Cleaning Night Guards

We at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore are glad to see that so many of our patients wear night guards to protect themselves from tooth grinding. Besides sparing their teeth, they’re also reducing their likelihood of getting aches in their heads, necks, and shoulders. However, like dentures and athletic mouthguards, night guards can become hazardous if they are not cleaned properly.

A night guard will accumulate bacteria and fungus if it is not regularly brushed. Like teeth, it should be cleaned each morning with a soft-bristled toothbrush, although it is a good idea to have a separate toothbrush for the task. Night guards do not produce their own protective membrane and can be scratched by toothpaste minerals, so do not use toothpaste with extra fluoridation. A night guard should be dried before being put into its protective case for the day, but the case should also be washed regularly and dried. Soap and water are usually enough, but there are more specialized products. It is also important to always fully brush and floss the teeth before putting a night guard back in and to not leave it in a place where it may be warped by heat.

Dr. Thomas Balcerak operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Reasons for Filling Failure

At Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, we carefully monitor our patients for signs their fillings are wearing out and encourage them to contact us if they experience any sensitivity. Recently, scientists have learned more about the reasons fillings fail.

The new study shows that genetics are a major component of filling failure. This means that if a person comes from a family with a history of bad oral health, it is especially important for them to maintain regular hygiene and check-ups. The more predictable contributing factors were smoking and alcohol use, which are also associated with implant failure and oral cancer. The study only examined male smokers, but filling failure rates were higher for them than for nonsmokers, and people of both sexes who drank alcohol had higher failure rates.

An interesting finding of the study is that the new, white composite fillings used as an alternative to amalgam fillings work just as well as their predecessors. The white fillings are favored because they are more aesthetically-pleasing and don’t pose a risk of causing an allergic reaction, so it’s good news that they are just as long-lived and resilient.

Dr. Thomas Balcerak operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Winter Lip Care

With another Buffalo-area winter upon us, we at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore wanted to ensure our patients know how to protect their lips. This time of year, lips often get chapped, but damage can be prevented with the right precautions.

Our lips get dry and fragile in the winter because the cold air can’t hold much moisture. Our best bet to protect them outside is to keep our faces tightly covered and face away from the wind. But inside, we can station humidifiers around our homes and workplaces, particularly in rooms where we have to spend a great deal of time. Remember that very hot showers can dry out your skin. Applying lip balm regularly helps, particularly before bed. The only problem with that is that menthol and some other ingredients cause irritation to worsen in some people.

It’s not a good idea to keep the lips wet with saliva. This actually makes them dry out faster since saliva evaporates quickly. Keeping the lips under the teeth should also be avoided because it can cause misalignments. If your lips are dry because you have to breathe through your mouth, you may need help from an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit Advantage Dentistry and fill out a contact form.

 

Oral Cancer and Alcohol

Screenings for oral cancer are one of the most important parts of regular check-ups, and at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, we’re determined to help upkeep every aspect of our patients’ oral health. To that end, we wanted to pass along some recent findings by the American Society of Clinical Oncology linking oral cancer to alcohol.

Tobacco usage and HPV are the best-known and researched causes of oral cancer. We’ve known for a long time that smoking combined with heavy drinking is extremely dangerous, but scientists had difficulty determining the carcinogenic effect of alcohol on its own. After reviewing the available literature, the ASCO concluded that 5% of new cancers globally are caused by alcohol and that oral and oropharyngeal cancers are among the types alcohol causes. It may be that alcohol damages the soft tissue of the mouth and that the more frequently it has to rebuild, the likelier it is that some DNA will be miscopied. But regardless of the exact mechanism, it seems that even light drinking poses a risk, although heavy drinking is worse. The study also found that when people stop drinking, their risk of cancer specifically in the mouth and oropharynx declines to that of people who never drank.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit Advantage Dentistry and fill out a contact form.

 

Oral Surgery Recovery

There are several reasons why a patient may need oral surgery but the most common reasons here at Advantage Dentistry are tooth extraction and/or receiving dental implants. Wisdom teeth are commonly removed because they increase a patient’s risk of infection, while dental implants are an option for patients who are missing teeth. Regardless of why you need an oral surgery procedure, we are here to assist you on your road to recovery.

After the oral surgery procedure is complete, our doctors at Advantage Dentistry will give you a list of foods to eat afterward. You will be consuming a soft diet for a few days to allow the sutures to heal. Swelling is normal after tooth extraction but to keep swelling down to a minimum, use an ice pack to alleviate pain. Bleeding is normal but can be controlled by placing wet gauze on the extraction site. Keep the area as clean as possible but do not resume your oral hygiene routine until instructed to do so.

If you have questions or concerns about oral surgery, please give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide. 

Why Should We Floss?

You just had your routine dental appointment and perhaps our doctor at Advantage Dentistry told you to floss more. But you didn’t listen and you went home and tossed the floss right in the junk drawer. Well, you better retrieve it because we are here to tell you why you should utilize this tool that fights against periodontal disease, tooth decay, and help you keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime.

Floss removes food particles that weren’t brushed away. These food particles feed on plaque and can turn into tartar if not removed. If you’re afraid to floss because your gums are bleeding this is the number one reason to floss more and not less. Gingivitis can be reversed by flossing at least twice a day for a week straight, but remember, you’ll need to keep up the routine to keep a healthy smile.

If you have questions or concerns regarding oral hygiene and dental health, please give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide. 

Dental Implant Restoration

If a person is missing one or more teeth, this can be detrimental to his or her self-esteem. A toothless smile is just as bad for your oral health. Dental implants allow easier access between teeth to make brushing and flossing easier. Dental implants provide a strong foundation for permanent teeth and dental bridges and they are made to match your natural teeth. Our doctors at Advantage Dentistry are here to tell you all about the benefits of dental implants.

Missing teeth can cause the face to sag, making a person appear older than they are. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth, therefore they allow you to improve speech, improve oral health, and making eating and speaking much easier and less frustrating. Implants are very durable and will last a lifetime if taken care of. To get started on the road to restoring your smile, give our doctors a call.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental implants or restorative dentistry, please give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide. 

Sensitivity with Fillings

When patients suffer from tooth decay, they know they can count on treatment at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore. Our patients’ cosmetic care is of special importance to us, and the fillings we provide are not only high-quality but also colored to match patients’ teeth. But fillings work best when we have the cooperation of well-informed patients, which is why we want them to understand what it means if a tooth with a filling is sensitive.

Before a filling can be placed, the decayed enamel has to be drilled away. This may make a patient feel sore, but only for two days, at most. However, if pain spikes when the patient bites down or if the patient is unable to close their teeth together normally, the filling may be too high and need to be contoured.

High fillings are rare, but at some point, the bonding holding the filling in will break down. Fillings typically have a lifespan of about ten years. After that, cracks in the bonding will become a refuge for bacteria, which will continue to produce decay-causing acid and cause the tooth to need retreatment. Patients can avoid that by maintaining regular visits, so we’ll catch fillings that need to be replaced early.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Diabetes and Invisalign

People with diabetes are used to paying extra attention to the health of their feet and eyes, and they need to take extra care with their oral health, as well. At Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, we work closely with our diabetic patients to ensure they are protected from gingivitis and periodontal disease, which they suffer from at higher rates than the general population. This American Diabetes Month, we want to raise awareness of how diabetes interacts with orthodontics.

Because braces make oral hygiene more difficult, dentists in the past were reluctant to recommend them for diabetic patients. People who have suffered from periodontitis may find themselves in need of orthodontics if their gum or bone tissue was damaged enough to allow their teeth to migrate, but braces have to be removed if the patient suffers recurrent inflammation. In modern times, however, it is rarer for blood sugar to be uncontrolled long enough to result in major dental problems. At our office, we are also certified to offer Invisalign orthodontic correction. Removable aligners do not cause any extra difficulties maintaining oral hygiene and provide us with opportunities to monitor the patient’s dental health every six weeks. They also put less force on the teeth, which is safer for diabetic patients.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Causes of Bleeding Gums

Although many people are resigned to seeing blood when they spit out their toothpaste, bleeding gums are not healthy and patients do not have to live with them. At Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, Dr. Seier and his staff are equipped to help patients recover from gum disease, but patients should understand their condition so they can take preventive measures.

Bleeding gums are nearly always the result of gingivitis, which is low-grade gum inflammation. This is the result of a bacterial infection. As bacteria build up in the gum pockets, they produce plaque, which clings to teeth near the gum line and hardens into tartar. Acids stick to tartar and irritate the gums. Brushing regularly helps to keep tartar at bay, but a brush with hard bristles can bruise the gums. This is why gentle, but thorough use of a soft-bristled brush is recommended.

Pregnant women are at particular risk for gingivitis due to hormonal changes. People on blood thinner medication or who suffer from dry mouth (a common medication side-effect) also are at increased risk for bleeding gums. It is especially important for these people to maintain regular appointments so professionals can clean their plaque and gum pockets.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Reducing Dental Anxiety in Children

It’s very important for children to have a friendly relationship with their dentist. At Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, we strive to make our youngest patients as comfortable as possible, but there are things parents can do that will help us to ensure their child’s health.

Visiting the dentist should be a familiar experience for children from an early age. We recommend that they come in for their first check-up when their first tooth comes in. But because children tend to be shy around strangers, they may need to be taught that the dentist and hygienists are new friends who want to help them not get a toothache. It is better not to emphasize to children that they need to be brave since this sends the message there’s something to be afraid of. A parent should also be honest with themselves about whether their own feelings about dental work are influencing the child.

At the office, we can explain to children what we’re going to do and give a demonstration of the instruments we use. It is better not to bring up procedures such as root canals the child is unlikely to need unless they’re really interested. Keep in mind while scheduling appointments that younger siblings are often more receptive to care if they can see an older sibling be examined first.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Nocturnal (Sleep) Bruxism

Are you waking up feeling fatigued after a long night of sleep? Are you waking up with facial pain or jaw discomfort? Sleep bruxism, also known as nocturnal bruxism, is the medical term for clenching or grinding teeth during sleep. A person may notice this consciously, or subconsciously, but it’s important to seek treatment immediately once you realize that this is becoming a problem. Our doctors at Advantage Dentistry may suggest a night guard to alleviate the problem.

Nocturnal bruxism can be a cause for concern depending on the frequency of the person clenching and grinding their teeth. This behavior can cause teeth to become worn down, chipped, or cracked over time, leading to costly dental procedures in the future. Wearing a night guard during sleep can eliminate pressure that is put on the jaw and reduce symptoms of bruxism.

If you have questions or concerns regarding nocturnal bruxism, please give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide. 

Thank You for Your Positive Testimonials!

Here at Advantage Dentistry, our staff appreciates feedback from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank these three patients for their positive reviews, but we would like to thank them for being excellent patients. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

“Excellent dental operation. You have the friendliest and competent reception and cashier staff. Everyone is so pleasant.”
- Elizabeth Joseph

“I would like to also add that Scott is the best dentist I have ever had work on me. I would highly recommend him to anyone, especially sensitive people like me.”
- John Wagner

“All my work that needed to be done was done in one day- and the appointment was the next business day from my first exam! I am very grateful for that!!”
- Mary Ann Konovitz

To leave a review or to learn more about services we provide at the office, visit www.advantagedentistry.comfor more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our dentists at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call 716-877-2275.

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a simple procedure involving removal of excess gum tissue.  At Advantage Dentistry, our doctors perform this in order to place restorations on a tooth or to expose more of the tooth for aesthetics.  The short procedure is performed in the office with local anesthetic and gum tissue is removed with a scalpel or laser tool.

If gum tissue is being removed to make room for a restoration like a crown to fit around the tooth, you may only need gum tissue removed from one or two teeth.  Some patients naturally have more gum tissue than others and it can result in the appearance of short teeth or a gummy smile.  In this case, your dentist can remove excess gum tissue along the entire gum line to expose more of each tooth and create an even, stunning smile! If you think your smile would benefit from crown lengthening, please contact us.  

To learn more about crown lengthening and all the services we provide, visit www.advantagedentistry.com for more information.  To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275.

Scaling and Root Planing

The doctors and staff of Advantage Dentistry see patients struggling with every stage of gum disease.  Gum disease can progress quickly without a regular oral hygiene routine, but more people are looking for ways to prevent that from happening.  Scaling and root planing are two steps in one deep cleaning procedure your dentist performs to help stop gum disease in its tracks.

Scaling is the term for removing all plaque and buildup from the surface of the tooth, all the way down to the gums.  Root planing is the process of contouring and shaping teeth may be done to reshape the tooth closer to the gums.  Each of these steps is important to complete so as the gums heal they have a clean, smooth surface to reattach to.  Local anesthetic is used during this procedure, and depending on your case your dentist may recommend completing the treatment over two appointments. Most patients only experience a minor soreness afterward, and are in a great position to fend off gum disease!

To learn more about scaling and root planing, and all the services we provide, visit www.advantagedentistry.com for more information.  To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275.

Sedation Options

Most of us don’t enjoy visiting the dentist’s office, but it is our goal at Advantage Dentistry to make patients feel comfortable no matter what. Whether you suffer from dental anxiety or desire to take the edge off of a dental cleaning, we have a sedation option that is safe for you. Allow us to explain the difference so that when we see you during your consultation, you’ll have a better understanding of which you may prefer.

• Oral Conscious – With oral conscious sedation, the patient remains awake but is left in a heightened state of mind. For this option, you will need someone to drive you home after your procedure.

• Nitrous Oxide – Nitrous, also known as laughing gas, leaves the patient in a euphoric state feeling completely relaxed. All feelings of fear and anxiety will fade away and you will be able to respond to the doctor if need be. Nitrous wears off once the procedure is complete, allowing you to return to your daily activities.

• Anxiolysis – This light sedative is not as strong as oral sedation but is recommend for those who have mild to moderate anxiety. You will be able to drive yourself home after anxiolysis is administered.

If you have questions or concerns about sedation options, please give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide. 

Root Canal Procedure

When our doctors at Advantage Dentistry suggest a root canal, this means that the tooth or teeth in question are damaged or decayed. Root canals may sound terrifying, but advances in dental technology over the years make them less painful. In fact, it’s more painful living with a decayed tooth than it is to sit through a root canal procedure. If you have a root canal coming up, we guarantee to make you feel as comfortable as possible.

A root canal saves a natural tooth when it has become diseased. This can improve chewing, protect surrounding teeth from becoming damaged and improve your natural appearance. A root canal is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal becomes inflamed or infected. During the procedure, the area surrounding the tooth will be kept dry. Our doctor will then create an opening in the crown of the tooth and clean the pulp that has become inflamed. After the area is sealed, a temporary filling will be placed. Once the tooth heals, you’ll have your final visit where a permanent crown will be placed.

If you have questions or concerns about the root canal procedure, please give us a call. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide. 

Sealants

Almost half of all children and adolescents in the United States have had cavities in their permanent teeth.  Regular oral hygiene is important for children to establish, but a sealant is the best defense against early tooth decay.  At Advantage Dentistry, we apply dental sealants to our adolescent patients to preserve their teeth and set them up for a lifetime of great oral health!

Molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14.  These teeth have pits and grooves on the chewing surface that trap food and bacteria.  The best time to have a sealant placed is when the molars first come in to make sure they are protected early.  Sealants are a quick and painless step to take to protect your oral health.  When the plastic resin is applied, it fills any pits and grooves on the surface and then hardens. Now the surface is protected from bits of food being stuck, so bacteria cannot multiply and cause decay, and tooth enamel is protected from plaque and acids.  Sealants can effectively prevent cavities for up to ten years and can be reapplied if necessary.

To learn more about dental sealants and all the services we provide, visit www.advantagedentistry.com for more information.  To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275.

What is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy is a procedure to remove a frenulum, which is a muscular attachment between two tissues, from the mouth. We perform frenectomies at Advantage Dentistry to correct a number of issues patients may have with their teeth, lips, and tongue.  There are three frenulums in your mouth.  One is located underneath your tongue, and removing this is called a lingual frenectomy.  Patients with an enlarged frenulum underneath their tongue will not be able to move their tongue freely.  This can impede breastfeeding interferes with speech and is often called ‘tongue tie’. Lingual frenectomies are typically performed on young patients, who can recover quickly and continue to develop their speech.

The other two frenulums are between the front teeth (both upper and lower) and connect the inner surface of the lip with the gum. Removing this attachment is called a labial frenectomy.  Patients who have receding gums can benefit from this procedure because a strong frenulum from the gum to the lip can cause extra pulling on the gums and lead to further recession.

To learn more about frenectomies and all the services we provide, visit www.advantagedentistry.com for more information.  To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275.

Dental Bonding Breakage

Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that our doctors at Advantage Dentistry use to fix chips, cracks, or fractures in teeth. Accidents happen, so if you chip a tooth, dental bonding can be used to repair it. Though dental bonding has the same appearance of tooth enamel, it doesn’t have the same strength. Though dental bonding has many advantages and can last up to 7 years with proper oral hygiene, we’d like to let you know what to do if the bonding breaks.

Dental bonding is made up of composite resin like clay, and it molds to the tooth that needs repair. The success of your bonding isn’t up to the dentist however, it’s up to you. Dental bonding can be damaged by acidic foods and eventually wear over time if a patient isn’t careful. It’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to ensure that the bonding stays intact. If you notice a difference in the tooth that has been bonded or notice chips or cracks on the tooth, give us a call immediately as it may need to be restored.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental bonding or cosmetic dentistry, please give us a call. To learn about our services we provide at the practice, visit www.advantagedentistry.com for more information. To book an appointment with one of our dentists at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call 716-877-2275.