Archive for July, 2009

Vestavia Hills Dentists

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

Greystone Smile Design, the office of Dr. Tom Dudney and Dr. Trent Buchanan, is proud to serve the Vestavia Hills area. 

VH-Chamber-logo-copy-webGreystone Smile Design is a member of the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce, an organization whose purpose is to foster, promote, advance and improve the economic, civic, education and general business conditions of its members and the Vestavia Hills community, and to work with other organizations in these endeavors in a non-partisan manner.

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Which Toothbrush Should I Choose?

Monday, July 27th, 2009

hygieneToothbrushes are the first line of defense against dental decay, gingivitis, and periodontal disease, but due to claims of advertising, many people are unsure of which one to buy. 

There are two types:  manual and mechanical.  Manual toothbrushes originated in the 1600’s, but it wasn’t until 1938 that the nylon-bristled brushes we use today were invented.  Mechanical toothbrushes were created in the mid-1900’s, and in 1987, the rotary electrical brush was developed.  Research shows that there is no conclusive evidence that one is better than the other in normal situations.

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What is Bite Therapy?

Friday, July 24th, 2009

Many people experience headaches (migraines), jaw pain, and sore teeth, and this could be directly related to the way their teeth come together.  If the jaw joint (or TMJ) is not in its most comfortable (or orthopedically correct) position when one bites down, joint pain (clicking and popping, limited range of motion, etc), muscle soreness (sore jaw and neck muscles), and overfunctioning of pic9teeth (fractures, worn teeth, advancing gum problems, mobile teeth, etc) may develope.   

An unbalanced bite may place teeth at a higher risk for poor performance and can cause unsightly changes to one’s smile.  Recognizing bite problems in the early stages increases the probability that teeth will remain esthetic, healthy, and function properly as one ages.  

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Hoover Dentist – Dr. Trent Buchanan

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

scan0001Dr. Trent Buchanan, of Greystone Smile Design, recently attended Dental Education Laboratories in Santa Barbara, CA for The Art of Endodontics two-day hands-on laboratory course. 

This demanding seminar featured the newest technology and techniques in root canal treatment.  The course is taught by renowned Endodontist L. Stephen Buchanan, DDS (no relation), who lectures domestically and internationally on Endodontic Innovations and Procedures.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Buchanan at Greystone Smile Design, call 205-433-9452.

Related Links:

Greystone Smile Design

Hoover, Alabama Dentist

Greystone Smile Design Blog

Dr. Tom Dudney – Dentistry Today

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009
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Thomas E. Dudney, DMD, shares a case report describing the importance of diagnosis and treatment planning when  treating a patient suffering from erosive tooth wear with aesthetic all-ceramic restorations.

 

In cases when patients present with severe tooth wear, it is incumbent upon the clinician to determine the etiology of the wear prior to initiating restorative treatment. The nature of a patient’s particular type of tooth wear could adversely affect the long-term success of any proposed restorative treatment plan. A systematic analysis and diagnosis of dental wear is essential to determining its etiologies, since there could be a mechanical cause, a chemical cause, or combination of causes.  View entire article.

 

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dudney, call 205-433-9452 or visit Greystone Smile Design for more information.

 

Related Links:

 

Greystone Smile Design Blog

Birmingham, Alabama Cosmetic Dentist

 

Root Canal or Implant?

Tuesday, July 21st, 2009

pic19This question has recently become more and more popular as materials, techniques, and success rates continue to improve.   Root canal treatment is needed when the nerve and blood supply of a tooth becomes irreversibly damaged.  This is usually caused by bacteria (large cavity), but may also be caused by trauma or tooth fractures.  An implant is a “screw” that goes into the bone with a crown attached (cemented or screwed).  Implants are the treatment of choice for missing teeth.  Both procedures have greater than a 90% success rate, offer great esthetics, function normally, and have mild post-operative discomfort.

When a tooth is irreversibly infected, two options exist: 1) Save the tooth with a root canal, or 2) extract the tooth and place an implant, if desired.

So which is better?  Since some root canals fail, should I just go ahead and get the implant?  Or, why pay more money for an implant if I can save my tooth?

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Greystone Cosmetic Center Opens

Tuesday, July 21st, 2009

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Greystone Cosmetic Center, Alabama’s premier center for cosmetic enhancement, features board-certified physicians, highly-qualified staff and the most sophisticated facilities and equipment available today.  This new world-class facility brings together professionals in a broad range of cosmetic specialties who can help you achieve a healthy, beautiful new look. At Greystone Cosmetic Center, you can rest assured that you are in caring, skilled hands and will receive the care and attention you deserve.

Greystone Cosmetic Center is home to Hedden Plastic Surgery, Spa Greystone, and Greystone Smile Design (opening in November).

Greystone Cosmetic Center is located in the Greystone area near Birmingham and Hoover. Click here to view map and directions!

Dr. Tom Dudney – Program Director – California Center for Advanced Dental Studies

Monday, July 20th, 2009

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Thomas E. Dudney, DMD, is a 1977 graduate of the University of Alabama, Birmingham School of Dentistry. He is the Program Director for the California Center for Advanced Dental Studies (CCADS) continuing education division and the Clinical/Program Director for the CCADS aesthetic, live patient, hands-on continuum in San Francisco, California. Formerly, Dr. Dudney was the clinical director for the Rosenthal Group’s Aesthetic Advantage hands-on continuum taught at New York University College of Dentistry and the Eastman Dental Clinic in London.

We are proud to have Dr. Dudney at Greystone Smile Design.  To schedule an appointment call 205-433-9452.

Related Links:

Greystone Smile Design Blog

Birmingham, Alabama Cosmetic Dentist

Dr. Dudney on Rick and Bubba’s “Tooth Talk”

Tired Of Being Numb All Day?

Monday, July 20th, 2009

dental anesthetic picOne of the main reasons patients hate visiting the dentist, besides fear, pain, and money is being numb all day.  It’s almost inevitable that the dental visit will fall on a day where something else gets planned - and you have to be at your very best while hiding the fact that your lip feels like the size of a grapefruit. 

Anesthetics in dentistry are a much needed necessity; we tend to lose friends if we don’t use them.  But does it have to last all day?  Wouldn’t it be nice to go to the dentist on your lunch break then return to work without the speech impediment and constant drooling? 

We finally have the answer! 

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Is Sour Candy or Original-Flavor Worse For Your Teeth?

Monday, July 20th, 2009

jolly rancherResearch posted in the Journal of the American Dental Association claims sour candy can erode teeth more due to a higher level of acidic ingredients.   Tests were conducted on candy with a sour counterpart:  Jolly Ranchers, Life Savers, Mike and Ikes, and Twizzlers using extracted human teeth.  Results showed an increase in acidic erosion with the sour Jolly Ranchers, Life Savers, and Mike and Ikes. 

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