Keep A Clean Toothbrush!

Dental Lasers!

Is this newer technology mandatory, elective or a hype?

While many procedures in dentistry can be accomplished with traditional methodologies, there are several instances where the use of lasers are  quicker, safer, easier and just  simply possible.

Diode or soft tissue lasers, unlike the electrosurgery units, can be used with pacemakers and used for small surgical soft tissue alterations with only topical anaesthetic.  Clinically, this feature makes use of  dental laser a very popular option with patients fearful of dental needles- says Dr. Cherukuri.

In addition, diode wavelengths are antibacterial and safe to use around metallic restorations. particularly dental implants.

Diode lasers can be safely used to remove  soft tissue around dental implants without damage to the fixtures and abutments and when used judiciously without fear of heat build up to the implants.  Simple soft tissue management to expose implant cover screws and during the final seating of implant retained crowns are much easier when a dental laser is utilized.

Laser treatment of cold sores also has significantly reduced the duration of these painful and disfiguring lesions or at times eliminated its manifestation when detected and treated early.

Lasers are an enhancement to technology today, tomorrow and beyond!!

Open your mind before your mouth!

Bad Breath

Halitosis, or bad breath, is a very common problem. There are both dental and medical causes for the condition. In looking for causes, I would first consider the obvious oral causes says Dr. Cherukuri. Below is a list of possible causes of halitosis:

• Poor oral hygiene without regular brushing and flossing
• Decay or cavities in teeth, which accumulate bacteria and cause a bad smell
• Caps or crowns on teeth that may be losing cement ("cement washout"), which can cause a bad taste or smell
• Eating certain foods that can lead to bad breath
• Bacteria on the tongue, which can be cleaned with a toothbrush or tongue scraper
• Lack of regular dental cleanings every three to six months to remove plaque buildup
• Acid reflux disease or GERD

These are some of the more common reasons why one may have bad breath. Make sure you have a complete dental examination by a dentist and a full mouth cleaning by a competent hygienist. It is important first to rule out the obvious oral causes of bad breath. If every dental possibility is eliminated, I would then seek counseling with an ear, nose, and throat physician who can eliminate other causes like postnasal drip, diet, and acid reflux.

Future Dental Chair?

Are implants for you?

If you are self-conscious because you have missing teeth, wear dentures that are uncomfortable or don't want to have good tooth structure removed to make a bridge, dental implants could be an option for you.
Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth and are designed to blend in with your other teeth. They are an excellent long-term option for restoring your smile. In fact, the development and use of implants is one of the biggest advances in dentistry in the past 40 years says Dr Cherukuri.

Dental implants are made up of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. They are posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth.

Most patients find that a dental implant is secure, stable and a good replacement for their own tooth. There are generally three phases to getting an implant:

• First, the dentist surgically places the implant into the jawbone. Your dentist may recommend a diet of soft foods, cold foods and warm soup during the healing process.
• Next, the bone around the implant heals in a process called osseointegration. What makes an implant so strong is that the bone actually grows around it and holds it in place. Osseointegration means “combines with the bone” and takes time. Some patients might need to wait until the implant is completely integrated, up to several months, before replacement teeth can be attached to the implant. Other patients can have the implants and replacement teeth placed all in one visit.
• Finally, it’s time for the placement of the artificial tooth/teeth. For a single tooth implant, your dentist will customize a new tooth for you, called a dental crown. The crown will be based on size, shape, color and fit, and will be designed to blend in with your other teeth. If you are replacing more than a single tooth, custom-made bridges or dentures will be made to fit your mouth and your implants. (Note: The replacement teeth usually take some time to make. In the meantime, your dentist may give you a temporary crown, bridge or denture to help you eat and speak normally until the permanent replacement is ready.)

If you are interested in dental implants, it's a good idea to discuss it carefully with your dentist first. If you are in good general health this treatment may be an option for you. In fact, your health is more of a factor than your age. You may be medically evaluated by a physician before any implant surgery is scheduled.
Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or leukemia, may interfere with healing after surgery. Patients with these issues may not be good candidates for implants. Using tobacco can also slow healing.

Call 909 627-6699 for a complimentary implant consultation.!

Dental Emergencies

Accidents happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.

Here are some tips for common dental emergencies:

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it in between your cheek and gums, or in milk. Get to your dentist’s office right away.
• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. Put cold compresses on the face to keep any swelling down.
• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.
• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth. Do not put aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues.
• For objects stuck in the mouth, try to gently remove with floss but do not try to remove it with sharp or pointed instruments.

For all dental emergencies, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible.

There are a number of simple precautions you can take to avoid accident and injury to the teeth:

Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities.

Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth.

Use scissors, NEVER your teeth, to cut things.

 In Dr. Cherukuri's office, most emergencies are handled within the same day.

Summer SMILE