If You Have Fixed Bridge Work....

you're probably enjoying the newfound strength and function of your teeth.  Replacing your missing teeth with a fixed bridge should make a world of difference in your quality of life.

Here are a few suggestions for maintaining your new bridge:

1. Avoid hard or brittle foods, which can break the bridge

2. Lengthen the life of your restoration with a little extra flossing and brushing to eliminate the plaque that can build up between your bridge and your natural teeth.

3. Use a floss threader of superfloss if you're having trouble cleaning between your bridge and your gums.

     Practice strong dental habits with your bridge, just as you would your own natural teeth, and it will last a long time.

Any questions or comments, contact us.
http://www.andyjacksondds.com/
office@andyjacksondds.com
707-552-4110

Mouthwash Won't Remove Film

     TV ads will tell you that mouthwash will remove the "morning film" on your teeth.  But you won't find a dentist who will agree with that!  They opt for good flossing and brushing for clean teeth and healthy gums. 
     Plaque is a colorless film that adheres to the teeth, especially along the gum line and in tooth crevices.  This coating may be a source of bad breath.  More importantly, it contains bacteria that combines with sugar to form acids which create decay and irritate gums.
     Brushing correctly is important, but flossing is also essential to be sure you get all those places where plaque can hide.  If you feel that you are doing a good job, but the hygienist says otherwise, disclosing tablets might be a solution.  They contain a food coloring that stains plaque a blue or bright red.  Once you've discovered your problem areas, brush and floss until the red is gone.  Remember, flossing and brushing remove "film" not mouthwash.

http://www.andyjacksondds.com/

Fixed Bridge

     By now you're probably enjoying the newfound strength and function of your teeth.  Replacing your missing teeth with a fixed bridge should make a world of difference in your quality of life.

Here are a few suggestions for maintaining your new bridge:

1. Avoid hard or brittle foods, which can break the bridge.

2. Lengthen the life of your restoration with a little extra flossing and brushing to eliminate the plaque that can build up between your bridge and your natural teeth.

3. Use a floss threader or superfloss if you're having trouble cleaning between your bridge and your gums.

4. If you have soreness of feel any looseness, call us (707-552-4110).

     Practice stronge dental habits with your bridge, just as you would your own natural teeth, and it will last a long time.

    Thank you for choosing our dental practice.  If you've been happy with the care we've provided, we hope you will share the experience with your friends and family.  http://www.andyjacksondds.com/

Your New Partial

     We're betting that your teeth feel a lot stronger with your new partial.  While it's true that they are stronger, keep in mind that partials themselves can be fragile.  Wires and band can bend if ill-treated, and the partial can break if you drop it.  Clean it over a towel just to be safe.  Spend a little extra time cleaning the clasp teeth, where food often gets trapped.  And please let us know if you experience any soreness that may indicate the need to fine-tune your partial.

Full Crown Restoration

     Now that you've decided to get a full crown restoration, you need to choose the type you want.  You have three basic choices: metal, full porcelain and porcelain-fused-to-metal (known as PFM in the dental world).  Metal crowns, made of gold or alloys, are the most durable, but most people don't like the way they look.  Full porcelains look and fit great, but they're best placed on front teeth where the stress isn't as great.  PFM crowns are very strong and durable.
     Regardless of the type of crown you choose, the process starts with preparing the tooth so your bite is secure and your gum tissue remains healthy once the new crown is in place.  Whether you opt for metal, full porcelain, or porcelain-fused-to-metal, we believe that a well-built crown will improve your bite, give you a greater dental function and improve your smile.

Dental Disease Is Not Inherited

     Dental disease is preventable.  Bad teeth don't "run in the family."  In most cases, there is no hereditary excuse for cavities or periodontal disease.  What we do pass down from generation to generation are eating habits (the type of foods we eat) and our attitude with regard to home care and visits to the dentist.
     Because grandma wore dentures, there is no reason you should.  We live in an enlightened age, where everybody has access to information on every aspect of dental treatment and home care.  Prevention and maintenance are buzz words that everybody hears and knows.  But neither can happen if you don't visit your dentist.  Take that first step to a healthier you and make that call.

http://www.andyjacksondds.com/

The Truth About Root Canals

     If you have been diagnosed as needing a root canal, it is important that you make your decision whether or not to move forward.  If you do nothing, the injured nerve in the center of your tooth is likely to become infected.  If that happens, the tooth may abscess and cause a great deal of pain.  At which time you will be forced to make a decision of having a root canal or having the tooth removed.  If you opt to have it remove, then the question arises of how to restore function in that area (implant, bridge or partial). 
     Having a root canal done in a timely fashion rather than waiting until it hurts is more sensible, not mention less less painful and in many cases, less costly.  The procedure entails creating a small opening in the tooth and cleaning out the inside of the tooth's root to get rid of the damaged or infected nerve.  Once the tooth is completely clean, we fill it with a natural substance, "gutta percha" and seat it. 
     At this stage the tooth is "non-vital," which means it no longer has nerves but is still a vital part of dental anatomy. The procedure is complete when we then prepare the tooth and take impressions for a crown.  This permanent restoration is then placed to protect the tooth.