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.

 

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Stains

At Advantage Dentistry, we provide patients with solutions for stained teeth. However, there are different kinds of stains, and different treatments need to be applied depending on whether a stain is intrinsic to the tooth or extrinsic. An extrinsic stain only affects the outermost layers, but an intrinsic stain could indicate a problem with the tooth’s health.

Bleaching is a useful tool for combatting extrinsic stains. It affects the teeth on a superficial level, removing evidence of dark liquids and smoke. But intrinsic stains affect the core of the tooth. They are caused by exposure to excessive amounts of fluoride or tetracycline antibiotics during the tooth’s formation or by inflammation of the pulp. Although intrinsic stains can be covered with veneers, pulp inflammation can cause pain and infection, requiring it to be removed.

Fortunately, Dr. Seier is greatly experienced in performing root canals. After the inflamed pulp is removed, it is normal for the tooth to be filled and sealed. But for cosmetic restorations, the doctor and patient can discuss whether it might be necessary to replace the entire crown.

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.

 

Advantages of Invisalign

Most of us desire a straighter smile, but sometimes we don’t have time to abide by the aesthetic disadvantages that come with traditional braces. Fortunately, for adults and teenagers, our doctors at Advantage Dentistry provide patients with Invisalign so you can straighten your smile without worrying about your appearance. Invisalign consists of plastic aligner trays that are removable and virtually invisible so that you can eat, brush, and floss as you normally would.

After our doctors map out your Invisalign treatment plan, you will be giving a set of aligners. As you wear each set of aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours a day, your teeth will gently and gradually begin to shift into place. During this time, because the trays are removable, you don’t have as many dietary restrictions as you would with traditional braces, therefore you can eat whatever you’d like, whenever you’d like. Additionally, you can continue to brush and floss as you normally would, because there are no arches or wires that you need to maneuver around.

If you have questions or concerns regarding Invisalign, 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 Abscess

Most of us know how painful a canker sore can feel, and a dental abscess is no different. An abscessed tooth is an infection caused by tooth decay, periodontal disease, or a cracked tooth that hasn’t been treated. This infection occurs when pus builds up at the root tip in the jaw bone. Fortunately, regardless of the cause, our doctors at Advantage Dentistry can help you treat the problem and prevent abscesses from forming in the future.

By practicing proper oral hygiene on a daily basis you are already reducing your risk of developing a tooth abscess. However, if your teeth become loose or chipped, you should visit us immediately to correct the problem. Signs of a dental abscess may include deep cavities, gum inflammation, tooth sensitivity and/or limited ability to open the mouth. Dental abscess treatment may include antibiotics, cleaning the tooth, or root canal treatment depending on the severity.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental abscesses or your oral 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. 

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.

 

Mini Implants

At Advantage Dentistry we are excited to offer the latest dental products, and want patients to know that mini dental implants make treatments possible for patients who could not benefit from traditional implants. Mini dental implants are about half the diameter of a traditional dental implant. This allows them to be used in narrow spaces where regular implants were not an option. 

The small size makes it possible for them to be inserted right through the gums into the bone. No incision means no stitches, and eliminates the need for a recovery period. This means the restoration or denture can usually be placed right away or shortly after.  Mini implants can also be used to install a full upper or lower denture. Between 4 and 6 mini implants are placed along the gum line to serve as the base for securing the denture. Any of our doctors can tell you if a mini implant is a good solution for you. 

To learn more about mini implants and all the products and 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.