Periodontal Disease

 

 Periodontal disease degenerates the bone and soft tissues that support the teeth themselves caused by bacteria (germs) present in the inflammatory process. It affects one or more teeth. Most often due to lack of hygiene, dental plaque starts to build up on teeth. The gums are reddening, swollen and gradually start bleeding. This phenomenon is called gingivitis. Longer persistence of gingivitis when untreated transforms into periodontitis. Over time, plaque bacteria begin to produce toxins that irritate the gums and inflammation becomes chronic. As such, it leads to loss of bone and soft tissues - the natural teeth supporters. This phase is followed by stability destruction, thus to gradual teeth loss.

In order to avoid or at least slow down the progress of gingivitis, it is essential to regularly brush your teeth, floss and visit the dentist for a check up, early diagnosis and  get advice on preventive measures.

What is Endodontic Treatment?

 

 Endodontic treatment or tooth devitalisation is made when the soft part of the tooth, i.e. the pulp or nerve is inflamed or infected, which may be a consequence of deep cavity, inadequate medical treatment, crack or a tooth trauma. The pulp treatment and healing is done under anesthesia (if necessary) and it is completely painless. Very often the root canals are anatomically different, curved and narrow, which takes appropriate modern treatment i.e. technical treating of the root system itself. In our dental office we work with modern equipment and powerful methods and techniques, however there are often unsuccessful endodontic cases where previously treated teeth are poorly filled or contributed to a broken instrument.

Yet, these cases can be successful if retreated. In addition, the earlier you visit the dentist the better, since the chances to save your teeth are much higher.

Teeth Whitening, Effect, Duration, Age?

      

Nowadays, teeth whitening is a popular procedure for those who want a bright and esthetic smile. It can be done professionally at the dentist and it is a painless procedure. The color change may vary from one to three shades, depending on the teeth natural color of the patient. To maintain long-lasting effect, it is recommended to repeat the procedure every 6 to 12 months. The effect and benefits of whitening depend on a several factors, such as consumption of tobacco, coffee, tea, wine, colored food, regular oral hygiene and dental visit. Another procedure that can be performed is home teeth whitening however, results from this procedure are achieved slowly. Usually the dentist provides a silicone guard and whitening paste as well as guides the patient how to use it at home.

Teeth whitening is recommended to be done above the age of 18 when the mineralization of the enamel is already finished, which on the other hand at younger age the physiological procedures are still in growth and development.

Causes for Tooth Sensitivity

We are quite sure plenty have felt the uncomfortable pain caused by the food we enjoy most, whether it is cold or hot or it tastes sweet or sour. There are several reasons for teeth sensitivity: cavities, abraded enamel, retracted gums i.e root visibility or old and broken tooth seal. 

Let us first briefly explain what is tooth morphology, so you may get a clear-cut picture of the tooth layers. and its parts. The tooth crown or simply the visible part of the tooth is covered with enamel (the hardest substance in the human body). Under the enamel there is dentin, easily porous and soft substance and then follows the tooth nerve or pulp. The root anchors the tooth firmly to the bone, it is covered with cement and underneath there is a layer of dentin and finally the pulp. If this balanced physiological integrity is disturbed, i.e the protective layer of enamel and cement is affected, it contributes to an easy transmission of the stimuli to the pulp itself. 

Implants vs Dentures - Which one is Better for You?

 

 We only know how uncomfortable is to loose teeth once it happens. Yet, nothing to worry about, in the end of the day it is an inevitable natural phenomenon and we are here to provide a solution for you. There are two restoration options: dentures or dental implants. They come along with many different factors such as appearance, how they feel in the mouth cavity, materials they are made of, the manner of production, appliance and pricing. The question is: How to know which is the right one for you? Let us explain you more in details and then you will decide which one you will opt for.

What are Dentures?

Dentures are removable appliances for your mouth. They replace both missing teeth as well as parts of the gum tissue. The material they are made of is a pink gum colored acrylic base which supports the denture teeth. Some dentures include a lightweight metal framework that provides extra strength and support. There are two types of dentures: complete or partial. The former one is applied when the patient has no natural teeth remaining and the latter is applied when there are some natural teeth remaining.

What is the Right Toothbrush for You?

We all know the essentials about the choice, durability and toothbrush hygiene, yet it is worth mentioning that in general the toothbrush should be replaced once or twice within six month period especially if its bristles are deformed or we had a flu before as the possibility of reinfection is high. 

There are toothbrushes with soft, medium and hard bristles as well as different density and materials they are made of. It is important to choose a toothbrush with high-density bristles made of natural material for efficient cleaning and plaque removal.

It is recommended that the toothbrush has soft bristles and with the correct brushing technique not only will the teeth be cleaned but also the gums. Should the opposite apply, then the gums will suffer and retract which will expose the teeth roots and damage their enamel. 

One should also consider the toothbrush head, as the oral cavity and teeth size are unique for every human. It is simple, tooth brushing should be pleasant, effective and thorough. 

Interview with Dr. Ana Bogatinova Koleva on Healthy Baby Teeth as a Base for Healthy Permanent Teeth

Why is it essential that baby teeth are healthy and how they affect the development of the permanent ones?

Good oral hygiene, healthy food and regular dental check up are key factors for healthy teeth. Looking after your oral health should be a habit developed in childhood. It is a common misconception that tooth decay in baby teeth can not be transmitted to permanent ones. When untreated, cavities may damage baby teeth and cause premature extraction or infect the permanent ones. Baby teeth are essential for thorough chewing and food processing and they help in positioning the permanent teeth in the mouth cavity, articulate the speech and create an image about the overall health. 

Dental Bruxism

             

Dental bruxism is unconscious teeth grinding and jaw clenching habit which contributes to teeth enamel and dentin damage.  There are two types of dental bruxism: sleep - it happens at night while we sleep and awake - while we are awake during daytime. Majority of people are not even conscious that they suffer from dental bruxism. Therefore, this is only one reason why visiting the dentist at least twice a year is important. Early diagnosis and preventive measures such as wearing a custom made silicone mouth guard would prolong teeth longevity. Most common causes for this unpleasant dental habit are stress, high caffeine intake, biting nails and hard objects as well as previous teeth or jaw injury.
  You might be wondering if you suffer from dental bruxism and how to discover the symptoms. Patients diagnosed with dental bruxism mostly suffer from jaw pain, headache (particularly in the morning), change in chewing process and jaw grinding. Bear in mind that if you suffer from bruxism and you have dental implants placed in your jaw bone wearing a mouth-guard is a must.