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Thank
you for visiting the Patient Education page of Dr. Mintalar's web
site. Our dental office offers a variety of services. This page is
designed to help answer your questions about a few of the dental procedures
we offer.
About
Oral Cancer and why we screen for Oral Cancer using ViziLite
The Deadly Statistics
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Every
hour of every day, one American dies of oral cancer.
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The
mortality rate associated with oral cancer has not improved significantly
in the last 40 years. In fact, recent statistics published by the
American Cancer Society indicate that while the incidence and death
rates for cancers overall has decreased, the incidence for oral
cancer has increased by 5.5% and the death rate has increased by
1.5%.
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The
death rate in the Unites States for oral cancer is higher than that
of cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s disease, cancer of the brain, liver,
testes, kidney or ovarian cancer.
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More
than 30,000 Americans will receive an oral cancer diagnosis this
year. In five years, less than 57% will still be alive.
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8,000
Americans will die each year of oral cancer.
Oral
cancer is far too often detected in late stage development -- the
primary reason for the high death rate. Oral cancer can have potentially
disfiguring effects on patients, seriously compromising their quality
of life. Early detection of abnormalities can make a large difference
in life expectancy; oral cancer is 90% curable when found early.
Unfortunately, 70% of oral cancers are diagnosed in the late stages,
and 43% of those diagnosed will die within five years.
For more
information about ViziLite: www.vizilite.com
Famous
Victims
Oral
cancer has touched the lives of many people; however some of the better
known oral cancer victims may surprise you.
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Babe
Ruth
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Sigmund
Freud
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Jack
Klugman
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Aaron
Spelling
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Alan
King
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Humphrey
Bogart
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Lana
Turner
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Eddie
Van Halen
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Rod
Stewart
- Bill
Blass
- Burl
Ives
- Sammy
Davis, Jr.
- John
Prine
- Jim
Thorpe
- Mary
Wells
- George
Harrison
SOME
COSMETIC PROCEDURES
TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS
In the latest technological advances patients and dentists prefer
dental restorations done using tooth-colored composites or porcelain.
Use of tooth-colored filling material is not restricted to only new
restorations. We can also restore older restorations which need replacing.
There can be many reasons why your older restorations may require
replacing and with our new technological advances we offer safer and
esthetic materials. It is no longer necessary to have "silver"
fillings, and it is much safer to use tooth-colored ones.
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CROWNS AND BRIDGES
Full crown work is indicated when there has been root canal work,
when a lot of tooth structure has been damaged or lost or when a tooth
has become cracked, broken or chipped. In our clinic we construct
a crown on teeth that have lost sufficient tooth structure to place
a filling in. When tooth loss occurs, we may recommend the placement
of a bridge. A bridge is one or more replacement teeth anchored by
one or more crowns on each side.
PORCELAIN
VENEERS
We use porcelain veneers when part of the front surface of your tooth
requires a brilliant "newness" – a rebirth. This
veneer technique is like other techniques such as composite bonding.
Here we attach veneers directly to your present tooth structure. First,
the doctor may treat the surface of your teeth with special conditioners
to prepare you teeth to assimilate the veneer. Then we apply a tooth
colored bonding liquid material to the tooth surface which facilitates
veneer adhesion. Veneers are extremely useful in reducing "gaps"
between teeth and covering unattractive aging stains.
TEETH
WHITENING
Over the years
teeth have a tendency to change color – "yellow" or "stain".
With our professional staff and experience we can assist you in whitening
and bringing out the luster in previous yellow or discolored teeth.
For at-home bleaching, we'll provide you with a special custom-fitted
bleaching tray and a whitening gel. For just an hour a day for a couple
of weeks or less, this harmless tooth whitening formula can make a
big difference in your smile.
DENTURES
Dentures have actually been in use for more than 2,000 years.
As substitutes for missing teeth, dentures have been improved
so that they are effective, easy to use and aesthetically
appealing. Properly fit dentures not only can improve your
appearance, but also can help you to eat more comfortably
and speak more clearly.
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DENTURES
CAN REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR SMILE.
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ORTHODONTICS
Do I Need Braces?
Anyone who has crooked teeth, spacing between the teeth, protruding
upper front teeth, excessive overlapping of the front teeth,
protrusive lower front teeth, headaches or jaw pain, inability
to bite or chew food easily, missing teeth or difficulty cleaning
due to crowded teeth can benefit from braces. Age is not a
factor stopping anyone from getting braces.
What
Age for Braces?
With the use of modern orthodontic techniques anyone at any
age can have braces. We have treated patients ages seven to
seventy. New metals and treatment methods allow braces to
straighten teeth and align bites faster and more comfortably
than ever before.
Why is
it important to see the Orthodontist for a screening at age
7?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends
an orthodontic screening for all children at the age of 7.
At age 7 the teeth and jaws are developed enough so that the
orthodontist can see if there will be any serious bite problems
in the future. It is very common that permanent teeth are
missing, the jaws are not balanced, the front teeth are "bucked
or protruding", the upper front teeth fit behind the
lower front teeth, the upper jaw is too narrow to fit properly
with the lower jaw, there is "crowding" or inadequate
room for the teeth to fit in the jaws. Thumb or finger sucking
habits can be detected and assessed for their affect on the
teeth. Most of the time treatment is not necessary at age
7, but it gives the parents and orthodontists time to watch
the development of the patient and decide on the best mode
of treatment. When you have time on your side you can plan
ahead and prevent the formation of serious problems.
Why
is it important to have orthodontic treatment at a young age?
Research has shown that serious orthodontic problems can be
more easily corrected when the patient's skeleton is still
growing and flexible. Many of the problems that the orthodontist
treats such as protrusive "bucked" teeth and underbites
are caused by an imbalance in the jaws. Crowding of the teeth
is caused by having teeth that are too big for the size of
the jaw. When the bones of the face are still growing it is
possible to expand, re-direct the growth and align the jaws.
This is not possible when the patient is an adolescent or
adult. This part of orthodontics is called Dentofacial Orthopedics.
Usually treatment of this type begins at 8.5 - 9 years old
and lasts for 12 - 18 months. By correcting the skeletal problems
at a younger age we can prepare the mouth for the eventual
eruption of the permanent teeth. If the permanent teeth have
adequate space to erupt they will come in fairly straight.
If the teeth erupt fairly straight their tendency to get crooked
again after the braces come off is diminished significantly.
After the permanent teeth have erupted, usually from age 12-14
, complete braces are placed for final alignment and detailing
of the bite. Thus the final stage of treatment is quicker
and easier on the patient. This phase of treatment usually
lasts from 12 - 18 month and is not started until all of the
permanent teeth are erupted. Doing orthodontic treatments
in two steps provides excellent results often allowing the
orthodontist to avoid removal of permanent teeth and jaw surgery.
The treatment done when some of the baby teeth are still present
is called Phase-1. The last part of treatment after all the
permanent teeth have erupted is called Phase-2.
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OTHER
DENTAL INFO:
Root
Canals
Root-canal treatment is often the only way to save your tooth and repair
the damage if a tooth's pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels,
becomes infected or damaged because of decay or injury. One to three visits
is usually required, depending on the pulp's condition. The infection
may have to be drained before the root can be filled if the tooth is abscessed.The
filling or crown may need to be replaced, but the material used to fill
the root canal will probably last a lifetime.
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Pulp becomes damaged and infection
spreads to the bone and tissues. An abscess forms at the roots. |
The dentist makes an opening in it
to reach the pulp chamber. The infected pulp is removed, and the
chamber and the root(s) are cleaned out, enlarged, and then shaped. |
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Once clean and free of infection,
the pulp chamber and the root canal(s) are filled with a rubberlike
material. The tooth is then filled. |
The tooth may need a crown as well.
Some crowns may need a post and core for additional support.
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What
is Periodontal Gum Disease?
Teeth
are surrounded by several anatomically distinct structures.
In figure 1 which is a cross section of a healthy tooth the
gingiva (gums) is the pink tissue surrounding the teeth visible
to the eye. Out of sight, underneath the gingiva, the periodontal
ligament attaches each tooth to the alveolar bone. The gingiva
is also attached directly to the teeth, and the small space
above this attachment is called a sulcus. The term "periodontal
disease" may refer to problems only of the gingiva or to
disorders of the deeper structures, such as the underlying bone.
Periodontal diseases are broadly classified into gingivitis
and periodontitis.
Gingivitis:
Defined as inflammation of the gingiva, gingivitis is characterized
by red, swollen, bleeding gums. This is the mildest stage of
periodontal disease and is common in adults as well as children.
There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage and with
treatment, gingivitis is usually reversible.
Periodontitis:
A more advanced stage of the disease, periodontitis involves
the inflammation and eventual destruction of the underlying
periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone. Figure 2 depicts
a periodontally diseased tooth. The normally shallow sulcus
is deepened, becoming a pocket and the supporting alveolar bone
is destroyed. This illustration shows an instrument called a
periodontal probe being gently inserted into the pocket to detect
periodontal disease.
What causes periodontal disease?
Periodontal
diseases are bacterial gum infections that destroy the attachment
fibers and supporting bone that hold your teeth in your mouth.
The main cause of these diseases is bacterial plaque, a sticky,
colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If plaque
is not removed on a daily basis it can become organized on the
tooth surface and turn into a hard substance called calculus.
Calculus, also known as tartar, is calcified dental plaque and
is considered a secondary or contributing etiologic factor in
causing periodontal diseases.
When plaque and calculus are not removed the bacteria in plaque
produce toxins (or poisons) that can destroy the supporting
tissues and bone around the teeth. Your own immune system attacks
not only these invading bacteria but also the body's own tissues,
carving deep pockets between the teeth and gums. As the diseases
progress, these pockets deepen, more gum tissue and bone are
destroyed and the teeth eventually become loose. If periodontal
diseases are not treated, the teeth may eventually need to be
removed.
What is the treatment for periodontal
diseases?
The first line of defense against periodontal disease is actually
prevention. This includes a good oral hygiene routine at home.
Brushing at least twice a day and cleaning between teeth once
a day with floss helps prevent plaque from accumulating. Depending
on the severity of the disease, more in-depth oral hygiene instructions
may be recommended. Our dental office staff may provide instructions
on additional cleaning methods or oral hygiene products to use
at home depending on your specific needs.
Depending on how far the diseases have progressed, treatment
can vary widely. In the early stages of gum disease, treatment
may involve scaling and root planing. This means removing plaque
and calculus in the pockets around the tooth and smoothing the
root surfaces. Scaling and root planing helps rid the mouth
of infection-causing bacteria and irritants beneath the gumline.
More advanced cases may require periodontal surgical treatment.
The goals of this treatment are to remove calculus from deep
pockets around teeth, reduce the pockets, smooth root surfaces
and arrange gum tissue into a shape that will be easier to keep
clean.
The many benefits of periodontal treatment include fresh breath,
the ability to chew your food more easily, healthy gums that
are free from infection and most importantly, helping you achieve
your goal of keeping your natural teeth for a lifetime! Whatever
the treatment may entail, our goal is to return you to good
oral health and then to help you to maintain it.
How can you prevent periodontal diseases from returning?
Periodontal diseases can and will recur if you do not follow
a strict program of supportive periodontal therapy. You play
the primary role in preventing further outbreaks of disease.
Nothing will help you maintain the results of professional treatment
better than daily removal of plaque by proper brushing, flossing
and other cleaning methods recommended for you. We believe in
a team approach to help prevent your periodontal disease from
returning.
Once the diseases have been arrested, a regular maintenance
(cleaning) recall schedule will be set up for you typically
alternating between your general dentist and our office. This
ongoing supportive phase of treatment will allow your dental
health team to continuously assess your periodontal health and
make sure the infection stays under control. During these recall
appointments, your mouth is closely examined, new calculus and
plaque are removed, your dental restorations (fillings and crowns)
are inspected, and your teeth are polished. Remember, good oral
hygiene and regular professional care are the keys to preventing
dental diseases. By following this simple, straightforward program
of good dental health, you can help prevent gum disease and
keep your teeth a lifetime
Dental
Implants:
One
of our important dental services is the restoration of implants.
At any age, the loss of teeth can be devastating emotionally,
functionally and esthetically. Today's advances in dental science
make it possible to feel more confident, restore your chewing
efficiency and recover and maintain a more youthful, natural appearance.
Dental Implants can provide the most natural and permanent solutions
to tooth loss. You will feel good about yourself, feel healthier,
look better and smile without reservations. Uncomfortable bridges
and dentures are part of the past. The solution today is Dental
Implants.
What are dental implants?
Dental Implants are artificial substitutes for natural tooth
roots. Dental implants are actually small titanium anchors shaped
like screws that are placed into the jawbone. Although dental
implants have been used in the United States and Europe for
more than thirty years, the recent technological advancements
in the titanium metal and surgical techniques have dramatically
improved the implant success rate. In general, the success rate
of dental implants is around 95%. Dental implants can provide
non-removable tooth replacements in the toothless jaw. They
can provide support for a full denture, making it more secure
and comfortable or they can assist in the replacement of a single
tooth without the need to alter adjacent natural teeth (figure
1 and 2).
 How
are dental implants placed?
The total implant process is a technically exacting procedure.
The evaluation to determine if the patient is a good candidate
for a dental implant may include a series of radiographs (x-rays),
the construction of cast molds, or the fabrication of a template
that will be used to help position the implant. Once the area
for implant placement has been determined (figure 3), the next
step is the surgical placement. After the site is prepared,
the implant fixture is screwed or pressed into the jawbone (figure
4). The implant will then go through a process called osseointegration,
where the bone will actually grow around the implant at the
cellular level. This period, when the implant and the bone integrate,
can take anywhere from three to six months depending on the
quality of the bone and where the implant is placed. Following
the appropriate healing period the top of the implant fixture
is exposed and the new tooth prosthesis is attached (figure
5).
How long will dental implants last?
If cared for properly, dental implants can last a lifetime.
After treatment is completed, implants are similar to teeth
in that they require the same, if not better home care. Brushing,
flossing and regular dental visits are essential to the long
term success of the implant. Losing one or more teeth can certainly
be a traumatic experience with devastating functional and psychological
implications. Today, dental implants can once again return the
patient to the level of comfort, confidence and well being that
they once had.
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