The Dental Center At Easton Town Center

As they become increasingly popular, people everywhere are more and more curious about dental implants and how they can improve people’s lives.  It seems that many people recognize the immediate benefits of a dental implant but do not really know what it is or what to do after a dental implant has been placed.

To understand a dental implant, you have to first understand the process of getting one.  A dental implant is used to replace dead, dying, or missing teeth.  They help cosmetically in completing a smile but they also aid in overall dental health.

• Before one is placed, a screw is inserted into the jawbone to act as an anchor for the implant.  It is allowed to heal before the actual dental implant is placed.

• To create a perfect match, your dentist will craft a unique replacement tooth for your dental implant.  To look as natural as possible, your dental implant will match your other teeth in size, color, and shape.

• Once your jaw is healed and your replacement tooth is made, your dentist will permanently insert it into your mouth.  This will leave you with a natural looking, fully functioning replacement tooth.

• After your dental implant has been inserted, it will require the same treatment and care as the rest of your teeth.  You absolutely do not need to do anything special to maintain the look and feel of your dental implant.

Dental implants are the most effective and longest lasting way to replace damaged or missing teeth.  Very often, dental implants are the tool of choice for dentists looking to give their patients the best, most natural smile possible.  With a solid treatment plan and top notch dental care, the dentists at The Dental Center at Easton can help give anyone the smile they’ve dreamt of.  Call to set up your appointment today.

Your teeth are supposed to be and should be your ally.  They should be the white, bright representation of how you feel on the inside.  Ideally, they should be as cheerful and inviting as your own personality.  However, as we age, our teeth can easily show unwarranted signs of aging that we may not ourselves feel.        

            Even with very attentive care, our teeth can show wear and tear that not only makes them look older; they make us feel older whenever we smile.  Unfortunately, teeth can show age in many different ways.

• Dark teeth.  From daily use, your teeth will naturally become darker with age.  This yellow tint has the unwanted effect of making you look much older and much unhealthier than you actually are.
• Stained dental work.  If you’ve had work done many years ago, there is a good chance that it may not be holding up as well as you’d like.  Because it is not structured like your natural teeth, traditional toothpastes and whiteners may not work as well on your dental work.
• Gum Recession.  If you’ve never heard the phrase “long in the tooth,” it means something is getting older.  The look of being long in the tooth can be exacerbated very easily by gum recession, making you look much older much quicker.
• Worn teeth.  No matter how well you take care of your teeth, there may be no way to avoid wearing them down.  From regular chewing to teeth grinding, your teeth can easily be worn down over the years.

This all sounds like your teeth stand no chance but, in reality, any damage done to your teeth can be fixed by a great dentist.  By setting up an appointment with The Dental Center at Easton (in Columbus Ohio), you can reverse the look of aging teeth today!

Everyone wants the perfect smile.  Many of us spend a good portion of our lives in braces and other types of orthodontia just so that we can show our pearly whites with pride.  We brush our teeth and floss but sometimes it is just not enough.  Unfortunately, some things in dentistry are out of our control.

Even if you have perfectly healthy teeth, damage can occur.  So what happens if you trip, fall, and completely break a tooth?  Maybe visit a Columbus Cosmetic Dentist?

That’s one of the instances in which dental implants can be used.

A dental implant is a screw that is inserted into the jaw bone.  This screw acts as an anchor for the new replacement tooth.  The replacement tooth, once placed, will be completely indistinguishable from any other tooth in the patient’s mouth.  This is a permanent solution for many different types of problems with teeth.

• Missing Tooth.  A missing tooth can instantly diminish the quality of a smile and it is not something that can be easily hid.  A Dental Implant can be the simple fix to help restore your smile to its glory.
• Missing a Few Teeth.  Not only will missing a few teeth make you want to refrain from smiling, it will also hurt the health of the rest of your teeth.  Open gums are far more vulnerable to infection and pain.  A Dental Implant can help fix this.
• Missing Many Teeth with Jaw Damage.  This is more severe but it can be fixed.  Through a graft of bone onto the jaw, a 6-8 month healing period, and a series of Dental Implants, your smile can become what you always wanted.

A Dental Implant can be a great advantage for both your smile and your health.  Call the dental experts at the Dental Center at Easton to see how you can benefit from a Dental Implant.

In Columbus Ohio, we talk all the time about what you can do to help improve your smile with things like teeth whitening, veneers, and dental implants.  However, did you know that there are good reasons to smile that go beyond just being happy?

It’s true.  The simple act of smiling can be quite beneficial to your overall health and it’s even been proven in scientific testing.  The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry performed an independent study to determine exactly how much smiling can help a person.  The results are astounding and they should give you reason to smile!

1. Smiling is proven to make you more attractive.  That attraction can manifest in many different ways, though.  A good smile can be seen by different people as a sign being successful, trustworthy, outgoing, likeable, honest, and even more intelligent.  These perceptions are triggered in the subconscious mind.  Beyond that, attractive people have been proven to have the opportunity to earn 12%-27% more income and have more options in dating and marriage.  All this from having a great smile!
2. Smiling can make you happier.  It may seem like a strange concept but if you begin smiling, your mood will improve.  A smile tells your brain that you are in a good mood and so it will make you start feeling better.  This little trick is a great way to stay bright and cheery.
3. Smiling is an integral part in any society.  While handshakes and other gestures vary with differing cultures, smiling is a universal sign of happiness.  It is one of the few expressions recognized without question all over the world.  This fact really does put a new spin on the idea that when you smile, the world smiles with you!
4. Smiling helps to ensure a positive impression.  You never know when you’ll happen upon someone who might be important to your life.  If you turned the corner and bumped into your crush or your idol, wouldn’t you rather be smiling?  This is especially true of first impressions.  The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found that 88% of people claim they would remember someone with an attractive smile.
5. Smiling is easy!  The best part about smiling is that it can only take a few muscles to do.  Smiling will benefit you exponentially but it can be done by anyone at any time.

Unfortunately, only about half of all Americans are pleased with their smile.  With affordable and simple solutions to nearly any smile predicament, the experts here at The Dental Center at Easton (in Columbus, OH) are more than happy to help you smile more!  Give us a call today and start smiling!

At The Dental Center at Easton, we’re experts on cosmetic dentistry and how it can help patients obtain a straighter, more beautiful smile.  Measures like teeth whitening, bonding, and dental bridges can help achieve the perfect smile but there are still more ways to improve the look, and sometimes even the feel of your teeth.

Dental contouring is about as straight forward as it sounds.  It is simply reshaping teeth to get a better look or feel for the patient.  You could even think of it as smoothing out the rough edges of your teeth.  It’s not meant to give your teeth a dramatically new profile, just a few small changes to the shape of your teeth that can have very beneficial results.

• Dental contouring is painless.  This process involves no penetration into your teeth or gums so you will not feel the nerve pain that can be associated with some other procedures.  The reshaping simply consists of removing miniscule amounts enamel from the exterior or interior part of the tooth.  In instances like dental contouring, not much is needed because a little off the top can produce noticeable results.
• Dental contouring improves the look of teeth.  If your teeth have small, abnormal protrusions, they can easily be remedied with this procedure.  Afraid of fangs?  No need to worry when you can just round off the ends of especially pointy teeth with tooth reshaping.
• Dental contouring may help your bite.  A bite that does not line your jaw up properly can result in pain down the road.  The easiest way to avoid that pain and trouble is take care of the problem as soon as possible.  Teeth reshaping will help to eliminate the problem by creating perfectly aligned teeth.  Because it is such a powerful option in terms of dental care, dental contouring may even be able to be used instead of braces for some patients.
• Dental contouring is a cost effective treatment.  When considering the time and money that could be spent on dental procedures, teeth reshaping becomes a very attractive option.  It takes care of the immediate problem at a fraction of the cost of other dental procedures.

We live in a time when there are solutions to nearly every problem.  Dental contouring has proven itself to be a quick and simple solution to several different problems that can arise in teeth.  If you’d like to find out if dental contouring is right for you, give us a call today.

Not unlike plastic surgery, cosmetic dentistry places a larger focus on outward appearances than on strictly medical enhancements.  While there can be medical benefits, cosmetic surgery typically aims to increase the look of teeth first and foremost.   Though not as well-known as plastic surgery, cosmetic dentistry is also typically less noticeable than plastic surgery.

As with all things in life, there are varying levels of quality when it comes to which dentist provides your cosmetic dentistry.  Unsightly dental work performed in the past can hinder a person’s confidence and make them self-conscious about their appearance.  Bad dental work also results in poor occlusion, improper chewing, infections, and tooth loss.  Our dentists at The Dental Center at Easton offer several methods of improving a patient’s smile and facial esthetics through specialized cosmetic dentistry solutions.

• Tooth Colored Fillings.  Existing amalgam or silver fillings can be replaced by tooth colored materials.  Although durable, the silver fillings darken and fracture over time, leaving gaps between the tooth structure and the filling.  Plaque and bacteria accumulate in the pits and fissures of the tooth leading to infections and pain.  Most amalgam restorations can be replaced with a sturdy composite material that matches the natural pigmentation of the teeth.  This new filling will not only perform better, it will also look much more natural in your mouth.

• Crowns and Bridges.  Excessive tooth structure loss and root canal treatments often require the application of crowns and bridges.  Bad dental work can also be corrected by this technique and provide the patient with a beautiful smile.  Our Easton Town Center dentists will carefully inspect the health status of each tooth and determine if the patient can benefit from this procedure using state of the art technology to achieve esthetically pleasing results. We believe that a healthy smile helps create a beautiful smile.

• Porcelain Veneers.  Permanent discoloration of anterior teeth can be corrected with the creation of veneers. This method of improving the patient’s smile is a great alternative to more invasive procedures.  Veneers are typically recommended by our dentist for patients with severely discolored teeth.  No matter the damage done, we can fix it with uniquely crafted veneers.

Your cosmetic dentistry should be tailored specifically to you so that’s what we do here at The Dental Center at Easton Town Center (in Columbus, Ohio).  If you have any questions, or would like more information, please feel free to contact our dental office at 614-414-0111.

Welcome to the first dental health quiz from the Dental Center at Easton Town Center!  We’ve provided a few questions to test your dental mental acuity.  Read through, pick your answers, and check them beneath.

Good luck!

1) What is the recommendation from the American Dental Association for brushing and flossing?

a) Once a day

b) Twice a day

c) Once a week

d) Three times a day

2) At what age should a child be seen by a dentist?

a) When the first baby tooth comes in

b) Before the start of kindergarten

c) When the child has discomfort

d) Before second grade

3) What do tree branches, wild boar hair and nylon have in common?

a) They all have been made into toothbrushes at one time or another

b) Dentists have used these items for filling materials

c) All can be found in a modern dental office

d) Nothing

4) Which is healthier for your teeth – chocolate, raisins, chewing gum, or hard candy?

a) Chocolate

b) Raisins

c) Chewing gum

d) Hard Candy

5) In one appointment, on one patient, what is the most teeth Dr. Gilmer has extracted?

a) Four

b) Eight

c) Twenty Eight

d) Sixteen

Correct Answers:

1) D: Brushing and flossing after every meal is imperative to preventing cavities and other dental conditions

2) A: Familiarizing a child with our office makes the child more comfortable over time

3) A: People have been concerned about their dental hygiene since Egyptian times.  Ancient tombs contained small tree branches with ends frayed into soft fibers.  In the 15^th century, the Chinese made toothbrushes from the neck hairs of the Siberian wild boar.  The present day nylon toothbrush was invented in 1937.

4) A: Sticky foods, such as raisins, and heavily sugared foods can stick to teeth and cause more decay.

5) C: Dr. Gilmer once extracted an entire mouthful of teeth!

Though there are relatively simple techniques for curing nightly teeth grinding, it is estimated that at least 10% of Americans still suffer from it for various reasons.  It’s possible they don’t know the risks of teeth grinding.  It’s possible they just can’t find the solution to their teeth grinding problems.  It’s even possible they have no idea they’re doing it.

Fixing teeth grinding is crucial to your overall dental health.  If done for extended periods of time, teeth grinding can lead to cracked teeth, receding gums, a misaligned jaw, shoulder and neck pain, and even headaches.

Teeth grinding can be attributed to several different factors.  In some cases, people grind their teeth because they did it as a child and never outgrew the habit.  Other people may grind their teeth as some sort of stress induced tic.  For others still, teeth grinding may be a symptom of a larger, more deeply rooted psychiatric issue.

However, there is also support that teeth grinding may just be the result of poor muscle control or overeating before bed.  No matter the cause of teeth grinding, the important thing is to stop it as soon as possible to reduce the risk of bigger complications down the line.

After you’ve learned of your teeth grinding, it is in your best interest to take care of the issue immediately.  Luckily, there are a few simple measures from your Columbus dentists to take to ensure the health and longevity of your teeth.

• To address the immediate concerns of teeth grinding, find and wear some kind of protective nightguard.  This will prevent your teeth from grinding against each other during the night.  However, there may still exist some underlying issues that a nightguard will not cure.
• If teeth grinding is caused by a more deeply rooted psychological issue, it may be in your best interest to engage in some stress management techniques.  Your local dentist can provide you with tips and tricks to help alleviate these persistent problems.  By addressing the problem, you give yourself a better chance at permanently fixing the issue.
• If your teeth grinding seems to be caused by some type of muscular issue, medications are available to help.  Getting a prescription for some type of muscle relaxer should contribute to curing any teeth grinding issues.

Trying one or all of these solutions may be the cure you and your teeth need.  Remember though, it is important to consult your Columbus, Ohio dentist before trying any of these measures.  If you have more questions about teeth grinding, give us a call!

It always happens this time of year in Columbus.  Noses start running, eyes get red; people are getting the flu.  During cold and flu season, getting sick seems like an inevitability.  No matter where you go in Ohio, someone is always sniffling or coughing.  It almost seems like the only way to avoid cold and flu season is to stay locked up in your own home and wait for spring to arrive.

Luckily, though, we have a few simple steps you can take to stay healthy during flu season without completely neglecting the outside world.  One of the least thought of places where bacteria thrives is a toothbrush.  Think about it, you use one to get germs off your teeth but then what do you do to get germs off your toothbrush?  As dentists in Columbus, Ohio, here’s what we can advise you to start doing.

1. For a thorough cleaning, put the head of your toothbrush in a cup of antibacterial mouthwash.  By letting your toothbrush soak overnight, you allow the antibacterial mouthwash to kill all the germs that typically live between its bristles.
2. During the day, soak your toothbrush in a small container of hydrogen peroxide.  This agent has been used for years to help clean stubborn stains; it will do the same thing for your toothbrush.  The best part is, hydrogen peroxide is safe enough for you to use this trick every day, just make sure you change it out after every use.
3. For a more intense clean, boil your toothbrush in water for three minutes.  This action will be a little harder on the life of your toothbrush but the extreme heat will kill most of the bacteria on your brush.
4. If you’re looking to sanitize your toothbrush, you may already have a sanitizer in your kitchen.  Stick your toothbrush in your dishwasher for a cycle without soap.  The heat and water pressure will get your toothbrush absolutely clean.
5. If you like gadgets, find yourself a UV toothbrush sanitizer.  These tools combine dry heat and steam with a powerful UV light to kill 99.9% of all germs on your toothbrush.  A UV toothbrush sanitizer will get your toothbrush about as clean as it can get.

During cold and flu season, it’s important to take every possible step to ensure your health, especially in Columbus.  Keeping your toothbrush clean is the smart and simple way to keep your mouth as free of germs as possible.  For more tips on good oral hygiene, follow us on Facebook!

If you ever have any questions concerning your health, it is always a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor.  However, trying to make it into your doctor’s schedule could take weeks or even months.

Since you are the best advocate for your own health, you need to make sure that you are taking care of yourself.  No one knows what is normal for you like you do.

Luckily, there are a few simple things you can check on your own to help monitor your health.  These quick and easy examinations are the simple way to assess your health and keep you in the best shape possible.

1. Examine your saliva.  Sounds weird but stick with us.  Your saliva is a barometer for your dental health.  The liquid in your mouth should move freely and cover your teeth, gums, and tongue.  If your saliva is especially thick or barely there at all, you could begin to suffer from it.  A dry mouth is a breeding ground for tooth decay and oral infection.  If you’re lucky, the easy solution to thick saliva is to drink more water.  A healthy flow of water is good for your body and great for your mouth.  If that doesn’t work, there are mouth moisturizers that may help you.
2. What color is your tongue?  If your tongue looks more pale than usual, you may be suffering from an iron deficiency.  Iron helps keep the immune system in working order so it is vital that you maintain a balanced level of it in your body.  If your iron deficiency is minor, it can be remedied by simply eating more iron-rich foods like kale, spinach, liver, eggs, and beef.  If your beef, liver, and kale salad doesn’t get your tongue looking right, you may want to see your dentist for more help.
3. Your gums shouldn’t hurt.  This may seem like common knowledge but if your gums are in pain, it’s typically bad news.  Brushing your teeth should not automatically cause your gums to turn red and start bleeding.  Healthy gums actually enjoy a good cleaning.  Get on a routine of brushing your teeth when you wake up and before you go to bed and if your gums continue to hurt, see your dentist.  Painful gums could be a sign of gum disease which needs to be taken care of as quickly as possible.

By checking your oral health, you’re checking your overall health.  If you want a professional to check out your mouth, let us know at The Dental Center at Easton Town Center!