Uncategorized Archives « Columbus Dentist Columbus Dentist

Can Cosmetic Dentistry Help Your Smile?

Aug 5th, 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.

Posted in Columbus Cosmetic Dentist, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Procedures, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Are Dental Benefits Really Necessary?

May 13th, 2019

Should you find that your employer offers dental benefits (or a potential employer) , then you are in a great position and should take advantage of those dental benefits, because they are the one of the best employee benefits you can find. Fewer and fewer employers have dental benefits plus health benefits, so if you find yourself in a position where they are available to you, taking your employer up on that option only makes sense. And, no, you should not wait until you have an urgent need to see an emergency dentist before making this decision.

Why do employers get the best benefits?

Sheer numbers are the main reason why employers are able to get the best dental benefits. They can offer the insurance company higher premiums – this is because the employee pays a portion of the premium, and the rest is paid by the employer. Multiplied by several employees, and especially within large corporations where there can be several thousand employees, the insurance company will be receiving high premiums each month. The insurance companies then offer large companies excellent rates on their insurance policies, because they know the overall contract will be large. This allows employers to offer better overall dental plans to their employees than the employees would be able to get on their own.

When a dentist joins a dental network, they agree to offer discounted benefits to those on the plan. This discount can be as much as thirty-five percent. Dentists are also monitored to ensure that all patients are receiving quality care.

Many employers split the cost of the dental plan with their employees, which means that the employees can have affordable dental insurance benefits, which are typically better than individual dental insurance policies, for the same or less cost than an individual dental policy. When they go to the dentist, a portion of all bills will be paid by the insurance company, with a co payment due from the insured patient. This is better than a dental discount program, which simply offers discounted dental care and may be limited in its scope of coverage, although most typically cover visits to an emergency dentist.

Regardless of your current insurance situation, remember that your emergency dentist is always available. Call today to set up an appointment.

Posted in Dental Plan Acceptance, Payment Plans, Uncategorized, Urgent Care | No Comments »

XYLITOL: CAN A SUGAR BE GOOD FOR YOUR TEETH?

Apr 3rd, 2019

It is a safe bet that most people have never heard of xylitol. Since it is a sugar alcohol, it has a low glycemic index, diabetics can consume it safely.
Through its use as a nasal spray to clear the sinuses of bacteria, its oral benefits were discovered by accident .

When bacteria consume its five-carbon sugar, it kills the bacterium in the process. In the last several years, its use in dentistry has increased due to its ability to decrease the presence of cavity-causing, acid-releasing Strep mutans and other harmful bacteria.

With the simple action of putting xylitol in your mouth and swishing it around a bit cuts plaque (which is made up of bacteria) levels by 50%. And there are many ways to utilize xylitol for your teeth:

Mints/gum/candy
1. 100% xylitol spry is effective. Can be found at Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Fresh Thyme, online, or at your favorite your favorite dental office. It is great tasting with no unpleasant aftertaste.

Your kids will love it.

Toothpaste/gel/rinse
1. Carifree is a product that has revolutionized our ability to alter the tough, sticky “biofilm” of bacteria that lives permanently on the teeth. Carifree has xylitol, as well as a pH neutralizer, fluoride, and calcium nanophosphate to remineralize teeth. Studies have shown a significant reduction in decay with Carifree products. However, for a more natural product xylitol can be used alone.
2. Spry toothpastes and rinses are great tasting – especially the wintergreen! – and pastes come with or without fluoride. Their kids’ gel is great, very few ingredients, no fluoride, xylitol, and safe to use until your kiddo can spit all their toothpaste out and rinse well to avoid any swallowing of fluoride.
Granulated xylitol
1. This is the most economical way to buy xylitol – around $7 or so per pound. It has a cooling sensation on your tongue, and no aftertaste. My husband has used it daily in his coffee for five years, and I bake banana bread and cookies with it regularly. In its granulated form, you can just place a half teaspoonful or so on your tongue and use your tongue to rub it on all of your tooth surfaces, then spit it out.

“Strive for five” is the catchy phrase we use to note that we get a cariogenic or decay-reducing effect from xylitol when it is used at least three, but optimally five times per day. Xylitol is a game-changer

Posted in Dental Benefits, Dental Facts, Uncategorized | No Comments »

How To Deal With Dental Anxiety

Dec 31st, 2018

It’s almost time to schedule your 6-month cleaning and the dread of seeing a dentist keeps holding you back. While dental anxiety might seem like an impossible battle to overcome, it’s important to know that you and 75% of the American population can cope with the fear of dental appointments. According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, three out of four people in the U.S. have encountered dental anxiety at some point in their lives. Although dental anxiety is very common among patients, it’s important to seek ways to manage constant fear, especially if it keeps you from pursuing crucial dental treatment. The good news is that there are many steps that can be taken to eliminate dental anxiety and improve your overall experience at the dentist.

1. Find A Trustworthy Dentist

When you’re looking for a Dentist, it’s critical that you chose a dental professional who also cares about the best interest of you and your health. Is the dental office convenient to your work or home? Are they in-network with your Dental Insurance? Do they offer reasonable payment plans? Does the dental staff educate their patients and give appropriate dental instruction? Do you feel welcomed from the moment you step into the dentist office? These are all questions you should ask yourself when seeking the best Dentist for you and your dental anxiety. When you are comfortable with the cost of treatment and the quality of patient interaction, you can feel at ease that your care is in the hands of a trusted dental professional.

2. Express Your Concern

Like most anxieties, the first step to overcoming fear is discussing the issue at hand. Some patients are afraid of needles while others worry about the cost of the visit. Some people avoid the dentist because they’ve had poor experiences in the past. Whatever the concern, be sure to inform your Dentist and the staff that you have dental anxiety. Doing so will help them proceed treatment with attentiveness, making you feel more comfortable when sitting in the dental chair.

3. Understand The Treatment

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If the dentist is using a tool that is unfamiliar to you, don’t hesitate to become knowledgeable and fully understand their dental procedures. When reviewing a treatment plan with a Dentist, ask as many questions as you need to ensure that you fully comprehend the course of action. It’s important to stay educated at all times so that you know what to expect before your appointment.

4. Don’t Go Alone

Sometimes people with dental anxiety feel more comfortable with other people around. Bring your spouse, mom, dad or friend to help keep your anxiety at bay. Talking with someone that you feel comfortable with can help manage the level of nervousness that you might otherwise experience alone.

5. Use Relaxation Techniques

Anxiety is effectively treated through many different relaxation techniques. This is also true for dental anxiety. Use deep breathing methods before, during and after the dental appointment to help manage the degree of dental anxiety. Find other distractions that steer your attention from the actual fear itself. For example, playing a game on your phone or reading a magazine in the waiting room helps steer your focus on a different activity. Whatever it is that distracts your anxious mind from the root of your dental fears, use it as a tool to overcome dental anxiety.

If you are delaying dental treatment because of anxiety, don’t let the problem take over your health. It might be comforting to know that modern dental treatment is significantly gentler, softer, and quieter than it has been notorious for in the past. By neglecting routine dental care, you are also risking the chances of oral pain, tooth decay, and other dental health issues down the road. Dental anxiety can be managed, so take a deep breath and beat the stress.

6. Sedation

Should none of the above mentioned suggestions work for you, maybe you should consider sedation dentistry.

Posted in Dental Issues, Sedation Dental Services, Uncategorized | No Comments »

What Does Smoking Do to Your Oral Health?

May 7th, 2018

We all know smoking is bad for our health. In fact, smoking is the number one cause of preventable disease and death in the United States and is linked to 480,000 deaths each year. Despite these stark statistics, about 17% of adults in the United States smoke. One thing smokers may not realize is that smoking can significantly damage their oral health.

Smoking and other forms of tobacco use can stain teeth and cause bad breath. In addition, smoking has been found to alter the microbiome of smokers’ mouths. Our oral microbiomes consist of carefully balanced levels of various bacteria. When these levels are altered, there can be serious health consequences.

Over time, the effects of smoking and tobacco use on oral health can grow more severe. In addition to cavities and gum disease, tobacco use can lead to increased rates of oral cancers.

As you can see, tobacco use is detrimental to your oral health in many ways. Luckily, quitting is always an option and the sooner you quit, the better. Scientists have ever found that your oral microbiome will return to its natural state after you quit smoking, although they have yet to determine exactly how long this takes.

If you’re ready to reclaim your health by quitting smoking, the Dental Center team is here to offer our support. Contact us today to learn more about how smoking can damage your oral health. We also recommend calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW for guidance regarding quitting tobacco usage. We know it will be difficult to quit, but we’re certain you have the strength to do it. Just keep reminding yourself that you deserve a long, healthy, and happy life!

Posted in Gum Disease, Oral Care, Oral Hygiene, Tooth Whitening, Uncategorized | No Comments »

The History of the Tooth Fairy

Apr 21st, 2018

As a dentist, the tooth fairy is particularly close to my heart. She makes the potentially scary event of losing a baby tooth something to look forward to and she encourages good dental hygiene because, after all, no fairy wants to dirty tooth. Recently, I started wondering about the origins of this fairy. How did we begin to tell our children that if they put a tooth beneath their pillow, a fairy would come in the night and take it in exchange for a tooth?

As it turns out, the tooth fairy is a relatively new addition to the folklore of childhood, but the ritualistic disposal of a child’s lost tooth has a long, interesting history. In some cultures, teeth were buried, burned, thrown over a house, or placed near a mouse hole. Over time, the role of the mouse in the disposal of baby teeth grew and, even today, Spanish children leave their teeth for a little rat to take.

In a French story called La Bonne Petite Souris, a good mouse rescues a queen by knocking out the evil king’s teeth. This good mouse then turns out to be a fairy. So, the tooth mouse has become a tooth fairy. It wasn’t until after World War II, however, that the tooth fairy became a part of most American children’s childhoods. This may be thanks, in part, to Tinkerbell and Cinderella, who made fairies a big part of the childhoods of children in the 1950s.

Today, the tooth fairy is an important part of many children’s childhoods. It can also be a great tool for parents who need to encourage better dental hygiene in their children. Just be sure to let them know the tooth fairy likes pearly white teeth!

Posted in Dental Facts, Oral Hygiene, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Learn How To Get Child To Brush Teeth And Still Have Fun

Jul 20th, 2017

If you have a young child, there’s no doubt, getting them to brush their teeth can sometimes be quite challenging. The trick to getting little ones to brush their teeth regularly is to make it a fun activity. If you want to learn how to get child to brush teeth, you need to get into the mindset of the child. Standing there brushing their teeth can be boring to a small child, so turn it into a fun and exciting adventure.

You might be surprised, but many dentists recommend cleaning your child’s gums, before they even get their first tooth. Of course, it won’t be long before that first tooth appears, once that happens, it’s even more important to make sure you establish good dental hygiene habits. There are special brushes made just for babies and toddlers. For example, you can get a small brush with soft bristles, but you can also find a rubber tip that you put on the end of your finger; it has little silicone nubs that can gently clean baby’s teeth and gums. This is an easy way to make sure that you don’t accidentally poke your child when brushing their teeth.

You should also choose a toothpaste made for little ones. Remember, they won’t be able to rinse and spit out the toothpaste, so you’ll need something without fluoride. Of course, this baby/toddler toothpaste also tastes good; certainly, a benefit in getting the kids to brush.

Once your child is old enough to brush on their own, they should have a good idea how to do it; however, if they need a refresher, turn it into a game. One game many kids love is to pretend to look for hidden treasure, they open wide as you excitedly exclaim that you have found a unicorn or other fun treasure your child enjoys. As you discover each treasure the tooth brush goes in for a brushing. You can also sing songs, when a particular song is done, your child knows they are finished brushing.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Warning Signs Of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Jun 30th, 2017

Impacted wisdom teeth are among the most painful and disruptive oral health issues anyone could experience. The pain associated with this condition is typically enough to highlight that something is wrong. However, identifying the problem as early as possible is essential. Below are some warning signs of impacted wisdom teeth:

Puffy Jaw

The initial swelling may be hard to notice; however, it will progressively increase and start to affect chewing motions and how wide your mouth can open.

Consistent Pain at the Sites

This condition could result in a pulsating pain radiating from the sites where the teeth should surface. If the condition worsens, the pain could spread to nearby teeth.

Cysts

Cysts are glaring indications that professional dental care is required. When your wisdom teeth become impacted, a sac could become filled with fluid. This could be quite painful and spread infections to adjacent teeth.

Aching Gums

Impacted wisdom teeth could result in your gums becoming extremely swollen and tender to the touch. In fact, bleeding could start if pressure is applied to the swollen areas. This could cause brushing, flossing and other everyday dental care practices to become tremendously painful. Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth are especially vulnerable to infection; therefore, gum disease could become a real possibility.

Headaches

The abrupt presence of headaches, particularly when combined with other impacted wisdom teeth symptoms, should not be overlooked. A headache could be caused from the temporomandibular joint. This is the area where your jaw and skull meet — the site where the wisdom teeth typically emerge.

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, please call (614) 414-0111 or log on to http://www.eastondentists.com/ immediately. The experienced experts at Easton Dentists will be happy to help. Only professional dental care can alleviate these symptoms. Any delay could result in spreading infection and worsening the condition.

Posted in Dental Issues, Dental Procedures, Emergency Dentist, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Teeth Whitening Resolution?

Jan 31st, 2017

New Year and resolutions go hand in hand. These resolutions are promises people make to themselves to get rid of a particular bad habit or develop a specific good habit. However, most resolutions don’t stand the test of time as they’re unreasonable or difficult to start with. Therefore, it’s important to take up a resolution that adds value and is also easy to implement. Teeth whitening can be one such New Year resolution. If you believe a fresh, white smile is what you need, the following teeth whitening treatments shall help you.

1. Tray and Gel

A tray-and-gel setup is a potent teeth whitening method that you need to work on with a dentist. The gel contains 10 to 15 percent hydrogen peroxide, which is the primary constituent of every teeth whitening product on the market. The dentist will custom fit the mold with your mouth and give you the whitening gel and tray for use at home. The tray makes sure the gel is applied evenly, ensuring some extremely impressive results.

2. Whitening Treatment Course

Another popular teeth whitening treatment option dentists provide is a series of treatments that last 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll require multiple sessions before you could notice results. This treatment is more expensive and more effective than the previous method as the hydrogen peroxide content here is 35 percent.

Foods to Avoid

There is a negative correlation between certain foods and whiter teeth. Some foods cause the teeth to lose their pearly white hue and are called “staining foods”. They are dark soups, dark chocolate, beets, dark marinades, tomato and soy sauces, blueberries, and dark beverages (coffee, wine, colored juices, etc.). Generally, Indian and Spanish cuisine could darken teeth thanks to their higher use of curry and tomato sauces.

It’s hard to imagine not eating these aforementioned food items forever, but you can certainly keep the consumption and frequency as low as possible. Also, these foods are strictly not recommended right after a teeth whitening session.

Conclusion

You may try at-home teeth whitening remedies, but remember they won’t be as effective or safe as in-office teeth whitening treatments since some foods are acidic and may cause tooth sensitivity issues. Needless to say, it’s not wise to experiment with your already vulnerable teeth.

Should you like to schedule an appointment for teeth whitening at The Dental Center please call 614-414-0111.

Posted in Columbus Ohio Teeth Whitening, Dental Benefits, Dental Procedures, Uncategorized | No Comments »

What to Do When You Develop a Cold Sore

Jan 31st, 2014

Cold sores are unattractive and painful, but there are some viable prescription and over-the-counter remedies to help expedite the healing process. In his blog, Dr. Robert G. Tupac, D.D.S., F.A.C.P., suggests using antiviral medications if the cold sore is caught early or if you are prone to them. These medications include acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex) and can be prescribed by your dentist.

Lidocaine and benzocaine (commonly known as Zilactin) are topical ointments that can be purchased at your local drugstore without a prescription. Never use more than the recommended dosage or on children younger than age two without doctor’s direction.

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, Tylenol, or Advil help alleviate pain and discomfort. If you choose not to take any type of oral medications, placing ice or a warm compress on the blister may offer some relief. Dr. Tupac stresses that the most important thing to remember about treating cold sores is to let them heal and not squeeze, pinch, or pick at any sore.

If you have a cold sore that will not heal or is causing you significant discomfort, seek treatment from a dental expert immediately.