How To Find A Columbus, Ohio Dentist You Can Trust

May 4th, 2021
Easton Dentists Jun 8th, 2021

One of the most important things to consider when you’re choosing a Columbus, Ohio dentist for you and your family is how comfortable you feel with that person.  If you trust your dentist, the odds are that you will visit them on a regular basis.

Is explaining your symptoms and asking questions easy for you? Does it feel as though the dentist is truly listening to your concerns and understands your questions?

Dr. Gilmer has over 10 years of experience in family dentistry and is committed to providing professional, advanced dental care to his patients of all ages. He is well respected in the community and is known for listening to his patients concerns.

Columbus, Ohio Dentist & The Dental Center

Now you can feel comfortable expressing your fears or anxiety with a doctor who treats every patient like family. With an emphasis on preventative care for the patient’s lifetime, our complete list of dental services caters to each patient.  From routine cleanings and emergency visits to complete smile transformations and restorative dentistry, we utilize the latest dental techniques to give our patients the most innovative services.

Our beautiful office at Easton is designed with your comfort in mind. By uniting a calm atmosphere with innovative technology, we have created a place where each of our patients receives the quality care they need and deserve – in the most efficient manner. That’s why we’re one of the Columbus, Ohio dentist providers.

From the moment you walk in our front door, our team will make you feel comfortable, cared for and welcome. Our state-of-the art facility has the latest certified equipment, so we can offer you the most advanced treatment options.

Flexible Columbus, Ohio Dentist Appointments

The Dental Center at Easton Town Center strives to deliver lifetime care to the Columbus area, because we believe that oral health is an integral piece to your overall health. But sometimes finding a Columbus, Ohio dentist that meets your schedule isn’t always easy.

Our philosophy is to provide care that will be in your best interest now, and in the years to come, so you have a smile that will last a lifetime working your schedule, not ours. That’s what makes life easy choosing your next Columbus, Ohio dentist.

We welcome you to make The Dental Center at Easton Town Center  your first choice in dentistry for your family. We are currently accepting new patients now. Make an appointment today by calling (614) 414-0111. Read more about scheduling your next Columbus Ohio dentist appointment.

Let’s Talk About Different Types Of Dental Crowns

Jan 20th, 2021
Easton Dentists Feb 3rd, 2021
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A crown is a prosthetic device that can be cemented onto a surrounding implant or natural tooth structure. The primary function of a crown is to cover an implant, a damaged tooth or a tooth that has recently undergone root canal therapy. Also referred to as caps, dental crowns have both functional and aesthetic benefits. When used to cover severely damaged teeth or teeth in which the tooth pulp has been removed, crowns can both protect and preserve the underlying tooth structure. When used to cover weak, chipped or stain teeth, they can also brighten, balance and enhance the smile. Following is everything you need to know about the different types of dental crowns that are currently available, along with tips for choosing the best crown type for you.

Understanding The Benefits Of Dental Crowns

When placed by a competent dentist and properly maintained, dental crowns can last for a very long time. Crowns have been used by many dental providers to create a solid and well-balanced occlusion or bite, improve the shape, size and alignment of the teeth and protect them after root canal therapy, impact injuries and other forms of stress or harm. At their best, they’re attractive, difficult to distinguish from the surrounding natural teeth, and capable of performing or enhancing the function of a weakened tooth.

There are four, basic crown types that patients and their providers can choose from. Each of the four types of dental crowns have their own benefits and drawbacks. Moreover, certain crown types may be better suited to some individuals and circumstances than others. A reputable and competent dentist will be able to help you find the best crown type for your budget, your needs, and your oral health and cosmetic goals.

Types of Dental Crowns

Ceramic Crowns:

Comprised of durable, porcelain-based material, ceramic crowns are commonly used in the restoration of the front teeth. Dentists and patients prefer ceramic caps in this location given their ability to seamlessly blend with the color and overall appearance of natural tooth structures.

Crowns made from porcelain fused to metal:

Crowns made from porcelain fused to metal are considered significantly stronger than ceramic crowns and as a result, somewhat superior as well. This, however, is primarily true in terms of their overall durability. In terms of aesthetics, they are not the first choice when looking for a cap that will blend inconspicuously with the front teeth. Connected to a metal underlay, porcelain-fused metal cap bond better with the natural teeth than do ceramic caps.

Layered zirconia crowns:

Layered zirconia crowns are hailed for having greater flexural and overall strength than all-ceramic caps. They also provide optimal aesthetic benefits given that they are unlikely to develop problems with gingival graying or black lines. These are often recommended in instances in which metal cores, tooth discoloration, and implant abutments must be concealed.

Gold alloys:

Gold alloy crowns are comprised of a mixture of copper, gold, and other, lesser metals. Not only do these crowns bond firmly to the natural teeth, but they do not cause any significant wear and tear to these underlying structures in the process. Given their noticeable color, these are typically used at the back of the mouth where they are unlikely to be seen. The primary drawback of gold alloy improvements is that these procedures are rarely covered in part or in full by most basic, dental health plans and the materials used can be significantly more costly than those use in ceramic, base metal alloys or porcelain fused to metal caps.

Base metal alloy crowns:

Base metal alloy crowns are comprised of corrosion-resistant, non-noble metals. These make very strong crowns. For many consumers, this option is the most cost-effective solution to a damaged tooth or one that has recently had the tooth pulp removed. Crown placement procedures that involve base metal alloy caps are often fully covered by dental insurance plans. One of the greatest benefits in using these types of dental crowns, however, lies in the fact that they require the least amount of healthy tooth for placement. Thus, they are ideal for use in instances in which much of the natural tooth structure has chipped or actually broken off.

At Easton Dentists, Dr. Glimer and our experienced team in Columbus Ohio know what is best for your teeth, especially if a crown is involved. If you have any questions or are ready to schedule your next visit to, contact our office, and our team will be happy to assist you in any way we can!

Porcelain Veneer Application Explained

Jan 8th, 2020
Easton Dentists Feb 1st, 2020

As cosmetic dentistry keeps becoming a more affordable and is now a viable option for people everywhere, porcelain veneers keep gaining popularity.  Just check on Instagram if you have a doubt! Because of their relatively simple application and easy maintenance, veneers are giving beautiful smile to people who may not have been blessed with a great set of teeth.

Even though many people are becoming more familiar with the final results associated with porcelain veneers, there still seems to be a lack of knowledge concerning how porcelain veneers are successfully applied.  For a trained professional, the process of creating porcelain veneers is immensely precise.  It’s is a bit more complicated than simply putting a veneer on an existing tooth because a good dentist will work to ensure the veneers perfectly match in size, color, and shape.  Though time intensive, the process of getting a veneer is relatively straightforward.

  1. The tooth is trimmed.  This is done for two reasons.  First, the tooth must be trimmed so that the overlaying veneer does not stick out more than the other teeth.  This creates a more natural look and feel for the veneer.  Second, the rougher surface of the newly trimmed tooth will allow for easier bonding.
  2. An impression of the tooth is made.  This simple step ensures that the dentist knows the exact dimensions that will be needed for the new veneer.
  3. The veneer is temporarily placed.  This will give your dentist a chance to see how well the veneer matches the surrounding teeth.  It is applied temporarily so that the dentist can easily remove and adjust the veneer as often as is needed.
  4. The veneer is bonded into place.  Once you and your dentist are pleased with the appearance of the veneer, it will permanently be bonded to your existing tooth.

While getting a veneer is relatively a simple process, it takes a specially trained cosmetic dentist to deliver the best results.  The attention to detail displayed by The Dental Center at Easton makes us the premier cosmetic dentistry practice in Columbus, Ohio.  Call us today to set up your appointment.

Can Cosmetic Dentistry Help Your Smile?

Aug 5th, 2019
Easton Dentists Aug 30th, 2019

There are several misconceptions about cosmetic dentistry some people believe.  Not too many people truly understand what this type of dentistry is all about or what it can do for them.  If you take the time to understand the complexities and even the commonalities of cosmetic dentistry, you will be in a state of enlightenment when you need to decide if cosmetic dentistry could help you or a loved one.

Cosmetic dentistry in Columbus usually deals with a set of standard procedures that can produce absolutely stunning results when completed by a competent dental professional.  What exactly is cosmetic dentistry, though?  This refers to the type of dental work that is performed to enhance the appearance and sometimes even the performance of one’s teeth.

  • Veneers.  A veneer is used in cosmetic dentistry to improve the look of a tooth or to help protect the tooth.  It is basically a thin layer of a material that it attached to the tooth.
  • Teeth Whitening.  Similar to dental bleaching, teeth whitening is a purely cosmetic procedure that improves the look of teeth.  Where teeth whitening brings teeth to a natural color, bleaching tends to whiten beyond the range of normal coloring.
  • Bonding.  By applying a strong, durable resin to teeth, cosmetic dentists can help repair damage done to teeth.
  • Dental Bridges.  A dental bridge is essentially a partial denture.  It acts in place of missing teeth to improve the cosmetic appearance and functionality of teeth.
  • Dental Implants.  Dental implants are typically used in cases of dentures, bridges, or crowns.

People who have worn down their teeth may also benefit from many types of cosmetic dentistry and can have their smiles restored through bite reclamation and other procedures.  In addition, a cosmetic dentist can also perform other restorative procedures that include tooth colored fillings and even the creation of retainers and braces to correct tooth alignment and bite.

At Easton Town Center in Columbus Ohio, you will find an experienced staff of hygienists and dentists who can help make your smile as perfect as possible through state of the art cosmetic dentistry techniques and practices.  By coming to the friendly staff at The Dental Center at Easton, you ensure that you will receive the best in care and treatment at one of Columbus’s premier dental practices.

Many dentists claim that they are cosmetic dentists, but few are truly as qualified as Dr. Gilmer to perform the work necessary to restore a person’s smile.  If you have any questions, or would like more information, please feel free to contactour dental office at 614-414-0111.

You Can Fix Your Smile With Invasilign!

Jul 26th, 2019
Easton Dentists Jul 26th, 2019

When you make the choice of using Invisalign to enhance your smile, learning all you can about the entire process will assist you in order to make the correct decision. Selecting the right dentist (such as Dr. Gilmer) is your first step. The dentist you are currently seeing may already be an Invisalign provider, and if not, he or she can recommend a dentist who can help you. It is imperative to find a dentist who has received specific Invisalign training.

Once you have selected a trained dentist, you should have a discussion addressing your specific concerns.. Some patients are terrific candidates for Invisalign. Invisalign can be utilized for both simple and more complex cases. Ask questions to your Invisalign provider about: costs, insurance coverage, treatment expectations, and length of treatment, which are all common concerns.

If you and your doctor determine that Invisalign is the solution for you, X-rays, photos, and impressions of your teeth are the obtained to create a digital model of your treatment. This allows you to view your treatment from start to finish in a virtual computer animated model. Next a series of clear custom-made aligners are created. With Invisalign- the aligners are made from smooth, clear, and comfortable BPA-free plastic. You will not experience the pain and irritation that are associated with traditional metal braces. You can even remove them when you eat, brush and floss. (It’s recommended to wear your aligners 20-22 hours per day.)

The on-going treatment involves replacing the aligners every 2 weeks, which will help your teeth gradually shift into place. Every case is unique – but you’ll be revealing your new smile before you know it.

Invisalign is a great solution for improving your smile without unsightly and painful braces and most people won’t even know you’re wearing them!

Everything You Need To Know About Lumineers

Apr 18th, 2019
Easton Dentists May 6th, 2019

Should you find yourself having misaligned, worn down, discolored or chipped teeth, Lumineers might be the solution you’re looking for. Dental Lumineers , made of a tooth-colored composite,  provide a shell that covers the tooth. Being extremely thin and white, these shells imitate the appearance of enamel and do an awesome job of adding to a bright smile. Carefully designed to fit the shape of your tooth exactly, a Lumineer corrects any chips, gaps, or tooth defects that detract from your smile. They are an excellent choice to whiten teeth that have become discolored or stained over the years. As hard as it may be to believe, these shells can last up to 20 years.

Want to know more about the procedure?

The application of Lumineers usually takes two visits to be completed. On the first visit, we will  consult with you to give you a full understanding of what you’re hoping to get accomplished. As your Columbus cosmetic dentist, we want to ensure that you feel 100% satisfied with your new smile! We listen closely to our patients’ concerns and educate them on their options. During this first visit, an impression is made of your teeth. This impression, along with any other necessary information gathered during your visit, gets sent to a lab where they craft the shells.

After several weeks, you will be notified that your Lumineers have arrived from the laboratory and we will schedule your next appointment. During this visit, the fit will be verified, and once the dentist is satisfied that all is well, he will lightly etch the contours of your teeth so that the Lumineers can be applied. The next step is to bond the lumineers to your teeth, thus completing the process.

Benefits of Getting Lumineers:

  1. A solution to chipped, cracked, or stained teeth! A fantastic smile can often add to self-confidence.
  2. Compared to other options, minimal tooth etching and reshaping is required in order to place Lumineers.  The procedure is significantly less complicated, and it ensures that your visit will be a comfortable experience.
  3. Lumineers are durable. They are difficult to crack or chip, and typically last several decades! And should they need to be redone or removed, the process is not difficult, since they don’t require any tooth-reshaping in order to be placed.

Call Easton Dental TODAY, if you feel this may be the solution you are looking for!

Effects of Soda on Your Teeth

Jul 23rd, 2018
Easton Dentists Jul 23rd, 2018

Ever seen those videos where someone puts a baby tooth in a glass of soda and watches it decay? Well, the effect of soda in an actual mouth is a bit different.

You have your saliva to help wash away the sugar, you eat other things throughout the day, and brush at least twice a day to remove debris or plaque. Nevertheless, soda is not something we recommend you consume more often than a once-in-awhile treat. Here’s why:

 

1. Sugar

Soda has an extremely high sugar content. The bacteria that cause tooth decay feed off of sugar and excrete acid, which is what causes tooth decay. The more sugar our teeth have to interact with, the more prone to decay they will be.

 

2. Acid

Think diet soda is a better alternative? Even though it contains zero sugar, it can still contain acids such as phosphoric acid or citric acid. Acid eats away at a tooth’s enamel and leaves it prone to decay.

 

3. Colors

Caramel color, Yellow 5, etc. Any type of artificial coloring can cause tooth-staining. If you prefer your teeth sparkling white, it’s best to stay away from soda.

 

Alternatives!

Instead of soda, we recommend spicing up your daily beverages with other alternatives. How about some sparkling water or plain water infused with fresh fruit?

When you do drink soda, make sure to rinse with water afterwards. And, as always, keep up with regular brushing and flossing to protect those precious teeth!

What’s Up with All that Poking at My Gums During Cleaning?

Feb 22nd, 2017
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Poking on my gums

Have you ever wondered why your hygienist starts rattling off a series of numbers in the middle of your cleaning? 2, 2, 3, 2, 4, 5! What’s going on there? What your hygienist is doing is checking the depth of gum tissue pockets that surround your tooth. It’s a proactive way to identify your risk for gum disease, and when done regularly, can help catch it early. Dental probing is a pretty interesting exercise in dentistry, can save you from surgery and extractions, and here’s why.

Dental Probing Catches Problems Early

One reason to visit the dentist regularly is to identify problems in your mouth that you are completely oblivious to. Subtle changes in the health of our gum tissue can be missed by the naked eye, and some people – even those who visit a dentist regularly – can be prone to an excess buildup of plaque and tartar that can result in gingivitis and periodontal disease. Thankfully, your dental team can catch these changes early through the use of X-rays and the practice of dental probing.

The reason for probing is straightforward. As periodontal disease progresses, the visible markers of the disease (plaque and tartar) migrate down along the side of the tooth into the natural “pocket” between the ridge of the gumline and the tooth’s enamel. This inflames the gum tissue and widens this naturally slim gap between the tooth and gum. As this gap becomes wider, even more bacteria are allowed access to the sensitive tissue fibers along the root’s outer surface, causing more damage. This process may result in bone loss, and the need to extract a tooth. This is why probing is so important. We regularly have new patients come see us that have good looking teeth, but they have ignored gum care for so long that they lose those good teeth because the bone can no longer support the teeth. We want to prevent that from happening!

How Does Dental Probing Work?

“Probing” is quite simple and is accomplished by using a dental “probe” to measure the depth of a tooth’s pocket. The probe acts like a ruler, and has markings along its side measured out in millimeters. To measure the depth of your tooth’s pocket, your hygienist gently places the probe into this pocket and makes note of the depth. Those numbers you hear are the millimeter depths of your pocket. Six measurements are taken per tooth, three along the outside, and three along the inside of each tooth. A depth of three millimeters or under without any bleeding is generally accepted as healthy. Above that number, we will suggest more thorough gum therapy, including scaling and root planing, or something even more comprehensive if the number is above a five and nearing ten. We are so committed to setting you up right, that we set aside extra time to make sure you understand your treatment!

So, as you can see, maintaining pocket health is critical, and proper brushing and flossing can help clear away plaque and prevent the tartar buildup that expands a pocket. Your dentist also plays a critical role in ensuring you’re staying ahead of gum disease, so be sure to keep your regular appointments – particularly if you have been identified as having periodontitis (gum disease) and recommended for more frequent, thorough gum therapy. With a good routine and frequent visits to the dentist the only numbers you’ll be hearing moving forward should be 1, 2 and 3! Keep up the good work.

Saving Space for Permanent Teeth with a Space Maintainer

Nov 16th, 2016
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

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If your little one’s teeth have begun to fall out, and their permanent replacements appear to be lagging far behind, you may wish to consider a space maintainer to minimize future orthodontic work. Believe it or not, the absence of your child’s teeth might seem cute now, but those tiny little gaps can cause deep gouges in your pocketbook as you watch them fill up with teeth that don’t belong there. Space maintainers are simple to use, kids get along fine with them, and they have become the de-facto standard for protecting the cosmetic and functional aspects of your growing child’s mouth.

 

Why Your Child Might Need a Space Maintainer

When a child’s tooth is lost early due to trauma, tooth decay, or nature’s insistence that it drop out before its permanent replacement is due, a space maintainer can be used to hold back the natural inclination of teeth to move forward. Without preventing this movement, teeth that should be in the rear of our mouths end up along the sides, and take up precious real estate destined for another tenant. The result is overcrowding, and in some cases impacted teeth. In the end, it’s always easier to save the space now, then create it later.

 

How They Work

Space maintainers are very similar in purpose and design to an adult “bridge,” but instead of placing artificial teeth over the gap, the space is kept open to accommodate its future resident. At The Dental Center, we make most space maintainers out of metal, (sometimes both metal and plastic), and custom-mold them to the shape of your child’s mouth. In most cases, the maintainer is made up of a metal band attached to a rectangular-shaped wire that butts up against the tooth across the gap. This acts to temporarily preserve the space where the baby tooth once was, so its replacement can erupt without obstruction. To some, the final product looks like an old Radio Flyer® snow sled, or a shoe horn you might use to maintain the shape of unworn shoes.

 

Does My Child Need One?

It’s important to note that dental space maintainers are not required for all childhood tooth loss, and that we’re not going to suggest you create a decade worth of space maintainers as each tooth falls out of your child’s mouth. Our bodies are quite effective at saving space for the loss of our front teeth as well as our incisors – it’s the teeth along the sides of our mouths that tend to cause the majority of complications. Of course, each mouth is different, so be sure to discuss with us the best course of action for you and your child. If your child has recently lost a tooth, or several teeth, and it’ll be awhile before they’re scheduled to see Dr. Gilmer, give us a call at (614) 414-0111 to see if you should come in a little earlier.

Using a space maintainer is an affordable and effective way to ensure your child’s teeth come in where they are supposed to, and when they’re ready. It can have a positive effect on your wallet, reduce the amount of time your child needs to wear braces, and control the cosmetic appearance of your child’s teeth and mouth.

Should I Get an Electronic Toothbrush or a Manual Toothbrush?

Mar 9th, 2016
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

If you walk into your Columbus dentist office, you will probably see a model electronic toothbrush display somewhere during your visit.

columbus dentistMaybe you’ve been considering using an electronic toothbrush but want to know if it’s the right choice for you. Let’s look at some of the benefits of both the electronic toothbrush, as well as the manual toothbrush and then you can decide for yourself which is better.

The Manual Toothbrush

  • The manual toothbrush model has been around for decades. There really isn’t much to it besides the obvious handle and bristles. Some of the benefits of using a manual toothbrush include:
  • More control over exerted pressure- with a manual brush, you are more easily able to monitor how much pressure you are applying when brushing your teeth. Remember that brushing your teeth should not require a lot of exertion and the pressure you apply should be fairly light.
  • Brushing too hard can lead to the breakdown of tooth enamel and lead to sensitive teeth. Convenient size- manual brushes are small and easy to store. Due to their slender handle, most brushes will fit in any toothbrush case for travel. You don’t have to worry about how to store your brush, as most holders for the bathroom easily accommodate a manual brush.
  • Inexpensive- not only are manual brushes less expensive to purchase, they are also less expensive to maintain. You do not need to worry about buying a charging station or batteries with a manual brush. In fact, most dentist offices provide you with a free brush at each six month cleaning appointment!
  • Lots of styles- manual brushes come in a wide variety of colors and styles. You can choose the type of bristle and head size you want for a more customized approach to brushing.

The Electronic Toothbrush

Electronic toothbrushes starting to gain popularity in the 1990’s and have become mainstream since. With electronic brushes, the bristles rotate and perform the cleaning motion for you. Some benefits of electronic brushes include:

  • Smaller head- the head size of most electronic brushes is smaller than that of a standard manual brush. The smaller head size helps you more easily reach difficult or awkward areas of the mouth.
  • Does the work for you- like we mentioned above, the electronic toothbrush performs the majority of the movement for you. The oscillating bristles allow you to move the brush from tooth to tooth without having to perform much movement on your end.
  • Work better for some people- electronic brushes are more suited for some individuals than others. In particular, children or those who have motor issues. Children tend to do better with electronic brushes because they make brushing fun. Individuals who have a difficult time moving a brush around in their mouth due to motor issues or arthritis also do better with electronic brushes.

Now that you know the benefits of each, the choice is yours! Remember however, manual brushes work just as well as electronic brushes so long as you are brushing for the recommended amount of time (2-3 minutes) and are using proper brushing technique.

If you have more questions about the difference in brushes, just ask us! Call our Columbus dentist office (614) 414-0111 or simply ask a member of the staff next time you’re in. We are always happy to answer your questions and want you to be able to make the best decision based on your needs.