Flossing with Bridges

At Advantage Dentistry, Dr. Seier has successfully carried out dental restorations for over thirty years. But in order to get the most out of their new teeth, patients need to know how to adjust their oral hygiene habits. Fortunately, caring for fixed bridges is easy once patients know what tools are available to them.

Flossing is an important part of keeping the area around a fixed bridge healthy. But with no gap between the prosthetic teeth, an alternative means of getting floss over or under the bridge is necessary. Some floss manufacturers make this easy by providing floss with stiffened tips, but regular floss can be looped around a bridge with an instrument called a threader. Similar to a big, floppy sewing needle, threaders are familiar tools to anyone who has ever worn braces.

Another hygienic tool used with both bridges and orthodontics is the proxy brush, also known as a Christmas tree brush. When bridges are supported by implants instead of by pontic teeth, there may be room to use a proxy brush to dislodge debris. Other specialized tips for use on implants can also be attached to toothbrush handles and water picks.

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.

 

Treating Bad Breath in Children

A pleasing smile requires a nice smell as well as a nice appearance, and at Advantage Dentistry, we help our patients to maintain both. Children have some particular challenges with bad breath (also known as halitosis) which may require a different approach than we take with adults.

Bad breath is generally caused by bacterial growth. There are several situations in which this is more likely to happen, including the patient suffering from dry mouth and nasal drip. Dry mouth is a problem for children who mouth-breathe, as well as those who are on medications for ADHD or anxiety or simply don’t remember to drink enough water during play. While a specialist may be necessary to help with breathing problems, we can recommend ways of increasing saliva flow, including sugar-free candy.

Nasal drip is a common result of sinus infections, but it can also be caused by a foreign object stuck in the nasal passages. The creviced tissues of the tonsils are an ideal spot for bacteria to grow in and most children haven’t had them removed yet. These patients may benefit from the use of non-alcoholic mouthwash. The tongue is another environment which is ideal for bacteria, so bad breath could be due to as simple a problem as the child not knowing the importance of tongue-brushing.

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.

 

Acid Reflux and Tooth Erosion

As patients age, we at Advantage Dentistry work to stay in touch with them so we can respond to their changing needs. One of the changes adults experience in their oral health is the increased risk posed by acid reflux. Dr. Seier offers many options for repairing crown damage, but we want patients to know how to prevent problems before they experience pain or wear.

A patient is said to be suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) if their stomach acid escapes into their esophagus at least twice a week. The esophagus commonly develops ulcers as a result, but it’s not just soft tissue that is harmed by stomach acid. Tooth enamel also dissolves when repeatedly exposed, and over time, people with GERD develop teeth that are sensitive, discolored, and misshapen enough to impact their bite function.

Changes in diet are usually necessary for controlling acid reflux. Fried meats, cheese, caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, and foods and drinks which are themselves highly acidic, such as garlic and tomato juice, are all contributors, but patients should avoid eating anything in large quantities immediately before lying down at night. For cases in which acid reflux has already caused enamel erosion, we have natural-colored fillings and partial crown restorations.

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.

 

Dry Sockets

We do our best at Advantage Dentistry to ensure that patients understand their post-operation instructions. By avoiding the use of straws, birth control, smoking, or tobacco products, and by rinsing their mouths by gently swirling around saltwater, they can minimize their chances of developing a dry socket. However, complications do happen, particularly when tooth extractions required cutting through gum or bone tissue, which is why we want patients to understand the procedure if a dry socket develops.

Following a successful extraction, a blood clot will seal off the socket. If this clot doesn’t form or is removed before the socket heals, the socket may dry out and infection will set in. This is a very painful process which is usually apparent two days after surgery. If they are experiencing severe pain or can see that the clot is out of place, patients should immediately seek our help. We can prescribe painkillers and antibiotics and will dress the wound with medicated paste or cloth. The wound dressing will have to be replaced every few days until the socket is healed, but the patient is usually back on course for a good recovery after this.

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.

 

Losing a Permanent Tooth

While losing a permanent tooth is a painful disaster, there is a possibility that an intact tooth can be saved. Doing so will require swift action by a knowledgeable patient, which is why we at Lehigh Valley Smiles are providing this guide.

The American Dental Association recommends liquids for cleaning lost teeth and containers for transporting them. First aid kits at sporting events and other places where dental disasters are likely to occur should be stocked with these. But in their absence, patients should rinse the lost tooth off with milk or saltwater and then place it back in the socket. (If they have access to gauze, they should bite on that to keep the tooth in place.) If the tooth cannot be reinserted or the patient is unsure which way it should face, it should be kept in the patient’s cheek. The next best thing is to keep it in a container with saltwater or milk, but the most important thing is to keep it clean and moist.

Teeth have the best chance of being saved if seen by a dentist within an hour of being knocked out. However, a lost tooth is not a life-threatening injury and should not take precedence over more serious wounds. Only permanent, natural teeth can be saved; prematurely lost baby teeth will be replaced with spacers to make room for the permanent teeth, and lost implants must be replaced.

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.

 

Night Guards

Advantage Dentistry offers custom night guards to help patients overcome the negative effects of bruxism. Bruxism is regular teeth grinding or clenching of the jaw. Stress can intensify teeth grinding, but it is most often caused by an abnormal bite or crooked teeth.

Some teeth grinders consciously grind their teeth and clench their jaw.  Some only do so while asleep, and may not even realize it. Waking up with a dull headache or experiencing pain and stiffness in your jaw are signs you may be grinding your teeth overnight, and shouldn’t be ignored.  Patients who continually grind their teeth often end up needing crowns, bridges, root canals and implants. In severe cases tooth loss can occur, and partial or complete dentures may be needed.

Night guards look similar to mouth guards worn by athletes but serve a different purpose. A dentist uses an impression of your teeth to ensure a custom fit, and the night guard is manufactured in a dental lab. Wearing a custom night guard protects the surface of the teeth, and also properly aligns the jaw to improve breathing and sleep. If you think you a custom night guard could help you, please contact us.

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.

ZOOM! Whitening

At Advantage Dentistry we receive inquiries from patients just like you about how they can whiten their teeth.  We offer ZOOM! Whitening to patients looking to treat stained teeth or whiten their natural teeth.  When surface stains penetrate the tooth enamel, they can darken the color of the dentin, the hard tissue layer of your tooth under the enamel. Once the dentin is darkened, it can make the whole tooth appear yellow. Successful whitening systems go below the tooth enamel to reach the dentin.

ZOOM! Whitening combines whitening gel with an activator light to penetrate the enamel and break up stains at the dentin layer. Once the gel is applied to your teeth, the light activates and accelerates the whitening process.  When the chemical reaction lightens the color of the dentin, the whole tooth is free to become whiter. A dentist can tell you based on the level of staining on your teeth what results you can expect from ZOOM!  Patients have left the office after an hour treatment with a smile up to ten shades whiter!

If you are interested in a professional whitening system that delivers dramatic results, contact us to find out more about ZOOM! Whitening. 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.

The Dangers of DIY Orthodontics

Last February, the American Association of Orthodontists released a survey which found that 13% of their members have treated someone who attempted to use homemade corrective devices on themselves. This was a follow-up to a public service announcement last year warning people of the dangers of this, and we at Advantage Dentistry want our patients to understand why DIY orthodontics are a bad idea, as well.

Orthodontics is basically the practice of shifting living bones through each other. This is not a process which should be rushed, as the jaw bones need to rebuild themselves after the teeth have moved position. If the teeth are pushed too quickly in an attempt to reduce costs or treatment time, it is likely the jaw will be so compromised that the teeth will fall out or shift back.

Many of the devices non-professionals suggest using as wires are also simply not safe to put inside the body. Fibrous ties can rot, and without brackets, they can slide into the gum pockets. Likewise, rubber bands placed directly on teeth instead of on brackets will choke off the teeth’s blood vessels.

We strive to keep prices low for our patients. Please see us if you are bothered by misaligned teeth instead of trying something on yourself which will end up costing you much more.

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.

 

Effects of Thumb Sucking

Advantage Dentistry has been a resource for many families over the years, including those who have just had their first child. Often, parents are aware that there are potential dangers associated with pacifiers and thumb sucking but aren’t sure whether or not there’s a problem, so we wanted to offer some guidance.

Thumb sucking is normal and not a cause for worry in children under the age of three. However, if the child keeps doing it after beginning to lose their baby teeth, the habit could result in misaligned adult teeth, overbites, misaligned jaws, and changes in mouth structure. This is also true of sucking pacifiers and of thrusting the tongue against the front teeth, which is sometimes a habit children form to replace thumb sucking.

If possible, parents should explain to their child why thumb sucking is a bad habit and include them in efforts to get them to stop. Sometimes there is a deeper psychological issue behind it, such as anxiety, which may require the attention of a counselor.  But anxious parents should rest assured that if a child stops thumb sucking as a toddler, their jaws can usually shift back to the right position.

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.

 

HPV-Associated Oral Cancers

Oral cancer screenings are a standard part of dental check-ups for adults, and at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, we want our patients to be aware of the medical community’s increasing concern about the link between cancers of the throat and the human papilloma virus. Vaccinations against HPV are now recommended by the Center for Disease Control for all children, but while these vaccinations look promising for some kinds of cancers, we are still awaiting further evidence on whether they work for oral cancer or are useful to adults.

The vast majority of adults get an HPV infection at some point in their lives without even being aware of it. Oral cancers caused by tobacco and alcohol are still much more common and deadly than those associated with HPV. However, HPV throat cancers tend to occur further back in the throat, in an area called the oropharynx. Patients are less likely to notice discoloration or growths this far back until their tissue has been badly damaged, at which point the cancer is more difficult to treat.

Cancers of the oropharynx also tend to occur in a younger population than the alcohol and tobacco-associated cancers in the front of the mouth. Therefore, regardless of a patient’s age or whether they smoke, if they are sexually active and feel odd sensations in their throat, they should remember their dentist as an important resource for more than just the health of their teeth.

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.

 

Caring for Dentures

At Advantage Dentistry, we work hard to provide patients with quality restorations including full-mouth dentures. As part of our commitment, we want to make sure our patients understand how to care for their dentures so that their new teeth will serve them for as long as possible.

Patients should always brush their teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and that’s just as true for their dentures. Each night, dentures should be removed (this includes ones supported by implants), and patients should brush their gums and tongue before putting them back in each morning. However, the dentures themselves should not be brushed with the same kind of toothpaste as natural teeth. Lacking a naturally-produced film covering, dentures are easily scratched by minerals in normal toothpaste, and should only be scrubbed with toothpaste that is particularly made for them.

Dentures should never be allowed to dry out. They can be soaked overnight in room temperature or cooler water or in a cleaning solution as long as they do not have exposed metal parts which could rust. But they must never be placed in hot water—the material they are made of warps in high temperatures. Any deformity in a denture should only be repaired by a professional.

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.

 

Gum Pocket Reduction

If a patient is suffering from the advanced effects of periodontal disease, there are some minor surgeries which may be used to reverse its damage and prevent a relapse. Chief among these is a gum pocket reduction. This procedure usually requires little preparation and can be done in the office using local anesthesia.

Gum pocket reduction targets the soft tissue immediately surrounding the teeth. In a healthy mouth, the gum pockets the teeth fit into are snug and stable. However, there is always room between the gum and the tooth for bacteria to get into, and where the resulting plaque can trap acid. As bone and soft tissue near the plaque dissolves, there is more room for bacteria, accelerating the process.

After a scaling and planing, Dr. Seier will want to close off this safe haven for plaque. Usually, a gum pocket reduction only requires that a flap to cut in the nearby healthy gum tissue, stretched across the pocket, and fastened with a suture. Sometimes a more complex gum graft may be necessary, but most likely this will only be the case if the damage is severe.

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.

 

Peri-Implantitis

Implants have an incredibly high success rate and are the most frequently recommended method for restoring individual teeth. However, they do sometimes fail and need to be removed. Given the enormous investment patients put into their implants, it is a shame to see this happen. The best thing patients can do to protect their new tooth is to be on guard against peri-implantitis.

The prefix “peri” means “around” and “itis” means inflammation. If the gum tissue surrounding an implant is inflamed, it could be due to a foreign object, such as leaking dental cement, irritating the tissue. This is unlikely to be the case, however, if the implant is more than a few days old. More commonly, gum inflammation is caused by an infection or by an excessive amount of plaque trapping acid and dissolving the nearby tissues, along with the metal rod of the implant’s base.

Preventing peri-implantitis requires a patient to maintain standard oral hygiene practices, including brushing (twice a day for two minutes each) and flossing. Neither the implant nor the bone it’s fused with are immune to corrosion, so if a patient has trouble maintaining oral hygiene, it is important to request a deep cleaning. Don’t ignore the potential consequences of gum inflammation.

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.

 

Digital X-Ray

If there is a way to better patient outcomes, you bet we will be on it. At Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, our number one priority is helping our patients achieve optimal oral health. One of the pieces of technology that help us achieve this goal is digital x-ray.

Digital x-ray is an x-ray system that does not need a darkroom for development of the pictures. The pictures are instantly displayed on a computer monitor. This technology saves us a lot of time, saves our patients’ time, it facilitates more accurate treatment plans, and it makes communication a breeze.

Putting the image onto the computer allows us to use tools that give us a closer look than ever before. Software also allows us to see changes in the mouth that could have previously been missed by the naked eye. This means more accurate diagnoses, treatment, and better patient outcomes.

Being digital means that we can print, save, or send the image. We can refer back to it for future visits and know exactly what kind of changes we are looking for. They can also be sent to other doctors for second opinions or to insurance companies instantly.

Along with these fantastic benefits, digital x-ray uses much less radiation, so it is safer for the patient. To learn more about the technology we use here at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call us at (716) 877-2275 or visit our website, www.advantagedentistry.com. 

Rotary Endodontics- New Technology for Successful Root Canals

As new technology becomes available, we like to keep up. One of the ways we do that here at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY is by utilizing rotary endodontics. In the past, manual files had to be used to perform root canals. These days, rotary endodontics allows us to perform fast and gentle root canals with better results.

Rotary endodontics consists of a more flexible file that is attached to a dental drill. In the past, a rigid, steel file was used to manually clean out root canals. The flexible files allow us to reach down deep into the root canal without stretching the canal. This avoids damage and reduces pain both during the procedure and afterward. The electric drill allows us to be quicker and quieter.

If root canal stories of the past have scared you away from getting a necessary procedure performed, do not fear any longer. With the advancement of our dental practice, root canals barely cause any discomfort. To schedule an appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, give us a call at (716) 877-2275 or visit our website, www.advantagedentistry.com. 

Bad Breath and How to Keep it Away

Bad breath can be frustrating, especially when it seems to be reoccurring. At Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, we want to share some easy tips for keeping away bad breath and letting fresh breath reign!

There are certain types of bacteria that have a foul odor. This is usually what is causing bad breath. To combat these bacteria, you can do several things; keep good oral hygiene, keep hydrated, and consume foods and drinks that help fight the bacteria.

Brush your teeth two to three times per day and floss once per day every day. Also, be sure to clean the roof of your mouth, your tongue, and your inner cheeks.

Bad breath bacteria can multiply when the mouth dries out. So, the second most important part of keep fresh breath is staying hydrated. Make sure you are getting in your recommended amount of water each and every day!

There are also certain foods and drinks that help fight bacteria. For instance, green tea contains properties that fight off the bad odor-causing bacteria. Yogurt can do the same thing since it contains good live-and-active cultures.

If your bad breath isn’t going away, try these tips! To schedule your next cleaning and examination, call our Kenmore, NY office at (716) 877-2275. More information about Advantage Dentistry can be found on our website, www.advantagedentistry.com. 

Avoid Staining to Keep Your Smile Bright

A while smile can turn heads and boost confidence! Are you unhappy with the shine of your smile? Our daily lives can contribute to staining, dullness, or yellowish color. Fortunately, here at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, we offer professional teeth whitening. In addition, take some of these tips for keeping your pearly whites white!

To keep stains away, you need to make sure you are keeping away plaque. Plaque is that layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth throughout the day. Brush your teeth three times per day to keep away plaque and to brush away stain-causing debris from food and drinks. If you smoke, this can also contribute to major staining over time. There is just one more reason to kick the habit.

Dark foods and drinks like blueberries, coffee, cola, and soy sauce can discolor teeth consumed frequently. When surface stains penetrate the enamel and darken the center of the tooth, the whole tooth can appear darker. Rinsing out your mouth after consuming dark foods and drinks will help keep the stains from sticking. For dark drinks, use a straw to limit the amount of liquid that touches your teeth.

To find out more about our professional whitening procedure, be sure to contact us. To schedule an appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call us at (716) 877-2275 or visit our website, www.advantagedentistry.com. 

Tooth Extractions

Occasionally, there is a tooth that is giving enough problems to be taken out. This is usually when there is too much damage or infection to save it. At Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, we work hard to save teeth; however, we can perform experienced extractions when necessary.

To extract a tooth, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area, or a general anesthetic, if the extraction is more complex. Often general anesthesia is used for wisdom teeth extractions. If an incision is needed to be made in the gums to remove the tooth, your dentist will make that incision and remove any bone tissue, if necessary. Using forceps, your doctor will rock the tooth back and forth until it is loose enough to be pulled out. Some cases need the tooth to be broken into pieces, first. Stitches are then applied, if necessary.

While it is always ideal to keep your teeth, there are many reasons a tooth may need to be extracted including damage, decay, infection, overcrowding, and more. Very commonly extracted teeth are the wisdom teeth.

If you are feeling dental pain that will not subside, it is important to have it examined. To schedule an appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at (716) 877-2275. More information about our practice can be found on our website, www.advantagedentistry.com. 

Treating Sleep Apnea at Home

Sleep apnea can greatly affect your energy levels and increase the risks of conditions like heart disease and stroke. In addition to seeking treatment for sleep apnea, it is also important to help yourself at home. Advantage Dentistry here in Kenmore, NY is able to treat patients for sleep apnea. Read on to learn how to control it at home.

A Healthy Weight. Overweight individuals with extra weight on their neck can actually experience worsened effects from sleep apnea. It is important to keep a healthy weight to minimize the risk and symptoms of sleep apnea. Talk to your doctor about a healthy weight for someone your age and height.

Sleeping Position. Your sleeping position also greatly affects how severe your sleep apnea may be. Sleeping on your back will give you the worst effects. Instead, sleep on your side to allow a more open airway.

Sedatives. Sleep aids and alcohol are depressants that can make sleep apnea worse. Avoid such substances in order to facilitate easier breathing. The combination of sleep apnea and a depressant could result in death in severe cases.

Sleep apnea needs to be treated in order to avoid dangerous health complications. You will also feel refreshed and like you slept well once your sleep apnea is under control. To schedule an appointment with Advantage Dentistry of Kenmore, NY, call us at (716) 877-2275. For more information, visit our website, www.advantagedentistry.com. 

Ridge Augmentation

Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement that is able to last a lifetime; however, the conditions need to be right to place them. For patients that do not have a large enough bone ridge in their jaw, at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, we can perform ridge augmentation. This ensures that implants are a possible option for replacement.

To begin the procedure, your doctor will lift the gums away from the bone. Bone graft material will then be placed into the area where the bone has deteriorated. Afterwards, the incision is closed and allowed to heal. The augmentation will take about twelve months to fully heal. During this time, the bone graft material will not only bond with your jawbone, but it will also promote the growth of even more jawbone. The end result is a strong ridge that is big enough to host a dental implant successfully. Depending on your specific case, a dental implant may be able to be placed during the augmentation procedure or after the twelve-month healing period.

Bone grafting is a very safe and successful procedure. The bone is often able to be taken from another area of your jaw.

To learn more about ridge augmentation and bone grafting, be sure to contact us or visit our website, www.advantagedentistry.com. To schedule an appointment with Advantage Dentistry in our Kenmore, NY office, call us at (716) 877-2275.