The Dental Center At Easton Town Center

Most people would not mind whiter teeth.  As you can guess, the staff at The Dental Center at Easton think whiter teeth are great!.  Whiter teeth can have a possitive impact on your appearance, making you look healthier and encourage more self-confidence during social engagements. Sound good to you?

Though there are a number of toothpastes on the market that claim to whiten and brighten your smile better than others, the truth is that virtually every brand of toothpaste contains an abrasive formula that helps to scrub away stains.  Some brands are more abrasive than others, making them slightly more effective at removing light stains on the surface of your teeth but none of them can do the job fully.

Unfortunately, even the toughest toothpaste will be unable to remove the deep stains that tend to accumulate as we age.  Beverages such as coffee and tea, habits such as smoking, and darkly pigmented foods like berries can darken the teeth over the course of years.  Some of our patients even have tooth discoloration as the result of a childhood illness or a tetracycline medication that was administered while the enamel was still forming.  You will need to find some other solution for complete satisfaction.

One solution considered to brighten smiles and eliminate these tough stains, many people have considered a professional bleaching product.  For most patients, bleaching works particularly well for teeth that are yellowish in tone.  Teeth that are brownish in tone also tend to respond well to whitening solutions as well.  Grayish teeth are typically more difficult to brighten, but specially formulated whitening products can dramatically improve their appearance.  Essentially, no matter the degree of tooth discoloration, there are ways to at least make your teeth a little whiter and brighter.

Dental restorations on the front teeth such as bonding or tooth-colored fillings cannot be whitened with bleaching material.  The shade of these artificial materials won’t respond to bleaching.  However, they can be replaced to match the shade of your new, whiter smile.

While it is difficult to predict the final result of your teeth whitening treatment, there is a whitening option that is just right for you.  Fortunately, The Dental Center at Easton has the trained professionals that can determine which treatment will yield the best results.  Give us a call today to learn how you can get your teeth whiter.

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.

3-2-1…Happy New Year! Most people enjoy ringing in the new year with a kiss from someone special, but the number one deal-breaker when it comes to kissing is bad breath. Unfortunately, some people with bad breath aren’t even aware there’s a problem. Dr Brad Gilmer in Columbus Ohio can help you determine if your breath problems are caused by an oral problem and then develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it.

Pay attention to what you order for dinner. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to bad breath. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily. Odors continue until the body eliminates the food. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.

If you don’t brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor.

Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth.

Tobacco products cause bad breath. If you use tobacco, ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.

Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment.

Maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take.

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth.

Dr. Gilmer & staff wish you a happy new year and great dental health throughout 2020!

Even though most people only associate family dentists with taking care of families, and even though the term “family dentist” contains the qualifier “family,” these dental practitioners are in fact for everyone! Truth be told, the term “family dentist” is something of a misnomer. A family dentist is a dentist for everyone, even if you don’t have little ones running amok. All other types of dentists specialize in one age group or specific type of treatment.

It’s easy to think that you don’t need to go to the dentist if you’re taking good care of your teeth. There are two things very wrong with this line of reasoning. Most likely, you probably don’t take as good of care of your teeth as you think and a dentist or dental professional can clean your teeth much better than you ever could. Your teeth don’t need to be super cleaned every day, but every six months or so will make a world of difference. Think about your car – sure, you wash it, keep it clean and put gas in it. But you still need to take it to qualified professional for maintenance like oil changes and fluid flushes. You need to treat your teeth the same way.

When you’re looking for a dentist in the Columbus, Ohio area (such as Dr. Gilmer), you’re really looking for qualities that you would want in a friend. If he or she looks you in the eye and is interested in what you have to say, then the dentist truly may have a vested interest in your teeth. Being comfortable with the person working on your teeth instills trust, and in turn, does not give you a reason to avoid them. Sound logical?

Porcelain dental veneers are one of the most versatile, low-pain, and quick methods of cosmetic dentistry. Dental veneers can address almost every cosmetic issue you may have about your teeth- from fixing the appearance of crooked teeth, improving discolored teeth, and even fixing spaces between teeth.

There are several reasons most veneers are made of porcelain. Porcelain is a material that closely imatates your natural teeth.  When you get your veneers installed, the difference between the veneers and your own teeth is hardly noticable! Porcelain is a very strong, yet translucent material that is resistant to stains. Just think about the fact that porcelain has been used in teacups for centuries because of its delicate appearance and resistance to tea and coffee stains, and you can see why it’s the most popular material for dental veneers.

Your dental veneers will be designed to match your natural teeth as much as possible. Ask your dentist about bleaching your teeth before ordering your veneers’ color, before the procedure- so your existing smile and your new veneers will be the shade you desire.

Not only can veneers help cosmetically, they’ll also help improve strength and functionality for your teeth. They are particularly helpful for teeth with worn enamel or minimal damage. And dental veneers generally involve minimal pain and discomfort, with little to no side effects or recovery. You care for them just like your regular teeth- brushing, flossing, and keeping your regular dental check-ups.

When considering all of the benefits dental veneers offer, and all of the cosmetic and physical issues they can address, you’re probably interested in talking to Dr. Gilmer at our local Columbus Ohio office about this option. After the veneers are placed, you‘ll be walking out of the dentist’s office with a brand new smile!

A missing tooth used to be a permanent problem, but now has a permanent solution: dental implants.  Patients in the Columbus area who have missing teeth can greatly benefit from dental implants both cosmetically and functionally.

Though it is a relatively common procedure, this innovative method of tooth replacement can be implemented by only the most technically skilled dentists, such as Dr. Gilmer.

The procedure begins with a comprehensive oral exam, a full set of X-rays, and a complete review of the patient’s medical history.  Before the individual is determined to be a good candidate for dental implants, a complete review of the patient’s oral habits is taken into consideration.  A treatment plan is created to meet the specific needs of the patient and, by the end of the initial visit with cosmetic dentistry services, the patient will have a full understanding of what the treatment entails and the cost associated with it.

Patients with a long history of missing teeth or poor oral hygiene typically do not qualify for placement of implants.  Soft tissue contours and changes over time and cannot be rebuilt without extensive surgical procedures that involve modifications to the existing gingiva.  If any widespread soft tissue discrepancies are noted by the dentist, the patient will be presented with other options of tooth replacement.

After the implants have been placed and the healing process is completed, the restoration process begins.  Single crowns or bridges are fabricated to imitate the patient’s natural smile.  Porcelain restorations are placed over the implants and seamlessly blend with the existing teeth.  Fully edentulous (toothless) patients benefit from the application of dentures mimicking their natural smile line.  Dental implants serve as anchors and help with the retention of the dentures and quality of chewing and speech patterns.  Proper facial tissue support provided by superbly manufactured dentures elevates the patient’s confidence and correct how the jaw lines up.  Nothing can replace the effect a smile can have on a person but the right, competent dentist can replace and mend the teeth in a smile.

The costs of dental implants may be of concern to you.  The Dental Center at Easton may be able to offer you a payment plans or other financing options to help alleviate the financial burden of this life changing treatment option.  We know that a smile is often worth more than monetary value so we are willing to work with patients to give them the best smile possible.  If you have any questions, or would like more information, please feel free to contact our Easton Town Center dental office in Columbus Ohio at 614-414-0111.

When you were a pre-teen, probably one of the scariest things you could imagine was coming back from the dentist’s office with braces. Once you became an adult, you were probably relieved that you escaped your teens without having a mouthful of metal.

Surprisingly, many adults get braces, too. Why? Many people did not get braces when they were young because either their parents could not afford braces, or their teeth could not be straightened with the techniques of 40 years ago. Now they have problems with their teeth and gums, get indigestion all the time or they are just unhappy with their smile.

Other people did have orthodontic treatment when they were young, but they did not wear their retainers until they stopped growing (little known fact: you should wear your retainer until you are 24). The result is that their teeth are now a little bit crooked. Now they are unhappy with their smile so they get braces too.

As much as 25 percent of the orthodontic treatment being done is being done on adult patients. Most adults get orthodontic treatment because they realize that taking care of your smile is part of taking care of yourself.

Of course, the idea of revisiting the nightmare of your teen years is a bit intimidating—for example, in an episode of “Sex and the City,” Miranda briefly wore braces, only to have them removed because she was incredibly self-conscious about them.

Thankfully, many dentists (including us!) offer Invisalign, which is an alignment device that is clear, as well as much more comfortable than the traditional metal braces. Invisalign is removable, so you would take them out to eat, drink, and brush, greatly reducing the chance of decay that comes with metal braces. With Invisalign, you “graduate” to a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks. The aligners give less force per week and less pain than do fixed appliances.

Look at your smile – your smile is the most important feature on your face. Are you happy with your smile now? Does your smile look as good as it did when you were younger? What do you think about someone who has a pleasing smile – do you find them attractive? What do you think about someone who has an awful smile – do they look old and haggard? At the end of orthodontic treatment, people’s smiles end up looking fabulous.

If you’re missing a tooth, due to an accident, an extraction, or gum disease, you know it’s a cause for concern. Not only is a missing tooth, especially in the front of the mouth, unsightly- it can affect the alignment of your existing teeth and even cause problems in chewing.

Luckily, there’s an answer in dental implants. You can replace a single tooth with a properly placed implant, which will preserve the appearance of your existing teeth and restore your smile.

What is a dental implant, exactly? It’s simply a titanium screw, placed in the bone in between the existing teeth. This “screw” acts just like your existing tooth roots- anchoring the new toot in place. It will be several weeks while the implant bonds to your bone – but after that, your dentist will make a dental crown that fits onto the implant- and you can enjoy your new smile.
Is the surgery painful? Actually, most patients report less discomfort than a normal cavity filling. Local anesthesia takes care of pain during surgery, and pain medication can be prescribed for post-op soreness.

A dentist right here in Columbus Ohio can be the best resource for finding out if a dental implant is right for you. There are factors to consider, including the condition of the existing bone and surrounding teeth, which may impact the effectiveness of the implant. Bone grafts or braces may be required before an implant can be placed.

Replacing missing teeth with dental implants has advantages for almost all patients: improving appearance, oral health, chewing and speaking normally, and improved self-esteem. Talk to Dr. Gilmer today to find out your options for dental implants.

Sports related dental injuries are for real and they do account for some of our emergency care cases.  But now there is a trend towards high performance mouthguards.  It’s a baffling field full of contradictory claims that have left many experts scratching their heads.  Should you buy into the hype?

No longer are athletic mouthguards just something athletes wear to prevent them from visiting the emergency dentist (but, of course, that is why we advocate them!). New athletic mouthguards now actually claim to help athletes perform at their optimal levels.

Performance-enhancing athletic mouthguards seem to be a miracle of modern medicine – the right mouthguard can help the entire body can function at peak capacity. Athletes who invest in these custom mouthguards says they give them improved focus, balance, endurance, and strength. Pro athletes, in sports ranging from golf to boxing to football, have turned to these appliances for an edge over competitors.

Your basic athletic mouthguards are protective and distribute impact to reduce the severity or occurrence of injuries, such as mouth cuts, concussions, and tooth damage. Over-the-counter boil-and-bite varieties offer this protection at a minimal cost to the user. The new-and-improved varieties do this and more.

One type, with the Under Armor name on it makes states:

“ArmourBite® technology with patented Power Wedges™ to increase strength, improve endurance, and reduce athletic stress”

UA Performance Mouthwear mouthguards are intended to stop clenching, which is what triggers the body to overproduce stress hormones such as cortisol, which decreases strength and muscle growth. Cortisol is known to regulate the immune response, but chronic overproduction can have significant negative effects on the body.

Another marketer, NewAge Performance makes a claim:

“90 percent of the population has a bad or poor bite, which causes a mis-alignment in your body. When you have a perfect bite, the body reciprocates with better body alignment, allowing you to perform at a higher level. The New Age mouthpiece fools the body in thinking you have the perfect bite, hence the results being instant.”

It is is not yet known if they truly live up to the claims of physical benefits manufacturers want us to believe. Right now, we have to rely on the users – athletes – for our best information. For many of them, they believe it works.

Regardless if you are a believer or not, one of the most important things to come out of studies on the subject is that none of the mouthguards interfered with the athlete’s performance.  The key is, if the athlete believes in them, that will encourage them to always keep them in their mouth, and that is always a plus.

Root canal treatment is performed when the pulp (core) of a tooth is diseased or damaged. This procedure requires the removal of the pulp followed by filling and sealing the inside areas (the pulp chamber and root canals).

There are a lot of myths surrounding root canal procedures. Many patients fear getting a root canal because they think it’s painful. However, this quite simply isn’t the case. With modern endodontic treatment, root canals are virtually painless. In fact they can actually relieve pain, by removing the cause of the problem causing tooth discomfort.

In addition, a root canal procedure can be the best way to save your natural tooth. Most root canals take an hour or less, and with modern pain medications, the patient will experience no pain whatsoever. Root canal procedures are actually the most comfortable, effective, and safest way to save the natural tooth, without the trauma of extraction, or the time and expense of a prosthetic tooth replacement.

Another concern is the perceived high cost of a root canal. In actuality, a root canal can cost thousands of dollars less than an implant, with much less treatment time.

It’s best to visit to your Columbus dentist on a regular basis (every six months is recommended), take good care of your teeth, and report to your dentist any pain you may be feeling. Preventative dental care may be the best way to avoid root canals. However , in many cases a root canal can be the best way to save the natural tooth. Generally, It’s a painless and very time efficient procedure-nothing to be afraid of.