Traditional Dental Implants vs. Mini Dental Implants

            In recent years, mini dental implants have gained some notoriety as an option to help anchor dentures. Some dentists like the idea because they are less invasive and are less likely to have complications with nerves and other surrounding structures in the jaw. Patients like the idea of mini implants because they are less expensive than traditional implants. I want to explain the advantages and disadvantages of each and why we should remain cautious about extent to which mini implants are being used.

            At Brown and Kupper DDS, we have been successfully using traditional dental implants for 25 years. When properly cared for, dental implants can be one of the most successful procedures in dentistry. Millions of dollars of research has shown how and why implants succeed, and the longevity of these studies helps support the validity of these findings. Because mini implants are relatively new, we do not have the benefit of these findings to support their long term efficacy. Until we know more, I believe traditional dental implants to be a safer decision in replacing teeth or supporting dentures.

            But if mini implants are less expensive, is it worth the risk? While they may be of short term benefit, they are less likely to last as long as traditional implants. The mini implants don’t have enough length and width to support the normal biting forces that we typically need to function. And if you have to replace them 2 or 3 times in the span of 1 traditional dental implant, you will end up spending much more than if you did the larger implant from the start.

            Right now, the only time I may recommend the use of mini implants would be in an effort to help stabilize a denture while traditional implants were healing and could not be used. This would allow for immediate use of a denture without disturbing the larger implants. Until more definitive data can support mini implants, we will continue to recommend traditional implants to support dentures and replace missing teeth.

For more information on dental implants, visit www.brownandkupper.com

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

How Do We Check for Signs of Oral Cancer?

            Every time you are in our office for an exam, both the dentist and dental hygienist perform an oral cancer screening. Our goal is to understand you medical history, dental history, and any other risk factors you may have. Using this information we can help identify, treat, or refer you to the right person for any possible treatment.

            To identify any potential areas of concern, we look for colors or lesions that are out of the ordinary. They could be red, white, blue, black and just about everything in between. In most cases the key is to identify these areas, take pictures when necessary, and follow their progress. If these areas continue to change size, shape and color, we will likely recommend a specialist examine and biopsy the area. In more extreme situations where the appearance is more aggressive, we will immediately refer you to a specialist for a biopsy of the area.

            There is technology now available that uses a light or a rinse to look for potential cancerous areas. We currently do not use these tools because we have found they present a large number of ‘false-positive’ findings. This means it shows an overabundance of areas that may be pre-cancerous or cancerous and can lead to over treatment. Until this technology improves, we will continue to conduct our oral cancer screenings without the lights or rinses.

            So what should you look for at home and when do you need to come see us? When you notice something new and it does not go away in 10-14 days, I believe that is a good indication to have the area more closely examined. If you have any history of oral cancer, smoking, or smokeless tobacco it is even more important to see us whenever you are in doubt.

            Like many other types of cancer, oral cancer can go undetected for a long time if you do not maintain regular visits with your doctor or dentist. Even if you do your best to check at home for any irregularities, you should always consult with your dentist whenever in doubt.

For more information, visit us at www.brownandkupper.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

Should I Try Oil Pulling to Whiten My Teeth?

            Oil pulling, which is an old folk remedy that originated in India, has been all the rage lately due to news coverage and social media sites. It involves swishing with an edible oil (coconut, sesame, or olive) for up to 20 minutes in your mouth before spitting it out. The goal is swish until the oil turns white, which allegedly shows that bacteria have been drawn out of your mouth. While it may eventually prove effective in some ways, dental professionals are still very hesitant to get behind the practice of oil pulling until more legitimate research can be completed.

            In theory, the removal of bacteria in your mouth sounds appealing. However, there are many different kinds of bacteria that live in the oral cavity that everyone needs to maintain good oral health. If the oil does actually remove all of the bacteria from the mouth, it could actually do more harm that good if the normal flora of bacteria is disrupted. This could lead increased risk to infections or cavities by changing the way our mouth usually defends itself.  Until more long term clinical studies have been performed, dental professionals will continue to remain skeptical.

            To effectively use the oil pulling technique, it requires 20 minutes of swishing, which is a long time to keep something in your mouth and actively swish. To achieve whiter teeth and better oral health, I would advise just spending a little extra time with the traditional toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouth rinse.  I believe that using those home care tools will yield the best long term results. And if whitening is your concern, most dental professionals agree than professional teeth bleaching will be the safest, most predictable and effective way to brighten your smile.

            Whether or not you decide to try oil pulling is ultimately your own decision. However, even if you are diligent in using this home remedy, I would strongly advise that you don’t use it to replace the more traditional homecare methods of brushing, flossing and using mouth rinse.

Please visit us at www.brownandkupper.com with any other questions.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

Why do I Need to See the Dentist at Least Twice Each Year?

            If you have a history of developing cavities or stains on your teeth, it is obvious why you need to visit the dentist on a regular basis. However, for those who seldom have cavities or don’t accumulate much stain on the teeth, you may wonder why we insist on seeing you every six months. While there are plenty of studies and vast amounts of data to support six months check-ups, the bottom line is we base our recommendations on early detection and preventative care.

            The earlier we find a cavity, the easier it is to treat. This means you are less likely to experience sensitivity following the filling because it is less invasive on your tooth. And with a smaller filling, your appointment time is shorter. This means you have to spend less time in a dental chair and more time keeping up with your busy schedule.

            Most cavities and other dental issues do not exhibit any painful signs or symptoms until significant damage is done. Our goal is to catch any problems early and treat them before it causes you discomfort. A clinical exam every six months and bitewing x-rays every year are critical in diagnosing developing problems that may not otherwise be noticeable. Absence of pain does not mean absence of dental problems.

            Tarter (calculus), the hard buildup on your teeth, is a collection of bacteria that has formed on your teeth. Once it has formed on and around your teeth, simple brushing and flossing will not be enough to remove these deposits. Our hygienists use specialized instruments to remove the calculus and allow your teeth and gums to remain healthy. We do not recommend that our patients use their own ‘tools’ at home to remove the deposits in an effort to avoid cleaning appointments. You will not be able to remove all of the calculus and will likely leave some underneath the gums. Left unchecked, this can lead to more serious infections.

 

            Frequent and consistent visits to the dentists are essential in maintaining your health and for diagnosing and treating problems early. Doing so will end up saving you time and money in the long run and will hopefully keep your teeth and gums pain free.

 Please visit us at www.brownandkupper.com for more information.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

What is Your Bad Breath Telling You?

            It doesn’t matter if you call it bad breath or halitosis, worrying about your breath can make you feel anxious and uncomfortable. There are a number of different causes for bad breath, and we will talk about some of the potential reasons and the solutions in making you feel more comfortable in any setting.

            The first potential reason for bad breath is the most obvious: the foods we eat. Garlic, onions, and some others can linger for extended periods of time if we are not diligent about brushing and flossing daily. But even when we don’t eat foods that have a potent aroma, bacteria from any food can stay around in your mouth after eating. The bacteria that remain produce compounds that smell and the only solution to remove the bacteria is diligent home care.

            Dry mouth can also lead to bad breath and we commonly see patients on new medications develop dry mouth. Our saliva helps clean and protect our teeth and gums, and a decrease can lead to more leftover bacteria, which then creates bad breath. There are different rinses, gels and toothpastes that can help with dry mouth, and we also recommend sugar free gum and candy to stimulate saliva flow.

            Persistent bad breath could be a sign of gum disease if changes at home do not improve your issues. A deeper cleaning, referred to as root planning, may be recommended to remove bacteria and buildup that have grown underneath the gums.

            If none of the options above seem to be the answer to your bad breath, it is possible there is a more serious medical disorder. There are some systemic conditions, including diabetes, liver and kidney diseases that can produce symptoms related to bad breath.

            While there are a number of potential reasons for bad breath, an easy first step is to maintain excellent homecare and visit your dentist. You can work together to find solutions that work for your situation. And in more challenging situations, your physician is a great resource in diagnosing any hidden medical problems.

For more information, visit us at www.brownandkupper.com

 

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.

Dental Insurance Myths: What you need to know

            Trying to decipher the nuances of different dental insurance plans can be difficult. There a so many carriers and then there are different plans within those carriers that it can be overwhelming. Our goal today is to look at some of the common myths of dental insurance and what you actually need to know.

Myth: The insurance company will pay the fees that the dentist charges.

Fact: It has been the experience of many dentists that some insurance companies tell their customers that “fees are above the usual customary rate” instead of telling them that the “insurance benefits are low.” A good thing to remember is that you get back only what your employer puts in minus the profits of the insurance company.

Myth: The new alternative insurance plans are the same as the traditional plans.

Fact: The new plans referred to as PPO’s or DMO’s are simply discount plans. All these type of plans require the dentist to severely discount their fees nearly 50%. In order to take these plans and remain profitable business, the dentist must choose less expensive or faster options that may not provide the same long term results as when they are not restricted by the insurance company.

Myth: Once you reach your yearly deductible, everything else is free.

Fact: Dental insurance does not act the same way as medical insurance. It acts more like a coupon. It typically does not pay for the entire product or service and only pays a vague percentage. And once you have reached your yearly maximum, it no longer pays on anything.

Myth: The insurance will pay for the dental work because I need it.

Fact: Not all procedures that are needed will always be covered by your policy. When your company selects a plan, it is decided which procedures may or may not be covered. The lack of coverage by your insurance company does not mean it is not needed, it just means your plan has chosen not to cover the procedure.

            All of this can obviously be very confusing and even frustrating. If you have questions or concerns on which dental plan may be best for you and your family, please feel free to contact us and we can hopefully help you in deciding which one is best for you.

Brown and Kupper DDS, Inc.

www.brownandkupper.com

Mouthguards: An Athlete’s Best Friend

          Since April is ‘National Facial Protection Month,’ we thought it would be a good time to reiterate and review the importance of protecting the teeth and jaw bone while playing sports. Parents take so many measures to ensure the safety of their kids, but too often the use of a mouthguard is overlooked. Adding a properly fitting mouthguard into anyone’s sports armament can help protect limit to the teeth, lips, tongue, and face.

So what are some key elements to look for when choosing a mouthguard?

·         It has enough flex not to tear or break

·         Ideally it is custom fit by the dentist

·         It doesn’t restrict breathing or speech

·         It fits well and is comfortable (otherwise you or your child will not wear it)

How do you take care of your mouthguard?

·         Store in a container that lets air in and out

·         Rinse after each use or brush with a toothbrush and toothpaste

·         Avoid hot water or the sun which can distort the mouthguard

·         Check for excessive wear and replace when needed

How do I make sure the mouthguard remains effective?

·         Bring it to each dental appointment for the dentist to check

·         Do not cut or chew pieces off of the guard

·         Do not wear any retainers or appliances while wearing the guard

We also recommend children begin wearing mouthguards when they first begin playing competitive sports. This will likely make compliance with the mouthguards better as they get older. The guards can be customized to fit the mixed dentition of their teeth and they come in a wide variety of colors and designs that can make them become more excited to use the guards. But as they continue to lose baby teeth and gain adult teeth, be sure to frequently check the fit of the guards as the changing size and shape of their teeth and jaw can change the fit. And if it doesn’t fit properly it will certainly lose effectiveness.

For more information, go to www.brownandkupper.com.

Lee T. Brown, DDS

Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.