Healthy Smiles Make the New Year Happy!

 
At Steppler Dental, we wish you a happy new year! We all know that an important part of enjoying your life is being healthy and pain-free. And there is great freedom in being able to smile uninhibitedly, proud of the appearance of your teeth and the image you portray to others.

You can count on Dr. Steppler and his team to keep up with the latest and greatest dental technology and provide you with dental care in a kind and caring environment so that you can reach your dental health goals.

In the upcoming year we will be adding informative and interesting blogging to our list of new year resolutions in our practice!  So check back for news worthy dental news and research about a range of dental issues, from the benefits of porcelain veneers for smile makeovers and cosmetic dentistry, replacing missing teeth with bridges or implants, to the benefits of clear braces with Invisalign.

Achieving the smile of your dreams starts one day at a time and we can help you reach those goals. If you have any questions about smile changes, cosmetic dentistry or Invisalign, don't hesitate to call us at 314-965-3500.

Make 2012 the first year in a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Velscope - Oral Cancer Screening

Dr. Steppler added the VELscope oral cancer screening system to our practice's standard of care! This is cutting edge technology.  Every hour of every day, one person dies of Oral Cancer in North America. Its five-year mortality rate of approximately 50% is higher than that of breast cancer, cervical cancer and skin melanoma, and its incidence and mortality are rising. An increasing number of victims of this deadly and disfiguring disease are younger females and males who do not use tobacco or alcohol.

One potential reason for this trend, is that oral cancer has been associated with a strain of the sexually-transmitted human papilloma virus (HPV). This means that anyone who is sexually active is at risk for mouth cancer. Until recently, the primary method for detecting mouth cancer has been a visual screening that relies on the naked eye view of the oral cavity under white, or incandescent, light as well as palpation. Unfortunately, cancers are often apparent under these conditions only when they are at or near the surface of the mouth or tongue, which in many cases happens only in late stages. Often times, too late.

Now, however, there is new hope in the form of a breakthrough technology with the VELscope. Dr. Steppler uses the VELscope technology, called tissue fluorescence visualization, to shine a safe blue light into the oral cavity that excites the mucosal tissue. When viewed through the patented handpiece filters, abnormal tissue typically appears as an irregular, dark area that stands out against the otherwise green fluorescence pattern of surrounding healthy tissue. If abnormal tissue is detected and determined to be a potential cause for concern, our practice will refer the patient for biopsy and diagnosis.

Early detection is the key to saving lives from deadly oral cancer, and the VELscope technology is helping us do that.

Digital X-ray Technology

Digital radiography:

The computer era has brought us to an exciting new technology called digital radiography.  With this technology, we use computertized equipment and software to capture x-ray images of your mouth and teeth.  We do this by exposing a small sensor or plate that feeds the image into a computer.

The advantages of digital radiography:

Digital radiography has many advantages over traditional dental x-rays:

• they are faster
• they are safer, with no chemical development and less radiation
• we can view images instantly
• we can enhance images to improve viewing
• images can be stored electronically and emailed to specialists and insurance companies

There's no waiting for chemical development, as with film packets.  It's also faster because the x-rays are avilable within moments on the computer monitor, with no development step in between.

The lack of chemicals also makes digital x-rays safer for the environment.  Digital radiography is safe for you, too.  Because the unit is so sensitive, the amount of x-ray radiation is up to 80% less than with conventional x-rays.

With digital radiography, Dr. Steppler offers you faster and safer diagnosis and dental treatment.

Rooth Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy:

When the pulp of a tooth becomes infected or dies, root canal therapy is necessary to save the tooth.  It is generally a comfortable treatment that can save your tooth and keep your mouth healthy.

Symptoms of infection:

• tooth is sensitive to hot or cold
• tooth hurts with biting or pressure
• tooth is throbbing, severe tooth pain
• area is swollen
• you have a bad taste in your mouth

Causes of infection:

The pulp of the tooth becomes infected when bacteria invades the inner layers of the tooth.  The tooth pulp is a soft tissue made up of nerves and blood vessels.  It is contained in the pulp chamber that extends from the middle of the tooth down through the tooth roots.

Infection occurs most commonly through a deep cavity that allows the bacteria through the enamel and dentin layers and into the pulp.  Sometimes the pulp simply dies due to a fracture or a blow to the tooth.

Diagnosis and treatment:

To determine if your tooth has an infected pulp, Dr. Steppler will do a thorough examination.  The exam often includes x-rays and sometimes includes checking the health of the pulp with a pulp tester.  We may also apply heat or cold, tap lightly on the tooth to see if it is sensitive, look for changes in the tooth's color, or press gently on the gums next to the tooth to check for pain.

If Dr. Steppler determines that you have an infected tooth, we talk with you about root canal therapy to remove the infection and save the tooth.  It is important to treat an infected tooth in order to prevent the infection from spreading through the root tips and causing a painful abscess in the jawbone.

Teeth Development

Throughout your life, you will have two sets of teeth: primary (baby) teeth and secondary (permanent) teeth.  At age 6-8 months, the primary teeth appear; all 20 are in place by age three.

Permanent teeth will begin to grow around age six, and except for wisdom teeth, are all present between ages twelve and fourteen.  The next teeth to grow in are the 12-year molars and finally the wisdom teeth (3rd molars).  Wisdom teeth typically begin breaking through from age seventeen and on.  The total number of permanent teeth is 32, though few people have room for all 32 teeth.  This is why wisdom teeth are usually removed from the oral cavity.

Your front teeth are called incisors.  The sharp pointed teeth are the canines.  The next side teeth are referred to as pre-molars or bicuspids, and the back teeth used for chewing are molars.  Your permanent teeth are the ones you will keep for life, so it's important that they are brushed and flossed regularly and that periodic dental check-ups by a dentist are followed.

Teeth Development

Oral Health Helps Overall Health

As if good teeth are not a sufficient reason to keep your gums and mouth in peak condition, your overall good health is ample motivation.

Gum disease - gingivitis - commonly caused by inadequate brushing and flossing, and lack of regular professional cleanings, is present in about 90% of the population; that in turn leads to more serious periodontal disease, which causes or exacerbates other bodily health issues, including holistic well-being.

Conditions caused directly by gingivitis and periodontal disease include:  bad breath, gum abscesses, tooth loss, digestive disorders and oral pain.  Plus it results in greater health care costs to you.  Prevention is better than the cure!

Because the micro-organisms and bacteria in your mouth travel into your bloodstream, your mouth becomes the gateway to your overall health.  For example, there is a labor-inducing fluid in oral bacteria that is proven to cause premature and low-weight births.  In diabetics, who are more susceptible to various other diseases, studies show that regular professional dental cleanings helps control their blood sugar levels.

Most of the oral bacteria that enters the blood stream are harmless, but in a weakened heart or compromised immune system, opportunistic bacteria increase the risk of stroke or heart attack.  Periodontal disease can also worsen respiratory problems and complicate osteoporosis.

Be sure to brush twice a day and floss daily, but there is no substitute for regular professional cleanings to prevent gum disease.  Call us today!

ZOOM! Ignite the White!

The Zoom! Chairside Whitening System is a scientifically advanced tooth whitening procedure.  It's safe, effective and fast.  In only one office visit, your teeth will become dramatically whiter.  Zoom! Chairside Whitening is ideal for anyone looking for immediate results.  The convenience of Zoom! makes it the perfect choice for the busy individual.

The procedure is simple.  It begins with a short preparation to cover your lips and gums, leaving only your teeth exposed.  The Zoom! Dental Professional then applies the Zoom! Whitening Gel, which was scientifically designed to be used with the Zoom! Lamp.  The Zoom! Lamp and Whitening Gel work together to gently penetrate your teeth, breaking up stains and discoloration.  With proper care and maintenance, your smile will have a lasting sparkle.

We offer the "in-office" whitening procedure by 'ZOOM!' which can whiten your teeth as many as 8 shades in about two hours. As we include take home bleaching trays and "touch-up" bleach, your teeth will stay white for years to come.  Contact us here for an appointment request to schedule a consultation to see if you're a candidate to do the Zoom! Tooth Whitening. 

Don't Lose Your End of Year Insurance Benefits!

We know that by now, you understand that any advice we give to you is out of genuine concern for your well-being.  Whether we recommend a treatment plan, suggest a lifestyle change or encourage you to use up your annual insurance benefits, our sole motive is to help you achieve optimal oral health.

As we get close to the end of the year, time starts to run out for you to make the most of your dental insurance before it expires December 31st.  It could also be an advantage to go ahead with your dental care and get started on some of it this year, while rolling into the new year and complete your recommended treatment with the new years benefits! 

Please take a moment to check your remaining insurance maximum...then call us to schedule an appointment and make the most of your benefits!

Cracked Tooth Syndrome

When you feel sharp pain during biting functions, a cusp of a tooth may crack and start flexing.  If this is the situation then you will experience cracked tooth syndrome.  The pain will not be permanent since the cusp may take the right position and angle, and thus cause no pain.  However, when consuming  hot, cold, sweet or sour foods it seeps into a crack and triggers sometimes deadly pain.

This condition is treated by placing a crown over the tooth.  This crown restores and protects the tooth. If the affected tooth remains untreated for some time, the situation may get worse and even require extraction or root canal therapy since the tooth will fracture sooner or later.

Usually these cracks are so tiny that they cannot be noticed or seen with the visible eye.  Only cracked tooth pain can signal about the problem.  Cracked tooth symptoms will not vanish as time passes, chances are that pain will only intensify.

Cracked tooth symptoms:

• Sharp pain when biting
• Pain when drinking and eating cold/hot food and beverages
• Sensitivity of a tooth to air
• Occasional toothache

Thus, the sooner you see a dentist the more chances you have to save a cracked tooth.  A bright healthy smile is something we value so much!

Enjoy Halloween Candy But Protect Teeth

Who doesn’t love Halloween candy?  The anticipation of what kind of candy you are going to get in your trick-or-treat bag awaits all little kids and some big kids too!  Children can still enjoy their Halloween candy and protect their teeth.  You can protect your children’s teeth by limiting the amount of candy they eat.   It is also important to not let the sugar stay in the mouth for a long amount of time.

After eating candy of any kind, your child should brush their teeth immediately.  They can help keep harmful bacteria from developing in their mouth by brushing their teeth as soon as possible after eating candy.  Also, if the candy is eaten quickly in one sitting it can lessen the amount of time it has contact with the teeth.

Other things that parents can do to protect their children’s teeth are:

• Examine their children’s candy for anything unacceptable and remove it before their children eat the candy.
• Remove any candy that is tacky or gummy because it can stick to teeth and cause tooth decay.
• Make sure your child always has good dental hygiene whether they eat candy during the day or night.
• Dentists can put sealants into children’s teeth grooves to protect the teeth against corrosion caused by too much sugar.  It might be a good idea to have sealants put on your children’s teeth before Halloween.

If you would like more information on preventing tooth decay call our office or visit our website.

Bruxism...Are you grinding your teeth?

 

Bruxism is the clenching or grinding of the teeth that often occurs while a person is sleeping.  There are many causes of bruxism.  Whatever the cause, it is important to treat bruxism early to prevent damage and restore harmony to your mouth.

The symptoms of bruxism include a sore tired jaw, difficulty in opening and closing your mouth, sensitive teeth, headaches or earaches, pain in your jaw joints.  It is also possible that you clench and grind your teeth, and yet notice no symptoms at all.

When you clench and grind the force on your teeth is many times greater than during normal chewing.  These forces can cause:  flattened or worn-down teeth, loss of tooth enamel near the gum line, fractured or loose teeth, damage to the jawbone or jaw joints.

Sometimes, missing teeth worn teeth, spaces between teeth, or teeth that are out of alignment may cause grinding and clenching also.  In this case, bridges, crowns, equilibration, orthodontic, or other dental treatments can often restore your bite and eliminate grinding and clenching.

A common and effective treatment for stopping the damage caused by bruxism is the use of of a nightguard.  This is a plastic device that fits over your top or bottom teeth and protects your teeth by absorbing the forces caused by grinding.  A custom nightguard, made from models of your teeth, usually offers the most effective and comfortable protection.

Preventing Gum Disease

The problem begins with bacteria.  Our mouths are packed with these tiny microbes.  They combine with mucus and particles to form a sticky, colorless film - called plaque - on our teeth.  Brushing and flossing can get rid of some plaque.  But many that remains can harden and form tartar, a yellowish deposit that can become rock-hard. 

Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gum disease - technically known as periodontal disease.  The most common and mild type of gum disease is called gingivitis.  The gums become red and swollen, and they can bleed easily.  Daily brushing and flossing and regular cleanings by dental professionals can usually clear up gingivitis.

If gingivitis is not treated, it can become a more severe type of gum disease called periodontitis. Symptoms of periodontitus include bad breath that won't go away; gums that are red, swollen, tender or bleeding; painful chewing; and loose or sensitive teeth.  In periodontitus, the gums pull away from the teeth and form "pockets" that become infected.  If you have periodontitis, your dentist may recommend a deep-cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing.  In more severe cases, you may need surgery.

In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems.  Researchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:  Heart disease, stroke, diabetes and premature births.  These alone are excellent reasons to good home care of your teeth and gums every day, along with regular professional cleanings and dental visits.



Got Bad Breath?

If bad breath is an issue with you or someone you love, you may want to consider looking into a fairly new product called BreathRx Mouthwash. In fact, the company that makes this rinse also provides other products to help with bad breath. Just what separates this company from the rest? The answer lies in their complete line of products. Consider their toothpaste, which offers the benefits of regular toothpaste, such as fluoride and tarter protection. However, this company offers one more thing that regular toothpaste makers do not. They have Zytex in their toothpaste. Zytex is a trade mark ingredient in their products. It delivers fresh breath protection like no other dental product around ever has.

Zytex is in their mouthwash, as well. With their mouthwash's dual fresh breath system, your breath stays fresh all day long. This is how it works: BreathRx mouthwash contains two secret weapons for ridding the mouth of unwanted, odor-causing bacteria. The first weapon is Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC). This compound is known for killing the bacteria that causes bad breath. It is primarily an antiseptic, and while it is used in a number of mouthwash products, it can also be found in over-the-counter medications. The second special ingredient is Zytex. Zytex neutralizes the remaining odors. When you rinse with this product, you can feel confident that your mouth is being cleaned thoroughly. You can see why they call this product "the dual fresh breath system." In addition, this product will clean your teeth and keep your mouth fresh, without the unnecessary additives such as alcohol and sugar.

BreathRx is dentist developed and recommended by registered dental hygienists, BreathRx with ZYTEX is clinically proven to deliver longer-lasting fresh breath than leading brands.  BreathRx fights bad breath by attacking it at the source, not just masking it with flavor.  By discovering BreathRx you've taken the first step to life-long fresh breath and improved oral health.  Ask your hygienist or dentist today about BreathRx!

Why dentist offices are taking patients' pictures?

"Smiling" may not be the only thing you are asked to do at your next dental appointment.  You may also be asked to say "cheese."

When patients arrive at our practice, they now have their picture taken with a digital camera. The photographs help to put faces with names and also protect our patients identities. It's also meant to cut down on insurance fraud.  There are people out there that do not have insurance that will get a friend's insurance card, bring it in and pass it off as themselves.  So the photographs are to protect our patient's privacy and insurance benefits.

Taking photographs are all part of a new federal healthcare law.  Doctors and dental offices are not going to have a choice before long.  Offices must follow many federal guidelines that mandate a switch to electronic medical record keeping, also known as E.M.R.  Instead of writing in the charts, it's getting rid of paper.  This means everything is in the computer and regulated by federal guidelines and mandates.  There are guidelines for just about everything that we have to do.

The photos are simply an added safety precaution.  With the ongoing healthcare debate in Washington, D.C., the medical industry really isn't sure if the federal guidelines will change.  So for now it's smile and say "cheese."

Does it matter which toothpaste you use?

Many dentists feel that fluoride toothpastes are best, suggesting consumers check to be sure they select fluoridated toothpastes.  Generally it is true that any toothpaste you buy today will clean your teeth perfectly well, since they almost all contain fluoride.

According to many dental experts, the toothbrush is what really matters.  The brush does 95% of the work.  In all honesty, you do not need toothpaste.  The friction of the toothbrush is the most important thing!

So what is the take-away message for consumers?  Some toothpastes are good for sensitivity, some for canker sores, some for fresh breath, etc.  However for the average patient, just choose the one that is most pleasing to your taste.

Why missing teeth need to be replaced?

Teeth need each other for support.  When you lose a tooth, the biting forces change on the teeth next to the space, causing the teeth to shift.  In addition the opposing teeth no longer have anything to chew against, so they begin to drift out of their sockets.  These changes create places around the teeth that make it difficult to keep clean, causing plaque and bacteria to build-up.  This build-up can cause tooth decay and gum disease. 

When teeth are missing, a fixed bridge is a good choice for replacing the missing teeth.  A dental bridge is a great way to maintain a stable bite and restore your beautiful smile.  It can also prevent a chain reaction of problems including:

• Shifting teeth.
• difficulty keeping teeth free of plaque and bacteria.
• loss of bone in the jaw.
• difficulty chewing.
• grinding and clenching.
• pain in the jaw and joint, the TMJ.

Jump Start Your Teeth

Your teeth are made of a hard but porous material called enamel.  Every time you eat, bacterial plaque forms on your teeth, producing acids that can begin the process of decay.  That acidic environment starts to demineralize your teeth, or cause calcium and phosphate (critical parts of the enamel) to be dissolved.  Fortunately, saliva helps to reverse this process.  It flushes away some of the bacterial acids and it's naturally rich in calcium and phosphate.  That means saliva can remineralize your teeth, putting those minerals back into your enamel where they belong.

Fluoride is like a jump-starter for your saliva.  In laboratory tests, scientists found that calcium and phosphate were incorporated back into teeth at a much faster rate when fluoride was added to saliva.  The new structure formed on your teeth, composed of calcium, phosphate, and fluoride, is actually stronger than calcium and phosphate alone, and is more resistant to future acid attacks. 

If your water isn't fluoridated, let us know.  We can prescribe fluoride gels, mouth rinses, drops, or tablets that will keep your teeth strong and resistant to decay.

Welcome to the Steppler Dental Blog!

We're glad to have you on our very own blog.  Check back for posts from Dr. Steppler and staff!