Manitou Dental Care

What is prosthodontics? This is a dental specialty that diagnoses, treats and rehabilitates patients who have problems resulting from missing or damaged teeth as well as missing or deficient oral and maxillofacial structures.

What is plaque? It is a sticky, substance that forms on the teeth. It can be colorless or pale yellow and is formed through a combining of saliva, food particles and bacteria. Fortunately, regular brushing, flossing and professional cleanings can remove it.

We recognize that children can develop lifelong phobias of going to the dentist when they have unpleasant experiences at early ages. Let’s talk about how our laser procedures can help you child to form a better opinion of the dentist.

While some people with jaw pain also tend to clench and grind their teeth, others who habitually clench their teeth never develop TMJ disorders. That’s why it’s important to check with a doctor if you suspect you may have a TMJ disorder.

Sir Humphry Dale experimented in 1799 with nitrous oxide and provided the nickname “laughing gas.” Though he did not use the gas in medical procedures he did hold laughing gas parties with other members of English society, creating a fad that last for decades after his 1829 death.

Bacteria that accumulates on the teeth will make the gums more prone to infection. When gums become infected, the body’s immune system will attack the infection, which will inflame the gums. Unless the infection is controlled, the inflammation will worsen and the chemicals released will erode the gums and bone structure, leading to periodontitis.

To prevent cavities, it's a good idea to eat a balanced diet, avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks, brush at least twice a day, floss once daily, choose a toothpaste brand with an adequate amount of fluoride, and visit your dentist at least twice a year.

The most expensive tooth grill is the one worn by Katy Perry for her music video of the popular hit "Dark Horse." The million-dollar grill, adorned with gemstones and diamonds is created by a cosmetic dentist named Dr. William Dorfman.

What is the second most common disease in the United States – second only to the common cold? Cavities. While healthy dental habits have dramatically reduced tooth loss in the last few decades, cavities still remains a top dental problem for many.

If you happen to have a chipped but otherwise functional tooth, your dentist should be able to help you out. By using a technique called bonding, a dentist will be able to repair the damage instead of pulling the tooth out and replacing it with a false one.

Do you suffer from frequent cavities? Lasers may be able to save more of your tooth when cavities are removed than dental drills can.

Have you or a family member been battling a cold or other illness? If so, it's time to change the toothbrush, even if it's relatively new. Bacteria can linger on the bristles, which can cause a reinfection.

While brushing is recommended at least twice a day, it is actually ideal to brush within 30 minutes to an hour after eating. However, if you just consumed acidic food or drinks, it would be best to wait at least half an hour because the acids can soften your teeth’s outermost layer.

Have you ever heard that bleaching weakens your teeth? This is a common misconception. Bleaching products are generally harmless if used according to the directions, since it only affects your tooth color, not the health or strength of your teeth.

When it is time to floss your teeth, you will want to break off enough floss that you can easily hold onto while you are flossing your teeth.

Autoimmune diseases can have a devastating impact on teeth as they make it easier for infections to develop. If you have been diagnosed with one, it's important to increase the frequency of visits to the dentist.

General dentists provide primary oral care such as: prophylaxis (oral cavity cleaning), cavity filling, root canal treatment, bridgework, crownwork, fitting of dentures and installation of veneers. They also discuss oral hygiene and preventive care with their patients.

If you think you have a TMJ disorder and see a dentist who specializes in this, the first thing they'll do is ask you for a detailed account of your symptoms. The dentist will also get a very detailed medical and dental history from you, and will likely want to do x-rays to get a complete picture.

Acids destroy teeth by eroding their enamel. If left unchecked, this erosion leads to cavities, so it's best to ease on acidic drinks like citrus, coffee, and tea. If you can't, then you can at least curb the acid's effects by rinsing your mouth with water after you finish your drink.

Did you know that, because root channels are very fine and have a tendency to trap air bubbles where disinfectant cannot reach, root canals can lead to bacterial regrowth and possibly another infection? On the other hand, water laser procedures sterilize root canals ten times more efficiently than traditional treatments do.

It’s important to remember that staying calm while you’re in the dental chair is the best way to have a smooth procedure. Rest assured that our team is sensitive to the fears of our patients and are always willing to do anything possible to help you get more comfortable with us.

Want to provide further protection for your or your children's teeth? Besides regular brushing and flossing, have a dental sealant applied. This is a thin coating that is painted on teeth to protect them from cavities.

One of the reasons it's so important to regularly see a dentist is that many cavities are completely painless. If only the outer enamel of the tooth, which has no nerves, has been affected, there will be no cavity symptoms.

Do the sounds of dental treatment keep you on edge because you are certain that the drilling or probing will soon hit a nerve or tender area? Try sedation dentistry and enjoy the new experience of being completely relaxed at the dentist.

Do you know that calcium and phosphorus found in cheese are healthy for your teeth? This is because they reduce the pH level in plaque and re-mineralize the enamel.

Studies show that a majority of patients worried about root canals reported that the procedure wasn’t nearly as difficult as they feared. If you’re worried you may be in the minority when it comes to root canals, nitrous oxide or general anesthesia will guarantee you feel no pain.

Besides being unsightly (it can be yellow or brown), tartar causes other problems. Because it is rough, it makes it more difficult for a home oral hygiene regimen to remove plaque, which causes it to build even more, and eventually leads to tooth decay.

How old are braces? They actually date back to antiquity. In fact, some mummies discovered in Egypt have been uncovered that have bands of metal attached to their teeth. Additionally, both Hippocrates and Aristotle make references to the value of braces.

The use of dental lasers can be especially useful when you’re having a procedure performed to lengthen your crowns. Lasers have the ability to more easily reshape your gum line than conventional methods do.

Only a few decades ago, it was expected that senior citizens would eventually lose their teeth and need dentures. That’s no longer the case. Adults older than 60 just need to make sure they see their dentist regularly and maintain healthy dental habits.