.

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“ Bridging” the Gaps and Wearing a “Crown”: Total Oral Health Renovation

Face it, we are rough on our teeth. Sometimes we neglect them, take them for granted or simply just abuse them. Between physical activities like sports or chewing hard substances like ice, our teeth can get knocked out, broken, cracked and worn down. Forgetting routine dental appointments and ignoring proper cleaning tactics can result in periodontal disease, tooth decay and ultimately tooth loss.

When teeth are missing, your mouth must compensate for the lack of chewing power in that area in order to function normally. So, the chewing force may shift to another part of the mouth, which can cause unwanted spaces and changes in your smile.

So, how do we mend our mouth’s broken ties? By simple dental procedures. Smiles can be renovated to look pristine using a combination of porcelain crowns and bridges to support or replace lost teeth. A crown snugly covers the complete visible surface of your affected tooth to add strength, durability and tooth stability, while restoring your tooth to its natural shape and size. Crowns can be made of precious metal, porcelain pressed to metal and all-porcelain. A bridge, also known as a pontic, is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill the gaps left by the original missing tooth. The new tooth is then anchored to the two porcelain crowns, renewing your once damaged smile.

The moral of the story is to be nice to your teeth: be diligent with your oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly. Your teeth are hard workers and they deserve to be pampered. But, if the damage is already done, see us immediately. We can decide on the best treatment to restore your smile. Your teeth will thank you for it.

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